Part 285 (1/2)

How great thou art, my angel! Yes, I'll do All, all thou canst desire. So let it be.

[He rises.

Here in the sight of heaven I stand and swear-- I swear to thee, eternal--no, great Heaven!-- Eternal silence only,--not oblivion!

QUEEN.

How can I ask from you what I myself Am not disposed to grant?

MARQUIS (hastening from the alley).

The king!

QUEEN.

Oh G.o.d!

MARQUIS.

Away, away! fly from these precincts, prince!

QUEEN.

His jealousy is dreadful--should he see you----

CARLOS.

I'll stay.

QUEEN.

And who will be the victim then?

CARLOS (seizing the MARQUIS by the arm).

Away, away! Come, Roderigo, come!

[Goes and returns.

What may I hope to carry hence with me?

QUEEN.

Your mother's friends.h.i.+p.

CARLOS.

Friends.h.i.+p! Mother!

QUEEN.

And These tears with it--they're from the Netherlands.

[She gives him some letters. Exit CARLOS with the MARQUIS.

The QUEEN looks restlessly round in search of her ladies, who are nowhere to be seen. As she is about to retire up, the KING enters.

SCENE VI.

The KING, the QUEEN, DUKE ALVA, COUNT LERMA, DOMINGO, LADIES, GRANDEES, who remain at a little distance.

KING.

How, madam, alone; not even one of all Your ladies in attendance? Strange! Where are they?

QUEEN.

My gracious lord!

KING.