MANRIQUE. Thine the choice!
But follow for the nonce these other lords,
The outcome may be better than we think.
[Servant entering from the left.]
SERVANT. His Majesty, the King!
MANRIQUE (to the estates, pointing to the middle door).
This way—withdraw!
(To the servants.)
And ye, arrange these chairs along the wall.
Naught shall remind him that we gathered here
QUEEN (who has stepped down from the throne).
My knees are trembling, yet there's none to aid.
MANRIQUE. Virtue abode with strength in days of yore,
But latterly, estranged, they separate.
Strength stayed with youth—where she was wont to be—
And virtue fled to gray and ancient heads.
Here, take my arm! Though tottering the step,
And strength be lacking,—virtue still abides.