Part 331 (1/2)

[LERMA enters the cabinet.

ALVA.

Dear Taxis, you must learn a little patience-- You cannot see the king.

TAXIS.

Not see him! Why?

ALVA.

You should have been considerate, and procured Permission from the Marquis Posa first-- Who keeps both son and father in confinement.

TAXIS.

The Marquis Posa! Right--that is the man From whom I bring this letter.

ALVA.

Ah! What letter?

TAXIS.

A letter to be forwarded to Brussels.

ALVA (attentively).

To Brussels?

TAXIS.

And I bring it to the king.

ALVA.

Indeed! to Brussels! Heard you that, Domingo?

DOMINGO (joining them).

Full of suspicion!

TAXIS.

And with anxious mien, And deep embarra.s.sment he gave it to me.

DOMINGO.

Embarra.s.sment! To whom is it directed?

TAXIS.

The Prince of Orange and Na.s.sau.

ALVA.

To William!

There's treason here, Domingo!

DOMINGO.

Nothing less!

In truth this letter must, without delay, Be laid before the king. A n.o.ble service You render, worthy man--to be so firm In the discharge of duty.

TAXIS.

Reverend sir!