 | Don Carlos Prince of Spain |  |
The Fourth ACT.
SCENE, The Anti-Chamber to the Queens Apartment.Don Carlos, and Posa.
D. Carlos.
The next is the Apartment of the Queen;
is going. returns.
In vain I try, I must not venture in.
Thus is it with the Souls of murder'd men;
Who to their Bodies would agen repair,
But finding that they cannot enter there,
Mourning and groaning wander in the Aire.
Rob'd of my Love, and as unjustly thrown
From all those hopes that promis'd me a Crown,
My heart, with the Dishonour's to me done,
Is poison'd, swells too mighty for my breast;
But it will break, and I shall be at rest.
No: Dull despair this Soul shall never Load,
Though Patience be the Virtue of a God:
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Or are above the Injuries we bear.
Father! and King! both names bear mighty sence:
Yet sure there's something too in Son, and Prince.
I was born high, and will not fall less great,
Since Triumph Crown'd my Birth! I'le have my Fate,
As Glorious and Magestick too, as that.
To Flanders Posa, strait my Letters send,
Tell 'em the injur'd Carlos is their Friend.
And that to head their Forces I design,
So vindicate their Cause, if they dare mine.
Posa.
To th'Rebels!—
D. Carlos.
No, th'are Friends, their Cause is just,
Or when I make it mine, at least, it must;
Let th'Common Rout like Beasts Love to be Dull,
Whilst sordidly they live at ease and full!
Senceless what Honour or Ambition means,
And ignorantly dragg their Load of Chains.
I am a Prince have had a Crown in view,
And cannot brook to loose the prospect now;
If th'art my Friend, do not my will delay.
Posa.
I'le do't.—
[Exit Posa.
Enter Eboli.
Ebol.
My Lord!
D. Carl.
Who calls me?
Ebol.
You must stay.
D. Carl.
What newes of fresh affliction can you bear?
Ebol.
Suppose it were the Queen, you'd stay for her?
D. Carl.
For Her! Yes, stay an Age, for ever stay.
Stay ev'n till time it self shou'd pass away!
Fix here a Statue never to remove,
An everlasting Monument of Love.
Though, may a thing so wretched as I am,
But the least place in her remembrance claym?
Ebol.
Yes; if you dare believe me Sir you do;
We both can talk of nothing else but you:
Whilst from the theame ev'n Emulation springs,
Each striving who shall say the kindest things.
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But from that Charity I poorly live,
Which only pities and can nothing give.
Ebol.
Nothing! propose! what 'tis you claim, and I,
For ought you know may be security.
D. Carl.
No Madam! what's my due none e're can pay,
There stands that Angel Honour in the way
Watching his Charge with never sleeping eyes,
And stops my Entrance into Paradice.
Ebol.
What Paradice! what Pleasures can you know
Which are not in my power to bestow?
D. Carl.
Love! Love! and all those eager melting charms,
The Queen must yield when in my Father's arms.
That Queen so excellently richly fair,
Jove could he come agen a Lover here
Would Court Mortality to die for her.
Oh Madam! take not pleasure to renew
Those pains which if you felt you wou'd not do.
Ebol.
Unkindly urg'd: think you no sence I have
Of what you feel? Now you may take your Leave;
Something I had to say, but let it die.
D. Carl.
Why Madam, who has injur'd you? not I.
Ebol.
Nay Sir! your presence I would not Detain!
Alas! you do not hear that I complain!
Tho' could you half of my Misfortunes see,
Methinks you should encline to pity me.
D. Carl.
I cannot guess what mournful tale you'd tell;
But I am certain you prepare me well.
Speak Madam!—
Ebol.
Say I lov'd, and with a flame
Which even melts my tender heart to name;
Lov'd too a man! I will not say ingrate,
Because he's far above my Birth or Fate.
Yet so far He at least does cruel prove,
He prosecutes a dead and hopeless Love.
Starves on a barren Rock, and won't be blest,
Tho' I invite him kindly to a Feast.
D. Carl.
What stupid Animal could senceless lye,
Quicken'd by beams from that Illustrious eye!
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Nay to encrease your wonder you shall know
That I, alas! am forc'd to tell him too:
Till ev'n I blush as now I tell it you.
