University of Virginia Library

Scene V.

Council Chamber, Whitehall. Queen and King throned. Lords, &c. seated round.
Enter Cardinal Pole, attended by Prelates, &c.
GARDINER.
The parliament of England heartily
Speaks welcome to your Eminence. My lords
Of the upper house! my masters of the nether!
I here present to you the most reverend father,
Lord Cardinal de la Pole; Legate a latere
From the Apostolick See; ambassador
On the weightiest matters which can affect the realm.
My lords, lean to him with accordant ears.

CARDINAL.
Since it hath pleased the Almighty counsels, Madam,
To call you to this throne, and worthily
Wed to a Prince, the first in Christendom,
Your realm hath cause for high content. It stood
O'er an abyss, now pierced with hopeful light:
The day hath dawned so passionately longed for:
To the life of God's own children we are reborn!
Behold, with outstretched arms the ancient Faith
Comes to your gates, asking the crowns and palms
Wherewith your pious ancestors endowed her.
Once more knit up her trodden robe! once more,
O froward children, hear her maternal voice!
Return to her beneath whose sacred mantle
Salvation can alone be found. Be sure
The light devolving from great Gregory
Still shines from Peter's chair. Who turns from it
Renounces hope. Peace ripens in its beams!
Return O Shunamite! return fair Island!
Appease thy terrors—all shall be restored!
The morn hath come, the works of darkness perished!
Henceforth thou walkest in the light of God.

QUEEN.
O noble kinsman! virtuous Reginald!
We thank thy zeal and shall make fitting answer
To thy high mission. I have survived despair.
A helpless virgin hath our Ladie favoured;
And won her battle. Faith hath piloted
This shattered barque at length to a happy haven.
Here stand we, without question, King and Queen:
And, with our Parliament, implore the Pope
For reconciliation. Take this missive:
It is sincere. Kneeling we crave your blessing!

PHILIP.
Your Eminence shall pardon my stiff knees—
Stiff, Spanish manners. Ha! I cannot kneel.

CARDINAL.
With overflowing heart, I bless thee, daughter—
And bless, in thee, thy People—Help!—she faints!

QUEEN
[aside].
Make no alarm. This may perchance give joy
To loyal hearts. O bliss beyond expression,
If God vouchsafe to crown the desolate
With bloom of her own garden!

CARDINAL
[aside].
What means this?

FAKENHAM
[aside].
Vain dream of hope! more sorrows are to come.