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 risingsuddenly, departs in confusion.
ALVA.By heaven, 'tis strange!
QUEEN (remains a few moments as if in doubt, then retiring to herapartment).A word with you, Duke ALVA.
[Exit, followed by the DUKE.
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 muchHe is not here already; but he mustBe 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 regardThan mortal ever was, or can be loved.Oh! what a scene I witnessed!
PRINCESS (impatiently draws him to her).Quick, you spokeWith him! What said he? Tell me straight—How did he look? what were his words? And say—Did he appear embarrassed or confusedAnd did he guess who sent the key to him?Be quick! or did he not? He did not guessAt 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 startedAnd gazed with wonder when I told him thatA 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 saidWith 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 youWith 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 beListeners, he said, about the palace, whoMight 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 kingOccasion for suspicion.
PRINCESS (after a pause, with astonishment).All agrees!It can be nothing else—he must have heardThe tale—'tis very strange! Who could have told him,I wonder who? The eagle eye of loveAlone could pierce so far. But tell me further—He read the letter.
PAGE.Which, he said, conveyedSuch bliss as made him tremble, and till thenHe had not dared to dream of. As he spokeThe duke, by evil chance, approached the room,And this compelled us——
PRINCESS (angrily).What in all the worldCould 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 blestMight he have been already—in the timeYou've taken to describe his wishes to me!
PAGE.The duke, I fear——
PRINCESS.Again, the duke! What canThe duke want here? What should a warrior wantWith my soft dreams of happiness? He shouldHave 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 loveAs in a woman's heart—he little knowsWhat minutes are. But hark! I hear a step;Away, away![PAGE hastens out.Where have I laid my lute?I must not seem to wait for him. My songShall be a signal to him.
The PRINCESS, DON CARLOS.
The PRINCESS has thrown herself upon an ottoman,and plays.
CARLOS (rushes in; he recognizes the PRINCESS, and stands thunderstruck).Gracious Heaven!Where am I?
PRINCESS (lets her lute fall, and meeting him)What? Prince Carlos! yes, in truth.
CARLOS.Where am I? Senseless error; I have missedThe right apartment.
PRINCESS.With what dexterous skillCarlos contrives to hit the very roomWhere ladies sit alone!
CARLOS.Your pardon, princess!I found—I found the antechamber open.
PRINCESS.Can it be possible? I fastened itMyself; at least I thought so——
CARLOS.Ay! you thought,You only thought so; rest assured you did not.You meant to lock it, that I well believe:But most assuredly it was not locked.A lute's sweet sounds attracted me, some handTouched it with skill; say, was it not a lute?[Looking round inquiringly.Yes, there it lies, and Heaven can bear me witnessI love the lute to madness. I becameAll ear, forgot myself in the sweet strain,And rushed into the chamber to beholdThe lovely eyes of the divine musicianWho charmed me with the magic of her tones.
PRINCESS.Innocent curiosity, no doubt!But it was soon appeased, as I can prove.[After a short silence, significantly.I must respect the modesty that has,To spare a woman's blushes, thus involvedItself in so much fiction.
CARLOS (with sincerity).Nay, I feelI but augment my deep embarrassment,In vain attempt to extricate myself.Excuse me for a part I cannot play.In this remote apartment, you perhapsHave sought a refuge from the world, to pourThe inmost wishes of your secret heartRemote from man's distracting eye. By me,Unhappy that I am, your heavenly dreamsAre all disturbed, and the atonement nowMust be my speedy absence.[Going.
PRINCESS (surprised and confused, but immediately recovering herself).Oh! that stepWere cruel, prince, indeed!
CARLOS.Princess, I feelWhat such a look in such a place imports:This virtuous embarrassment has claimsTo which my manhood never can be deaf.Woe to the wretch whose boldness takes new fireFrom the pure blush of maiden modesty!I am a coward when a woman trembles.
PRINCESS.Is't possible?—such noble self-controlIn one so young, and he a monarch's son!Now, prince, indeed you shall remain with me,It is my own request, and you must stay.Near such high virtue, every maiden fearTakes wing at once; but your appearance hereDisturbed me in a favorite air, and nowYour penalty shall be to hear me sing it.
CARLOS (sits down near the PRINCESS, not without reluctance).A penalty delightful as the sin!And sooth to say, the subject of the songWas so divine, again and yet againI'd gladly hear it.
PRINCESSWhat! you heard it all?Nay, that was too bad, prince. It was, I think,A song of love.
CARLOS.And of successful love,If I mistake not—dear delicious themeFrom those most beauteous lips—but scarce so true,Methinks, as beautiful.
PRINCESS.What! not so true?Then do you doubt the tale?
CARLOS.I almost doubtThat Carlos and the Princess Eboli,When they discourse on such a theme as love,May not quite understand each other's hearts.
[The PRINCESS starts; he observes it, and continueswith playful gallantry.
Who would believe those rosy-tinted cheeksConcealed a heart torn by the pangs of love.Is it within the range of wayward chanceThat the fair Princess Eboli should sighUnheard—unanswered? Love is only knownBy him who hopelessly persists in love.