D. Carl.
You neither shall have cause of shame or fear,
Whose Secrets safe within my Bosome are.
Ebol.
Then farther I the riddle may explain,
Survey that Face, and blame me if you can!
Shews him his own Picture.
D. Carl.
Distraction on my eyes what have they seen!
'Tis my own Picture which I sent the Queen.
When to her Fame I paid Devotion first,
Expecting bliss but lost it I am curs't.
Curst too in thee, who from my Saint dar'st steal
The onely Relique left her of my Zeal!
And with the Sacriledg attempt my heart,
Wer't thou more charming than thou think'st thou art!
Almighty Love preserves the Fort for her,
And bids defiance to thy Entrance there.
Ebol.
Neglected! scorn'd! by Father and by Son;
What a malicious course my Stars have run?
But since I meet with such unlucky Fate
In love; I'le try how I can thrive in hate.
My own dull Husband may assist in that:
To his revenge I'le give him fresh alarms,
[aside.
And with the gray old Wizzard muster charms
I hav't: Thanks, thanks Revenge: Prince 'tis thy bane!
Can you forgive me Sir? I hope you can,
[To Carl. mildly.
I'l try to recompence the wrongs I've done,
And better finish what is ill begun.
D. Carl.
Madam! you at so strange a rate proceed,
I shall begin to think you Lov'd indeed.
Ebol.
No matter! be but to my Honour true,
As you shall ever find I'le be to you.
The Queens my charge, and you may on that score,
Presume that you shall see her yet once more.
I'l lead you to those so much worshipt charms;
And yield you to my happy Rivals arms.
D. Carl.
In what a mighty Sum shall I be bound,
I did not think such Virtue could be found.
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Fain I in gratitude wou'd something say!
But am too far in Debt for thanks to pay.
Enter Don John of Austria.
D. John.
Where is that Prince, He whose afflictions speak,
So loud as all Hearts but his own might break!
D. Carl.
My Lord! what Fate has left me I am here
Mere man; of all my comforts strip't, and bare:
Once like a Vine I flourish't, and was young,
Rich in my ripening hopes that spoke me strong.
But now a dry and wither'd stock am grown:
And all my Clusters and my Branches gone.
D. John.
Amongst those numbers which your wrongs deplore,
Then me, there's none that can resent e'm more.
I feel a generous grudging in my breast,
To see such honour and such hopes opprest.
The King your Father is my Brother, true,
But I see more that's like my self in you.
Freeborn I am, and not on him depend:
Oblig'd to none but whom I call my Friend.
And if that Title you think fit to bear,
Accept the Confirmation of it here.
[Embrace.
D. Carl.
From you, to whom I'm by such Kindness ty'd,
The secrets of my Soul I will not hide.
This generous Princess has her promise giv'n,
I once more shall be brought in sight of Heav'n.
To the fair Queen my last Devotion pay,
And then for Flanders I intend my way.
Where to th'insulting Rebels I'le give Law,
To keep my self from wrongs, and them in awe.
D. John.
Prosperity to the Design, 'Tis good;
Both worthy of your Honour and your Blood.
D. Carl.
My Lord, your spreading Glories flourish high,
Above the reach or shock of Destiny;
Mine early nip't like Buds untimely dye.
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Offic.
My Lord! I grieve to tell what you must hear,
They are unwelcome Orders which I bear,
Which are to guard you as a Prisoner.
D. Carl.
A pris'ner! what new game of Fate's begun?
Henceforth be ever curs't the name of Son:
Since I must be a Slave because I'm one.
Duty! to whom? He's not my Father: no:
Back with your Orders to the Tyrant go,
Tell him his Fury drives too much one way;
I'm weary on't, and can no more obey.
D. John.
If ask't by whose Commands you did decline
Your Orders, Tell my Brother, 'Twas by mine.
[Ex. Officer.
D. Carl.
Now were I certain it would sink me quite;
I'd see the Queen once more Though but in spite.
Tho' He wish all his fury were in place,
I wou'd caress and court her to his face.
Oh that I could this minute die, if so
What he had lost he might too lately know,
Cursing himself to think what he has done:
For I was ever an obedient Son.
