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488
MARY TUDOR

these men be duly tried before we set out for Oxford, where we shall open Parliament, and for Windsor, where we shall celebrate our Easter.

[To the Headsman.

Come hither, you. I rejoice to see you. You are a worthy servitor. You are old, you have already seen three reigns. 'Tis an ancient custom that the sovereigns of this realm shall make you a gift, the most magnificent gift that may be, upon their accession. My father Henry the Eighth gave you the diamond clasp from his cloak. My brother Edward the Sixth gave you a drinking-cup of carved gold. 'Tis my turn now. I have as yet given you nothing. I must needs bestow a gift on you. Come nearer.

[Pointing to Fabiani.

You see that head, that youthful, charming head, that head which only this morning was what I held most beautiful, dearest and most precious in all the world?—Well, that head—you see it, do you not?— I give to you!

THIRD DAY.WHICH OF THE TWO?


FIRST PART.


A Room in the Tower of London.—An ogive arch upheld by large pillars. At the right and left the narrow doors of two dungeons. At the right a small window supposed to look upon the Thames; at the left another small window supposed to look upon the street. On each side a door concealed in the wall. At the back of the stage a gallery, with a sort of balcony enclosed