fainted away. She told me that it concerned all my friends. The king
must have something to do in the matter. (To a lord) Duke of Lerma, is
there anything new in Valladolid?

The Duke of Lerma (whispering)
It is said that the Duke of Olmedo was murdered this morning, at three
o'clock, just before dawn. It happened a few paces from the Mondejar
palace.

The Captain
It is quite likely he should be assassinated for prejudicing the
king's mind against my cousin; the king, like all great statesmen,
esteems as true everything that appears to be probable.

The Duke
It is said that enmity between the duke and the marchioness was only a
pretence, and that the assassin is not to be prosecuted.

The Captain
Duke, this ought not to be repeated unless it can be proved, and even
then could not be written excepting with a sword dipped in my blood.

The Duke
You asked me the news.

(The duke retires.)


SCENE FIFTH