SCENE I.--_The Ante-Chamber to the_ QUEEN'S _Apartment_.

_Enter_ DON CARLOS _and_ Marquis of POSA.

_Don Car._ The next is the apartment of the queen: In vain I try, I must not venture in.

[_Goes toward the door but returns._

Thus is it with the souls of murdered men, Who to their bodies would again repair; But, finding that they cannot enter there, Mourning and groaning wander in the air. Robbed of my love, and as unjustly thrown From all those hopes that promised me a crown, My heart, with the dishonours to me done, Is poisoned, swells too mighty for my breast; But it will break, and I shall be at rest. No; dull despair this soul shall never load: Though patience be the virtue of a god, Gods never feel the ills that govern here, Or are above the injuries we bear. "Father" and "king"; both names bear mighty sense: Yet sure there's something too in "son" and "prince". I was born high, and will not fall less great; Since triumph crowned my birth, I'll have my fate As glorious and majestic too as that. To Flanders, Posa, straight my letters send; Tell them the injured Carlos is their friend; And that to head their forces I design; So vindicate their cause, if they dare mine.[13]

_M. of Posa._ To the rebels?

_Don Car._ No, they're friends; their cause is just; Or, when I make it mine, at least it must. Let the common rout like beasts love to be dull, Whilst sordidly they live at ease and full, Senseless what honour or ambition means, And ignorantly drag their load of chains. I am a prince, have had a crown in view, And cannot brook to lose the prospect now. If thou'rt my friend, do not my will delay.

_M. of Posa._ I'll do't. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Duchess of EBOLI.

_D. of Eboli._ My lord.

_Don Car._ Who calls me?

_D. of Eboli._ You must stay.

_Don Car._ What news of fresh affliction can you bear?

_D. of Eboli._ Suppose it were the queen; you'd stay for her?

_Don Car._ For her? yes, stay an age, for ever stay; Stay even till time itself should pass away; Fix here a statue never to remove, An everlasting monument of love. Though, may a thing so wretched as I am But the least place in her remembrance claim?

_D. of Eboli._ Yes, if you dare believe me, sir, you do; We both can talk of nothing else but you: Whilst from the theme even emulation springs, Each striving who shall say the kindest things.

_Don Car._ But from that charity I poorly live, Which only pities, and can nothing give.

_D. of Eboli._ Nothing! Propose what 'tis you claim, and I, For aught you know, may be security.

_Don Car._ No, madam, what's my due none e'er can pay; There stands that angel, Honour, in the way, Watching his charge with never-sleeping eyes, And stops my entrance into paradise.

_D. of Eboli._ What paradise? What pleasures can you know, Which are not in my power to bestow?

_Don Car._ Love, love, and all those eager, melting charms The queen must yield when in my father's arms. That queen, so excellently, richly fair, Jove, could he come again a lover here, Would court mortality to die for her. O madam, take not pleasure to renew Those pains, which if you felt, you would not do.

_D. of Eboli._ Unkindly urged: think you no sense I have Of what you feel? Now you may take your leave. Something I had to say; but let it die.

_Don Car._ Why, madam, who has injured you? Not I.

_D. of Eboli._ Nay, sir, your presence I would not detain: Alas! you do not hear that I complain. Though, could you half of my misfortunes see, Methinks you should incline to pity me.

_Don Car._ I cannot guess what mournful tale you'd tell; But I am certain you prepare me well. Speak, madam.

_D. of Eboli._ Say I loved, and with a flame Which even melts my tender heart to name; Loved too a man, I will not say ingrate, Because he's far above my birth or fate; Yet so far he at least does cruel prove, He prosecutes a dead and hopeless love, Starves on a barren rock, and won't be blest, Though I invite him kindly to a feast.

_Don Car._ What stupid animal could senseless lie, Quickened by beams from that illustrious eye?

_D. of Eboli._ Nay, to increase your wonder, you shall know That I, alas! am forced to tell him too, Till even I blush, as now I tell it you.

_Don Car._ You neither shall have cause of shame or fear, Whose secrets safe within my bosom are.

