What peril--what hazard! On the other side, if I refuse, the displeasure, the vengeance of the prince, for whose favour I have already half forfeited that of the king; and who, were he once to frown upon me, would encourage all my enemies--in other phrase, the whole court--in one united attempt at my ruin." "It is a stern trial," said the monk, gravely; "and one that may well excite your fear." "Fear, Aliaga!--ha! ha!--fear!" said Calderon, laughing scornfully.

"Did true ambition ever know fear?
Have we not the old Castilian proverb, that tells us 'He who has climbed the first step to power has left terror a thousand leagues behind'?
No, it is not fear that renders me irresolute; it is wisdom, and some touch, some remnant of human nature--philosophers would call it virtue; you priests, religion." "Son," said the priest, "when, as one of that sublime calling, which enables us to place our unshodden feet upon the necks of kings, I felt that I had the power to serve and to exalt you; when as confessor to Philip, I backed the patronage of Lerma, recommended you to the royal notice, and brought you into the sunshine of the royal favour--it was because I had read in your heart and brain those qualities of which the spiritual masters of the world ever seek to avail their cause.

I knew thee brave, crafty, aspiring, unscrupulous.

I knew that thou wouldest not shrink at the means that could secure to thee a noble end.

Yea, when, years ago, in the valley of the Xenil, I saw thee bathe thy hands in the blood of thy foe, and heard thy laugh of exulting scorn;--when I, alone master of thy secret, beheld thee afterwards flying from thy home stained with a second murder, but still calm, stern, and lord of thine own reason, my knowledge of mankind told me, 'Of such men are high converts and mighty instruments made!'" The priest paused; for Calderon heard him not.