Act 4 — Scene VI.
Reading edition
The Queen:
“Her beseechings” forsooth—I’m very weary! [The Players enter and stand grouped by the servants at the end of the Hall.] Ah! there are our players. Well, let that one approach who wrote the piece—I mean—Ach! I forget his name! [Turns to Lord Burghley.] Those common names are so hard to remember.
[The servant goes down the Hall and brings Shakespeare to the Queen. As Shakespeare bows low the Queen looks at him, but doesn’t speak for some time.]
161The Queen:
[Breathing heavily, as if tired.] You wrote the piece?
Shakespeare:
To please your Majesty!
The Queen:
[Slowly and with difficulty.] I did say something about it; I’ve forgotten what—I—Yes—Oh, I wanted to see the fat Knight in love, and you wrote this “Wives of Windsor” to show it: ’tis not ill done, but the Knight was better in the earlier piece, much better; the story better too. Still, I wished it, and now—They say you’re witty, and rhyme well, and would make a good Master of the Revels to save my Lord Chamberlain there—some labour——
Shakespeare:
[Bows low.] I thank your gracious Majesty with all my heart, and should be proud to serve in any place; but——
The Queen:
[Starting up.] But!—But! The fools are all mad to-night. But what?
162Shakespeare:
I would prefer to private gain what our great Queen herself desires—
The Queen:
[Leaning back again.] And that is? He, he! You’d be more than wizard to divine what I don’t know.
Shakespeare:
I had a friend, your Majesty, most dear——
The Queen:
What’s that to do with me, man? Say what you want and make no speeches; I’ve heard enough speeches to-night to last me a lifetime.
Shakespeare:
[Kneeling.] I beg for freedom, your Majesty, for my Lord Herbert: mercy for his youth——
The Queen:
[Sitting bolt upright.] Did ever one hear the like? My dog will school me next! You forget your place, man.
Shakespeare:
I am nothing, gracious lady, but a voice to the 163pity in your heart: the meanest born may beg for mercy——
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes; ’Tis mightiest in the mightiest.
The Queen:
[Laughs loud.] Ha! ha! ha! The player’s turned preacher. Ha! ha! Hark you [She beckons him nearer.] Your tongue’s too long; I’ll have it cut if it wag so boldly.
Shakespeare:
He loved you well, ma’am, and often spoke of all your greatness. His faults are youth and madcap daring.
The Queen:
I care not. When we’re hurt, we strike. He was kind to you, you say, and so you speak for him; he cheated me——
Shakespeare:
And me of all I loved and left me desolate.
The Queen:
Ha! And you plead for him. Faugh! Even the cur snarls at those who beat him. Learn spirit from your dog!
164Shakespeare:
Ah! madam, we learn sympathy from suffering, pity from pain!
The Queen:
[Wearily leaning back in her throne.] Do we? I don’t. [Pause.] I’m weary! You can go now, man; go, I say! [Shakespeare bows and moves towards the body of the hall; after a pause the Queen rises and takes Lord Burghley’s arm.] I’m weary—weary! [All bow; Queen goes out on Burghley’s arm.] Very weary!
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THE EPILOGUE
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