_D. of Eboli._ Then farther I the riddle may explain: Survey that face, and blame me if you can.

[_Shows him his own picture._

_Don Car._ Distraction of my eyes! what have they seen? 'Tis my own picture which I sent the queen, When to her fame I paid devotion first, Expecting bliss, but lost it: I am cursed, Cursed too in thee, who from my saint darest steal The only relic left her of my zeal, And with the sacrilege attempt my heart. Wert thou more charming than thou think'st thou art, Almighty love preserves the fort for her, And bids defiance to thy entrance there.

_D. of Eboli._ Neglected! Scorned by father and by son! What a malicious course my stars have run! But since I meet with such unlucky fate In love, I'll try how I can thrive in hate: My own dull husband may assist in that. To his revenge I'll give him fresh alarms, And with the gray old wizard muster charms. I have't; thanks, thanks, revenge! Prince, 'tis thy bane. [_Aside._ Can you forgive me, sir? I hope you can. [_Mildly._ I'll try to recompense the wrongs I've done, And better finish what is ill begun.

_Don Car._ Madam, you at so strange a rate proceed, I shall begin to think you loved indeed.

_D. of Eboli._ No matter: be but to my honour true, As you shall ever find I'll be to you. The queen's my charge, and you may, on that score, Presume that you shall see her yet once more. I'll lead you to those so-much worshipped charms, And yield you to my happy rival's arms.

_Don Car._ In what a mighty sum shall I be bound! I did not think such virtue could be found. Thou mistress of all best perfections, stay: Fain I in gratitude would something say, But am too far in debt for thanks to pay.

_Enter_ Don JOHN of Austria.

_Don John._ Where is that prince, he whose afflictions speak So loud, as all hearts but his own might break?

_Don Car._ My lord, what fate has left me, I am here, Mere man, of all my comfort stripped and bare. Once, like a vine, I flourished and was young, Rich in my ripening hopes that spoke me strong: But now a dry and withered stock am grown, And all my clusters and my branches gone.

_Don John._ Amongst those numbers which your wrongs deplore, Than me there's none that can resent them more. I feel a generous grudging in my breast, To see such honour and such hopes oppressed. The king your father is my brother, true; But I see more that's like myself in you. Free-born I am, and not on him depend, Obliged to none, but whom I call my friend. And if that title you think fit to bear, Accept the confirmation of it here. [_Embraces him._

_Don Car._ From you, to whom I'm by such kindness tied, The secrets of my soul I will not hide. This generous princess has her promise given, I once more shall be brought in sight of Heaven; To the fair queen my last devotion pay; And then for Flanders I intend my way, Where to the insulting rebels I'll give law, To keep myself from wrongs, and them in awe.

_Don John._ Prosperity to the design, 'tis good; Both worthy of your honour and your blood.

_Don Car._ My lord, your spreading glories flourish high, Above the reach or shock of destiny: Mine, early nipped, like buds untimely die.

_Enter_ Officer _of the Guard_.

_Offi._ My lord, I grieve to tell what you must hear; They are unwelcome orders which I bear, Which are, to guard you as a prisoner.

_Don Car._ A prisoner! what new game of fate's begun? Henceforth be ever cursed the name of son, Since I must be a slave, because I'm one. Duty! to whom? He's not my father: no. Back with your orders to the tyrant go; Tell him his fury drives too much one way; I'm weary on't, and can no more obey.

_Don John._ If asked by whose commands you did decline Your orders, tell my brother 'twas by mine. [_Exit_ Officer.

_Don Car._ Now, were I certain it would sink me quite, I'd see the queen once more, though but in spite; Though he with all his fury were in place, I would caress and court her to his face. Oh that I could this minute die! if so, What he had lost he might too lately know, Cursing himself to think what he has done: For I was ever an obedient son; With pleasure all his glories saw, when young, Looked, and, with pride considering whence I sprung, Joyfully under him and free I played, Basked in his shine and wantoned in his shade-- But now, Cancelling all whate'er he then conferred, He thrusts me out among the common herd: Nor quietly will there permit my stay, But drives and hunts me like a beast of prey. Affliction! O affliction! 'tis too great, Nor have I ever learnt to suffer yet. Though ruin at me from each side take aim, And I stand thus encompassed round with flame, Though the devouring fire approaches fast, Yet will I try to plunge: if power waste, I can at worst but sink, and burn at last. [_Exit._

_Don John._ Go on, pursue thy fortune while 'tis hot: I long for work where honour's to be got. But, madam, to this prince you're wondrous kind.