With pleasure all his glories saw when young,
Look't and with pride consid'ring whence I sprung.
Joyfully under him and free I playd
Baskt in his shine and wanton'd in his shade—
But now—
Cancelling all what e're he then conferr'd
He thrusts me out among the common Herd.
Nor quietly will there permit my stay
But drives and hunts me like a Beast of prey,
Affliction! Oh affliction! 'tis too great,
Nor have I ever learnt to suffer yet.
Though ruine at me from each side take aim,
And I stand thus encompas'd round with flame:
Tho' the devouring fire approaches fast,
Yet; will I try to plunge: if power wast,
I can at worst but sink and burn at last.
(Ex. D. Carlos.
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Go on! persue thy fortune while 'tis hot,
I long for work where Honour's to be got.
But, Madam, to this Prince, you're wond'rous kind.
Ebol.
You are not less to Henriet. I find.
D. John.
Why, she's a Beauty, tender, young, and fair.
Ebol.
I thought I might in charms have equall'd her.
You told me once my Beauty was not less,
Is this your faith? are these your promises?
D. John.
You would seem jealous, but are crafty grown.
Tax me of falshood to conceal your own.
Go, Y'are a woman—
Ebol.
Yes: I know I am.
And by my weakness do deserve that name.
When heart and Honour I to you resign'd.
Would I were not a woman or less kind!
D. John.
Think you your falshood was not plainly seen,
When to your Charge my Brother gave the Queen.
Too well I saw it: how did you dispence,
In looks your pity to th' afflicted Prince.
Whilst I my duty paid the King: your time
You watcht, and fixt your melting eyes on him,
Admir'd him—
Ebol.
Yes Sir, for his constancie—
But 'twas with pain to think you false to me,
When to anothers eyes you homage paid,
And my true love wrong'd and neglected laid.
Wrong'd too so far as nothing can restore.
D. John.
Nay, then let's part and think of love no more.
Farewel—
[D. J. is going.
Ebol.
Farewel, if y'are resolv'd to go.
Inhumane Austria can you leave me so?
Enough my Soul is by your falshood rack't.
Add not to your inconstancie neglect.
Methinks you so far might have grateful prov'd,
Not to have quite forgotten that I lov'd.
D. John.
If e're you lov'd, 'tis you not I forget.
For a Remove 'tis here too deeply set.
Firm rooted and for ever must remain.
[Ebol. turns away.
Why thus unkind?—
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Why are you jealous then?
[turns to him.
D. John.
Come, let it be no more! I'm husht and still!
Will you forgive?
Ebol.
How can you doubt my will!
I do:
D. John.
Then send me not away unblest.
Ebol.
Till your return I will not think of rest.
Carlos will hither suddenly repair.
The next Apartment's mine; I'le wait you there.
Farewel.
[Ebol. seems to weep.
D. John.
O do not let me see a Tear.
It quenches Joy and stifles appetite.
Like Wars fierce God upon my bliss I'd prey;
Who from the furious Toils of Arms all day:
Returning home to Loves fair Queen at night,
Comes riotous and hot with full delight—
[Ex. D. John.
Ebol.
H'has reapt his Joys, and now he would be free,
And to effect it puts on Jealousie.
But I'm as much a Libertine as He.
As fierce my will as furious my desires,
Yet will I hold him; Tho' enjoyment tyres,
Though Love and Appetite be at the best;
He'll serve as common meats fill up a Feast;
And look like plenty though we never taste.
Enter Rui-Gomez.
Old Lord! I bring thee News will make thee young.
R. Gom.
Speak, there was always Musique in thy Tongue.
Ebol.
Thy Foes are tott'ring, and the Day's thy own,
Give 'em but one lift now and they go down.
Quickly to th' King and all his Doubts renew,
Appear disturb'd as if you something knew,
Too difficult, and dang'rous to relate.
Then bring him hither labouring with the weight,
I will take care that Carlos shall be here,
So for his jealous eyes a sight prepare:
Shall prove more fatal than Medusa's head,
And he more Monster seem than she e're made.
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King.
Still how this Tyrant Doubt torments my Breast!
