QUEEN. Why, that I readily believe, but what's the matter? You tremble---- PRINCESS. Nothing--nothing, gracious queen. Permit me to retire. QUEEN. You hide it from us-- And are far worse than you would have us think. Standing must weary you. Assist her, countess, And let her rest awhile upon that seat. PRINCESS (going). I shall be better in the open air. QUEEN. Attend her, countess. What a sudden illness! [A PAGE enters and speaks to the DUCHESS, who then addresses the QUEEN. OLIVAREZ. The Marquis Posa waits, your majesty, With orders from the king. QUEEN. Admit him then. [PAGE admits the MARQUIS and exit. SCENE II. MARQUIS POSA. The former. The MARQUIS falls on one knee before the QUEEN, who signs to him to rise. QUEEN. What are my lord's commands? And may I dare Thus publicly to hear---- MARQUIS. My business is In private with your royal majesty. [The ladies retire on a signal from the QUEEN. SCENE III. The QUEEN, MARQUIS POSA. QUEEN (full of astonishment). How! Marquis, dare I trust my eyes? Are you Commissioned to me from the king? MARQUIS. Does this Seem such a wonder to your majesty? To me 'tis otherwise. QUEEN. The world must sure Have wandered from its course! That you and he-- I must confess---- MARQUIS. It does sound somewhat strange-- But be it so. The present times abound In prodigies. QUEEN. But none can equal this. MARQUIS. Suppose I had at last allowed myself To be converted, and had weary grown Of playing the eccentric at the court Of Philip. The eccentric! What is that? He who would be of service to mankind Must first endeavor to resemble them. What end is gained by the vain-glorious garb Of the sectarian? Then suppose--for who From vanity is so completely free As for his creed to seek no proselytes? Suppose, I say, I had it in my mind To place my own opinions on the throne! QUEEN. No, marquis! no! Not even in jest could I Suspect you of so wild a scheme as this; No visionary you! to undertake What you can ne'er accomplish. MARQUIS. But that seems To be the very point at issue. QUEEN. What I chiefly blame you, marquis, for, and what Could well estrange me from you--is---- MARQUIS. Perhaps Duplicity! QUEEN. At least--a want of candor. Perhaps the king himself has no desire You should impart what now you mean to tell me. MARQUIS. No. QUEEN. And can evil means be justified By honest ends? And--pardon me the doubt-- Can your high bearing stoop to such an office? I scarce can think it. MARQUIS. Nor, indeed, could I, Were my sole purpose to deceive the king. 'Tis not my wish--I mean to serve him now More honestly than he himself commands. QUEEN. 'Tis spoken like yourself. Enough of this-- What would the king?