MORTIMER, PAULET, and DRURY rush in in the greatest
consternation. Attendants hasten over the stage.



PAULET.
Shut all the portals—draw the bridges up.

MORTIMER.
What is the matter, uncle?

PAULET.
Where is the murderess?
Down with her, down into the darkest dungeon!

MORTIMER.
What is the matter? What has passed?

PAULET.
The queen!
Accursed hand! Infernal machination!

MORTIMER.
The queen! What queen?

PAULET.
What queen! The Queen of England;
She has been murdered on the road to London.
[Hastens into the house.