University of Virginia Library

Scene the Second.

Rizzio's Apartment.
Rizzio.
Riz.
Ere yet the council close—so Lindsay promis'd—
Their guilt shall be expos'd. The time now urges:
Ere this, the lords who favour Murray, all,
Now at unwonted hour in council meet,
By the king's urgent summons. Hapless youth!
How bright thy dawn of day, how clouded o'er
By pride and erring passion! ah, that Rizzio
Might, at life's sacrifice, confound the traitors
That urge thee on to ruin.
Lindsay enters.
Lindsay!

Lind.
[Presents papers.]
Here—
Here are the proofs: their guilt is manifest.
These are the transcripts of their bonds: observe them:
Thus interlin'd by Morton. No light treasure,
Nor trivial risque procur'd them.

Riz.
[Considering them.]
'Tis his hand—
I reck not how obtain'd, nor what the bribe
That counterpois'd the hazard. Here, at midnight
Seek me again. Ho!
Servant enters.
Let my train be summon'd.
If I but gain admittance to the queen,
At public council, in the royal presence,
These shall convict the traitors.

Lind.
Nay—beware—
Your life's at hazard.

Riz.
Be it sacrific'd.
Be Scotland's sov'reign sav'd—let Rizzio perish!

[Exeunt.