The Captain (aside)
I have yet time. (To Quinola) Remain where you are,
I am going to her.
SCENE
SECOND
Quinola (alone, in the front of the stage, looking
at the departing captain) That is all right!
O my dear master, if the torture chamber has not broken
your bones, you are likely to get out of the cells
of the holy —the thrice holy Inquisition—saved
by your poor cur Quinola! Poor? —why
should I say poor? My master once free, we will
end by cashing our hopes. To live at Valladolid
for six months without money, and without being nabbed
by the alguazils, argues the possession of certain
small talents, which, if applied to—other
ends, might bring a man to—something different
in fact! If we knew where we were going no one
would stir a step—I purpose speaking to
the king, I, Quinola. God of the rapscallions,
give me the eloquence—of—a pretty
woman, of the Marchioness of Mondejar—
SCENE
THIRD
Quinola and the Captain.
The Captain (to Quinola)
Here are fifty doubloons which the marchioness sends
you, that you may
be enabled to make your appearance here in decent
guise.
Quinola (pouring the gold from one hand into the other)
Ah, this burst of sunshine has been long expected!
I will return, my lord, radiant as that amorous valet,
whose name I have assumed; Quinola at your service,
Quinola soon to be lord of wide domains, where I shall
administer justice, from the time—(aside)
I cease to fear its ministers.
SCENE
FOURTH
The Courtiers and the Captain.
The Captain (alone at the front of the stage) What
secret has this miserable creature discovered?
My cousin almost fainted away. She told me that
it concerned all my friends. The king must have
something to do in the matter. (To a lord) Duke of
Lerma, is there anything new in Valladolid?
The Duke of Lerma (whispering) It is said that the
Duke of Olmedo was murdered this morning, at three
o’clock, just before dawn. It happened a
few paces from the Mondejar palace.
The Captain It is quite likely he should be assassinated
for prejudicing the king’s mind against my cousin;
the king, like all great statesmen, esteems as true
everything that appears to be probable.
The Duke It is said that enmity between the duke
and the marchioness was only a pretence, and that
the assassin is not to be prosecuted.
The Captain Duke, this ought not to be repeated unless
it can be proved, and even then could not be written
excepting with a sword dipped in my blood.
The Duke
You asked me the news.
(The duke retires.)
SCENE
FIFTH
The same persons, and the Marchioness of Mondejar.
The Captain Ah! here is my cousin! (To the marchioness)
Dear marchioness, you are still very much agitated.
In the name of our common salvation, control yourself;
you will attract attention.
The Marchioness
Has that man come back?
