How long is it since last your majesty Opened your casket?

QUEEN.

Why do you inquire?

DOMINGO.

Did you not miss some articles of value?

QUEEN.

Why these suspicions? What I missed was then Known to the court! But what of Marquis Posa?

Say, what connection has all this with him?

ALVA.

The closest, please your majesty--the prince Has lost some papers of importance; And they were seen this morning with the king After the marquis had an audience of him.

QUEEN (after some consideration).

This news is strange indeed--inexplicable To find a foe where I could ne"er have dreamed it, And two warm friends I knew not I possessed!

[Fixing her eyes steadfastly upon them.

And, to speak truth, I had well nigh imputed To you the wicked turn my husband served me.

ALVA.

To us!

QUEEN.

To you yourselves!

DOMINGO.

To me! Duke Alva!

QUEEN (her eyes still fastened on them).

I am glad to be so timely made aware Of my rash judgment--else had I resolved This very day to beg his majesty Would bring me face to face with my accusers.

But I"m contented now. I can appeal To the Duke Alva for his testimony.

ALVA.

For mine? You would not sure do that!

QUEEN.

Why not?

ALVA.

"Twould counteract the services we might Render in secret to you.

QUEEN.

How! in secret?

[With stern dignity.

I fain would know what secret projects, duke, Your sovereign"s spouse can have to form with you, Or, priest! with you--her husband should not know?

Think you that I am innocent or guilty?

DOMINGO.

Strange question!

ALVA.

Should the monarch prove unjust-- And at this time----

QUEEN.

Then I must wait for justice Until it come--and they are happiest far Whose consciences may calmly wait their right.

[Bows to them and exit. DOMINGO and ALVA exeunt on the opposite side.

SCENE XV.

Chamber Of PRINCESS EBOLI.

PRINCESS EBOLI. CARLOS immediately after.

EBOLI.

Is it then true--the strange intelligence, That fills the court with wonder?

CARLOS (enters).

Do not fear Princess! I shall be gentle as a child.

EBOLI.

Prince, this intrusion!

CARLOS.

Are you angry still?

Offended still with me----

EBOLI.

Prince!

CARLOS (earnestly).

Are you angry?

I pray you answer me.

EBOLI.

What can this mean?

You seem, prince, to forget--what would you with me?

CARLOS (seizing her hand with warmth).

Dear maiden! Can you hate eternally?

Can injured love ne"er pardon?

EBOLI (disengaging herself).

Prince! of what Would you remind me?

CARLOS.