_Hu._ I pray there may be nothing That meddles with my place. _Ph._ Read here, your excellence. [_Reads._ _By reason of advices late received, The kings commands are that the sealed despatch_ 2600 _Writ for emergency be now held valid, And put in force by you._ _Hu._ Where’s the despatch? _FERDINAND._ ’Tis in my keeping. _Hu._ (_to Philip_). Know’st thou its contents? _Ph._ Nay, sir; not I. _Hu._ Pray let us see it, straight. _Ph._ Adjourn we to my secretary’s chamber: A moment will discover it. [_Exeunt._ SCENE · 3 _Reception-room at the Palace. As first scene of first act. CONSTANCE, ROSSO, and MANUEL disguised._ _CONSTANCE._ Nay, I can walk. I am very well. See, Manuel, There’s no one here: thou mayst be Manuel Yet awhile. Is not this, love, a recovery To make the memories of sickness glad? 2610 The days seem years since I stood here. But now Must I see Philip? _MANUEL._ Be kind to him, Constance. The self-condemned need more than full forgiveness Ere they forgive themselves. _Con._ I am too happy To be unkind. And where is Margaret? I long to rally her about her lover. Sweet Margaret caught: Margaret who mocked us all. Hath she not chosen a madcap brother for us? _Man._ Well, I had wished for Rosso, love; but women Favour strange fellows. _ROSSO._ She was difficult 2620 To win, and now at least she has met her match. _Man._ I pray all may go well. Indeed I have hope That Hugo is by this possessed of orders Which will resolve all trouble. _Con._ Hush, father Thomas; See, here they come. _Enter Hugo, Philip, Livio, and Ferdinand._ _HUGO._ My dearest daughter, ’tis a happy day. Thy health and safety—Ay, I am glad to see Thy face of happiness, and I can add Now to thy joy. King Frederick is crowned, And I shall rule in Sicily. _Man._ (_aside_). How is this? 2630 _Con._ Then for this happy news grant me, dear father, One favour. Philip here will join in asking. _PHILIP._ Ere it be asked, I wish before all here To say some words. Good father, hast thou won The lady’s ear for me? _Man._ I have, your grace. _Ph._ May I speak, Constance? _Con._ Philip, you may speak. _Ph._ Once I asked this, and thou didst bid me then Speak and end all. Hear while I speak my last. I have wronged thee, Constance. _Con._ That is now forgiven.