[Remains doubtingly in this position.
EBOLI (having sunk down beside him, looks in his face).
Do not delay-- Why do you hesitate? I beg no mercy-- I have deserved to die, and I am ready.
MARQUIS (letting his hand drop slowly--after some reflection).
It were as cowardly as barbarous.
No! G.o.d be praised! another way is left.
[He lets the dagger fall and hurries out. The PRINCESS hastens out through another door.
SCENE XVIII.
A Chamber of the QUEEN.
The QUEEN to the COUNTESS FUENTES.
What means this noisy tumult in the palace?
Each breath to-day alarms me! Countess! see What it portends, and hasten back with speed.
[Exit COUNTESS FUENTES--the PRINCESS EBOLI rushes in.
SCENE XIX.
The QUEEN, PRINCESS EBOLI.
EBOLI (breathless, pale, and wild, falls before the QUEEN).
Help! Help! O Queen! he"s seized!
QUEEN.
Who?
EBOLI.
He"s arrested By the king"s orders given to Marquis Posa.
QUEEN.
Who is arrested? Who?
EBOLI.
The prince!
QUEEN.
Thou ravest
EBOLI.
This moment they are leading him away.
QUEEN.
And who arrested him?
EBOLI.
The Marquis Posa.
QUEEN.
Then heaven be praised! it was the marquis seized him!
EBOLI.
Can you speak thus, and with such tranquil mien?
Oh, heavens! you do not know--you cannot think----
QUEEN.
The cause of his arrest! some trifling error, Doubtless arising from his headlong youth!
EBOLI.
No! no! I know far better. No, my queen!
Remorseless treachery! There"s no help for him.
He dies!
QUEEN.
He dies!
EBOLI.
And I"m his murderer!
QUEEN.
What! Dies? Thou ravest! Think what thou art saying?
EBOLI.
And wherefore--wherefore dies he? Had I known That it would come to this!
QUEEN (takes her affectionately by the hand).
Oh, dearest princess, Your senses are distracted, but collect Your wandering spirits, and relate to me More calmly, not in images of horror That fright my inmost soul, whate"er you know!
Say, what has happened?
EBOLI.
Oh, display not, queen, Such heavenly condescension! Like hot flames This kindness sears my conscience. I"m not worthy To view thy purity with eyes profane.
Oh, crush the wretch, who, agonized by shame, Remorse, and self-reproach writhes at thy feet!
QUEEN.
Unhappy woman! Say, what is thy guilt?
EBOLI.
Angel of light! Sweet saint! thou little knowest The demon who has won thy loving smiles.
Know her to-day; I was the wretched thief Who plundered thee.
QUEEN.