Don Carlos
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I have some letters To give you back of those you trusted to me.CARLOS (looks first at the letters, then at the MARQUIS, in astonishment) How!MARQUIS I return them now because they may Prove safer in thy custody than mine.CARLOS What meanest thou? Has his majesty not read them? Have they not been before him?MARQUIS What, these letters!CARLOS Thou didst not show them all, then?MARQUIS Who has said That ever I showed one?CARLOS (astonished) Can it be so? Count Lerma —MARQUIS He! he told thee so! Now all Is clear as day. But who could have foreseen it? Lerma! Oh, no, he hath not learned to lie. 'Tis true, the king has all the other letters.CARLOS (looks at him long with speechless astonishment) But wherefore am I here?MARQUIS For caution's sake, Lest thou should chance, a second time, to make An Eboli thy confidant.CARLOS (as if waking from a dream) Ha! Now I see it all – all is explained.MARQUIS (goes to the door) Who's there?
SCENE II
DUKE ALVA. The former.
ALVA (approaching the PRINCE with respect, but turning his back on the MARQUIS during the whole scene) Prince, you are free. Deputed by the king I come to tell you so.[CARLOS looks at the MARQUIS with astonishment.
General silence. And I, in truth, Am fortunate to have this honor first —CARLOS (looking at both with extreme amazement, after a pause, to the DUKE) I am imprisoned, duke, and set at freedom, Unconscious of the cause of one or other.ALVA As far as I know, prince, 'twas through an error, To which the king was driven by a traitor.CARLOS Then am I here by order of the king?ALVA Yes, through an error of his majesty.CARLOS That gives me pain, indeed. But when the king Commits an error, 'twould beseem the king, Methinks, to remedy the fault in person. I am Don Philip's son – and curious eyes And slanderous looks are on me. What the king Hath done from sense of duty ne'er will I Appear to owe to your considerate favor. I am prepared to appear before the Cortes, And will not take my sword from such a hand.ALVA The king will never hesitate to grant Your highness a request so just. Permit That I conduct you to him.CARLOS Here I stay Until the king or all Madrid shall come To lead me from my prison. Take my answer.[ALVA withdraws. He is still seen for some time
lingering in the court and giving orders to the guards.SCENE III
CARLOS and MARQUIS POSA.
CARLOS (after the departure of the DUKE, full of expectation and astonishment, to the MARQUIS) What means all this? Inform me, Roderigo — Art thou not, then, the minister?MARQUIS I was, As thou canst well perceive —[Going to him with great emotion.
O Carlos! Now I have succeeded – yes – it is accomplished — 'Tis over now – Omnipotence be praised, To whom I owe success.CARLOS Success! What mean you? Thy words perplex me.MARQUIS (takes his hand) Carlos! thou art saved — Art free – but I —[He stops short.
CARLOS But thou —MARQUIS Thus to my breast I press thee now, with friendship's fullest right, A right I've bought with all I hold most dear. How great, how lovely, Carlos, is this moment Of self-approving joy?CARLOS What sudden change I mark upon thy features! Proudly now Thy bosom heaves, thine eyes dart vivid fire!MARQUIS We must say farewell, Carlos! Tremble 'not, But be a man! And what thou more shalt hear, Promise me, not by unavailing sorrow, Unworthy of great souls, to aggravate The pangs of parting. I am lost to thee, Carlos, for many years – fools say forever.[CARLOS withdraws his hand, but makes no reply.
Be thou a man: I've reckoned much on thee — I have not even shunned to pass with thee This awful hour – which men, in words of fear, Have termed the final one. I own it, Carlos, I joy to pass it thus. Come let us sit — I feel myself grown weary and exhausted.[He approaches CARLOS, who is in a lifeless stupor, and allows himself to be involuntarily drawn down by him.
Where art thou? No reply! I must be brief. Upon the day that followed our last meeting At the Carthusian monastery the king Called me before him. What ensued thou knowest, And all Madrid. Thou hast not heard, however, Thy secret even then had reached his ears — That letters in the queen's possession found Had testified against thee. This I learned From his own lips – I was his confidant.[He pauses for CARLOS' answer, but he still remains silent.
