Mary of Scotland

COURTIERS CHATTER

STAFF BANGS

The most high and mighty sovereign Elizabeth.

By the grace of God, Queen of England!

FANFARE PLAYS

Randolph!

You'll never lie in the law if you're glued to the floor. Get out!

-Has something upset Your Majesty?

-Throckmorton, tell them!

Mary Stuart has sailed from France for Scotland.

What are we to do?

-Did Your Majesty grant her England's safe conduct of the sea?

-No!

She defied my ambassador, and me.

Refused to acknowledge I am the rightful queen of England.

Now she shows her true colours!

Suppose she lands. What then?

Her presence in Scotland will endanger Your Majesty's throne.

She is the legitimate heir of Henry VII.

Her claims to succeed Your Majesty must be acknowledged.

Not by me. Never.

I should fail in my duty to Your Majesty if I did not state facts.

We must face the fact that in the eyes of Europe you are a pretender to the throne of England.

Because the marriage of your father, Henry VIII, to your mother,

Anne Boleyn, is deemed invalid.

They call me illegitimate. Go on.

That being faced,

Mary Stuart must not be allowed to land in Scotland.

She will use that throne as a stepping stone to yours.

She must be seized at sea!

By English ships? But that would offend France, offend all Europe.

Have I no captain who can raise a black flag on occasion?

They do it often enough when I forbid it!

-What happened, Randolph?

-Hawkins!

-What did she say?

O, Heavenly Father,

I give Thee thanks for the security of this voyage,

which has brought us safely to my native land.

Counsel my heart,

guide my steps in this land of my birth

that I may rule with piety

and wisdom.

The Queen is coming! Queen Mary!

The Queen is coming! The Queen is coming!

COURTIERS ARGUE

DOG BARKS

COURTIERS SHOUT AT ONCE

DOG BARKS

ARGUMENT CONTINUES

ARGUMENT CEASES My Lord. Your sister Mary is on her way to Edinburgh.

You're daft, man!

I've seen her. She landed at Leith. She'll be here any moment!

COURTIERS LAUGH

Your regency's over, Moray. You'll step down now.

Aye! No longer you rule Scotland! THEY JEER

My lords! We'd, er, better go down and meet her.

No. You'll wait here.

You've gathered here to welcome her.

Understand?

Another thing. Remember you lords are the real power of Scotland. You can afford to hold your tongues.

Leave all speech to Lethington. Especially you, Ruthven and Morton.

Your Majesty.

James. James Stuart.

-SHE LAUGHS

-I would have known you anywhere.

And I you, my dear...sister. Welcome home.

Welcome to Scotland, Mary.

Thank you, James.

Frankly, I was worried. Thank heaven you crossed the sea safely.

Oh, none too safely. We were pursued. They captured the ship that carried our horses.

Hence that ridiculous horse not a triumphant homecoming!

Pursued at sea? By freebooters?

A freebooter. With a skirt, I dare say.

The lords of Scotland are waiting to greet you in the Great Hall.

Will you see them now?

Oh, I did so want to look my best after all these years.

Remember the old days at Inchmaholme?

I was a spoiled little girl and you seemed such a man.

You'll never know how I admired you.

You haven't changed at all.

Thank you for the welcome you have given me, my lords.

I have been 13 years away. It is not of my own choice that I went,

but it is of my own choice that I have returned.

You will find me young perhaps, inexperienced,

but with the support of all of you, and with the Earl of Moray at my side,

I shall rule fairly and justly.

Thank you, Your Gracious Majesty.

The name of Stuart, of your father, is loved and honoured in Scotland.

One moment, Lethington!

Can't we welcome Her Majesty without the presence of foreigners?

No, David.

Rizzio is my secretary.

He will remain.

Continue, Lethington.

-No affront is intended, Your Majesty.

-I understand.

On behalf of these lords and nobles of your kingdom,

I wish to assure you of our unwavering loyalty.

Differences we may have...

..but they shall not divide us.

Differences? What differences?

Oh, nothing that cannot be resolved, Your Majesty.

What differences, m'lord?

Lethington meant nothing of importance, dear sister.

What did he mean, James?

He was mindful of your...religion.

You call that nothing of importance?

It's your religion, too, James.

Please try to understand.

Conditions are changing. The old faith is passing.

-This is John Knox's day in Scotland.

-And you've gone over to his side?

-I've only followed my conscience.

-I hope you have one, James.

I had your interests at stake. I was regent, I had to protect your throne.

By attacking what I hold most dear?

By befriending Knox. Do you realise the power he holds?

-If you want the people behind you, do as Moray has done.

-There's Elizabeth.

-Where is Elizabeth?

-Born in the old faith like yourself.

-But she gets off a ship when it sinks.

-I don't like your tone.

My religion is no garment to be put on and off with the weather.

I shall worship as I please and hope for all to do so in Scotland.

-Good for you, lassie.

-You're from the north. Are you a turncoat?

No, and I'll defend to the death your right to worship as you wish.

Thank you, Huntly.

And now let that be an end of this unimportant matter.

Is there anything else on your minds, m'lords?

-We're here to speak about your marriage.

-Ruthven!

-Go on, Lethington!

-We hesitated to mention this, Your Majesty,

-but now you have returned.

-Why mince words, Lethington?

The king of France died when I was 18.

Naturally, I'm free to marry again. If I choose to.

We realise the matter is delicate, Your Majesty.

-I'm glad you realise that.

-It is of grave importance.

If you made a foreign alliance what would happen here?

Until you are married to a loyal Scot whom we can trust, Scotland will be unsettled.

All we wish is to see you safe on your throne.

It's true. Until men know what alliance you will make,

the clans will sleep with their swords in their hands.

-You've decided on my husband?

-Aye.

-One of you?

COURTIERS: No!

-We've considered your welfare in choosing him.

-Choosing whom?

Lord Darnley. A Stuart. The heir after you to the throne of England.

You said you would never give up your claim to the succession.

Marry Darnley and strengthen it.

