A chamber in the royal palace, separated from a large fore-court by an iron-barred gate. Sentinels walking up and down. CARLOS sitting at a table, with his head leaning forward on his arms, as if he were asleep. In the background of the chamber are some officers, confined with him. The MARQUIS POSA enters, unobserved by him, and whispers to the officers, who immediately withdraw. He himself steps close up to CARLOS, and looks at him for a few minutes in silent sorrow. At last he makes a motion which awakens him out of his stupor. CARLOS rises, and seeing the MARQUIS, starts back. He regards him for some time with fixed eyes, and draws his hand over his forehead as if he wished to recollect something.
MARQUIS. Carlos! 'tie I.
CARLOS (gives him his hand). Comest thou to me again? 'Tis friendly of thee, truly.
MARQUIS. Here I thought Thou mightest need a friend.
CARLOS. Indeed! was that Thy real thought? Oh, joy unspeakable! Right well I knew thou still wert true to me.
MARQUIS. I have deserved this from thee.
CARLOS. Hast thou not? And now we understand each other fully, It joys my heart. This kindness, this forbearance Becomes our noble souls. For should there be One rash, unjust demand amongst my wishes, Wouldst thou, for that, refuse me what was just? Virtue I know may often be severe, But never is she cruel and inhuman. Oh! it hath cost thee much; full well I know How thy kind heart with bitter anguish bled As thy hands decked the victim for the altar.
MARQUIS. What meanest thou, Carlos?
CARLOS. Thou, thyself, wilt now Fulfil the joyous course I should have run. Thou wilt bestow on Spain those golden days She might have hoped in vain to win from me. I'm lost, forever lost; thou saw'st it clearly. This fatal love has scattered, and forever, All the bright, early blossoms of my mind. To all the great, exalted hopes I'm dead. Chance led thee to the king—or Providence,— It cost thee but my secret—and at once He was thine own—thou may'st become his angel: But I am lost, though Spain perhaps may flourish. Well, there is nothing to condemn, if not My own mad blindness. Oh, I should have known That thou art no less great than tender-hearted.
MARQUIS. No! I foresaw not, I considered not That friendship's generous heart would lead thee on Beyond my worldly prudence. I have erred, My fabric's shattered—I forgot thy heart.
CARLOS. Yet, if it had been possible to spare Her fate—oh, how intensely I had thanked thee! Could I not bear the burden by myself? And why must she be made a second victim? But now no more, I'll spare thee this reproach. What is the queen to thee? Say, dost thou love her? Could thy exalted virtue e'er consult The petty interests of my wretched passion? Oh, pardon me! I was unjust——
MARQUIS. Thou art so! But not for this reproach. Deserved I one, I merit all—and then I should not stand Before you as I do. [He takes out his portfolio. I have some letters To give you back of those you trusted to me.
CARLOS (looks first at the letters, then at the MARQUIS, in astonishment). How!
MARQUIS. I return them now because they may Prove safer in thy custody than mine.
CARLOS. What meanest thou? Has his majesty not read them? Have they not been before him?
MARQUIS. What, these letters!
CARLOS. Thou didst not show them all, then?
MARQUIS. Who has said That ever I showed one?
CARLOS (astonished). Can it be so? Count Lerma——
MARQUIS. He! he told thee so! Now all Is clear as day. But who could have foreseen it? Lerma! Oh, no, he hath not learned to lie. 'Tis true, the king has all the other letters.
CARLOS (looks at him long with speechless astonishment). But wherefore am I here?
MARQUIS. For caution's sake, Lest thou should chance, a second time, to make An Eboli thy confidant.
CARLOS (as if waking from a dream). Ha! Now I see it all—all is explained.
MARQUIS (goes to the door). Who's there?
SCENE II.
DUKE ALVA. The former.
ALVA (approaching the PRINCE with respect, but turning his back on the MARQUIS during the whole scene). Prince, you are free. Deputed by the king I come to tell you so.
[CARLOS looks at the MARQUIS with astonishment. General silence.
And I, in truth, Am fortunate to have this honor first——
CARLOS (looking at both with extreme amazement, after a pause, to the DUKE). I am imprisoned, duke, and set at freedom, Unconscious of the cause of one or other.
ALVA. As far as I know, prince, 'twas through an error, To which the king was driven by a traitor.
CARLOS. Then am I here by order of the king?
ALVA. Yes, through an error of his majesty.
CARLOS. That gives me pain, indeed. But when the king Commits an error, 'twould beseem the king, Methinks, to remedy the fault in person. I am Don Philip's son—and curious eyes And slanderous looks are on me. What the king Hath done from sense of duty ne'er will I Appear to owe to your considerate favor. I am prepared to appear before the Cortes, And will not take my sword from such a hand.
ALVA. The king will never hesitate to grant Your highness a request so just. Permit That I conduct you to him.
CARLOS. Here I stay Until the king or all Madrid shall come To lead me from my prison. Take my answer.
[ALVA withdraws. He is still seen for some time lingering in the court and giving orders to the guards.
SCENE III.
CARLOS and MARQUIS POSA.
CARLOS (after the departure of the DUKE, full of expectation and astonishment, to the MARQUIS). What means all this? Inform me, Roderigo— Art thou not, then, the minister?
