Alva.  Says the messenger so?

Silva.  No, my own heart tells me.

Alva.  In thee speaks my evil genius. (After reading the letter, he makes a sign to the two, and they retire to the gallery.  Alva remains alone in front of the stage.) He comes not!  Till the last moment he delays declaring himself.  He ventures not to come!  So then, the cautious man, contrary to all expectations, is for once cautious enough to lay aside his wonted caution.  The hour moves on!  Let the finger travel but a short space over the dial, and a great work is done or lost—­irrevocably lost; for the opportunity can never be retrieved, nor can our intention remain concealed.  Long had I maturely weighed everything, foreseen even this contingency, and firmly resolved in my own mind what, in that case, was to be done; and now, when I am called upon to act, I can with difficulty guard my mind from being again distracted by conflicting doubts.  Is it expedient to seize the others if he escape me?  Shall I delay, and suffer Egmont to elude my grasp, together with his friends, and so many others who now, and perhaps for to-day only, are in my hands?  How!  Does destiny control even thee—­the uncontrollable?  How long matured!  How well prepared!  How great, how admirable the plan!  How nearly had hope attained the goal!  And now, at the decisive moment, thou art placed between two evils; as in a lottery, thou dost grasp in the dark future; what thou hast drawn remains still unrolled, to thee unknown whether it is a prize or a blank! (He becomes attentive, like one who hears a noise, and steps to the window.) ’Tis he!  Egmont!  Did thy steed bear thee hither so lightly, and started not at the scent of blood, at the spirit with the naked sword who received thee at the gate?  Dismount!  Lo, now thou hast one foot in the grave!  And now both!  Ay, caress him, and for the last time stroke his neck for the gallant service he has rendered thee.  And for me no choice is left.  The delusion, in which Egmont ventures here to-day, cannot a second time deliver him into my hands!  Hark! (Ferdinand and Silva enter hastily.) Obey my orders!  I swerve not from my purpose.  I shall detain Egmont here as best I may, till you bring me tidings from Silva.  Then remain at hand.  Thee, too, fate has robbed of the proud honour of arresting with thine own hand the king’s greatest enemy. (To Silva.) Be prompt! (To Ferdinand.) Advance to meet him.

(Alva remains some moments alone, pacing the chamber in silence.)

[Enter Egmont.

Egmont.  I come to learn the king’s commands; to hear what service he demands from our loyalty, which remains eternally devoted to him.

Alva.  He desires, before all, to hear your counsel.

Egmont.  Upon what subject?  Does Orange come also?  I thought to find him here.

Alva.  I regret that he fails us at this important crisis.  The king desires your counsel, your opinion as to the best means of tranquillizing these states.  He trusts indeed that you will zealously co-operate with him in quelling these disturbances, and in securing to these provinces the benefit of complete and permanent order.