PRINCESS (with all her former vivacity).Hush! what a dreadful thought! this fate indeedAppears to follow you of all mankind,Especially to-day.[Taking his hand with insinuating interest.You are not happy,Dear prince—you're sad! I know too well you suffer,And wherefore, prince? When with such loud appealThe world invites you to enjoy its bliss—And nature on you pours her bounteous gifts,And spreads around you all life's sweetest joys.You, a great monarch's son, and more—far more—E'en in your cradle with such gifts endowedAs far eclipsed the splendor of your rank.You, who in those strict courts where women rule,And pass, without appeal, unerring sentenceOn manly worth and honor, even thereFind partial judges. You, who with a lookCan prove victorious, and whose very coldnessKindles aflame; and who, when warmed with passion,Can make a paradise, and scatter roundThe bliss of heaven, the rapture of the gods.The man whom nature has adorned with giftsTo render thousands happy, gifts which sheBestows on few—that such a man as thisShould know what misery is! Thou, gracious Heaven,That gavest him all those blessings, why denyHim eyes to see the conquests he has made?
CARLOS (who has been lost in absence of mind, suddenly recovers himselfby the silence of the PRINCESS, and starts up).Charming! inimitable! Princess, singThat passage, pray, again.
PRINCESS (looking at him with astonishment).Where, Carlos, wereYour thoughts the while?
CARLOS (jumps up).By heaven, you do remind meIn proper time—I must away—and quickly.
PRINCESS (holding him back).Whither away?
CARLOS.Into the open air.Nay, do not hold me, princess, for I feelAs though the world behind me were in flames.
PRINCESS (holding him forcibly back).What troubles you? Whence comes these strange, these wild,Unnatural looks? Nay, answer me![CARLOS stops to reflect, she draws him to the sofa to her.Dear Carlos,You need repose, your blood is feverish.Come, sit by me: dispel these gloomy fancies.Ask yourself frankly can your head explainThe tumult of your heart—and if it can—Say, can no knight be found in all the court,No lady, generous as fair, to cure you—Rather, I should have said, to understand you?What, no one?
CARLOS (hastily, without thinking).If the Princess Eboli——
PRINCESS (delighted, quickly).Indeed!
CARLOS.Would write a letter for me, a few wordsOf kindly intercession to my father;—They say your influence is great.
PRINCESS.Who says so?[Aside.Ha! was it jealousy that held thee mute!
CARLOS.Perchance my story is already public.I had a sudden wish to visit BrabantMerely to win my spurs—no more. The king,Kind soul, is fearful the fatigues of warMight spoil my singing!
PRINCESS.Prince, you play me false!Confess that by this serpent subterfugeYou would mislead me. Look me in the face,Deceitful one! and say would he whose thoughtsWere only bent on warlike deeds—would heE'er stoop so low as, with deceitful hand,To steal fair ladies' ribbons when they drop,And then—your pardon! hoard them—with such care?
[With light action she opens his shirt frill, and seizesa ribbon which is there concealed.
CARLOS (drawing back with amazement).Nay, princess—that's too much—I am betrayed.You're not to be deceived. You are in leagueWith spirits and with demons!
PRINCESS.Are you thenSurprised at this? What will you wager, CarlosBut I recall some stories to your heart?Nay, try it with me; ask whate'er you please,And if the triflings of my sportive fancy—The sound half-uttered by the air absorbed—The smile of joy checked by returning gloom—If motions—looks from your own soul concealedHave not escaped my notice—judge if ICan err when thou wouldst have me understand thee?
CARLOS.Why, this is boldly ventured; I acceptThe wager, princess. Then you undertakeTo make discoveries in my secret heartUnknown even to myself.
PRINCESS (displeased, but earnestly).Unknown to thee!Reflect a moment, prince! Nay, look around;This boudoir's not the chamber of the queen,Where small deceits are practised with full license.You start, a sudden blush o'erspreads your face.Who is so bold, so idle, you would ask,As to watch Carlos when he deems himselfFrom scrutiny secure? Who was it, then,At the last palace-ball observed you leaveThe queen, your partner, standing in the dance,And join, with eager haste, the neighboring couple,To offer to the Princess EboliThe hand your royal partner should have claimed?An error, prince, his majesty himself,Who just then entered the apartment, noticed.
CARLOS (with ironical smile).His majesty? And did he really so?Of all men he should not have seen it.
PRINCESS.Nor yet that other scene within the chapel,Which doubtless Carlos hath long since forgotten.Prostrate before the holy Virgin's image,You lay in prayer, when suddenly you heard—'Twas not your fault—a rustling from behindOf ladies' dresses. Then did Philip's son,A youth of hero courage, tremble likeA heretic before the holy office.On his pale lips died the half-uttered prayer.In ecstasy of passion, prince—the sceneWas truly touching—for you seized the hand,The blessed Virgin's cold and holy hand,And showered your burning kisses on the marble.
CARLOS.Princess, you wrong me: that was pure devotion!
PRINCESS.Indeed! that's quite another thing. PerhapsIt was the fear of losing, then, at cards,When you were seated with the queen and me,And you with dexterous skill purloined my glove.[CARLOS starts surprised.That prompted you to play it for a card?
CARLOS.What words are these? O Heaven, what have I done?
PRINCESS.Nothing I hope of which you need repent!How pleasantly was I surprised to findConcealed within the glove a little note,Full of the warmest tenderest romance,
CARLOS (interrupting her suddenly).Mere poetry! no more. My fancy teemsWith idle bubbles oft, which break as soonAs they arise—and this was one of them;So, prithee, let us talk of it no more.
PRINCESS (leaving him with astonishment, and regarding him forsome time at a distance).I am exhausted—all attempts are vainTo hold this youth. He still eludes my grasp.[Remains silent a few moments.But stay! Perchance 'tis man's unbounded pride,That thus to add a zest to my delight.Assumes a mask of timid diffidence.'Tis so.[She approaches the PRINCE again, and looks at him doubtingly.Explain yourself, prince, I entreat you.For here I stand before a magic casket,Which all my keys are powerless to unlock.
