Part 321 (1/2)

KING (embarra.s.sed).

Queen!

QUEEN.

I can bear no more--it is too much!

[Hastening to the door, she falls with her child on the threshold.

KING (running to her a.s.sistance).

Heavens! What is that?

INFANTA (cries out with terror).

She bleeds! My mother bleeds!

[Runs out.

KING (anxiously a.s.sisting her).

Oh, what a fearful accident! You bleed; Do I deserve this cruel punishment?

Rise and collect yourself--rise, they are coming!

They will surprise us! Shall the a.s.sembled court Divert themselves with such a spectacle?

Must I entreat you? Rise.

[She rises, supported by the KING.

SCENE X.

The former, ALVA, DOMINGO entering, alarmed, ladies follow.

KING.

Now let the queen Be led to her apartment; she's unwell.

[Exit the QUEEN, attended by her ladies.

ALVA and DOMINGO come forward.

ALVA.

The queen in tears, and blood upon her face!

KING.

Does that surprise the devils who've misled me?

ALVA and DOMINGO.

We?

KING.

You have said enough to drive me mad.

But nothing to convince me.

ALVA.