A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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THE STORY OF Don Carlos, PRINCE of SPAIN. |
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 | A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects |  |
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THE STORY OF Don Carlos, PRINCE of SPAIN.
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Carlos
, the mighty Second Philip's Heir,
Who now did proud Castilia's Scepter bear,
Illustrious with Heroick Vertue shone,
And every Grace and bright Endowment known
In high-descended Youth, of generous Mind,
For Empire, Arms, and worthy Deeds design'd;
Bright Life and Spirit breaking from his Eyes,
Did please at once Spectators, and surprize;
Who there could trace great Actions yet to come,
Young Vict'ries smiling in their downy Plume,
The Hero's op'ning Bud, and Laurels in their Bloom.
So were his Features mingled, that the Bold
And Warm were temper'd by the Mild and Cold,
The Strong and Martial by the Soft control'd.
Hence did his Aspect blended Passions move,
Delightful Awe and reverential Love:
Discreet and just, munificent and kind,
Sincere and courteous, and of Sense refin'd,
The Court's Esteem he did unrivall'd gain,
And grew the Wonder and the Boast of Spain.
Who now did proud Castilia's Scepter bear,
Illustrious with Heroick Vertue shone,
And every Grace and bright Endowment known
In high-descended Youth, of generous Mind,
For Empire, Arms, and worthy Deeds design'd;
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Did please at once Spectators, and surprize;
Who there could trace great Actions yet to come,
Young Vict'ries smiling in their downy Plume,
The Hero's op'ning Bud, and Laurels in their Bloom.
So were his Features mingled, that the Bold
And Warm were temper'd by the Mild and Cold,
The Strong and Martial by the Soft control'd.
Hence did his Aspect blended Passions move,
Delightful Awe and reverential Love:
Discreet and just, munificent and kind,
Sincere and courteous, and of Sense refin'd,
The Court's Esteem he did unrivall'd gain,
And grew the Wonder and the Boast of Spain.
The Gallick Princess, his contracted Bride,
Her Neighbour's Envy, and her Nation's Pride,
Possess'd all Charms and Graces, which conspire
To form consummate Beauty, and inspire
Regard and Love, whence she the Chief was own'd
Of high-born Virgins, who Europa crown'd:
Nor did her Mind shine less surprizing bright,
Serene, sagacious, and acute of Sight;
Of Thought extensive, Reason clear and strong,
Rarely the Honour of an Age so young.
Th' engaging Features of the Royal Maid
By Fame, to Love indulgent, were convey'd
On Wings assiduous to the Prince of Spain;
He heard, and felt a sweet unpractis'd Pain
Throb in his Heart, and beat in every Vein.
Willing he entertain'd the gentle Dart,
Approv'd the Pleasure, and enjoy'd the Smart.
But when he earnest view'd her Form Divine,
And charming Face, which did in Colours shine,
Drawn by a Master-Hand in France carest,
Ravish'd, immod'rate Pleasure he exprest,
And form'd a warmer Image in his Breast.
Her Neighbour's Envy, and her Nation's Pride,
Possess'd all Charms and Graces, which conspire
To form consummate Beauty, and inspire
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Of high-born Virgins, who Europa crown'd:
Nor did her Mind shine less surprizing bright,
Serene, sagacious, and acute of Sight;
Of Thought extensive, Reason clear and strong,
Rarely the Honour of an Age so young.
Th' engaging Features of the Royal Maid
By Fame, to Love indulgent, were convey'd
On Wings assiduous to the Prince of Spain;
He heard, and felt a sweet unpractis'd Pain
Throb in his Heart, and beat in every Vein.
Willing he entertain'd the gentle Dart,
Approv'd the Pleasure, and enjoy'd the Smart.
But when he earnest view'd her Form Divine,
And charming Face, which did in Colours shine,
Drawn by a Master-Hand in France carest,
Ravish'd, immod'rate Pleasure he exprest,
And form'd a warmer Image in his Breast.
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Nor did the Gallick Princess less admire
Spain's Royal Youth, but felt a secret Fire
Spread thro' her tender Breast, that glowing strove
With the first Efforts of expanding Love;
Which warm'd and in th' indulgent Bosom fed,
Stretch'd out its Limbs, and full-grown Wings display'd.
By constant Couriers now the Royal Pair
Maintain'd fond Commerce with alternate Care,
Which kept alive their languishing Desires,
Supply'd new Fewel, and improv'd their Fires.