Of course, I can't give myself out to be a virgin queen,

like our cousin Elizabeth.

But suppose I don't choose to marry at all?

Then you'll do as you please, and I'm behind you, lassie.

Thank you, Huntly.

I see I have one friend here.

-Where is the Earl of Bothwell?

-MEN LAUGH

-You laugh, Morton?

-No offence...

-It concerns the Earl of Bothwell?

Something he said about Your Majesty, yes.

And what did he say?

Bothwell said you and Elizabeth rolled together wouldn't make you an honest woman.

And do my lords allow my name to be slandered?

Your Majesty, there's no love lost between us and Bothwell.

-Take no account of that speech.

-I shall take account of it.

I shall take account of the veiled insults which have been slung at me.

I realise now what kind of support I may expect from you,

-even from my half-brother.

-My dear sister...

-I know where I stand.

Go ahead. Form your council. Do as you wish.

I'll have no hand in it.

I have never done anything of my own wish.

The ambition of other men carried me to France as a child

and married me to a dying boy who became king of France.

I wasn't asked. But I'm through.

I'm going to live my own life, do as I say. I refuse to marry.

I love no-one, I shall marry no-one. I'm going to begin to be myself,

Mary Stuart!

Oh!

-She sits on the throne only so long as we maintain her there.

-Softly!

We'll stand for only so much of this.

She'll sit on the throne only as long as we keep her there.

She's our queen and she'll remain our queen!

-I'll back you in that.

-And I'll go with you.

Stop this! There'll be no throne,

no Scotland, if we fall out.

-Who's going to keep her in hand?

-I will.

Have you picked yourself to be prime minister, Moray?

Aye. With Lethington as secretary of state, what have you to fear?

I'll serve her faithfully.

Aye, as long as it serves your own purposes.

But who's to look after us?

I will.

I promise you.

Madonna.

PEOPLE SING OUTSIDE

# We hail frae the burns and the hills and the glens

# When the fight for the queen goes on

# And there I'll a-wend for her loyalty unbent

# Whether victory or death may befall

# Though the road be lang and drear The pibroch's ringing clear

# With the spur of the Stuarts off to war

# We will fight for our queen She's the fairest ever seen

# So the Scots may be free as of yore

# For chains shall not bind us Nor English yokes of yore

# Then free Scotland for evermore. #

And a while ago, I wanted to run away. It all seemed so hateful.

-SINGING CONTINUES

-But now, I'll find a way to win.

# Though the road be lang and drear The pibroch bright and clear

# Wi' the spur of the Stuarts off to war

# Och, our land fresh and fair

# Pine and heather fill the air

# Bonny land that our forefathers bore

# Our queen we'll defend

# Stuarts' cause will never end

# Till we free Scotland for evermore

# We will fight for our queen She's the fairest ever seen

WOMEN: # Ah

# For chains shall not bind us Nor English yokes of yore

# Let us free... #

Singing, dancing, drinking, and all the vile and evil uses of the flesh,

they run before this Jezebel of France

like a foul air.

Aye, she's the Stuart on her father's side.

But who was her mother? Who was her mother?

French Mary of Guise.

She was regent when George Bishop was burned alive for heresy.

And what was his heresy?

Preaching the reformed religion.

Teaching me, John Knox, the wisdom and the glory of God.

Aye, and the flames that consumed my teacher

burnt deep into this heart.

Did Mary return to Scotland while she sat on the throne of France?

No! She was lost in luxury and the sinful joys of the flesh

and now now! when faith has cut her down from that throne of sin,

she remembers another gem in her crown,

the gem she was born with Scotland.

The time has come for all men to choose between the kith of Scotland

and this Jezebel of France!

Master Knox!

We Scots know who fought for the mother.

Aye, and we Scots remember who fought against her.

Mock me as you will. You can never silence my tongue.

I'm no such fool, Master Knox.

You can't silence 10,000 trumpets.

But I can match you with a better tune, and from a better bag o' wind.

I shall say what I have come to say.

And neither rank nor station shall avail mine enemies.

-WHISTLES, DRUMS AND BAGPIPES START

-My people, have we not had enough

of the Guises and their followers?

Aye, let them stick to their warmer climates...

BAGPIPES PLAY

Back, back I say!

Stop! Stop!

Stop!

Stop, I say! Stop or I shall bring down the curse of God upon you!

BAGPIPES PLAY

Stop, or I shall bring down the curse of God upon you!

Stop!

MUSIC STOPS

Your Majesty, may I rid your presence of this old goat?

I wish to speak to this gentleman.

Won't you come inside, Master Knox?

Is there anything to fear?

Look at me, Master Knox. Can you believe I am as wicked as you say?

Do you not bring back the old faith we cast out of Scotland?

Is it a crime to be steadfast in faith?

-There is only one true faith, and that I preach.

-Preach your faith.

-Let me practise mine.

-Can I forget whose daughter...?

-I am the daughter of Mary of Guise.

I keep my mother's religion.

I'll respect your own and give you as much freedom as I demand.

They told me you spoke fairly.

Can't you also be tolerant?

I want to be loved by my people. I need their support.

-Your support, your friendship.

-You heard my words in the courtyard.

I heard words another sovereign would call treason, that they would punish as my mother did.

I called you Jezebel of France.

And I'll call it ya again.

I believe in your sincerity, Master Knox.

I only ask you to believe in mine. Can't we be friends?

I have said what I came to say.

But you no longer mean it. You...

Well, blast his insolence!

Damn, he ought to be hung!

-It will take more than love to rule this land.

-I didn't ask you.

Good. Good, you've got a temper.

-But don't curb it, Your Majesty. May it...

-Are you captain of the guards?

-I only arrived tonight.

-Then do me the favour to leave again

-and not return until you've turned to good.

-That will be never.

I'm too late. Moray has told you about me.

-About you? You pride yourself.

-Aye.

-It's a way I have, Mary Stuart.

-Erm, who are you?

-You heard the pipers. You remember my clan?

-Which clan?

When you hear those pipes, you know Bothwells are about.

