Wyatt. It cannot be.
I feel as you do: but I look beyond
The tempting present. She goes forth to conquer:
So strong a heart must conquer.”
Mary’s affection for her sister Elizabeth is sincere and tender; while Elizabeth’s for her, on the other hand, has a dubious quality. It is strange that Sir Aubrey shows no enthusiasm over Elizabeth. He appears to have learnt too much truth about her. Mary’s first inquiry, after reaching Framlingham in her flight from Dudley’s machinations, is for her sister:
“Why is Elizabeth not here to greet me?
Command her to the presence.”
And when the princess enters, and, kneeling, says, “Queen, sister!” Mary’s joy at seeing her is very touching.
“To my arms! Pardie, sweet Bess,
You daily grow more stately. Your great brows