e PRINCESS utters a cry of
horror, and tries to escape. The officers are astounded.
A long and deep pause ensues. The MARQUIS trembles violently,
and with difficulty preserves his composure.
[To the PRINCE.

I beg your sword--The Princess Eboli
Remains----
[To the officers.
And you, on peril of your lives,
Let no one with his highness speak--no person--
Not e'en yourselves.
[He whispers a few words to one officer, then turns to the other.
I hasten, instantly,
To cast myself before our monarch's feet,
And justify this step----
[To the PRINCE.
And prince! for you--
Expect me in an hour.

[CARLOS permits himself to be led away without any signs
of consciousness, except that in passing he casts a languid,
dying look on the MARQUIS. The PRINCESS endeavors again to
escape; the MARQUIS pulls her back by the arm.

SCENE XVII.

PRINCESS EBOLI, MARQUIS POSA.

EBOLI.
For Heaven's sake let me leave this place----

MARQUIS (leads her forward with dreadful earnestness).
Thou wretch!
What has he said to thee?

EBOLI.
Oh, leave me! Nothing.

MARQUIS (with earnestness; holding her back by force).
How much has he imparted to thee? Here
No way is left thee to escape. To none
In this world shalt thou ever tell it.

EBOLI (looking at him with terror).
Heavens! What would you do? Would you then murder me?

MARQUIS (drawing a dagger).
Yes, that is my resolve. Be speedy!

EBOLI.
Mercy!
What have I then committed?

MARQUIS (looking towards heaven, points the dagger to her breast).
Still there's time--
The poison has not issued from these lips.
Dash but the bowl to atoms, all remains
Still as before! The destinies of Spain
Against a woman's life!

[Remains doubtingly in this position.

EBOLI (having sunk down beside him, looks in his face).
Do not delay--
Why do you hesitate? I beg no mercy--
I have deserved to die, and I am ready.

MARQUIS (letting his hand drop slowly--after some reflection).
It were as cowardly as barbarous.
No! God be praised! another way is left.

[He lets the dagger fall and hurries out. The PRINCESS
hastens out through another door.

SCENE XVIII.

A Chamber of the QUEEN.
The QUEEN to the COUNTESS FUENTES.

What means this noisy tumult in the palace?
Each breath to-day alar