LERMA.
Has not the marquis yet appeared?
ALVA.
Not yet.
[LERMA about to re-enter the cabinet.
TAXIS (enters).
Count Lerma! Pray announce me to the king?
LERMA.
His majesty cannot be seen.
TAXIS.
But say
That I must see him; that my business is
Of urgent import to his majesty.
Make haste—it will admit of no delay.
[LERMA enters the cabinet.
ALVA.
Dear Taxis, you must learn a little patience—
You cannot see the king.
TAXIS.
Not see him! Why?
ALVA.
You should have been considerate, and procured
Permission from the Marquis Posa first—
Who keeps both son and father in confinement.