'Tis wonderful!
KING
What is the matter!
FERIA
News scarce credible!
DOMINGO
Two soldiers, who have just returned from duty,
Report – but – oh, the tale's ridiculous!
KING
What do they say?
ALVA
They say, in the left wing
Of the queen's palace, that the emperor's ghost
Appeared before them, and with solemn gait
Passed on. This rumor is confirmed by all
The sentinels, who through the whole pavilion
Their watches keep. And they, moreover, add,
The phantom in the queen's apartment vanished.
KING
And in what shape appeared it?
OFFICER
In the robes,
The same attire he in Saint Justi wore
For the last time, apparelled as a monk.
KING
A monk! And did the sentries know his person
Whilst he was yet alive? They could not else
Determine that it was the emperor.
OFFICER
The sceptre which he bore was evidence
It was the emperor.
DOMINGO
And the story goes
He often has been seen in this same dress.
KING
Did no one speak to him?
OFFICER
No person dared.
The sentries prayed, and let him pass in silence.
KING
The phantom vanished in the queen's apartments!
OFFICER
In the queen's antechamber.
[General silence.
KING (turns quickly round)
What say you?
ALVA
Sire! we are silent.
KING (after some thought, to the OFFICER)
Let my guards be ready
And under arms, and order all approach
To that wing of the palace to be stopped.
I fain would have a word with this same ghost.
[Exit OFFICER. Enter a PAGE.
PAGE
The cardinal inquisitor.
KING (to all present)
Retire!