During a lull in their vociferations is heard the
peaceful purl of the Tagus over a cascade in the Palace grounds.]
QUEEN
Lingering, we've risked too long our chance of flight!
The Paris Terror will repeat it here.
Not for myself I fear. No, no; for thee! (She clings to him.)
If they should hurt you, it would murder me
By heart-bleedings and stabs intolerable!
GODOY (kissing her)
The first thought now is how to get you back
Within the Palace walls. Why would you risk
To come here on a night so critical?
QUEEN (passionately)
I could not help it--nay, I WOULD not help!
Rather than starve my soul I venture all.--
Our last love-night--last, maybe, of long years,
Why do you chide me now?
GODOY
Dear Queen, I do not:
I shape these sharp regrets but for your sake.
Hence you must go, somehow, and quickly too.
They think not yet of you in threatening thus,
But of me solely. . . . Where does your lady wait?
QUEEN
Below. One servant with her. They are true,
And can be let know all. But you--but you! (Uproar continues.)
GODOY
I can escape. Now call them. All three cloak
And veil as when you came.
[They retreat into the room. QUEEN MARIA LUISA'S lady-in-waiting
and servant are summoned.
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