The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 393

Melvil, sure, The ancient steward?

MELVIL.

Yes, the same.

CURL.

Oh, sir, This is a house which needs no steward now!

Melvil, you come from London; can you give No tidings of my husband?

MELVIL.

It is said He will be set at liberty as soon----

CURL.

As soon as our dear queen shall be no more.

Oh, the unworthy, the disgraceful traitor!

He is our lady's murderer--'tis said It was his testimony which condemned him.

MELVIL.

'Tis true.

CURL.

Oh, curse upon him! Be his soul Condemned forever! he has borne false witness.

MELVIL.

Think, madam, what you say.

CURL.

I will maintain it With every sacred oath before the court, I will repeat it in his very face; The world shall hear of nothing else. I say That she dies innocent!

MELVIL..

G.o.d grant it true!

[1] The doc.u.ment is now in the British Museum.

SCENE III.

Enter HANNAH KENNEDY.

KENNEDY (to CURL).

Go, madam, and require a cup of wine-- 'Tis for our lady.

MELVIL.

Is the queen then sick?

KENNEDY.

She thinks that she is strong; she is deceived By her heroic courage; she believes She has no need of nourishment; yet still A hard and painful task's allotted her.

Her enemies shall not enjoy the triumph; They shall not say that fear hath blanched her cheeks When her fatigues have conquered human weakness.

MELVIL.

May I approach her?

KENNEDY.

She will come herself.

SCENE IV.

Enter BURGOYN; two women of the chamber follow him, weeping, and in deep mourning.

BURGOYN.

Oh, Melvil!

MELVIL.

Oh, Burgoyn!

[They embrace silently.

FIRST WOMAN (to the NURSE).

She chose to be Alone: she wishes, at this awful moment, For the last time, to commune with her G.o.d.

SCENE V.

Enter MARGARET CURL, bearing a golden cup of wine; she places it hastily upon the table, and leans, pale and trembling, against a chair.

MELVIL.

How, madam! What has frightened you?

KENNEDY.

Oh G.o.d!

BURGOYN.

Speak, madam!

CURL.

What, alas! have I beheld!

MELVIL.

Come to yourself, and say what you have seen!

CURL.

As I went down the staircase which conducts To the great hall below, a door stood open; I looked into the chamber, and I saw-- Oh heaven!

MELVIL.

What saw you?