Laun. ’Tis a true portent. Now the end hath come

Of peace and happiness for this dooméd kingdom.

To-night on private meeting with the Queen,

In her apartments, there was I surrounded,

And hounded traitor, slew so many knights,

There’s scarce one left to tell the King the story.

Knights. A most foul and dastard attack! The kingdom is doomed.

Enter a Messenger.

Laun. The Queen! quick! the Queen! what of her?

Mess. An order hath come in the King’s name;