QUEEN (who has stepped down from the throne).

My knees are trembling, yet there’s none to aid.

MANRIQUE.  Virtue abode with strength in days of yore,
             But latterly, estranged, they separate. 
             Strength stayed with youth—­where she was wont to be—­
             And virtue fled to gray and ancient heads. 
             Here, take my arm!  Though tottering the step,
             And strength be lacking,—­virtue still abides.

[He leads the QUEEN off at the right.  The estates, with GARCERAN,_ have gone out through the centre door.  The_ KING comes from the left, behind him his page.]

KING.  The sorrel, say you, limps?  The pace was fast,
             But I no further need shall have of him. 
             So to Toledo, pray you, have him led,
             Where rest will soon restore him.  I, myself,
             Will at my spouse’s side, in her own coach
             Return from here, in sight of all the folk,
             That what they see they may believe, and know
             That discord and dissension are removed.

[The page goes.]

I am alone.  Does no one come to meet? 
Naught but bare walls and silent furniture! 
It is but recently that they have met. 
And oh, these empty chairs much louder speak
Than those who sat upon them e’er have done! 
What use to chew the bitter cud of thought? 
I must begin to remedy the ill. 
Here goes the way to where my wife doth dwell.—­
I’ll enter on this most unwelcome path.

[He approaches the side door at the right.]

What, barred the door?  Hallo, in there!  The King
It is, who’s master in this house!  For me
There is no lock, no door to shut me out.

[A waiting-woman enters through the door.]

KING.  Ye bar yourselves?

WAITING WOMAN.  The Queen, your Majesty—­

(As the KING is about to enter rapidly.)

The inner door she, too, herself, has locked.

KING.  I will not force my way.  Announce to her
             That I am back, and this my summons is—­
             Say, rather, my request—­as now I say.

[Exit waiting-woman.]

KING (standing opposite the throne).

Thou lofty seat, o’ertopping others all,
Grant that we may no lower be than thou,
And even unexalted by these steps
We yet may hold just measure of the good.

Enter the QUEEN.

KING (going toward her with outstretched hands).

I greet thee, Leonore!

QUEEN.  Be welcome, thou!

KING.  And not thy hand?

QUEEN.  I’m glad to see thee here.