EBOLI (looking at him with terror).
Heavens! What would you do? Would you then murder me?
MARQUIS (drawing a dagger).
Yes, that is my resolve. Be speedy!
EBOLI.
Mercy!
What have I then committed?
MARQUIS (looking towards heaven, points the dagger to her breast).
Still there's time—
The poison has not issued from these lips.
Dash but the bowl to atoms, all remains
Still as before! The destinies of Spain
Against a woman's life!
[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! God 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.