CARLOS.As I before you stand.
PRINCESS (leaves him suddenly, walks a few steps up and down in silence,apparently lost in deep thought. After a pause, gravely and solemnly).Then thus at last—I must resolve to speak, and Carlos, youShall be my judge. Yours is a noble nature,You are a prince—a knight—a man of honor.I throw myself upon your heart—protect meOr if I'm lost beyond redemption's power,Give me your tears in pity for my fate.
[The PRINCE draws nearer.
A daring favorite of the king demandsMy hand—his name Ruy Gomez, Count of Silva,The king consents—the bargain has been struck,And I am sold already to his creature.
CARLOS (with evident emotion).Sold! you sold! Another bargain, then,Concluded by this royal southern trader!
PRINCESS.No; but hear all—'tis not enough that IAm sacrificed to cold state policy,A snare is laid to entrap my innocence.Here is a letter will unmask the saint!
[CARLOS takes the paper, and without reading it listenswith impatience to her recital.
Where Shall I find protection, prince? Till nowMy virtue was defended by my pride,At length——
CARLOS.At length you yielded! Yielded? No.For God's sake say not so!
PRINCESS.Yielded! to whom?Poor piteous reasoning. Weak beyond contemptYour haughty minds, who hold a woman's favor,And love's pure joys, as wares to traffic for!Love is the only treasure on the faceOf this wide earth that knows no purchaserBesides itself—love has no price but love.It is the costly gem, beyond all price,Which I must freely give away, or—buryFor ever unenjoyed—like that proud merchantWhom not the wealth of all the rich RialtoCould tempt—a great rebuke to kings! to saveFrom the deep ocean waves his matchless pearl,Too proud to barter it beneath its worth!
CARLOS (aside).Now, by great heaven, this woman's beautiful.
PRINCESS.Call it caprice or pride, I ne'er will makeDivision of my joys. To him, alone,I choose as mine, I give up all forever.One only sacrifice I make; but thatShall be eternal. One true heart aloneMy love shall render happy: but that oneI'll elevate to God. The keen delightOf mingling souls—the kiss—the swimming joysOf that delicious hour when lovers meet,The magic power of heavenly beauty—allAre sister colors of a single ray—Leaves of one single blossom. Shall I tearOne petal from this sweet, this lovely flower,With reckless hand, and mar its beauteous chalice?Shall I degrade the dignity of woman,The masterpiece of the Almighty's hand,To charm the evening of a reveller?
CARLOS.Incredible! that in Madrid should dwellThis matchless creature! and unknown to meUntil this day.
PRINCESS.Long since had I forsakenThis court—the world—and in some blest retreatImmured myself; but one tie binds me stillToo firmly to existence. Perhaps—alas!'Tis but a phantom—but 'tis dear to me.I love—but am not loved in turn.
CARLOS (full of ardor, going towards her).You are!As true as God is throned in heaven! I swearYou are—you are unspeakably beloved.
PRINCESS.You swear it, you!—sure 'twas an angel's voice.Oh, if you swear it, Carlos, I'll believe it.Then I am truly loved!
CARLOS (embracing her with tenderness).Bewitching maid,Thou creature worthy of idolatryI stand before thee now all eye, all ear,All rapture and delight. What eye hath seen thee—Under yon heaven what eye could e'er have seen thee,And boast he never loved? What dost thou hereIn Philip's royal court! Thou beauteous angel!Here amid monks and all their princely train.This is no clime for such a lovely flower—They fain would rifle all thy sweets—full wellI know their hearts. But it shall never be—Not whilst I draw life's breath. I fold thee thusWithin my arms, and in these hands I'll bear theeE'en through a hell replete with mocking fiends.Let me thy guardian angel prove.
PRINCESS (with a countenance full of love).O Carlos!How little have I known thee! and how richlyWith measureless reward thy heart repaysThe weighty task of—comprehending thee!
[She takes his hand and is about to kiss it.
CARLOS (drawing it back).Princess! What mean you?
PRINCESS (with tenderness and grace, looking at his hand attentively).Oh, this beauteous hand!How lovely 'tis, and rich! This hand has yetTwo costly presents to bestow!—a crown—And Carlos' heart:—and both these gifts perchanceUpon one mortal!—both on one—Oh, greatAnd godlike gift-almost too much for one!How if you share the treasure, prince! A queenKnows naught of love—and she who truly lovesCares little for a crown! 'Twere better, prince,Then to divide the treasure—and at once—What says my prince? Have you done so already?Have you in truth? And do I know the blest one?
CARLOS.Thou shalt. I will unfold myself to thee,To thy unspotted innocence, dear maid,Thy pure, unblemished nature. In this courtThou art the worthiest—first—the only oneTo whom this soul has stood revealed.Then, yes! I will not now conceal it—yes,I love!
PRINCESS.Oh, cruel heart! Does this avowal proveSo painful to thee? Must I first deserveThy pity—ere I hope to win thy love?
CARLOS (starting).What say'st thou?
PRINCESS.So to trifle with me, prince!Indeed it was not well—and to denyThe key——
CARLOS.The key! the key! Oh yes, 'tis so!
[After a dead silence.
I see it all too plainly! Gracious heaven!
[His knees totter, he leans against a chair, and covershis face with his hands. A long silence on both sides.The PRINCESS screams and falls.
PRINCESS.Oh, horrible! What have I done!
