Don Carlos
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KING The duke remains – the Infanta may proceed.CARLOS (turning to ALVA) Then must I put it to your honor, sir, To yield my father for a while to me. A son, you know, may to a father's ear Unbosom much, in fulness of his heart, That not befits a stranger's ear. The king Shall not be taken from you, sir – I seek The father only for one little hour.KING Here stands his friend.CARLOS And have I e'er deserved To think the duke should be a friend of mine?KING Or tried to make him one? I scarce can love Those sons who choose more wisely than their fathers.CARLOS And can Duke Alva's knightly spirit brook To look on such a scene? Now, as I live, I would not play the busy meddler's part, Who thrusts himself, unasked, 'twixt sire and son, And there intrudes without a blush, condemned By his own conscious insignificance, No, not, by heaven, to win a diadem!KING (rising, with an angry look at the Prince) Retire, my lord!
[ALVA goes to the principal door, through which CARLOS had entered, the KING points to the other.
No, to the cabinet, Until I call you.SCENE II
KING PHILIP. DON CARLOS.
CARLOS (as soon as the DUKE has left the apartment, advances to the KING, throws himself at his feet, and then, with great emotion) My father once again! Thanks, endless thanks, for this unwonted favor! Your hand, my father! O delightful day! The rapture of this kiss has long been strange To your poor Carlos. Wherefore have I been Shut from my father's heart? What have I done?KING Carlos, thou art a novice in these arts — Forbear, I like them not —CARLOS (rising) And is it so? I hear your courtiers in those words, my father! All is not well, by heaven, all is not true, That a priest says, and a priest's creatures plot. I am not wicked, father; ardent blood Is all my failing; – all my crime is youth; — Wicked I am not – no, in truth, not wicked; — Though many an impulse wild assails my heart, Yet is it still untainted.KING Ay, 'tis pure — I know it – like thy prayers —CARLOS Now, then, or never! We are, for once, alone – the barrier Of courtly form, that severed sire and son Has fallen! Now a golden ray of hope Illumes my soul – a sweet presentment Pervades my heart – and heaven itself inclines, With choirs of joyous angels, to the earth, And full of soft emotion, the thrice blest Looks down upon this great, this glorious scene! Pardon, my father! [He falls on his knees before him.KING Rise, and leave me.CARLOS Father!KING (tearing himself from him) This trifling grows too bold.CARLOS A son's devotion Too bold! Alas!KING And, to crown all, in tears! Degraded boy! Away, and quit my sight!CARLOS Now, then, or never! – pardon, O my father!KING Away, and leave my sight! Return to me Disgraced, defeated, from the battle-field, Thy sire shall meet thee with extended arms: But thus in tears, I spurn thee from my feet. A coward's guilt alone should wash its stains In such ignoble streams. The man who weeps Without a blush will ne'er want cause for tears!CARLOS Who is this man? By what mistake of nature Has he thus strayed amongst mankind? A tear Is man's unerring, lasting attribute. Whose eye is dry was ne'er of woman born! Oh, teach the eye that ne'er hath overflowed, The timely science of a tear – thou'lt need The moist relief in some dark hour of woe.KING Think'st thou to shake thy father's strong mistrust With specious words?CARLOS Mistrust! Then I'll remove it. Here will I hang upon my father's breast, Strain at his heart with vigor, till each shred Of that mistrust, which, with a rock's endurance, Clings firmly round it, piecemeal fall away. And who are they who drive me from the king — My father's favor? What requital hath A monk to give a father for a son? What compensation can the duke supply For a deserted and a childless age? Would'st thou be loved? Here in this bosom springs A fresher, purer fountain, than e'er flowed From those dark, stagnant, muddy reservoirs, Which Philip's gold must first unlock.KING No more, Presuming boy! For know the hearts thou slanderest Are the approved, true servants of my choice. 'Tis meet that thou do honor to them.CARLOS Never! I know my worth – all that your Alva dares — That, and much more, can Carlos. What cares he, A hireling! for the welfare of the realm That never can be his? What careth he If Philip's hair grow gray with hoary age? Your Carlos would have loved you: – Oh, I dread To think that you the royal throne must fill Deserted and alone.KING (seemingly struck by this idea, stands in deep thought; after a pause) I am alone!CARLOS (approaching him with eagerness) You have been so till now. Hate me no more, And I will love you dearly as a son: But hate me now no longer! Oh, how sweet, Divinely sweet it is to feel our being Reflected in another's beauteous soul; To see our joys gladden another's cheek, Our pains bring anguish to another's bosom, Our sorrows fill another's eye with tears! How sweet, how glorious is