Friedrich Schiller writes a blood-chilling reconstruction of Mary’s final days as she awaits execution for plotting to murder Elizabeth. Her imprisonment is the culmination of a long rivalry between the two women, in which Mary’s claim to the throne has created a climate of suspicion and deceit. Schiller subtly reveals Elizabeth’s reticence; she has her arch-rival in her power at last, but is unwilling to take responsibility for her death. It would appear that Mary is less afraid to die than Elizabeth is to kill her.