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And no one knows. No one in Europe would believe it of the King of Scotland. But I was careless. I should have questioned them more closely.

(He steps out over Riccio's body, and goes)

Mary (after a pause, looking down at Riccio): A fantastic nothing. Poor fellow. But the reckoning shall be as though for a great lover. Go, Beaton. Bid them come up. Have the watch summoned. Let him be taken away. This is his poor little tragedy. Ours remains. Go.

(Beaton goes out. Mary closes the door. She goes to the window, and draws back the curtain, filling the room with bright moonlight. She looks out. Beyond the door men are heard moving the body of Riccio. Then Beaton returns)

Beaton: Madam.

Mary: Yes, Beaton.

Beaton: My Lord Bothwell is below. He wants to speak to you. He beckoned me from the shadow. He is at the yard corner.

Mary: Bothwell?