Now the high Pontiff studious to constrain
Alva the Leader of the Pow'rs of Spain,
To leave Hesperia's Fields, where then he lay,
And did encamp'd with proud Defiance stay
Before high Rome, us'd various Arts and Toil,
Lorrain with new Commotions to embroil:
He work'd his Aims; soon Spain in Arms engag'd,
And War in Belgia's Plains with Fury wag'd.
Two bloody Fields were fought at Gallia's Cost,
Whose Army by inglorious Combat lost
All the brave Youth her warlike Land could boast.
France thus disgrac'd, enfeebled and distrest,
Panting for Breath and languishing for Rest,
Submissive courted Peace, and prudent chose
To gain at any Cost her Realm's Repose.
A solemn Treaty follow'd to concert
A grateful Scheme of Terms to either Part,
Carlos, who rav'd by Turns, by Turns was sad,
While Arms the Triumph of his Love forbad,
Was joy'd as much, while Fame on sounding Wings
The News of Peace to sooth his Passion brings.
Spain's Royal Youth, but felt a secret Fire
Spread thro' her tender Breast, that glowing strove
With the first Efforts of expanding Love;
Which warm'd and in th' indulgent Bosom fed,
Stretch'd out its Limbs, and full-grown Wings display'd.
By constant Couriers now the Royal Pair
Maintain'd fond Commerce with alternate Care,
Which kept alive their languishing Desires,
Supply'd new Fewel, and improv'd their Fires.
Now the high Pontiff studious to constrain
Alva the Leader of the Pow'rs of Spain,
To leave Hesperia's Fields, where then he lay,
And did encamp'd with proud Defiance stay
Before high Rome, us'd various Arts and Toil,
Lorrain with new Commotions to embroil:
He work'd his Aims; soon Spain in Arms engag'd,
And War in Belgia's Plains with Fury wag'd.
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Whose Army by inglorious Combat lost
All the brave Youth her warlike Land could boast.
France thus disgrac'd, enfeebled and distrest,
Panting for Breath and languishing for Rest,
Submissive courted Peace, and prudent chose
To gain at any Cost her Realm's Repose.
A solemn Treaty follow'd to concert
A grateful Scheme of Terms to either Part,
Carlos, who rav'd by Turns, by Turns was sad,
While Arms the Triumph of his Love forbad,
Was joy'd as much, while Fame on sounding Wings
The News of Peace to sooth his Passion brings.
But, while the Treaty held, the Queen bereft
Of Life, a Widow'd Bed to Philip left,
Who bent on farther Nuptials humbly su'd,
And by repeated Efforts earnest woo'd
Th' Illustrious Queen, whose Vertues Albion blest,
Till oft repuls'd, he Gallia's Court addrest
To gain the Bride for Carlos' Arms design'd:
The Gaul, 'tis true, more to the Heir inclin'd
Than the Possessor of Iberia's Crown,
Whose Tide of Life far spent ebb'd hasty down,
But all Things balanc'd, France could not withstand,
So much she wanted Peace, the King's Demand.
Of Life, a Widow'd Bed to Philip left,
Who bent on farther Nuptials humbly su'd,
And by repeated Efforts earnest woo'd
Th' Illustrious Queen, whose Vertues Albion blest,
Till oft repuls'd, he Gallia's Court addrest
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The Gaul, 'tis true, more to the Heir inclin'd
Than the Possessor of Iberia's Crown,
Whose Tide of Life far spent ebb'd hasty down,
But all Things balanc'd, France could not withstand,
So much she wanted Peace, the King's Demand.
While certain Fame did this sad News impart
To the Young Prince, like Light'ning's pointed Dart,
It pierc'd his Breast, and wounded deep his Heart.
And tho' the Anguish watchful he supprest,
Yet in Despight of Care his Looks confest
Too oft suspected Marks of secret Pain,
Which to conceal, his Reason strove in vain.
To the Young Prince, like Light'ning's pointed Dart,
It pierc'd his Breast, and wounded deep his Heart.
And tho' the Anguish watchful he supprest,
Yet in Despight of Care his Looks confest
Too oft suspected Marks of secret Pain,
Which to conceal, his Reason strove in vain.
Now did the Royal beauteous Bride advance
In Pomp and Splendor from the Court of France,
By easy Journeys to deceive the Toil,
And reach the Frontier of Iberia's Soil,
Where to receive her with becoming State,
Deputed Lords of Spain assiduous wait.
