July 26, 2025 • 43 mins
Celebrated Crimes is a unique series of historical narratives by a young, rising Alexandre Dumas, before he became renowned as the author of DArtagnan or Monte Cristo. The third volume focuses on the tumultuous life and tragic end of Mary Queen of Scots. Dumas meticulously delves into the controversial aspects of her reign, yet maintains a sympathetic perspective towards her. Remembered for her strong ties to France through education and marriage, Marys fate has been a subject of unending debate, especially in light of the role Elizabeth played in her downfall.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter five, Part two of Celebrated Crimes, Volume three by
Alexandre Dumma, translated by George Burnham Ives. This LibriVox recording
is in the public domain. Chapter five, Part two, Mary
Seton had spoken truly. George Douglas was now another man.
To day he seemed to be as respectful and timid
(00:20):
as the preceding day he had seemed haughty and proud. He,
in his turn, made a step towards the Queen, But
seeing Mary Seton standing behind her, Madame said he, I
wish to speak to your majesty alone. Shall I not
obtain this favor? Mary Seton is not a stranger to me, Sir.
She is my sister, my friend. She is more than
all that, she is my companion in captivity. And by
(00:44):
all these claims, Madame, I have the utmost veneration for her.
But what I have to tell you cannot be heard
by other ears than yours. Thus, Madame, as the opportunity
furnished now may perhaps never present itself again. In the
name of what is dearest to you, grant me what
I ask. There was such a tone of respectful prayer
in George's voice that Mary turned to the young girl,
(01:05):
and making her a friendly sign with her hand. Go then, darling,
she said, but be easy, you will lose nothing by
not hearing. Go. Mary Seaton withdrew. The Queen smilingly looked
after her till the door was shut, then turning to George. Now,
Sir said she we are alone. Speak. But George, instead
(01:26):
of replying, advanced to the Queen, and, kneeling on one knee,
drew from his breast a paper which he presented to her.
Mary took it, with amazement, unfolded it, glancing at Douglas
remained in the same posture and read as follows, we Earls,
lords and Barons, in consideration that our Queen is detained
at Locklaven, and that her faithful subjects cannot have access
(01:47):
to her person, Seeing, on the other hand, that our
duty pledges us to provide for her safety, promise and
swear to employ all reasonable means which will depend on
us to set her at liberty again, on conditions compatible
with the honor of her Majesty, the welfare of the Kingdom,
and even with the safety of those who keep her
in prison, provided that they consent to give her up.
That if they refuse, we declare that we are prepared
(02:08):
to make use of ourselves, our children, our friends, our servants,
our vassals, our goods, our persons, and our lives to
restore her to liberty, to procure the safety of the Prince,
and to co operate in punishing the late King's murderers.
If we are assailed for this intent, whether as a
body or in private, we promise to defend ourselves and
aid one another under pain of infamy and perjury. So
(02:31):
may God help us. Given with our own hands at Dumbarton,
Saint Andrew's Argyll, Huntley a Broth, Galloway, Ross Fleming, Harry's Sterling,
Kilwinning Hamilton, and Saint Clair Knight. And Setan cried Mary.
Among all these signatures, I do not see that at
my faithful Seatan Douglas, still kneeling, drew from his breastday
(02:54):
second paper and presented it to the Queen with the
same marks of respect. It contained only these few trust
George Douglas, for your Majesty has no more devoted friend
in the entire kingdom. Setan Mary lowered her eyes, said Douglas,
with an expression which was hers, only, then giving him
her hand to raise him. Ah, said she with a
(03:16):
sigh more of joy than of sadness. Now I see
that God, in spite of my faults, has not yet
abandoned me. But how is it in this castle that
you a Douglas. Oh, it is incredible, Madame replied George.
Seven years have passed since I saw you in France
for the first time, and for seven years I have
loved you. Mary moved, but Douglas put forth his hand
(03:39):
and shook his head with an air of such profound
sadness that she understood that she might hear what the
young man had to say. He continued. Reassure yourself, Madame,
I should never have made this confession if while explaining
my conduct to you, this confession would not have given
you greater confidence in me. Yes, for seven years I
have loved you, but as one loves a star that
one can never reach, Madonna, to whom one can only pray.
(04:02):
For seven years I have followed you everywhere, without you
ever having paid attention to me, without my saying a
word or making a gesture to attract your notice. I
was on the night to Meveallon's galley when you crossed
to Scotland. I was among the Regent's soldiers when you
beat Huntley. I was in the escort which accompanied you
when you went to see the sick King at Glasgow.
I reached Edinburgh an hour after you had left it
(04:24):
for Lochleven. And then it seemed to me that my
mission was revealed to me for the first time, and
that this love for which till then I had reproached
myself as a crime, was, on the contrary, a favor
from God. I learned that the lords were assembled at Dumbarton.
I flew thither. I pledged my name, I pledged my honor,
I pledged my life, and I obtained from them thanks
to the facility I had for coming into this fortress,
(04:46):
the happiness of bringing you the paper they have just signed. Now, Madame,
forget all that I have told you, except the assurance
of my devotion and respect. Forget that I am near you.
I am used to not being seen. Only if you
have need of my life, make a sign, for seven
years of my life has been yours. Alas replied Mary.
(05:08):
I was complaining this morning of no longer being loved,
and I ought to complain on the contrary that I
am still loved, for the love that I inspire is
fatal and mortal. Look back, Douglas, and count the tombs
that young as I am, I have already left on
my path. Francis the second Chatelard Rizzio Darnley, Oh, to
(05:29):
attach one's self to my fortunes, more than love is
needed now, heroism and devotion are requisite, so much the
more that, as you have said, Douglas, it is love
without any possible reward. Do you understand, oh, madam? Madam
answered Douglas, is it not reward beyond my deserts to
see you daily, to cherish the hope that liberty will
(05:50):
be restored to you through me, and to have, at least,
if I do not give it, you, the certainty of
dying in your sight, poor young man, murmured Mary, her
eyes raised to Heaven, as if she were reading there beforehand,
the fate awaiting her new defender. Happy Douglas, on the contrary,
cried George, seizing the Queen's hand and kissing it with
(06:11):
perhaps still more respect than love. Happy Douglas, for in
obtaining a sign from your majesty, he has already obtained
more than he had hoped. And upon what have you decided?
With my friends, said the Queen, raising Douglas, who till
then had remained on his knees before her. Nothing yet,
George replied, for we scarcely had time to see one another.
(06:33):
Your escape impossible without me, is difficult even with me.
And your Majesty has seen that I was obliged publicly
to fail in respect to obtain from my mother the
confidence which gives me the good fortune of seeing you
to day. If this confidence, on my mother's or my
brother's part ever extends to giving up to me the
castle keys, then you are saved. Let your Majesty not
be surprised at anything. Then, in the presence of others,
(06:55):
I shall ever be always a Douglas, that is an enemy,
except your life be in danger, Madame, I shall not
utter a word. I shall not make a gesture which
might betray the faith that I have sworn you. But
on your side, let your grace know well that present
or absent, whether I am silent or speak, whether I
act or remain inert, all will be in appearance. Only
(07:17):
save my devotion only, continued Douglas, approaching the window and
showing to the Queen a little house on Kinross Hill.
Only look every evening in that direction, Madame. And so
long as you see a light shine there, your friends
will be keeping watch for you, and you need not
lose hope. Thanks Douglas, Thanks, said the Queen. It does
(07:37):
want good to meet with a heart like yours from
time to time. Oh thanks, And now, Madame, replied the
young man, I must leave your majesty. To remain longer
with you would be to raise suspicions and a single
doubt of me. Think of it well, madame, and that
light which is your soul beacon is extinguished, and all
returns into night. With these words, Douglas bowed more respectfully
(08:01):
than he had yet done, and withdrew, leaving Mary full
of hope and still more full of pride. For this
time the homage that she had just received was certainly
for the woman and not for the queen. As the
Queen had told him, Mary Seton was informed of everything,
even the love of Douglas, and the two women impatiently
awaited the evening to see if the promised star would
shine on the horizon. Their hope was not in vain.
(08:23):
At the appointed time, the beacon was lit, the queen
trembled with joy, for it was the confirmation of her hopes,
and her companion could not tear her from the window,
where she remained, with her gaze fastened on the little
house in Kinross. At last she yielded to Mary Seaton's
prayers and consented to go to bed, But twice in
the night she rose noiselessly to go to the window.
(08:43):
The light was always shining and was not extinguished till dawn,
with its sisters the stars. Next day, at breakfast, George
announced to the Queen the return of his brother, William Douglas.
He arrived the same evening. As to himself, George had
to leave Lochlaven next morning to confer with the noble
who had assigned the declaration, and who had immediately separated
to raise troops in their several counties. The Queen could
(09:06):
not attempt to good purpose any escape, but at a
time when she would be sure of gathering round her
and army strong enough to hold the country. As to him,
Douglas one was so used to his silent disappearances and
to his unexpected returns, that there was no reason to
fear that this departure would inspire any suspicion. All passed
as George had said. In the evening, the sound of
(09:27):
a bugle announced the arrival of William Douglas. He had
with him Lord Ruthven, the son of him who had
assassinated Rizzio, and who exiled with Morton after the murder,
died in England of the sickness with which he was
already attacked the day of the terrible catastrophe in which
we have seen him take such a large share. He
proceeded by one day Lord Lindsey of Byers, and Sir
Robert Melville, brother of Mary's former ambassador to Elizabeth. All
(09:49):
three were charged with a mission from the Regent to
the Queen. On the following day, everything fell back into
the usual routine, and William Douglas resumed his duties as carver.
