FERIA. Mere compliments and wishes.
But shall I take some message from your Grace?
MARY. Tell her to come and close my dying eyes,
And wear my crown, and dance upon my grave.
FERIA. Then I may say your Grace will see your
sister?
Your Grace is too low-spirited. Air and sunshine.
I would we had you, Madam, in our warm Spain.
You droop in your dim London.
MARY. Have him away!
I sicken of his readiness.
LADY CLARENCE. My Lord Count,
Her Highness is too ill for colloquy.
FERIA (kneels, and kisses her hand).
I wish her Highness better. (Aside) How her
hand burns!
[Exeunt.
ELIZABETH, STEWARD OF THE HOUSEHOLD, ATTENDANTS.
ELIZABETH. There’s half an angel wrong’d
in your account;
Methinks I am all angel, that I bear it
Without more ruffling. Cast it o’er again.
STEWARD. I were whole devil if I wrong’d
you, Madam.
[Exit
STEWARD.
ATTENDANT. The Count de Feria, from the King
of Spain.
ELIZABETH. Ay!—let him enter.
Nay, you need not go:
[To her LADIES.
Remain within the chamber, but apart.
We’ll have no private conference. Welcome
to
England!
Enter FERIA.
FERIA. Fair island star!
ELIZABETH. I shine! What
else, Sir Count?
FERIA. As far as France, and into Philip’s
heart.
My King would know if you be fairly served,
And lodged, and treated.
ELIZABETH. You see the lodging,
sir,
I am well-served, and am in everything
Most loyal and most grateful to the Queen.
FERIA. You should be grateful to my master, too.
He spoke of this; and unto him you owe
That Mary hath acknowledged you her heir.
ELIZABETH. No, not to her nor him; but to the
people,
Who know my right, and love me, as I love
The people! whom God aid!
FERIA. You will be Queen,
And, were I Philip—
ELIZABETH. Wherefore pause you—what?
FERIA. Nay, but I speak from mine own self, not
him;
Your royal sister cannot last; your hand
Will be much coveted! What a delicate one!
Our Spanish ladies have none such—and there,
Were you in Spain, this fine fair gossamer gold—
Like sun-gilt breathings on a frosty dawn—
That hovers round your shoulder—
ELIZABETH. Is it so fine?
Troth, some have said so.
FERIA. —would be deemed
a miracle.
ELIZABETH. Your Philip hath gold hair and golden
beard;
There must be ladies many with hair like mine.
