KING.
So well deserves!
QUEEN.
Why, sire! should I conceal it!
Highly do I esteem him—yes! and love him
As a most dear relation, who was once
Deemed worthy of a dearer—tenderer—title.
I've yet to learn that he, on this account,
Should be estranged from me beyond all others,—
Because he once was better loved than they.
Though your state policy may knit together
What bands it pleases—'tis a harder task
To burst such ties! I will not hate another
For any one's command—and since I must
So speak—such dictates I will not endure.
KING.
Elizabeth! you've seen me in weak moments—
And their remembrance now emboldens you.
On that strong influence you now depend,
Which you have often, with so much success,
Against my firmness tried. But fear the more
The power which has seduced me to be weak
May yet inflame me to some act of madness.
QUEEN.
What have I done?
KING (takes her hand).
If it should prove but so—
And is it not already? If the full
Accumulated measure of your guilt
Become but one breath heavier—should I be
Deceived——
[Lets her hand go.
I can subdue these last remains
Of weakness—can and will—then woe betide
Myself and you, Elizabeth!
QUEEN.
What crime
Have I committed?
KING.
On my own account then
Shall blood be shed.
QUEEN.
And has it come to this?
Oh, Heaven!
KING.
I shall forget myself—I shall
Regard no usage and no voice of nature—
Not e'en the law of nations.
QUEEN.
Oh, how much
I pity you!