KING.

Can a reproach, that in my love had birth, Afflict you so? A word so trouble you, Which the most anxious tenderness did prompt?

[He turns towards the GEANDEES.

Here stand the a.s.sembled va.s.sals of my throne.

Did ever sleep descend upon these eyes, Till at the close of the returning day I've pondered, how the hearts of all my subjects Were beating 'neath the furthest cope of heaven?

And should I feel more anxious for my throne Than for the partner of my bosom? No!

My sword and Alva can protect my people, My eye alone a.s.sures thy love.

QUEEN.

My liege, If that I have offended----

KING.

I am called The richest monarch in the Christian world; The sun in my dominions never sets.

All this another hath possessed before, And many another will possess hereafter.

That is mine own. All that the monarch hath Belongs to chance--Elizabeth to Philip.

This is the point in which I feel I'm mortal.

QUEEN.

What fear you, sire?

KING.

Should these gray hairs not fear?

But the same instant that my fear begins It dies away forever.

[To the grandees.

I run over The n.o.bles of my court and miss the foremost.

Where is my son, Don Carlos?

[No one answers.

He begins To give me cause of fear. He shuns my presence Since he came back from school at Alcala.

His blood is hot. Why is his look so cold?

His bearing all so stately and reserved?

Be watchful, duke, I charge you.

ALVA.

So I am: Long as a heart against this corslet beats, So long may Philip slumber undisturbed; And as G.o.d's cherub guards the gates of heaven So doth Duke Alva guard your royal throne.

LERMA.

Dare I, in all humility, presume To oppose the judgment of earth's wisest king?

Too deeply I revere his gracious sire To judge the son so harshly. I fear much From his hot blood, but nothing from his heart.

KING.

Lerma, your speech is fair to soothe the father, But Alva here will be the monarch's shield-- No more of this.

[Turning to his suite.

Now speed we to Madrid, Our royal duties summon us. The plague Of heresy is rife among my people; Rebellion stalks within my Netherlands-- The times are imminent. We must arrest These erring spirits by some dread example.

The solemn oath which every Christian king Hath sworn to keep I will redeem to-morrow.

'Twill be a day of doom unparalleled.

Our court is bidden to the festival.

[He leads off the QUEEN, the rest follow.

SCENE VII.

DON CARLOS (with letters in his hand), and MARQUIS POSA enter from opposite sides.

CARLOS.

I am resolved--Flanders shall yet be saved: So runs her suit, and that's enough for me!

MARQUIS.

There's not another moment to be lost: 'Tis said Duke Alva in the cabinet Is named already as the governor.

CARLOS.

Betimes to-morrow will I see the king And ask this office for myself. It is The first request I ever made to him, And he can scarce refuse. My presence here Has long been irksome to him. He will grasp This fair pretence my absence to secure.

And shall I confess to thee, Roderigo?

My hopes go further. Face to face with him, 'Tis possible the pleading of a son May reinstate him in his father's favor.

He ne'er hath heard the voice of nature speak; Then let me try for once, my Roderigo, What power she hath when breathing from my lips.

MARQUIS.

Now do I hear my Carlos' voice once more; Now are you all yourself again!

SCENE VIII.

The preceding. COUNT LERMA.

COUNT.

Your grace, His majesty has left Aranjuez; And I am bidden----

CARLOS.

Very well, my lord-- I shall overtake the king----

MARQUIS (affecting to take leave with ceremony).

Your highness, then, Has nothing further to intrust to me?

CARLOS.

Nothing. A pleasant journey to Madrid!

You may, hereafter, tell me more of Flanders.

[To LERMA, who is waiting for him.

Proceed, my lord! I'll follow thee anon.

SCENE IX.

DON CARLOS, MARQUIS POSA.