Breakfast passed without Mary's having learned anything of George's departure
or Ruthven's arrival. On rising from the table, she went
to her window. Scarcely was she there than she heard
the sound of a horn echoing on the shores of
(10:10):
the lake, and saw a little troop of horsemen halt
while waiting for the boat to come and take those
who were going to the castle. The distance was too
great for Mary to recognize any of the visitors, but
it was clear from the signs of intelligence exchange between
the little troop and the inhabitants of the fortress that
the newcomers were her enemies. This was a reason why
the Queen, in her uneasiness, should not lose sight for
(10:31):
a moment of the boat which was going to fetch them.
She saw only two men get into it, and immediately
it put off again for the castle. As the boat
drew nearer, Mary's presentiments changed to real fears, for in
one of the men coming towards her, she thought she
made out Lord Lindsey of Buyers, the same who a
week before had brought her to her prison. It was
(10:51):
indeed he himself, as usual, in a steel helmet without
a visor, which allowed one to see his coarse face,
designed to express strong passions, as his long black beard,
with gray hairs here and there which covered his chest.
His person was protected as if it were in time
of war, with his faithful suit of armor, formerly polished
and well gilded, but which exposed without ceasing to rain
(11:13):
and mist, was now eaten up with rust. He had
slung on his back much as one slings a quiver,
a broadsword so heavy that it took two hands to
manage it, and so long that while the hill to
reach the left shoulder, the point reached the right spur.
In a word, he was still the same soldier, brave
to rashness, but a brutal to insolence, recognizing nothing but
(11:33):
right and force, and always ready to use force when
he believed himself in the right. The Queen was so
much taken up with the sight of Lord Lindsay of buyers,
that it was only just as the boat reached the
shore that she glanced at his companion and recognized that
Robert Melville. This was some consolation for whatever might happen,
She knew that she should find in him, if not ostensible,
at least secret sympathy. Besides his dress, by which one
(11:57):
could have judged him equally with Lord Lindsey, was a
pit contrast to his companions. It consisted of a black
velvet double it out, a cap and a feather of
the same hue fastened to it with a gold clasp.
His only weapon, offensive or defensive, was a little sword,
which he seemed to wear rather as a sign of
his rank than for attack or defense. As to his
features and his manners, they were in harmony with this
(12:19):
peaceful appearance. His pale countenance expressed both acuteness and intelligence.
His quick eye was mild, and his voice insinuating his
figure slight and a little bent by habit rather than
by years, since he was but forty five at this time,
indicated an easy and conciliatory character. However, the presence of
this man of peace, who seemed entrusted with watching over
(12:40):
the demon of war, could not reassure the Queen. And
as to get to the landing place in front of
the great door of the castle, the boat had just
disappeared behind the corner of a tower. She told Mary
Seaton to go down, that she might try to learn
what cause brought Lord Lindsey to Lochleven, while knowing that
with the force of character with which she was endowed,
she need know this cause but a few minutes before hand,
(13:00):
whatever it might be to give her countenance, that calm,
and that majesty which she had always found to influence
her enemies. Left alone, Mary let her glance stray back
to the little house in Kinross, her sole hope, But
the distance was too great to distinguish anything besides, its
shutters remained closed all day, and seemed to open only
in the evening, like the clouds, which, having covered the
(13:22):
sky for a whole morning, scatter at last to reveal
to the lost sailor a solitary star. She remained no
less motionless, her gaze always fixed on the same object.
When she was drawn from this mute contemplation by the
step of Mary Seaton, Well, Darling asked the Queen, turning round,
Your Majesty is not mistaken, replied the messenger. It really
(13:44):
was Sir Robert Melville and Lord Lindsey. But there came
yesterday with Sir William Douglas, a third ambassador, whose name
I am afraid will be still more odious to your
majesty than either of the two I have just pronounced.
You deceive yourself, Mary, the Queen answered, neither the name
of Melville nor that of Lindsay's odious to me. Melville's,
on the contrary, is, in my present circumstances, one of
(14:07):
those which I have most pleasure in hearing. As to
Lord Lindsey's, it is doubtless not agreeable to me, but
it is none the less an honorable name always borne
by men rough and wild. It is true, but incapable
of treachery. Tell me, then, what is this name? Mary?
For you see, I am calm and prepared, alas Madam returned, Mary,
(14:29):
calm and prepared as you may be. Collect all your strength,
not merely to hear this name uttered, but also to
receive in a few minutes the man who bears it.
For this name is that of Lord Ruffin. Mary Seton
had spoken truly in this name had a terrible influence
upon the queen. For scarcely had it escaped the young
girl's lips than Mary Stuart uttered a cry, and, turning
pale as if she were about to faint, caught hold
(14:50):
of the window ledge. Mary Seton, frightened at the effect
produced by this fatal name, immediately sprang to support the queen,
but she stretching one hand towards her while she lay
the other on her heart. It is nothing, said she,
I shall be better in a moment. Yes, Mary, Yes,
as you said. It is a fatal name, and mingled
with one of my most bloody memories. What such men
(15:12):
are coming to ask of me must be dreadful, indeed,
But no matter, I shall soon be ready to receive
my brother's ambassadors, for doubtless they are sent in his name, You, darling,
prevent their entering, for I must have some minutes to myself.
You know me, It will not take me long. With
these words, the Queen withdrew with a firm step to
her bed chamber. Mary Seton was left alone, admiring that
(15:35):
strength of character which made of Mary Stuart, in all
other respects so completely womanlike a man. In the hour
of danger, she immediately went to the door to close
it with the wooden bar that one passed between two
iron rings, But the bar had been taken away so
that there was no means of fastening the door from within.
In a moment, she heard some one coming up the stairs, and,
guessing from the heavy echoing step that this must be
(15:56):
Lord Lindsey, she looked round her once again to see
if she could find something to reap place the bar,
and finding nothing within reach, she passed her arm through
the rings, resolved to let it be broken rather than
allow anyone to approach her mistress before it suited her. Indeed,
hardly had those who were coming up reached the landing
than someone knocked violently and a harsh voice cried, come,
(16:17):
come open the door, open directly, and by what right?
Said Mary Seton. Am I ordered thus insolently to open
the Queen of Scotland's door, by the right of the
ambassador of the Regent to enter everywhere in his name?
I am Lord Lindsey, and I am come to speak
to Lady Mary Stuart. To be an ambassador, answered Mary Seton.
(16:43):
Is not to be exempted from having oneself announced in
visiting a woman, and much more a queen. And if
this ambassador is as he says, Lord Lindsey, he will
await his sovereign's leisure as every Scottish noble would do
in his place by Saint Andrew, cried Lord Lindsey, open
or I will break in the door. Do nothing to it,
my lord, I entreat you, said another voice, which Mary
(17:05):
recognized as Melville's. Let us rather wait for Lord Ruthven,
who is not yet ready upon my soul, cried Lindsey,
shaking the door. I shall not wait a second. Then,
seeing that it resisted, why did you not tell me then,
you scamp? Lindsey went on, speaking to the steward that
the bar had been removed. It is true, replied he
(17:29):
then returned lindsay, with what is this silly wench securing
the door with my arm, my lord, which I have
passed through the rings as the Douglas did for King
James the First, at a time when Douglass had dark
hair instead of red, and were faithful instead of being traitors.
Since you know your history so well, replied Lindsey in
(17:50):
a rage, you should remember that that weak barrier did
not hinder Graham, that Catherine Douglas's arm was broken like
a willow wand and that James the First was killed
like a But you, my lord, responded the courageous young
girl ought also to know the ballad that is still
sung in our time now on Robert Graham, the King's
(18:10):
destroy A shame to Robert Graham, cling shame who destroyed
our king, Mary, cried the queen, who had overheard this
altercation from her bedroom. Mary, I command you to open
the door directly, but do you hear? Mary obeyed, and
Lord Lindsey entered, followed by Melville, who walked behind him
with slow steps and bent head. Arrived in the middle
(18:33):
of the second room. Lord Lindsey stopped and looking round him,
well where is she? Then he asked, and has she
not already kept us waiting long enough outside without making
us wait again inside? Oh? Does she imagine that despite
these walls and these bars, she is always queen a patience,
my lord, murmured Sir Robert. You see that Lord Ruthven
(18:56):
has not yet come, And since we can do nothing
without him, let us wait. Let way who will replied
Lindsey inflamed with anger, But it will not be I.
And wherever she may be, I shall go and seek her.
With these words, he made some steps towards Mary Stuart's bedroom,
But at the same moment the Queen opened the door,
without seeming moved, either at the visit or at the
(19:17):
insolence of the visitors. And so lovely and so full
of majesty that each even Lindsey himself, was silent at
her appearance, and, as if in obedience to a higher power,
bowed respectfully before her. I fear I have kept you waiting,
my lord, said the queen, without replying to the ambassador's salutation,
otherwise than by a slight inclination of the head. But
(19:38):
a woman does not like to receive even enemies without
having spent a few minutes over her toilet. It is
true that men are less tenacious of ceremony, added she,
throwing a significant glance at Lord Lindsey's rusty armor and
soiled and pierced doublet Good day, Melville, she continued, without
paying attention to some words of excuse stammered by Lindsey.
