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 The Queen.'Tis well. Hold it in your hand.

[She suddenly grasps his arm.

Master Simon Benard! Lord Chandos!

[Enter, and Guards.

Arrest this man! He drew his dagger upon me. I seized his arm as he was about to strike me! He is an assassin!

Gilbert.Your Majesty—

The Queen [to , in an undertone.]Have you forgotten our agreement already? Is it thus that you submit to my will?


 * [Aloud.

You are all witnesses that he had the dagger still in his hand. Master Renard, how call you the headsman of the Tower?

Renard.He is an Irishman named McDermott.

The Queen.Let him be brought before me. I would speak with him.

Renard.In person?

The Queen.In person.

Renard.The Queen will speak to the headsman?

The Queen.Yes, the Queen will speak to the headsman. The head will speak with the hand.—Go, I say.

[Exit one of the guards.

My Lord Chandos, and you, gentlemen, will answer to me for this man. Keep him in your ranks, behind you. Certain things are about to happen here, which it is necessary that he should see.—Master Simon Renard, is Lord Clanbrassil in the palace?

Renard.He is in the Painted Chamber, waiting until it shall be the Queen's pleasure to see him.

The Queen.He suspects nothing?

Renard.Nothing.