MARQUIS. I was, As thou canst well perceive—— [Going to him with great emotion. O Carlos! Now
I have succeeded—yes—it is accomplished— 'Tis over now—Omnipotence be praised, To whom I owe success.
CARLOS. Success! What mean you? Thy words perplex me.
MARQUIS (takes his hand). Carlos! thou art saved— Art free—but I—— [He stops short.
CARLOS. But thou——
MARQUIS. Thus to my breast I press thee now, with friendship's fullest right, A right I've bought with all I hold most dear. How great, how lovely, Carlos, is this moment Of self-approving joy?
CARLOS. What sudden change I mark upon thy features! Proudly now Thy bosom heaves, thine eyes dart vivid fire!
MARQUIS. We must say farewell, Carlos! Tremble 'not, But be a man! And what thou more shalt hear, Promise me, not by unavailing sorrow, Unworthy of great souls, to aggravate The pangs of parting. I am lost to thee, Carlos, for many years—fools say forever.
[CARLOS withdraws his hand, but makes no reply.
Be thou a man: I've reckoned much on thee— I have not even shunned to pass with thee This awful hour—which men, in words of fear, Have termed the final one. I own it, Carlos, I joy to pass it thus. Come let us sit— I feel myself grown weary and exhausted.
[He approaches CARLOS, who is in a lifeless stupor, and allows himself to be involuntarily drawn down by him.
Where art thou? No reply! I must be brief. Upon the day that followed our last meeting At the Carthusian monastery the king Called me before him. What ensued thou knowest, And all Madrid. Thou hast not heard, however, Thy secret even then had reached his ears— That letters in the queen's possession found Had testified against thee. This I learned From his own lips—I was his confidant.
[He pauses for CARLOS' answer, but he still remains silent.
Yes, Carlos, with my lips I broke my faith— Guided the plot myself that worked thy ruin. Thy deed spoke trumpet-tongued; to clear thee fully 'Twas now too late: to frustrate his revenge Was all that now remained for me; and so I made myself thy enemy to-serve thee With fuller power—dost thou not hear me, Carlos,
CARLOS. Go on! go on! I hear thee.
MARQUIS. To this point I'm guiltless. But the unaccustomed beams Of royal favor dazzled me. The rumor, As I had well foreseen, soon reached thine ears But by mistaken delicacy led, And blinded by my vain desire to end My enterprise alone, I kept concealed From friendship's ear my hazardous design. This was my fatal error! Here I failed! I know it. My self-confidence was madness. Pardon that confidence—'twas founded, Carlos, Upon our friendship's everlasting base.
[He pauses. CARLOS passes from torpid silence to violent agitation.
That which I feared befell. Unreal dangers Alarmed your mind. The bleeding queen—the tumult Within the palace—Lerma's interference— And, last of all, my own mysterious silence, Conspired to overwhelm thy heart with wonder. Thou wavered'st, thought'st me lost; but far too noble To doubt thy friend's integrity, thy soul Clothed his defection with a robe of honor, Nor judged him faithless till it found a motive To screen and justify his breach of faith. Forsaken by thy only friend—'twas then Thou sought'st the arms of Princess Eboli— A demon's arms! 'Twas she betrayed thee, Carlos! I saw thee fly to her—a dire foreboding Struck on my heart—I followed thee too late! Already wert thou prostrate at her feet, The dread avowal had escaped thy lips— No way was left to save thee.
CARLOS. No! her heart Was moved, thou dost mistake, her heart was moved.
MARQUIS. Night overspread my mind. No remedy, No refuge, no retreat was left to me In nature's boundless compass. Blind despair Transformed me to a fury—to a tiger— I raised my dagger to a woman's breast. But in that moment—in that dreadful moment— A radiant sunbeam fell upon my soul. "Could I mislead the king! Could I succeed In making him think me the criminal! However improbable, the very guilt Will be enough to win the king's belief. I'll dare the task—a sudden thunderbolt May make the tyrant start—what want I further? He stops to think, and Carlos thus gains time To fly to Brussels."
CARLOS. And hast thou done this?
MARQUIS. I have despatched a letter to Prince William, Saying I loved the queen, and had escaped The king's mistrust in the unjust suspicion Which falsely fell on thee—that I had found Means, through the monarch's favor, to obtain Free access to the queen. I added, further, That I was fearful of discovery— That thou hadst learned my secret, and hadst sped To Princess Eboli, with hopes through her To warn the queen—that I had made thee prisoner— And now that all seemed lost, I had resolved To fly to Brussels. This same letter I——
CARLOS (interrupts him, terrified). Hast surely not intrusted to the post! Thou knowest that letters to Brabant and Flanders——
MARQUIS. Are given to the king; and as things go Taxis would seem to have discharged his duty.
CARLOS. Heavens! then I'm lost.
MARQUIS. How lost? What meanest thou?
CARLOS. And thou, alas! art lost together with me— This dreadful fraud my father ne'er will pardon.
MARQUIS. This fraud! Thou'rt mad! Who will disclose it to him?
CARLOS (regards him with a fixed look). Who! Dost thou ask? I will myself.
MARQUIS. Thou ravest! Stand back——
CARLOS. Away! For heaven's sake hold me not. While I stay here, he's hiring the assassins.
MARQUIS. Then is our time more precious—and we still Have much to say.
CARLOS. What! Before all is finished?
[He makes another effort to go. The MARQUIS holds him by the arm, and looks at him impressively.
