Chapter 41

The KING's Cabinet. The KING seated, near him the INFANTA CLARA EUGENIA.

KING (after a deep silence). No--she is sure my daughter--or can nature Thus lie like truth! Yes, that blue eye is mine! And I am pictured in thy every feature. Child of my love! for such thou art--I fold thee Thus to my heart; thou art my blood. [Starts and pauses: My blood-- What's worse to fear? Are not my features his?

[Takes the miniature in his hand and looks first at the portrait, then at the mirror opposite; at last he throws it on the ground, rises hastily, and pushes the INFANTA from him.

Away, away! I'm lost in this abyss.