Well, then – if only terror can obtain thee —
By the infernal gods!
MARY
Away – you're mad!
MORTIMER
I'll teach thee then before me, too, to tremble.
KENNEDY (entering suddenly)
They're coming – they approach – the park is filled
With men in arms.
MORTIMER (starting and catching at his sword)
I will defend you-I —
MARY
O Hannah! save me, save me from his hands.
Where shall I find, poor sufferer, an asylum?
Oh! to what saint shall I address my prayers?
Here force assails me, and within is murder!
[She flies towards the house, KENNEDY follows her.
SCENE VII
MORTIMER, PAULET, and DRURY rush in in the greatest consternation. Attendants hasten over the stage.
PAULET
Shut all the portals – draw the bridges up.
MORTIMER
What is the matter, uncle?
PAULET
Where is the murderess?
Down with her, down into the darkest dungeon!
MORTIMER
What is the matter? What has passed?
PAULET
The queen!
Accursed hand! Infernal machination!
MORTIMER
The queen! What queen?
PAULET
What queen! The Queen of England;
She has been murdered on the road to London.
[Hastens into the house.
SCENE VIII
MORTIMER, soon after O'KELLY.
MORTIMER (after a pause)
Am I then mad? Came not one running by
But now, and cried aloud, the queen is murdered!
No, no! I did but dream. A feverish fancy
Paints that upon my mind as true and real,
Which but existed in my frantic thoughts.
Who's there? It is O'Kelly. So dismayed!
O'KELLY (rushing in)
Flee, Mortimer, oh! flee – for all is lost!
MORTIMER
What then is lost?
O'KELLY
Stand not on question. Think
On speedy flight.
MORTIMER
What has occurred?
O'KELLY
Sauvage,
That madman, struck the blow.