When shall I get th'Usurper dispossest?
My thoughts like Birds when frighted from their rest,
Around the place where all was husht before,
Flutter and hardly settle any more—
Ha! Gomez! What art thou thus musing on?
[Sees Gomez.
R. Gom.
I'm thinking what it is to have a Son.
What mighty cares and what tempestuous strife
Attend on an unhappy Fathers life?
How Children Blessings seem, but Torments are,
When young our folly, and when old our fear.
King.
Why dost thou bring these odd reflections here?
Thou enviest sure the quiet which I bear.
R. Gom.
No Sir: I joy i'th' ease which you possess.
And wish you never may have cause for less.
King.
Have cause for less! come nearer, Thou art sad,
And look'st as thou wouldst tell me that I had:
Now, now, I feel it rising up again—
Speak quickly, where is Carlos, where the Queen?
What not a word? have my wrongs struck thee dumb?
Or art thou swoln and labouring with my doom?
Yet dar'st not let the fatal secret come?
R. Gom.
Heav'n great infirmities to age allots:
I'm old and have a thousand doting Thoughts:
Seek not to know 'em Sir.
King.
By Heaven I must.
R. Gom.
Nay, I would not be by compulsion just.
King.
Yet; if without it you refuse, you shall.
R. Gom.
Grant me then one request, I'le tell you all.
King.
Name thy Petition, and conclude it done.
R. Gom.
It is that you wou'd here forgive your Son,
For all his past offences to this hour.
King.
Th' hast almost ask'd a thing beyond my pow'r,
But so much goodness i'th' request I find,
Spite of my self I'le for thy sake be kind;
His Pardon's seal'd: The secret now declare.
R. Gom.
Alas! 'tis only that I saw him here.—
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Where with the Queen? Yes, yes, 'tis so I'm sure.
Never were wrongs so great as I endure.
So great, that they are grown beyond Complaint,
For half my patience might have made a Saint.
O Woman! Monstrous Woman!
Did I for this into my breast receive,
The promising repenting Fugitive?
But Gomez, I will throw her back agen,
And thou shalt see me smile, and tear her then:
I'le crush her heart, where all the poyson lies:
Till when the Venom's out, the Viper dies.
R. Gom.
They the best method of revenge pursue,
Who so contrive that it may Justice shew:
Stay till their wrongs appear at such a head,
That Innocence may have no room to plead.
Your fury, Sir, at least a while delay,
I guess the Prince may come agen this way:
Here I'le withdraw and watch his privacy.
King.
Aud when he's fixt, be sure bring word to me.
Till then, I'le bridle vengeance, and retire,
Within my breast suppress this angry fire:
Till to my eyes my wrongs themselves display,
Then like a Faulcon, gently cut my way;
And with my pounces seize th'unwary prey.
Ex. King.
Enter Eboli.
Ebol.
I've overheard the business with delight,
And find revenge will have a Feast to night.
Though thy declining years are in their wane,
I can perceive there's youth still in thy brain.
Away. The Queen is coming hither.
[Ex. R. Gom.
Enter Queen, and Women. Henrietta.
Queen.
Now
To all felicity a long adieu!
Where are you Eboli?
Ebol.
Madam, I'm here.
Qu.
Oh how fresh fears assault me every where!
I hear that Carlos is a prisoner made.
Ebol.
No, Madam, he the Orders disobey'd;
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To head the Rebels, whom he stiles his friends.
But e're he goes, by me does humbly sue,
That he may take his last farewel of you.
Queen.
Will he then force his Destiny at last?
Hence quickly to him, Eboli, make haste:
Tell him, I beg his purpose he'd delay:
Or if that can't his resolution stay,
Say I have sworn not to survive the hour,
In which I hear that he has left this shore.
Tell him, I've gain'd his pardon of the King.
Tell him—to stay him—tell him any thing.—
Ebol.
One word from you his Duty would restore,
And though you promis'd ne're to see him more,
Methinks you might upon so jnst a score.
But see he's here—
Enter Don Carlos.
D. Carl.
Run out of breath by Fate,
And persecuted by a Fathers hate,
Weari'd with all, I panting hither fly,
To lay my self down at your feet and dy.