MARQUIS. Carlos! was I so scrupulous—so eager— When thou, a boy, didst shed thy blood for me?
CARLOS (with emotion, and full of admiration). Kind Providence!
MARQUIS. Reserve thyself for Flanders! The kingdom is thy destiny—'tis mine To give my life for thee.
CARLOS (takes his hand with deep sensibility). No, no! he will not, Cannot resist a virtue so sublime. I will conduct thee to him, and together, Arm linked in arm, will we appear before him. Then thus will I address him: "Father, see, This is the way a friend acts towards his friend." Trust me, 'twill move him—it will touch his heart. He's not without humanity,—my father. Yes, it will move him. With hot tears, his eyes Will overflow—and he will pardon us.
[A shot is fired through the iron grating. CARLOS leaps up.
Whom was that meant for?
MARQUIS (sinking down). I believe—for me.
CARLOS (falling to the earth with a loud cry of grief). O God of mercy!
MARQUIS. He is quick—the king. I had hoped—a little longer—Carlos—think Of means of flight—dost hear me?—of thy flight. Thy mother—knows it all—I can no more. [Dies.
[CARLOS remains by the corpse, like one bereft of life. After some time the KING enters, accompanied by many GRANDEES; and starts, panic-struck, at the sight. A general and deep silence. The GRANDEES range themselves in a semi-circle round them both, and regard the KING and his SON alternately. The latter continues without any sign of life. The KING regards him in thoughtful silence.
SCENE IV.
The KING, CARLOS, the DUKESS ALVA, FERIA, and MEDINA SIDONIA, PRINCE OF PARMA, COUNT LERMA, DOMINGO, and numerous GRANDEES.
KING (in a gentle tone). Thy prayer hath met a gracious hearing, prince, And here I come, with all the noble peers Of this my court, to bring thee liberty.
[CARLOS raises his eyes and looks around him like one awakened from a dream. His eyes are fixed now on the KING, now on the corpse; he gives no answer.
Receive thy sword again. We've been too rash!
[He approaches him, holds out his hand, and assists him to rise.
My son's not in his place; Carlos, arise! Come to thy father's arms! His love awaits thee.
CARLOS (receives the embrace of the KING without any consciousness. Suddenly recollects himself, pauses and looks fixedly at him). Thou smell'st of blood—no, I cannot embrace thee!
[Pushes his father back. All the GRANDEES are in commotion. CARLOS to them:—
Nay, stand not there confounded and amazed!— What monstrous action have I done? Defiled The anointed of the Lord! Oh, fear me not, I would not lay a hand on him. Behold, Stamped on his forehead is the damning brand! The hand of God hath marked him!
KING (about to go quickly). Nobles! follow.
CARLOS. Whither? You stir not from this spot.
[Detaining the KING forcibly with both hands, while with one he manages to seize the sword which the KING has brought with him, and it comes from the scabbard.
KING. What! Draw A sword upon thy father?
ALL THE GRANDEES (drawing their swords). Regicide!
CARLOS (holding the KING firmly with one hand, the naked sword in the other). Put up your swords! What! Think you I am mad? I am not so: or you were much to blame Thus to remind me, that upon the point Of this my sword, his trembling life doth hover. I pray you, stand aloof; for souls like mine Need soothing. There—hold back! And with the king What I have yet to settle touches not Your loyalty. See there—his hand is bloody! Do you not see it? And now look you here!
[Pointing to the corpse.
This hath he done with a well-practised hand.
KING (to the GRANDEES, who press anxiously around him). Retire! Why do you tremble? Are we not Father and son? I will yet wait and see To what atrocious crime his nature——
CARLOS. Nature I know her not. Murder is now the word! The bonds of all humanity are severed, Thine own hands have dissolved them through the realm. Shall I respect a tie which thou hast scorned? Oh, see! see here! the foulest deed of blood That e'er the world beheld. Is there no God That kings, in his creation, work such havoc? Is there no God, I ask? Since mother's wombs Bore children, one alone—and only one— So guiltlessly hath died. And art thou sensible What thou hast done? Oh, no! he knows it not: Knows not that he has robbed—despoiled the world Of a more noble, precious, dearer life Than he and all his century can boast.
KING (with a tone of softness). If I have been too hasty, Carlos—thou For whom I have thus acted, should at least Not call me to account.
CARLOS. Is't possible! Did you then never guess how dear to me Was he who here lies dead? Thou lifeless corpse! Instruct him—aid his wisdom, to resolve This dark enigma now. He was my friend. And would you know why he has perished thus? He gave his life for me.
KING. Ha? my suspicions!
CARLOS. Pardon, thou bleeding corpse, that I profane Thy virtue to such ears. But let him blush With deep-felt shame, the crafty politician, That his gray-headed wisdom was o'erreached, E'en by the judgment of a youth. Yes, sire, We two were brothers! Bound by nobler bands Than nature ties. His whole life's bright career Was love. His noble death was love for me. E'en in the moment when his brief esteem Exalted you, he was my own. And when With fascinating tongue he sported with Your haughty, giant mind, 'twas your conceit To bridle him; but you became yourself The pliant tool of his exalted plans. That I became a prisoner, my arrest, Was his deep friendship's meditated work. That letter to Prince William was designed To save my life. It was the first deceit He ever practised. To insure my safety He rushed on death himself, and nobly perished. You lavished on him all your favor; yet For me he died. Your heart, your confidence, You forced upon him. As a toy he held Your sceptre and your power; he cast them from him, And gave his life for me.
