Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots, kneels at the execution block in Fotheringhay Castle, moments before her beheading. The executioner stands poised with the axe, the crowd of witnesses holds their breath in a ten
Setting
The Great Hall of Fotheringhay Castle, a cold, stone-walled chamber with high ceilings and narrow windows. The space is dominated by a wooden scaffold draped in black cloth, erected in the center of the room for the execution. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting hunting scenes, now faded and slightly moth-eaten.
Characters
Mary, Queen of Scots
primary
A regal yet sorrowful woman in her mid-forties, with pale complexion, high cheekbones, and piercing dark eyes. Her auburn hair, showing traces of grey, is concealed beneath a white linen cap as befits her Catholic faith. Her posture remains dignified despite the circumstances, with a slender frame that still carries the bearing of royalty.
Executioner
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man of indeterminate age, his face obscured by a traditional black executioner's hood with only eye slits revealing a steely gaze. His hands are large and calloused, gripping the executioner's axe with practiced ease. Though his features are hidden, his posture suggests a man in his prime, accustomed to the weight of his grim duty.
Earl of Shrewsbury
secondary
A tall, middle-aged nobleman in his late 50s with a well-groomed beard streaked with grey, deep-set eyes, and a gaunt face that speaks of years of stress and responsibility. His posture is upright but shows the weight of his years and the burden of the moment.
Earl of Kent
secondary
A stern-faced nobleman in his late 50s, with a gaunt, angular face framed by a closely cropped grey beard. His tall, wiry frame stands rigidly erect, conveying both authority and disapproval. Cold grey eyes observe the proceedings with unwavering intensity, their sharpness undimmed by age.
Mary's Lady-in-Waiting
background
A young woman in her late twenties, slender with a pale complexion and red-rimmed eyes from weeping. Her light brown hair is tucked neatly beneath a simple white cap, with a few strands escaping to frame her face. Her hands are delicate but show the signs of frequent washing and needlework.
Dialog
Mary, Queen of Scots
In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum...
Earl of Shrewsbury
Madam, it is time. Pray, make your peace.
Mary, Queen of Scots
We forgive you all, as we pray to be forgiven. Remember, my lords, the judgment of Heaven is upon you.
Earl of Kent
Enough of this. Proceed with the sentence.
Executioner
By the Queen's warrant...
Mary, Queen of Scots
Lord Jesus, receive me into Thy bosom.
Executioner
May God have mercy on your soul.