But her image is stamped upon my heart, and I see her now, as I saw her then, the beautiful queen, with the handsome singer at her feet.
I had entered unawares, and stood a few moments at the door before they remarked me.

As I approached, Rizzio suddenly ceased in the midst of a tender passage, and sprang to his feet.

Mary signed to him, blushing, to withdraw.

He glided noiselessly out, his lute under his arm, and I remained alone with the queen.

I dared to chide her, gently, for her love affair with the handsome singer, and, above all, to exhort her to fidelity to her husband.