The Marchioness
What an idea! Where do you come from? What do you mean? Are you
dreaming?

Quinola
That is just what they all say! Ah, common herd, ye are so constituted
that the man of genius, who is right ten years before everybody else,
passes for a madman for twenty-five years. I am the only one who
believes in this man, and it is on this account I love him; to
understand another is to be his equal.

The Marchioness
And you want me to repeat this nonsense to the king?

Quinola
Madame, you are the only person in the whole of Spain to whom the king
will not say, "Be silent."

The Marchioness
You do not know the king, and I do. (Aside) I must get back my letter.
(Aloud) There is one recent circumstance whose occurrence seems
favorable to your master; news comes to the king that the Armada has
been lost; wait for him on his way through to chapel and address him.
(Exit.)


SCENE SEVENTH

The Captain of the Guards, the Courtiers and Quinola.