University of Virginia Library

Enter Egmont Lopez
Egm.
And shall I then do less? Not Granvel then?

Granvel enters
Gra.
Said I the truth & find you not your Friend
What I pronounc'd a fugitive a Traytor—

Egm.
I find him not; I pry not into faces
For specks and flaws, nor take a Man for worse
Than what he seems. You, You are the Inquisitor,
Whose dark intelligence hath eyes and ears
In every house to catch unwary talkers:
You are the judge, who cooly can interpret
Those indictinct involuntary groans,
That burst from dying wretches, and prescribe
Confusion, when the lips quivering with anger
Utter they know not what to buy remission
From tortures insupportable.

Gra.
My lord
You talk You know not what; your rage betrays you.
But half a care; for know, though your hot brain
May keep no traces of this frantic folly;
Yet shall my memory be faithful to You,
And register your insults—whence art thou
(to Lopez)
I know thee not—unfold thy name & station.

Lop.
Lopez my name, a Servant of Lord Raymond's.

Gran.
Of Raymond's! Fellow, wherefore com'st thou here?
This is no place for Traitors: speak thine errand.

Lop.
If I offend my lord.

Gran.
If You offend?
To the point slave.

Lop.
Lord Raymond sent me hither.

Gran.
That's known proceed.

Lop.
With Letters

Gran.
Hah! with Letters! Traitor, to whom?

Lop.
—To Egmont.

Gran.
Heav'n and Earth! but this is rank conspiracy.

Egmont
—Away!
Fly to your Duke, and tell him all you know
All your malicious falsehood can invent:
Tell him I've pity for a brave man's faults
And make that pity treason.

Gran.
Nay my lord
Did You not join yourself in Raymond's Crime?
Confirm your treason with a solemn oath,
Even in the presence of your gracious Princess?
I must of force believe You.

Egm.
O thou!—No;
I will not give a name to thee, nor stain
My honor by asserting it to thee:
This is the only plea that I shall use;
producing a dagger.)
Thus armed I bear conviction in my hand,
Indifferent to release myself or thee.

Gra.
Nay then 'tis open war and one must fall.
(Exit Granvel.)