Part 301 (1/2)

Such is, you know, the custom of the court, And I may then remain in my apartment.

DOMINGO.

'Tis well devised! Now the great game is won, And we may bid defiance to all queens!

PRINCESS.

Hark! I am called. I must attend the queen, So fare you well.

[Exit.

SCENE XIII.

ALVA and DOMINGO.

DOMINGO (after a pause, during which he has watched the PRINCESS).

My lord! these roses, and-- Your battles----

ALVA.

And your G.o.d!--why, even so Thus we'll await the lightning that will scathe us!

[Exeunt.

SCENE XIV.

A Carthusian Convent.

DON CARLOS and the PRIOR.

CARLOS (to the PRIOR, as he comes in).

Been here already? I am sorry for it.

PRIOR.

Yes, thrice since morning. 'Tis about an hour Since he went hence.

CARLOS.

But he will sure return.

Has he not left some message?

PRIOR.

Yes; he promised To come again at noon.

CARLOS (going to a window, and looking round the country).

Your convent lies Far from the public road. Yonder are seen The turrets of Madrid--just so--and there The Mansanares flows. The scenery is Exactly to my wish, and all around Is calm and still as secrecy itself.

PRIOR.

Or as the entrance to another world.

CARLOS.

Most worthy sir, to your fidelity And honor, have I now intrusted all I hold most dear and sacred in the world.

No mortal man must know, or even suspect, With whom I here hold secret a.s.signation.