University of Virginia Library

Scene IV

—Holyrood; the vaults under the ruined Abbey
Enter the Queen and Darnley
Darnley
What whiffs of air! The place is like a skull,
A stony cap for draughts. Some ancient king
Plays tick-and-touch with me. Zounds, it is jolly
To feel the creeps o' Time.

Queen
There is an echo;
Move quietly . . . wherefore do you gasp and sigh?

Darnley
I cannot get along; this broken pavement
Keeps tripping me. So! We have passed the place
Of the raw grave.

Queen
It swelled across my heart
That he was yonder—David!

Darnley
My true servant,
I shall regret him every day I live.

Queen
And with good cause. Speak low! Here is the issue,
The moonlight, faithful Erskine. (To Erskine)
To your croup,
My squire! What heat there is about your face!
Traquair, you give me courage. I am safe.