[The KING stands motionless, with eyes fixed on the ground; all the GRANDEES regard him with surprise and alarm.
How could it be That you gave credit to this strange deceit? Meanly indeed he valued you, to try By such coarse artifice to win his ends. You dared to court his friendship, but gave way Before a test so simple. Oh, no! never For souls like yours was such a being formed. That well he knew himself, when he rejected Your crowns, your gifts, your greatness, and yourself. This fine-toned lyre broke in your iron hand, And you could do no more than murder him.
ALVA (never having taken his eyes from the KING, and observing his emotion with uneasiness, approaches him with apprehension). Keep not this deathlike silence, sire. Look round, And speak at least to us.
CARLOS. Once you were not Indifferent to him. And deeply once You occupied his thoughts. It might have been His lot to make you happy. His full heart Might have enriched you; with its mere abundance An atom of his soul had been enough To make a god of you. You've robbed yourself— Plundered yourself and me. What could you give, To raise again a spirit like to this?
[Deep silence. Many of the GRANDEES turn away, or conceal their faces in their mantles.
Oh, ye who stand around with terror dumb, And mute surprise, do not condemn the youth Who holds this language to the king, his father. Look on this corpse. Behold! for me he died. If ye have tears—if in your veins flow blood, Not molten brass, look here, and blame me not.
[He turns to the KING with more self-possession and calmness.
Doubtless you wait the end of this rude scene? Here is my sword, for you are still my king. Think not I fear your vengeance. Murder me, As you have murdered this most noble man. My life is forfeit; that I know full well. But what is life to me? I here renounce All that this world can offer to my hopes. Seek among strangers for a son. Here lies My kingdom.
[He sinks down on the corpse, and takes no part in what follows. A confused tumult and the noise of a crowd is heard in the distance. All is deep silence round the KING. His eyes scan the circle over, but no one returns his looks.
KING. What! Will no one make reply? Each eye upon the ground, each look abashed! My sentence is pronounced. I read it here Proclaimed in all this lifeless, mute demeanor. My vassals have condemned me.
[Silence as before. The tumult grows louder. A murmur is heard among the GRANDEES. They exchange embarrassed looks. COUNT LERMA at length gently touches ALVA.
LERMA. Here's rebellion!
ALVA (in a low voice). I fear it.
LERMA. It approaches! They are coming!
SCENE V.
An officer of the Body Guard. The former.
OFFICER (urgently). Rebellion! Where's the king? [He makes his way through the crowd up to the KING. Madrid's in arms! To thousands swelled, the soldiery and people Surround the palace; and reports are spread That Carlos is a prisoner—that his life Is threatened. And the mob demand to see Him living, or Madrid will be in flames.
THE GRANDEES (with excitement). Defend the king!
ALVA (to the KING, who remains quiet and unmoved). Fly, sire! your life's in danger. As yet we know not who has armed the people.
KING (rousing from his stupor, and advancing with dignity among then). Stands my throne firm, and am I sovereign yet Over this empire? No! I'm king no more. These cowards weep—moved by a puny boy. They only wait the signal to desert me. I am betrayed by rebels!
ALVA. Dreadful thought!
KING. There! fling yourselves before him—down before The young, the expectant king; I'm nothing now But a forsaken, old, defenceless man!
ALVA. Spaniards! is't come to this?
[All crowd round the KING, and fall on their knees before him with drawn swords. CARLOS remains alone with the corpse, deserted by all.
KING (tearing off his mantle and throwing it from him). There! clothe him now With this my royal mantle; and on high Bear him in triumph o'er my trampled corpse!
[He falls senseless in ALVA's and LERMA's arms.
LERMA. For heaven's sake, help!
FERIA. Oh, sad, disastrous chance!
LERMA. He faints!
ALVA (leaves the KING in LERMA's and FERIA's hands). Attend his majesty! whilst I Make it my aim to tranquillize Madrid.
[Exit ALVA. The KING is borne off, attended by all the grandees.
SCENE VI.
CARLOS remains behind with the corpse. After a few moments Louis MERCADO appears, looks cautiously round him, and stands a long time silent behind the PRINCE, who does not observe him.
MERCADO. I come, prince, from her majesty the queen. [CARLOS turns away and makes no reply. My name, Mercado, I'm the queen's physician See my credentials. [Shows the PRINCE a signet ring. CARLOS remains still silent. And the queen desires To speak with you to-day—on weighty business.
CARLOS. Nothing is weighty in this world to me.
MERCADO. A charge the Marquis Posa left with her.
CARLOS (looking up quickly). Indeed! I come this instant.
MERCADO. No, not yet, Most gracious prince! you must delay till night. Each avenue is watched, the guards are doubled You ne'er could reach the palace unperceived; You would endanger everything.
CARLOS. And yet——
MERCADO. I know one means alone that can avail us. 'Tis the queen's thought, and she suggests it to you; But it is bold, adventurous, and strange!
CARLOS. What is it?
