Gomez. This service cannot fail to win for him the favour of the king.       

         Silva. And nothing is more expedient for us than to retain his. Should the king come hither, the duke doubtless and all whom he recommends will not go without their reward.       

         Gomez. Do you really believe then that the king will come?       

         Silva. So many preparations are being made, that the report appears highly probable.       

         Gomez. I am not convinced, however.       

         Silva. Keep your thoughts to yourself then. For if it should not be the king's intention to come, it is at least, certain that he wishes the rumour to be believed.       

         [Enter Ferdinand.       

         Ferdinand. Is my father not yet abroad?       

         Silva. We are waiting to receive his commands.       

         Ferdinand. The princes will soon be here.       

         Gomez. Are they expected to-day?       

         Ferdinand. Orange and Egmont.       

         Gomez (aside to Silva). A light breaks in upon me.       

         Silva. Well, then, say nothing about it.       

         Enter the Duke of Alva (as he advances the rest draw back)       

         Alva. Gomez.       

         Gomez (steps forward). My lord.       

         Alva. You have distributed the guards and given them their instructions?       

         Gomez. Most accurately. The day-patrols—       

 Prev. P 56/88 next