Be welcome in my prison as you were in my palace,
(20:00):
for I believe you as devoted to the one as
to the other. Then turning Lindsey, who was looking interrogatively
at the door, impatient as he was for Ruthven to come,
you have there, my lord, said she, pointing to the
sword he carried over his shoulder, A faithful companion. Though
it is a little heavy. Did you expect, in coming
here to find enemies against whom to employ it? In
(20:23):
the contrary case, it is a strange ornament for a
lady's presence. But no matter, my Lord, I am too
much of a steward to feel the sight of a sword,
even if it were naked. I warn you it is
not out of place here, Madame replied Lindsey, bringing it
forward and leaning his elbow on its cross hilt. For
it is an old acquaintance of your family, your ancestors,
(20:47):
my lord, were brave and loyal enough for me not
to refuse to believe what you tell me. Besides, such
a good blade must have rendered them good service. Yes, Madame, yes,
surely it has done so. But that kind of servant
that kings do not forgive. He for whom it was
made was Archibald Belvecat, and he girded himself with it
the day when to justify his name he went to
(21:09):
seize the very tent of King James the Third, your grandfather,
his unworthy favorites Cochrane, Hummel, Leonard and Torpichen, whom he
hanged on louder Bridge with the halters of his soldiers horses.
It was also with the sword that he slew at
one blow in the lists spencer of Kilspindy, when insulted
him in the presence of King James the Fourth, counting
on his protection his master's according him, and which did
(21:32):
not guard him against it any more than his shield,
which had split in two at his master's death, which
took place two years after the defeat of Flatten, on
whose battlefield he left his two sons and two hundred
warriors of the name of Douglas it passed into the
hands of the Earl of Angus, who drew it from
the scabbard when he drove the Hamiltons out of Edinburgh,
And that so quickly and completely that the affair was
(21:53):
called a sweeping of the streets. Finally, your father James
the Fifth sawd glisten in the fire of the bridge
over the Tweed, when Burkeloyck, stirred up by him, wanted
to snatch from him the guardianship of the Douglases. And
when ady warriors of the name of Scott remained on
the battlefield, But said the Queen, how is it that
(22:14):
this weapon, after such exploits, has not remained as a
trophy in the Douglas family. No doubt the Earl of
Angus required a great occasion to decide him to renounce
in your favor this modern excalipur history of Scotland by
Sir Walter Scott, the Abbot historical part. Yes, no doubt, Madam,
it was upon a great occasion, replied Lindsey, in spite
(22:36):
of the employing signs made by Melville. And this will
have at least the advantage of the others in being
sufficiently recent for you to remember it was ten days
ago on the battlefield of Carbury Hill, Madam, when the
infamous Bothwell had the audacity to make a public challenge,
in which he defied to single combat whomsoever would dare
to maintain that he was not innocent of the murder
(22:58):
of the King your husband. I made him answer, then,
I the third, that he was an assassin, And as
he refused a fight with the other two others, under
the pretext that they were only barons, I presented myself
in my turn, I who am an earl and a lord.
It was on that occasion that the noble Earl of
Morton gave me the sword to fight him to the death,
(23:19):
so that, if he had been a little more presumptuous
or a little less cowardly, dogs and vultures would be
eating at this moment the pieces that, with the help
of this good sword I should have carved for them
from that traitor's carcass. At these words, Mary Seton and
Robert Melville looked at each other in terror, for the
events that they recalled were so recent that they were,
(23:40):
so to speak, still living in the Queen's heart. But
the Queen, with incredible impassibility and smile of contempt on
her lips. It is easy, my lord, said she, to
vanquish an enemy who does not appear in the lists. However,
believe me, if Mary had inherited the Stuart's sword, as
she has inherited their scepter, you are sword long as
it is, would yet have seemed to you too short.
(24:02):
But as you have only to relate to us now,
my Lord, what you intended doing, and not what you
have done, think it fit that I bring you back
something of more reality. For I do not suppose you
have given yourself the trouble to come here purely and
simply to add a chapter to the little treatise de
roromontar Espanola by Monsieur de Branton. You are right, Madame,
(24:25):
replied Lindsey, reddening with anger, and you would already know
the object of our mission. Of Lord Ruffin did not
so ridiculously keep us waiting, but added, he have patience.
The matter will not be long now, for here he is. Indeed,
at the moment they heard steps mounting the staircase and
approaching the room, And at the sound of these steps,
(24:46):
the Queen, who had borne with such firmness Lindsey's insults
grew so perceptibly paler that Melville, who did not take
his eyes off her, put out his hand towards the
arm chair, as if to push it towards her. But
the Queen made a sign that she had no need
of it, and gave that the door with apparent calm,
Lord Ruffin appeared. It was the first time that she
had seen the son since Rizzio had been assassinated by
(25:07):
the father. Lord Ruffn was both a warrior and a statesman,
and at this moment his dress savored of the two professions.
It consisted of a close coat of embroidered buff leather,
elegant enough to be worn as a court undress, and
on which, if need were, one could buckle a cuirass
for battle. Like his father, he was pale. Like his father,
he was to die young, and even more like his father,
(25:28):
his countenance wore that ill omened melancholy by which fortune
tellers recognize those who are to die a violent death.
Lord Ruthven united in himself the polished dignity of a
courtier and the inflexible character of a minister, but quite resolved,
as he was to obtain from Mary Stuart, even if
it were by violence what he had come to demand
in the region's name. He nonetheless made her on, entering
(25:50):
a cold but respectful greeting, to which the Queen responded
with a courtesy. Then the steward drew up to the
empty armchairry heavy table, on which had been prepared everything
necessary for writing, and at a sign from the two lords,
he went out, leaving the Queen and her companion alone
with the three ambassadors. Then the Queen, seeing that this
table and this arm chair were put ready for her,
sat down, and, after a moment herself, breaking this silence
(26:13):
more gloomy than any word could have been, my lords
said she, you see that I wait. Can it be
that this message which you have to communicate to me
is so terrible that two soldiers as renowned as Lord
Lindsey and Lord Ruffin hesitate at the moment of transmitting it.
Madam answered Ruffin, I am not of a family as
(26:34):
you know, which ever hesitates to perform a duty, painful
as it may be. Besides, we hope that your captivity
has prepared you to hear what we have to tell you.
On the part of the Secret Council, the Secret Council
said the queen instituted by me, By what right does
it act without me? No matter I am waiting for
(26:55):
this message. I suppose it is a petition to implore
my mercy for the men who have dared to reach
to a power that I hold only from God. Madam
replied Ruthven, who appeared to have undertaken the painful roll
of spokesman, while Lindsey, mute and impatient, fidgeted with the
hilt of his longsword. It is distressing to me to
have to undeceive you on this point. It is not
(27:16):
your mercy that I come to ask. It is, on
the contrary, the pardon of the Secret Council that I
come to offer you to me, My Lord, to me,
cried Mary, subjects offer pardon to their queen. Oh, it
is such a new and wonderful thing that my amazement
outweighs my indignation, and that I beg you to continue
(27:36):
instead of stopping there, as perhaps I ought to do.
And I obey you so much the more willingly. Madame
went on Ruthven, unperturbably, that this pardon is only granted
on certain conditions stated in these documents, destined to re
establish the tranquility of the state, so cruelly compromised by
the errors that they are going to repair. And shall
(27:59):
I be permitted, my Lord, to read these documents, or
must I allured, by my confidence in those who present
them to me, sign them with my eyes shut? No,
Madame Ruthven returned, the Secret Council desire on the contrary,
that you acquaint yourself with them, for you must sign
them Freely. Read me these documents, my Lord, for such
(28:21):
a reading as I think included in the strange duties
you have accepted. Lord Ruffin took one of the two
papers that he had in his hand and read, with
the impassiveness of his usual voice, the following summoned from
my tenderest youth to the Government of the Kingdom and
to the Crown of Scotland. I have carefully attended to
the administration, but I have experienced so much fatigue and
(28:43):
trouble that I no longer find my mind free enough,
nor my strength great enough to support the burden of
affairs of state. Accordingly, and as divine favor has granted
us a son whom we desire to see during our
lifetime bear the crown which he has acquired by right
of birth, we have reason to abdicate, and we abdicate
in his favor by these presents, freely and voluntary all
(29:06):
our rights to the Crown and to the Government of Scotland,
desiring that he may immediately ascend the throne as if
he were called to it by our natural death, and
not as the effect of our own will, and that
our present ablication may have a more complete and solemn effect,
and that no one should put forward the claim of ignorance.
We give full powers to our trusty and faithful cousins,
(29:28):
the Lords Lindsay of Byers and William Ruthven, to appear
in our name before the nobility of the clergy and
the Burgesses of Scotland, of whom they will convoke an
assembly at Stirling, and to their renounce publicly and solemnly
on our part all our claims to the Crown and
to the Government of Scotland, Signed freely and as the
(29:49):
testimony of one of our last royal wishes, in our
castle of Lochleaven the June fifteen sixty seven. The date
was left blank. There was a moment's silence after this reading.
Then did you hear? Madame asked Ruthven. Yes, replied Mary Stuart. Yes,
(30:12):
I have heard rebellious words that I have not understood,
and I thought that my ears that one has tried
to accustom for some time to a strange language, still
deceived me, and that I have thought for your honor,
my Lord William Ruthbin and my Lord Lindsey of Byers.
Madame answered Lindsey, out of patience at having kept silence
so long. Our honor has nothing to do with the
(30:34):
opinion of a woman who has so ill known how
to watch over her own, my Lord, said Melville, risking
a word. Let him speak. Robert returned the Queen, we
have in our conscience armor as well tempered as that
with which Lord Lindsey is so prudently covered, although to
the shame of justice, we no longer have a sword. Continue,
(30:54):
my lord, the queen went on, turning to Lord Ruthven.
Is this all that my subjects require of me? A
date and a signature? Huh, doubtless it is too little.