MERCADO. A report has long prevailed That in the secret vaults, beneath the palace, At midnight, shrouded in a monk's attire, The emperor's departed spirit walks. The people still give credit to the tale, And the guards watch the post with inward terror. Now, if you but determine to assume This dress, you may pass freely through the guards, Until you reach the chamber of the queen, Which this small key will open. Your attire Will save you from attack. But on the spot, Prince! your decision must be made at once. The requisite apparel and the mask Are ready in your chamber. I must haste And take the queen your answer.
CARLOS. And the hour?
MERCADO. It is midnight.
CARLOS. Then inform her I will come.
[Exit MERCADO.
SCENE VII.
CARLOS and COUNT LERMA.
LERMA. Save yourself, prince! The king's enraged against you. Your liberty, if not your life's in danger! Ask me no further—I have stolen away To give you warning—fly this very instant!
CARLOS. Heaven will protect me!
LERMA. As the queen observed To me, this moment, you must leave Madrid This very day, and fly to Brussels, prince. Postpone it not, I pray you. The commotion Favors your flight. The queen, with this design, Has raised it. No one will presume so far As to lay hand on you. Swift steeds await you At the Carthusian convent, and behold, Here are your weapons, should you be attacked.
[LERMA gives him a dagger and pistols.
CARLOS. Thanks, thanks, Count Lerma!
LERMA. This day's sad event Has moved my inmost soul! No faithful friend Will ever love like him. No patriot breathes But weeps for you. More now I dare not say.
CARLOS. Count Lerma! he who's gone considered you A man of honor.
LERMA. Farewell, prince, again! Success attend you! Happier times will come— But I shall be no more. Receive my homage!
[Falls on one knee.
CARLOS (endeavors to prevent him, with much emotion). Not so—not so, count! I am too much moved— I would not be unmanned!
LERMA (kissing his hand with feeling). My children's king! To die for you will be their privilege! It is not mine, alas! But in those children Remember me! Return in peace to Spain. May you on Philip's throne feel as a man, For you have learned to suffer! Undertake No bloody deed against your father, prince! Philip compelled his father to yield up The throne to him; and this same Philip now Trembles at his own son. Think, prince, of that And may Heaven prosper and direct your path!
[Exit quickly. CARLOS about to hasten away by another side, but turns rapidly round, and throws himself down before the copse, which he again folds in his arms. He then hurries from the room.
SCENE VIII.
The KING's Antechamber. DUKE ALVA and DUKE FERIA enter in conversation.
ALVA. The town is quieted. How is the king?
FERIA. In the most fearful state. Within his chamber He is shut up, and whatso'er may happen He will admit no person to his presence. The treason of the marquis has at once Changed his whole nature. We no longer know him.
ALVA. I must go to him, nor respect his feelings. A great discovery which I have made——
FERIA. A new discovery!
ALVA. A Carthusian monk My guards observed, with stealthy footsteps, creep Into the prince's chamber, and inquire With anxious curiosity, about The Marquis Posa's death. They seized him straight, And questioned him. Urged by the fear of death, He made confession that he bore about him Papers of high importance, which the marquis Enjoined him to deliver to the prince, If, before sunset, he should not return.
FERIA. Well, and what further?
ALVA. These same letters state That Carlos from Madrid must fly before The morning dawn.
FERIA. Indeed!
ALVA. And that a ship at Cadiz lies Ready for sea, to carry him to Flushing. And that the Netherlands but wait his presence, To shake the Spanish fetters from their arms.
FERIA. Can this be true?
ALVA. And other letters say A fleet of Soliman's will sail for Rhodes, According to the treaty, to attack The Spanish squadron in the Midland seas.
FERIA. Impossible.
ALVA. And hence I understand The object of the journeys, which of late The marquis made through Europe. 'Twas no less Than to rouse all the northern powers to arms In aid of Flanders' freedom.
FERIA. Was it so?
ALVA. There is besides appended to these letters The full concerted plan of all the war Which is to disunite from Spain's control The Netherlands forever. Naught omitted; The power and opposition close compared; All the resources accurately noted, Together with the maxims to be followed, And all the treaties which they should conclude. The plan is fiendish, but 'tis no less splendid.
FERIA. The deep, designing traitor!
ALVA. And, moreover, There is allusion made, in these same letters, To some mysterious conference the prince Must with his mother hold upon the eve Preceding his departure.
FERIA.
That must be This very day.
ALVA. At midnight. But for this I have already taken proper steps. You see the case is pressing. Not a moment Is to be lost. Open the monarch's chamber.
FERIA. Impossible! All entrance is forbidden.
ALVA. I'll open then myself; the increasing danger Must justify my boldness.
[As he is on the point of approaching the door it opens, and the KING comes out.
FERIA. 'Tis himself.
SCENE IX.
The KING. The preceding.
All are alarmed at his appearance, fall back, and let him pass through them. He appears to be in a waking dream, like a sleep-walker. His dress and figure indicate the disorder caused by his late fainting. With slow steps he walks past the GRANDEES and looks at each with a fixed eye, but without recognizing any of them. At last he stands still, wrapped in thought, his eyes fixed on the ground, till the emotions of his mind gradually express themselves in words.
KING. Restore me back the dead! Yes, I must have him.
DOMINGO (whispering to ALVA). Speak to him, duke.
KING. He died despising me! Have him again I must, and make him think More nobly of me.
ALVA (approaching with fear). Sire!
KING (looking round the circle). Who speaks to me! Have you forgotten who I am? Why not Upon your knees, before your king, ye creatures! Am I not still your king? I must command Submission from you. Do you all then slight me Because one man despised me?
