MARQUIS (dragging the PRINCESS from him by force).
You die, if you but listen.
[To one of the officers, showing an order.
Count of Cordova!
In the king's name, Prince Carlos is your prisoner.
[CARLOS stands bewildered. The PRINCESS utters a cry of
horror, and tries to escape. The officers are astounded.
A long and deep pause ensues. The MARQUIS trembles violently,
and with difficulty preserves his composure.
[To the PRINCE.
I beg your sword—The Princess Eboli
Remains——
[To the officers.
And you, on peril of your lives,
Let no one with his highness speak—no person—
Not e'en yourselves.
[He whispers a few words to one officer, then turns to the other.
I hasten, instantly,
To cast myself before our monarch's feet,
And justify this step——
[To the PRINCE.
And prince! for you—
Expect me in an hour.
[CARLOS permits himself to be led away without any signs of consciousness, except that in passing he casts a languid, dying look on the MARQUIS. The PRINCESS endeavors again to escape; the MARQUIS pulls her back by the arm.
SCENE XVII.
PRINCESS EBOLI, MARQUIS POSA.
EBOLI.
For Heaven's sake let me leave this place——
MARQUIS (leads her forward with dreadful earnestness).
Thou wretch!
What has he said to thee?
EBOLI.
Oh, leave me! Nothing.
MARQUIS (with earnestness; holding her back by force).
How much has he imparted to thee? Here
No way is left thee to escape. To none
In this world shalt thou ever tell it.