This was her first time going to the theater after returning to England, but it did not bring her any comfort. She went to watch John Dryden's' The Spanish Monk '- a play that was banned for satirizing the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, she had never read this play before, and no one had reminded her of the controversial passages. In the first act, a character claims that the queen "usurped the throne: imprisoned the old king; while praying for blessings". Upon hearing these words, Mary picked up her fan and turned her head, realizing that the audience was all watching her. In Act Four, another character mentions "a usurped crown, an illegal scepter," followed by "What title does this queen hold? Illegal force? Force will surely overthrow her." The queen tries to cover her face with a cloak and hood, but the audience standing at the pool seat are already facing away from the stage, only looking up at her. This play was suspended the next day, but for a long time afterwards, it remained a hot topic in London society.