ALVA. Gracious king! No more of him: a new and mightier foe Arises in the bosom of your realm.
FERIA. Prince Carlos——
KING. Had a friend who died for him; For him! With me he might have shared an empire. How he looked down upon me! From the throne Kings look not down so proudly. It was plain How vain his conquest made him. His keen sorrow Confessed how great his loss. Man weeps not so For aught that's perishable. Oh, that he might But live again! I'd give my Indies for it! Omnipotence! thou bring'st no comfort to me: Thou canst not stretch thine arm into the grave To rectify one little act, committed With hasty rashness, 'gainst the life of man. The dead return no more. Who dare affirm That I am happy? In the tomb he dwells, Who scorned to flatter me. What care I now For all who live? One spirit, one free being, And one alone, arose in all this age! He died despising me!
ALVA. Our lives are useless! Spaniards, let's die at once! E'en in the grave This man still robs us of our monarch's heart.
KING (sits down, and leans his head on his arm). Oh! had he died for me! I loved him, too, And much. Dear to me was he as a son. In his young mind there brightly rose for me A new and beauteous morning. Who can say What I had destined for him? He to me Was a first love. All Europe may condemn me, Europe may overwhelm me with its curse, But I deserved his thanks.
DOMINGO. What spell is this?
KING. And, say, for whom did he desert me thus? A boy,—my son? Oh, no, believe it not! A Posa would not perish for a boy; The scanty flame of friendship could not fill A Posa's heart. It beat for human kind. His passion was the world, and the whole course Of future generations yet unborn. To do them service he secured a throne— And lost it. Such high treason 'gainst mankind Could Posa e'er forgive himself? Oh, no; I know his feelings better. Not that he Carlos preferred to Philip, but the youth— The tender pupil,—to the aged monarch. The father's evening sunbeam could not ripen His novel projects. He reserved for this The young son's orient rays. Oh, 'tis undoubted, They wait for my decease.
ALVA. And of your thoughts, Read in these letters strongest confirmation.
KING. 'Tis possible he may miscalculate. I'm still myself. Thanks, Nature, for thy gifts; I feel within my frame the strength of youth; I'll turn their schemes to mockery. His virtue Shall be an empty dream—his death, a fool's. His fall shall crush his friend and age together. We'll test it now—how they can do without me. The world is still for one short evening mine, And this same evening will I so employ, That no reformer yet to cone shall reap Another harvest, in the waste I'll leave, For ten long generations after me. He would have offered me a sacrifice To his new deity—humanity! So on humanity I'll take revenge. And with his puppet I'll at once commence. [To the DUKE ALVA. What you have now to tell me of the prince, Repeat. What tidings do these letters bring?
ALVA. These letters, sire, contain the last bequest Of Posa to Prince Carlos.
KING (reads the papers, watched by all present. He then lays them aside and walks in silence up and down the room). Summon straight The cardinal inquisitor; and beg He will bestow an hour upon the king, This very night!
TAXIS. Just on the stroke of two The horses must be ready and prepared, At the Carthusian monastery.
ALVA. Spies Despatched by me, moreover, have observed Equipments at the convent for a journey, On which the prince's arms were recognized.
FERIA. And it is rumored that large sums are raised In the queen's name, among the Moorish agents, Destined for Brussels.
KING. Where is Carlos?
ALVA. With Posa's body.
KING. And there are lights as yet Within the queen's apartments?
ALVA. Everything Is silent there. She has dismissed her maids Far earlier than as yet has been her custom. The Duchess of Arcos, who was last with her, Left her in soundest sleep.
[An officer of the Body Guard enters, takes the DUKE OF FERIA aside, and whispers to him. The latter, struck with surprise, turns to DUKE ALVA. The others crowd round him, and a murmuring noise arises.
FERIA, TAXIS, and DOMINGO (at the same time) 'Tis wonderful!
KING. What is the matter!
FERIA. News scarce credible!
DOMINGO. Two soldiers, who have just returned from duty, Report—but—oh, the tale's ridiculous!
KING. What do they say?
ALVA. They say, in the left wing Of the queen's palace, that the emperor's ghost Appeared before them, and with solemn gait Passed on. This rumor is confirmed by all The sentinels, who through the whole pavilion Their watches keep. And they, moreover, add, The phantom in the queen's apartment vanished.
KING. And in what shape appeared it?
OFFICER. In the robes, The same attire he in Saint Justi wore For the last time, apparelled as a monk.
KING. A monk! And did the sentries know his person Whilst he was yet alive? They could not else Determine that it was the emperor.
OFFICER. The sceptre which he bore was evidence It was the emperor.
DOMINGO. And the story goes He often has been seen in this same dress.
KING. Did no one speak to him?
OFFICER. No person dared. The sentries prayed, and let him pass in silence.
KING. The phantom vanished in the queen's apartments!
OFFICER. In the queen's antechamber.
[General silence.
KING (turns quickly round). What say you?
ALVA. Sire! we are silent.
KING (after some thought, to the OFFICER). Let my guards be ready And under arms, and order all approach To that wing of the palace to be stopped. I fain would have a word with this same ghost.
[Exit OFFICER. Enter a PAGE.
PAGE. The cardinal inquisitor.
KING (to all present). Retire!