_D. of Eboli._ You are not less to Henriet, I find.

_Don John._ Why, she's a beauty, tender, young, and fair.

_D. of Eboli._ I thought I might in charms have equalled her. You told me once my beauty was not less. Is this your faith? are these your promises?

_Don John._ You would seem jealous, but are crafty grown; Tax me of falsehood to conceal your own. Go, you're a woman--

_D. of Eboli._ Yes, I know I am: And by my weakness do deserve that name, When heart and honour I to you resigned. Would I were not a woman, or less kind!

_Don John._ Think you your falsehood was not plainly seen, When to your charge my brother gave the queen? Too well I saw it; how did you dispense, In looks, your pity to the afflicted prince! Whilst I my duty paid the king, your time You watched, and fixed your melting eyes on him; Admired him--

_D. of Eboli._ Yes, sir, for his constancy-- But 'twas with pain, to think you false to me, When to another's eye you homage paid, And my true love wronged and neglected laid; Wronged, too, so far as nothing can restore.

_Don John._ Nay, then, let's part, and think of love no more. Farewell! [_Going._

_D. of Eboli._ Farewell, if you're resolved to go:-- Inhuman Austria, can you leave me so? Enough my soul is by your falsehood racked; Add not to your inconstancy neglect. Methinks you so far might have grateful proved, Not to have quite forgotten that I loved.

_Don John._ If e'er you loved, 'tis you, not I forget; For a remove 'tis here too deeply set, Firm-rooted, and for ever must remain. [_She turns away._ Why thus unkind?

_D. of Eboli._ Why are you jealous then? [_Turns to him._

_Don John._ Come, let it be no more! I'm hushed and still. Will you forgive?

_D. of Eboli._ How can you doubt my will? I do.

_Don John._ Then send me not away unblest.

_D. of Eboli._ Till you return I will not think of rest. Carlos will hither suddenly repair. The next apartment's mine; I'll wait you there, Farewell! [_She seems to weep._

_Don John._ Oh, do not let me see a tear; It quenches joy, and stifles appetite. Like war's fierce god, upon my bliss I'd prey; Who, from the furious toils of arms all day, Returning home to love's fair queen at night, Comes riotous and hot with full delight. [_Exit._

_D. of Eboli._ He has reaped his joys, and now he would be free, And to effect it puts on jealousy: But I'm as much a libertine as he; As fierce my will, as furious my desires; Yet will I hold him; though enjoyment tires, Though love and appetite be at the best, He'll serve, as common meats fill up a feast, And look like plenty, though we never taste.

_Enter_ RUY-GOMEZ.

Old lord, I bring thee news will make thee young.

_Ruy-Gom._ Speak; there was always music in thy tongue.

_D. of Eboli._ Thy foes are tottering, and the day's thy own; Give them but one lift now, and they go down. Quickly to the king, and all his doubts renew; Appear disturbed, as if you something knew Too difficult and dangerous to relate, Then bring him hither labouring with the weight. I will take care that Carlos shall be here: So for his jealous eyes a sight prepare, Shall prove more fatal than Medusa's head, And he more monster seem than she e'er made. [_Exit._

_Enter_ KING, _attended_.

_King._ Still how this tyrant doubt torments my breast! When shall I get the usurper dispossessed? My thoughts, like birds when frighted from their rest, Around the place where all was hushed before, Flutter, and hardly settle any more-- [_Sees_ RUY-GOMEZ. Ha, Gomez! what art thou thus musing on?

_Ruy-Gom._ I'm thinking what it is to have a son; What mighty cares and what tempestuous strife Attend on an unhappy father's life; How children blessings seem, but torments are; When young, our folly; and when old, our fear.