-You are the Earl of Bothwell.

-At Your Majesty's service.

Did you say that Elizabeth Tudor and I rolled together wouldn't make an honest woman?

Not at all.

I said the two of you together wouldn't make a PROPER woman.

But that was years ago when I saw you in France. Just a skinny little girl.

I wouldn't say it now.

You're a very outspoken man, my Lord Bothwell.

That's one privilege I'll retain.

You don't want flattery. I've confessed. Forgive me.

Well, you did fight in defence of my mother. I thank you for that.

Don't thank me. It was a pleasure.

I have found many enemies here. Have I also found a friend?

You'll only find out who's your friend in Scotland

by putting him to the test.

Tonight I need loyal backing more than my mother did.

Hearing Moray and the lords were here to welcome you I rode over from the border.

-To stand with them against me?

-Where are they?

They are forming my council in the hall.

DOGS BARK

MEN SHOUT

CRASH ECHOES

Bothwell! Where have you been?

Down near the border, Morton, hanging a few of your clansmen.

-Well, have you divided the spoils?

-We're forming Her Majesty's council.

Moray as prime minister, I fancy.

-Naturally.

-You, Morton, as secretary of state.

-Or is it Ruthven?

-No, Lethington.

-MEN: Aye, Lethington.

-Oh, indeed.

-Who's to be the Queen's lieutenant general?

-That's for me!

-COURTIERS SHOUT AT ONCE

-You're all wrong, gentlemen.

I've decided to take charge of Her Majesty's armed forces.

-We will not allow it.

-Too late.

I've just accepted the appointment.

-From whom?

-From Her Majesty, the Queen.

BOTHWELL LAUGHS

-Did you say Lord Randolph is expected to return from Scotland?

-I did, Your Majesty.

I wonder what's keeping him.

Some pretty face, I daresay.

Are you growing jealous of Randolph, Leicester?

Your Majesty, more and more you're giving your important commissions to Lord Randolph.

-There was a time when I basked...

-Don't say that!

Reminds me of a fish.

Your Majesty, you know my feelings. You must realise how they're torn when you avert your gaze.

Your Majesty.

I beg you on my knees.

Lord Randolph, ambassador to Scotland.

Get out!

Did you convey my greetings to Mary Stuart?

Tell her how I rejoice at her safe return from France?

Most ardently, Your Majesty.

Ardently? Hmm. I begin to understand your dallying.

I've heard of her enchantment.

Tell me, is she as pretty as they say?

You may see for yourself.

She sent you this token of her love.

Girl, not a queen.

Tell me what's she like?

Most charming, Your Majesty.

Already she has many suitors.

-Chief among them is Lord Darnley.

-Darnley?!

Another thorn in my crown.

A weakling. A drunkard.

Stands next to my throne.

As for her, I'd be in double jeopardy if she married him.

Your Majesty, the Earl of Bothwell removes that danger.

He leads her troops like a hurricane. He's restored order in the North.

It's plain to see he's in love with her.

Could I sleep, with Bothwell on the throne beside her?

She's a creature of love!

Your fears are unfounded. She wins men to her side in gentle ways.

Aye, and I see she has won our Randolph among others.

You shall go north no more!

-Your Majesty...

-Throckmorton, you're a cold fish! You shall be my ambassador.

-Your Majesty, I'm simply giving you my report...

-Leave us!

And take care, or your heart will fall off your sleeve.

Darnley, Bothwell...

Am I never to have peace?

She must be defeated!

-How?

-Declare war. Unite Scotland with England.

-War?!

Is that all you men know?

Unite Scotland against England, you mean.

-Unite Scotland under Mary Stuart.

-But how else is she to be defeated?

You know what it is to be born illegitimate?

And have royal blood in your veins?

That one word standing between you and the throne.

How it makes ambition burn.

Who ruled Scotland before she returned?

Who wants to rule again?

-The Earl of Moray.

-You shall ride north tonight as my ambassador...

..and get in touch with Moray.

So Lord Bothwell has put down a rebellion on the border.

Has he, er, returned yet?

-Not yet, madame.

-Why that tone?

I no longer have your confidence.

That's not true.

-You must secure your throne by marrying.

-You don't like Bothwell.

-He is a good lieutenant general.

-His religion rules him out?

-All he believes in is this.

It's done more for me than your talk about marriage!

I'm sorry, David.

I try only to serve you faithfully.

You're as fanatical as John Knox.

I often wonder which you love the most, myself or my religion.

I would never betray either.

You imply that I would?

You are the sole defender of our faith here.

What becomes of that if you marry a heretic?

-Meaning Bothwell?

-Even Lord Darnley is 100 times a better choice!

At least he's of the faith.

Why must I marry at all?

To have an heir. To be true to your blood.

To escape the tyranny of these lords.

You're a worse tyrant than they are in their disloyalty.

I have never urged Your Majesty to marry a Scot.

-Marry in Europe, where your destiny is.

-My destiny is here.

In Scotland.

Whom would you have me marry?

Look at these marriage proposals. First and foremost, Don Carlos of Spain.

Onions.

-The Archduke of Austria is not so good a match but he is eager to marry you.

-Beer.

-The King of Sweden.

-But his ears.

-Don't forget the King Of Denmark.

-Would Scotland ever be quiet?

I assure you, he's a peaceable man.

But they say he snores.

The Duke of Anjou. Prince Conrad.

The Duke of Milan! Of Orleans!

HE SPEAKS ITALIAN

LAUGHTER

Oh, no! Oh, David! David!

SHE LAUGHS

Oh!

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to make fun of you.

Oh...I know you're right.

I can't put it off any longer.

-But I vow I'll not marry in Europe...

-Marry Lord Darnley, then.

There is no-one else.

Marry him, madam, I beg you.

Very well, David.

You're not serious?

Oh, yes, I am.

Now it's...

over,

finished.

I...know it had to be, really.

Go, summon Darnley. I'll tell him at once.

(No...)

(No, David.)

