Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

The King asks Castile, Bel-Imperia's father, how she feels about being courted by Balthazar. Castile tells him that Bel-Imperia is only pretending not to love him, and that it's only a matter of time before she comes around. The King tells the Portuguese Ambassador to tell the Viceroy that the marriage between Bel-Imperia and Balthazar will cement the new peace between their two countries, and that if they have a son he will be king over both. The Ambassador promises to do so, tells the King that Balthazar has already sent his regards and the ransom has been paid, and then goes out.

The King then tells Castile to convince Bel-Imperia to open her heart to Balthazar, saying if she doesn't she's doing both herself, and her country, a disservice.

Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

This brief scene reinforces the sense that manipulation...