_King._ Why dost thou bring these odd reflections here? Thou enviest sure the quiet which I bear.

_Ruy-Gom._ No, sir, I joy in the ease which you possess, And wish you never may have cause for less.

_King._ Have cause for less! Come nearer; thou art sad, And look'st as thou wouldst tell me that I had. Now, now, I feel it rising up again-- Speak quickly, where is Carlos? where the queen? What, not a word? have my wrongs struck thee dumb? Or art thou swollen and labouring with my doom, Yet darest not let the fatal secret come?

_Ruy-Gom._ Heaven great infirmities to age allots: I'm old, and have a thousand doting thoughts. Seek not to know them, sir.

_King._ By Heaven! I must.

_Ruy-Gom._ Nay, I would not be by compulsion just.

_King._ Yet, if without it you refuse, you shall.

_Ruy-Gom._ Grant me then one request, I'll tell you all.

_King._ Name thy petition, and conclude it done.

_Ruy-Gom._ It is, that you would here forgive your son For all his past offences to this hour.

_King._ Thou'st almost asked a thing beyond my power; But so much goodness in the request I find, Spite of myself, I'll for thy sake be kind. His pardon's sealed; the secret now declare.

_Ruy-Gom._ Alas! 'tis only that I saw him here.

_King._ Where? with the queen! Yes, yes, 'tis so, I'm sure; Never were wrongs so great as I endure; So great that they are grown beyond complaint, For half my patience might have made a saint. O woman! monstrous woman! Did I for this into my breast receive The promising, repenting fugitive? But, Gomez, I will throw her back again; And thou shalt see me smile and tear her then. I'll crush her heart, where all the poison lies, Till, when the venom's out, the viper dies,

_Ruy-Gom._ They the best method of revenge pursue Who so contrive that it may justice show; Stay till their wrongs appear at such a head That innocence may have no room to plead. Your fury, sir, at least awhile delay; I guess the prince may come again this way: Here I'll withdraw, and watch his privacy.

_King._ And when he's fixed, be sure bring word to me; Till then I'll bridle vengeance, and retire, Within my breast suppress this angry fire, Till to my eyes my wrongs themselves display; Then, like a falcon, gently cut my way, And with my pounces seize the unwary prey. [_Exit._

_Re-enter_ Duchess of EBOLI.

_D. of Eboli._ I've overheard the business with delight, And find revenge will have a feast to-night. Though thy declining years are in their wane, I can perceive there's youth still in thy brain. Away! the queen is coming hither. [_Exit_ RUY-GOMEZ.

_Enter_ QUEEN _with_ Attendants, _and_ HENRIETTA.

_Queen._ Now To all felicity a long adieu. Where are you, Eboli?

_D. of Eboli._ Madam, I'm here.

_Queen._ Oh, how fresh fears assault me everywhere! I hear that Carlos is a prisoner made.

_D. of Eboli._ No, madam, he the orders disobeyed; And boldly owns for Flanders he intends, To head the rebels, whom he styles his friends: But, ere he goes, by me does humbly sue That he may take his last farewell of you.

_Queen._ Will he then force his destiny at last? Hence quickly to him, Eboli, make haste: Tell him, I beg his purpose he'd delay, Or, if that can't his resolution stay, Say I have sworn not to survive the hour In which I hear that he has left this shore. Tell him, I've gained his pardon of the king; Tell him--to stay him--tell him anything--

_D. of Eboli._ One word from you his duty would restore; And, though you promised ne'er to see him more, Methinks you might upon so just a score. But see, he's here.

_Re-enter_ Don CARLOS.

_Don Car._ Run out of breath by fate, And persecuted by a father's hate, Wearied with all, I panting hither fly, To lay myself down at your feet, and die.

[_Kneels, and kisses the_ QUEEN'S _hands_.

_Queen._ O too unhappy Carlos! yet unkind! 'Gainst you what harms have ever I designed, That you should with such violence decree Ungratefully at last to murder me?

