No More Learning

RUY BLAS: No one, my lord.

DON SALLUST: Good! Shut the doors, and put on this attire.

[_Bringing out the costume of a nobleman of high
rank, he helps his lackey to dress in it. _

Splendid! You have a very gallant air,
And you will make a perfect nobleman.
Now listen. I've your interests at heart,
And if you will obey me faithfully,
You shall succeed in all that you desire.
But stay. There is a letter I must send
Before I leave Madrid. Write it for me.

[RUY BLAS _sits down at the table, and_ DON SALLUST
_dictates to him:_

"My life is in great danger. You alone
Can save me. Come this evening to my house.
No one will recognise you if you use
The side-door by the corner.
" Now sign it
"Cesar," the name I commonly employ
In love affairs.

RUY BLAS: Shall I address the note?

DON SALLUST: Ah, no! I must deliver it myself.
Hark! There is someone coming. 'Tis the Queen!

[_Dragging_ RUY BLAS _with him, he opens the door,
and says to the noblemen surrounding the_ QUEEN:

Allow me to present to you, my friends,
Don Cesar, Count of Garofa, my cousin.


ACT II

SCENE. --_The Hall of Government in the palace at Madrid, six months
after. The Privy Counsellors are sitting,--among them_
DON MANUEL ARIAS _and the_ COUNT OF CAMPOREAL.

DON MANUEL: How quickly he has climbed to supreme power!
General Secretary, Minister,
And now Duke of Olmedo!

CAMPOREAL: It is strange,
A cousin of that fallen president,
Don Sallust, could have won to such a height
Within six months!

DON MANUEL: The queen reigns over us
And he reigns, over her.

CAMPOREAL: That is not so.