still look pale.

FUENTES (with malice).
The fault of that vile fever which affects
The nerves so painfully. Is't not, princess?

QUEEN.
I wished to visit you, dear Eboli,
But dared not.

OLIVAREZ.
Oh! the Princess Eboli
Was not in want of company.

QUEEN.
Why, that
I readily believe, but what's the matter?
You tremble----

PRINCESS.
Nothing--nothing, gracious queen.
Permit me to retire.

QUEEN.
You hide it from us--
And are far worse than you would have us think.
Standing must weary you. Assist her, countess,
And let her rest awhile upon that seat.

PRINCESS (going).
I shall be better in the open air.

QUEEN.
Attend her, countess. What a sudden illness!

[A PAGE enters and speaks to the DUCHESS, who then
addresses the QUEEN.

OLIVAREZ.
The Marquis Posa waits, your majesty,
With orders from the king.

QUEEN.
Admit him then.

[PAGE admits the MARQUIS and exit.

SCENE II.

MARQUIS POSA. The former.

The MARQUIS falls on one knee before the QUEEN, who
signs to him to rise.

QUEEN.
What are my lord's commands? And may I dare
Thus publicly to hear----

MARQUIS.
My business is
In private with your royal majesty.

[The ladies retire on a signal from the QUEEN.

SCENE III.

The QUEEN, MARQUIS POSA.

QUEEN (full of astonishment).
How! Marquis, dare I trust my eyes? Are you
Commissioned to me from the king?

MARQUIS.
Does this
Seem such a wonder to your majesty?
To me 'tis otherwise.

QUEEN.
The world must sure
Have wandered from its course! That you and he--
I must confess----

MARQUIS.
It does sound somewhat strange--
But be it so. The present times abound
In prodigies.

QUEEN.
But none can equal this.

MARQUIS.
Suppose I had at last allowed myself
To be converted, and had weary grown
Of playing the eccentric at the court
Of Philip. The eccentric! What is that?
He who would be of service to mankind
Must first endeavor to resemble them.
What end is gained by the vain-glorious garb
Of the sectarian? Then suppose--for who
From vanity is so completely free
As for his creed to seek no proselytes?
Suppose, I say, I had it in my mind
To place my own opinions on the throne!

QUEEN.
No, marquis! no! Not even in jest could I
Suspect you of so wild a scheme as this;
No visionary you! to undertake
What you can ne'er ac