except one taper, which
he places in a recess, so that the room is in shade. He then
draws back the curtains, and she joins him at the window, where,
enclosing her with his arm, he and she look out together.

In front of the house a guard of hussars is stationed, beyond
them spreading the Plaza or Square. On the other side rises in
the lamplight the white front of the Royal Palace. On the flank
of the Palace is a wall enclosing gardens, bowered alleys, and
orange groves, and in the wall a small door.

A mixed multitude of soldiery and populace fills the space in
front of the King's Palace, and they shout and address each other
vehemently. During a lull in their vociferations is heard the
peaceful purl of the Tagus over a cascade in the Palace grounds.]

QUEEN

Lingering, we've risked too long our chance of flight!
The Paris Terror will repeat it here.
Not for myself I fear. No, no; for thee! [She clings to him.]
If they should hurt you, it would murder me
By heart-bleedings and stabs intolerable!

GODOY [kissing her]

The first thought now is how to get you back
Within the Palace walls. Why would you risk
To come here on a night so critical?

QUEEN [passionately]

I could not help it--nay, I WOULD not help!
Rather than starve my soul I venture all.--
Our last love-night--last, maybe, of long years,
Why do you chide me now?

GODOY

Dear Queen, I do not:
I shape these sharp regrets but for your sake.
Hence you must go, somehow, and quickly too.
They think not yet of you in threatening thus,
But of me solely.... Where does your lady wait?

QUEEN

Below. One servant with her. They are true,
And can be let know all. But you--but you! [Uproar continues.]

GODOY

I can escape. Now call them. All three cloak
And veil as when you came.

[They retreat into the room. QUEEN MARIA LUISA'S lady-in-waiting
and servant are summoned. Enter both. All three then muffle
themselves up, and GODOY prepares to conduct the QUEEN downstairs.]

QUEEN

Nay, now! I will not have it. We are safe;
Think of yourself. Can you get out behind?

GODOY

I judge so--when I have done what's needful here.--
The mob knows not the bye-door--slip across;
Thence around sideways.--All's clear there as yet.

[The QUEEN, her lady-in-waiting, and the servant go