Act 1 — Scene X.

Herbert:

[Enters, R.; walks to Raleigh.] Was my name taken to the Queen, Captain?

Raleigh:

[Very courteously.] Yes, my lord, some time since, when first you entered.

Herbert:

An hour agone, surely!

Raleigh:

[Laughing.] Not half, my lord. Time lags when we wait.

Herbert:

Time! Time is for slaves: an hour for this, an hour for that. Curse time, a slut that lends herself to every basest use. [Throws himself into a seat. Insolently.] What was the answer?

Raleigh:

Answer! my lord!

Herbert:

[Insolently.] Yes, when my name went in.

46Raleigh:

There was no answer. [Long pause, while Herbert beats his leg with his glove.]

Herbert:

[Rising.] Prithee send in again, Captain, to say I wait. I’ve ridden fast to be in time, and now—I’m chilled.

Raleigh:

The Queen’s in Council, my lord, with Lord Burghley and the Spanish ambassador; I dare not interrupt her!

Herbert:

Dare is for a servant, not for a Raleigh.

Raleigh:

A Raleigh is proud to serve his Queen.

Herbert:

A very proper spirit in him. But prithee, send in my name again—I like not waiting.

Raleigh:

I pray you not to ask that.

47Herbert:

[Rising.] But I do ask it, man, I do. I’m sick of waiting. On me be all the blame. I’ll bear you out in it.

Raleigh:

I’m on duty here, my lord, and may not yield my office to another!

Herbert:

[Going to him.] Don’t lesson me, but do your office.

Raleigh:

You may be sure I shall.

Herbert:

[Making as if to push past him.] Then remove, remove, or go in.

Raleigh:

[Bars the way.] I’m here to protect the Queen’s privacy, not to annoy her.

Herbert:

Servants should obey, not talk.

Raleigh:

To be pert is a boy’s privilege.

48Herbert:

Damn your privilege. [Strikes him. Raleigh’s sword flashes out: Herbert draws too. At this moment the door opens and discovers the Queen.]

Queen Elizabeth:

Fighting! Here! [Raleigh bows composedly, and steps back. Herbert flings his sword on the ground and throws himself on one knee before her.]

Herbert:

What better thing on earth to fight for, than a sight of you, my Queen! [Queen lifts him, smiling as the curtain falls.]

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