CARLOS.Hurled downSo far from all my heavenly joys! 'Tis dreadful!
PRINCESS (hiding her face in the cushion).Oh, God! What have I said?
CARLOS (kneeling before her).I am not guilty.My passion—an unfortunate mistake—By heaven, I am not guilty——
PRINCESS (pushing him from her).Out of my sight,For heaven's sake!
CARLOS.No, I will not leave thee thus.In this dread anguish leave thee——
PRINCESS (pushing him forcibly away).Oh, in pity—For mercy's sake, away—out of my sight!Wouldst thou destroy me? How I hate thy presence!
[CARLOS going.
Give, give me back the letter and the key.Where is the other letter?
CARLOS.The other letter?
PRINCESS.That from the king, to me——
CARLOS (terrified).From whom?
PRINCESS.The one I just now gave you.
CARLOS.From the king!To you!
PRINCESS.Oh, heavens, how dreadfully have IInvolved myself! The letter, sir! I mustHave it again.
CARLOS.The letter from the king!To you!
PRINCESS.The letter! give it, I implore youBy all that's sacred! give it.
CARLOS.What, the letterThat will unmask the saint! Is this the letter?
PRINCESS.Now I'm undone! Quick, give it me——
CARLOS.The letter——
PRINCESS (wringing her hands in despair).What have I done? O dreadful, dire imprudence!
CARLOS.This letter comes, then, from the king! Princess,That changes all indeed, and quickly, too.This letter is beyond all value—priceless!All Philip's crowns are worthless, and too poorTo win it from my hands. I'll keep this letter.
PRINCESS (throwing herself prostrate before him as he is going).Almighty Heaven! then I am lost forever.
[Exit CARLOS.
The PRINCESS alone.
She seems overcome with surprise, and is confounded.After CARLOS' departure she hastens to call him back.
PRINCESS.Prince, but one word! Prince, hear me. He is gone.And this, too, I am doomed to bear—his scorn!And I am left in lonely wretchedness,Rejected and despised![Sinks down upon a chair. After a pauseAnd yet not so;I'm but displaced—supplanted by some wanton.He loves! of that no longer doubt is left;He has himself confessed it—but my rival—Who can she be? Happy, thrice happy one!This much stands clear: he loves where he should not.He dreads discovery, and from the kingHe hides his guilty passion! Why from himWho would so gladly hail it? Or, is it notThe father that he dreads so in the parent?When the king's wanton purpose was disclosed,His features glowed with triumph, boundless joyFlashed in his eyes, his rigid virtue fled;Why was it mute in such a cause as this?Why should he triumph? What hath he to gainIf Philip to his queen——
[She stops suddenly, as if struck by a thought, thendrawing hastily from her bosom the ribbon which she hadtaken from CARLOS, she seems to recognize it.
Fool that I am!At length 'tis plain. Where have my senses been?My eyes are opened now. They loved each otherLong before Philip wooed her, and the princeNe'er saw me but with her! She, she aloneWas in his thoughts when I believed myselfThe object of his true and boundless love.O matchless error! and have I betrayedMy weakness to her?[Pauses.Should his love prove hopeless?Who can believe it? Would a hopeless lovePersist in such a struggle? Called to revelIn joys for which a monarch sighs in vain!A hopeless love makes no such sacrifice.What fire was in his kiss! How tenderlyHe pressed my bosom to his beating heart!Well nigh the trial had proved dangerousTo his romantic, unrequited passion!With joy he seized the key he fondly thoughtThe queen had sent:—in this gigantic strideOf love he puts full credence—and he comes—In very truth comes here—and so imputesTo Philip's wife a deed so madly rash.And would he so, had love not made him bold?'Tis clear as day—his suit is heard—she loves!By heaven, this saintly creature burns with passion;How subtle, too, she is! With fear I trembledBefore this lofty paragon of virtue!She towered beside me, an exalted being,And in her beams I felt myself eclipsed;I envied her the lovely, cloudless calm,That kept her soul from earthly tumults free.And was this soft serenity but show?Would she at both feasts revel, holding upHer virtue's godlike splendor to our gaze,And riot in the secret joys of vice?And shall the false dissembler cozen thus,And win a safe immunity from thisThat no avenger comes? By heavens she shall not!I once adored her,—that demands revenge:—The king shall know her treachery—the king![After a pause.'Tis the sure way to win the monarch's ear!
[Exit.
A chamber in the royal palace.DUKE OF ALVA, FATHER DOMINGO.
DOMINGO.Something to tell me!
ALVA.Ay! a thing of moment,Of which I made discovery to-day,And I would have your judgment on it.
DOMINGO.How!Discovery! To what do you allude?
ALVA.Prince Carlos and myself this morning metIn the queen's antechamber. I receivedAn insult from him—we were both in heat—The strife grew loud—and we had drawn our swords.Alarmed, from her apartments rushed the queen.She stepped between us,—with commanding eyeOf conscious power, she looked upon the prince.'Twas but a single glance,—but his arm dropped,He fell upon my bosom—gave me thenA warm embrace, and vanished.
DOMINGO (after a pause).This seems strange.It brings a something to my mind, my lord!And thoughts like these I own have often sprungWithin my breast; but I avoid such fancies—To no one have I e'er confided them.There are such things as double-edged swordsAnd untrue friends,—I fear them both.'Tis hard to judge among mankind, but still more hardTo know them thoroughly. Words slipped at randomAre confidants offended—therefore IBuried my secret in my breast, till timeShould drag it forth to light. 'Tis dangerousTo render certain services to kings.They are the bolts, which if they miss the mark,Recoil upon the archer! I could swearUpon the sacrament to what I saw.Yet one eye-witness—one word overheard—A scrap of paper—would weigh heavier farThan my most strong conviction! Cursed fateThat we are here in Spain!
