Maria Stuarda
Queen Elizabeth considers a French marriage proposal and whether to pardon her imprisoned cousin, Mary Stuart. Leicester, who loves Mary, gives Elizabeth a letter asking for a meeting and pleads for Mary’s life. At Fotheringhay, Mary hopes Leicester can secure her freedom. Elizabeth arrives, and the queens confront each other. Elizabeth accuses Mary of treason and other crimes; Mary answers with an insult that prompts Elizabeth to order her execution. Elizabeth signs the death warrant despite Leicester’s plea for mercy. Before her execution, Mary comforts her companions, prays with them, pardons Elizabeth, and bids farewell to Leicester.