PRINCESS (holding him forcibly back).
What troubles you? Whence comes these strange, these wild,
Unnatural looks? Nay, answer me!
[CARLOS stops to reflect, she draws him to the sofa to her.
Dear Carlos,
You need repose, your blood is feverish.
Come, sit by me: dispel these gloomy fancies.
Ask yourself frankly can your head explain
The tumult of your heart--and if it can--
Say, can no knight be found in all the court,
No lady, generous as fair, to cure you--
Rather, I should have said, to understand you?
What, no one?

CARLOS (hastily, without thinking).
If the Princess Eboli----

PRINCESS (delighted, quickly).
Indeed!

CARLOS.
Would write a letter for me, a few words
Of kindly intercession to my father;--
They say your influence is great.

PRINCESS.
Who says so?
[Aside.
Ha! was it jealousy that held thee mute!