ALVA.And why in Spain?
DOMINGO.There is a chance in every court but thisFor passion to forget itself, and fall.Here it is warned by ever-wakeful laws.Our Spanish queens would find it hard to sin—And only there do they meet obstacles,Where best 'twould serve our purpose to surprise them.
ALVA.But listen further: Carlos had to-dayAn audience of the king; the interviewLasted an hour, and earnestly he soughtThe government of Flanders for himself.Loudly he begged, and fervently. I heard himIn the adjoining cabinet. His eyesWere red with tears when I encountered him.At noon he wore a look of lofty triumph,And vowed his joy at the king's choice of me.
He thanked the king. "Matters are changed," he said,"And things go better now." He's no dissembler:How shall I reconcile such contradictions?The prince exults to see himself rejected,And I receive a favor from the kingWith marks of anger! What must I believe?In truth this new-born dignity doth soundMuch more like banishment than royal favor!
DOMINGO.And is it come to this at last? to this?And has one moment crumbled into dustWhat cost us years to build? And you so calm,So perfectly at ease! Know you this youth?Do you foresee the fate we may expectShould he attain to power? The prince! No foeAm I of his. Far other cares than theseGnaw at my rest—cares for the throne—for God,And for his holy church! The royal prince—(I know him, I can penetrate his soul),Has formed a horrible design, Toledo!The wild design—to make himself the regent,And set aside our pure and sacred faith.His bosom glows with some new-fangled virtue,Which, proud and self-sufficient, scorns to restFor strength on any creed. He dares to think!His brain is all on fire with wild chimeras;He reverences the people! And is thisA man to be our king?
ALVA.Fantastic dreams!No more. A boy's ambition, too, perchanceTo play some lofty part! What can he less?These thoughts will vanish when he's called to rule.
DOMINGO.I doubt it! Of his freedom he is proud,And scorns those strict restraints all men must bearWho hope to govern others. Would he suitOur throne? His bold gigantic mindWould burst the barriers of our policy.In vain I sought to enervate his soulIn the loose joys of this voluptuous age.He stood the trial. Fearful is the spiritThat rules this youth; and Philip soon will seeHis sixtieth year.
ALVA.Your vision stretches far!
DOMINGO.He and the queen are both alike in this.Already works, concealed in either breast,The poisonous wish for change and innovation.Give it but way, 'twill quickly reach the throne.I know this Valois! We may tremble forThe secret vengeance of this quiet foeIf Philip's weakness hearken to her voice!Fortune so far hath smiled upon us. NowWe must anticipate the foe, and bothShall fall together in one fatal snare.Let but a hint of such a thing be droppedBefore the king, proved or unproved, it reeks not!Our point is gained if he but waver. WeOurselves have not a doubt; and once convinced,'Tis easy to convince another's mind.Be sure we shall discover more if weStart with the faith that more remains concealed.
ALVA.But soft! A vital question! Who is heWill undertake the task to tell the king?
DOMINGO.Nor you, nor I! Now shall you learn, what longMy busy spirit, full of its design,Has been at work with, to achieve its ends.Still is there wanting to complete our leagueA third important personage. The kingLoves the young Princess Eboli—and IFoster this passion for my own designs.I am his go-between. She shall be schooledInto our plot. If my plan fail me not,In this young lady shall a close ally—A very queen, bloom for us. She herselfAsked me, but now, to meet her in this chamber.I'm full of hope. And in one little nightA Spanish maid may blast this Valois lily.
ALVA.What do you say! Can I have heard aright?By Heaven! I'm all amazement. Compass this,And I'll bow down to thee, Dominican!The day's our own.
DOMINGO.Soft! Some one comes: 'tis she—'Tis she herself!
ALVA.I'm in the adjoining roomIf you should——
DOMINGO.Be it so: I'll call you in.
[Exit ALVA.
DOMINGO.At your command, princess.
PRINCESS.We are perhapsNot quite alone?[Looking inquisitively after the DUKE.You have, as I observe,A witness still by you.
DOMINGO.How?
PRINCESS.Who was he,That left your side but now?
DOMINGO.It was Duke ALVA.Most gracious princess, he requests you willAdmit him to an audience after me.
PRINCESS.Duke Alva! How? What can he want with me?You can, perhaps, inform me?
DOMINGO.I?—and thatBefore I learn to what important chanceI owe the favor, long denied, to standBefore the Princess Eboli once more?[Pauses awaiting her answer.Has any circumstance occurred at lastTo favor the king's wishes? Have my hopesBeen not in vain, that more deliberate thoughtWould reconcile you to an offer whichCaprice alone and waywardness could spurn?I seek your presence full of expectation——
PRINCESS.Was my last answer to the king conveyed?
DOMINGO.I have delayed to inflict this mortal wound.There still is time, it rests with you, princess,To mitigate its rigor.
PRINCESS.Tell the kingThat I expect him.
DOMINGO.May I, lovely princess,Indeed accept this as your true reply?
PRINCESS.I do not jest. By heaven, you make me trembleWhat have I done to make e'en you grow pale?
DOMINGO.Nay, lady, this surprise—so sudden—ICan scarcely comprehend it.
