Flanders.

CARLOS.
Yes! all, all
That thou and virtue bid me not forget.

MARQUIS (going to a window).
The time is up--I hear thy suite approaching.
[They embrace.
Crown prince again, and the vassal.

CARLOS.
Dost thou go
Straight to Madrid?

MARQUIS.
Yes, straight.

CARLOS.
Hold! one word more.
How nearly it escaped me! Yet 'twas news
Of deep importance. "Every letter now
Sent to Brabant is opened by the king!"
So be upon thy guard. The royal post
Has secret orders.

MARQUIS.
How have you learned this?

CARLOS.
Don Raymond Taxis is my trusty friend.

MARQUIS (after a pause).
Well! then they may be sent through Germany.

[Exeunt on different sides.

ACT III.

SCENE I.

The king's bedchamber. On the toilet two burning lights. In the
background several pages asleep resting on their knees. The KING,
in half undress, stands before the table, with one arm bent over
the chair, in a reflecting posture. Before him is a medallion and
papers.

KING.
Of a warm fancy she has ever been!
Who can deny it? I could never love her,
Yet has she never seemed to miss my love.
And so 'tis plain--she's false!

[Makes a movement which brings him to himself.
He looks round with surprise.

Where have I been?
Is no one watching here, then, save the king?
The light's burnt out, and yet it is not day.
I must forego my slumbers for to-night.
Take it, kind nature, for enjoyed! No time
Have monarchs to retrieve the nights they lose.
I'm now awake, and day it shall be.

[He puts out the candles, and draws aside the window-curtain.
He observes the sleeping pages--remains for some time standing
before them--then rings a bell.

All
Asleep within the antechamber, too?

SCENE II.

The KING, COUNT LERMA.

LERMA (surprised at seeing the KING).
Does not your majesty feel well?

KING.
The left Pavilion of the palace was in flames:
Did you not hear the alarum?

LERMA.
No, my liege.

KING.
No! What? And did I only dream it then?
'Twas surely real! Does not the queen sleep there?

LERMA.
She does, your majesty.

KING.
This dream affrights me!
In future let the guards be doubled there
As soon as it grows dark. Dost hear? And yet
Let it be done in secret. I would not----
Why do you gaze on me?

LERMA.
Your blood