Alva.  He will see you again.

Ferdinand.  Among all the knights whom I know here, he pleases me the best.  I think we shall be friends.

Alva.  You are always rash and inconsiderate.  I recognize in you the levity of your Mother, which threw her unconditionally into my arms.  Appearances have already allured you precipitately into many dangerous connections.

Ferdinand.  You will find me ever submissive.

Alva.  I pardon this inconsiderate kindness, this heedless gaiety, in consideration of your youthful blood.  Only forget not on what mission I am sent, and what part in it I would assign to you.

Ferdinand.  Admonish me, and spare me not, when you deem it needful.

Alva (after a pause).  My son!

Ferdinand.  My father!

Alva.  The princes will be here anon; Orange and Egmont.  It is not mistrust that has withheld me till now from disclosing to you what is about to take place.  They will not depart hence.

Ferdinand.  What do you purpose?

Alva.  It has been resolved to arrest them.—­You are astonished!  Learn what you have to do; the reasons you shall know when all is accomplished.  Time fails now to unfold them.  With you alone I wish to deliberate on the weightiest, the most secret matters; a powerful bond holds us linked together; you are dear and precious to me; on you I would bestow everything.  Not the habit of obedience alone would I impress upon you; I desire also to implant within your mind the power to realize, to command, to execute; to you I would bequeath a vast inheritance, to the king a most useful servant; I would endow you with the noblest of my possessions, that you may not be ashamed to appear among your brethren.

Ferdinand.  How deeply am I indebted to you for this love, which you manifest for me alone, while a whole kingdom trembles before you!

Alva.  Now hear what is to be done.  As soon as the princes have entered, every avenue to the palace will be guarded.  This duty is confided to Gomez.  Silva will hasten to arrest Egmont’s secretary, together with those whom we hold most in suspicion.  You, meanwhile, will take the command of the guards stationed at the gates and in the courts.  Before all, take care to occupy the adjoining apartment with the trustiest soldiers.  Wait in the gallery till Silva returns, then bring me any unimportant paper, as a signal that his commission is executed.  Remain in the ante-chamber till Orange retires, follow him; I will detain Egmont here as though I had some further communication to make to him.  At the end of the gallery demand Orange’s sword, summon the guards, secure promptly the most dangerous man; I meanwhile will seize Egmont here.

Ferdinand.  I obey, my father—­for the first time with a heavy and an anxious heart.

Alva.  I pardon you; this is the first great day of your life.

[Enter Silva.

Silva.  A courier from Antwerp.  Here is Orange’s letter.  He does not come.