I:1:3 1ST COURT.
Why the spousal note
Still floats upon the air!

I:1:4 2ND COURT.
Myself this morn
Beheld the Infanta's entrance, as she threw,
Proud as some hitless barb, her haughty glance
On our assembled chiefs.

I:1:5 1ST COURT.
The Prince was there?

I:1:6 2ND COURT.
Most royally; nor seemed a man more fit
To claim a kingdom for a dower. He looked
Our Gadian Hercules, as the advancing peers
Their homage paid. I followed in the train
Of Count Alarcos, with whose ancient house
My fortunes long have mingled.

I:1:7 1ST COURT.
'Tis the same,
But just returned?

I:1:8 2ND COURT.
Long banished from the Court;
And only favoured since the Queen's decease,
His ancient foe.

I:1:9 1ST COURT.
A very potent Lord?

I:1:10 2ND COURT.
Near to the throne; too near perchance for peace.
You're young at Burgos, or indeed 'twere vain
To sing Alarcos' praise, the brightest knight
That ever waved a lance in Old Castille.

I:1:11 1ST COURT.
You followed in his train?

I:1:12 2ND COURT.
And as we passed,
Alarcos bowing to the lowest earth,
The Infanta swooned; and pale as yon niched saint,
From off the throned step, her seat of place,
Fell in a wild and senseless agony.

I:1:13 1ST COURT.
Sancta Maria! and the King--

I:1:14 2ND COURT.
Uprose
And bore her from her maidens, then broke up
The hurried Court; indeed I know no more,
For like a turning tide the crowd pressed on,
And scarcely could I gain the grateful air.
Yet on the Prado's walk came smiling by
The Bishop of Ossuna; as he passed
He clutched my cloak, and whispered in my ear,
'The match is off.'

[Enter PAGE.]

I:1:15 1ST COURT.