The Conflict ; or Love, Honour and Pride a Heroic Comedy |
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 | The Conflict ; or Love, Honour and Pride |  |
SCENE THIRD.
DONNA ISABELLA, DONNA LEONORA, DONNA ELVIRA, BLANCHE, DON MANRIQUE, DON ALVAREZ, DON LOPEZ, CARLOS.Grandees, Officers of the Court, Guards, &c. &c.
(The Queens go towards the throne, the Queen of Castile in the middle. At the foot of the platform, the Queen of Castile turns & addresses the Court.)
D. ISABELLA.
Lopez, Alvarez, Manrique! whom my States
Have nam'd as worthy to ascend my Throne!
Before I grant their prayer, and name a Sovereign,
Brave Counts! a solemn Oath, I ask from each.
Swear, uncontested, to accept my choice;
That the rejected Two, nay, all the Three,
(If 'tis my pleasure to reject them all)
Will, whom I name for King, own as his Master.
My Right to chuse, my Lords! you must now recognise
And swear to guard that Right inviolate,
When I shall name my Husband and your King.
Have nam'd as worthy to ascend my Throne!
Before I grant their prayer, and name a Sovereign,
Brave Counts! a solemn Oath, I ask from each.
Swear, uncontested, to accept my choice;
That the rejected Two, nay, all the Three,
(If 'tis my pleasure to reject them all)
Will, whom I name for King, own as his Master.
My Right to chuse, my Lords! you must now recognise
And swear to guard that Right inviolate,
When I shall name my Husband and your King.
Both of my Crown, and Self, I may dispose:
I hold my State's Election as no law;
Nor shall it subjugate my royal Will:
Well pleas'd I view their justice to your worth,
Showing their high esteem of your exploits;
Which, though it shall not rule, may guide my choice.
May Heaven's Omniscient Will illume my mind!
Make me the agent of its high behests,
That my now choice the worthiest may reward.
(To the Grandees.)
I hold my State's Election as no law;
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Well pleas'd I view their justice to your worth,
Showing their high esteem of your exploits;
Which, though it shall not rule, may guide my choice.
May Heaven's Omniscient Will illume my mind!
Make me the agent of its high behests,
That my now choice the worthiest may reward.
Ye Nobles of Castile! my People's Delegates!
I grant their prayer. Own ye my royal Rights,
That in myself alone resides the Power
To chuse my Husband, and divide my Rule?
(The whole Court, each having his right hand on his heart, bow assenting.)
(To the Counts.)
These Rights, thus recognis'd, swear Counts! to guard.
I grant their prayer. Own ye my royal Rights,
That in myself alone resides the Power
To chuse my Husband, and divide my Rule?
(The whole Court, each having his right hand on his heart, bow assenting.)
(To the Counts.)
These Rights, thus recognis'd, swear Counts! to guard.
D. LOPEZ.
Unquestion'd, unoppos'd, I swear to guard them.
Your States but supplicate, nor mean restraint;
And in obedience solely to your Will,
Have they made known their sentiments of us.
Not from their favour, but your own free choice,
Do I presuming think to gain your hand:
An honour which I scarcely dare to hope,
But as a bliss unmerited is hop'd for.
I own your Power to give, without control,
That hand, which monarchs proudly might dispute,
E'en to the meanest subject in Castile.
Yet this unprecedented grace I trust,
Will on the least unworthy be conferr'd:
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That to use all your power may not behove you.
Such, Madam! are my thoughts.
D. ISABELLA.
Speak yours, Don Manrique!
D. MANRIQUE.
Though, madam! your discourse schools us to fear,
And inly breeds suspicion in our minds,
Yet, I attest your Right, and own your Power,
To chuse a Husband, and to bid him reign.
Long ere you grac'd a Throne, my soul ador'd you:
The King your Brother, my lamented Master,
Deign'd on my love to smile, and bade me hope.
Fondly my heart the flattering thought has cherish'd,
That four whole years of anxious, constant love,
At last, may win your pity and regard.
