--the thrice holy Inquisition--saved by your poor cur Quinola! Poor?
--why should I say poor? My master once free, we will end by cashing
our hopes. To live at Valladolid for six months without money, and
without being nabbed by the alguazils, argues the possession of
certain small talents, which, if applied to--other ends, might bring a
man to--something different in fact! If we knew where we were going no
one would stir a step--I purpose speaking to the king, I, Quinola. God
of the rapscallions, give me the eloquence--of--a pretty woman, of the
Marchioness of Mondejar--

SCENE THIRD

Quinola and the Captain.

The Captain (to Quinola)
Here are fifty doubloons which the marchioness sends you, that you may
be enabled to make your appearance here in decent guise.

Quinola (pouring the gold from one hand into the other)
Ah, this burst of sunshine has been long expected! I will return, my
lord, radiant as that amorous valet, whose name I have assumed;
Quinola at your service, Quinola soon to be lord of wide domains,
where I shall administer justice, from the time--(aside) I cease to
fear its ministers.

SCENE FOURTH

The Courtiers and the Captain.

The Captain (alone at the front of the stage)
What secret has this miserable creature discovered? My cousin almost
fainted away. She told me that it concerned all my friends. The king
must have something to do in the matter. (To a lord) Duke of Lerma, is
there anything new in Valladolid?

The Duke of Lerma (whispering)
It is said that the Duke of Olmedo was murdered this morning, at three
o'clock, just before dawn. It happened a few paces from the Mondejar
palace.

The Captain
It is quite likely he should be assassinated for prejudicing the
king's mind against my cousin; the king, like all great statesmen,
esteems as true everything that appears to be probable.

The Duke
It is said that enmity between the duke and the marchioness was only a
pretence, and that the assassin is not to be prosecuted.

The Captain
Duke, this ought not to be repeated unless it can be proved, and even
then could not be written excepting with a sword dipped in my blood.

The Duke
You asked me the news.

(The duke retires.)

SCENE FIFTH

The same persons, and the Marchioness of Mondejar.

The Captain
Ah! here is my cousin! (To the marchioness) Dear marchioness, you are
still very m