it, hand in hand, With a dear child, in inmost soul beloved, To tread once more the rosy paths of youth, And dream life's fond illusions o'er again! How proud to live through endless centuries Immortal in the virtues of a son; How sweet to plant what his dear hand shall reap; To gather what will yield him rich return, And guess how high his thanks will one day rise! My father of this early paradise Your monks most wisely speak not.KING (not without emotion) Oh, my son, Thou hast condemned thyself in painting thus A bliss this heart hath ne'er enjoyed from thee.CARLOS The Omniscient be my judge! You till this hour Have still debarred me from your heart, and all Participation in your royal cares. The heir of Spain has been a very stranger In Spanish land – a prisoner in the realm Where he must one day rule. Say, was this just, Or kind? And often have I blushed for shame, And stood with eyes abashed, to learn perchance From foreign envoys, or the general rumor, Thy courtly doings at Aranjuez.KING Thy blood flows far too hotly in thy veins. Thou would'st but ruin all.CARLOS But try me, father. 'Tis true my blood flows hotly in my veins. Full three-and-twenty years I now have lived, And naught achieved for immortality. I am aroused – I feel my inward powers — My title to the throne arouses me From slumber, like an angry creditor; And all the misspent hours of early youth, Like debts of honor, clamor in mine ears. It comes at length, the glorious moment comes That claims full interest on the intrusted talent. The annals of the world, ancestral fame, And glory's echoing trumpet urge me on. Now is the blessed hour at length arrived That opens wide to me the list of honor. My king, my father! dare I utter now The suit which led me hither?KING Still a suit? Unfold it.CARLOS The rebellion in Brabant Increases to a height – the traitor's madness By stern, but prudent, vigor must be met. The duke, to quell the wild enthusiasm, Invested with the sovereign's power, will lead An army into Flanders. Oh, how full Of glory is such office! and how suited To open wide the temple of renown To me, your son! To my hand, then, O king, Intrust the army; in thy Flemish lands I am well loved, and I will freely gage My life for their fidelity and truth.KING Thou speakest like a dreamer. This high office Demands a man – and not a stripling's arm.CARLOS It but demands a human being, father: And that is what Duke Alva ne'er hath been.KING Terror alone can tie rebellion's hands: Humanity were madness. Thy soft soul Is tender, son: they'll tremble at the duke. Desist from thy request.CARLOS Despatch me, sire, To Flanders with the army – dare rely E'en on my tender soul. The name of prince, The royal name emblazoned on my standard, Conquers where Alva's butchers but dismay. Here on my knees I crave it – this the first Petition of my life. Trust Flanders to me.KING (contemplating CARLOS with a piercing look) Trust my best army to thy thirst for rule, And put a dagger in my murderer's hand!CARLOS Great God! and is this all – is this the fruit Of a momentous hour so long desired![After some thought, in a milder tone.
Oh, speak to me more kindly – send me not Thus comfortless away – dismiss me not With this afflicting answer, oh, my father! Use me more tenderly, indeed, I need it. This is the last resource of wild despair — It conquers every power of firm resolve To beat it as a man – this deep contempt — My every suit denied: Let me away — Unheard and foiled in all my fondest hopes, I take my leave. Now Alva and Domingo May proudly sit in triumph where your son Lies weeping in the dust. Your crowd of courtiers, And your long train of cringing, trembling nobles, Your tribe of sallow monks, so deadly pale, All witnessed how you granted me this audience. Let me not be disgraced. Oh, strike me not With this most deadly wound – nor lay me bare To sneering insolence of menial taunts! "That strangers riot on your bounty, whilst Carlos, your son, may supplicate in vain." And as a pledge that you would have me honored, Despatch me straight to Flanders with the army.KING Urge thy request no farther – as thou wouldst Avoid the king's displeasure.CARLOS I must brave My king's displeasure, and prefer my suit Once more, it is the last. Trust Flanders to me! I must away from Spain. To linger here Is to draw breath beneath the headsman's axe: The air lies heavy on me in Madrid Like murder on a guilty soul – a change, An instant change of clime alone can cure me. If you would save my life, despatch me straight Without delay to Flanders.KING (with affected coldness) Invalids, Like thee, my son – need not be tended close, And ever watched by the physician's eye — Thou stayest in Spain – the duke will go to Flanders.CARLOS (wildly) Assist me, ye good angels!KING (starting) Hold, what mean Those looks so wild?CARLOS Father, do you abide Immovably by this determination?KING It was the king's.CARLOS Then my commission's done.[Exit in violent emotion.
