ACT IV.

SCENE I.

The Queen"s Apartment.

QUEEN, d.u.c.h.eSS OLIVAREZ, PRINCESS EBOLI, COUNTESS FUENTES.

QUEEN (to the first lady as she rises).

And so the key has not been found! My casket Must be forced open then--and that at once.

[She observes PRINCESS EBOLI, who approaches and kisses her hand.

Welcome, dear princess! I rejoice to see you So near recovered. But you still look pale.

FUENTES (with malice).

The fault of that vile fever which affects The nerves so painfully. Is"t not, princess?

QUEEN.

I wished to visit you, dear Eboli, But dared not.

OLIVAREZ.

Oh! the Princess Eboli Was not in want of company.

QUEEN.

Why, that I readily believe, but what"s the matter?

You tremble----

PRINCESS.

Nothing--nothing, gracious queen.

Permit me to retire.

QUEEN.

You hide it from us-- And are far worse than you would have us think.

Standing must weary you. a.s.sist her, countess, And let her rest awhile upon that seat.

PRINCESS (going).

I shall be better in the open air.

QUEEN.

Attend her, countess. What a sudden illness!

[A PAGE enters and speaks to the d.u.c.h.eSS, who then addresses the QUEEN.

OLIVAREZ.

The Marquis Posa waits, your majesty, With orders from the king.

QUEEN.

Admit him then.

[PAGE admits the MARQUIS and exit.

SCENE II.

MARQUIS POSA. The former.

The MARQUIS falls on one knee before the QUEEN, who signs to him to rise.

QUEEN.

What are my lord"s commands? And may I dare Thus publicly to hear----

MARQUIS.

My business is In private with your royal majesty.

[The ladies retire on a signal from the QUEEN.

SCENE III.

The QUEEN, MARQUIS POSA.

QUEEN (full of astonishment).

How! Marquis, dare I trust my eyes? Are you Commissioned to me from the king?

MARQUIS.

Does this Seem such a wonder to your majesty?

To me "tis otherwise.

QUEEN.

The world must sure Have wandered from its course! That you and he-- I must confess----

MARQUIS.

It does sound somewhat strange-- But be it so. The present times abound In prodigies.

QUEEN.

But none can equal this.

MARQUIS.

Suppose I had at last allowed myself To be converted, and had weary grown Of playing the eccentric at the court Of Philip. The eccentric! What is that?

He who would be of service to mankind Must first endeavor to resemble them.

What end is gained by the vain-glorious garb Of the sectarian? Then suppose--for who From vanity is so completely free As for his creed to seek no proselytes?

Suppose, I say, I had it in my mind To place my own opinions on the throne!

QUEEN.