each side of the principal door stand two halberdiers. At the rise of
the curtain the Captain of the Guards and two lords are on the stage.
An alcalde of the palace stands in the centre of the gallery. Several
courtiers are walking up and down in the hall that leads to the
gallery.)

The Captain of the Guards, Quinola (wrapped in his mantle) and a
halberdier.


The halberdier (barring the way to Quinola)
No one passes this way, unless he has the right to do so. Who are you?

Quinola (lifting up the halberd)
An ambassador.

(All look at him.)

Halberdier
From what state?

Quinola (passing in)
From what state? From a state of misery.

The Captain of the Guards
Go and bring the major-domo of the palace, that he may render to this
ambassador the honors that are due him. (To the halberdier) Three
days' imprisonment.

Quinola (to the Captain)