Part 281 (1/2)

OLIVAREZ (looking at the clock).

It is not yet the hour, your majesty.

QUEEN.

Not yet the hour for me to be a mother!

That's somewhat hard. Forget not, then, to tell me When the right hour does come.

[A page enters and whispers to the first lady, who thereupon turns to the QUEEN.

OLIVAREZ.

The Marquis Posa!

May it please your majesty.

QUEEN.

The Marquis Posa!

OLIVAREZ.

He comes from France, and from the Netherlands, And craves the honor to present some letters Intrusted to him by your royal mother.

QUEEN.

Is this allowed?

OLIVAREZ (hesitating).

A case so unforeseen Is not provided for in my instructions.

When a Castilian grandee, with despatches From foreign courts, shall in her garden find The Queen of Spain, and tender them----

QUEEN.

Enough! I'll venture, then, on mine own proper peril.

OLIVAREZ.

May I, your majesty, withdraw the while?

QUEEN.

E'en as you please, good d.u.c.h.ess!

[Exit the d.u.c.h.eSS, the QUEEN gives the PAGE a sign, who thereupon retires.

SCENE IV.

The QUEEN, PRINCESS EBOLI, MARCHIONESS OF MONDECAR, and MARQUIS OF POSA.

QUEEN.

I bid you welcome, sir, to Spanish ground!

MARQUIS.

Ground which I never with so just a pride Hailed for the country of my sires as now.

QUEEN (to the two ladies).

The Marquis Posa, ladies, who at Rheims Coped with my father in the lists, and made My colors thrice victorious; the first That made me feel how proud a thing it was To be the Queen of Spain and Spanish men.

[Turning to the MARQUIS.