Kneels and kisses her hands.
Qu.
Oh too unhappy Carlos! yet unkind!
'Gainst you what harms have ever I design'd,
That you should with such violence decree;
Ungratefully at last to murder me?
D. Carl.
Pour all thy Curses, Heav'n! upon this head.
For I've the worst of vengeance merited;
That yet I impudently live to hear,
My self upbraided of a wrong to her.
[he rises.
Say, has your Honour been by me betrai'd?
Or have I snares t'entrap your virtue laid?
Tell me: if not, why do you then upbraid?
Queen.
You will not know the afflictions which you give,
Was't not my last request that you wou'd live?
I by our Vows conjur'd it; but I see,
Forgetting them; unmindful too of me;
Regardless your own ruine you designe;
Though you are sure to purchase it with mine.
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I as you bad me live, obey'd with pride.
Though it was harder far than to have di'd.
But loss of Liberty my life disdains.
These Limbs were never made to suffer Chains.
My Father should have singl'd out some Crown,
And bidden me go conquer't for my own:
He should have seen what Carlos would have done.
But to proscribe my freedom, sinck me low,
To base confinement where no comforts flow:
But black Despair that foul Tormentor lies:
With all my present load of Miseries,
Was to my Soul too violent a smart,
And rous'd the sleeping Lion in my heart.
Queen.
Yet then be kind; your angry Father's rage,
I know the least submission will asswage.
You're hot with Youth, He's cholerick with Age.
To him: and put a true obedience on;
Be humble, and express your self a Son.
Carlos! I beg it of you: Will you not?
D. Carl.
Methinks 'tis very hard; but yet I'le do't.
I must obey whatever you prefer;
Knowing y'are all Divine, and cannot err.
For if my Doom's unalt'rable, I shall
This way at least with less Dishonour fall.
And Princes less my tameness thus condemn,
When I for you shall suffer, though by him.
Queen.
In my Apartment farther we'll debate
Of this; and for a happy issue wait.
Your presence there he cannot disapprove,
When it shall speak your Duty and my Love.
Ex. Carl. and Queen.
Enter R. Gomez.
Ebol.
Now Gomez triumph. All is ripe. The Toyl
Has caught 'em, and Fate saw it with a smile.
Thus far the Work of Destiny was mine;
But I'm content the Master-piece be thine.
Away to th' King; prepare his Soul for Blood;
A Mystery thou well hast understood:
Whilst I go rest within a Lovers arms,
And to my Austria lay out all my charms.
[aside. Exit.
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Fate open now thy Book, and set 'em down,
I have already markt 'em for thy own.
Enter King, and Posa (at a distance.)
My Lord the King.
King.
Gomez!
R. Gom.
The same.
King.
Hast seen
The Prince?
R. Gom.
I have.
King.
Where is he?
R. Gom.
With the Queen.
King.
Now ye that dwell in everlasting flame,
And keep Records of all ye mean to damn,
Shew me, if 'mongst your Presidents there e're
Was seen a Son like him, or wife like her!
Hark Gomez! did'st not hear th'Infernals groan?
Hush Hell a little, and they are thy own.
Posa.
Who should these be? the King and Gomez sure:
at a distance.
Methinks, I wish that Carlos were secure.
For Flanders his Dispatches I've prepar'd.
King.
Who's there? 'Tis Posa Pander to their Lust.
drawing near to Posa.
Now Gomez to his heart thy Dagger Thrust;
In the pursuit of vengeance drive it far,
Strike deep, and if thou can'st wound Carlos there.
R. Gom.
I'le do't as close as happy Lovers kiss;
May he strike mine if of his heart I miss.
Thus Sir—
[Stabs him.
Posa.
Ha Gomez! Villain! thou hast done
Thy worst! but yet I would not die alone:
Here Dogg—
[Stabs at him.
R. Gom.
So brisk! then take it once again,
As they are struggling the Dispatches fall out of Posa's bosom.
'Twas onely Sir to put you out of pain.
[Stabs him again, and Posa falls.
Posa.
My Lord! the King! but life too far is gone,
I faint! be mindful of your Queen and Son.
[Dies.