[The CARDINAL INQUISITOR, an old man of ninety, and blind, enters, supported on a staff, and led by two Dominicans. The GRANDEES fall on their knees as he passes, and touch the hem of his garment. He gives them his blessing, and they depart.
SCENE X.
The KING and the GRAND INQUISITOR. A long silence.
GRAND INQUISITOR. Say, do I stand before the king?
KING. You do.
GRAND INQUISITOR. I never thought it would be so again!
KING. I now renew the scenes of early youth, When Philip sought his sage instructor's counsel.
GRAND INQUISITOR. Your glorious sire, my pupil, Charles the Fifth, Nor sought or needed counsel at my hands.
KING. So much happier he! I, cardinal, Am guilty of a murder, and no rest——
GRAND INQUISITOR.
What was the reason for this murder?
KING. 'Twas A fraud unparalleled——
GRAND INQUISITOR. I know it all.
KING. What do you know? Through whom, and since what time?
GRAND INQUISITOR.
For years—what you have only learned since sunset.
KING (with astonishment). You know this man then!
GRAND INQUISITOR. All his life is noted From its commencement to its sudden close, In Santa Casa's holy registers.
KING. Yet he enjoyed his liberty!
GRAND INQUISITOR. The chain With which he struggled, but which held him bound, Though long, was firm, nor easy to be severed.
KING. He has already been beyond the kingdom.
GRAND INQUISITOR. Where'er he travelled I was at his side.
KING (walks backwards and forwards in displeasure). You knew the hands, then, I had fallen into; And yet delayed to warn me!
GRAND INQUISITOR. This rebuke I pay you back. Why did you not consult us Before you sought the arms of such a man? You knew him: one sole glance unmasked him to you. Why did you rob the office of its victim? Are we thus trifled with! When majesty Can stoop to such concealment, and in secret, Behind our backs, league with our enemies, What must our fate be then? If one be spared What plea can justify the fate of thousands?
KING. But he, no less, has fallen a sacrifice.
GRAND INQUISITOR. No; he is murdered—basely, foully murdered. The blood that should so gloriously have flowed To honor us has stained the assassin's hand. What claim had you to touch our sacred rights? He but existed, by our hands to perish. God gave him to this age's exigence, To perish, as a terrible example, And turn high-vaunting reason into shame. Such was my long-laid plan—behold, destroyed In one brief hour, the toil of many years. We are defrauded, and your only gain Is bloody hands.
KING. Passion impelled me to it. Forgive me.
GRAND INQUISITOR. Passion! And does royal Philip Thus answer me? Have I alone grown old? [Shaking his head angrily. Passion! Make conscience free within your realms, If you're a slave yourself.
KING. In things like this I'm but a novice. Bear in patience with me.
GRAND INQUISITOR. No, I'm ill pleased with you—to see you thus Tarnish the bygone glories of your reign. Where is that Philip, whose unchanging soul, Fixed as the polar star in heaven above, Round its own axis still pursued its course? Is all the memory of preceding years Forever gone? And did the world become New moulded when you stretched your hand to him? Was poison no more poison? Did distinction 'Twixt good and evil, truth and falsehood, vanish? What then is resolution? What is firmness? What is the faith of man, if in one weak, Unguarded hour, the rules of threescore years Dissolve in air, like woman's fickle favor?
KING. I looked into his eyes. Oh, pardon me This weak relapse into mortality. The world has one less access to your heart; Your eyes are sunk in night.
GRAND INQUISITOR. What did this man Want with you? What new thing could he adduce, You did not know before? And are you versed So ill with fanatics and innovators? Does the reformer's vaunting language sound So novel to your ears? If the firm edifice Of your conviction totters to mere words, Should you not shudder to subscribe the fate Of many thousand poor, deluded souls Who mount the flaming pile for nothing worse?
KING. I sought a human being. These Domingos——
GRAND INQUISITOR. How! human beings! What are they to you? Cyphers to count withal—no more! Alas! And must I now repeat the elements Of kingly knowledge to my gray-haired pupil? An earthly god must learn to bear the want Of what may be denied him. When you whine For sympathy is not the world your equal? What rights should you possess above your equals?
KING (throwing himself into a chair). I'm a mere suffering mortal, that I feel; And you demand from me, a wretched creature, What the Creator only can perform.
GRAND INQUISITOR. No, sire; I am not thus to be deceived. I see you through. You would escape from us. The church's heavy chains pressed hard upon you; You would be free, and claim your independence. [He pauses. The KING is silent. We are avenged. Be thankful to the church, That checks you with the kindness of a mother. The erring choice you were allowed to make Has proved your punishment. You stand reproved! Now you may turn to us again. And know If I, this day, had not been summoned here, By Heaven above! before to-morrow's sun, You would yourself have stood at my tribunal!
KING. Forbear this language, priest. Restrain thyself. I'll not endure it from thee. In such tones No tongue shall speak to me.
GRAND INQUISITOR. Then why, O king Call up the ghost of Samuel? I've anointed Two monarchs to the throne of Spain. I hoped To leave behind a firm-established work. I see the fruit of all my life is lost. Don Philip's hands have shattered what I built. But tell me, sire, wherefore have I been summoned? What do I hear? I am not minded, king, To seek such interviews again.
KING. But one One service more—the last—and then in peace Depart. Let all the past be now forgotten— Let peace be made between us. We are friends.
