e judged me truly.

LERMA.
But all virtue
Is spotless till it's tried.

CARLOS.
Some stand the trial.

LERMA.
A powerful monarch's favor is a prize
Worth seeking for; and this alluring bait
Has ruined many a virtue.

CARLOS.
Truly said!

LERMA.
And oftentimes 'tis prudent to discover--
What scarce can longer be concealed.

CARLOS.
Yes, prudent
It may be, but you say you've ever known
The marquis prove himself a man of honor.

LERMA.
And if he be so still my fears are harmless,
And you become a double gainer, prince.

[Going.

CARLOS (follows him with emotion, and presses his hand).
Trebly I gain, upright and worthy man,
I gain another friend, nor lose the one
Whom I before possessed.

[Exit LERMA.

SCENE V.

MARQUIS POSA comes through the gallery. CARLOS.

MARQUIS.
Carlos! My Carlos!

CARLOS.
Who calls me? Ah! 'tis thou--I was in haste
To gain the convent! You will not delay.

[Going.

MARQUIS.
Hold! for a moment.

CARLOS.
We may be observed.

MARQUIS.
No chance of that. 'Tis over now. The queen----

CARLOS.
You've seen my father.

MARQUIS.
Yes! he sent for me.

CARLOS (full of expectation).
Well!

MARQUIS.
'Tis all settled--you may see the queen.

CARLOS.
Yes! but the king! What said the king to you?

MARQUIS.
Not much. Mere curiosity to learn
My history. The zeal of unknown friends--
I know not what. He offered me employment.

CARLOS.
Which you, of course, rejected?

MARQUIS.
Yes, of course

CARLOS.
How did you separate?

MARQUIS.
Oh, well enough!

CARLOS.
And was I mentioned?

MARQUIS.
Yes; in general terms.

[Taking out a pocketbook and giving it to the PRINCE.

See here are two lines written by the queen,
To-morrow I will settle where and how.

CARLOS (reads it carelessly, puts the tablet in his pocket,
and is going).
You'll meet me at the prior's?

MARQUIS.
Yes! But stay
Why in such haste? No one is coming hither.

CARLOS (with a forced smile).
Have we in truth changed characters? To-day
You seem so bold and confident.

MARQUIS.
To-day--
Wherefore to-day?

CARLOS.
What writes the queen to me?

MARQUIS.
Have you not read this instant?

CARLOS.
I? Oh yes.

MARQUIS.