Inquisition itself our tool, posterity shall regard us as the apostles of
intellectual faith. And thinkest thou, that, for the attainment of these
great ends, we can have the tender scruples of common men? Perish a
thousand Fonsecas--ten thousand novices, ere thou lose, by the strength
of a hair, thy hold over the senses and soul of the licentious Philip!
At whatever hazard, save thy power; for with it are bound, as mariners to
a plank, the hopes of those who make the mind a sceptre."

"Thy enthusiasm blinds and misleads thee, Aliaga," said Calderon,
coldly. "For me, I tell thee now, as I have told thee before, that I
care not a rush for thy grand objects. Let mankind serve itself--I look
to myself alone. But fear not my faith; my interests and my very life
are identified with thee and thy fellow-fanatics. If I desert thee,
thou art too deep in my secrets not to undo me; and were I to slay thee,
in order to silence thy testimony, I know enough of thy fraternity to
know that I should but raise up a multitude of avengers. As for this
matter, you give me wise, if not pious counsel. I will consider well of
it. Adieu! The hour summons me to attend the king."




CHAPTER V.

THE TRUE FATA MORGANA.

In the royal chamber, before a table covered with papers, sat the King
and his secretary. Grave, sullen, and taciturn, there was little in the
habitual manner of Philip the Third that could betray to the most
experienced courtier the outward symptoms of favour or caprice.