madam. I am an honest
gentleman of unquestioned parentage, and have already sent in my
demand for the coat-of-arms that is lawfully mine. Can you say as
much for yourself?

ELIZABETH. _[almost beside herself]_ Another word; and I begin with
mine own hands the work the hangman shall finish.

SHAKESPEAR. You are no true Tudor: this baggage here has as good a
right to your royal seat as you. What maintains you on the throne of
England? Is it your renowned wit? your wisdom that sets at naught the
craftiest statesmen of the Christian world? No. Tis the mere chance
that might have happened to any milkmaid, the caprice of Nature that
made you the most wondrous piece of beauty the age hath seen.
_[Elizabeth's raised fists, on the point of striking him, fall to her
side]._ That is what hath brought all men to your feet, and founded
your throne on the impregnable rock of your proud heart, a stony
island in a sea of desire. There, madam, is some wholesome blunt
honest speaking for you. Now do your worst.

ELIZABETH. _[with dignity]_ Master Shakespear: it is well for you
that I am a merciful prince. I make allowance for your rustic
ignorance. But remember that there are things which be true, and are
yet not seemly to be said (I will not say to a queen; for you will
have it that I am none) but to a virgin.

SHAKESPEAR. _[bluntly]_ It is no fault of mine that you are a
virgin, madam, albeit tis my misfortune.

THE DARK LADY. _[terrified again]_ In mercy, madam, hold no further
discourse with him. He hath ever some lewd jest on his tongue. You
hear how he useth me! calling me baggage and the like to your
Majesty's face.

ELIZABETH. As for you, mistress, I have yet to demand what your
business is at this hour in this place, and how you come to be so
concerned with a player that you strike blindly at your sovereign in
your jealousy of him.

THE DARK LADY. Madam: as I live and hope for salvation--

SHAKESPEAR. _[sardonically]_ Ha!

THE DARK LADY. _[angrily]_--ay, I'm as like to be saved as thou
that believest naught save some black magic of words and verses--I
say, madam, as I am a living woman I came here to break with him for
ever. Oh, madam, if you would know what misery is, listen to this man
that is more than man and less at the same time. He will tie you down
to anatomize your very soul: he will wring tears of blood from your
humiliation; and then he will heal the wound with flatteries