known him fully? In his heart
This blemish has escaped my eye. Distrust
Of me--his friend! But no, 'tis calumny!
What hath he done that I accuse him thus
Of weakest weakness. I myself commit
The fault I charge on him. What have I done
Might well surprise him! When hath he displayed
To his best friend such absolute reserve?
Carlos, I must afflict thee--there's no help--
And longer still distress thy noble soul.
In me the king hath placed his confidence,
His holiest trust reposed--as in a casket,
And this reliance calls for gratitude.
How can disclosure serve thee when my silence
Brings thee no harm--serves thee, perhaps? Ah! why
Point to the traveller the impending storm?
Enough, if I direct its anger past thee!
And when thou wakest the sky's again serene.

[Exit.

SCENE VII.

The KING's Cabinet.
The KING seated, near him the INFANTA CLARA EUGENIA.

KING (after a deep silence).
No--she is sure my daughter--or can nature
Thus lie like truth! Yes, that blue eye is mine!
And I am pictured in thy every feature.
Child of my love! for such thou art--I fold thee
Thus to my heart; thou art my blood.
[Starts and pauses:
My blood--
What's worse to fear? Are not my features his?

[Takes the miniature in his hand and looks first at
the portrait, then at the mirror opposite; at last he
throws it on the ground, rises hastily, and pushes the
INFANTA from him.

Away, away! I'm lost in this abyss.

SCENE VIII.

COUNT LERMA and the KING.

LERMA.
Her majesty is in the antechamber.

KING.
What! Now?

LERMA.
And begs the favor of an audience.

KING.
Now! At this unaccustomed hour! Not now--
I cannot see her yet.

LERMA.
Here comes the queen.

[Exit LERMA.

SCENE IX.

The KING, the QUEEN enters, and the INFANTA.

The INFANTA runs to meet the QUEEN and clings to her;
the QUEEN falls at the KING's feet, who is silent,
and appears confused and embarrassed.

QUEEN.
My lord! My husband! I'm constrained to seek
Justice before the throne!

KING.
What? Justice!

QUEEN.
Yes!
I'm treated with dishonor at the court!
My casket has been rifled.

KING.
What! Your casket?

QUEEN.
And things I highly value have been plundered.

KING.
Things that you highly value.

QUEEN.
From the meaning
Which ignorant men'