SCENE III
King, sunk in gloomy contemplation, walks a few steps up and down; Alva approaches with embarrassment.
KING Hold yourself ready to depart for Brussels Upon a moment's notice.ALVA All is prepared, my liege.KING And your credentials Lie ready sealed within my cabinet, — Meanwhile obtain an audience of the queen, And bid the prince farewell.ALVA As I came in I met him with a look of frenzy wild Quitting the chamber; and your majesty Is strangely moved, methinks, and bears the marks Of deep excitement – can it be the theme Of your discourse —KING Concerned the Duke of Alva.[The KING keeps his eye steadfastly fixed on him.
I'm pleased that Carlos hates my councillors, But I'm disturbed that he despises them.[ALVA, coloring deeply, is about to speak.
No answer now: propitiate the prince.ALVA Sire!KING Tell me who it was that warned me first Of my son's dark designs? I listened then To you, and not to him. I will have proof. And for the future, mark me, Carlos stands Nearer the throne – now duke – you may retire.[The KING retires into his cabinet. Exit DUKE by another door.
SCENE IV
The antechamber to the QUEEN'S apartments. DON CARLOS enters in conversation with a PAGE. The attendants retire at his approach.
CARLOS For me this letter? And a key! How's this? And both delivered with such mystery! Come nearer, boy: – from whom didst thou receive them?PAGE (mysteriously) It seemed to me the lady would be guessed Rather than be described.CARLOS (starting) The lady, what! Who art thou, boy?[Looking earnestly at the PAGE.
PAGE A page that serves the queen.CARLOS (affrighted, putting his hand to the PAGE's mouth) Hold, on your life! I know enough: no more.[He tears open the letter hastily, and retires to read it; meanwhile DUKE ALVA comes, and passing the Prince, goes unperceived by him into the QUEEN'S apartment, CARLOS trembles violently and changes color; when he has read the letter he remains a long time speechless, his eyes steadfastly fixed on it; at last he turns to the PAGE.
She gave you this herself?PAGE With her own hands.CARLOS She gave this letter to you then herself? Deceive me not: I ne'er have seen her writing, And I must credit thee, if thou canst swear it; But if thy tale be false, confess it straight, Nor put this fraud on me.PAGE This fraud, on whom?CARLOS (looking once more at the letter, then at the PAGE with doubt and earnestness) Your parents – are they living? and your father — Serves he the king? Is he a Spaniard born?PAGE He fell a colonel on St. Quentin's field, Served in the cavalry of Savoy's duke — His name Alonzo, Count of Henarez.CARLOS (taking his hand, and looking fixedly in his eyes) The king gave you this letter?PAGE (with emotion) Gracious prince, Have I deserved these doubts?CARLOS (reading the letter) "This key unlocks The back apartments in the queen's pavilion, The furthest room lies next a cabinet Wherein no listener's foot dare penetrate; Here may the voice of love without restraint Confess those tender feelings, which till now The heart with silent looks alone hath spoken. The timid lover gains an audience here, And sweet reward repays his secret sorrow."[As if awakening from a reverie.
I am not in a dream, do not rave, This is my right hand, this my sword – and these Are written words. 'Tis true – it is no dream. I am beloved, I feel I am beloved.[Unable to contain himself, he rushes hastily through the room, and raises his arms to heaven.
PAGE Follow me, prince, and I will lead the way.CARLOS Then let me first collect my scattered thoughts. The alarm of joy still trembles in my bosom. Did I e'er lift my fondest hopes so high, Or trust my fancy to so bold a flight? Show me the man can learn thus suddenly To be a god. I am not what I was. I feel another heaven – another sun That was not here before. She loves – she loves me!PAGE (leading him forward).
But this is not the place: prince! you forget.CARLOS The king! My father![His arms sink, he casts a timid look around, then collecting himself.
This is dreadful! Yes, You're right, my friend. I thank you: I was not Just then myself. To be compelled to silence, And bury in my heart this mighty bliss, Is terrible![Taking the PAGE by the hand, and leading him aside.
Now here! What thou hast seen, And what not seen, must be within thy breast Entombed as in the grave. So now depart; I shall not need thy guidance; they must not Surprise us here! Now go.[The PAGE is about to depart.
Yet hold, a word![The PAGE returns. CARLOS lays his hand on his shoulder, and looks him steadily in the face.