GRAND INQUISITOR. When Philip bends with due humility.
KING (after a pause). My son is meditating treason.
GRAND INQUISITOR, Well! And what do you resolve?
KING. On all, or nothing.
GRAND INQUISITOR. What mean you by this all?
KING. He must escape, Or die.
GRAND INQUISITOR. Well, sire! decide.
KING. And can you not Establish some new creed to justify The bloody murder of one's only son?
GRAND INQUISITOR. To appease eternal justice God's own Son Expired upon the cross.
KING. And can you spread This creed throughout all Europe?
GRAND INQUISITOR. Ay, as far As the true cross is worshipped.
KING. But I sin— Sin against nature. Canst thou, by thy power, Silence her mighty voice.
GRAND INQUISITOR. The voice of nature Avails not over faith.
KING. My right to judge I place within your hands. Can I retrace The step once taken?
GRAND INQUISITOR. Give him to me!
KING. My only son! For whom then have I labored?
GRAND INQUISITOR. For the grave rather than for liberty!
KING (rising up). We are agreed. Come with me.
GRAND INQUISITOR. Monarch! Whither
KING. From his own father's hands to take the victim.
[Leads him away.
SCENE XI.
Queen's Apartment.
CARLOS. The QUEEN. Afterwards the KING and attendants. CARLOS in monk's attire, a mask over his face, which he is just taking off; under his arm a naked sword. It is quite dark. He approaches a door, which is in the act of opening. The QUEEN comes out in her night-dress with a lighted candle. CARLOS falls on one knee before her.
CARLOS. Elizabeth!
QUEEN (regarding him with silent sorrow). Do we thus meet again?
CARLOS. 'Tis thus we meet again!
[A silence.
QUEEN (endeavoring to collect herself). Carlos, arise! We must not now unnerve each other thus. The mighty dead will not be honored now By fruitless tears. Tears are for petty sorrows! He gave himself for thee! With his dear life He purchased thine. And shall this precious blood Flow for a mere delusion of the brain? Oh, Carlos, I have pledged myself for thee. On that assurance did he flee from hence More satisfied. Oh, do not falsify My word.
CARLOS (with animation) To him I'll raise a monument Nobler than ever honored proudest monarch, And o'er his dust a paradise shall bloom!
QUEEN. Thus did I hope to find thee! This was still The mighty purpose of his death. On me Devolves the last fulfilment of his plans, And I will now fulfil my solemn oath. Yet one more legacy your dying friend Bequeathed to me. I pledged my word to him, And wherefore should I now conceal it from you? To me did he resign his Carlos—I Defy suspicion, and no longer tremble Before mankind, but will for once assume The courage of a friend; My heart shall speak. He called our passion—virtue! I believe him, And will my heart no longer——
CARLOS. Hold, O queen! Long was I sunk in a delusive dream. I loved, but now I am at last awake Forgotten be the past. Here are your letters,— Destroy my own. Fear nothing from my passion, It is extinct. A brighter flame now burns, And purifies my being. All my love Lies buried in the grave. No mortal wish Finds place within this bosom. [After a pause, taking her hand. I have come To bid farewell to you, and I have learned There is a higher, greater good, my mother, Than to call thee mine own. One rapid night Has winged the tardy progress of my years, And prematurely ripened me to manhood. I have no further business in the world, But to remember him. My harvest now Is ended. [He approaches the QUEEN, who conceals her face. Mother! will you not reply!
QUEEN. Carlos! regard not these my tears. I cannot Restrain then. But believe me I admire you.
CARLOS. Thou wert the only partner of our league And by this name thou shalt remain to me The most beloved object in this world. No other woman can my friendship share, More than she yesterday could win my love. But sacred shall the royal widow be, Should Providence conduct me to the throne.
[The KING, accompanied by the GRAND INQUISITOR, appears in the background without being observed.
I hasten to leave Spain, and never more Shall I behold my father in this world. No more I love him. Nature is extinct Within this breast. Be you again his wife— His son's forever lost to him! Return Back to your course of duty—I must speed To liberate a people long oppressed From a fell tyrant's hand. Madrid shall bail Carlos as king, or ne'er behold him more. And now a long and last farewell——
[He kisses her.
QUEEN. Oh, Carlos! How you exalt me! but I dare not soar To such a height of greatness:—yet I may Contemplate now your noble mind with wonder.
CARLOS. Am I not firm, Elizabeth? I hold thee Thus in my arms and tremble not. The fear Of instant death had, yesterday, not torn me From this dear spot. [He leaves her. All that is over now, And I defy my mortal destinies. I've held thee in these arms and wavered not. Hark! Heard you nothing!
[A clock strikes.
QUEEN. Nothing but the bell That tolls the moment of our separation.
CARLOS. Good night, then, mother! And you shall, from Ghent, Receive a letter, which will first proclaim Our secret enterprise aloud. I go To dare King Philip to an open contest. Henceforth there shall be naught concealed between us! You need not shun the aspect of the world. Be this my last deceit.
[About to take up the mask—the KING stands between them.
KING. It is thy last.
[The QUEEN falls senseless.
CARLOS (hastens to her and supports her in his arms). Is the queen dead? Great heavens!
KING (coolly and quietly to the GRAND INQUISITOR). Lord Cardinal! I've done my part. Go now, and do your own.