Yes, Carlos, with my lips I broke my faith — Guided the plot myself that worked thy ruin. Thy deed spoke trumpet-tongued; to clear thee fully 'Twas now too late: to frustrate his revenge Was all that now remained for me; and so I made myself thy enemy to-serve thee With fuller power – dost thou not hear me, Carlos,CARLOS Go on! go on! I hear thee.MARQUIS To this point I'm guiltless. But the unaccustomed beams Of royal favor dazzled me. The rumor, As I had well foreseen, soon reached thine ears But by mistaken delicacy led, And blinded by my vain desire to end My enterprise alone, I kept concealed From friendship's ear my hazardous design. This was my fatal error! Here I failed! I know it. My self-confidence was madness. Pardon that confidence – 'twas founded, Carlos, Upon our friendship's everlasting base.[He pauses. CARLOS passes from torpid silence to violent agitation.
That which I feared befell. Unreal dangers Alarmed your mind. The bleeding queen – the tumult Within the palace – Lerma's interference — And, last of all, my own mysterious silence, Conspired to overwhelm thy heart with wonder. Thou wavered'st, thought'st me lost; but far too noble To doubt thy friend's integrity, thy soul Clothed his defection with a robe of honor, Nor judged him faithless till it found a motive To screen and justify his breach of faith. Forsaken by thy only friend – 'twas then Thou sought'st the arms of Princess Eboli — A demon's arms! 'Twas she betrayed thee, Carlos! I saw thee fly to her – a dire foreboding Struck on my heart – I followed thee too late! Already wert thou prostrate at her feet, The dread avowal had escaped thy lips — No way was left to save thee.CARLOS No! her heart Was moved, thou dost mistake, her heart was moved.MARQUIS Night overspread my mind. No remedy, No refuge, no retreat was left to me In nature's boundless compass. Blind despair Transformed me to a fury – to a tiger — I raised my dagger to a woman's breast. But in that moment – in that dreadful moment — A radiant sunbeam fell upon my soul. "Could I mislead the king! Could I succeed In making him think me the criminal! However improbable, the very guilt Will be enough to win the king's belief. I'll dare the task – a sudden thunderbolt May make the tyrant start – what want I further? He stops to think, and Carlos thus gains time To fly to Brussels."CARLOS And hast thou done this?MARQUIS I have despatched a letter to Prince William, Saying I loved the queen, and had escaped The king's mistrust in the unjust suspicion Which falsely fell on thee – that I had found Means, through the monarch's favor, to obtain Free access to the queen. I added, further, That I was fearful of discovery — That thou hadst learned my secret, and hadst sped To Princess Eboli, with hopes through her To warn the queen – that I had made thee prisoner — And now that all seemed lost, I had resolved To fly to Brussels. This same letter I —CARLOS (interrupts him, terrified) Hast surely not intrusted to the post! Thou knowest that letters to Brabant and Flanders —MARQUIS Are given to the king; and as things go Taxis would seem to have discharged his duty.CARLOS Heavens! then I'm lost.MARQUIS How lost? What meanest thou?CARLOS And thou, alas! art lost together with me — This dreadful fraud my father ne'er will pardon.MARQUIS This fraud! Thou'rt mad! Who will disclose it to him?CARLOS (regards him with a fixed look) Who! Dost thou ask? I will myself.MARQUIS Thou ravest! Stand back —CARLOS Away! For heaven's sake hold me not. While I stay here, he's hiring the assassins.MARQUIS Then is our time more precious – and we still Have much to say.CARLOS What! Before all is finished?[He makes another effort to go. The MARQUIS holds him by the arm, and looks at him impressively.
MARQUIS Carlos! was I so scrupulous – so eager — When thou, a boy, didst shed thy blood for me?CARLOS (with emotion, and full of admiration) Kind Providence!MARQUIS Reserve thyself for Flanders! The kingdom is thy destiny – 'tis mine To give my life for thee.CARLOS (takes his hand with deep sensibility) No, no! he will not, Cannot resist a virtue so sublime. I will conduct thee to him, and together, Arm linked in arm, will we appear before him. Then thus will I address him: "Father, see, This is the way a friend acts towards his friend." Trust me, 'twill move him – it will touch his heart. He's not without humanity, – my father. Yes, it will move him. With hot tears, his eyes Will overflow – and he will pardon us.[A shot is fired through the iron grating. CARLOS leaps up.
Whom was that meant for?MARQUIS (sinking down) I believe – for me. CARLOS (falling to the earth with a loud cry of grief). O God of mercy!MARQUIS He is quick – the king. I had hoped – a little longer – Carlos – think Of means of flight – dost hear me? – of thy flight. Thy mother – knows it all – I can no more. [Dies.[CARLOS remains by the corpse, like one bereft of life.
