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SECOND DAY. THE QUEEN
487

scaffold like him you accuse. Reflect. Do you now confirm all that you have said?

Gilbert.I know that I shall die, and I do confirm it.

Jane [aside.]Great God! if this is a dream, 'tis horrible!

Lord Chancellor [to Gilbert.]Will you repeat your declarations with your hand upon the Gospel?

[He passes the Gospel to Gilbert, who places his hand upon it.

With my hand upon the Gospel, and with my impending death before my eyes, I swear that this man is an assassin; that this dagger, which is his, was employed in the crime; that this purse, which is his, was given to me by him for the crime. This is the truth, so help me God!

Lord Chancellor [to Fabiani.] My lord, what have you to say?

Fabiani.Nothing.—I am lost!

Renard [to the Queen, in an undertone.]Your Majesty sent for the headsman. He is without.

The Queen.Good. Let him enter.

[The ranks of the noblemen open, and the headsman appears, clad in red and black, and carrying over his shoulders a long sword in its scabbard.


Scene 9.—The Same, the Headsman.


The Queen.My Lord Duke of Somerset, these two men to the Tower!—My Lord Gardiner, our excellent Chancellor, let their trial begin to-morrow before the twelve lords of the Star Chamber, and may God help old England! 'Tis our purpose that