MARQUIS.

I found an opportunity To seize your son's portfolio, with his letters, Which, as I hope, may throw some light----

[He gives the PRINCE's portfolio to the KING.

KING (looks through it eagerly).

A letter From the emperor, my father. How I a letter Of which I ne'er remember to have heard.

[He reads it through, puts it aside, and goes to the other papers.

A drawing of some fortress--detached thoughts From Tacitus--and what is here? The hand I surely recognize--it is a lady's.

[He reads it attentively, partly to himself, and partly aloud.

"This key--the farthest chamber of the queen's Pavilion!" Ha! what's this? "The voice of love,-- The timid lover--may--a rich reward."

Satanic treachery! I see it now.

'Tis she--'tis her own writing!

MARQUIS.

The queen's writing!

Impossible!

KING.

The Princess Eboli's.

MARQUIS.

Then, it was true, what the queen's page confessed, Not long since--that he brought this key and letter.

KING (grasping the MARQUIS' hand in great emotion).

Marquis! I see that I'm in dreadful hands.

This woman--I confess it--'twas this woman Forced the queen's casket: and my first suspicions Were breathed by her. Who knows how deep the priest May be engaged in this? I am deceived By cursed villany.

MARQUIS.

Then it was lucky----

KING.

Marquis! O marquis! I begin to fear I've wronged my wife.

MARQUIS.

If there exist between The prince and queen some secret understandings, They are of other import, rest a.s.sured, Than those they charge her with. I know, for certain, The prince's prayer to be despatched to Flanders Was by the queen suggested.

KING.

I have thought so.

MARQUIS.

The queen's ambitious. Dare I speak more fully?

She sees, with some resentment, her high hopes All disappointed, and herself shut out From share of empire. Your son's youthful ardor Offers itself to her far-reaching views, Her heart! I doubt if she can love.

KING.

Her schemes Of policy can never make me tremble.

MARQUIS.

Whether the Infant loves her--whether we Have something worse to fear from him,--are things Worthy our deep attention. To these points Our strictest vigilance must be directed.

KING.

You must be pledge for him.

MARQUIS.

And if the king Esteem me capable of such a task, I must entreat it be intrusted to me Wholly without conditions.

KING.

So it shall.

MARQUIS.

That in the steps which I may think required, I may be thwarted by no coadjutors, Whatever name they bear.

KING.

I pledge my word You shall not. You have proved my guardian angel.

How many thanks I owe you for this service!

[LERMA enters--the KING to him.

How did you leave the queen?

LERMA.

But scarce recovered From her deep swoon.

[He looks at the MARQUIS doubtfully, and exit.

MARQUIS (to the KING, after a pause).

One caution yet seems needful.

The prince may be advised of our design, For he has many faithful friends in Ghent, And may have partisans among the rebels.

Fear may incite to desperate resolves; Therefore I counsel that some speedy means Be taken to prevent this fatal chance.

KING.

You are quite right--but how?

MARQUIS.

Your majesty May sign a secret warrant of arrest And place it in my hands, to be employed, As may seem needful, in the hour of danger.

[The KING appears thoughtful.

This step must be a most profound state secret Until----

KING (going to his desk and writing the warrant of arrest).

The kingdom is at stake, and now The pressing danger sanctions urgent measures.

Here marquis! I need scarcely say--use prudence.

MARQUIS (taking the warrant).