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 In sooth, I might well refuse to take the trouble to explain it all to you. You see that I do what I can. Think no more of Gilbert, Jane! 'Tis over. Be resigned.

Jane.Over! No, 'tis not over! No! so long as that frightful bell rings 'twill not be over! I, resigned to Gilbert's death? Think you that I will allow Gilbert to die so? Nay, your Majesty.—Oh! I am wasting my efforts! You do not listen! Ah, well! if the Queen will not hear me, the people will! They are kind-hearted, you know! They are still in the courtyard. Afterward you may deal with me as you will. I am going to call out to them that they are deceived, and that 'tis Gilbert, a workman like themselves, and not Fabiani.

The Queen.Stay, wretched child!

[She seizes her arm and glares at her with a threatening expression.

Oho! you take it thus, do you? I am kind and gentle, I weep with you, and lo! you become frantic and mad! Look you, my love is isis [sic] as great as yours, and my hand is stronger than yours. You shall not stir. Your lover! what care I for your lover! Prithee, are all the young women in England coming to call me to book for their lovers? By Heaven! I save my own as best I can, and at the cost of whoever stands in the way. Look you to yours!

Jane.Release me!—Oh! I curse you, wicked woman!

The Queen.Silence!

Jane.No! I will not be silent! Would you have me tell you a thought that comes to my mind? I do not believe that the man who is to die is Gilbert.

The Queen.What say you?