The Conflict ; or Love, Honour and Pride a Heroic Comedy |
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 | The Conflict ; or Love, Honour and Pride |  |
SCENE SECOND.
DONNA ISABELLA, DONNA LEONORA, DONNA ELVIRA, BLANCHE.D. LEONORA.
This Day then, Madam! this distinguish'd Day,
You will reward some happy lover's flame?
D. ISABELLA.
I, at my People's prayer, proclaim a King:
A Husband chuse, a partner of my Throne.
D. ELVIRA.
Alas! methinks my royal friend appears
With more than usual sadness in her eye.
Long has her heart conceal'd a load of grief,
Refus'd to make me partner of the cause,
And shunn'd my converse, save in hours of state.
My joy, on this eventful Day, believe me,
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With such delight she hail'd my change of fortune,
I thought, last night, that all her griefs were fled.
D. ISABELLA.
Still, my Elvira! does my heart rejoice
In thy recover'd Crown; e'en whilst I sigh
To lose the friend, I from my cradle lov'd.
Thy joy alone can gladden my sad soul,
Oppress'd, and harrass'd by corroding care.
I sacrifice my peace this fatal Day;
But to the State's repose, I yield my own.
All the Grandees, ambitious of the Crown,
Embroil, by their intrigues, the public peace.
To terminate their feuds, I name a King:
Castile, through all her States, conjures me to it.
And, by my order, three Grandees elects,
To one of whom, I this hour give my Throne.
D. LEONORA.
Three most renowned Heroes they elect;
Don Manrique, Lopez, and the brave Alvarez,
Though not of royal blood, are worthy thrones.
D. ISABELLA.
Ah! what to me avail the shouts of fame,
Which hail them idols of the public choice,
If of my heart, the gallant Don Alvarez,
Lopez, nor Manrique, be the chosen lord?
D. LEONORA.
Though nam'd, to them your choice is not confin'd;
Speak your heart's wish, your Vassals will obey.
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Though born my Subjects, yet I am their Slave;
And bound by laws Kings tremble to infringe.
A royal rank imposes stern restraints;
The hearts of Kings must neither love nor hate.
I am less free than e'en my meanest subject;
Chain'd by fastidious glory to her car,
Which nice, imperious, jealous, honour guides:
My heart must feel for others, not myself,
Each wish ungratify'd, each grief disdain'd—
(Stops short.)
And bound by laws Kings tremble to infringe.
A royal rank imposes stern restraints;
The hearts of Kings must neither love nor hate.
I am less free than e'en my meanest subject;
Chain'd by fastidious glory to her car,
Which nice, imperious, jealous, honour guides:
My heart must feel for others, not myself,
Each wish ungratify'd, each grief disdain'd—
(To Blanche, who speaks to an Attendant.)
Are the States met?
(Aside.)
Oh! could this fatal Choice
Be still delay'd, or never, never, made!
Calm, gracious Heaven! this conflict of my soul,
Direct my actions, and inspire my thoughts!
Oh! could this fatal Choice
Be still delay'd, or never, never, made!
Calm, gracious Heaven! this conflict of my soul,
Direct my actions, and inspire my thoughts!
(The scene dividing gives entrance into a magnificent Presence-Chamber. A royal throne under a canopy. Two chairs of state in a line with the throne. At the right-hand of the throne a small ornamented stand, higher than a table, upon which the Sceptre and Regalia are placed. Seats ranged on each side of the throne to the front of the stage: the Grandees & Officers of the Spanish Court standing before them. The Royal Guards standing behind the seats. The Grandees take off their hats, and remain uncovered till the Queen
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| The Conflict ; or Love, Honour and Pride | |