Friedrich Schiller - Mary Stuart (Act 4 Scene 11) lyrics

ELIZABETH, DAVISON. ELIZABETH. Where are their lordships? DAVISON. They are gone to quell The tumult of the people. The alarm Was instantly appeased when they beheld The Earl of Shrewsbury. That's he! exclaimed A hundred voices—that's the man—he saved The queen; hear him—the bravest man in England! And now began the gallant Talbot, blamed In gentle words the people's violence, And used such strong, persuasive eloquence, That all were pacified, and silently They slunk away. ELIZABETH. The fickle multitude! Which turns with every wind. Unhappy he Who leans upon this reed! 'Tis well, Sir William; You may retire again—— [As he is going towards the door. And, sir, this paper, Receive it back; I place it in your hands. DAVISON (casts a look upon the paper, and starts back). My gracious queen—thy name! 'tis then decided. ELIZABETH. I had but to subscribe it—I have done so— A paper sure cannot decide—a name k**s not. DAVISON. Thy name, my queen, beneath this paper Is most decisive—k**s—'tis like the lightning, Which blasteth as it flies! This fatal scroll Commands the sheriff and commissioners To take departure straight for Fotheringay, And to the Queen of Scots announce her d**h, Which must at dawn be put in execution. There is no respite, no discretion here. As soon as I have parted with this writ Her race is run. ELIZABETH. Yes, sir, the Lord has placed This weighty business in your feeble hands; Seek him in prayer to light you with his wisdom; I go—and leave you, sir, to do your duty. [Going. DAVISON. No; leave me not, my queen, till I have heard Your will. The only wisdom that I need Is, word for word, to follow your commands. Say, have you placed this warrant in my hands To see that it be speedily enforced? ELIZABETH. That you must do as your own prudence dictates. DAVISON (interrupting her quickly, and alarmed). Not mine—oh, God forbid! Obedience is My only prudence here. No point must now Be left to be decided by your servant. A small mistake would here be regicide, A monstrous crime, from which my soul recoils. Permit me, in this weighty act, to be Your pa**ive instrument, without a will:— Tell me in plain, undoubted terms your pleasure, What with the bloody mandate I should do. ELIZABETH. Its name declares its meaning. DAVISON. Do you, then, My liege, command its instant execution? ELIZABETH. I said not that; I tremble but to think it. DAVISON. Shall I retain it, then, 'till further orders? ELIZABETH. At your own risk; you answer the event. DAVISON. I! gracious heavens! Oh, speak, my queen, your pleasure! ELIZABETH. My pleasure is that this unhappy business Be no more mentioned to me; that at last I may be freed from it, and that forever. DAVISON. It costs you but a word—determine then What shall I do with this mysterious scroll? ELIZABETH. I have declared it, plague me, sir, no longer. DAVISON. You have declared it, say you? Oh, my queen, You have said nothing. Please, my gracious mistress, But to remember—— ELIZABETH (stamps on the ground). Insupportable! DAVISON. Oh, be indulgent to me! I have entered Unwittingly, not many months ago, Upon this office; I know not the language Of courts and kings. I ever have been reared In simple, open wise, a plain blunt man. Be patient with me; nor deny your servant A light to lead him clearly to his duty. [He approaches her in a supplicating posture, she turns her back on him; he stands in despair; then speaks with a tone of resolution. Take, take again this paper—take it back! Within my hands it is a glowing fire. Select not me, my queen; select not me To serve you in this terrible conjecture. ELIZABETH. Go, sir;—fulfil the duty of your office. [Exit.