PRINCESS EBOLI, COUNTESS OLIVAREZ.
EBOLI.
Heavens! she has left me. I am now undone!
OLIVAREZ
(approaching her).
My princess—Eboli!
EBOLI.
I know your business,
Duchess, and you come hither from the queen,
To speak my sentence to me; do it quickly.
OLIVAREZ.
I am commanded by your majesty
To take your cross and key.
EBOLI
(takes from her breast a golden cross, and gives it to the UCHESS).
And but once more
May I not kiss my gracious sovereign's hand?
OLIVAREZ.
In holy Mary's convent shall you learn
Your fate, princess.
EBOLI
(with a flood of tears).
Alas! then I no more
Shall ever see the queen.
OLIVAREZ
(embraces her with her face turned away).
Princess, farewell.
[She goes hastily away. The PRINCESS follows her as far as
the door of the cabinet, which is immediately locked after
the DUCHESS. She remains a few minutes silent and motionless
on her knees before it. She then rises and hastens away,
covering her face.