FABIANI.
The seduction of a woman is not a capital offense, madame. Your Majesty could not procure Frogmorton's condemnation upon the same accusation!
THE QUEEN.
I believe he defies us now! The worm has become a serpent. Who says you are accused of that?
FABIANI.
Of what else am I accused? I am not an Englishman; I am no subject of your Majesty. I am a subject of the King of Naples and a vassal of the Holy Father. I will appeal to his embassador, the eminent Cardinal Polus, to save me. I will defend myself, madame. I am a stranger! I cannot be tried unless I have committed a crime—a real crime. What is my crime?
THE QUEEN.
You ask what your crime is?
FABIANI.
Yes, madame.