AUBESPINE.

How fares her majesty? My lords, you see me Still stunned, and quite beside myself for terror!

How happened it? How was it possible That in the midst of this most loyal people----

LEICESTER.

The deed was not attempted by the people.

The a.s.sa.s.sin was a subject of your king, A Frenchman.

AUBESPINE.

Sure a lunatic.

LEICESTER.

A papist, Count Aubespine!

SCENE II.

Enter BURLEIGH, in conversation with DAVISON.

BURLEIGH.

Sir; let the death-warrant Be instantly made out, and pa.s.s the seal; Then let it be presented to the queen; Her majesty must sign it. Hasten, sir, We have no time to lose.

DAVISON.

It shall be done.

[Exit.

AUBESPINE.

My lord high-treasurer, my faithful heart Shares in the just rejoicings of the realm.

Praised be almighty Heaven, who hath averted a.s.sa.s.sination from our much-loved queen!

BURLEIGH.

Praised be His name, who thus hath turned to scorn The malice of our foes!

AUBESPINE.

May heaven confound The perpetrator of this cursed deed!

BURLEIGH.

Its perpetrator and its base contriver!

AUBESPINE.

Please you, my lord, to bring me to the queen, That I may lay the warm congratulations Of my imperial master at her feet.

BURLEIGH.

There is no need of this.

AUBESPINE (officiously).

My Lord of Burleigh, I know my duty.

BURLEIGH.

Sir, your duty is To quit, and that without delay, this kingdom.

AUBESPINE (stepping back with surprise).

What! How is this?

BURLEIGH.

The sacred character Of an amba.s.sador to-day protects you, But not to-morrow.

AUBESPINE.

What's my crime?

BURLEIGH.

Should I Once name it, there were then no pardon for it.

AUBESPINE.

I hope, my lord, my charge's privilege----

BURLEIGH.

Screens not a traitor.

LEICESTER and KENT.

Traitor! How?

AUBESPINE.

My Lord, Consider well----

BURLEIGH.

Your pa.s.sport was discovered In the a.s.sa.s.sin's pocket.

KENT.

Righteous heaven!

AUBESPINE.

Sir, many pa.s.sports are subscribed by me; I cannot know the secret thoughts of men.

BURLEIGH.

He in your house confessed, and was absolved.

AUBESPINE.

My house is open----

BURLEIGH.

To our enemies.

AUBESPINE.

I claim a strict inquiry.

BURLEIGH.

Tremble at it.