 | The Castilian |  |
99
Scene III.
—An Antechamber in the Palace of the Queen Joanna.—Ladies waiting.Enter Maria.
MARIA.
Is the Queen sleeping still?
LADY.
Yes; but she smiled
Just now in sleep, and murmur'd out your name.
MARIA.
My name? She has not known me through the weeks
I have attended her.
LADY.
I am sure she named you;
And yet she stirr'd not while your son disposed
Sceptres, robes, crowns, and gems beyond the curtains
That fall around her.
Enter Padilla.
MARIA
(running to Padilla).
My dear husband—
PADILLA.
Hold—
100
Assure our triumph.
MARIA.
How?
PADILLA
(to the attendant Ladies).
Please you to watch
The Queen's awaking. When she stirs, let music,
A lute touch'd softly to some old dull tune
She may have heard in Flanders, meet her ear.
[Exeunt Ladies.
PADILLA.
Maria, on this hour depends the fate
Not of our household only, but Castile,
Which lives or withers as Joanna's heart
Shall glow or fail. Be near her when she wakes;
Strive to dispel ignoble memories from her,
While I abide your summons.
[Exit Maria. Soft music within.
PADILLA
(alone).
Hark the music
Bespeaks her waking; now be with us Heaven!
[Exit Padilla.
| The Castilian | |