 | Songs of Doubt and Dream (Poems) |  |
III.
(A prison-chamber in the palace. A headsman, beside block, with axe. The Queen appears, with guards. She signals to the headsman, who turns away.)THE QUEEN.
What? You refuse obedience to your king?
(She kneels before the block.)
A GUARD.
Sure, 'tis some fearful jest, your majesty.
THE QUEEN
(still kneeling).
The King hath ordered. Bid the headsman act.
(Loud murmurs are heard outside.)
What sounds are those?
169
The people in angry throngs
Would break impetuous through the palace gates.
They have learned of danger threatening their loved Queen,
And rush—
THE QUEEN.
Quick, headsman! To thy darksome task!
Thou wilt not? Nay, 'tis treason if thou pause.
(Crashing noises. The Queen rises again.)
The people are streaming through the courtyard, now?
They have burst the gates?
GUARD
(looking through window at back).
'Tis true, your majesty.
And now Duke Blondival—
THE QUEEN.
You mean the King!
GUARD.
—Hath met them. He would fain command their heed.
His face is pale; his eyes dart fire. They note
His desperate bearing and before him troop.
170
That thou art dead from sudden malady,
That he will reign far worthier in thy place...
THE QUEEN.
What more .. what more?
GUARD.
The people are wild with wrath.
They shout “assassin” from their myriad throats.
He towers engirt with soldiery, but these
Look doubtful in allegiance. .. Now they join
The multitude, and fling their arms away.
THE QUEEN.
And he? And he?
GUARD.
'Tis horrible past words!
Believing him thy murderer, they have torn
The Duke in pieces; bloody and dripping, glare
His fragments; never men so bore themselves
Like ravening beasts until this riot hour.
VOICES
OUTSIDE.
Vengence! Our dear dead Queen for vengeance calls!
171
Hark how they love thee! Shall I shout to them
That thou art saved?
THE QUEEN.
That I am saved? From what?
GUARD.
Why, death at that fiend's hands.
THE QUEEN
(drawing forth dagger).
I loved that fiend!
Go, tell Prince Malmondel that he is King.
(She falls dead.)
| Songs of Doubt and Dream (Poems) | |