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. A dreadful rumor reached me that the king Raved against child and mother, and that some Dire secret was discovered. LERMA. And the last May possibly be true. CARLOS. Be true! What mean you? LERMA. One warning have I given you, prince, already, And that to-day, but you despised it; now Perhaps you'll profit better by a second. CARLOS. Explain yourself. LERMA. If I mistake not, prince, A few days since I noticed in your hands An azure-blue portfolio, worked in velvet And chased with gold. CARLOS (with anxiety). Yes, I had such a one. LERMA. And on the cover, if I recollect, a portrait Set in pearls? CARLOS. 'Tis right; go on. LERMA. I entered the king's chamber on a sudden, And in his hands I marked that same portfolio, The Marquis Posa standing by his side. CARLOS (after a short silence of astonishment, hastily). 'Tis false! LERMA (warmly). Then I'm a traitor! CARLOS (looking steadfastly at him). That you are! LERMA. Well, I forgive you. CARLOS (paces the apartment in extreme agitation, at length stands still before him). Has he injured thee? What have our guiltless ties of friendship done, That with a demon's zeal thou triest to rend them? LERMA. Prince, I respect the grief which renders you So far unjust. CARLOS. Heaven shield me from suspicion! LERMA. And I remember, too, the king's own words. Just as I entered he addressed the marquis: "How many thanks I owe you for this news." CARLOS. Oh, say no more! LERMA. Duke Alva is disgraced! The great seal taken from the Prince Ruy Gomez, And given to the marquis. CARLOS (lost in deep thought). And from me Has he concealed all this? And why from me? LERMA. As minister all-powerful, the court Looks on him now--as favorite unrivalled!