Yet if, in this sweet hope, my mind deceive me,
I swear, since you demand this test of fealty,
Though to despair you doom my faithful heart,
That He, whom your free choice pronounces bless'd,
I, as my King, and Master, will obey,
Protect his person, and support his power,
With warmest zeal, and constant, firm allegiance.
D. ISABELLA.
Brave, Don Alvarez! what is your resolve?
D. ALVAREZ.
I will not be importunate in speech:
Chuse of us Three, or make another choice,
I swear, implicitly, t'obey your will.
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(smiling).
Beneath this deference, this profound respect,
We spy the leaven of conceal'd indifference;
And as your heart sighs for another's charms,
'Tis thus, on both sides, that you homage pay.
D. ALVAREZ.
Madam!
D. ISABELLA.
A truce, my Lord!
(Donna Isabella mounts the step of the platform, and seats herself upon the throne. The Queens of Arragon mount the platform, and seat themselves. The Dowager Queen Leonora on the righthand side of the throne, and Elvira on the left.
D. ISABELLA.
Let each take place.
(The Three Counts, and the Grandees, who form the Court, seat themselves on the seats prepared for them. Don Lopez on the right-hand side of the throne, Don Alvarez and Don Manrique on the left. Carlos, who stands on the right-hand side of the throne, in a line with the Grandees, but below them, nearest the audience, seeing a place unoccupied, next to Don Lopez, near to whom he stands, seats himself. Don Manrique rising, steps from his rank, and speaking, Carlos rises. Don Lopez rises, the instant Carlos attempts to seat himself.
D. MANRIQUE.
Rise, Carlos, rise! Whence such audacity?
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What title have you to assume this rank,
And seat yourself with the Grandees of Spain?
CARLOS.
Vacant the place, my Lords! and as in camps,
So oft in council, with my King, I sat,
I thought in courts to fill a place as well.
D. MANRIQUE.
A Soldier! to usurp the rank of Count?
The favours of your Prince make you forgetful.
CARLOS.
Think me not, Count, asham'd of what I am;
Nor yet forgetful of what first you knew me.
Soldier's a title for a Prince to boast.
Carlos, though now he holds a General's truncheon,
Remembers, that five years are not elaps'd
Since, as a Soldier, in the common ranks,
He fought unnotic'd, and without distinction:
One of that mass whose valour gains the war;
Whilst he who leads, claims all the wreath of fame.
Nor yet forgetful of what first you knew me.
Soldier's a title for a Prince to boast.
Carlos, though now he holds a General's truncheon,
Remembers, that five years are not elaps'd
Since, as a Soldier, in the common ranks,
He fought unnotic'd, and without distinction:
One of that mass whose valour gains the war;
Whilst he who leads, claims all the wreath of fame.
The late good King, your royal Master, Lords!
Who knew my deeds, from rank to rank promoted me.
He thought, that I had earn'd my General's staff.
If otherwise you judge, the time is come,
When Sovereign Power may give you to reclaim it.
Who knew my deeds, from rank to rank promoted me.
He thought, that I had earn'd my General's staff.
If otherwise you judge, the time is come,
When Sovereign Power may give you to reclaim it.
D. MANRIQUE.
Presumptuous Carlos! how dares your arrogance
A second time offend? Was't not enough
To rank yourself with our Nobility,
That, when rebuk'd, you dare our justice question?
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We should disdain to take your honours from you.
Deeds, which will grace our history's future page,
Deeds, but acknowledg'd, not rewarded yet,
Your godlike arm, invincible, has done.
The Royal Standard of Castile was taken
In the King's sight; your youthful arm redeem'd it.
This perilous action turn'd the tide of battle,
Inspir'd our troops with courage to drive back
The conqu'ring Moors, e'en to their rocky fastness;
Till from the vanquish'd, we became the vanquishers.
CARLOS.
My Lord! I ask you not to word my deeds;
A Soldier glories more to act, than vaunt them.
D. MANRIQUE.
Unask'd I speak them; to convince your pride,
I bear no envy to the worth I value.
I bear no envy to the worth I value.
