Mary's Farewell

In a short time, you will be my executioner. Your actions shall be considered a favor. You say to me “Lady, please forgive me”. I, Mary Stuart, am grateful for your sympathy. You are putting me out of my misery. It was purely by providential chance, that I should rule both Scotland and France. My first bout with misfortune was the scene where my French king husband Francois died at sixteen. I would return to my native Scotland right away. I faced subjection by my half-brother Earl of Moray. James Stewart and John Knox scorned my presence. Peace between Protestants and Catholics found no permanence. With this problem, I became heavily involved. During my reign, practically nothing could be solved. My cousin Elizabeth has been a thorn in my side. Her disdain and disfavor she chooses not to hide. Elizabeth proposed with blatant effrontery, that I marry the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley. Such a marriage would bring an English-Scottish alliance. I would have been a fool to submit to compliance. My marriage to my cousin was out of defiance. I thought I could love Henry, Lord Darnley. However, Henry’s actions became a liability. He helped kill one of the noblest men I would know. Scottish Lords conspired to murder David Rizzio. During my reign, troubles compounded all the while. Soon I found myself a ruler without a nation. Adversaries forced me to agree to abdication. I would be placed into imprisonment during exile. My involvement in the Babington Plot is the reason why I am being executed for high treason. Please let your blow be both swift and clean. It shall release me from this ignominious scene. I wanted England and Scotland to live in harmony. May I be remembered this way throughout history. Mary's son, James VI of Scotland eventually became King James I of a united England and Scotland.