[KING CARLOS disappears from the balcony, and the populace, still increasing in numbers, look towards GODOY'S mansion, as if deliberating how to attack it. GODOY retreats from the window into the room, and gazing round him starts. A pale, worn, but placid lady, in a sombre though elegant robe, stands here in the gloom. She is THEREZA OF BOURBON, the Princess of Peace.] PRINCESS It is only your unhappy wife, Manuel. She will not hurt you! GODOY [shrugging his shoulders] Nor with THEY hurt YOU! Why did you not stay in the Royal Palace? You would have been more comfortable there. PRINCESS I don't recognize why you should specially value my comfort. You have saved you real wives. How can it matter what happens to your titular one? GODOY Much, dear. I always play fair. But it being your blest privilege not to need my saving I was left free to practise it on those who did. [Mob heard approaching.] Would that I were in no more danger than you! PRINCESS Puf! [He again peers out. His guard of hussars stands firmly in front of the mansion; but the life-guards from the adjoining barracks, who have joined the people, endeavour to break the hussars of GODOY. A shot is fired, GODOY'S guard yields, and the gate and door are battered in. CROWD [without] Murder him! murder him! Death to Manuel Godoy! [They are heard rushing onto the court and house.] PRINCESS Go, I beseech you! You can do nothing for me, and I pray you to save yourself! The heap of mats in the lumber-room will hide you! [GODOY hastes to a jib-door concealed by sham bookshelves, presses the spring of it, returns, kisses her, and then slips out. His wife sits down with her back against the jib-door, and fans herself. She hears the crowd trampling up the stairs, but she does not move, and in a moment people burst in. The leaders are armed with stakes, daggers, and various improvised weapons, and some guards in undress appear with halberds.] FIRST CITIZEN [peering into the dim light] Where is he? Murder him! [Noticing the Princess.] Come, where is he? PRINCESS The Prince of Peace is gone. I know not wither. SECOND CITIZEN Who is this lady? LIFE-GUARDSMAN Manuel Godoy's Princess. CITIZENS [uncovering] Princess, a thousand pardons grant us!--you An injured wife--an injured people we! Common misfortune makes us more than kin. No single hair of yours shall suffer harm. [The PRINCESS bows.] FIRST CITIZEN But this, Senora, is no place for you, For we mean mischief here! Yet first will grant Safe conduct for you to the Palace gates, Or elsewhere, as you wish PRINCESS My wish is nought. Do what you will with me. But he's not here.