From chains you sav'd the King in Andalusia:
When pierc'd with wounds, upon a heap of dead,
Your body was so long his shield, his troops
Gain'd time to rally; those foes, who hemm'd him in,
Were sacrific'd; and the same squadron, which went
To rescue him, a victor brought him back,
And you almost expiring. You mounted first
Upon the walls of Seville, slew Roderigo,
And maintain'd the breach, whilst the Castilians enter'd;
Then, at their head, storm'd the strong citadel,
And forc'd its gates. Of many great exploits
These are but some. Don Lopez and myself,
To you indebted stand for life and liberty:
For, when surrounded by triumphant Moors,
Then, when we trembled, prisoners to their arms,
By you our Guardian Genius bade them fall,
Fate to our foes, and providence to us;
You conquer'd numbers, to redeem us bled.
When pierc'd with wounds, upon a heap of dead,
Your body was so long his shield, his troops
Gain'd time to rally; those foes, who hemm'd him in,
Were sacrific'd; and the same squadron, which went
To rescue him, a victor brought him back,
And you almost expiring. You mounted first
Upon the walls of Seville, slew Roderigo,
And maintain'd the breach, whilst the Castilians enter'd;
Then, at their head, storm'd the strong citadel,
And forc'd its gates. Of many great exploits
These are but some. Don Lopez and myself,
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For, when surrounded by triumphant Moors,
Then, when we trembled, prisoners to their arms,
By you our Guardian Genius bade them fall,
Fate to our foes, and providence to us;
You conquer'd numbers, to redeem us bled.
CARLOS.
My soul rejoic'd to aid the valiant's cause.
'T was but a Soldier's part I did, brave Count!
And, had your fate been mine, yourself or Lopez,
Would have done more, to guard my life or liberty.
D. MANRIQUE.
To speak your worth is due to my own honour,
Lest I be thought invidious of your glory.
Your rank, and not your courage I dispute;
I think your valour has not had its meed;
The late King promis'd to reward it further,
But death surpriz'd him just as he resolv'd it.
D. ISABELLA.
I, Carlos! who his crown inherit, take
His debt on me; and amply will repay you.
My Brother held you high in his esteem;
He thought few equal, in his court, to Carlos,
For valour in the field; or in the council,
For wisdom, prudence, and distinguish'd vigour.—
Counts! let this difference end! Be seated, Carlos!
D. LOPEZ.
Ere he takes Rank with the Grandees of Spain,
First, Madam! order him to name his Family.
We, in no wise, contest his bravery,
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To achieve such deeds, as would become a god:
Let him declare his race and genealogy;
His lineage state; for valour without birth,
Had never right to occupy such place.
CARLOS.
Let him who wills boast honours others earn'd.
I will owe nought to those who gave me life.
I'd rather equal Cæsar in the field,
Than trace my lineage to the Julian Race.
What do we know of Macedonia's Kings,
Worthy record, till Philip rose in arms,
And Alexander triumph'd o'er the world.—
Hereditary honours I disdain;
And know, proud Counts! I would not give the name
My sword has earn'd, to be Medina's Duke,
E'en though Don Manrique's blood enrich'd his veins.
I claim no parents, but my past exploits;
My valour be my Race. My arm my Lineage.
D. LOPEZ.
The proof is clear, that Carlos is not Noble.
D. ISABELLA.
Then I, whose Son soe'er he be, or what
His Race, ennoble him. Contest no more!
D. MANRIQUE.
Permit me yet one word—
D. ISABELLA.
Not one, Don Manrique!
For this audacity assumes too much.
Must I have leave from you to ennoble Carlos?
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No!—but that place is due to highest dignities;
And, though ennobled, Carlos cannot take it,
'T is sacred to the High Grandees of Spain;
One less than Count, or Marquis, would profane it.
D. ISABELLA.
Henceforth then, Carlos! Marquis of Santillane,
Count of Pennafiel, and Governor of Burgos,
Your titles claim. Don Carlos! I create thee
One of the High Grandees. Assert your Privilege—
(He puts on his hat.)
