ALVA.

And am I not the same to whom these doors Flew open once? But, ah! how changed is all Around me and how strange!

[DOMINGO approaches the cabinet door softly, and remains listening before it.

ALVA (after a pause).

Hark! All is still And silent as the grave!' I hear them breathe.

DOMINGO.

The double tapestry absorbs the sounds!

ALVA.

Away! there's some one coming. All appears So solemn and so still--as if this instant Some deep momentous question were decided.

SCENE XXIII.

The PRINCE OF PARMA, the DUKES OF FERIA and MEDINA SIDONIA, with other GRANDEES enter--the preceding.

PARMA.

Say, can we see the king?

ALVA.

No!

PARMA.

Who is with him?

FERIA.

The Marquis Posa, doubtless?

ALVA.

Every instant He is expected here.

PARMA.

This moment we Arrive from Saragossa. Through Madrid Terror prevails! Is the announcement true?

Domingo.

Alas, too true!

FERIA.

That he has been arrested By the marquis!

ALVA.

Yes.

PARMA.

And wherefore? What's the cause?

ALVA.

Wherefore? That no one knows, except the king And Marquis Posa.

PARMA.

And without the warrant Of the a.s.sembled Cortes of the Realm?

FERIA.

That man shall suffer, who has lent a hand To infringe the nation's rights.

ALVA.

And so say I!

MEDINA SIDONIA.

And I!

THE OTHER GRANDEES.

And all of us!

ALVA.

Who'll follow me Into the cabinet? I'll throw myself Before the monarch's feet.

LERMA (rushing out of the cabinet).

The Duke of Alva!

DOMINGO.

Then G.o.d be praised at last!

LERMA.

When Marquis Posa Comes, say the king's engaged and he'll be sent for.

DOMINGO (to LERMA; all the others having gathered round him, full of anxious expectation).

Count! What has happened? You are pale as death!

LERMA (hastening away).

Fell villany!

PARMA and FERIA.

What! what!

MEDINA SIDONIA.

How is the king?

DOMINGO (at the same time).

Fell villany! Explain----

LERMA.

The king shed tears!

DOMINGO.

Shed tears!