Ruy Blas: I only am a pawn with which he plays
Against the queen. He seeks to ruin her
By means of me. No! I will save her yet.
Save her and lose her! Cunning though you are,
Don Sallust, you have overlooked one thing;
Even a lackey will lay down his life
To save a noble woman whom he loves
From ruin and dishonour.
[Going to the table, he pours something into glass.
Oh, my queen!
Never more shall we meet upon this earth.
[As he raises the glass to his lips, The Queen enters.
The Queen: Don Cesar!
Ruy Blas: Oh, my God, my God!
The Queen: Fear not.
Ruy Blas: What has brought you here?
The Queen: Your letter, Cesar.
Ruy Blas: Letter? I have sent
No letter.