"And in the evening they will return: grin like a dog, and will go about the city. . . . Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for thou, O God, art my refuge, and my merciful God."
- (Beaton goes and Mary closes the book. She stands at the desk, her back to the door. Bothwell appears)
Bothwell: Madam.
Mary (half turning): My lord.
Bothwell: You sent for me.
Mary: You were not seen to come?
Bothwell: No. Not that I care for all their eyes.
Mary: But you must. I have small reason to cherish security, I know; that is past. But this would confuse things too much. They will destroy me, but I will not help them too generously. So this must not be known.
Bothwell: I understand.
Mary: Will you help me?
Bothwell: Madam, I have no interest but to please myself. To please you is that.
Mary: Darnley threatens Riccio.
Bothwell: Shall I trip Darnley? But why