BAGPIPES PLAY

BAGPIPES AND MARCHING DRUMBEAT

Lord Darnley!

Ah, the four pretty wenches!

Five, my lord, now that you're here.

Oh, I say! You call me pretty?

Well, as I always say, my dear,

the fairest flower in Scotland grows on the highest bough.

Lord!

I've waited all day. Am I never to see Her Majesty?

You'll see her when she wishes.

Ah! The four protective angels!

Aha, it's Darnley. Still hanging around, eh?

-Where's Her Majesty?

-With the English ambassador. Strict orders not to be disturbed.

Shake your finger at me, Snub Nose, and I'll spank you where you belong.

I am left out in the cold too, Bothwell, and these lasses have no time for plain Scotsmen.

-How long am I to be kept waiting?

-You would think he owned the place!

If I did, there'd be no Lord Throckmorton around.

Oh, I forgot, Darnley, he's a friend of yours.

I hear he will back your claim to England if you leave Scotland.

Jealous, Bothwell?

On the contrary. I think it's a first-rate idea.

I shall wait for Her Majesty below.

Don't go on my account.

I'm not going on your account, sir.

WOMEN GIGGLE

I suppose you laugh at me too behind my back.

-It's not safe to laugh at barbarians.

-I'll put you over my knee.

-My Lord.

-Tell Her Majesty I want to see her.

A man like that won't take no for an answer.

-Someday YOU'LL meet a man who won't take no for an answer.

-And?

-And I'll be the godfather.

-WOMEN GIGGLE

-Now will you tell the Queen?

-No, I won't!

-Then here I stay.

For one hour, Lord Throckmorton, you've talked in circles.

-I don't know what Elizabeth wants.

-Do I not speak fluently?

-Too fluently. You conceal your purpose.

-Your Majesty.

You speak of Elizabeth's friendship. I too give her my friendship.

We're rulers in adjoining countries. We're related by blood ties.

There's every reason for friendship based on understanding.

But how can there be understanding without frankness?

Be frank, what is it Elizabeth wants?

Marry the man she chooses and she will recognise you as her heir.

My succession was ordained by circumstances out of her control.

I don't need her acknowledgement.

If you married a man of her choosing, it would indicate no threat to her throne.

She has someone in mind?

-She did mention a name, Your Majesty.

-Who?

-The Earl of Leicester.

She named him?

She had the temerity to name the Earl of Leicester?

No-one stands higher in her esteem.

She's shown that, she's flaunted him before all England.

Her favourite, and now she wants to cast him off on me,

make me a laughing stock!

You told me what is in her mind, let me tell you the rest.

Elizabeth has never taken a step that wasn't political.

She's afraid I will marry the man she fears,

the next heir after me to her throne Lord Darnley.

-That is imagination.

-I do not like to play politics but now I shall.

There is no other course I can follow and keep faith with my faith

and with the name I bear.

Now I know what I shall do.

Your Majesty, I beg of you not to be rash.

Leave me. Go back to Elizabeth.

Tell her what I have said.

David,

go and find Lord Darnley.

Have you seen Lord Darnley?

-Why?

-Her Majesty wishes to see him...privately.

A room's a room and a door's a door, I've been waiting for hours.

Are you a man or a storm?

-When my girl won't see me, then I'm a storm.

-Your girl?

You want me to bow and scrape? I'm a soldier, I love you.

You take everything by storm. You forget I'm your Queen.

Have I ever forgotten that? But don't forget that you're a woman.

Now you're going to listen to me.

You've known I loved you from the moment I met you.

I command you to leave me.

What's come over you, Mary? You say you're a queen, be one.

Have mercy on me! Leave me, please.

-While you marry someone else?

-Yes.

-I'm in no mood for joking.

-I'm going to marry Darnley.

-You're what?!

-Marry Lord Darnley.

-You're out of your mind.

-Let me go.

-You can't do it!

-I'll never let you go.

-You have no right.

-I have a right. I know days when you told me you cared.

-No.

-Aye, with your eyes and actions.

-No.

-You can't lie to me.

-I'm marrying Darnley.

But Darnley

why didn't you pick a man?

Tell me that you love him, Mary.

Aye. You can't do it.

I can.

I do.

-Will you learn this is MY kingdom?

-Yours for how long?

-You think I can't rule without you?

-Try it.

-You can't leave.

-You've seen the last of me.

-I won't give you leave.

-I don't need your leave. I'm just going.

DOOR SLAMS

Lord Darnley, Your Majesty.

Lord Darnley,

you have asked my hand in marriage.

-I have decided to grant it.

-Your Majesty!

I had hardly hoped, I hadn't dared!

Oh, I'll love you, keep you, defend you.

We shall face troubled times.

This is some dream, a jest, it can't be true.

And yet...

it is true.

I never dreamed... I'm to hold you in my arms.

They say a kiss seals the bargain.

James, they're waiting for you to say it.

We're troubled by your apparent lack of confidence in this council.

Apparent?

Why not say "obvious" and be frank?

It's our duty to shape your policies and for you to accept them.

Instead of which you constantly take the advice of your secretary.

Oh, I begin to see.

You want me to get rid of David.

Aye, send him back where he belongs.

-Well, I shan't.

-You'd better think twice about that.

Are you giving me orders?

No, no, Ruthven only meant to say...

I know what Ruthven means to say that I'm a fool.

Though he never dares put it quite that boldly.

Well, I have been a fool.

I lost Bothwell, who held you all in check.

I thought I was ruling Scotland, but it was his strength behind me.

But I still have David.

You can't take Scotland for yourselves while he is by my side.

-I shall never let him go.

-You may be sorry.

Ruthven, you may be sorry for that tongue. I've won my people to me.

You all know it and fear it.

Sit down, my lords, sit down. It's only your King.

Always holding council, eh, Moray? Always talking, talking.

-You're late.

-Oh, I don't take orders any more.

I'm king now.

Even if someone doesn't seem to know it.

You never can count on a woman.

Marry one and she turns to ice.

Pah!

