"Whence this new and most ill-boding league ?" "I know not, your eminence; remember that I am but just returned to Madrid: it amazes me no less than it does your eminence." "Learn the cause of it, my good Calderon: the prince ever professed to hate Uzeda.

Restore him to those feelings thou art all in all with his highness! If Uzeda once gain his ear, thou art lost." "Not so," cried Calderon, proudly.

"My service is to the king; I have a right to his royal protection, for I have a claim on his royal gratitude." "Do not deceive thyself," said the duke, in a whisper.

"The king cannot live long: I have it from the best authority, his physician; nor is this all--a formidable conspiracy against thee exists at court.

But for myself and the king's confessor, Philip would consent to thy ruin.
The strong hold thou hast over him is in thy influence with the Infanta--influence which he knows to be exerted on behalf of his own fearful and jealous policy; that influence gone, neither I nor Aliaga could suffice to protect thee.