_Don Car._ Pour all thy curses, Heaven, upon this head, For I've the worst of vengeance merited, That yet I impudently live to hear Myself upbraided of a wrong to her! [_Rises._ Say, has your honour been by me betrayed? Or have I snares to entrap your virtue laid? Tell me; if not, why do you then upbraid?

_Queen._ You will not know the afflictions which you give; Was't not my last request that you would live? I by our vows conjured it; but I see, Forgetting them, unmindful too of me, Regardless, your own ruin you design, Though you are sure to purchase it with mine.

_Don Car._ I, as you bade me live, obeyed with pride, Though it was harder far than to have died. But loss of liberty my life disdains; These limbs were never made to suffer chains. My father should have singled out some crown, And bidden me go conquer it for my own: He should have seen what Carlos would have done. But to prescribe my freedom, sink me low To base confinement, where no comforts flow, But black despair, that foul tormentor, lies, With all my present load of miseries, Was to my soul too violent a smart, And roused the sleeping lion in my heart.

_Queen._ Yet then be kind; your angry father's rage I know the least submission will assuage; You're hot with youth, he's choleric with age. To him, and put a true obedience on; Be humble, and express yourself a son. Carlos, I beg it of you: will you not?

_Don Car._ Methinks 'tis very hard, but yet I'll do't. I must obey whatever you prefer, Knowing you're all divine, and cannot err. For, if my doom's unalterable, I shall This way at least with less dishonour fall; And princes less my tameness thus condemn, When I for you shall suffer, though by him.

_Queen._ In my apartment farther we'll debate Of this, and for a happy issue wait. Your presence there he cannot disapprove, When it shall speak your duty, and my love.

[_Exeunt_ Don CARLOS, QUEEN, HENRIETTA, _and_ Attendants.

_Re-enter_ RUY-GOMEZ.

_D. of Eboli._ Now, Gomez, triumph! All is ripe; the toil Has caught them, and fate saw it with a smile. Thus far the work of destiny was mine; But I'm content the masterpiece be thine. Away to the king, prepare his soul for blood,-- A mystery thou well hast understood. Whilst I go rest within a lover's arms, [_Aside._ And to my Austria lay out all my charms. [_Exit._

_Ruy-Gom._ Fate, open now thy book, and set them down: I have already marked them for thy own.

_Re-enter_ KING, _and_ Marquis of POSA _at a distance_.

My lord the king?

_King._ Gomez?

_Ruy-Gom._ The same.

_King._ Hast seen The prince?

_Ruy-Gom._ I have.

_King._ Where is he?

_Ruy-Gom._ With the queen.

_King._ Now ye that dwell in everlasting flame, And keep records of all ye mean to damn, Show me, if 'mongst your precedents there e'er Was seen a son like him, or wife like her. Hark, Gomez! didst not hear the infernals groan? Hush, hell, a little, and they are thy own!

_M. of Posa._ Who should these be? the king and Gomez, sure: Methinks I wish that Carlos were secure; For Flanders his despatches I've prepared.

_King._ Who's there? 'Tis Posa, pander to their lust.

[_Drawing near to_ POSA.

Now, Gomez, to his heart thy dagger thrust; In the pursuit of vengeance drive it far; Strike deep, and, if thou canst, wound Carlos there.

_Ruy-Gom._ I'll do't as close as happy lovers kiss: May he strike mine, if of his heart I miss! Thus, sir! [_Stabs_ POSA.

_M. of Posa._ Ha, Gomez! villain! thou hast done Thy worst: but yet I would not die alone: Here, dog! [_Stabs at him._

_Ruy-Gom._ So brisk! then take it once again.

[_As they are struggling, the despatches fall_ _out of_ POSA'S _bosom_.

'Twas only, sir, to put you out of pain.

[_Stabs him again, and_ POSA _falls_.

_M. of Posa._ My lord the king--but life too far is gone-- I faint--be mindful of your queen and son. [_Dies._

_King._ The slave in death repents, and warns me. Yes, I shall be very mindful. What are these?