And the second paper which you have kept in order
to proceed by degrees probably contains some demand more difficult
to grant than that of yielding to a child scarcely
a year old a crown which belongs to me by birthright,
(31:15):
and to abandon my scepter to take a distaff This
other paper, replied Ruthven, without letting himself be intimidated by
the tone of bitter irony adopted by the Queen, is
the deed by which your grace confirms the decision of
the Secret Council, which has named your beloved brother, the
Earl of Murray, Regent of the Kingdom. Indeed, said Mary,
(31:39):
the Secret Council thinks it needs my confirmation to an
act of such slight importance, and my beloved brother to
bear it without remorse, needs that it should be I
who add a fresh title to those of Earl of
mar and of Murray that I have already bestowed upon him.
But one cannot desire anything more respectful in touching than
all this, and I should be very very wrong to complain,
(32:01):
my lords, continued the Queen, rising and changing her tone.
Return to those who have sent you and tell them
that to such demands, Mary Stuart has no answer to give.
Take care, Madame responded Ruffin, For I have told you
it is only on these conditions that your pardon can
be granted you. And if I refuse this generous pardon,
(32:22):
asked Mary, What will happen? I cannot pronounce beforehand, Madam,
but your grace has enough knowledge of the laws, and
above all, of the history of Scotland and England, to
know that murder and adultery are crimes for which more
than one queen has been punished with death. And upon
what proofs could such a charge be founded? My Lord,
(32:43):
pardon my persistence, which takes up your precious time, but
I am sufficiently interested in the matter to be permitted
such a question. The proof, Madame returned ruffin. There is
but one I know, but that one is unexceptionable. It
is the precipit marriage of the widow of the assassinated
with the chief assassin, and the letters which have been
(33:05):
handed over to us by James Balfour, which prove that
the guilty persons had united their adulterous hearts, for it
was permitted them to unite their bloody hands. My lord
cried the Queen, do you forget a certain repast given
in Edinburgh Tavern by the same bothwell to those same
noblemen who treat him today as an adulterer and a murderer.
(33:26):
Do you forget that at the end of that meal,
and on the same table at which it has been
given a paper was invited to sign that same woman,
to whom to day you make the haste of her
new wedding a crime, to leave off a widow's morning
to reassume a marriage robe. For if you have forgotten it,
my lords, which would do no more honor to your
sobriety than to your memory, I undertake to show it
(33:46):
to you. I you have preserved it. And perhaps if
we search well, we shall find among the signatures the
names of Lindsey of Buyers, and William Ruthven, Oh noble
Lord Harry's, cried Mary, loyalty Eames Melville. You alone were
right then when you threw yourselves at my feet entreating
me not to conclude this marriage, which I see it
(34:06):
clearly to day was only a trap set for an
ignorant woman by perfidious advisers or disloyal lords. Madam, cried Ruthven,
in spite of his cold impassivity, beginning to lose command
of himself, while Lindsey was giving still more noisy and
less equivocal signs of impatience. Madame, all these discussions are
beside our aim. I beg you to return to it then,
(34:30):
and inform us if your life and honor guaranteed you
consent to abdicate the crown of Scotland. And what safeguard
should I have that the promises you hear make me
will be kept? Our word, Madame, proudly replied Ruffin. Your word,
my lord, is a very feeble pledged to offer when
(34:52):
one so quickly forgets one's signature. Have you not some
trifle to add to it? To make me a little
easier than I should be with it alone? Enough? Ruffin, Enough,
cried Lindsey. Do you not see that for an hour
this woman answers our proposals only by insults? Yes, let
us go, said Ruffin, And thank yourself only, Madame, for
(35:12):
the day when the thread breaks which holds the sword
suspended over your head, My lords, cried Melville. My lord's
in Heaven's name a little patience, and forgive something to her,
who accustomed to command, is to day forced to obey.
Very well, said Lindsey, turning round. Stay with her, then,
and try to obtain by your smooth words what is
(35:35):
refused to our frank and loyal demand. In a quarter
of an hour, we shall return and let the answer
be ready in a quarter of an hour. With these words,
the two noblemen went out, leaving Melville with the Queen,
and one could count their footsteps from the noise that
Lindsay's great sword made and resounding on each step of
the staircase. Scarcely were they alone than Melville threw himself
(35:55):
at the Queen's feet. Madame said, he you remark just
now that Lord Harry's and my brother had given your
majesty advice, that you repented not having followed. Well, Madame,
reflect on that I, in my turn give you, for
it is more important than the other. For you will
regret with still some bitterness not having listened to it. Ah,
you do not know what may happen. You are ignorant
(36:17):
of what your brother is capable. It seems to me, however,
returned the Queen, that he has just instructed me on
that head. What more will he do than he has
done already? A public trial? Oh, it is all I ask.
Let me only plead my case and we shall see
what judges will dare to condemn me. But that is
(36:38):
what they will take good care not to do. Madame
for they would be mad to do it when they
keep you here in this isolated castle, in the care
of your enemies, having no witness but God, who avenges crime,
but who does not prevent it. Recollect, Madame, what Macchiavelli
has said. A king's tomb is never far from his prison.
You come of a family in which one dies, young madame,
(37:00):
and almost always of a sudden death. Two of your
ancestors perished by steel and one by poison. Oh if
my death were sudden and easy, cried Mary. Yes, I
should accept it as an expiation for my faults. For
if I am proud when I compare myself with others, Melville,
I am humble when I judge myself. I am unjustly
accused of being an accomplished of Darnley's death, but I
(37:23):
am justly condemned for having married bothwell. Time presses, Madame,
Time presses, cried Melville, looking at the sand, which placed
on the table, was marking the time they are coming back.
They will be here in a minute, and this time
you must give them an answer. Listen, Madame, and at
least profit by your situation as much as you can.
You are alone here with one woman, without friends, without protection,
(37:46):
without power. An abdication signed at such a juncture will
never appear to your people, who have been freely given,
but will always pass as having been torn from you
by force. And if need be, Madame, if the day
comes when such a solemn declaration is worth something, well,
then you will have two witnesses of the violence done you.
The one will be Mary Seaton, and the other, he added,
(38:08):
in a low voice, and looking uneasily about him, the
other will be Robert Melville. Hardly had he finished speaking
when the footsteps of the two nobles were again heard
on the staircase, returning even before the quarter of an
hour had elapsed. A moment afterwards, the door opened and
Ruthven appeared, while over his shoulder was seen Lindsey's head.
(38:29):
Madame said Ruffin, we have returned. Has your grace decided?
We come for your answer? Yes, said Lindsey, pushing aside Ruffin,
who stood in his way, and advancing to the table. Yes,
an answer, clear, precise, positive, and without dissimulation. You are exacting,
my lord, said the Queen. You would scarcely have the
(38:52):
right to expect that from me if I were in
full liberty on the other side of the lake, and
surrounded with a faithful escort. But between these walls, behind
these bars, in the depths of this fortress, I shall
not tell you that I signed voluntarily, lest you should
not believe it. But no matter, if you want my signature, well,
I am going to give it to you. Melville, pass
(39:14):
me the pen. But I hope, said Lord Ruffin, that
your grace is not counting on using your present position
one day an argument to protest against what you are
going to do. The Queen had already stooped to write.
She had already set her hand to the paper when
Ruffin spoke to her. But scarcely had he done so
than she rose up, proudly and letting fall the pen.
(39:37):
My Lord said she. What you asked of me just
now was but an abdication, pure and simple, and I
was going to sign it. But if to this abdication
is joined this marginal note, then I renounce of my
own accord, and as judging myself unworthy the throne of Scotland,
I would not do it for the three United crowns
that I have been robbed of. In return, take care, madam,
(39:59):
cried Lord Lindsey, seizing the Queen's wrists with his steel
gauntlet and squeezing it with all his angry strength. Take care,
for our patience is at an end, and we could
easily end by breaking what would not bend. The Queen
remained standing, and although a violent flush had passed like
a flame over her countenance, she did not utter a
word and did not move. Her eyes only were fixed
(40:20):
with such a great expression of contempt on those of
the rough baron that he ashamed of the passion that
had carried him away, let go the hand he had seized,
and took a step back, then raising her sleeve and
showing the violent marks made on her arm by Lord
Lindsey's steel gauntlets. This is what I expected, my lords,
said she, and nothing prevents me any longer from signing. Yes,
(40:43):
I freely abdicate the throne and Crown of Scotland. And
there is the proof that my will has not been forced.
With these words, she took the pen and rapidly signed
the two documents, held them out to Lord Ruffin, and,
bowing with great dignity, withdrew slowly into her room, accompanied
by Mary Seaton. Ruffin looked after her, and when she
had disappeared. It doesn't matter, he said. She has signed,
(41:08):
and although the means you employed, Lindsey, may be obsolete
enough in diplomacy, it is not the less efficacious. It seems,
no joking, Ruffin, said Lindsey, For she is a noble creature,
and if I had dared, I should have thrown myself
at her feet to ask her forgiveness. There is still time,
replied Ruffin, and Mary, in her present situation, will not
(41:30):
be severe upon you. Perhaps she has resolved to appeal
to the judgment of God to prove her innocence, and
in that case a champion such as you might well
change the face of things. Do not joke, Ruffin, Lindsey
answered a second time with more violence than the first.
For if I were as well convinced of her innocence
as I am of her crime, I tell you that
(41:52):
no one should touch a hair of her head, not
even the regent the devil, my lord, said Ruffin. I
did not know you were so sensitive to a gentle
voice and a tearful eye. You know the story of
Achilles lance, which healed with its russ the wounds it
made with its edge. A do likewise, my lord, do
likewise enough. Ruffin, Enough, replied lindsay, you are like a
(42:17):
Corselets of Milan Steele, which is three times as bright
as the steel armor of Glasgow, but which is at
the same time Thrice's heart. We know one another, Ruffin,
so an end to railleries are threats enough, believe me enough.
