University of Virginia Library

SCENE THIRD.

DONNA LEONORA, DON MANRIQUE, DON LOPEZ.
D. MANRIQUE.
As here Don Raymond seeks him, I believe,
Either that Heaven has torn Don Sancho from you,
Or that he lives in the Illustrious Carlos.

D. LEONORA.
Carlos, my Lord?—And thinks Don Manrique thus?

D. LOPEZ.
This is the thought, and wish of a whole People:—
When it was known that here your son was sought,
All with one voice exclaim'd, “He must be Carlos!”
We judg'd that you could have explain'd the mystery.
And therefore sought your presence to explore it.

D. MANRIQUE.
Madam! though envious of Carlos deem'd,
I own that his whole life, since we have known him,
Throughout its wondrous course, appears one miracle:
Himself and fortune almost supernatural.
His high strung virtue that enchants all minds;
His lofty valour, which transcends my praise,
His port majestic and his winning mien,
Give him access, beyond a Subject's reach,
To thrones: Two Queens, all emulous, strive,
Who shall esteem and honour him the most;
Nay, e'en from love, can scarce defend their hearts.
The prompt respect of an adoring People,
Who, like some god, gaze at him as he passes,
All, with resistless evidence, evinces
That valiant Carlos is your long-lost Son.

D. LEONORA.
In such a Son, how might a Mother triumph?
But yet beware, my Lords! how you inspire
The thought, that Carlos is my long-mourn'd Child;
Lest I mistake a woman's conscious pride,
That would exult to own a Son like him,
For Nature's sacred voice within my breast.
He has a Prince's spirit, not his birth;
Himself, by his own conduct, this attests,
Leaving the Queen to chuse, amongst her Subjects,
The Partner of her royal bed and Throne.

D. MANRIQUE.
See you not, Madam! that his princely spirit
Prepares to gain this conquest o'er all three.
Have you forgotten what he said before you?
“I will owe nought to those who gave me life”—
Nobly his heart resigns that high advantage,
To owe his greatness only to his courage.

D. LOPEZ.
Behold him! we shall know from him the truth.