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 The Queen.By Heaven, my lords, methinks you are all a-tremble about me! By my soul, must a woman teach you your trade of gentlemen? To horse, my lords, to horse! Can it be that the curs frighten you? Can it be that the swords are afraid of staves?

Renard.Do not allow matters to go further. Yield, Madame, while there still is time. You can still say "curs"; an hour hence you will be compelled to say "the people."

[The cries redouble in violence, the uproar draws nearer.

The Queen.An hour!

Renard [going to the gallery and returning.]A quarter of an hour, Madame. Already the first outwork of the Tower is carried. Another step and the people are upon us.

The People.To the Tower! to the Tower! Fabiani! Death to Fabiani!

The Queen.How truly 'tis said the people is a terrifying thing! Fabiano!

Renard.Do you desire to see them tear and rend before your eyes in a moment?

The Queen.Heaven's mercy, gentlemen! do you know what an infamous thing it is that not one of you doth stir? In God's name, defend me!

Clinton.You, yes, your Majesty; but not Fabiani.

The Queen.Great Heaven! Well, since I must, I say it aloud! Fabiano is innocent! Fabiano did not commit the crime for which he is condemned to death. 'Twas I, and this man beside me, and Gilbert the carver, who did it all, devised it all. Pure comedy. Dare to contradict me, Master Simon Renard! Now, gentlemen, will you defend him?