QUEEN.
Sent by the prince to me.
KING.
What! From Prince Carlos! Do you tell me that?
QUEEN.
Why not tell you, my husband?
KING.
And not blush.
QUEEN.
What mean you? You must surely recollect
The letters Carlos sent me to St. Germains,
With both courts' full consent. Whether that leave
Extended to the portrait, or alone
His hasty hope dictated such a step,
I cannot now pretend to answer; but
If even rash, it may at least be pardoned
For thus much I may be his pledge-that then
He never thought the gift was for his mother.
[Observes the agitation of the KING.
What moves you? What's the matter?
INFANTA (who has found the miniature on the ground, and has been
playing with it, brings it to the QUEEN).
Look, dear mother!
See what a pretty picture!
QUEEN.
What then my--
[She recognizes the miniature, and remains in speechless
astonishment. They both gaze at each other. After a long pause.
In truth, this mode of trying a wife's heart
Is great and royal, sire! But I should wish
To ask one question?
KING.
'Tis for me to question.
QUEEN.
Let my suspicions spare the innocent.
And if by your command this theft was done--
KING.
It was so done!
QUEEN.
Then I have none to blame,
And none to pity-other than yourself-
Since you possess a wife on whom such schemes
Are thrown away.
KING.
This language is not new-
Nor shall you, madam, now again deceive me
As in the gardens of Aranjuez-
My queen of angel purity, who then
So haughtily my accusation spurned-
I know her better now.
QUEEN.
What mean you, sire?
KING.
Madam! thus briefly and without reserve-
Say is it true? still true, that you conversed
With no one there? Is really that the truth?
QUEEN.
I spoke there with the prince.
KING.
Then is clear
As day! So daring! heedless of mine honor!
QUEEN.
Your honor, sire! If that be now the question,
A greater honor is, methinks, at stake
Than Castile ever brought me as a dowry.
KING.
Why did you then deny the prince's presence?
QUEEN.
Because I'm not accustomed to be questioned
Like a delinquent before all your courtiers;
I never shall deny the truth when asked
With kindness and respect. Was that the tone
Your majesty used towards me in Aranjuez?
Are your assembled grandees the tribunal
Queens must account to for their private conduct?
I gave the prince the interview he sought
With earnest prayer, because, my liege and lord,
I-the queen-wished and willed it, and because
I never can admit that formal custom
