University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

Hatfield.
Elizabeth alone.
ELIZABETH.
Man fears too much—too soon—too causelessly!
Again I live for hope—despond no more!
O Hope! whose wings fan heaven, I woo thee back
To earth, thy needful home; the tilth whereon
We shake thy goodly seed. To sow—to reap—
Are they not one? the effort is fruition!
Enter Egmont, Oxford, &c.
How now? I would be mistress of my time—
Why come ye, Sirs, unbid?

EGMONT.
With missives, Madam,
From my lord King. Methinks they'll please you well.

ELIZABETH.
Sincerity is Honour's nursing mother!
I tell thee, Spaniard, nought from him shall please.

EGMONT.
My lord of Oxford shall avouch—

ELIZABETH.
Say on.

EGMONT.
The King's grace, and the Queen, with hearty love
Commend them to your Highness; hailing you
Right heiress of the realm. The Council, too,
In such wise add their duty.

ELIZABETH.
With equal greeting
Elizabeth replies; thanking the People—
The People first, the People last, and only;
Who ever have upheld and will sustain her;
As her undoubted blood and taintless right—
(Ay taintless right in eyes ye cannot blind)
Demand. And, noble Spaniard, hear me further:
There lives within this heart a stirring pulse
Which shall make good its royal destinies.

EGMONT.
The People! weather-cocks your Grace may find them.
Be wary.

ELIZABETH.
Sir, contemn them not! who makes
A mirror of the sapphire or the diamond—
And not betakes him rather to plain glass,
Within whose broad reflexion we behold
Truth undistorted?

EGMONT.
Madam, I have done.
But do they murmur? are not the People quiet?

ELIZABETH.
Ay, sir, as slaves! the free proclaim their griefs,
Like beggars in the street. The slave who fears
In every hand a lash, is voiceless. He
Who under wrong is silent, hoards his vengeance.
Fear most who least complain. Judge, Sir, how far
I am beholden to King, Queen, or Council—
Or Nobles of the land. What friends stand by me?
Faithful in danger? Wooton, Mason, Cecil.
These are not Nobles—noble though they be.
Strong in the People's love, dare ye assail them?
Behold where lies my safety!

EGMONT.
Not less safe
Shall be the Court, to which we sue your presence.

ELIZABETH.
Sir, be content. I go not yet. My sister
Must, as a wife, be to her spouse compliant.
And thus that rule prevail which I abhor.

OXFORD.
Madam, not so. The Queen's known constancy,
Proved thoroughly when the need was exigent,
Shows she will nothing yield adverse to honour,
Through weakness. Wives may be submiss to husbands:
But a wise Queen shall seek wise counsellors,
Whereby ensue wise measures.

ELIZABETH.
She shall seek
And shall not find—my father never found them.
Wise counsellors shall for themselves be wise,
And lock their lips. The King shall name the Council.

OXFORD.
Madam, in England Parliament hath power
To chain up sycophants and bridle tyrants.

ELIZABETH.
You may so say. Pray God it prove so! but
There shall be much ado. Have you not travelled?
How rule the Spaniards (pardon, Count of Egmont!)
In Naples, Sicily, and Lombardy?
Are these oppressed not? Say, are bonds and buffets
To them unknown? look too for these in England.
Gently and fairly shall they speak at first:
But waxing strong, then shall they filch your ships,
Your forts—usurp your offices; ascending
The topmost tower of tyrannous acquest.

EGMONT.
Rule we in Flanders thus? Are Englishmen
Compliant beyond Flemings?

ELIZABETH.
Peradventure
If tempted sorely, we may not content you.

EGMONT.
There shall be no temptation.

ELIZABETH.
None? so be it!
My lords, ye have my answer. Fare ye well!

[Exeunt severally.