A direful secret hast thou in thy keeping, Which, like a poison of terrific power, Shivers the cup that holds it into atoms. Guard every look of thine, nor let thy head Guess at thy bosom's secret. Be thou like The senseless speaking-trumpet that receives And echoes back the voice, but hears it not. Thou art a boy! Be ever so; continue The pranks of youth. My correspondent chose Her messenger of love with prudent skill! The king will ne'er suspect a serpent here.PAGE And I, my prince, shall feel right proud to know I am one secret richer than the king.CARLOS Vain, foolish boy! 'tis this should make thee tremble. Approach me ever with a cold respect: Ne'er be induced by idle pride to boast How gracious is the prince! No deadlier sin Canst thou commit, my son, than pleasing me. Whate'er thou hast in future for my ear, Give not to words; intrust not to thy lips, Ne'er on that common high road of the thoughts Permit thy news to travel. Speak with an eye, A finger; I will answer with a look. The very air, the light, are Philip's creatures, And the deaf walls around are in his pay. Some one approaches; fly, we'll meet again.[The QUEEN'S chamber opens, and DUKE ALVA comes out.
PAGE Be careful, prince, to find the right apartment.[Exit.
CARLOS It is the duke! Fear not, I'll find the way.SCENE V
DON CARLOS. DUDE OF ALVA.
ALVA (meeting him) Two words, most gracious prince.CARLOS Some other time.[Going.
ALVA The place is not the fittest, I confess; Perhaps your royal highness may be pleased To grant me audience in your private chamber.CARLOS For what? And why not here? Only be brief.ALVA The special object which has brought me hither, Is to return your highness lowly thanks For your good services.CARLOS Thanks to me — For what? Duke Alva's thanks!ALVA You scarce had left His majesty, ere I received in form Instructions to depart for Brussels.CARLOS What! For Brussels!ALVA And to what, most gracious prince, Must I ascribe this favor, but to you — Your intercession with the king?CARLOS Ob, no! Not in the least to me; but, duke, you travel, So Heaven be with your grace!ALVA And is this all? It seems, indeed, most strange! And has your highness No further orders, then, to send to Flanders?CARLOS What should I have?ALVA Not long ago, it seemed, The country's fate required your presence.CARLOS How? But yes, you're right, – it was so formerly; But now this change is better as it is.ALVA I am amazed —CARLOS You are an able general, No one doubts that – envy herself must own it. For me, I'm but a youth – so thought the king.CARLOS The king was right, quite right. I see it now Myself, and am content – and so no more. God speed your journey, as you see, just now My hands are full, and weighty business presses. The rest to-morrow, or whene'er you will, Or when you come from Brussels.ALVA What is this?CARLOS The season favors, and your route will lie Through Milan, Lorraine, Burgundy, and on To Germany! What, Germany? Ay, true, In Germany it was – they know you there. 'Tis April now, May, June, – in July, then, Just so! or, at the latest, soon in August, — You will arrive in Brussels, and no doubt We soon shall hear of your victorious deeds. You know the way to win our high esteem, And earn the crown of fame.ALVA (significantly) Indeed! condemned By my own conscious insignificance!CARLOS You're sensitive, my lord, and with some cause, I own it was not fair to use a weapon Against your grace you were unskilled to wield.ALVA Unskilled!CARLOS 'Tis pity I've no leisure now To fight this worthy battle fairly out But at some other time, we —ALVA Prince, we both Miscalculate – but still in opposite ways. You, for example, overrate your age By twenty years, whilst on the other hand, I, by as many, underrate it —CARLOS WellALVA And this suggests the thought, how many nights Beside this lovely Lusitanian bride — Your mother – would the king right gladly give To buy an arm like this, to aid his crown. Full well he knows, far easier is the task To make a monarch than a monarchy; Far easier too, to stock the world with kings Than frame an empire for a king to rule.CARLOS Most true, Duke Alva, yet —ALVA And how much blood, Your subjects' dearest blood, must flow in streams Before two drops could make a king of you.CARLOS Most true, by heaven! and in two words comprised, All that the pride of merit has to urge Against the pride of fortune. But the moral — Now, Duke Alva!ALVA Woe to the nursling babe Of royalty that mocks the careful hand Which fosters it! How calmly it may sleep On the soft cushion of our victories! The monarch's crown is bright with sparkling gems, But no eye sees the wounds that purchased them. This sword has given our laws to distant realms, Has blazed before the banner of the cross, And in these quarters of the globe has traced Ensanguined furrows for the seed of faith. God was the judge in heaven, and I on earth.CARLOS God, or the devil – it little matters which; Yours was his chosen arm – that stands confessed. And now no more of this. Some thoughts there are Whereof the memory pains me. I respect My father's choice, – my father needs an Alva! But that he needs him is not just the point I envy in him: a great man you are, This may be true, and I well nigh believe it, Only I fear your mission is begun Some thousand years too soon. Alva, methinks, Were just the man to suit the end of time. Then when the giant insolence of vice Shall have exhausted Heaven's enduring patience, And the rich waving harvest of misdeeds Stand in full ear, and asks a matchless reaper, Then should you fill the post. O God! my paradise! My Flanders! But of this I must not think. 'Tis said you carry with you a full store Of sentences of death already signed. This shows a prudent foresight! No more need To fear your foes' designs, or secret plots: Oh, father! ill indeed I've understood thee. Calling thee harsh, to save me from a post, Where Alva's self alone can fitly shine! 'Twas an unerring token of your love.ALVA These words deserve —CARLOS What!ALVA But your birth protects you.CARLOS (seizing his sword) That calls for blood! Duke, draw your sword!ALVA (slightingly) On whom?CARLOS. (pressing upon him) Draw, or I run you through.ALVA Then be it so.[They fight.
