ng,
This very night!

TAXIS.
Just on the stroke of two
The horses must be ready and prepared,
At the Carthusian monastery.

ALVA.
Spies
Despatched by me, moreover, have observed
Equipments at the convent for a journey,
On which the prince's arms were recognized.

FERIA.
And it is rumored that large sums are raised
In the queen's name, among the Moorish agents,
Destined for Brussels.

KING.
Where is Carlos?

ALVA.
With Posa's body.

KING.
And there are lights as yet
Within the queen's apartments?

ALVA.
Everything
Is silent there. She has dismissed her maids
Far earlier than as yet has been her custom.
The Duchess of Arcos, who was last with her,
Left her in soundest sleep.

[An officer of the Body Guard enters, takes the DUKE OF FERIA
aside, and whispers to him. The latter, struck with surprise,
turns to DUKE ALVA. The others crowd round him, and a murmuring
noise arises.

FERIA, TAXIS, and DOMINGO (at the same time)
'Tis wonderful!

KING.
What is the matter!

FERIA.
News scarce credible!

DOMINGO.
Two soldiers, who have just returned from duty,
Report--but--oh, the tale's ridiculous!

KING.
What do they say?

ALVA.
They say, in the left wing
Of the queen's palace, that the emperor's ghost
Appeared before them, and with solemn gait
Passed on. This rumor is confirmed by all
The sentinels, who through the whole pavilion
Their watches keep. And they, moreover, add,
The phantom in the queen's apartment vanished.

KING.
And in what shape appeared it?

OFFICER.
In the robes,
The same attire he in Saint Justi wore
For the last time, apparelled as a monk.

KING.
A monk! And did the sentries know his person
Whilst he was yet alive? They could not else
Determine that it was the emperor.

OFFICER.
The sceptre which he bore was evidence
It was the emperor.

DOMINGO.
And the story goes
He often has been seen in this same dress.

KING.
Did no one speak to him?

OFFICER.
No person dared.
The sentries prayed, and let him pass in silence.

KING.
The phantom vanished in the queen's apartments!

OFFICER.
In the queen's antechamber.

[General silence.

KING (turns quickly round).
What say you?

ALVA.
Sire! we are silent.

KING (after some thought, to the OFFICER).
Let my guards be ready
And u