PRINCESS.Reverend sir!You shall not comprehend it. Not for allThe world would I you comprehended it.Enough for you it is so—spare yourselfThe trouble to investigate in thought,Whose eloquence hath wrought this wondrous change.But for your comfort let me add, you haveNo hand in this misdeed,—nor has the church.Although you've proved that cases might ariseWherein the church, to gain some noble end,Might use the persons of her youthful daughters!Such reasonings move not me; such motives, pure,Right reverend sir, are far too high for me.
DOMINGO.When they become superfluous, your grace,I willingly retract them.
PRINCESS.Seek the king,And ask him as from me, that he will notMistake me in this business. What I have beenThat am I still. 'Tis but the course of thingsHas changed. When I in anger spurned his suit,I deemed him truly happy in possessingEarth's fairest queen. I thought his faithful wifeDeserved my sacrifice. I thought so then,But now I'm undeceived.
DOMINGO.Princess, go on!I hear it all—we understand each other.
PRINCESS.Enough. She is found out. I will not spare her.The hypocrite's unmasked!—She has deceivedThe king, all Spain, and me. She loves, I knowShe loves! I can bring proofs that will make you tremble.The king has been deceived—but he shall not,By heaven, go unrevenged! The saintly maskOf pure and superhuman self-denialI'll tear from her deceitful brow, that allMay see the forehead of the shameless sinner.'Twill cost me dear, but here my triumph lies,That it will cost her infinitely more.
DOMINGO.Now all is ripe, let me call in the duke.
[Goes out.
PRINCESS (astonished).What means all this?
The PRINCESS, DUKE ALVA, DOMINGO.
DOMINGO (leading the DUKE in).Our tidings, good my lord,Come somewhat late. The Princess EboliReveals to us a secret we had meantOurselves to impart to her.
ALVA.My visit, then,Will not so much surprise her, but I neverTrust my own eyes in these discoveries.They need a woman's more discerning glance.
PRINCESS.Discoveries! How mean you?
DOMINGO.Would we knewWhat place and fitter season you——
PRINCESS.Just So!To-morrow noon I will expect you both.Reasons I have why this clandestine guiltShould from the king no longer be concealed.
ALVA.'Tis this that brings us here. The king must know it.And he shall hear the news from you, princess,From you alone:—for to what tongue would heAfford such ready credence as to yours,Friend and companion ever of his spouse?
DOMINGO.As yours, who more than any one at willCan o'er him exercise supreme command.
ALVA.I am the prince's open enemy.
DOMINGO.And that is what the world believes of me.The Princess Eboli's above suspicion.We are compelled to silence, but your duty,The duty of your office, calls on youTo speak. The king shall not escape our hands.Let your hints rouse him, we'll complete the work.
ALVA.It must be done at once, without delay;Each moment now is precious. In an hourThe order may arrive for my departure.
DOMINGO (after a short pause, turns to the PRINCESS).Cannot some letters be discovered? Truly,An intercepted letter from the princeWould work with rare effect. Ay! let me see—Is it not so? You sleep, princess, I think,In the same chamber with her majesty?
PRINCESS.The next to hers. But of what use is that?
DOMINGO.Oh, for some skill in locks! Have you observedWhere she is wont to keep her casket key?
PRINCESS (in thought).Yes, that might lead to something; yes, I thinkThe key is to be found.
DOMINGO.Letters, you know,Need messengers. Her retinue is large;Who do you think could put us on the scent?Gold can do much.
ALVA.Can no one tell us whetherThe prince has any trusty confidant?
DOMINGO.Not one; in all Madrid not one.
ALVA.That's strange!
DOMINGO.Rely on me in this. He holds in scornThe universal court. I have my proofs.
ALVA.Stay! It occurs to me, as I was leavingThe queen's apartments, I beheld the princeIn private conference with a page of hers.
PRINCESS (suddenly interrupting).O no! that must have been of something else.
DOMINGO.Could we not ascertain the fact? It seemsSuspicious.[To the DUKE.Did you know the page, my lord!
PRINCESS.Some trifle; what else could it be?Enough, I'm sure of that. So we shall meet againBefore I see the king; and by that timeWe may discover much.
DOMINGO (leading her aside).What of the king?Say, may he hope? May I assure him so?And the entrancing hour which shall fulfilHis fond desires, what shall I say of that?
PRINCESS.In a few days I will feign sickness, andShall be excused from waiting on the queen.Such is, you know, the custom of the court,And I may then remain in my apartment.
DOMINGO.'Tis well devised! Now the great game is won,And we may bid defiance to all queens!
PRINCESS.Hark! I am called. I must attend the queen,So fare you well.[Exit.
ALVA and DOMINGO.
DOMINGO (after a pause, during which he has watched the PRINCESS).My lord! these roses, and—Your battles——
ALVA.And your god!—why, even soThus we'll await the lightning that will scathe us!
[Exeunt.
A Carthusian Convent.DON CARLOS and the PRIOR.
CARLOS (to the PRIOR, as he comes in).Been here already? I am sorry for it.
PRIOR.Yes, thrice since morning. 'Tis about an hourSince he went hence.
CARLOS.But he will sure return.Has he not left some message?
PRIOR.Yes; he promisedTo come again at noon.
CARLOS (going to a window, and looking round the country).Your convent liesFar from the public road. Yonder are seenThe turrets of Madrid—just so—and thereThe Mansanares flows. The scenery isExactly to my wish, and all aroundIs calm and still as secrecy itself.
PRIOR.Or as the entrance to another world.
