Rosamond, therefore, being innocent, it stands to reason that it would not be fair to poison her, as in the story; and so the Queen (played originally by Robson) is made to excuse her clemency in not forcing the girl to accept the "cup" she offers her:-- Why's Rosamond not killed at all? You see, She isn't poisoned as she ought to be! Because, in deference to modern ways, No poisoned heroines can end our plays; Besides, the brimming cup she held this minute, Like the objection, friends, has nothing in it. You'll say, with history we freedom use; Well, don't historians write to suit their views? We answer to the critical consistory, That we have made _our_ views to suit our history. One of the most amusing scenes in the burlesque is that in which Ellinor meets Henry for the first time after hearing of his infidelity:-- _Q. Ellinor_ (_coming down close to Henry_). Ahem! _K. Henry._ You spoke. (_Aside_) I see with rage she's brimming. _Q. Ellin._ (_aside_). I gave a "hem"--now I'll begin my trimming. False man! _K. Hen._ Pooh, pooh! the epithet's beneath Contempt--I cast it in your false teeth. _Q. Ellin._ False teeth! _K. Hen._ False hair! _Q. Ellin._ Your speech, sir, is too blunt. _False hair!_ I will not put up with affront, I'd rather dye. _K. Hen._ For my consent don't wait; _Die early!_ on this subject don't _di-late_. _Q. Ellin._ Dost thou remember once a foreign land, Dost thou remember lovers hand in hand, Dost thou remember those soft murmuring lispers, Dost thou remember 'twas the hour of _Vispers_, Dost thou remember, as I think you must, _Dost_ thou---- _K. Hen._ Oh! do not kick up such a _dust_. I really cannot stand and listen to it, Thank goodness, no one but yourself _du'st_ do it. _Q. Ellin._ Treat me with scorn--that's right. Oh, ne'er was seen A _suv'rin_ King with such a _suff'rin_ Queen!