[_Takes up the despatches._

For Flanders! with the prince's signet sealed! Here's villany has yet been unrevealed. See, Gomez, practices against my crown; [_Shows them him._ Treason and lust have joined to pull me down. Yet still I stand like a firm sturdy rock, Whilst they but split themselves with their own shock. But I too long delay: give word I come.

_Ruy-Gom._ What, ho! within! The king is nigh; make room.

[RUY-GOMEZ _draws a curtain, and discovers_ Don JOHN _and the_ Duchess of EBOLI _embracing_.

_King._ Now let me, if I can, to fury add, That when I thunder I may strike them dead.

[_Looking earnestly on them._

Ha! Gomez! on this truth depends thy life. Why, that's our brother Austria!

_Ruy-Gom._ And my wife! Embracing close. Whilst I was busy grown In others' ruins, here I've met my own. Oh! had I perished ere 'twas understood!

_King._ This is the nest where lust and falsehood brood. Is it not admirable?

[_Exeunt_ Don JOHN _and the_ Duchess of EBOLI _embracing_.

_Ruy-Gom._ Oh, sir, yes! Ten thousand devils tear the sorceress!

_King._ But they are gone, and my dishonour's near.

_Re-enter_ Don CARLOS _and_ QUEEN, _discoursing_; HENRIETTA _and_ Attendants.

Look, my incestuous son and wife appear. See, Gomez, how she languishes and dies. 'Sdeath! there are very pulses in her eyes.

[Don CARLOS _approaches the_ KING.

_Don Car._ In peace, Heaven ever guard the king from harms; In war, success and triumph crown his arms; Till all the nations of the world shall be Humble and prostrate at his feet, like me! [_Kneels._ I hear your fury has my death designed; Though I've deserved the worst, you may be kind: Behold me as your poor unhappy son, And do not spill that blood which is your own!

_King._ Yes, when my blood grows tainted, I ne'er doubt But for my health 'tis good to let it out: But thine's a stranger, like thy soul, to me; Or else be cursed thy mother's memory, And doubly cursed be that unhappy night In which I purchased torment with delight!

_Don Car._ Thus then I lay aside all rights of blood.

[_Rises boldly._

My mother cursed! She was all just and good, Tyrant! too good to stay with thee below, And therefore's blest, and reigns above thee now. Submission! which way got it entrance here?

_King._ Perhaps it came ere treason was aware. Thy traitorous design's now come to light, Too great and horrid to be hid in night. See here my honour, and thy duty's stains! [_Shows the despatches._ I've paid your secretary for his pains; He waits you there: to council with him go; [_Shows_ POSA'S _body_. Ask what intelligence from Flanders now.

_Don Car._ My friend here slain, my faithful Posa 'tis. Good Heaven! what have I done to merit this? What temples sacked, what desolations made, To pull down such a vengeance on my head? This, villain, was thy work: what friend of thine [_To_ RUY-GOMEZ. Did I e'er wrong, that thou shouldst murder mine? But I'll take care it shall not want reward--[_Draws._

_King._ Courage, my Gomez, since thy king's thy guard. Come, rebel, and thy villanies fulfil!

_Don Car_. No; though unjust, you are my father still;

[_Throws away his sword._

And from that title must your safety own: 'Tis that which awes my hand, and not your crown. 'Tis true, all there contained I had designed: To such a height your jealousy was grown, It was the only way that I could find To work your peace, and to procure my own.

_King._ Thinking my youth and vigour to decrease, You'd ease me of my crown to give me peace.

_Don Car._ Alas! you fetch your misconstructions far: The injuries to me, and wrongs to her, Were much too great for empire to repair. When you forgot a father's love, and quite Deprived me of a son's and prince's right, Branded my honour, and pursued my life, My duty long with nature was at strife. Not that I feared my memory or name Could suffer by the voice of common fame; A thing I still esteemed beneath my pride: For, though condemned by all the world beside, Had you but thought me just, I could have died. At last this only way I found, to fly Your anger, and divert your jealousy:-- To go to Flanders, and be so removed From all I ever honoured, ever loved; There in your right hoping I might complete, Spite of my wrongs, some action truly great; Thus by my faith and sufferings to out-wear Your hate, and shun that storm which threatened here.

