tinual intercessions tending to the safety of our
person, and also to the public and private state of our realm, we have at
last consented and suffered that justice have its course, and for its
execution, considering the singular confidence we have in your fidelity
and loyalty together for the love and affection that you have toward us,
particularly to the safe-guarding of our person and our country of which
you are very noble and chief members; we summon, and, for the discharge
of it we enjoin you, that at sight of these presents you go to the castle
of Fotheringay, where the former Queen of Scotland is, in the care of our
friend and faithful servant and counsellor, Sir Amyas Paulet, and there
take into your keeping and do that by your command execution be done on
her person, in the presence of yourselves and the said Sir Amyas Paulet,
and of all the other officers of justice whom you command to be there: in
the meantime we have for this end and this execution given warrant in
such a way and manner, and in such a time and place, and by such persons,
that you five, four, three, or two, find expedient in your discretion;
notwithstanding all laws, statutes, and ordinances whatsoever, contrary
to these presents, sealed with our Great Seal of England, which will
serve for each of you, and all those who are present, or will make by
your order anything pertaining to the execution aforesaid full and
sufficient discharge for ever.

"Done and given in our house at Greenwich, the first day of February
(10th February New Style), in the twenty-ninth year of our reign."

Mary listened to this reading with great calmness and great dignity;
then, when it was ended, making the sign of the cross--

"Welcome," said she, "to all news which comes in the name of God! Thanks,
Lord, for that You deign to put an end to all the ills You have seen me
suffer for nineteen years and more."

"Madam," said the Earl of Kent, "have no ill-will towards us on account
of your death; it was necessary to the peace of the State and the
progress of the new religion."

"So," cried Mary with delight, "so I shall have the happiness of dying
for the faith of my fathers; thus God deigns to grant me the glory of
martyrdom. Thanks, God," added she, joining her hands with less
excitement but with more piety, "thanks that You have deigned to destine
for me such an end, of which I was not worthy. That, O my God, is indeed
a proof of Your love, and an assurance th