Maria Stuarda

Act One

Dignitaries have gathered in the Palace of Westminster and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their Queen. With the visit of the emissaries from the French Prince, the crowd are awaiting the announcement of the Queen’s engagement to the Prince, and a much-desired union between France and England (‘Qui si attenda’).

Queen Elisabetta arrives, accompanied by her retinue. She addresses her people, explaining that she understands their desire to see this union fulfilled, but that she cannot in good faith accept the proposal when she still has feelings for another (‘Ah! quando all'ara scorgemi’).

Hoping to catch the queen in an amiable mood, Lord Talbot asks her if she has considered what to do with Maria Stuarda, who is currently being held at Fotheringhay, awaiting sentencing or pardon following her accusation of being part of a conspiracy to assassinate the Queen (‘In tal giorno di contento’). The gathered people are also anxious to hear, and sympathetic to Maria’s