And after these words, Lord Lindsey went out first, followed
by Ruthven and Melville, the first with his head high
and affecting an air of insolent indifference, and the second sad,
(42:40):
his brow bent and not even trying to disguise the
painful impression which this scene had made on him. History
of Scotland by Sir Walter Scott, The Abbot Historical Part
end of Chapter five, Part two recording by John van
Stan Savannah, Georgia
Chapter five, Part two of Celebrated Crimes, Volume three by
Alexandre Dumma, translated by George Burnham Ives. This LibriVox recording
is in the public domain. Chapter five, Part two, Mary
Seton had spoken truly. George Douglas was now another man.
To day he seemed to be as respectful and timid
(00:20):
as the preceding day he had seemed haughty and proud. He,
in his turn, made a step towards the Queen, But
seeing Mary Seton standing behind her, Madame said he, I
wish to speak to your majesty alone. Shall I not
obtain this favor? Mary Seton is not a stranger to me, Sir.
She is my sister, my friend. She is more than
all that, she is my companion in captivity. And by
(00:44):
all these claims, Madame, I have the utmost veneration for her.
But what I have to tell you cannot be heard
by other ears than yours. Thus, Madame, as the opportunity
furnished now may perhaps never present itself again. In the
name of what is dearest to you, grant me what
I ask. There was such a tone of respectful prayer
in George's voice that Mary turned to the young girl,
(01:05):
and making her a friendly sign with her hand. Go then, darling,
she said, but be easy, you will lose nothing by
not hearing. Go. Mary Seaton withdrew. The Queen smilingly looked
after her till the door was shut, then turning to George. Now,
Sir said she we are alone. Speak. But George, instead
(01:26):
of replying, advanced to the Queen, and, kneeling on one knee,
drew from his breast a paper which he presented to her.
Mary took it, with amazement, unfolded it, glancing at Douglas
remained in the same posture and read as follows, we Earls,
lords and Barons, in consideration that our Queen is detained
at Locklaven, and that her faithful subjects cannot have access
(01:47):
to her person, Seeing, on the other hand, that our
duty pledges us to provide for her safety, promise and
swear to employ all reasonable means which will depend on
us to set her at liberty again, on conditions compatible
with the honor of her Majesty, the welfare of the Kingdom,
and even with the safety of those who keep her
in prison, provided that they consent to give her up.
That if they refuse, we declare that we are prepared
(02:08):
to make use of ourselves, our children, our friends, our servants,
our vassals, our goods, our persons, and our lives to
restore her to liberty, to procure the safety of the Prince,
and to co operate in punishing the late King's murderers.
If we are assailed for this intent, whether as a
body or in private, we promise to defend ourselves and
aid one another under pain of infamy and perjury. So
(02:31):
may God help us. Given with our own hands at Dumbarton,
Saint Andrew's Argyll, Huntley a Broth, Galloway, Ross Fleming, Harry's Sterling,
Kilwinning Hamilton, and Saint Clair Knight. And Setan cried Mary.
Among all these signatures, I do not see that at
my faithful Seatan Douglas, still kneeling, drew from his breastday
(02:54):
second paper and presented it to the Queen with the
same marks of respect. It contained only these few trust
George Douglas, for your Majesty has no more devoted friend
in the entire kingdom. Setan Mary lowered her eyes, said Douglas,
with an expression which was hers, only, then giving him
her hand to raise him. Ah, said she with a
(03:16):
sigh more of joy than of sadness. Now I see
that God, in spite of my faults, has not yet
abandoned me. But how is it in this castle that
you a Douglas. Oh, it is incredible, Madame replied George.
Seven years have passed since I saw you in France
for the first time, and for seven years I have
loved you. Mary moved, but Douglas put forth his hand
(03:39):
and shook his head with an air of such profound
sadness that she understood that she might hear what the
young man had to say. He continued. Reassure yourself, Madame,
I should never have made this confession if while explaining
my conduct to you, this confession would not have given
you greater confidence in me. Yes, for seven years I
have loved you, but as one loves a star that
one can never reach, Madonna, to whom one can only pray.
(04:02):
For seven years I have followed you everywhere, without you
ever having paid attention to me, without my saying a
word or making a gesture to attract your notice. I
was on the night to Meveallon's galley when you crossed
to Scotland. I was among the Regent's soldiers when you
beat Huntley. I was in the escort which accompanied you
when you went to see the sick King at Glasgow.
I reached Edinburgh an hour after you had left it
(04:24):
for Lochleven. And then it seemed to me that my
mission was revealed to me for the first time, and
that this love for which till then I had reproached
myself as a crime, was, on the contrary, a favor
from God. I learned that the lords were assembled at Dumbarton.
I flew thither. I pledged my name, I pledged my honor,
I pledged my life, and I obtained from them thanks
to the facility I had for coming into this fortress,
(04:46):
the happiness of bringing you the paper they have just signed. Now, Madame,
forget all that I have told you, except the assurance
of my devotion and respect. Forget that I am near you.
I am used to not being seen. Only if you
have need of my life, make a sign, for seven
years of my life has been yours. Alas replied Mary.
(05:08):
I was complaining this morning of no longer being loved,
and I ought to complain on the contrary that I
am still loved, for the love that I inspire is
fatal and mortal. Look back, Douglas, and count the tombs
that young as I am, I have already left on
my path. Francis the second Chatelard Rizzio Darnley, Oh, to
(05:29):
attach one's self to my fortunes, more than love is
needed now, heroism and devotion are requisite, so much the
more that, as you have said, Douglas, it is love
without any possible reward. Do you understand, oh, madam? Madam
answered Douglas, is it not reward beyond my deserts to
see you daily, to cherish the hope that liberty will
(05:50):
be restored to you through me, and to have, at least,
if I do not give it, you, the certainty of
dying in your sight, poor young man, murmured Mary, her
eyes raised to Heaven, as if she were reading there beforehand,
the fate awaiting her new defender. Happy Douglas, on the contrary,
cried George, seizing the Queen's hand and kissing it with
(06:11):
perhaps still more respect than love. Happy Douglas, for in
obtaining a sign from your majesty, he has already obtained
more than he had hoped. And upon what have you decided?
With my friends, said the Queen, raising Douglas, who till
then had remained on his knees before her. Nothing yet,
George replied, for we scarcely had time to see one another.
(06:33):
Your escape impossible without me, is difficult even with me.
And your Majesty has seen that I was obliged publicly
to fail in respect to obtain from my mother the
confidence which gives me the good fortune of seeing you
to day. If this confidence, on my mother's or my
brother's part ever extends to giving up to me the
castle keys, then you are saved. Let your Majesty not
be surprised at anything. Then, in the presence of others,
(06:55):
I shall ever be always a Douglas, that is an enemy,
except your life be in danger, Madame, I shall not
utter a word. I shall not make a gesture which
might betray the faith that I have sworn you. But
on your side, let your grace know well that present
or absent, whether I am silent or speak, whether I
act or remain inert, all will be in appearance. Only
(07:17):
save my devotion only, continued Douglas, approaching the window and
showing to the Queen a little house on Kinross Hill.
Only look every evening in that direction, Madame. And so
long as you see a light shine there, your friends
will be keeping watch for you, and you need not
lose hope. Thanks Douglas, Thanks, said the Queen. It does
(07:37):
want good to meet with a heart like yours from
time to time. Oh thanks, And now, Madame, replied the
young man, I must leave your majesty. To remain longer
with you would be to raise suspicions and a single
doubt of me. Think of it well, madame, and that
light which is your soul beacon is extinguished, and all
returns into night. With these words, Douglas bowed more respectfully
(08:01):
than he had yet done, and withdrew, leaving Mary full
of hope and still more full of pride. For this
time the homage that she had just received was certainly
for the woman and not for the queen. As the
Queen had told him, Mary Seton was informed of everything,
even the love of Douglas, and the two women impatiently
awaited the evening to see if the promised star would
shine on the horizon. Their hope was not in vain.
(08:23):
At the appointed time, the beacon was lit, the queen
trembled with joy, for it was the confirmation of her hopes,
and her companion could not tear her from the window,
where she remained, with her gaze fastened on the little
house in Kinross. At last she yielded to Mary Seaton's
prayers and consented to go to bed, But twice in
the night she rose noiselessly to go to the window.
(08:43):
The light was always shining and was not extinguished till dawn,
with its sisters the stars. Next day, at breakfast, George
announced to the Queen the return of his brother, William Douglas.
He arrived the same evening. As to himself, George had
to leave Lochlaven next morning to confer with the noble
who had assigned the declaration, and who had immediately separated
to raise troops in their several counties. The Queen could
(09:06):
not attempt to good purpose any escape, but at a
time when she would be sure of gathering round her
and army strong enough to hold the country. As to him,
Douglas one was so used to his silent disappearances and
to his unexpected returns, that there was no reason to
fear that this departure would inspire any suspicion. All passed
as George had said. In the evening, the sound of
(09:27):
a bugle announced the arrival of William Douglas. He had
with him Lord Ruthven, the son of him who had
assassinated Rizzio, and who exiled with Morton after the murder,
died in England of the sickness with which he was
already attacked the day of the terrible catastrophe in which
we have seen him take such a large share. He
proceeded by one day Lord Lindsey of Byers, and Sir
Robert Melville, brother of Mary's former ambassador to Elizabeth. All
(09:49):
three were charged with a mission from the Regent to
the Queen. On the following day, everything fell back into
the usual routine, and William Douglas resumed his duties as carver.
Breakfast passed without Mary's having learned anything of George's departure
or Ruthven's arrival. On rising from the table, she went
to her window. Scarcely was she there than she heard
the sound of a horn echoing on the shores of
(10:10):
the lake, and saw a little troop of horsemen halt
while waiting for the boat to come and take those
who were going to the castle. The distance was too
great for Mary to recognize any of the visitors, but
it was clear from the signs of intelligence exchange between
the little troop and the inhabitants of the fortress that
the newcomers were her enemies. This was a reason why
the Queen, in her uneasiness, should not lose sight for
(10:31):
a moment of the boat which was going to fetch them.
