Part 319 (1/2)

LERMA.

Her majesty is in the antechamber.

KING.

What! Now?

LERMA.

And begs the favor of an audience.

KING.

Now! At this unaccustomed hour! Not now-- I cannot see her yet.

LERMA.

Here comes the queen.

[Exit LERMA.

SCENE IX.

The KING, the QUEEN enters, and the INFANTA.

The INFANTA runs to meet the QUEEN and clings to her; the QUEEN falls at the KING's feet, who is silent, and appears confused and embarra.s.sed.

QUEEN.

My lord! My husband! I'm constrained to seek Justice before the throne!

KING.

What? Justice!

QUEEN.

Yes!

I'm treated with dishonor at the court!

My casket has been rifled.

KING.

What! Your casket?

QUEEN.

And things I highly value have been plundered.

KING.

Things that you highly value.

QUEEN.

From the meaning Which ignorant men's officiousness, perhaps, Might give to them----

KING.

What's this? Officiousness, And meaning! How? But rise.

QUEEN.

Oh no, my husband!