Queen-M. Lay hold upon the strumpet! where's the king?
Fernando! son! Ah me! your king is dead!
Lay hands upon the murd'ress.
Maria. Imperious queen,
I am as free from murder as thyself;
Which I will prove, if you will hear me speak.
The king is living.
Rod. If he liv'd, his breath would beat within his breast.
Queen-M. The life he leads, Maria, thou shalt soon participate.
Maria. O father, save me!
Alv. Thou'rt no child of mine.
Hadst thou been owner of Alvero's spirit,
Thy heart would not have entertain'd a thought
That had convers'd with murder: yet mine eyes,
Howe'er my tongue wants words, brimful with tears
Entreat her further trial.
Queen-M. To what end?
Here lies her trial; from this royal breast
Hath she stolen all comfort—all the life
Of every bosom in the realm of Spain.
Rod. She's both a traitor and [a] murd'ress.
Queen-M. I'll have her forthwith strangled.
Alv. Hear her speak.