Obsequious Carlos at their Head attends
The Stranger Queen, and the same Car ascends.
And now with secret Rapture he beheld
The heav'nly Charms, that her bright Fame excell'd;
And while his Eyes did on her Beauty feast,
He felt his Wound bleed fresh within his Breast,
Nor would his swelling Passion be supprest.
And while the Queen the Royal Lover view'd,
Her tender Looks and gracious Manner shew'd,
She would her Stars have more propitious own'd,
Had they her Love and not Ambition crown'd.
With various Converse they beguil'd the Hours,
Till they arriv'd at high Madrita's Tow'rs,
Where Philip pleas'd with his auspicious Fate,
Receiv'd his Consort at the Palace Gate;
Whose lovely Features, Bloom and winning Grace,
Eclips'd the Beauties of the Spanish Race:
Of the first Rank she shone a radiant Star,
The Idol of the Lords, and Envy of the Fair.
In Pomp and Splendor from the Court of France,
By easy Journeys to deceive the Toil,
And reach the Frontier of Iberia's Soil,
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Deputed Lords of Spain assiduous wait.
Obsequious Carlos at their Head attends
The Stranger Queen, and the same Car ascends.
And now with secret Rapture he beheld
The heav'nly Charms, that her bright Fame excell'd;
And while his Eyes did on her Beauty feast,
He felt his Wound bleed fresh within his Breast,
Nor would his swelling Passion be supprest.
And while the Queen the Royal Lover view'd,
Her tender Looks and gracious Manner shew'd,
She would her Stars have more propitious own'd,
Had they her Love and not Ambition crown'd.
With various Converse they beguil'd the Hours,
Till they arriv'd at high Madrita's Tow'rs,
Where Philip pleas'd with his auspicious Fate,
Receiv'd his Consort at the Palace Gate;
Whose lovely Features, Bloom and winning Grace,
Eclips'd the Beauties of the Spanish Race:
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The Idol of the Lords, and Envy of the Fair.
The Prince of Spain, his Court assiduous made,
And still with Pleasure in her Presence staid.
The more he saw the more he did admire,
Till her bright Form possess'd his Soul entire.
Nor did he strive his Passion to disguise,
But the soft Accents of his melting Eyes,
The Eloquence of Looks and Vocal Mien,
Love's tender Diction, told it to the Queen;
Which in her Breast did anxious Care create,
Touch'd with the gen'rous Prince's rigid Fate,
Whose Reason was too Young to rule a Flame,
Which from a Spring approv'd by Vertue came,
And own'd a just, tho' unsuccessful Aim.
She view'd him like a Ship, its Rudder lost,
On swelling Waves by Winds tempestuous tost,
Despairing e'er to gain the wish'd-for Coast.
And still with Pleasure in her Presence staid.
The more he saw the more he did admire,
Till her bright Form possess'd his Soul entire.
Nor did he strive his Passion to disguise,
But the soft Accents of his melting Eyes,
The Eloquence of Looks and Vocal Mien,
Love's tender Diction, told it to the Queen;
Which in her Breast did anxious Care create,
Touch'd with the gen'rous Prince's rigid Fate,
Whose Reason was too Young to rule a Flame,
Which from a Spring approv'd by Vertue came,
And own'd a just, tho' unsuccessful Aim.
She view'd him like a Ship, its Rudder lost,
On swelling Waves by Winds tempestuous tost,
Despairing e'er to gain the wish'd-for Coast.
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Philip, Hispania's Greatness to assure,
Augment her Wealth, and wider Sway procure,
Ambitious grasp'd at fair Navarra's Soil,
And hop'd without Expence or Martial Toil
Ungenerous to surprize and seize the Prey,
And on her Subject Neck clandestine lay
Iberia's Yoke, which once she did obey.
Studious by Ways unworthy to succeed
In this Attempt inglorious, he decreed
To send the Royal Captives from their Court
Secret to some remote Iberian Fort;
There the imprison'd Princes to detain,
And seize their Kingdom by the Troops of Spain.
Alva his General by the King's Command
For this base Purpose form'd a chosen Band,
Trusting the Conduct to a faithful Hand;
Who, ready Alva's Orders to obey,
Fell sick, and long in wasting Torment lay.
He now convinc'd that Life would soon expire,
Stung with Remorse and Fears of endless Fire,
To Philip's Consort did the Plot impart,
And hop'd her Care the Tempest would avert.