She saw only two men get into it, and immediately
it put off again for the castle. As the boat
drew nearer, Mary's presentiments changed to real fears, for in
one of the men coming towards her, she thought she
made out Lord Lindsey of Buyers, the same who a
week before had brought her to her prison. It was
(10:51):
indeed he himself, as usual, in a steel helmet without
a visor, which allowed one to see his coarse face,
designed to express strong passions, as his long black beard,
with gray hairs here and there which covered his chest.
His person was protected as if it were in time
of war, with his faithful suit of armor, formerly polished
and well gilded, but which exposed without ceasing to rain
(11:13):
and mist, was now eaten up with rust. He had
slung on his back much as one slings a quiver,
a broadsword so heavy that it took two hands to
manage it, and so long that while the hill to
reach the left shoulder, the point reached the right spur.
In a word, he was still the same soldier, brave
to rashness, but a brutal to insolence, recognizing nothing but
(11:33):
right and force, and always ready to use force when
he believed himself in the right. The Queen was so
much taken up with the sight of Lord Lindsay of buyers,
that it was only just as the boat reached the
shore that she glanced at his companion and recognized that
Robert Melville. This was some consolation for whatever might happen,
She knew that she should find in him, if not ostensible,
at least secret sympathy. Besides his dress, by which one
(11:57):
could have judged him equally with Lord Lindsey, was a
pit contrast to his companions. It consisted of a black
velvet double it out, a cap and a feather of
the same hue fastened to it with a gold clasp.
His only weapon, offensive or defensive, was a little sword,
which he seemed to wear rather as a sign of
his rank than for attack or defense. As to his
features and his manners, they were in harmony with this
(12:19):
peaceful appearance. His pale countenance expressed both acuteness and intelligence.
His quick eye was mild, and his voice insinuating his
figure slight and a little bent by habit rather than
by years, since he was but forty five at this time,
indicated an easy and conciliatory character. However, the presence of
this man of peace, who seemed entrusted with watching over
(12:40):
the demon of war, could not reassure the Queen. And
as to get to the landing place in front of
the great door of the castle, the boat had just
disappeared behind the corner of a tower. She told Mary
Seaton to go down, that she might try to learn
what cause brought Lord Lindsey to Lochleven, while knowing that
with the force of character with which she was endowed,
she need know this cause but a few minutes before hand,
(13:00):
whatever it might be to give her countenance, that calm,
and that majesty which she had always found to influence
her enemies. Left alone, Mary let her glance stray back
to the little house in Kinross, her sole hope, But
the distance was too great to distinguish anything besides, its
shutters remained closed all day, and seemed to open only
in the evening, like the clouds, which, having covered the
(13:22):
sky for a whole morning, scatter at last to reveal
to the lost sailor a solitary star. She remained no
less motionless, her gaze always fixed on the same object.
When she was drawn from this mute contemplation by the
step of Mary Seaton, Well, Darling asked the Queen, turning round,
Your Majesty is not mistaken, replied the messenger. It really
(13:44):
was Sir Robert Melville and Lord Lindsey. But there came
yesterday with Sir William Douglas, a third ambassador, whose name
I am afraid will be still more odious to your
majesty than either of the two I have just pronounced.
You deceive yourself, Mary, the Queen answered, neither the name
of Melville nor that of Lindsay's odious to me. Melville's,
on the contrary, is, in my present circumstances, one of
(14:07):
those which I have most pleasure in hearing. As to
Lord Lindsey's, it is doubtless not agreeable to me, but
it is none the less an honorable name always borne
by men rough and wild. It is true, but incapable
of treachery. Tell me, then, what is this name? Mary?
For you see, I am calm and prepared, alas Madam returned, Mary,
(14:29):
calm and prepared as you may be. Collect all your strength,
not merely to hear this name uttered, but also to
receive in a few minutes the man who bears it.
For this name is that of Lord Ruffin. Mary Seton
had spoken truly in this name had a terrible influence
upon the queen. For scarcely had it escaped the young
girl's lips than Mary Stuart uttered a cry, and, turning
pale as if she were about to faint, caught hold
(14:50):
of the window ledge. Mary Seton, frightened at the effect
produced by this fatal name, immediately sprang to support the queen,
but she stretching one hand towards her while she lay
the other on her heart. It is nothing, said she,
I shall be better in a moment. Yes, Mary, Yes,
as you said. It is a fatal name, and mingled
with one of my most bloody memories. What such men
(15:12):
are coming to ask of me must be dreadful, indeed,
But no matter, I shall soon be ready to receive
my brother's ambassadors, for doubtless they are sent in his name, You, darling,
prevent their entering, for I must have some minutes to myself.
You know me, It will not take me long. With
these words, the Queen withdrew with a firm step to
her bed chamber. Mary Seton was left alone, admiring that
(15:35):
strength of character which made of Mary Stuart, in all
other respects so completely womanlike a man. In the hour
of danger, she immediately went to the door to close
it with the wooden bar that one passed between two
iron rings, But the bar had been taken away so
that there was no means of fastening the door from within.
In a moment, she heard some one coming up the stairs, and,
guessing from the heavy echoing step that this must be
(15:56):
Lord Lindsey, she looked round her once again to see
if she could find something to reap place the bar,
and finding nothing within reach, she passed her arm through
the rings, resolved to let it be broken rather than
allow anyone to approach her mistress before it suited her. Indeed,
hardly had those who were coming up reached the landing
than someone knocked violently and a harsh voice cried, come,
(16:17):
come open the door, open directly, and by what right?
Said Mary Seton. Am I ordered thus insolently to open
the Queen of Scotland's door, by the right of the
ambassador of the Regent to enter everywhere in his name?
I am Lord Lindsey, and I am come to speak
to Lady Mary Stuart. To be an ambassador, answered Mary Seton.
(16:43):
Is not to be exempted from having oneself announced in
visiting a woman, and much more a queen. And if
this ambassador is as he says, Lord Lindsey, he will
await his sovereign's leisure as every Scottish noble would do
in his place by Saint Andrew, cried Lord Lindsey, open
or I will break in the door. Do nothing to it,
my lord, I entreat you, said another voice, which Mary
(17:05):
recognized as Melville's. Let us rather wait for Lord Ruthven,
who is not yet ready upon my soul, cried Lindsey,
shaking the door. I shall not wait a second. Then,
seeing that it resisted, why did you not tell me then,
you scamp? Lindsey went on, speaking to the steward that
the bar had been removed. It is true, replied he
(17:29):
then returned lindsay, with what is this silly wench securing
the door with my arm, my lord, which I have
passed through the rings as the Douglas did for King
James the First, at a time when Douglass had dark
hair instead of red, and were faithful instead of being traitors.
Since you know your history so well, replied Lindsey in
(17:50):
a rage, you should remember that that weak barrier did
not hinder Graham, that Catherine Douglas's arm was broken like
a willow wand and that James the First was killed
like a But you, my lord, responded the courageous young
girl ought also to know the ballad that is still
sung in our time now on Robert Graham, the King's
(18:10):
destroy A shame to Robert Graham, cling shame who destroyed
our king, Mary, cried the queen, who had overheard this
altercation from her bedroom. Mary, I command you to open
the door directly, but do you hear? Mary obeyed, and
Lord Lindsey entered, followed by Melville, who walked behind him
with slow steps and bent head. Arrived in the middle
(18:33):
of the second room. Lord Lindsey stopped and looking round him,
well where is she? Then he asked, and has she
not already kept us waiting long enough outside without making
us wait again inside? Oh? Does she imagine that despite
these walls and these bars, she is always queen a patience,
my lord, murmured Sir Robert. You see that Lord Ruthven
(18:56):
has not yet come, And since we can do nothing
without him, let us wait. Let way who will replied
Lindsey inflamed with anger, But it will not be I.
And wherever she may be, I shall go and seek her.
With these words, he made some steps towards Mary Stuart's bedroom,
But at the same moment the Queen opened the door,
without seeming moved, either at the visit or at the
(19:17):
insolence of the visitors. And so lovely and so full
of majesty that each even Lindsey himself, was silent at
her appearance, and, as if in obedience to a higher power,
bowed respectfully before her. I fear I have kept you waiting,
my lord, said the queen, without replying to the ambassador's salutation,
otherwise than by a slight inclination of the head. But
(19:38):
a woman does not like to receive even enemies without
having spent a few minutes over her toilet. It is
true that men are less tenacious of ceremony, added she,
throwing a significant glance at Lord Lindsey's rusty armor and
soiled and pierced doublet Good day, Melville, she continued, without
paying attention to some words of excuse stammered by Lindsey.
Be welcome in my prison as you were in my palace,
(20:00):
for I believe you as devoted to the one as
to the other. Then turning Lindsey, who was looking interrogatively
at the door, impatient as he was for Ruthven to come,
you have there, my lord, said she, pointing to the
sword he carried over his shoulder, A faithful companion. Though
it is a little heavy. Did you expect, in coming
here to find enemies against whom to employ it? In
(20:23):
the contrary case, it is a strange ornament for a
lady's presence. But no matter, my Lord, I am too
much of a steward to feel the sight of a sword,
even if it were naked. I warn you it is
not out of place here, Madame replied Lindsey, bringing it
forward and leaning his elbow on its cross hilt. For
it is an old acquaintance of your family, your ancestors,
(20:47):
my lord, were brave and loyal enough for me not
to refuse to believe what you tell me. Besides, such
a good blade must have rendered them good service. Yes, Madame, yes,
surely it has done so. But that kind of servant
that kings do not forgive. He for whom it was
made was Archibald Belvecat, and he girded himself with it
the day when to justify his name he went to
(21:09):
seize the very tent of King James the Third, your grandfather,
his unworthy favorites Cochrane, Hummel, Leonard and Torpichen, whom he
hanged on louder Bridge with the halters of his soldiers horses.