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The Slave in death repents and warnes me, Yes
I shall be very mindful: What are These?
Takes up the Dispatches.
For Flanders! with the Prince's Signet seal'd?
Here's Villany has yet been unreveal'd.
See Gomez! practices against my Crown:
[Shows e'm him.
Treason and Lust have Joyn'd to pull me down.
Yet still I stand like a firm sturdy Rock,
Whilst they but split themselves with their own shock.
But I too long delay, give word I come.
R. Gom.
What hoa! within: the King is nigh, make room.
The SCENE drawes, and discovers D. John, and Eboli embraacing.
King.
Now let me if I can to fury add,
That when I thunder, I may strike e'm dead.
[Looking earnestly on e'm.
Ha!—Gomez! on this Truth depends thy Life,
Why that's our Brother Austria!
R. G.
And my Wife!
Embracing close; Whilst I was busie grown
In others ruines, here I've met my own.
Oh! had I perish't e're 'twas understood.
King.
This is the Nest, where Lust and falshood brood.
Is it not admirable?—
Exit D. John and Eboli embracing.
R. Gom.
O Sir yes!
Ten thousand Devils tear the Sorceress—
King.
But they are gone, and my Dishonour's near.
Enter D. Carlos and Queen discoursing.
Look my incestuous Son and Wife appear!
See Gomez, how she Languishes and dyes,
'S'death! There are very pulses in her eyes.
[D. Carlos approaches the King.
D. Carl.
In peace, Heav'h ever guard the King from harms,
In Warr Success and Triumph crown his Arms:
Till all the Nations of the World shall be
Humbled and prostrate at his feet like me.
[Kneels.
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Though I've deserv'd the worst, you may be kind:
Behold me as your poor unhappy Son,
And do not spill that blood which is your own.
King.
Yes! when my blood growes tainted I ne'r doubt
But for my health, 'tis good to let it out:
But thine's a stranger like thy soul to me,
Or else be curs't thy Mothers memory:
And doubly curst be that unhappy night,
In which I purchac'd torment with delight.
D. Carl.
Thus then I lay aside all rights of blood,
Rises boldly.
My Mother curst! she was all Just and good.
Tyrant! too good to stay with thee below,
And therefore's blest, and raigns above thee now.
Submission, which way got it entrance here!
King.
Perhaps it came e're Treason was aware,
Thy trayterous designs now come to Light,
Too great, and horrid to be hid in night:
See here my Honour and thy Duties stains;
Shews the Dispatches.
I've paid your Secretary for his pains.
He waits you there, to Council with him, go
Ask what Intelligence from Flanders now.
Shows Posa's Body.
D. Carl.
My Friend here slain, my faithful Posa, 'tis;
Good Heav'n! what have I done to merit this?
What Temples sack't? what Desolations made,
To pull down such a vengeance on my head?
This Villain, was thy work; what Friend of thine
[To Gomez.
Did I e're wrong, that thou should'st murder mine?
But I'le take care it shall not want reward—
[Drawes.
King.
Courage, my Gomez! since thy King's thy Guard.
Come Rebel, and thy Villanies fulfill.
D. Carl.
No: Tho' unjust, you are my Father still.
Throwes away his Sword.
And from that Title must your safety own:
'Tis that which awes my hand, and not your Crown.
'Tis true all there contain'd I had design'd;
To such a height your Jealousie was grown,
It was the onely way that I could find
To work your peace, and to procure my own.
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Thinking my Youth and Vigour to decrease,
You'd ease me of my Crown to give me peace.
D. Carl.
Alas! you fetch your misconstructions far,
The injuries to Me, and wrongs to her,
Were much too great for Empire to repair:
When you forgot a Father's Love, and quite
Depriv'd me of a Sons and Princes right:
Branded my Honour, and pursu'd my Life,
My Duty Long with Nature was at strife:
Not that I fear'd my Memory or Name,
Could suffer by the voice of common Fame.
A thing I still esteem'd beneath my pride;
For though condemn'd by all the world beside,
Had you but thought me just, I could have dy'd.
At last this onely way I found, to flye
Your anger, and divert you Jealousie—
To go for Flanders, and be so remov'd
From all, I ever honour'd, ever Lov'd.