Surpriz'd and wond'ring at the black Intent,
She to Navarra's Queen the Secret sent,
To whom in Royal Blood she was ally'd,
And by the Sacred Bonds of Friendship ty'd:
Thus taking Vent the deep Design was lost,
By Heav'n, that guards the Guiltless, kindly crost
Augment her Wealth, and wider Sway procure,
Ambitious grasp'd at fair Navarra's Soil,
And hop'd without Expence or Martial Toil
Ungenerous to surprize and seize the Prey,
And on her Subject Neck clandestine lay
Iberia's Yoke, which once she did obey.
Studious by Ways unworthy to succeed
In this Attempt inglorious, he decreed
To send the Royal Captives from their Court
Secret to some remote Iberian Fort;
There the imprison'd Princes to detain,
And seize their Kingdom by the Troops of Spain.
Alva his General by the King's Command
For this base Purpose form'd a chosen Band,
Trusting the Conduct to a faithful Hand;
Who, ready Alva's Orders to obey,
Fell sick, and long in wasting Torment lay.
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Stung with Remorse and Fears of endless Fire,
To Philip's Consort did the Plot impart,
And hop'd her Care the Tempest would avert.
Surpriz'd and wond'ring at the black Intent,
She to Navarra's Queen the Secret sent,
To whom in Royal Blood she was ally'd,
And by the Sacred Bonds of Friendship ty'd:
Thus taking Vent the deep Design was lost,
By Heav'n, that guards the Guiltless, kindly crost
Soon as Prince Carlos heard the heinous Deed
Unworthy of a Monarch, was decreed,
The Project he indignant did resent,
And threats to give his generous Passion Vent,
Against the King's Advisers oft exprest,
Which should have slept conceal'd within his Breast.
He said in Rage, Those who the Scheme design'd,
His just Displeasure should unpardon'd find.
Alva and Gomez, Fav'rites, One of whom
Wag'd War Abroad, One rul'd the State at Home,
Jealous the Prince, who Philip's Council blam'd,
Against their Lives the menac'd Vengeance aim'd,
Surely to disappoint th' impending Blow,
Concerted Carlos' Power to overthrow.
Unworthy of a Monarch, was decreed,
The Project he indignant did resent,
And threats to give his generous Passion Vent,
Against the King's Advisers oft exprest,
Which should have slept conceal'd within his Breast.
He said in Rage, Those who the Scheme design'd,
His just Displeasure should unpardon'd find.
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Wag'd War Abroad, One rul'd the State at Home,
Jealous the Prince, who Philip's Council blam'd,
Against their Lives the menac'd Vengeance aim'd,
Surely to disappoint th' impending Blow,
Concerted Carlos' Power to overthrow.
Besides, the brave Iberian Prince of late,
Toucht with the Suff'rings of the Belgian State,
Had own'd Compassion to their hapless Fate.
Where pious Rome's August Tribunal stood
By Arms erected, and upheld in Blood.
This kindled in the Priests vindictive Rage,
Whose wrathful Flames, no Time nor Arts asswage;
Wisely did Alva and his Friend conspire
To urge the Prelates, and improve their Fire,
That by these Holy Mens confed'rate Aid,
The gath'ring Storm might break on Carlos' Head.
Toucht with the Suff'rings of the Belgian State,
Had own'd Compassion to their hapless Fate.
Where pious Rome's August Tribunal stood
By Arms erected, and upheld in Blood.
This kindled in the Priests vindictive Rage,
Whose wrathful Flames, no Time nor Arts asswage;
Wisely did Alva and his Friend conspire
To urge the Prelates, and improve their Fire,
That by these Holy Mens confed'rate Aid,
The gath'ring Storm might break on Carlos' Head.
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Fair Eboli, mean Time the envy'd Bride
Of Gomez, and Iberia's matchless Pride,
For Carlos' Life did Snares destructive frame,
Who show'd Contempt of her discover'd Flame:
Nor was she less against the Queen enrag'd,
Whose Charms she thought the Prince's Heart engag'd.
And hence from diff'rent Principles she joyn'd
With the Two Lords, who Carlos' Fate design'd.
Since no Incentives jealous Princes move,
Like Rival Pow'rs in Empire and in Love,
To fire the King the Two great Lords arraign,
Of bold and trait'rous Aims the Prince of Spain;
While Eboli attempts with subtile Art
To sting with painful Jealousy his Heart.