It was also with the sword that he slew at
one blow in the lists spencer of Kilspindy, when insulted
him in the presence of King James the Fourth, counting
on his protection his master's according him, and which did
(21:32):
not guard him against it any more than his shield,
which had split in two at his master's death, which
took place two years after the defeat of Flatten, on
whose battlefield he left his two sons and two hundred
warriors of the name of Douglas it passed into the
hands of the Earl of Angus, who drew it from
the scabbard when he drove the Hamiltons out of Edinburgh,
And that so quickly and completely that the affair was
(21:53):
called a sweeping of the streets. Finally, your father James
the Fifth sawd glisten in the fire of the bridge
over the Tweed, when Burkeloyck, stirred up by him, wanted
to snatch from him the guardianship of the Douglases. And
when ady warriors of the name of Scott remained on
the battlefield, But said the Queen, how is it that
(22:14):
this weapon, after such exploits, has not remained as a
trophy in the Douglas family. No doubt the Earl of
Angus required a great occasion to decide him to renounce
in your favor this modern excalipur history of Scotland by
Sir Walter Scott, the Abbot historical part. Yes, no doubt, Madam,
it was upon a great occasion, replied Lindsey, in spite
(22:36):
of the employing signs made by Melville. And this will
have at least the advantage of the others in being
sufficiently recent for you to remember it was ten days
ago on the battlefield of Carbury Hill, Madam, when the
infamous Bothwell had the audacity to make a public challenge,
in which he defied to single combat whomsoever would dare
to maintain that he was not innocent of the murder
(22:58):
of the King your husband. I made him answer, then,
I the third, that he was an assassin, And as
he refused a fight with the other two others, under
the pretext that they were only barons, I presented myself
in my turn, I who am an earl and a lord.
It was on that occasion that the noble Earl of
Morton gave me the sword to fight him to the death,
(23:19):
so that, if he had been a little more presumptuous
or a little less cowardly, dogs and vultures would be
eating at this moment the pieces that, with the help
of this good sword I should have carved for them
from that traitor's carcass. At these words, Mary Seton and
Robert Melville looked at each other in terror, for the
events that they recalled were so recent that they were,
(23:40):
so to speak, still living in the Queen's heart. But
the Queen, with incredible impassibility and smile of contempt on
her lips. It is easy, my lord, said she, to
vanquish an enemy who does not appear in the lists. However,
believe me, if Mary had inherited the Stuart's sword, as
she has inherited their scepter, you are sword long as
it is, would yet have seemed to you too short.
(24:02):
But as you have only to relate to us now,
my Lord, what you intended doing, and not what you
have done, think it fit that I bring you back
something of more reality. For I do not suppose you
have given yourself the trouble to come here purely and
simply to add a chapter to the little treatise de
roromontar Espanola by Monsieur de Branton. You are right, Madame,
(24:25):
replied Lindsey, reddening with anger, and you would already know
the object of our mission. Of Lord Ruffin did not
so ridiculously keep us waiting, but added, he have patience.
The matter will not be long now, for here he is. Indeed,
at the moment they heard steps mounting the staircase and
approaching the room, And at the sound of these steps,
(24:46):
the Queen, who had borne with such firmness Lindsey's insults
grew so perceptibly paler that Melville, who did not take
his eyes off her, put out his hand towards the
arm chair, as if to push it towards her. But
the Queen made a sign that she had no need
of it, and gave that the door with apparent calm,
Lord Ruffin appeared. It was the first time that she
had seen the son since Rizzio had been assassinated by
(25:07):
the father. Lord Ruffn was both a warrior and a statesman,
and at this moment his dress savored of the two professions.
It consisted of a close coat of embroidered buff leather,
elegant enough to be worn as a court undress, and
on which, if need were, one could buckle a cuirass
for battle. Like his father, he was pale. Like his father,
he was to die young, and even more like his father,
(25:28):
his countenance wore that ill omened melancholy by which fortune
tellers recognize those who are to die a violent death.
Lord Ruthven united in himself the polished dignity of a
courtier and the inflexible character of a minister, but quite resolved,
as he was to obtain from Mary Stuart, even if
it were by violence what he had come to demand
in the region's name. He nonetheless made her on, entering
(25:50):
a cold but respectful greeting, to which the Queen responded
with a courtesy. Then the steward drew up to the
empty armchairry heavy table, on which had been prepared everything
necessary for writing, and at a sign from the two lords,
he went out, leaving the Queen and her companion alone
with the three ambassadors. Then the Queen, seeing that this
table and this arm chair were put ready for her,
sat down, and, after a moment herself, breaking this silence
(26:13):
more gloomy than any word could have been, my lords
said she, you see that I wait. Can it be
that this message which you have to communicate to me
is so terrible that two soldiers as renowned as Lord
Lindsey and Lord Ruffin hesitate at the moment of transmitting it.
Madam answered Ruffin, I am not of a family as
(26:34):
you know, which ever hesitates to perform a duty, painful
as it may be. Besides, we hope that your captivity
has prepared you to hear what we have to tell you.
On the part of the Secret Council, the Secret Council
said the queen instituted by me, By what right does
it act without me? No matter I am waiting for
(26:55):
this message. I suppose it is a petition to implore
my mercy for the men who have dared to reach
to a power that I hold only from God. Madam
replied Ruthven, who appeared to have undertaken the painful roll
of spokesman, while Lindsey, mute and impatient, fidgeted with the
hilt of his longsword. It is distressing to me to
have to undeceive you on this point. It is not
(27:16):
your mercy that I come to ask. It is, on
the contrary, the pardon of the Secret Council that I
come to offer you to me, My Lord, to me,
cried Mary, subjects offer pardon to their queen. Oh, it
is such a new and wonderful thing that my amazement
outweighs my indignation, and that I beg you to continue
(27:36):
instead of stopping there, as perhaps I ought to do.
And I obey you so much the more willingly. Madame
went on Ruthven, unperturbably, that this pardon is only granted
on certain conditions stated in these documents, destined to re
establish the tranquility of the state, so cruelly compromised by
the errors that they are going to repair. And shall
(27:59):
I be permitted, my Lord, to read these documents, or
must I allured, by my confidence in those who present
them to me, sign them with my eyes shut? No,
Madame Ruthven returned, the Secret Council desire on the contrary,
that you acquaint yourself with them, for you must sign
them Freely. Read me these documents, my Lord, for such
(28:21):
a reading as I think included in the strange duties
you have accepted. Lord Ruffin took one of the two
papers that he had in his hand and read, with
the impassiveness of his usual voice, the following summoned from
my tenderest youth to the Government of the Kingdom and
to the Crown of Scotland. I have carefully attended to
the administration, but I have experienced so much fatigue and
(28:43):
trouble that I no longer find my mind free enough,
nor my strength great enough to support the burden of
affairs of state. Accordingly, and as divine favor has granted
us a son whom we desire to see during our
lifetime bear the crown which he has acquired by right
of birth, we have reason to abdicate, and we abdicate
in his favor by these presents, freely and voluntary all
(29:06):
our rights to the Crown and to the Government of Scotland,
desiring that he may immediately ascend the throne as if
he were called to it by our natural death, and
not as the effect of our own will, and that
our present ablication may have a more complete and solemn effect,
and that no one should put forward the claim of ignorance.
We give full powers to our trusty and faithful cousins,
(29:28):
the Lords Lindsay of Byers and William Ruthven, to appear
in our name before the nobility of the clergy and
the Burgesses of Scotland, of whom they will convoke an
assembly at Stirling, and to their renounce publicly and solemnly
on our part all our claims to the Crown and
to the Government of Scotland, Signed freely and as the
(29:49):
testimony of one of our last royal wishes, in our
castle of Lochleaven the June fifteen sixty seven. The date
was left blank. There was a moment's silence after this reading.
Then did you hear? Madame asked Ruthven. Yes, replied Mary Stuart. Yes,
(30:12):
I have heard rebellious words that I have not understood,
and I thought that my ears that one has tried
to accustom for some time to a strange language, still
deceived me, and that I have thought for your honor,
my Lord William Ruthbin and my Lord Lindsey of Byers.
Madame answered Lindsey, out of patience at having kept silence
so long. Our honor has nothing to do with the
(30:34):
opinion of a woman who has so ill known how
to watch over her own, my Lord, said Melville, risking
a word. Let him speak. Robert returned the Queen, we
have in our conscience armor as well tempered as that
with which Lord Lindsey is so prudently covered, although to
the shame of justice, we no longer have a sword. Continue,
(30:54):
my lord, the queen went on, turning to Lord Ruthven.
Is this all that my subjects require of me? A
date and a signature? Huh, doubtless it is too little.
And the second paper which you have kept in order
to proceed by degrees probably contains some demand more difficult
to grant than that of yielding to a child scarcely
a year old a crown which belongs to me by birthright,
(31:15):
and to abandon my scepter to take a distaff This
other paper, replied Ruthven, without letting himself be intimidated by
the tone of bitter irony adopted by the Queen, is
the deed by which your grace confirms the decision of
the Secret Council, which has named your beloved brother, the
Earl of Murray, Regent of the Kingdom. Indeed, said Mary,
(31:39):
the Secret Council thinks it needs my confirmation to an
act of such slight importance, and my beloved brother to
bear it without remorse, needs that it should be I
who add a fresh title to those of Earl of
mar and of Murray that I have already bestowed upon him.