There in your right hoping I might compleat,
'Spight of my wrongs some Action truly great.
Thus by my Faith and Sufferings to out-wear
Your hate, and shun that storm which threaten'd here.
Queen.
And can this merit hate! he would forgo
The joyes and charms of Courts to purchase you:
Banish himself, and stem the dang'rous Tide
Of Lawless outrage, and rebellious pride.
King.
How evenly she pleads in his defence!
So blind is guilt when 'twou'd seem Innocence.
She thinks her softness may my rage Disarm;
No, Sorceress! Y'are mistaken in your charm.
And whilst you sooth, do but assist the storm.
Do, take full view of your tall able slave,
Q. loking on Carlos.
Look hard; it is the last y'are like to have.
D. Carl.
My Life or Death are in your pow'r to give.
King.
Yes, and thou dy'st!
D. Carl.
Not till she give me leave;
She is the Star that rules my Destiny.
And whilst her Aspect's kind, I cannot dy.
48
No Prince, for ever live, be ever blest.
King.
Yes, I will send him to's eternal rest!
Oh! had I took the Journey long ago,
I n'ere had known the pains that rack me now.
Queen.
What pains? what racks?
[approaching him.
King.
Avoid and touch me not.
I see thee foul all one incestuous blot:
Thy broken Vows are in thy guilty face.
Queen.
Have I then in your pity left no place?
King.
Oh thus it was you drew me in before,
With promises you ne'r would see him more.
But now your subtlest Wiles too weak are grown,
I've gotten freedome and I'le keep't my own.
Queen.
May you be ever free, but can your Mind
Conceive that any ill was here design'd?
He hither came onely that he might show
Obedience, and be reconcil'd to you.
You saw his humble Dutiful address.
King.
But you before-hand sign'd the happy Peace.
Enter Eboli.
Oh Princess thank you for the Care you take!
Tell me! how got this Monster entrance? speak.
Ebol.
Heav'n witness, 'twas without my knowledg done.
R. Gom.
No, she had other bus'ness of her own.
[aside.
Oh Blood and Murder—
King.
All are false! A Guard.
[Enter Guard.
Seize on that Traytor.—
[To Carlos.
D. Carl.
Welcome: I am prepar'd.
Queen.
Stay Sir! let me die too, I can obey.
King.
No, Thou shalt live.
[Seemingly kind.
By heav'n but not a Day;
I a revenge so exquisite have fram'd,
[aside.
She unrepenting dies, and so she's damn'd.
Henr.
If ever pity could your heart ingage,
If e're you hope for blessings on your Age,
Incline your ears to a poor Virgins pray'r.
King.
I dare not venture thee, thou art too fair.
What would'st thou say?
49
Destroy not in one man
More Virtue than the World can boast agen.
View him the eldest pledge of your first Love,
Your Virgin Joyes! that may some pity move—
King.
No: for the wrongs I suffer weigh it down,
I'd now not spare his life to save my own.
Away by thy soft Tongue, I'le not be caught.
Henr.
By all that hopes can frame I begg; if not,
May you by some base hand unpity'd dye;
And childless Mothers curse your Memory.
By Honour; Love; by Life!—
King.
Fond Girle away.
By heav'n I'le kill thee else! still dar'st thou stay?
Cannot Death terrifie Thee?
Henr.
—No, for I,
If you refuse me, am resolv'd to die.
D. Carl.
Kind fair one do not wast your sorrows here
On me, too wretched, and not worth a tear.
There yet for you are mighty Joyes in store
When I in dust am laid, and seen no more.
Oh Madam!—
[To the Queen.
Qu.
Oh my Carlos! must you dye
For me? no mercy in a Father's eye.
D. Carl.
Hide, Hide your Tears, into my Soul they dart
A tenderness that misbecomes my heart:
For since I must, I like a Prince would fall,
And to my aid my Manly spirits call.
Qu.
You like a man as roughly as you will
May die, but let me be a woman still.
[Weeps.
King.
Th'art Woman, a true Copy of the first,
In whom the race of all Mankind was curst.
Your Sex by Beauty was to Heav'n ally'd;
But your great Lord the Devil taught you pride.
