Chapter 1

A Street in Burgos; the Cathedral in the distance.

[Enter Two Courtiers.]

I:1:1 1ST COURT. The Prince of Hungary dismissed?

I:1:2 2ND COURT. Indeed So runs the rumour.

I:1:3 1ST COURT. Why the spousal note Still floats upon the air!

I:1:4 2ND COURT. Myself this morn Beheld the Infanta’s entrance, as she threw, Proud as some hitless barb, her haughty glance On our assembled chiefs.

I:1:5 1ST COURT. The Prince was there?

I:1:6 2ND COURT. Most royally; nor seemed a man more fit To claim a kingdom for a dower. He looked Our Gadian Hercules, as the advancing peers Their homage paid. I followed in the train Of Count Alarcos, with whose ancient house My fortunes long have mingled.

I:1:7 1ST COURT. ‘Tis the same, But just returned?

I:1:8 2ND COURT. Long banished from the Court; And only favoured since the Queen’s decease, His ancient foe.

I:1:9 1ST COURT. A very potent Lord?

I:1:10 2ND COURT. Near to the throne; too near perchance for peace. You’re young at Burgos, or indeed ‘twere vain To sing Alarcos’ praise, the brightest knight That ever waved a lance in Old Castille.

I:1:11 1ST COURT. You followed in his train?

I:1:12 2ND COURT. And as we passed, Alarcos bowing to the lowest earth, The Infanta swooned; and pale as yon niched saint, From off the throned step, her seat of place, Fell in a wild and senseless agony.

I:1:13 1ST COURT. Sancta Maria! and the King--

I:1:14 2ND COURT. Uprose And bore her from her maidens, then broke up The hurried Court; indeed I know no more, For like a turning tide the crowd pressed on, And scarcely could I gain the grateful air. Yet on the Prado’s walk came smiling by The Bishop of Ossuna; as he passed He clutched my cloak, and whispered in my ear, ‘The match is off.’

[Enter PAGE.]

I:1:15 1ST COURT. Hush! hush! a passenger.

I:1:16 PAGE. Most noble Cavaliers, I pray, inform me Where the great Count Alarcos holds his quarter.

I:1:17 2ND COURT. In the chief square. His banner tells the roof; Your pleasure with the Count, my gentle youth?

I:1:18 PAGE. I were a sorry messenger to tell My mission to the first who asks its aim.

I:1:19 2ND COURT. The Count Alarcos is my friend and chief.

I:1:20 PAGE. Then better reason I should trusty be, For you can be a witness to my trust.

I:1:21 1ST COURT. A forward youth!

I:1:22 2ND COURT. A page is ever pert

I:1:23 PAGE. Ay! ever pert is youth that baffles age.

[Exit PAGE.]

I:1:24 1ST COURT. The Count is married?

I:1:25 2ND COURT. To a beauteous lady; And blessed with a fair race. A happy man Indeed is Count Alarcos.

[A trumpet sounds.]

I:1:26 1ST COURT. Prithee, see; Passes he now?

I:1:27 2ND COURT. Long since. Yon banner tells The Count Sidonia. Let us on, and view The passage of his pomp. His Moorish steeds, They say, are very choice.

[Exeunt Two Courtiers.]