_Queen._ And can this merit hate? He would forego The joys and charms of courts to purchase you; Banish himself, and stem the dangerous tide Of lawless outrage and rebellious pride.

_King._ How evenly she pleads in his defence! So blind is guilt when 'twould seem innocence. She thinks her softness may my rage disarm. No, sorceress, you're mistaken in your charm, And, whilst you soothe, do but assist the storm! Do, take full view of your tall able slave;

[QUEEN _looks on_ Don CARLOS.

Look hard; it is the last you're like to have.

_Don Car._ My life or death are in your power to give.

_King._ Yes, and thou diest.

_Don Car._ Not till she give me leave: She is the star that rules my destiny; And, whilst her aspect's kind, I cannot die.

_Queen._ No, prince, for ever live, be ever blest.

_King._ Yes, I will send him to his eternal rest. Oh! had I took the journey long ago, I ne'er had known the pains that rack me now.

_Queen._ What pains? what racks? [_Approaching._

_King._ Avoid, and touch me not! I see thee foul, all one incestuous blot; Thy broken vows are in thy guilty face.

_Queen._ Have I then in your pity left no place?

_King._ Oh! thus it was you drew me in before, With promises you ne'er would see him more. But now your subtlest wiles too weak are grown; I've gotten freedom, and I'll keep my own.

_Queen._ May you be ever free! But can your mind Conceive that any ill was here designed? He hither came, only that he might show Obedience, and be reconciled to you. You saw his humble, dutiful address.

_King._ But you beforehand signed the happy peace.

_Re-enter_ Duchess of EBOLI.

O princess, thank you for the care you take. Tell me, how got this monster entrance? speak.

_D. of Eboli._ Heaven witness 'twas without my knowledge done.

_Ruy-Gom._ No, she had other business of her own.

[_Aside._

O blood and murder!

_King._ All are false: a guard!

_Enter_ Guard.

Seize on that traitor! [_Pointing to_ Don CARLOS.

_Don Car._ Welcome; I'm prepared.

_Queen._ Stay, sir, let me die too: I can obey.

_King._ No, thou shalt live. [_Seemingly kind._] By Heaven, but not a day! [_Aside._ I a revenge so exquisite have framed, She unrepenting dies, and so she's damned.

_Hen._ If ever pity could your heart engage, If e'er you hope for blessings on your age, Incline your ears to a poor virgin's prayer!

_King._ I dare not venture thee, thou art too fair. What wouldst thou say?

_Hen._ Destroy not in one man More virtue than the world can boast again. View him the eldest pledge of your first love, Your virgin joys; that may some pity move--

_King._ No; for the wrongs I suffer weigh it down: I'd now not spare his life to save my own. Away! by thy soft tongue I'll not be caught.

_Hen._ By all that hopes can frame I beg: if not, May you by some base hand unpitied die, And childless mothers curse your memory! By honour, love, by life--

_King._ Fond girl, away: By Heaven, I'll kill thee else! Still darest thou stay? Cannot death terrify thee?

_Hen._ No; for I, If you refuse me, am resolved to die.

_Don Car._ Kind fair one, do not waste your sorrows here On me, too wretched, and not worth a tear. There yet for you are mighty joys in store, When I in dust am laid, and seen no more.-- O madam! [_To the_ QUEEN.

_Queen._ O my Carlos! must you die For me? no mercy in a father's eye?

_Don Car._ Hide, hide your tears, into my soul they dart A tenderness that misbecomes my heart: For, since I must, I like a prince would fall, And to my aid my manly spirits call.

_Queen._ You, like a man, as roughly as you will May die, but let me be a woman still! [_Weeps._

_King._ Thou'rt woman, a true copy of the first, In whom the race of all mankind was cursed. Your sex by beauty was to Heaven allied; But your great lord, the devil, taught you pride. He too an angel, till he durst rebel; And you are, sure, the stars that with him fell. Weep on! a stock of tears like vows you have, And always ready when you would deceive.