And take your Rank—
(He seats himself.)
Is this enough, Don Manrique!
To give him privilege to take that place?
Does there remain one scruple in your mind?
D. MANRIQUE.
Madam! complete your work, and make him King.
To grace him by such dignities, is less
To equal him to us, than to exalt Carlos,
To your own Rank. Your skilful prelude, Princess!
And those exacted Oaths, we have just sworn,
Show that your heart has made its choice of Carlos:
We, bound by vows, must ratify that choice;
I shall obey, nor aught attempt against it.
To him, I here resign, You and your Kingdom:
I quit your presence, ere you make him King;
Not as one jealous at it, but through fear,
Lest for You, Queen! I blush, when you shall name him.
(Going.)
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D. ISABELLA
(with anger).
Stay, Insolent!—
(D. Manrique returns.)
(Recovering her temper.)
Your Queen forgives you, Manrique!
What an unworthy fear, imprudently suspects;
To silence which, I condescend so far,
As to declare, that in my States' just choice,
I acquiesce; that you—still hold the rank
You held in my esteem; and I attribute,
This fiery transport to excess of love.
Injurious as it is, I pardon it;
Ere your reflection pleads for love's offence.
D. MANRIQUE.
Your conduct, Queen! gave rise to my offence.
Honours so lavish'd, warranted suspicion:
Excuse too, Madam! some antipathy—
D. ISABELLA.
Forbear, to justify your insolent pride!
Though pardon'd, Manrique! it shall learn humility.
My sacred Rights, as woman, and as Queen,
You have profan'd with impious disrespect;
Slander'd my conduct, and my power insulted.
Grant that I Carlos love; or that I solely,
Through pure esteem, pay tribute to his worth;
Raising his Rank above your lordly scorn;
Whate'er be my design, you should respect,
Either, the choice my heart has made; or what
My power creates; and, will support, proud Vassal!!
To curb your scorn, still higher will I raise him,
Grant him prerogative beyond my own;
Myself and Crown, I to his power intrust;
I made Him Marquis, He shall name a King.
You own his merit, he shall judge of yours.
(To Don Carlos.)
Twice has your arm redeem'd my throne and kingdom:
Now let your wisdom like your valour shine,
And worthily bestow the Crown you sav'd.
(Advancing a step or two towards Don Carlos, and presenting her ring to him.)
Lord Marquis! take my Ring. And, as your testimony,
On the most worthy of these Three bestow it,
And hail him King.—What of this Day remains
Is yours, to weigh their merits, and reward them.
Though pardon'd, Manrique! it shall learn humility.
My sacred Rights, as woman, and as Queen,
You have profan'd with impious disrespect;
Slander'd my conduct, and my power insulted.
Grant that I Carlos love; or that I solely,
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Raising his Rank above your lordly scorn;
Whate'er be my design, you should respect,
Either, the choice my heart has made; or what
My power creates; and, will support, proud Vassal!!
To curb your scorn, still higher will I raise him,
Grant him prerogative beyond my own;
Myself and Crown, I to his power intrust;
I made Him Marquis, He shall name a King.
You own his merit, he shall judge of yours.
(To Don Carlos.)
Twice has your arm redeem'd my throne and kingdom:
Now let your wisdom like your valour shine,
And worthily bestow the Crown you sav'd.
(Advancing a step or two towards Don Carlos, and presenting her ring to him.)
Lord Marquis! take my Ring. And, as your testimony,
On the most worthy of these Three bestow it,
And hail him King.—What of this Day remains
Is yours, to weigh their merits, and reward them.
Ambitious Rivals! pay your court to him:
He who presents me with my Ring from Carlos,
Shall instantly receive my hand and Crown.
He who presents me with my Ring from Carlos,
Shall instantly receive my hand and Crown.
Queens! let us go, and leave them to determine,
To whom, in preference, I would give my Kingdom.
To whom, in preference, I would give my Kingdom.
(The Queens retire; the scene closes upon the Court, leaving the three Counts and Carlos at the front of the stage.)
| The Conflict ; or Love, Honour and Pride | |