They're all alike, even the Queen.

Can't stand the sight of me.

Say you're drunk when you need a kiss or two.

Would you believe it, Moray?

They lock doors at night...

..all the while thinking of someone else.

Some fellow who's gone to France, perhaps.

Mary!

Where's the Queen? Open that door! Open that door!

Well, Moray?

MEN WHISPER

Would Your Majesty sign these now?

-Where's my wife?

-Alone, with her ladies.

But you have access to her, eh?

Will you sign these, Your Majesty?

Later, later!

Now you know.

-If I thought...

-Open your eyes, man.

Who else is with her all the time, day and night, alone?

Regain her favour, be King in fact as well as name,

show her you don't lack courage.

Who said I lack courage?! How dare you address me?

Eight of the clock and all is well.

DRUMS BEAT

The Queen's Guard.

All's well.

# My heart is in the north

# And my heart is in the south

# False I pledged with my hand

# False I kissed with my mouth

# With hand caught to hand

# And the rain driving blind

# As the new years are driven

# Old loves are not mine

# As the new years are driven

# Old loves are not mine. #

What is that song, David?

It's a song I...I made up.

He's always making up some nonsense about love.

Aren't you in love, Beaton?

Just a soldier, not a penny to his name.

Why don't you marry him?

-And live on air?

-On anything.

What do you see in the fire, David?

The sunshine of Italy?

You want to go home, don't you?

You're my only friend and they're driving you away.

I want you to go, David, for your own sake.

Though I don't know what we'll do without you.

My lady, why don't you recall the Earl of Bothwell?

Let's have no more talk of Bothwell.

SHOUTING

DAVID PLAYS MANDOLIN

# Here he plays The land's sunny and fair

# Where you laugh and sing your legs off... #

-You look surprised, my dear.

-I wish to be alone.

Alone?

WOMEN GASP

-Ruthven, what are you doing here?

-Ask your husband.

-Do you know?

Madonna!

Let me go! Get out!

We intend no harm to no-one but that traitor.

-My only friend.

-Aye, too good a friend.

Get out! If you lay one hand on Rizzio, I'll see you all destroyed.

When Scotland finds out we've killed a rogue in your bedroom...

If David's done anything wrong I'll deliver him up for fair trial but not to assassins!

WOMAN SCREAMS

WOMEN SCREAM

David! David!

Oh, no!

WOMEN SCREAM

My lords, my lords...

justice...justice!

I'm so tired.

You've not only murdered poor David, you've ruined me, ruined yourself,

thrown a doubt on the child I'm going to have, your child.

I only wanted my rights.

God forgive you. I shan't, nor forgive myself for marrying you.

Am I to follow David?

There's no fear if you do as we say.

So long as I'm their prisoner and my husband backs them up.

I'm an unfaithful wife and the people will shun me.

Enough! Before we go further, you'll sign this

-a full pardon for all of us.

-Never!

-Sign it!

-Ruthven!

-She's better off dead if she doesn't sign it.

If she got away without signing it we'd be done for.

This proves her guilt. Sign it!

WOMEN SCREAM

Sign it.

Madam, Bothwell's returned to Edinburgh. He's marching here.

-How many men has he got?

-A handful.

-Let him come.

-He'll raise the country against us.

-He won't have a chance.

We'll post ourselves in the courtyard.

Wait, I'll sign your pardon.

Aye, you'll sign it with Bothwell in danger. Darnley, you stay here.

Guards!

Don't you see what you've done?

They'll kill Bothwell as they killed David.

You're only their shield.

How long will they tolerate you when I'm out of the way?

Why did you do it?

I wanted to win you back.

You're blind. They had to have you in their scheme to prove their lie that I dishonoured you.

Once they've had me down before the people,

what use will they have for you then?

How long will you keep your crown?

You'll be a prisoner as I am now.

You'll only be King as long as I'm Queen.

-You still have a chance to save yourself, to save us both.

-How?

-Help me escape before they kill Bothwell.

-They'd kill me.

Not if you're with me. They'd flee and you'd be safe.

-With you, Mary?

-Yes, with me.

-You'd forgive me, you wouldn't leave me?

-I swear I'll never leave you.

Madam!

Her Majesty has retired to her bedroom. Stand guard there.

BAGPIPES AND DRUMS

-Get Bothwell!

-SOLDIERS SHOUT

-Get Bothwell!

-Get Bothwell!

FAINT BAGPIPES

-Get her!

-Aye, the Queen.

SOLDIERS SHOUT

SHOUTING

-Where's the Queen?

-In her bedroom, my lord.

-Where's Darnley?

-With the Queen, my lord.

Will Huntley and his clan join them?

Aye, they'll have 10,000 at their backs before morning.

I'm getting out of Scotland.

-We're done for, Ruthven.

-Aye.

Never mind her, but if I lay my hands on Darnley...

-It's every man for himself.

-Get out while there's time.

FAINT BAGPIPES

BAGPIPES DRAW NEARER

SOLDIERS SHOUT

MUSIC

HE WHISPERS

No!

MUSIC STOPS

Mary Stuart has a son.

And I am only of barren stock.

Where's Moray?

Banished, with the other lords who murdered David Rizzio.

I've failed.

Failed.

EXCITED CHATTER No, I'll not let you hold the baby!

CHATTER

BABY WAILS No, that's quite enough!

BABY WAILS

-Careful now. Careful, my lady.

-Jamie, Jamie...

Keep your hand on his wee bottom.

Haivers, he's a lord, that boy. The best man in Scotland, if you ask me.

He's a bubbly jock, he is.

He ought to be tucked up in bed.

But, being this is his birthday, he's got to see his mother first.

Och, och, if we don't spoil the bairn, it's a wonder!

He'll grow up into a big man and take care of me when I'm old.

She's not much older now than the wee man himself!

-HE COUGHS

-Oh!

Happy birthday!

Your Majesty,

here's a present for him.

Hoot, man, what would he do with a claymore?

Wait till he grows up. He'll need it.

-It was your father's, ma'am.

