SCENE II.--_The German Court, a Room in the Castle.

_Enter the_ QUEEN _and an_ Attendant.

_Att._ This way, Your Majesty.

_Queen._ You speak me, majesty. I am no Queen, The lowest woman in this mighty realm, Reigning in some humble herdsman’s heart, Might top my queenship. O Henry, Henry, What is there in my face, my form, my spirit, That you should scorn me? Hath my essence changed, Since by the holy altar facing Heaven We plighted wedding troth; to less and less, That you should hate me?

(_Enter Bishop of Bamburg._) My Lord Bishop! (_Kneels._)

_Bam._ (_Lifting her._) Nay, humble not thy lonely majesty, Thy stately womanliness, most noble Margaret, By such poor acts.

_Queen._ O, Bamburg, be my angel, my good guide, Leading me by roads to Henry’s favour. Bring back his heart to its one-time allegiance, And make earth’s springtime laugh for me once more.

_Bam._ Nought in all my bishopric hath grieved me Like this strange act of Henry’s. I have spoke him Happily in all save only this. Patience, my Lady, patience, look to Heaven. Perchance some day he’ll know thy noble heart.

_Queen._ O, Bamburg, as the queen of this great realm, More sacred, as the mother of his child, I beg you get me audience. Did I plead, His heart might soften.

_Bam._ Madam, thy wishes are to me commands, I fear me much the issue in his mood, But be my head the penalty, I will bring You to him. [_Exit both._

[_Curtain._