!
How can I understand this privilege?

MARQUIS.
As innocently, queen, as e'er you may.
But we enjoy it--that is sure enough.

QUEEN (interrupting).
How will my heart rejoice should this become
A refuge for the liberties of Europe,
And this through him! Count on my silent aid!

MARQUIS (with animation).
Right well I knew your heart would understand me.

[The DUCHESS OLIVAREZ enters.

QUEEN (coldly to the MARQUIS).
My lord! the king's commands I shall respect
As law. Assure him of the queen's submission.

[She makes a sign to him. Exit MARQUIS.

SCENE IV.

A Gallery.
DON CARLOS, COUNT LERMA.

CARLOS.
Here we are undisturbed. What would you now
Impart to me?

LERMA.
Your highness has a friend
Here at the court.

CARLOS (starting).
A friend! I knew it not!
But what's your meaning?

LERMA.
I must sue for pardon
That I am learned in more than I should know.
But for your highness' comfort I've received it
From one I may depend upon--in short,
I have it from myself.

CARLOS.
Whom speak you of?

LERMA.
The Marquis Posa.

CARLOS.
What!

LERMA.
And if your highness
Has trusted to him more of what concerns you
Than every one should know, as I am led
To fear----

CARLOS.
You fear!

LERMA.
He has been with the king.

CARLOS.
Indeed!

LERMA.
Two hours in secret converse too.

CARLOS.
Indeed!

LERMA.
The subject was no trifling matter.

CARLOS.
That I can well believe.

LERMA.
And several times
I heard your name.

CARLOS.
That's no bad sign, I hope.

LERMA.
And then, this morning, in the king's apartment,
The queen was spoken of mysteriously.

CARLOS (starts back astonished).
Count Lerma!

LERMA.
When the marquis had retired
I was commanded to admit his lordship
In future unannounced.

CARLOS.
Astonishing!

LERMA.
And without precedent do I believe,
Long as I served the king----

CARLOS.
'Tis strange, indeed!
How did you say the queen was spoken of?

LERMA (steps back).
No, no, my prince! that were against my duty.

CARLOS.
'Tis somewhat strange! One secret you impart.
The other you withhold.

LERMA.
The first was due
To you, the other to the king.

CARLOS.
You're right.

LERMA.
And still I've thought you, prince, a man of honor.

CARLOS.
Then you hav