Book 2 / Act 4 — SCENE VII.
Reading edition
The QUEEN, the EARL OF KENT.
ELIZABETH. How now, my Lord of Kent? What uproar's this I hear without?
KENT. My queen, it is thy people, Who, round the palace ranged, impatiently Demand to see their sovereign.
ELIZABETH. What's their wish?
KENT. A panic terror has already spread Through London, that thy life has been attempted; That murderers commissioned from the pope Beset thee; that the Catholics have sworn To rescue from her prison Mary Stuart, And to proclaim her queen. Thy loyal people Believe it, and are mad; her head alone Can quiet them; this day must be her last.
ELIZABETH. How! Will they force me, then?
KENT. They are resolved——