-My father?

-I brought it from Inverness.

Aye, he's a Stuart.

Aye.

I hope you won't need it, Jamie.

His Majesty...the King.

JAMIE WAILS

What a charming family scene!

We were admiring your son.

Oh, were you, Bothwell?

Yes. He's a year old today. That's why you came back from Glasgow.

JAMIE WAILS

Yes, my lady.

JAMIE WAILS

I'll put him to bed, sir.

JAMIE WAILS

-Afraid my presence will contaminate him?!

-You know that's not true. Why have you come back?

Has Ruthven returned to Scotland?

-He wouldn't dare.

-With any luck you'd find him.

You'd like me out of the way too! You want them all back!

-You're not yourself.

-Aren't your ruffians in Scotland, secretly?

-No.

Don't tell me! You know all about it.

-You too, Bothwell!

-Henry, you're overwrought. You need sleep.

-Sleep?

-Not here.

-What do you mean?

I'll not tell you.

You won't trick me again. I'm going to leave Scotland.

-You can't. You'll forget who you are.

-What do I care for an empty title?

It's my life! My life, I tell you!

They were my friends.

Moray and Ruthven.

You tricked me.

Turned them against me.

You've never forgiven, never forgotten about Rizzio.

-I kept my word.

-You've never loved me?

I love your son. Think of him. You can't desert your own son.

I'll disown him!

-I'll deny I'm his father!

-Your Majesty!

Try and make him King of Scotland and England THEN!

He doesn't mean it.

He can't.

I've...

I've kept my word with him.

I've endured every...insult, every humiliation.

I've done everything but...

..love him.

I've tried but I...

I cannot.

-I cannot.

-Mary...

All I ask is to serve you,

be at your side.

Talk to me about Inverness.

Talk to me about something. I have to hear somebody talk.

Ten o'clock...and all's well!

All's well!

SCRATCHING IN DISTANCE

CLATTERING IN DISTANCE

Be gone, quickly!

All my people!

A king of Scotland

cries out from his grave

for revenge against his murderer!

And is the assassin's name not known?!

Those who were banished have told me his name!

Aye!

Who was it that coveted the hand of the queen?

Bothwell's his name! Bothwell!

Hear, all ye people...

..the prayer of that infant prince,

the child of him who is slain.

Judge! And avenge my cause...

..O Lord.

You're my prisoners, Huntly!

-Shall I fight, lassie?

-I want no bloodshed.

Where are you taking us?

Er...Dunbar Castle, Your Majesty.

Well, Huntly?

Man, do you think I'm blind?

-How so?

-This abduction, as you call it.

-That's my worry.

-No, 'tis hers.

If you cannae pull the wool over my eyes, how can you fool all Scotland?

I'll take care of myself! And Mary.

-Scotland cannot blame her if I marry her against her will.

-Marry?

-Aye. Why not?

-You're mad!

You're both mad!

I'd rather be dead, lassie, than see this night come.

You're Queen of Scotland and you let the woman in you blind your senses!

He's not even of our faith. You've always stood by that until now.

If you go on with this make-believe there's nought but disaster ahead.

She has nothing to do with it!

Draw your sword against me. I'll not draw mine against any friend.

You are no friend.

Here you are. Take this.

Turn it on yourself if what you speak is true.

There's honour in that escape.

You may go back to Edinburgh, stir up the clans against us!

They'll do that themselves. You put yourselves in Moray's power again!

Three of the clock and all's well!

Are you afraid, my Mary?

No.

-I'll send you back with Huntly.

-Why?

From the very beginning I've always belonged to you. I knew it.

How vast the night is!

-How bright and wonderful! I've never seen it like this.

-Nor I.

Look there!

Make a wish!

I have.

They say there's a star for each of us.

I used to imagine that when I was born God put a dark star in the sky.

A star nobody could ever see, not even me.

And then one night I'd see a flash of light and I'd see my star,

but it would be falling and I'd be gone.

Mary...

dark or bright,

I'll always follow your star, Mary.

It was dark because I... I didn't really exist at all.

I was a dream and I was the one who was dreaming it too.

That's absurd, isn't it?

-Perhaps I didn't really exist until I met you.

-Aye.

There was a memory of being a child in a country like this.

And then they told me my father was dead, and I cried.

And they told me that I was Queen of Scotland.

It didn't mean as much to me as my dolls.

And then I was very important not to myself but to grown-up people.

And then one day I caught a glimpse of my star.

They took me away at night on a ship.

It was all so strange the sea vast, like this.

The world seemed enormous.

Then we came to another land and they told me it was France.

Everything different. People singing, laughing.

They were all happier. I learned to love it all.

After a while I began to think I had only dreamed Scotland,

that I'd go on forever, playing in the garden, learning French,

studying, hearing music,

talking to four wise old men who were my uncles.

Erm...one of them was the Cardinal of Lorraine. I liked him best.

He told me I would marry the son of the King of France when I grew up.

It seemed silly. He was just a boy.

We used to fight, then I'd chase him and he'd run away.

Aye. I was in France when you married him. I've never forgotten.

The pomp and ceremony. The crowd before the cathedral.

The pages carrying your train.

And you weren't old enough to be out of short dresses!

I was 16.

It was just an arrangement.

And then...one day his father was killed in the tournament.

Everyone made a great fuss over me.

And I was Queen of France.

But, before I could realise it all,

he died too, poor boy.

And then I was queen no longer.

And then I came back to my old dream...to Scotland.

I was never in love.

You know that.

Ego coniungo vos in matrimonium.

In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti,

amen.

ORGAN PLAYS

So, she summons all Scotland to take up arms for her?

-Will they come?

-Only a rabble of must troopers from the border, where Bothwell's strength lies.

Mercenaries! They won't stand up and fight.

-Where's the child?

-Abducted by Moray.

They'll not harm her son.

Moray's strength depends on making him king and ruling as regent.

The lords have won most of Scotland to their cause

by convincing Knox that Bothwell and the Queen murdered Darnley.

