With France she makes an everlasting peace; And gives to Anjou's duke her throne and hand. (MARY: Will not the King of Spain rise up in arms?) She fears not a collected world in arms? If with her people she remains at peace. (MARY: Were this a spectacle for British eyes?) This land, my queen, has, in these latter days, Seen many a royal woman from the throne Descend and mount the scaffold:--her own mother And Catherine Howard trod this fatal path; And was not Lady Grey a crowned head? MARY (after a pause). No, Mortimer, vain fears have blinded you; 'Tis but the honest care of your true heart, Which conjures up these empty apprehensions. It is not, sir, the scaffold that I fear: There are so many still and secret means By which her majesty of England may Set all my claims to rest. Oh, trust me, ere An executioner is found for me, Assassins will be hired to do their work. 'Tis that which makes me tremble, Mortimer: I never lift the goblet to my lips Without an inward shuddering, lest the draught May have been mingled by my sister's love.

Sir Edward Mortimer Monologue from Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

Rehearse Sir Edward Mortimer's monologue