'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 have 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.