Knox thunders it into the people.

And, after all, what greater proof of their guilty love than this reckless marriage?

SHE LAUGHS

And I believed I'd failed!

We shall soon know, Your Majesty. The lords are marching on Edinburgh.

They outnumber Bothwell's defenders five to one.

Open the gates for the host of the righteous!

O, my people, into what pit of abomination have you fallen?

'Tis not the true valour of Scotland that ye follow

but the blood-red valour of murder and treason!

Remember, a king of Scotland cries out from his grave to be avenged!

CHEERING

Bothwell! Will you defend a guilty queen?

Open the gates for the host of the righteous!

Open the gates!

Are you afraid, Mary?

Yes. Terribly, terribly.

Ah, that's not my Mary.

I'm only afraid for you.

Then you're not afraid at all!

DRUMBEAT By your troth!

Bowing comes with a bad grace from traitors.

We are not in arms against you, my sister,

only him!

Before you state your conditions, Moray,

I'll state mine.

We'll decide the issue by single combat between you and me.

Or anyone else you and the other traitors wish to appoint.

No! They'll trick you.

Hear Moray's conditions, I beg you, madam.

I beg you, sir.

You owe it to the queen.

Go ahead. What are they?

First that you leave Scotland forever.

-No!

-What else?

-The queen bind herself to act only with our consent.

-No more?

-No more.

Here are my conditions.

You've wanted my earldom. Well, you may have it.

I'll leave Scotland.

If you'll pledge your word that the Queen's to keep her throne!

If you break your word or encroach one inch on her sovereignty,

you'll guard your gates,

for I'll be back.

I'll see if your terms are acceptable to my lords.

Let me live or die at your side.

-I'm your wife. I love you.

-I love you, my Mary.

I lose nothing. Save your throne.

What's my throne? I'd put a torch to it for any day I've had with you.

-They've been so few!

-Aye, but wonderful days, 20 wonderful days. Better than a lifetime.

-Take me with you.

-No, you're Queen of Scotland. That's your destiny.

I'll love you till the day I die. That's mine.

DRUMBEAT

Well, Moray?

The lords of Scotland accept your terms.

Very well.

I wouldn't trust Ruthven's pledge, or Morton's,

but, corrupt as you are, you're a Stuart, a son of a king.

I'll take your word as a Stuart, but remember, Moray,

if you break your pledge, if you ever raise your hand against her,

I'll be back.

BOTHWELL SHOUTS

DRUMBEAT AND BAGPIPES

BAGPIPES AND DRUMS FADE INTO THE DISTANCE

I'll say it to her milk-white face.

Cut down the murderess, this contaminator of men!

If there's to be a council, send out this raving maniac!

Though you be a queen and have faith in thy gods and idols,

yet in this night of reckoning they shall not avail thee!

Moray! I demand his removal!

Why don't you answer me?

-You have to leave your palace.

-That's but my choice, not yours!

Not now.

I'm still your queen.

You gave your word that I should rule as before.

That's impossible now.

Now...

I see your treachery!

You not only betray your sovereign,

you betray yourselves!

Your own pledge!

-We defend Scotland!

-You may remain here if you sign what we dictate.

And what do you dictate?

Your abdication.

And your consent to have your son crowned king.

And appoint me regent.

I refuse.

-We'll change your mind!

-Bothwell will come back!

-With his army disbanded?

-1,000 crowns on his head?

So long as I live,

no power on earth shall take my throne away from me.

Come lock me up.

I'll bide my time and wait for Bothwell.

My Lord Throckmorton, ambassador to Scotland.

What news from Scotland?

Bothwell has been defeated.

-Was he taken?

-No, Your Majesty.

He escaped to Denmark, to raise arms for a final blow against Moray.

But I have more important news.

The son of Mary Stuart is king and Moray rules again as regent.

Then she's abdicated!

-So Moray claims.

-She's still in prison?

-At Loch Leven. I've seen her.

She asks for Your Majesty's support of her cause against the rebels.

If you favour rebellion in Scotland,

she says you may eventually see it in England.

Rebellion.

How I hate that word.

Remember, Your Majesty,

your security depends upon her being behind bars.

But can I support rebellion,

so near to my own throne?

Remember that.

Neither can I afford to take sides, so long as Bothwell lives.

If Moray's plans succeed, he will be caged in Denmark for good,

on some pretext or other.

Return to Scotland.

Tell Moray in the eyes of the world he is a rebel, a traitor!

-I shall oppose him publicly.

-Your Majesty...

-Support him privately.

And Mary Stuart?

Give her this ring, as a token of my friendship and support.

-But she will ask...

-I know. We will put her off. Procrastinate. Months. Years!

There's security in that.

I won't say I wasn't frightened, madam, when you come tapping at the door before daylight.

Come and sit down. It's poor vittles but it's all we've got and you're welcome to it.

Sit down there.

I have a little boy like you.

A feesit anigh chair too?

He wants to know if he sits in a high chair too.

Oh, yes, in a very high chair.

For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful.

Amen.

KNOCK ON DOOR

They're coming for you.

Your Majesty.

-Have you come from Elizabeth?

-Yes, I have come to conduct you to a place of security.

I thank Her Majesty. I stand in need of her friendship now.

Thank you, my kind friend.

This will be your apartment, Your Majesty.

Sir Francis Knollys, your host.

Thank you, thank you. How wonderful to be free again.

Where is Elizabeth? Can I see her now at last?

I want to thank her. Where is she?

I place this lady in your custody, sir.

Custody? What do you mean?

England has no jurisdiction over me.

I asked Elizabeth for refuge.

She promised it.

Am I a prisoner?

I demand an answer!

WIND HOWLS

It's only the storm.

Listen, Donal!

It's my pipers! They're coming, I tell you!

-Lie down, please, sir.

-No, I won't! They're marching up, man!

-I thought I heard...

-Sir, lie down, please, sir.

Open up here!

Open up here! Open up!

Still out of his mind.

These Scotsmen have the power of the devil in them.