After some time the KING enters, accompanied by many GRANDEES;
and starts, panic-struck, at the sight. A general and deep silence. The GRANDEES range themselves in a semi-circle round them both, and regard the KING and his SON alternately. The latter continues without any sign of life. The KING regards him in thoughtful silence.
SCENE IV
The KING, CARLOS, the DUKESS ALVA, FERIA, and MEDINA SIDONIA, PRINCE OF PARMA, COUNT LERMA, DOMINGO, and numerous GRANDEES.
KING (in a gentle tone) Thy prayer hath met a gracious hearing, prince, And here I come, with all the noble peers Of this my court, to bring thee liberty.[CARLOS raises his eyes and looks around him like one awakened from a dream. His eyes are fixed now on the KING, now on the corpse; he gives no answer.
Receive thy sword again. We've been too rash![He approaches him, holds out his hand, and assists him to rise.
My son's not in his place; Carlos, arise! Come to thy father's arms! His love awaits thee.CARLOS (receives the embrace of the KING without any consciousness. Suddenly recollects himself, pauses and looks fixedly at him) Thou smell'st of blood – no, I cannot embrace thee![Pushes his father back. All the GRANDEES are in commotion.
CARLOS to them: — Nay, stand not there confounded and amazed! — What monstrous action have I done? Defiled The anointed of the Lord! Oh, fear me not, I would not lay a hand on him. Behold, Stamped on his forehead is the damning brand! The hand of God hath marked him!KING (about to go quickly) Nobles! follow.CARLOS Whither? You stir not from this spot.[Detaining the KING forcibly with both hands, while with one he manages to seize the sword which the KING has brought with him, and it comes from the scabbard.
KING What! Draw A sword upon thy father?ALL THE GRANDEES (drawing their swords) Regicide!CARLOS (holding the KING firmly with one hand, the naked sword in the other) Put up your swords! What! Think you I am mad? I am not so: or you were much to blame Thus to remind me, that upon the point Of this my sword, his trembling life doth hover. I pray you, stand aloof; for souls like mine Need soothing. There – hold back! And with the king What I have yet to settle touches not Your loyalty. See there – his hand is bloody! Do you not see it? And now look you here![Pointing to the corpse.
This hath he done with a well-practised hand.KING (to the GRANDEES, who press anxiously around him) Retire! Why do you tremble? Are we not Father and son? I will yet wait and see To what atrocious crime his nature —CARLOS Nature I know her not. Murder is now the word! The bonds of all humanity are severed, Thine own hands have dissolved them through the realm. Shall I respect a tie which thou hast scorned? Oh, see! see here! the foulest deed of blood That e'er the world beheld. Is there no God That kings, in his creation, work such havoc? Is there no God, I ask? Since mother's wombs Bore children, one alone – and only one — So guiltlessly hath died. And art thou sensible What thou hast done? Oh, no! he knows it not: Knows not that he has robbed – despoiled the world Of a more noble, precious, dearer life Than he and all his century can boast.KING (with a tone of softness) If I have been too hasty, Carlos – thou For whom I have thus acted, should at least Not call me to account.CARLOS Is't possible! Did you then never guess how dear to me Was he who here lies dead? Thou lifeless corpse! Instruct him – aid his wisdom, to resolve This dark enigma now. He was my friend. And would you know why he has perished thus? He gave his life for me.KING Ha? my suspicions!CARLOS Pardon, thou bleeding corpse, that I profane Thy virtue to such ears. But let him blush With deep-felt shame, the crafty politician, That his gray-headed wisdom was o'erreached, E'en by the judgment of a youth. Yes, sire, We two were brothers! Bound by nobler bands Than nature ties. His whole life's bright career Was love. His noble death was love for me. E'en in the moment when his brief esteem Exalted you, he was my own. And when With fascinating tongue he sported with Your haughty, giant mind, 'twas your conceit To bridle him; but you became yourself The pliant tool of his exalted plans. That I became a prisoner, my arrest, Was his deep friendship's meditated work. That letter to Prince William was designed To save my life. It was the first deceit He ever practised. To insure my safety He rushed on death himself, and nobly perished. You lavished on him all your favor; yet For me he died. Your heart, your confidence, You forced upon him. As a toy he held Your sceptre and your power; he cast them from him, And gave his life for me.[The KING stands motionless, with eyes fixed on the ground;
all the GRANDEES regard him with surprise and alarm.
