Mary Stuart by Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller
page 10 of 240 (04%)
page 10 of 240 (04%)
|
She sees a second keeper, and beholds
Fresh bolts and bars against her multiplied. PAULET. No iron-grate is proof against her wiles. How do I know these bars are not filed through? How that this floor, these walls, that seem so strong Without, may not be hollow from within, And let in felon treachery when I sleep? Accursed office, that's intrusted to me, To guard this cunning mother of all ill! Fear scares me from my sleep; and in the night I, like a troubled spirit, roam and try The strength of every bolt, and put to proof Each guard's fidelity:--I see, with fear, The dawning of each morn, which may confirm My apprehensions:--yet, thank God, there's hope That all my fears will soon be at an end; For rather would I at the gates of hell Stand sentinel, and guard the devilish host Of damned souls, than this deceitful queen. KENNEDY. Here comes the queen. PAULET. Christ's image in her hand. Pride, and all worldly lusts within her heart. |
|