I fear your imprisonment may continue, either until you give a solemn promise to renounce all endeavor to dissuade Beatriz from the final vows, or until she herself has pronounced them." Fonseca, as if stupefied, stared a moment at Calderon, and then burst into a wild laugh.

Calderon continued: "Nevertheless, do not despair.

Be patient; I am ever about the duke; nay, I have the courage, in your cause, to appeal even to the king himself." "And to-night she expects me--to-night she was to be free!" "We can convey the intelligence of your mischance to her: the porter will befriend you." "Away, false friend, or powerless protector, that you are! Are your promises of aid come to this?
But I care not; my case, my wrongs, shall be laid before the king; I will inquire if it be thus that Philip the Third treats the defenders of his crown.

Don Roderigo Calderon, will you place my memorial in the hands of your royal master?
Do this, and I will thank you." "No, Fonseca, I will not ruin you; the king would pass your memorial to the Duke de Lerma.

Tush! this is not the way that men of sense deal with misfortune.