Education had fitted him for the cloister, but the necessities of
despotism had added acute cunning to slavish superstition. The business
for which Calderon had been summoned was despatched, with a silence
broken but by monosyllables from the king, and brief explanations from
the secretary; and Philip, rising, gave the signal for Calderon to
retire. It was then that the king, turning a dull but steadfast eye upon
the marquis, said, with a kind of effort, as if speech were painful to
him,

"The prince left me but a minute before your entrance--have you seen him
since your return?"

"Your majesty, yes. He honoured me this morning with his presence."

"On state affairs?"

Your majesty knows, I trust, that your servant treats of state affairs
only with your August self, or your appointed ministers."

"The prince has favoured you, Don Roderigo."

"Your majesty commanded me to seek that favour."

"It is true. Happy the monarch whose faithful servant is the confidant
of the heir to his crown!"

"Could the prince harbour one thought displeasing to your majesty, I
think I could detect and quell it at its birth. But your majesty is
blessed in a grateful son."