How could it be
That you gave credit to this strange deceit? Meanly indeed he valued you, to try By such coarse artifice to win his ends. You dared to court his friendship, but gave way Before a test so simple. Oh, no! never For souls like yours was such a being formed. That well he knew himself, when he rejected Your crowns, your gifts, your greatness, and yourself. This fine-toned lyre broke in your iron hand, And you could do no more than murder him.ALVA (never having taken his eyes from the KING, and observing his emotion with uneasiness, approaches him with apprehension) Keep not this deathlike silence, sire. Look round, And speak at least to us.CARLOS Once you were not Indifferent to him. And deeply once You occupied his thoughts. It might have been His lot to make you happy. His full heart Might have enriched you; with its mere abundance An atom of his soul had been enough To make a god of you. You've robbed yourself — Plundered yourself and me. What could you give, To raise again a spirit like to this?[Deep silence. Many of the GRANDEES turn away, or conceal their faces in their mantles.
Oh, ye who stand around with terror dumb, And mute surprise, do not condemn the youth Who holds this language to the king, his father. Look on this corpse. Behold! for me he died. If ye have tears – if in your veins flow blood, Not molten brass, look here, and blame me not.[He turns to the KING with more self-possession and calmness.
Doubtless you wait the end of this rude scene? Here is my sword, for you are still my king. Think not I fear your vengeance. Murder me, As you have murdered this most noble man. My life is forfeit; that I know full well. But what is life to me? I here renounce All that this world can offer to my hopes.Seek among strangers for a son. Here lies My kingdom.[He sinks down on the corpse, and takes no part in what follows.
A confused tumult and the noise of a crowd is heard in the distance.
All is deep silence round the KING. His eyes scan the circle over, but no one returns his looks.
KING What! Will no one make reply? Each eye upon the ground, each look abashed! My sentence is pronounced. I read it here Proclaimed in all this lifeless, mute demeanor. My vassals have condemned me.[Silence as before. The tumult grows louder. A murmur is heard among the GRANDEES. They exchange embarrassed looks. COUNT LERMA at length gently touches ALVA.
LERMA Here's rebellion!ALVA (in a low voice) I fear it.LERMA It approaches! They are coming!SCENE V
An officer of the Body Guard. The former.
OFFICER (urgently) Rebellion! Where's the king?[He makes his way through the crowd up to the KING.
Madrid's in arms! To thousands swelled, the soldiery and people Surround the palace; and reports are spread That Carlos is a prisoner – that his life Is threatened. And the mob demand to see Him living, or Madrid will be in flames.THE GRANDEES (with excitement) Defend the king!ALVA (to the KING, who remains quiet and unmoved) Fly, sire! your life's in danger. As yet we know not who has armed the people.KING (rousing from his stupor, and advancing with dignity among then) Stands my throne firm, and am I sovereign yet Over this empire? No! I'm king no more. These cowards weep – moved by a puny boy. They only wait the signal to desert me. I am betrayed by rebels!ALVA Dreadful thought!KING There! fling yourselves before him – down before The young, the expectant king; I'm nothing now But a forsaken, old, defenceless man!ALVA Spaniards! is't come to this?[All crowd round the KING, and fall on their knees before him with drawn swords. CARLOS remains alone with the corpse, deserted by all.
KING (tearing off his mantle and throwing it from him) There! clothe him now With this my royal mantle; and on high Bear him in triumph o'er my trampled corpse![He falls senseless in ALVA's and LERMA's arms.
LERMA For heaven's sake, help!FERIA Oh, sad, disastrous chance!LERMA He faints!ALVA (leaves the KING in LERMA's and FERIA's hands) Attend his majesty! whilst I Make it my aim to tranquillize Madrid.[Exit ALVA. The KING is borne off, attended by all the grandees.
SCENE VI
CARLOS remains behind with the corpse. After a few moments Louis MERCADO appears, looks cautiously round him, and stands a long time silent behind the PRINCE, who does not observe him.
MERCADO I come, prince, from her majesty the queen.[CARLOS turns away and makes no reply.
My name, Mercado, I'm the queen's physician See my credentials.[Shows the PRINCE a signet ring. CARLOS remains still silent.
And the queen desires To speak with you to-day – on weighty business.CARLOS Nothing is weighty in this world to me.MERCADO A charge the Marquis Posa left with her.CARLOS (looking up quickly) Indeed! I come this instant.MERCADO No, not yet, Most gracious prince! you must delay till night. Each avenue is watched, the guards are doubled You ne'er could reach the palace unperceived; You would endanger everything.CARLOS And yet —MERCADO I know one means alone that can avail us. 'Tis the queen's thought, and she suggests it to you; But it is bold, adventurous, and strange!CARLOS What is it?MERCADO A report has long prevailed That in the secret vaults, beneath the palace, At midnight, shrouded in a monk's attire, The emperor's departed spirit walks. The people still give credit to the tale, And the guards watch the post with inward terror. Now, if you but determine to assume This dress, you may pass freely through the guards, Until you reach the chamber of the queen, Which this small key will open. Your attire Will save you from attack. But on the spot, Prince! your decision must be made at once. The requisite apparel and the mask Are ready in your chamber. I must haste And take the queen your answer.CARLOS And the hour?MERCADO It is midnight.CARLOS Then inform her I will come.[Exit MERCADO.
