nd wrings her hand. MANRIQUE withdraws with a reassuring gesture._]

KING. Presumes he to his sov'reign to prescribe
The rustic precepts of senility?
Would he with secret, rash, and desp'rate deed--

(_Walking back and forth diagonally across the stage_)

I will investigate this case as judge;
And if there be a trace here of offense,
Of insolent intent or wrongful act,
The nearer that the guilty stand to me,
The more shall boldness pay the penalty.
Not thou, Leonore, no, thou art excused!

[_During the last speech, the QUEEN has quietly withdrawn through the
door at the right._]

Whither, then, went she? Leave they me alone?
Am I a fool within mine own abode?

[_He approaches the door at the right._]

I'll go to her--What, is it bolted, barred?

[_Bursting open the door with a kick._]

I'll take by storm, then, my domestic bliss.

[_He goes in._]

[_DON MANRIQUE and GARCERAN appear at the centre door. The latter takes
a step across the threshold._]

MANRIQUE. Wilt thou with, us?

GARCERAN. My father!

MANRIQUE. Wilt thou not?
The rest are gone--wilt follow them?

GARCERAN. I will.

[_They withdraw, the door closes. Pause. The_ KING _returns. In the
attitude of one listening intently._]

KING. Listen again!--'Tis nothing, quiet all!--
Empty, forlorn, the chambers of the Queen.
But, on returning, in the turret room,
I heard the noise of carriages and steeds,
In rushing gallop, hurrying away.
Am I alone? Ramiro! Garceran!

[_The page, comes from the door at the right._]

KING. Report! What goes on here?

PAGE. Illustrious Sire,
The castle is deserted; you and I
Are at this hour its sole inhabitants.

KING. The Queen?

PAGE. The castle in her carriage left.

KING. Back to Toledo then?

PAGE. I know not, Sire.
The lords, howe'er--

KING. What lords?

PAGE. Sire, the estates,
Who all upon their horses swung themselves;