Renard [after the procession has disappeared.]What does this mean? Is it, indeed, Fabiani? I thought him not so tall. Can it be that Master Æneas—Methought the Queen detained him a moment. Let us see!
[He descends the staircase, on the heels of the procession.
The Voice [becoming fainter and fainter.]He who walks behind me, covered with this black veil, is the high and puissant lord, Fabiano Fabiani, Earl of Clanbrassil, Baron of Dinasmonddy, Baron of Dartmouth in Devonshire, who is to be beheaded at the Market of London, for the crimes of regicide and high treason.—God have mercy on his soul!
Other Voices [almost inaudible.]Pray for him!
Joshua.The great bell will forthwith announce his departure from the Tower. Mayhap 'twill be possible now for you to escape. I must try to devise a way. Await me here; I will return anon.
Jane.You leave me, Joshua? I shall be afraid here, all alone.
Joshua.You could not go through the Tower with me, without danger. I must assist you to leave the Tower. Consider that Gilbert is awaiting you.
Jane.Gilbert! anything for Gilbert! Go!
[Exit Joshua.
Oh! what a ghastly sight! And when I think that it might have been Gilbert! [She kneels on the steps of one of the altars.] Oh!, thou art indeed the Saviour, O Lord! thou hast saved Gilbert!
O God! the Queen!