SCENE VI
The QUEEN, DON CARLOS, DUKE ALVA.
QUEEN (coming from her room alarmed) How! naked swords?[To the PRINCE in an indignant and commanding tone.
Prince Carlos!CARLOS (agitated at the QUEEN's look, drops his arm, stands motionless, then rushes to the DUKE, and embraces him) Pardon, duke! Your pardon, sir! Forget, forgive it all![Throws himself in silence at the QUEEN'S feet, then rising suddenly, departs in confusion.
ALVA By heaven, 'tis strange!QUEEN (remains a few moments as if in doubt, then retiring to her apartment) A word with you, Duke ALVA.[Exit, followed by the DUKE.
SCENE VII
The PRINCESS EBOLI's apartment.
The PRINCESS in a simple, but elegant dress, playing on the lute.
The QUEEN's PAGE enters.
PRINCESS (starting up suddenly) He comes!PAGE (abruptly) Are you alone? I wonder much He is not here already; but he must Be here upon the instant.PRINCESS Do you say must! Then he will come, this much is certain then.PAGE He's close upon my steps. You are beloved, Adored, and with more passionate regard Than mortal ever was, or can be loved. Oh! what a scene I witnessed!PRINCESS (impatiently draws him to her) Quick, you spoke With him! What said he? Tell me straight — How did he look? what were his words? And say — Did he appear embarrassed or confused And did he guess who sent the key to him? Be quick! or did he not? He did not guess At all, perhaps! or guessed amiss! Come, speak, How! not a word to answer me? Oh, fie! You never were so dull – so slow before, 'Tis past all patience.PAGE Dearest lady, hear me! Both key and note I placed within his hands, In the queen's antechamber, and he started And gazed with wonder when I told him that A lady sent me!PRINCESS Did he start? go on! That's excellent. Proceed, what next ensued?PAGE I would have told him more, but he grew pale, And snatched the letter from my hand, and said With look of deadly menace, he knew all. He read the letter with confusion through, And straight began to tremble.PRINCESS He knew all! He knew it all? Were those his very words?PAGE He asked me, and again he asked, if you With your own hands had given me the letter?PRINCESS If I? Then did he mention me by name?PAGE By name! no name he mentioned: there might be Listeners, he said, about the palace, who Might to the king disclose it.PRINCESS (surprised) Said he that?PAGE He further said, it much concerned the king; Deeply concerned – to know of that same letter.PRINCESS The king! Nay, are you sure you heard him right? The king! Was that the very word he used?PAGE It was. He called it a most perilous secret, And warned me to be strictly on my guard, Never with word or look to give the king Occasion for suspicion.PRINCESS (after a pause, with astonishment) All agrees! It can be nothing else – he must have heard The tale – 'tis very strange! Who could have told him, I wonder who? The eagle eye of love Alone could pierce so far. But tell me further — He read the letter.PAGE Which, he said, conveyed Such bliss as made him tremble, and till then He had not dared to dream of. As he spoke The duke, by evil chance, approached the room, And this compelled us —PRINCESS (angrily) What in all the world Could bring the duke to him at such a time? What can detain him? Why appears he not? See how you've been deceived; how truly blest Might he have been already – in the time You've taken to describe his wishes to me!PAGE The duke, I fear —PRINCESS Again, the duke! What can The duke want here? What should a warrior want With my soft dreams of happiness? He should Have left him there, or sent him from his presence. Where is the man may not be treated thus? But Carlos seems as little versed in love As in a woman's heart – he little knows What minutes are. But hark! I hear a step; Away, away![PAGE hastens out.