eign's hand?

OLIVAREZ.
In holy Mary's convent shall you learn
Your fate, princess.

EBOLI (with a flood of tears).
Alas! then I no more
Shall ever see the queen.

OLIVAREZ (embraces her with her face turned away).
Princess, farewell.

[She goes hastily away. The PRINCESS follows her as far as
the door of the cabinet, which is immediately locked after
the DUCHESS. She remains a few minutes silent and motionless
on her knees before it. She then rises and hastens away,
covering her face.

SCENE XXI.

QUEEN, MARQUIS POSA.

QUEEN.
Ah, marquis, I am glad you're come at last!

MARQUIS (pale, with a disturbed countenance and trembling voice,
in solemn, deep agitation, during the whole scene).
And is your majesty alone? Can none
Within the adjoining chamber overhear us?

QUEEN.
No one! But why? What news would you impart?

[Looking at him closely, and drawing back alarmed.

And what has wrought this change in you? Speak, marquis,
You make me tremble--all your features seem
So marked with death!

MARQUIS.
You know, perhaps, already.

QUEEN.
That Carlos is arrested--and they add,
By you! Is it then true? From no one else
Would I believe it but yourself.

MARQUIS.
'Tis true.

QUEEN.
By you?

MARQUIS.
By me?

QUEEN (looks at him for some time doubtingly).
I still respect your actions
E'en when I comprehend them not. In this
Pardon a timid woman! I much fear
You play a dangerous game.

MARQUIS.
And I have lost it.

QUEEN.
Merciful heaven!

MARQUIS.
Queen, fear not! He is safe,
But I am lost myself.

QUEEN.
What do I hear?

MARQUIS.
Who bade me hazard all on one chance throw?
All? And with rash, foolhardy confidence,
Sport with the power of heaven? Of bounded mind,
Man, who is not omniscient, must not dare
To guide the helm of destiny. 'Tis just!
But why these thoughts of self. This hour is precious
As life can be to man: and who can tell
Whether the parsimonious hand of fate
May not have measured my last drops of life.

QUEEN.
The hand of fate! What means this solemn tone?
I understand these words not--but I shudder.

MARQUIS.
He's saved! no matter at what price--he's saved!
But only for to-day--a few short hours
Are his. Oh, let him husband them! This night
The prince must leave Madrid.

QUEEN.
This very night?

MARQUIS.
All