I feel another heaven – another sun
That was not here before. She loves – she loves me!
PAGE (leading him forward).
But this is not the place: prince! you forget.
The king! My father!
[His arms sink, he casts a timid look around, then collecting himself.
This is dreadful! Yes,
You're right, my friend. I thank you: I was not
Just then myself. To be compelled to silence,
And bury in my heart this mighty bliss,
Is terrible!
[Taking the PAGE by the hand, and leading him aside.
Now here! What thou hast seen,
And what not seen, must be within thy breast
Entombed as in the grave. So now depart;
I shall not need thy guidance; they must not
Surprise us here! Now go.
[The PAGE is about to depart.
Yet hold, a word!
[The PAGE returns. CARLOS lays his hand on his shoulder, and looks him steadily in the face.
A direful secret hast thou in thy keeping,
Which, like a poison of terrific power,
Shivers the cup that holds it into atoms.
Guard every look of thine, nor let thy head
Guess at thy bosom's secret. Be thou like
The senseless speaking-trumpet that receives
And echoes back the voice, but hears it not.
Thou art a boy! Be ever so; continue
The pranks of youth. My correspondent chose
Her messenger of love with prudent skill!
The king will ne'er suspect a serpent here.
And I, my prince, shall feel right proud to know
I am one secret richer than the king.
Vain, foolish boy! 'tis this should make thee tremble.
Approach me ever with a cold respect:
Ne'er be induced by idle pride to boast
How gracious is the prince! No deadlier sin
Canst thou commit, my son, than pleasing me.
Whate'er thou hast in future for my ear,
Give not to words; intrust not to thy lips,
Ne'er on that common high road of the thoughts
Permit thy news to travel. Speak with an eye,
A finger; I will answer with a look.
The very air, the light, are Philip's creatures,
And the deaf walls around are in his pay.
Some one approaches; fly, we'll meet again.
[The QUEEN'S chamber opens, and DUKE ALVA comes out.
Be careful, prince, to find the right apartment.
[Exit.
It is the duke! Fear not, I'll find the way.
SCENE V
DON CARLOS. DUDE OF ALVA.
Two words, most gracious prince.
Some other time.
[Going.
The place is not the fittest, I confess;
Perhaps your royal highness may be pleased
To grant me audience in your private chamber.
For what? And why not here? Only be brief.
The special object which has brought me hither,
Is to return your highness lowly thanks
For your good services.
Thanks to me —
For what? Duke Alva's thanks!
You scarce had left
His majesty, ere I received in form
Instructions to depart for Brussels.
What!
For Brussels!
And to what, most gracious prince,
Must I ascribe this favor, but to you —
Your intercession with the king?
Ob, no!
Not in the least to me; but, duke, you travel,
So Heaven be with your grace!
And is this all?
It seems, indeed, most strange! And has your highness
No further orders, then, to send to Flanders?
What should I have?
Not long ago, it seemed,
The country's fate required your presence.
How?
But yes, you're right, – it was so formerly;
But now this change is better as it is.
I am amazed —
You are an able general,
No one doubts that – envy herself must own it.
For me, I'm but a youth – so thought the king.
The king was right, quite right. I see it now
Myself, and am content – and so no more.
God speed your journey, as you see, just now
My hands are full, and weighty business presses.
The rest to-morrow, or whene'er you