Riccio: I shall remember her always.
Mary: Safely at least, I hope, David.
Riccio: But I have no choice in going, Madam?
Mary: None. Life will be none the more civil for your loss, I will say that. Now sing to me for the last time, David.
Riccio (singing):
Green shoots we break the morning earth
And flourish in the morning's breath:
We leave the agony of birth
And soon are all midway to death.
While yet the summer of her year
Brings life her marvels, she can see
Far off the rising dust, and hear
The footfall of her enemy.
- (As he is ending, the handle of the door is turned, and then there is a loud knock)
Mary: What's that?
- (The knocking is repeated. Riccio and Mary Beaton rise)
(To Beaton): See what it is.