Of Gomez, and Iberia's matchless Pride,
For Carlos' Life did Snares destructive frame,
Who show'd Contempt of her discover'd Flame:
Nor was she less against the Queen enrag'd,
Whose Charms she thought the Prince's Heart engag'd.
And hence from diff'rent Principles she joyn'd
With the Two Lords, who Carlos' Fate design'd.
Since no Incentives jealous Princes move,
Like Rival Pow'rs in Empire and in Love,
To fire the King the Two great Lords arraign,
Of bold and trait'rous Aims the Prince of Spain;
While Eboli attempts with subtile Art
To sting with painful Jealousy his Heart.
One Day the King thus to the Lords begun,
Have you observ'd the Temper of my Son?
To me, his cloudy Fore-head seems to wear
Concern unusual, and a thoughtful Air,
The Tokens of some anxious secret Care.
Whate'er it be, his Trouble seems unfeign'd,
His Mirth dissembled, and his Smiles constrain'd.
Have you observ'd the Temper of my Son?
To me, his cloudy Fore-head seems to wear
Concern unusual, and a thoughtful Air,
The Tokens of some anxious secret Care.
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His Mirth dissembled, and his Smiles constrain'd.
The Monarch ceas'd—And Gomez thus reply'd,
His Change of Temper cannot be deny'd.
Perhaps the Suff'rings of the Belgick State
Afflict his Soul, and inward Pain create,
For oft he mourns that Nation's present Fate.
He of your mod'rate Violence complains,
As too severe your gentle Arms arraigns,
And wishes oft kind Heav'n would give him Pow'r
To ease their Troubles, and their Rights restore.
'Tis like the Passion of a gen'rous Mind,
Not yet by prudent Rules of State refin'd,
Too much to Belgia has his Heart inclin'd.
He cannot sure foment Sedition's Fire,
Much less at Empire can his Thoughts aspire.
Nor can he Northern Heresy protect,
Tho' some sagacious Heads his Faith suspect.
Hither, 'tis true, the Belgian Lords resort,
And from the Prince assiduous ask Support;
While constant Couriers Commerce close maintain
Between the Belgian and the Prince of Spain;
Perhaps that thus the Prince they may engage
In Ways your just Resentment to asswage,
And win you thence your Army to recall,
And let high Rome's oppos'd Tribunal fall.
His Change of Temper cannot be deny'd.
Perhaps the Suff'rings of the Belgick State
Afflict his Soul, and inward Pain create,
For oft he mourns that Nation's present Fate.
He of your mod'rate Violence complains,
As too severe your gentle Arms arraigns,
And wishes oft kind Heav'n would give him Pow'r
To ease their Troubles, and their Rights restore.
'Tis like the Passion of a gen'rous Mind,
Not yet by prudent Rules of State refin'd,
Too much to Belgia has his Heart inclin'd.
He cannot sure foment Sedition's Fire,
Much less at Empire can his Thoughts aspire.
Nor can he Northern Heresy protect,
Tho' some sagacious Heads his Faith suspect.
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And from the Prince assiduous ask Support;
While constant Couriers Commerce close maintain
Between the Belgian and the Prince of Spain;
Perhaps that thus the Prince they may engage
In Ways your just Resentment to asswage,
And win you thence your Army to recall,
And let high Rome's oppos'd Tribunal fall.
He ceas'd—The Lords retir'd, and in their Stead,
Fair Eboli for Audience did succeed.
Who thus began—Long watchful I have seen,
So Philip bad, the Intercourse between
The Spanish Prince and Spain's Illustrious Queen.
Heav'n knows, To Heav'n as Witness I appeal,
With strong Reluctance I at last reveal
Th' ungrateful Truth I've labour'd to conceal.
But due Obedience to your high Command,
Without deep Guilt can Eboli withstand?
Dejected Carlos, scarce to Life and Sense,
While absent from the Queen, can make Pretence.
The Cloud and settled Sadness, which he wears
In those black Hours, if her bright Form appears,
Are from his Brow dispell'd, as Shades of Night
And hovering Mists are chas'd by rising Light.
His ravish'd Eyes still on her Beauty gaze,
Wanton he basks and revels in the Blaze:
As to a Being of celestial Race
He often kneels, and now his Arms embrace
Her Feet in amorous Raptures, now he stands
Imprinting ardent Kisses on her Hands.
The Queen's indulgent Smiles his Flame approve,
She meets his Glances, and confirms his Love.
But here Surmise should not proceed too far,
Nor will the King condemn the Royal Pair,
And from Imprudence heinous Guilt infer.
