Part 309 (1/2)

[They retire; the other GRANDEES approach, and kneeling, hand their papers to the KING. He looks over them rapidly, and hands them to DUKE ALVA.

Duke, let these be laid Before me in the council. Who waits further?

[No one answers.

How comes it that amidst my train of n.o.bles The Marquis Posa ne'er appears? I know This Marquis Posa served me with distinction.

Does he still live? Why is he not among you?

LERMA.

The chevalier is just returned from travel, Completed through all Europe. He is now Here in Madrid, and waits a public day To cast himself before his sovereign's feet.

ALVA.

The Marquis Posa? Right, he is the same Bold Knight of Malta, sire, of whom renown Proclaims this gallant deed. Upon a summons Of the Grand Master, all the valiant knights a.s.sembled in their island, at that time Besieged by Soliman. This n.o.ble youth, Scarce numbering eighteen summers, straightway fled From Alcala, where he pursued his studies, And suddenly arrived at La Valette.

”This Cross,” he said, ”was bought for me; and now To prove I'm worthy of it.” He was one Of forty knights who held St. Elmo's Castle, At midday, 'gainst Piali, Ulucciali, And Mustapha, and Ha.s.sem; the a.s.sault Being thrice repeated. When the castle fell, And all the valiant knights were killed around him, He plunged into the ocean, and alone Reached La Valette in safety. Two months after The foe deserts the island, and the knight Returned to end his interrupted studies.

FERIA.

It was the Marquis Posa, too, who crushed The dread conspiracy in Catalonia; And by his marked activity preserved That powerful province to the Spanish crown.

KING.

I am amazed! What sort of man is this Who can deserve so highly, yet awake No pang of envy in the b.r.e.a.s.t.s of three Who speak his praise? The character he owns Must be of n.o.ble stamp indeed, or else A very blank. I'm curious to behold This wondrous man.

[To DUKE ALVA.

Conduct him to the council When ma.s.s is over.

[Exit DUKE. The KING calls FERIA.

And do you preside Here in my place.

[Exit.

FERIA.

The king is kind to-day.

MEDIA SIDONIA.

Call him a G.o.d! So he has proved to me!

FERIA.

You well deserve your fortune, admiral!

You have my warmest wishes.

ONE OF THE GRANDEES.

Sir, and mine.

A SECOND.

And also mine.

A THIRD.

My heart exults with joy-- So excellent a general!

THE FIRST.