CARLOS.Most worthy sir, to your fidelityAnd honor, have I now intrusted allI hold most dear and sacred in the world.No mortal man must know, or even suspect,With whom I here hold secret assignation.Most weighty reasons prompt me to deny,To all the world, the friend whom I expect,Therefore I choose this convent. Are we safeFrom traitors and surprise? You recollectWhat you have sworn.
PRIOR.Good sir, rely on us.A king's suspicion cannot pierce the grave,And curious ears haunts only those resortsWhere wealth and passion dwell—but from these wallsThe world's forever banished.
CARLOS.You may think,Perhaps, beneath this seeming fear and cautionThere lies a guilty conscience?
PRIOR.I think nothing.
CARLOS.If you imagine this, most holy father,You err—indeed you err. My secret shunsThe sight of man—but not the eye of God.
PRIOR.Such things concern us little. This retreatTo guilt, and innocence alike, is open,And whether thy designs be good or ill,Thy purpose criminal or virtuous,—thatWe leave to thee to settle with thy heart.
CARLOS (with warmth).Our purpose never can disgrace your God.'Tis his own noblest work. To you indeed,I may reveal it.
PRIOR.To what end, I pray?Forego, dear prince, this needless explanation.The world and all its troubles have been longShut from my thoughts—in preparation forMy last long journey. Why recall them to meFor the brief space that must precede my death?'Tis little for salvation that we need—But the bell rings, and summons me to prayer.
[Exit PRIOR.
DON CARLOS; the MARQUIS POSA enters.
CARLOS.At length once more,—at length——
MARQUIS.Oh, what a trialFor the impatience of a friend! The sunHas risen twice—twice set—since Carlos' fateHas been resolved, and am I only nowTo learn it: speak,—you're reconciled!
CARLOS.With whom?
MARQUIS.The king! And Flanders, too,—its fate is settled!
CARLOS.The duke sets out to-morrow. That is fixed.
MARQUIS.That cannot be—it is not surely so.Can all Madrid be so deceived? 'Tis saidYou had a private audience, and the king——
CARLOS.Remained inflexible, and we are nowDivided more than ever.
MARQUIS.Do you goTo Flanders?
CARLOS.No!
MARQUIS.Alas! my blighted hopes!
CARLOS.Of this hereafter. Oh, Roderigo! sinceWe parted last, what have I not endured?But first thy counsel? I must speak with her!
MARQUIS.Your mother? No! But wherefore?
CARLOS.I have hopes—But you turn pale! Be calm—I should be happy.And I shall be so: but of this anon—Advise me now, how I may speak with her.
MARQUIS.What mean you? What new feverish dream is this?
CARLOS.By the great God of wonders 'tis no dream!'Tis truth, reality——[Taking out the KING's letter to the PRINCESS EBOLI.Contained in thisImportant paper—yes, the queen is free,—Free before men and in the eyes of heaven;There read, and cease to wonder at my words.
MARQUIS (opening the letter).What do I here behold? The king's own hand![After he has read it.To whom addressed?
CARLOS.To Princess Eboli.Two days ago, a page who serves the queen,Brought me, from unknown hands, a key and letter,Which said that in the left wing of the palace,Where the queen lodges, lay a cabinet,—That there a lady whom I long had lovedAwaited me. I straight obeyed the summons.
MARQUIS.Fool! madman! you obeyed it——
CARLOS.Not that IThe writing knew; but there was only oneSuch woman, who could think herself adoredBy Carlos. With delight intoxicateI hastened to the spot. A heavenly song,Re-echoing from the innermost apartment,Served me for guide. I reached the cabinet—I entered and beheld—conceive my wonder!
MARQUIS.I guess it all——
CARLOS.I had been lost forever,But that I fell into an angel's hands!She, hapless chance, by my imprudent looks,Deceived, had yielded to the sweet delusionAnd deemed herself the idol of my soul.Moved by the silent anguish of my breast,With thoughtless generosity, her heartNobly determined to return my love;Deeming respectful fear had caused my silence,She dared to speak, and all her lovely soulLaid bare before me.
MARQUIS.And with calm composure,You tell this tale! The Princess EboliSaw through your heart; and doubtless she has piercedThe inmost secret of your hidden love.You've wronged her deeply, and she rules the king.
CARLOS (confidently).But she is virtuous!
MARQUIS.She may be soFrom love's mere selfishness. But much I fearSuch virtue—well I know it: know how littleIt hath the power to soar to that ideal,Which, first conceived in sweet and stately grace,From the pure soul's maternal soil, puts forthSpontaneous shoots, nor asks the gardener's aidTo nurse its lavish blossoms into life.'Tis but a foreign plant, with labor reared,And warmth that poorly imitates the south,In a cold soil and an unfriendly clime.Call it what name you will—or education,Or principle, or artificial virtueWon from the heat of youth by art and cunning,In conflicts manifold—all noted downWith scrupulous reckoning to that heaven's account,Which is its aim, and will requite its pains.Ask your own heart! Can she forgive the queenThat you should scorn her dearly-purchased virtue,To pine in hopeless love for Philip's wife.
CARLOS.Knowest thou the princess, then, so well?
MARQUIS.Not I—I've scarcely seen her twice. And yet thus muchI may remark. To me she still appearsTo shun alone the nakedness of vice,Too weakly proud of her imagined virtue.And then I mark the queen. How different, Carlos,Is everything that I behold in her!In native dignity, serene and calm,Wearing a careless cheerfulness—unschooledIn all the trained restraints of conduct, farRemoved from boldness and timidity,With firm, heroic step, she walks alongThe narrow middle path of rectitude,Unconscious of the worship she compels,Where she of self-approval never dreamed.Say, does my Carlos in this mirror traceThe features of his Eboli? The princessWas constant while she loved; love was the price,The understood condition of her virtue.You failed to pay that price—'twill therefore fall.
