Officer.

The city, sire, is risen; and the people, With John Palicio at their head, demand The king’s despatches.

Hu. John Palicio! Is he escaped again? Send Blasco hither. Livio, where is he?

Liv. Sir, I do not know.

Hu. ’Tis this accursed rebellion hath done all: I have been too merciful. I tell thee, Philip, That was the cause of all, of Constance’s madness, Of Manuel’s death. By heaven, the sword shall fall. I will have blood for blood, and wail for wail. None of these villains whom I hold in prison Shall see the sunset. Send me Blasco hither. Call out the troops.

Ph. Pray you remember, sire, Pardon to all is urged in the despatch.

Hu. Send pardon to the devil. Oppose me not! I’ll teach these rebels I am master now.

[Cries heard without.

Enter Manuel (as himself, with paper in hand) and Constance. Margaret, Lucia, and Rosso following.

Manuel! why, Manuel!

Ph. O, Manuel, My friend, I am saved.

Con. My father, Let me present to you my ghostly father; And at your will my loving living husband.

Hu. Why, what! How’s this? Is’t thou? Is this a trick?

Man. Ay: but a trick of fortune. Let my escape, Which makes you wonder, be explained hereafter. But now, since here I hold my title, sire, I’ll fill my place at once. Philip, I pray thee Go to the window, and make known to all These latest tidings. Send the people home.

[Philip goes to window.

Meanwhile, sir; if before thou hadst some warrant For anger shewn against me, now I ask Thy pardon; and for wrongs against me done Assure thee, that if freely thou make over Thy daughter for my wife, there is in my love Means for full reconcilement. May I say Constance is mine?

Hu. I see that she is thine.

Man. I pray thou never shalt regret this day.

Ph. (returning from window). There is John Palicio, with half the town At their old cries. I can make nothing of him.

Man. Bid him surrender as my prisoner. I will receive him here.

Hu. Thou must not think He comes at asking thus.

Man. He will obey. But I will shew myself. [Goes to window.

Hu. How comes he out of prison?