e!
But follow for the nonce these other lords,
The outcome may be better than we think.

[_Servant entering from the left._]

SERVANT. His Majesty, the King!

MANRIQUE (_to the estates, pointing to the middle door_).

This way--withdraw!

(_To the servants._)

And ye, arrange these chairs along the wall.
Naught shall remind him that we gathered here

QUEEN (_who has stepped down from the throne_).

My knees are trembling, yet there's none to aid.

MANRIQUE. Virtue abode with strength in days of yore,
But latterly, estranged, they separate.
Strength stayed with youth--where she was wont to be--
And virtue fled to gray and ancient heads.
Here, take my arm! Though tottering the step,
And strength be lacking,--virtue still abides.

[_He leads the _QUEEN _off at the right. The estates, with _GARCERAN,_
have gone out through the centre door. The_ KING _comes from the left,
behind him his page._]

KING. The sorrel, say you, limps? The pace was fast,
But I no further need shall have of him.
So to Toledo, pray you, have him led,
Where rest will soon restore him. I, myself,
Will at my spouse's side, in her own coach
Return from here, in sight of all the folk,
That what they see they may believe, and know
That discord and dissension are removed.

[_The page goes._]

I am alone. Does no one come to meet?
Naught but bare walls and silent furniture!
It is but recently that they have met.
And oh, these empty chairs much louder speak
Than those who sat upon them e'er have done!
What use to chew the bitter cud of thought?
I must begin to remedy the ill.
Here goes the way to where my wife doth dwell.--
I'll enter on this most unwelcome path.

[_He approaches the side door at the right._]

What, barred the door? Hallo, in there! The King
It is, who's master in this house! For me
There is no lock, no door to shut me out.

[_A waiting-woman enters through the door._]

KING. Ye bar yourselves?

WAITING WOMAN. The Queen, your Majesty--