But how changed--how blasted from his former self! His eyes were sunk deep in their sockets, and their fire was quenched; his cheeks were hollow, his frame bent, and when he spoke his voice was as that of one calling from the tomb.
"Behold me, Duke de Lerma, I am returned at last!" "Returned--blessings on thee! Where hast thou been?
Why didst thou desert me ?--no matter, thou art returned! Fly to the king--tell him I am not old! I do not want repose.

Defeat the villany of my unnatural son! They would banish me, Calderon; banish me in the very prime of my years! My son says I am old--old! ha! ha! Fly to the prince; he too has immured himself in his apartment.

He would not see me; he will see thee!" "Ay--the prince! we have cause to love each other!" "Ye have indeed! Hasten, Calderon; not a moment is to be lost! Banished! Calderon, shall I be banished ?" And the old man, bursting into tears, fell at the feet of Calderon, and clasped his knees.
"Go, go, I implore thee! Save me; I loved thee, Calderon, I always loved thee.

Shall our foes triumph?
Shall the horn of the wicked be exalted ?" For a moment (so great is the mechanical power of habit) there returned to Calderon something of his wonted energy and spirit; a light broke from his sunken eyes; he drew himself up to the full of his stately height: "I thought I had done with courts and with life," said he; "but I will make one more effort; I will not forsake you in your hour of need.

Yes, Uzeda shall be baffled; I will seek the king.