_Queen._ Cruel! inhuman! O my heart! why should I throw away a title that's so good, On one a stranger to whate'er was so? Alas, I'm torn, and know not what to do. The just resentment of my wrong's so great, My spirits sink beneath the heavy weight. Tyrant, stand off! I hate thee, and will try If I have scorn enough to make me die.

_Don Car._ Blest angel, stay! [_Takes her in his arms._

_Queen._ Carlos, the sole embrace You ever took, you have before his face.

_Don Car._ No wealthy monarch of the plenteous East, In all the glories of his empire dressed, Was ever half so rich, or half so blest. But from such bliss how wretched is the fall! They too like us must die, and leave it all.

_King._ All this before my face! what soul could bear't? Go, force her from him! [Officer _approaches_.

_Don Car._ Slave, 'twill cost thy heart. Thou'dst better meet a lion on his way, And from his hungry jaws reprize the prey! She's mistress of my soul, and to prepare Myself for death, I must consult with her.

_Ruy-Gom._ Have pity! [_Ironically._

_King._ Hence! how wretchedly he rules That's served by cowards, and advised by fools! Oh, torture!

_Don Car._ Rouse, my soul! consider now That to thy blissful mansion thou must go. But I so mighty joys have tasted here, I hardly shall have sense of any there: Oh, soft as blossoms, and yet sweeter far! [_Leaning on her bosom._ Sweeter than incense which to Heaven ascends, Though 'tis presented there by angels' hands.

_King._ Still in his arms! Cowards, go tear her forth!

_Don Car._ You'll sooner from its centre shake the earth: I'll hold her fast till my last hour is nigh; Then I'll bequeath her to you when I die.

_King._ Cut off his hold! or any thing--

_Don Car._ Ay, come; Here kill, and bear me hence into my tomb. I'd have my monument erected here, With broken mangled limbs still clasping her.

_Queen._ Hold, and I'll quit his arms--

[_The_ Guards _offer their axes. They part._

_King._ Now bear him hence.

_Queen._ O horrid tyrant! [Guards _are hurrying_ Don CARLOS _off_. Stay, unhappy prince-- Turn, turn! O torment! must I leave you so? No, stay, and take me with you where you go.

_Don Car._ Hark, slaves, my goddess summons me to stay. Dogs! have you eyes, and can you disobey? See her! Oh, let me but just touch my bliss. [_Pressing forward._

_King._ By hell! he shan't. Slaves, are ye mine or his?

_Queen._ My life--

_Don Car._ My soul, farewell! [_Exeunt_ Guards _with_ Don CARLOS.

_Queen._ He's gone, he's gone! Now, tyrant, to thy rage I'm left alone; Give me my death, that hate both life and thee.

_King._ I know thou dost; yet live.

_Queen._ O misery! [_Throws herself down._ Why was I born to be thus cursed? or why Should life be forced, when 'tis so sweet to die?

_King_ [_To_ D. of EBOLI]. Thou, woman, hast been false; but, to renew Thy credit in my heart, assist me now. Prepare a draught of poison, such as will Act slow, and by degrees of torment kill. Give it the queen, and, to prevent all sense Of dying, tell her I've released the prince, And that ere morning he'll attend her. I In a disguise his presence will supply; So glut my rage, and smiling see her die.

_D. of Eboli._ Your majesty shall be obeyed.

_Ruy-Gom._ Do, work thy mischiefs to their last degree, And when they're in their height I'll murder thee.

[_Aside._

_King._ Now, Gomez, ply my rage and keep it hot: O'er love and nature I've the conquest got. Still charming beauty triumphs in her eyes:

[_Looking at the_ QUEEN.

Yet for my honour and my rest she dies.

[_Exeunt_ QUEEN _and_ Women.

But, oh! what ease can I expect to get, When I must purchase at so dear a rate? [_Exeunt._

FOOTNOTES:

[13] Don Carlos actually engaged in intrigues with the principals of the revolution which broke out in the Low Countries during the tyrannical reign of Philip II., and ended in the establishment of the Dutch republic.--_Thornton._

ACT THE FIFTH.