Part 342 (1/2)

SCENE X.

The KING and the GRAND INQUISITOR. A long silence.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

Say, do I stand before the king?

KING.

You do.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

I never thought it would be so again!

KING.

I now renew the scenes of early youth, When Philip sought his sage instructor's counsel.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

Your glorious sire, my pupil, Charles the Fifth, Nor sought or needed counsel at my hands.

KING.

So much happier he! I, cardinal, Am guilty of a murder, and no rest----

GRAND INQUISITOR.

What was the reason for this murder?

KING.

'Twas A fraud unparalleled----

GRAND INQUISITOR.

I know it all.

KING.

What do you know? Through whom, and since what time?

GRAND INQUISITOR.

For years--what you have only learned since sunset.

KING (with astonishment).

You know this man then!

GRAND INQUISITOR.

All his life is noted From its commencement to its sudden close, In Santa Casa's holy registers.

KING.

Yet he enjoyed his liberty!

GRAND INQUISITOR.

The chain With which he struggled, but which held him bound, Though long, was firm, nor easy to be severed.

KING.

He has already been beyond the kingdom.

GRAND INQUISITOR.