SCENE VII
CARLOS and COUNT LERMA.
LERMA Save yourself, prince! The king's enraged against you. Your liberty, if not your life's in danger! Ask me no further – I have stolen away To give you warning – fly this very instant!CARLOS Heaven will protect me!LERMA As the queen observed To me, this moment, you must leave Madrid This very day, and fly to Brussels, prince. Postpone it not, I pray you. The commotion Favors your flight. The queen, with this design, Has raised it. No one will presume so far As to lay hand on you. Swift steeds await you At the Carthusian convent, and behold, Here are your weapons, should you be attacked.[LERMA gives him a dagger and pistols.
CARLOS Thanks, thanks, Count Lerma!LERMA This day's sad event Has moved my inmost soul! No faithful friend Will ever love like him. No patriot breathes But weeps for you. More now I dare not say.CARLOS Count Lerma! he who's gone considered you A man of honor.LERMA Farewell, prince, again! Success attend you! Happier times will come — But I shall be no more. Receive my homage![Falls on one knee.
CARLOS (endeavors to prevent him, with much emotion) Not so – not so, count! I am too much moved — I would not be unmanned!LERMA (kissing his hand with feeling) My children's king! To die for you will be their privilege! It is not mine, alas! But in those children Remember me! Return in peace to Spain. May you on Philip's throne feel as a man, For you have learned to suffer! Undertake No bloody deed against your father, prince! Philip compelled his father to yield up The throne to him; and this same Philip now Trembles at his own son. Think, prince, of that And may Heaven prosper and direct your path![Exit quickly. CARLOS about to hasten away by another side, but turns rapidly round, and throws himself down before the copse, which he again folds in his arms. He then hurries from the room.
SCENE VIII
The KING's Antechamber.
DUKE ALVA and DUKE FERIA enter in conversation.
ALVA The town is quieted. How is the king?FERIA In the most fearful state. Within his chamber He is shut up, and whatso'er may happen He will admit no person to his presence. The treason of the marquis has at once Changed his whole nature. We no longer know him.ALVA I must go to him, nor respect his feelings. A great discovery which I have made —FERIA A new discovery!ALVA A Carthusian monk My guards observed, with stealthy footsteps, creep Into the prince's chamber, and inquire With anxious curiosity, about The Marquis Posa's death. They seized him straight, And questioned him. Urged by the fear of death, He made confession that he bore about him Papers of high importance, which the marquis Enjoined him to deliver to the prince, If, before sunset, he should not return.FERIA Well, and what further?ALVA These same letters state That Carlos from Madrid must fly before The morning dawn.FERIA Indeed!ALVA And that a ship at Cadiz lies Ready for sea, to carry him to Flushing. And that the Netherlands but wait his presence, To shake the Spanish fetters from their arms.FERIA Can this be true?ALVA And other letters say A fleet of Soliman's will sail for Rhodes, According to the treaty, to attack The Spanish squadron in the Midland seas.FERIA Impossible.ALVA And hence I understand The object of the journeys, which of late The marquis made through Europe. 'Twas no less Than to rouse all the northern powers to arms In aid of Flanders' freedom.FERIA Was it so?ALVA There is besides appended to these letters The full concerted plan of all the war Which is to disunite from Spain's control The Netherlands forever. Naught omitted; The power and opposition close compared; All the resources accurately noted, Together with the maxims to be followed, And all the treaties which they should conclude. The plan is fiendish, but 'tis no less splendid.FERIA The deep, designing traitor!ALVA And, moreover, There is allusion made, in these same letters, To some mysterious conference the prince Must with his mother hold upon the eve Preceding his departure.FERIA That must be This very day.ALVA At midnight. But for this I have already taken proper steps. You see the case is pressing. Not a moment Is to be lost. Open the monarch's chamber.FERIA Impossible! All entrance is forbidden.ALVA I'll open then myself; the increasing danger Must justify my boldness.[As he is on the point of approaching the door it opens, and the KING comes out.