Shakespeare. And so ends all?
Elizabeth. And so all ends.
Shakespeare. Love ends?
Elizabeth. And so love ends.
Shakespeare. I have a word to say. Give me this crown and reach the sceptre here! The end’s not yet, but yet the end is mine; For I know what I am and what I do At last! Give me my pen, ere the spark dies That lights me! And now leave me! He turns to the table and his work.
Elizabeth [loudly]. Open the door!
Shakespeare. Sesame, sesame! A word to say— The door is flung open and the long passage is seen. O darkness, did she pass between your walls, And left no picture on the empty air, No echo of her step that waits for mine To wake it in a message? What do I here? “A word to say”! There’s nothing left but words.
Elizabeth has descended from her throne and crossing the room, pauses a moment beside him.
Elizabeth. Is the harness heavy—heavy?
Shakespeare. Heavy as lead. Heavy as a heart.