Part 322 (1/2)

MARQUIS.

I found an opportunity To seize your son's portfolio, with his letters, Which, as I hope, may throw some light----

[He gives the PRINCE's portfolio to the KING.

KING (looks through it eagerly).

A letter From the emperor, my father. How I a letter Of which I ne'er remember to have heard.

[He reads it through, puts it aside, and goes to the other papers.

A drawing of some fortress--detached thoughts From Tacitus--and what is here? The hand I surely recognize--it is a lady's.

[He reads it attentively, partly to himself, and partly aloud.

”This key--the farthest chamber of the queen's Pavilion!” Ha! what's this? ”The voice of love,-- The timid lover--may--a rich reward.”

Satanic treachery! I see it now.

'Tis she--'tis her own writing!

MARQUIS.

The queen's writing!

Impossible!

KING.

The Princess Eboli's.

MARQUIS.

Then, it was true, what the queen's page confessed, Not long since--that he brought this key and letter.

KING (grasping the MARQUIS' hand in great emotion).

Marquis! I see that I'm in dreadful hands.

This woman--I confess it--'twas this woman Forced the queen's casket: and my first suspicions Were breathed by her. Who knows how deep the priest May be engaged in this? I am deceived By cursed villany.

MARQUIS.

Then it was lucky----

KING.

Marquis! O marquis! I begin to fear I've wronged my wife.

MARQUIS.

If there exist between The prince and queen some secret understandings, They are of other import, rest a.s.sured, Than those they charge her with. I know, for certain, The prince's prayer to be despatched to Flanders Was by the queen suggested.

KING.

I have thought so.

MARQUIS.

The queen's ambitious. Dare I speak more fully?

She sees, with some resentment, her high hopes All disappointed, and herself shut out From share of empire. Your son's youthful ardor Offers itself to her far-reaching views, Her heart! I doubt if she can love.

KING.

Her schemes Of policy can never make me tremble.