We never can love what we can easily win; but this, Calderon, this heart would be a conquest.Listen.I was at the convent chapel of St.Mary of the White Sword yesterday with the queen.

Thou knowest that the abbess once was a lady of the chamber, and the queen loves her." "Both of us were moved and astonished by the voice of one of the choir--it was that of a novice.

After the ceremony the queen made inquiries touching this new Santa Cecilia; and who dost thou think she is?
No; thou wilt never guess!--the once celebrated singer--the beautiful, the inimitable Beatriz Coello! Ah! you may well look surprised; when actresses turn nuns, it is well-nigh time for Calderon and Philip to turn monks.

Now, you must know, Roderigo, that I, unworthy though I be, am the cause of this conversion.

There is a certain Martin Fonseca, a kinsman of Lerma's--thou knowest him well.