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 Partic.i.p.ation 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 t.i.tle 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 Pet.i.tion 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 G.o.d! 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 n.o.bles, 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).

a.s.sist 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 embarra.s.sment.

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.