Your Bed, Illustrious Monarch, may remain
Still undefil'd, and they without a Stain:
Your Native Goodness will incline your Heart
To spare uncautious Youth, and Wrath avert.
Fair Eboli for Audience did succeed.
Who thus began—Long watchful I have seen,
So Philip bad, the Intercourse between
The Spanish Prince and Spain's Illustrious Queen.
Heav'n knows, To Heav'n as Witness I appeal,
With strong Reluctance I at last reveal
Th' ungrateful Truth I've labour'd to conceal.
But due Obedience to your high Command,
Without deep Guilt can Eboli withstand?
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While absent from the Queen, can make Pretence.
The Cloud and settled Sadness, which he wears
In those black Hours, if her bright Form appears,
Are from his Brow dispell'd, as Shades of Night
And hovering Mists are chas'd by rising Light.
His ravish'd Eyes still on her Beauty gaze,
Wanton he basks and revels in the Blaze:
As to a Being of celestial Race
He often kneels, and now his Arms embrace
Her Feet in amorous Raptures, now he stands
Imprinting ardent Kisses on her Hands.
The Queen's indulgent Smiles his Flame approve,
She meets his Glances, and confirms his Love.
But here Surmise should not proceed too far,
Nor will the King condemn the Royal Pair,
And from Imprudence heinous Guilt infer.
Your Bed, Illustrious Monarch, may remain
Still undefil'd, and they without a Stain:
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To spare uncautious Youth, and Wrath avert.
She said—Then parted from the jealous King,
And in his Bosom left th' envenom'd Sting.
He feels, like warring Winds, strong Passions fight
In his vext Soul, that darken Reason's Light.
The Storm, which furious on his Vitals reigns,
Drives thro' his Breast, and rages thro' his Veins,
O'erwhelms his Heart, and scornful of controul
Embroils the Springs of Life, and works his inmost Soul,
In these dark Clouds, like rip'ning Thunder, lay
Livid Revenge prepar'd to break away,
And its destructive Terrors to display.
Thoughtful a while and silent Philip stood,
Forming black Schemes, and meditating Blood;
Then did the King, in these fierce Accents, vent
The jealous Passion in his Bosom pent.
And in his Bosom left th' envenom'd Sting.
He feels, like warring Winds, strong Passions fight
In his vext Soul, that darken Reason's Light.
The Storm, which furious on his Vitals reigns,
Drives thro' his Breast, and rages thro' his Veins,
O'erwhelms his Heart, and scornful of controul
Embroils the Springs of Life, and works his inmost Soul,
In these dark Clouds, like rip'ning Thunder, lay
Livid Revenge prepar'd to break away,
And its destructive Terrors to display.
Thoughtful a while and silent Philip stood,
Forming black Schemes, and meditating Blood;
Then did the King, in these fierce Accents, vent
The jealous Passion in his Bosom pent.
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Rivall'd at once in Love and Empire, where
Prudent and generous Minds disdain to bear
The least suspected Guilt! My Son rebel!
My Queen abuse my Bed! Perdition, Hell!
Then both must die: Carlos, thy Fate's decreed,
Just Heav'n will sure applaud the Righteous Deed.
Treason and Incest joyn'd! thy Life alone,
For Crimes so black, so monst'rous, can atone.
'Tis true, thou art my Son; no, Carlos, no,
Thou wert my Son, but art no longer so.
Mercy be dumb, Compassion cease to weep,
And Love, inglorious Coward Passion, sleep
Benumb'd with strong Oblivion, while I wrest
By Force the struggling Father from my Breast,
And sink indulgent Nature in my Soul,
Which would arrest my Arms, and sweet Revenge controul.
'Tis done—now, Carlos, I my Eyes can cloy
With thy Distress, and thy last Pangs enjoy.
Pleas'd I can see thy Eye-balls roll in Death,
And hear thy double Sighs exhaust thy Breath.
Prudent and generous Minds disdain to bear
The least suspected Guilt! My Son rebel!
My Queen abuse my Bed! Perdition, Hell!
Then both must die: Carlos, thy Fate's decreed,
Just Heav'n will sure applaud the Righteous Deed.
Treason and Incest joyn'd! thy Life alone,
For Crimes so black, so monst'rous, can atone.
'Tis true, thou art my Son; no, Carlos, no,
Thou wert my Son, but art no longer so.
