Quinola (aside) That sallow face is going to spoil all! (To the King) Sire, my master knows no sorcery, excepting so far as he is madly in love, first with the glory of your Majesty, next with a maid of Barcelona, heiress of Lothundiaz, the richest burgess of the town. As he picked up more science than wealth in studying natural science in Italy, the poor youth has failed in his attempt to marry this maid.--And notice, sire, how great men are calumniated; in his despair he made a pilgrimage to the Virgen del Pilar, to beg her assistance, because Marie was the name of the lady he loved. On leaving the church, he sat down wearied under a tree and fell asleep. In his dreams the Virgin appeared to him and communicated to him an invention by which he could navigate ships without sails, without oars, against wind and tide. He approached you, sire; but between the sun and him a cloud intervened, and after a deadly conflict with the cloud, he is now suffering for his confidence in the Virgen del Pilar and in his king. No one but his servant has sufficient courage to come and throw at your feet the news that there exists a means of realizing universal dominion. Philip II. I will see your master when I leave the chapel. The Grand Inquisitor Surely, the king will not expose himself to such peril? Philip II. My duty is to inquire. The Grand Inquisitor And mine is to make men respect the privileges of the Sacred Office. Philip II. I know them. Obey me and keep silence. I know that I owe you a hostage. I know it. (He looks round) Tell me, where is the Duke of Olmedo? Quinola (aside) Aha! The Marchioness (aside) We are lost. The Captain of the Guards Sire, the duke is not yet--arrived-- Philip II. Who has given him leave thus boldly to forsake the duties of his office? (Aside) Some one is deceiving me. (To the Captain of the Guards) Tell him, if he comes, that the king has committed him as a prisoner of the Holy Office. (To the Grand Inquisitor) Issue the order. The Grand Inquisitor Sire, I will go myself. The Queen And what if the duke fails to come? Philip II. In that case he must be dead. (To the captain) You will take his place in the execution of my orders. (He enters the chapel.) The Marchioness (to Quinola) Run to the duke's house, tell him to come and comport himself as if he were not wounded to the death. The report will then be considered mere calumny. Quinola You may reckon upon me, but grant us your protection. (Alone) Great heavens! The king seemed charmed by my little fable of the Virgen del Pilar; I must make a vow to her--but what shall it be?--we will see after we have succeeded. (Scene curtain.) SCENE NINTH (A cell of the Inquisition.)