Renounces hope. Peace ripens in its beams”—
and Mary has joyfully responded:
“Here stand we without question, king and queen;
And, with our Parliament, implore the pope
For reconciliation. Take this missive:
It is sincere. Kneeling we crave your blessing!”—
Philip interjects:
“Your Eminence shall pardon my stiff knees—
Stiff, Spanish manners. Ha! I cannot kneel.”
No wonder the queen faints as the cardinal blesses her.