He too an Angel till he durst rebel;
And you are sure the Stars that with him fell.
Weep on, a stock of tears like Vows you have,
And alwaies ready when you wou'd deceive.
Qu.
Cruel Inhumane! Oh my heart! why shou'd
I throw away a Title that's so good,
50
Alas I'm torn, and know not what to do.
The Just resentment of my wrong's so great,
Ready to sink with passion.
My spirits sink beneath the heavy weight.
Tyrant! stand off. I hate thee! and will try
If I have scorn enough to make me dye.
D. Car.
Blest Angel stay—
[Takes her in his Arms.
Qu.
Carlos! the sole Embrace
You ever took, you have before his face.
D. Carl.
No wealthy Monarch of the plenteous East,
In all the Glories of his Empire drest,
Was ever half so rich, or half so blest!
But from such bliss how wretched is the fall;
They too like we must die, and leave it all.
King.
All this before my face! what Soul could bear't.
Go force her from him.
[Officer approaches.
D. Car.
—Slave 'twill cost thy heart:
Th'adst better meet a Lyon on his way,
And from his hungry Jawes reprize the prey:
She's Mistriss of my Soul, and to prepare
My self for death, I must consult with her.
R. Go.
Have pity—
[Ironically.
King.
Hence! How wretchedly he rules,
That's serv'd by Cowards, and advis'd by fooles.
Oh Torture!—
D. Car.
—Rouze my Soul, Consider now,
That to thy blissful Mansion thou must go.
But I so mighty Joyes have tasted here,
I hardly shall have sence of any there.
Oh soft as Blossoms! and yet sweeter far:
Leaning on her bosom.
Sweeter than Incense which to Heav'n ascends,
Though 'tis presented there by Angels hands.
King.
Still in his Arms! Cowards go tear her forth.
D. Car.
You'l sooner from its Center shake the Earth.
I'l hold her fast till my last hour is nigh;
Then I'l bequeath her to you when I die.
King.
Cut off his hold or any thing.—
D. Carl.
—Ay Come.
Here kill, and bear me hence into my Tomb:
51
With broken mangled Limbs still clasping her.
Qu.
Hold and I'l quit his Arms—
[The Gu. Offer their Axes.
King.
Now bear him hence.
[They part.
Qu.
Oh horrid Tyrant!
The Gu. are hurrying Carlos off.
Stay Unhappy Prince—
Turn, turn oh Torment! must I leave you so?
No stay and take me with you where you go.
D. Carl.
Hark slaves, my Goddess summons me to stay.
Dogs! have you eyes, and can you disobey?
Pressing forward.
See her! Oh let me but just touch my bliss.
King.
By Hell he shan't, slaves are ye mine or his.
Qu.
My life!
D. Car.
—My Soul Farewel—
Qu.
—He's gone, he's gone.
[Exit Carlos.
Now Tyrant to thy rage I'm left alone.
Give me my death that hate both life and thee.
King.
I know thou dost, yet live.
Qu.
—Oh misery!
Why was I born to be thus curst? or why
Throwes her self on the floor.
Should life be forc't, when 'tis so sweet to die?
King.
Thou woman hast been false: but to renew
[To Eboli.
Thy Credit in my heart, assist me now:
Prepare a draught of poison, such as will
Act slow, and by degrees of Torment kill.
Give it the Queen, and to prevent all sence
Of dying, tell her I've releas'd the Prince,
And that e're Morning he'l attend her: I
In a disguise his presence will supply:
So Glut my rage, and smiling see her dye.
Ebol.
Your Majesty shall be obey'd—.
R. Go.
Do, work thy mischiefs to their last degree,
And when th'are in their height I'l murder thee.
[aside.
King.
Now Gomez ply my rage and keep it hot;
O're Love and Nature I've the Conquest got:
Still charming Beauty triumphs in her eyes,
Looking at the Queen.
Yet for my honour, and my rest she dies.
[Exeunt Queen and Women.
52
When I must purchase at so dear a rate.
[Exeunt Omnes.
The SCENE shuts.
The End of the Fourth Act.
| Don Carlos Prince of Spain | |