ACT SECOND. THE SPIES.
The Banqueting Hall at Whitehall.—At the back of the stage is the window through which Charles I passed on his way to the scaffold.—At the right a large Gothic chair beside a table with a velvet cover whereon the cipher C. R. (Carolus Rex) can still be distinguished. The same cipher, in gilt on a blue ground, still covers the walls, although half effaced.—When the curtain rises the stage is occupied by numerous groups of courtiers in court costume, talking together in low tones. The Ambassadors of France and Spain, with their suites, are in the foreground. The Spaniard is at the left, surrounded by pages, esquires, court alcaldes and alquazils, in the midst of whom is a herald of the Council of Castile, bearing the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece on a black velvet cushion. The French Ambassador is at the right, surrounded by his pages and gentlemen; beside him is Mancini; behind the latter two gentlemen bearing on blue velvet cushions, one a superb sword with a hilt of carved gold, the other a letter from which hangs a huge seal of red wax. Four pages of Cardinal Mazarin carry a large roll wrapped in silk. The Spanish Ambassador wears the costume of a knight of the Golden Fleece; all of his suite are dressed in black satin and velvet. The French Ambassador wears the costume of a knight of the Saint-Esprit; his suite displays a gorgeous medley of costumes, uniforms and liveries.—Behind
