LEICESTER (_rubbing his hands and laughing_). No! No! Your father’s daughter for that! It was a masterly counter-thrust for him. I should like to see the Pope’s face when he considers your position. (_He walks musing_, _then confronts the_ QUEEN) Here you stand an excommunicated Princess; entirely unscathed by his thunder. Your throne is as firm as the primeval rock. You hold prisoner Mary, that was Queen of Scotland, the Dowager Queen of France, the Representative of Papal claims upon the throne. Yet not one member of the Catholic Nobility is ready to do the behests of the Pope in regard to your life or title. QUEEN. And the people! the Great English people! the fearless! the free! Are they not more enthusiastic than ever? When do I show myself among them that they do not crowd around me with the idolatry of devotion, proud to kiss the hem of my robe, or touch the horse that bears me. Woe to the assassin who should lift a finger! He would be torn limb from limb. Yes! Yes! Leicester, I am safe among my People (_she walks about confidently then stands and passionately continues_) They know I love them, and will never betray their liberties or their honour (_walking aside with emotion_). LEICESTER. You are the only Sovereign in the world that can freely move abroad without other guards than the people. QUEEN. The Catholics of England never did, and never will, acknowledge the power of the Pope to annul their liberties, or to interfere in the government of their country. They will hear the Mass, but they will have none of his Bulls. They have had too much of Ecclesiastical Courts, and Appeals to Rome. That question was decided long ago, when the Clergy tried to substitute the Canon for the Common Law, and Parliament and People proclaimed with one voice “We will not have the Laws of England changed” (_she walks with a triumphant air_). LEICESTER. The Court of Rome takes credit for great cunning and deep policy. Their present folly does surprise me; to threat without the power to strike. On whom does it rely? On France or Spain? Neither could permit the other to attack us, and concert is impossible ’twixt elements ajar. QUEEN. They both are suing me for favours and alliance. Nay! every Power in Europe.—I am the Arbitress of Nations. LEICESTER (_fiercely_). Besides! Our Naval heroes boldly say, their fleets combined could never land an army on our shores, and if they could, England like one man would rise and dash invasion from her! (_He walks exultingly aside_).