Don Carlos (play)

SCENE XX.

PRINCESS EBOLI, COUNTESS OLIVAREZ.

EBOLI.

Heavens! she has left me. I am now undone!

OLIVAREZ (approaching her).

My princess-Eboli!

EBOLI.

I know your business,

Duchess, and you come hither from the queen,

To speak my sentence to me; do it quickly.

OLIVAREZ.

I am commanded by your majesty

To take your cross and key.

EBOLI (takes from her breast a golden cross, and gives it to the UCHESS).

And but once more

May I not kiss my gracious sovereign's hand?

OLIVAREZ.

In holy Mary's convent shall you learn

Your fate, princess.

EBOLI (with a flood of tears).

Alas! then I no more

Shall ever see the queen.

OLIVAREZ (embraces her with her face turned away).

Princess, farewell.

[She goes hastily away. The PRINCESS follows her as far as

the door of the cabinet, which is immediately locked after

the DUCHESS. She remains a few minutes silent and motionless

on her knees before it. She then rises and hastens away,

covering her face.