Mercy be dumb, Compassion cease to weep,
And Love, inglorious Coward Passion, sleep
Benumb'd with strong Oblivion, while I wrest
By Force the struggling Father from my Breast,
And sink indulgent Nature in my Soul,
Which would arrest my Arms, and sweet Revenge controul.
'Tis done—now, Carlos, I my Eyes can cloy
With thy Distress, and thy last Pangs enjoy.
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And hear thy double Sighs exhaust thy Breath.
He said—And then to give his Scruples Ease,
And his reluctant Conscience to appease,
He to the pious Fathers secret goes,
Who Rome's August Tribunal did compose,
And ask'd their Sense; These holy Sons of Pride,
A cruel Race of Bigots, thus reply'd.
And his reluctant Conscience to appease,
He to the pious Fathers secret goes,
Who Rome's August Tribunal did compose,
And ask'd their Sense; These holy Sons of Pride,
A cruel Race of Bigots, thus reply'd.
Since the Young Prince the Flandrian Rebel courts,
Aspires to Empire, and besides supports
Invented Doctrines by the Christian Creed
And sacred Rome condemn'd, to make him bleed
Must be a just and meritorious Deed.
By this bright Vertue emulous you shine,
Of the just Man, who at the Word Divine
Without Regret did Isaac's Life resign.
Thus too the King will imitate the Love
And the blest Aims, which did th' Almighty move
To let his only Coeternal Son
A Victim die, his Justice to atone.
Aspires to Empire, and besides supports
Invented Doctrines by the Christian Creed
And sacred Rome condemn'd, to make him bleed
Must be a just and meritorious Deed.
By this bright Vertue emulous you shine,
Of the just Man, who at the Word Divine
Without Regret did Isaac's Life resign.
Thus too the King will imitate the Love
And the blest Aims, which did th' Almighty move
To let his only Coeternal Son
A Victim die, his Justice to atone.
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Thus did the Reverend Sycophants combine
To urge the King, and aid his fierce Design.
Brave Carlos not convicted and unheard
To a warm Bath, at Philip's Word prepar'd,
To sooth his Lust of Blood, was now convey'd,
Where by the Steel his Veins were open laid.
Philip, who all Entreaties had deny'd
Of Friends and Princes to his House ally'd,
And unrelenting as the Parian Rock,
Did Carlos' Pray'r and low Submission mock,
To please unnatural Hate and vengeful Spleen,
Sate, and attentive view'd the Tragick Scene.
Long he beheld the Vital Fountains play,
Which wasted Life, and spouting every Way,
Did thro' the red'ning Bath their Streams convey.
He heard his Sighs, his Throbs and short'ning Breath,
While trickling Sweat presag'd approaching Death:
Yet did not Pity nor paternal Love
Touch his hard Nature, or his Bowels move.
He then retiring left th' unfinish'd Deed,
And thus insulting Carlos' Fate, he said,
My own Physician thus I cure my Blood,
And let the Noxious out to save the Good.
To urge the King, and aid his fierce Design.
Brave Carlos not convicted and unheard
To a warm Bath, at Philip's Word prepar'd,
To sooth his Lust of Blood, was now convey'd,
Where by the Steel his Veins were open laid.
Philip, who all Entreaties had deny'd
Of Friends and Princes to his House ally'd,
And unrelenting as the Parian Rock,
Did Carlos' Pray'r and low Submission mock,
To please unnatural Hate and vengeful Spleen,
Sate, and attentive view'd the Tragick Scene.
Long he beheld the Vital Fountains play,
Which wasted Life, and spouting every Way,
Did thro' the red'ning Bath their Streams convey.
He heard his Sighs, his Throbs and short'ning Breath,
While trickling Sweat presag'd approaching Death:
Yet did not Pity nor paternal Love
Touch his hard Nature, or his Bowels move.
166
And thus insulting Carlos' Fate, he said,
My own Physician thus I cure my Blood,
And let the Noxious out to save the Good.
The bleeding Prince, as the fierce King withdrew,
Stedfast pursu'd his Steps while yet in view
With earnest ghastly Looks, and which to paint
All Fancies are too cold, all Words too faint.
Then cry'd—For yet his falt'ring Speech could flow,
My Father, no, nor King, but Tyrant go;
Go cruel Man, th' indelible Disgrace
Of Spain, the Scourge and Blot of Humane Race.
Tygers and Wolves, which tear the harmless Herd
With Hunger pinch'd, still their own Offspring guard.
