And if the king
Esteem me capable of such a task,
I must entreat it be intrusted to me
Wholly without conditions.

KING.
So it shall.

MARQUIS.
That in the steps which I may think required,
I may be thwarted by no coadjutors,
Whatever name they bear.

KING.
I pledge my word
You shall not. You have proved my guardian angel.
How many thanks I owe you for this service!

[LERMA enters--the KING to him.

How did you leave the queen?

LERMA.
But scarce recovered
From her deep swoon.

[He looks at the MARQUIS doubtfully, and exit.

MARQUIS (to the KING, after a pause).
One caution yet seems needful.
The prince may be advised of our design,
For he has many faithful friends in Ghent,
And may have partisans among the rebels.
Fear may incite to desperate resolves;
Therefore I counsel that some speedy means
Be taken to prevent this fatal chance.

KING.
You are quite right--but how?

MARQUIS.
Your majesty
May sign a secret warrant of arrest
And place it in my hands, to be employed,
As may seem needful, in the hour of danger.

[The KING appears thoughtful.

This step must be a most profound state secret
Until----

KING (going to his desk and writing the warrant of arrest).
The kingdom is at stake, and now
The pressing danger sanctions urgent measures.
Here marquis! I need scarcely say--use prudence.

MARQUIS (taking the warrant).
'Tis only for the last extremity.

KING (laying his hand on the shoulder of the MARQUIS).
Go! Go, dear marquis! Give this bosom peace,
And bring back slumber to my sleepless pillow.

[Exeunt at different sides.

SCENE XIII.

A Gallery.

CARLOS entering in extreme agitation, COUNT LERMA
meeting him.

CARLOS.
I have been seeking you.

LERMA.
And I your highness.

CARLOS.
For heaven's sake is it true?

LERMA.
What do you mean?

CARLOS.
That the king drew his dagger, and that she
Was borne, all bathed in blood, from the apartment?
Now answer me, by all that's sacred; say,
What am I to believe? What truth is in it?

LERMA.
She fainted, and so grazed her skin in falling
That is the whole.

CARLOS.
Is there no further danger?
Count, answer on your honor.

LERMA.
For the queen
No further danger; for yourself, there's much!

CARLOS.
None for my mother. Then, kind Heaven, I thank thee