CARLOS (with warmth).No, no![Hastily pacing the apartment.I tell thee, no! And, Roderigo,Ill it becomes thee thus to rob thy CarlosOf his high trust in human excellence,His chief, his dearest joy!
MARQUIS.Deserve I this?Friend of my soul, this would I never do—By heaven I would not. Oh, this Eboli!She were an angel to me, and beforeHer glory would I bend me prostrate down,In reverence deep as thine, if she were notThe mistress of thy secret.
CARLOS.See how vain,How idle are thy fears! What proofs has sheThat will not stamp her maiden brow with shame?Say, will she purchase with her own dishonorThe wretched satisfaction of revenge?
MARQUIS.Ay! to recall a blush, full many a oneHas doomed herself to infamy.
CARLOS (with increased vehemence).Nay, thatIs far too harsh—and cruel! She is proudAnd noble; well I know her, and fear nothing.Vain are your efforts to alarm my hopes.I must speak to my mother.
MARQUIS.Now? for what?
CARLOS.Because I've nothing more to care for now.And I must know my fate. Only contriveThat I may speak with her.
MARQUIS.And wilt thou showThis letter to her?
CARLOS.Question me no more,But quickly find the means that I may see her.
MARQUIS (significantly).Didst thou not tell me that thou lov'st thy mother?And wouldst thou really show this letter to her?
[CARLOS fixes his eyes on the ground, and remains silent.
I read a something, Carlos, in thy looksUnknown to me before. Thou turn'st thine eyesAway from me. Then it is true, and have IJudged thee aright? Here, let me see that paper.
[CARLOS gives him the letter, and the MARQUIS tears it.
CARLOS.What! art thou mad?[Moderating his warmth.In truth—I must confess it,That letter was of deepest moment to me.
MARQUIS.So it appeared: on that account I tore it.
[The MARQUIS casts a penetrating look on the PRINCE,who surveys him with doubt and surprise. A long silence.
Now speak to me with candor, Carlos. WhatHave desecrations of the royal bedTo do with thee—thy love? Dost thou fear Philip?How are a husband's violated dutiesAllied with thee and thy audacious hopes?Has he sinned there, where thou hast placed thy love?Now then, in truth, I learn to comprehend thee—How ill till now I've understood thy love!
CARLOS.What dost thou think, Roderigo?
MARQUIS.Oh, I feelFrom what it is that I must wean myself.Once it was otherwise! Yes, once thy soulWas bounteous, rich, and warm, and there was roomFor a whole world in thy expanded heart.Those feelings are extinct—all swallowed upIn one poor, petty, selfish passion. NowThy heart is withered, dead! No tears last thouFor the unhappy fate of wretched Flanders—No, not another tear. Oh, Carlos! seeHow poor, how beggarly, thou hast become,Since all thy love has centered in thyself!
CARLOS (flings himself into a chair. After a pause, with scarcely suppressed tears). Too well I know thou lovest me no more!
MARQUIS.Not so, my Carlos. Well I understandThis fiery passion: 'tis the misdirectionOf feelings pure and noble in themselves.The queen belonged to thee: the king, thy father,Despoiled thee of her—yet till now thou hastBeen modestly distrustful of thy claims.Philip, perhaps, was worthy of her! ThouScarce dared to breathe his sentence in a whisper—This letter has resolved thy doubts, and provedThou art the worthier man. With haughty joyThou saw'st before thee rise the doom that waitsOn tyranny convicted of a theft,But thou wert proud to be the injured one:Wrongs undeserved great souls can calmly suffer,Yet here thy fancy played thee false: thy prideWas touched with satisfaction, and thy heartAllowed itself to hope: I plainly sawThis time, at least, thou didst not know thyself.
CARLOS (with emotion).Thou'rt wrong, Roderigo; for my thoughts were farLess noble than thy goodness would persuade me.
MARQUIS.And am I then e'en here so little known?See, Carlos, when thou errest, 'tis my way,Amid a hundred virtues, still to findThat one to which I may impute thy fall.Now, then, we understand each other better,And thou shalt have an audience of the queen.
CARLOS (falling on his neck).Oh, how I blush beside thee!
MARQUIS.Take my word,And leave the rest to me. A wild, bold thought,A happy thought is dawning in my mind;And thou shalt hear it from a fairer mouth,I hasten to the queen. Perhaps to-morrowThy wish may be achieved. Till then, my Carlos,Forget not this—"That a design conceivedOf lofty reason, which involves the fate,The sufferings of mankind, though it be baffledTen thousand times, should never be abandoned."Dost hear? Remember Flanders.
CARLOS.Yes! all, allThat thou and virtue bid me not forget.
MARQUIS (going to a window).The time is up—I hear thy suite approaching.[They embrace.Crown prince again, and the vassal.
CARLOS.Dost thou goStraight to Madrid?
MARQUIS.Yes, straight.
CARLOS.Hold! one word more.How nearly it escaped me! Yet 'twas newsOf deep importance. "Every letter nowSent to Brabant is opened by the king!"So be upon thy guard. The royal postHas secret orders.
MARQUIS.How have you learned this?
CARLOS.Don Raymond Taxis is my trusty friend.
MARQUIS (after a pause).Well! then they may be sent through Germany.
[Exeunt on different sides.