Prison fever's a good match for the devil.

Open up!

Sir, you're not yourself.

I'm getting out. I'll get out tonight.

Tonight! I tell you.

Ahh!

-BAGPIPES PLAY

-There it is again. Do you hear?

-What, sir?

-The pipes, Donal. Listen.

Go to England, find her.

Tell her I'm free, I'll free her, too.

Tell her she'll hear the pipes when I come.

Tell her...tell her... tell her my pi...my pipe...

my pipers are coming.

Sir? Sir?

Speak. Speak to Donal, sir.

Oh, my laddie, my laddie.

HE SOBS

What's wrong with him?

He cannae hurt them now.

Aye, he spoke true.

He's free.

WIND HOWLS

THUNDER AND LIGHTENING

Bring in the prisoner!

Am I to see Elizabeth at last?

Her Majesty is present symbolically.

If you will be seated.

I prefer to stand...

symbolically.

-Do you acknowledge the jurisdiction of this court?

-Not of this court, nor of Elizabeth.

No sovereign has been condemned by court of law.

In Rome, a tetrarch was put to death by a trial.

There is another precedent

Licinius, brother-in-law of the Emperor Constantine.

Not to forget Joanna of Naples.

You go back 1,500 years,

go back to Pontius Pilot,

who condemned to the cross the world's greatest sovereign,

and remind Elizabeth what happened to the memory of Pontius Pilate.

Remember that YOU are the accused.

Accused?

Of what?

Attempting to take the life of our sovereign, the Queen of England.

I have lain in prison ever since I came to this land.

Even if I had wished it, how could I have made such an attempt?

Conspiring with English subjects of your religious persuasion,

to wit, Antony Babington.

A true friend who thought only to release me from unjust imprisonment.

Where is he?

Executed for treason.

And his friends?

Executed for treason.

Poor generous friends.

The first step to prove me guilty

is to murder those who would prove me innocent.

The accused will confine herself to answering questions.

I am the accuser here, not the accused.

I accuse Elizabeth of treachery and plotting against my life,

not I against hers.

Do you deny secretly communicating with Antony Babington?

Do you deny that you would try to escape from unjust imprisonment?

Do you know what it means to be shut up from everything you love?

From your husband, your son, your own people?

Confined like an animal...

..until each day grows so long that it seems a lifetime.

Yes, I smuggled out letters.

Isn't it true you approved the plot against our queen?

As true as to say that you are honest men.

Isn't this letter in your own handwriting?

The way you shout tells me even at this distance that it is a forgery.

Will you confine yourself to answering questions?

I have heard no questions.

Only accusations phrased like questions.

But why prolong this mockery?

Elizabeth, fearing a plot to take her life and put me on her throne,

has invented a false plot so that I may be condemned to death.

But still she fears to spring her trap because of Bothwell.

She knows he wins support for my cause abroad.

And when he returns this time,

he'll carry the field in Scotland and I'll be queen again.

While he lives, I'll live.

Bring in the other prisoner.

Your Majesty.

Donal.

I tried my best to reach you, ma'am,

but I couldn't get past your jailer and I was taken.

Donal, where is he?

Where's Bothwell?

No.

No.

Oh.

He spoke of you at the last, ma'am.

He said... he said he'd be waiting for ye...

..with bagpipes playing.

Oh.

HE SOBS QUIETLY

And all the time...

..you knew.

Now I see.

Now I understand.

Condemn me.

Kill me.

I don't care.

Hail the clock and all's well.

MEN: All's well.

SHE MUMBLES A PRAYER

DOOR BOLTS SLIDE

Elizabeth.

I've only seen a poor likeness

but yes, you are Elizabeth.

At last.

Aye.

A Stuart.

I see now why men love you.

Even now, standing where I am, my last night in this world,

I wouldn't change places with Elizabeth.

I might have known you'd come and... gloat like this,

stealthily, under cover of night...

..as you've done everything to destroy me.

You've done nothing to destroy me?

-When was I your enemy?

-Always!

Always your life was a threat to mine.

How? Why?

You were born too close to my throne.

It was you or I.

A knife planted between my shoulders

and my kingdom was yours.

I never wished it.

But you'd have taken it if it came.

Ah, yes.

You're not even a woman.

I'm a queen.

You've been a woman. See where it's brought you.

It has brought me happiness you'll never know, Elizabeth.

I wouldn't give up the memory of one day with Bothwell

for a century of your life.

What do you know of my life?

You were born a queen.

Honours, thrones, everything fell into your lap.

What do you know of the struggle for power?

I started with nothing,

robbed even of a name, not acknowledged by my father.

My own mother, yes, Anne Boleyn, was executed.

And I learned how a woman may be a queen one day

and stand on the scaffold the next.

I was sent to the tower by my own sister.

Oh, I know what prisons are,

and being threatened month after month with execution.

I died a thousand times.

But I fought my way upwards, inch by inch...

..until I wore the crown.

I gave my love to no man

but to my kingdom, to England.

And you prate to me of love. What do you know of my life?

I know it's been a failure, a magnificent failure.

It's you who failed, not I.

You threw away a kingdom for love.

For Bothwell.

Aye.

And I'd do it again a thousand times.

You were always afraid of me.

You're afraid of me still.

You know my blood will stain you, you'll never wash it off.

And the pity of it is, Elizabeth...

..that you and I, we might have been friends.

Do you think I want your death?

Mary Stuart, save yourself.

How?

Renounce your Stuart claim to my throne, sign your name to it.

Still driven by fear, fear of me even dead.

That's why you came here tonight.

Renounce your claim and live.

You've always loved power, cherished it fiercely.

I've loved as a woman loves, lost as a woman loses.

But still I win.

You have no heir. My son will inherit your throne.

My son will rule England.

Still, still I win!

SHE SOBS

DOOR BOLTS SLIDE

Your Majesty.

It is time.

Your Majesty.

It is time.

Ev...

Even as thine arms were spread upon the cross...

..so receive me into the arms of mercy...

..and forgive me my sins.