SCENE II.

_Enter_ ISABELLA _in royal robes, and_ HORTENZO.

QUEEN-M. Thou villain, what intend'st thou, savage slave?

ELE. To advance virtue thus, and thus to tread On lust, on murder, on adultery's head. Look, lords, upon your sovereign Isabel; Though all may doubt the fruits of such a womb, Is she not like King Philip? Let her rule.

QUEEN-M. She rule!

ELE. She rule: ay, she.

QUEEN-M. A child To sway an empire? I am her protectress; I'll pour black curses on thy damned head If thou wrong'st me. Lords, lords!

ELE. Princes of Spain, Be deaf, be blind; hear not, behold her not; She kill'd my virtuous wife.

QUEEN-M. He kill'd your king.

ELE. 'Twas in my just wrath.

QUEEN-M. 'Twas to get his crown.

ELE. His crown! why, here 'tis: thou slew'st my Maria, To have access to my unstained bed.

QUEEN-M. O heaven!

ELE. 'Tis true: how often have I stopp'd Thy unchaste songs from passing through mine ears. How oft, when thy luxurious arms have twin'd About my jetty neck, have I cried out: Away, those scalding veins burn me--'tis true.

QUEEN-M. Devil, 'tis a lie!

ELE. Thou slew'st my sweet Maria; Alvero, 'twas thy daughter, 'twas; Hortenzo, She was thy sister; justice, Isabella; This serpent poison'd thy dear father's bed, Setting large horns on his imperial head.

QUEEN-M. Hear me!

ELE. Ha, why?

ALV. Madam, you shall be heard Before the courts, before the courts of Spain.

ELE. A guard! a guard!

_Enter two Moors and others._

QUEEN-M. A guard! for what? for whom?

HOR. To wait on you; So many great sins must not wait with few.

QUEEN-M. Keep me in prison! dare you, lords?

ALV. O no! Were your cause strong, we would not arm you so; But honour fainting needeth many hands; Kingdoms stand safe when mischief lies in bands. You must to prison.

[_Exeunt._

QUEEN-M. Must I! must I! Slave, I'll damn thee, ere thou triumph'st o'er my grave.

[_Exit with a guard._