But one cannot desire anything more respectful in touching than
all this, and I should be very very wrong to complain,
(32:01):
my lords, continued the Queen, rising and changing her tone.
Return to those who have sent you and tell them
that to such demands, Mary Stuart has no answer to give.
Take care, Madame responded Ruffin, For I have told you
it is only on these conditions that your pardon can
be granted you. And if I refuse this generous pardon,
(32:22):
asked Mary, What will happen? I cannot pronounce beforehand, Madam,
but your grace has enough knowledge of the laws, and
above all, of the history of Scotland and England, to
know that murder and adultery are crimes for which more
than one queen has been punished with death. And upon
what proofs could such a charge be founded? My Lord,
(32:43):
pardon my persistence, which takes up your precious time, but
I am sufficiently interested in the matter to be permitted
such a question. The proof, Madame returned ruffin. There is
but one I know, but that one is unexceptionable. It
is the precipit marriage of the widow of the assassinated
with the chief assassin, and the letters which have been
(33:05):
handed over to us by James Balfour, which prove that
the guilty persons had united their adulterous hearts, for it
was permitted them to unite their bloody hands. My lord
cried the Queen, do you forget a certain repast given
in Edinburgh Tavern by the same bothwell to those same
noblemen who treat him today as an adulterer and a murderer.
(33:26):
Do you forget that at the end of that meal,
and on the same table at which it has been
given a paper was invited to sign that same woman,
to whom to day you make the haste of her
new wedding a crime, to leave off a widow's morning
to reassume a marriage robe. For if you have forgotten it,
my lords, which would do no more honor to your
sobriety than to your memory, I undertake to show it
(33:46):
to you. I you have preserved it. And perhaps if
we search well, we shall find among the signatures the
names of Lindsey of Buyers, and William Ruthven, Oh noble
Lord Harry's, cried Mary, loyalty Eames Melville. You alone were
right then when you threw yourselves at my feet entreating
me not to conclude this marriage, which I see it
(34:06):
clearly to day was only a trap set for an
ignorant woman by perfidious advisers or disloyal lords. Madam, cried Ruthven,
in spite of his cold impassivity, beginning to lose command
of himself, while Lindsey was giving still more noisy and
less equivocal signs of impatience. Madame, all these discussions are
beside our aim. I beg you to return to it then,
(34:30):
and inform us if your life and honor guaranteed you
consent to abdicate the crown of Scotland. And what safeguard
should I have that the promises you hear make me
will be kept? Our word, Madame, proudly replied Ruffin. Your word,
my lord, is a very feeble pledged to offer when
(34:52):
one so quickly forgets one's signature. Have you not some
trifle to add to it? To make me a little
easier than I should be with it alone? Enough? Ruffin, Enough,
cried Lindsey. Do you not see that for an hour
this woman answers our proposals only by insults? Yes, let
us go, said Ruffin, And thank yourself only, Madame, for
(35:12):
the day when the thread breaks which holds the sword
suspended over your head, My lords, cried Melville. My lord's
in Heaven's name a little patience, and forgive something to her,
who accustomed to command, is to day forced to obey.
Very well, said Lindsey, turning round. Stay with her, then,
and try to obtain by your smooth words what is
(35:35):
refused to our frank and loyal demand. In a quarter
of an hour, we shall return and let the answer
be ready in a quarter of an hour. With these words,
the two noblemen went out, leaving Melville with the Queen,
and one could count their footsteps from the noise that
Lindsay's great sword made and resounding on each step of
the staircase. Scarcely were they alone than Melville threw himself
(35:55):
at the Queen's feet. Madame said, he you remark just
now that Lord Harry's and my brother had given your
majesty advice, that you repented not having followed. Well, Madame,
reflect on that I, in my turn give you, for
it is more important than the other. For you will
regret with still some bitterness not having listened to it. Ah,
you do not know what may happen. You are ignorant
(36:17):
of what your brother is capable. It seems to me, however,
returned the Queen, that he has just instructed me on
that head. What more will he do than he has
done already? A public trial? Oh, it is all I ask.
Let me only plead my case and we shall see
what judges will dare to condemn me. But that is
(36:38):
what they will take good care not to do. Madame
for they would be mad to do it when they
keep you here in this isolated castle, in the care
of your enemies, having no witness but God, who avenges crime,
but who does not prevent it. Recollect, Madame, what Macchiavelli
has said. A king's tomb is never far from his prison.
You come of a family in which one dies, young madame,
(37:00):
and almost always of a sudden death. Two of your
ancestors perished by steel and one by poison. Oh if
my death were sudden and easy, cried Mary. Yes, I
should accept it as an expiation for my faults. For
if I am proud when I compare myself with others, Melville,
I am humble when I judge myself. I am unjustly
accused of being an accomplished of Darnley's death, but I
(37:23):
am justly condemned for having married bothwell. Time presses, Madame,
Time presses, cried Melville, looking at the sand, which placed
on the table, was marking the time they are coming back.
They will be here in a minute, and this time
you must give them an answer. Listen, Madame, and at
least profit by your situation as much as you can.
You are alone here with one woman, without friends, without protection,
(37:46):
without power. An abdication signed at such a juncture will
never appear to your people, who have been freely given,
but will always pass as having been torn from you
by force. And if need be, Madame, if the day
comes when such a solemn declaration is worth something, well,
then you will have two witnesses of the violence done you.
The one will be Mary Seaton, and the other, he added,
(38:08):
in a low voice, and looking uneasily about him, the
other will be Robert Melville. Hardly had he finished speaking
when the footsteps of the two nobles were again heard
on the staircase, returning even before the quarter of an
hour had elapsed. A moment afterwards, the door opened and
Ruthven appeared, while over his shoulder was seen Lindsey's head.
(38:29):
Madame said Ruffin, we have returned. Has your grace decided?
We come for your answer? Yes, said Lindsey, pushing aside Ruffin,
who stood in his way, and advancing to the table. Yes,
an answer, clear, precise, positive, and without dissimulation. You are exacting,
my lord, said the Queen. You would scarcely have the
(38:52):
right to expect that from me if I were in
full liberty on the other side of the lake, and
surrounded with a faithful escort. But between these walls, behind
these bars, in the depths of this fortress, I shall
not tell you that I signed voluntarily, lest you should
not believe it. But no matter, if you want my signature, well,
I am going to give it to you. Melville, pass
(39:14):
me the pen. But I hope, said Lord Ruffin, that
your grace is not counting on using your present position
one day an argument to protest against what you are
going to do. The Queen had already stooped to write.
She had already set her hand to the paper when
Ruffin spoke to her. But scarcely had he done so
than she rose up, proudly and letting fall the pen.
(39:37):
My Lord said she. What you asked of me just
now was but an abdication, pure and simple, and I
was going to sign it. But if to this abdication
is joined this marginal note, then I renounce of my
own accord, and as judging myself unworthy the throne of Scotland,
I would not do it for the three United crowns
that I have been robbed of. In return, take care, madam,
(39:59):
cried Lord Lindsey, seizing the Queen's wrists with his steel
gauntlet and squeezing it with all his angry strength. Take care,
for our patience is at an end, and we could
easily end by breaking what would not bend. The Queen
remained standing, and although a violent flush had passed like
a flame over her countenance, she did not utter a
word and did not move. Her eyes only were fixed
(40:20):
with such a great expression of contempt on those of
the rough baron that he ashamed of the passion that
had carried him away, let go the hand he had seized,
and took a step back, then raising her sleeve and
showing the violent marks made on her arm by Lord
Lindsey's steel gauntlets. This is what I expected, my lords,
said she, and nothing prevents me any longer from signing. Yes,
(40:43):
I freely abdicate the throne and Crown of Scotland. And
there is the proof that my will has not been forced.
With these words, she took the pen and rapidly signed
the two documents, held them out to Lord Ruffin, and,
bowing with great dignity, withdrew slowly into her room, accompanied
by Mary Seaton. Ruffin looked after her, and when she
had disappeared. It doesn't matter, he said. She has signed,
(41:08):
and although the means you employed, Lindsey, may be obsolete
enough in diplomacy, it is not the less efficacious. It seems,
no joking, Ruffin, said Lindsey, For she is a noble creature,
and if I had dared, I should have thrown myself
at her feet to ask her forgiveness. There is still time,
replied Ruffin, and Mary, in her present situation, will not
(41:30):
be severe upon you. Perhaps she has resolved to appeal
to the judgment of God to prove her innocence, and
in that case a champion such as you might well
change the face of things. Do not joke, Ruffin, Lindsey
answered a second time with more violence than the first.
For if I were as well convinced of her innocence
as I am of her crime, I tell you that
(41:52):
no one should touch a hair of her head, not
even the regent the devil, my lord, said Ruffin. I
did not know you were so sensitive to a gentle
voice and a tearful eye. You know the story of
Achilles lance, which healed with its russ the wounds it
made with its edge. A do likewise, my lord, do
likewise enough. Ruffin, Enough, replied lindsay, you are like a
(42:17):
Corselets of Milan Steele, which is three times as bright
as the steel armor of Glasgow, but which is at
the same time Thrice's heart. We know one another, Ruffin,
so an end to railleries are threats enough, believe me enough.
And after these words, Lord Lindsey went out first, followed
by Ruthven and Melville, the first with his head high
and affecting an air of insolent indifference, and the second sad,
(42:40):
his brow bent and not even trying to disguise the
painful impression which this scene had made on him. History
of Scotland by Sir Walter Scott, The Abbot Historical Part
end of Chapter five, Part two recording by John van
Stan Savannah, Georgia
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com