But Philip riots with inhumane Joy
In his own Blood, do's his own Flesh destroy,
And with th' unnatural Feast his Hunger cloy.
But since you've wrested from my longing Arms,
But never from my Heart, the heav'nly Charms
Of Spain's bright Queen with spotless Vertue crown'd,
Belov'd by me, to me by Contract bound,
Inflicting Death, Compassion you have shown;
What's Life, when all that's dear in Life is gone?
Stedfast pursu'd his Steps while yet in view
With earnest ghastly Looks, and which to paint
All Fancies are too cold, all Words too faint.
Then cry'd—For yet his falt'ring Speech could flow,
My Father, no, nor King, but Tyrant go;
Go cruel Man, th' indelible Disgrace
Of Spain, the Scourge and Blot of Humane Race.
Tygers and Wolves, which tear the harmless Herd
With Hunger pinch'd, still their own Offspring guard.
But Philip riots with inhumane Joy
In his own Blood, do's his own Flesh destroy,
And with th' unnatural Feast his Hunger cloy.
But since you've wrested from my longing Arms,
But never from my Heart, the heav'nly Charms
167
Belov'd by me, to me by Contract bound,
Inflicting Death, Compassion you have shown;
What's Life, when all that's dear in Life is gone?
He ceas'd—and kiss'd the Image of the Queen,
That in his Hand he held till then unseen,
And by his destin'd Bride from France was sent,
On which he fix'd his Eyes and look'd intent,
Till by Degrees Death's overspreading Shade
Involv'd his Eye-balls, and his Soul, that staid
Hov'ring a while o'er Life's expiring Flame,
At length forsook th' inhospitable Frame.
That in his Hand he held till then unseen,
And by his destin'd Bride from France was sent,
On which he fix'd his Eyes and look'd intent,
Till by Degrees Death's overspreading Shade
Involv'd his Eye-balls, and his Soul, that staid
Hov'ring a while o'er Life's expiring Flame,
At length forsook th' inhospitable Frame.
Now did the raving Monarch, to asswage
His jealous Pain, and sooth vindictive Rage,
Decree his beauteous Queen's untimely Fate,
Nor could her lovely Form, her pregnant State,
And blooming Youth incline his Marble Heart,
Change his black Purpose, and his Wrath avert.
Than Alva's Consort none of all the Fair
Did ranker Hate, or greater Envy bear
To the bright Queen; she at the King's Command
Brought the sure Poison with a willing Hand.
The Queen constain'd drank down the deadly Juice,
Which in her boiling Veins did soon produce
Destructive Ferments and malignant Heats,
From whose fierce Rage invaded Life retreats,
In Agonies of Pain and horrid Throws
She lay convuls'd, when to insult her Woes
And mock her dying Pangs, the Monarch drest
As Mourners in a black depending Vest,
Enter'd the Room with melancholy Pace,
And strong dissembled Sorrow in his Face.
He tenderly embrac'd the dying Queen,
And with affected Grief, Theatrick Mien,
And woful Voice he bad a long Adieu,
And then the Royal Hypocrite withdrew.
Now while the fatal Draught her Heart assail'd
And o'er the last Efforts of Life prevail'd,
In slow deep Sobs she gasp'd away her Breath,
Stretch'd out her beauteous Limbs, and lovely smil'd in Death.
His jealous Pain, and sooth vindictive Rage,
Decree his beauteous Queen's untimely Fate,
Nor could her lovely Form, her pregnant State,
168
Change his black Purpose, and his Wrath avert.
Than Alva's Consort none of all the Fair
Did ranker Hate, or greater Envy bear
To the bright Queen; she at the King's Command
Brought the sure Poison with a willing Hand.
The Queen constain'd drank down the deadly Juice,
Which in her boiling Veins did soon produce
Destructive Ferments and malignant Heats,
From whose fierce Rage invaded Life retreats,
In Agonies of Pain and horrid Throws
She lay convuls'd, when to insult her Woes
And mock her dying Pangs, the Monarch drest
As Mourners in a black depending Vest,
Enter'd the Room with melancholy Pace,
And strong dissembled Sorrow in his Face.
He tenderly embrac'd the dying Queen,
And with affected Grief, Theatrick Mien,
And woful Voice he bad a long Adieu,
And then the Royal Hypocrite withdrew.
169
And o'er the last Efforts of Life prevail'd,
In slow deep Sobs she gasp'd away her Breath,
Stretch'd out her beauteous Limbs, and lovely smil'd in Death.
| A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects | |