 | The Princess of Parma |  |
Scene the Fourth
Granvil & Lopez.Granvil.
Well, Lopez, Fortune smiles upon our work
The Princess or affects a constancy,
Or has it: By a public death to morrow
I trust that Raymond fall—yet, O my friend
Whilst Egmont lives what joy can Granvel feel?
Destroy him & be all my Power can make You.
Lopez.
Who guards the Prison?
Gra.
The Castilian Band.
Lopez
Where is Velasco?
Granvel
Gone with suden Pride
Back to the Camp: what moved him to it I know not;
But it is thought a slight disgrace received
From our imperious Princess; the dull drone
I could have spared at any other time.
Lopez.
The freakish sallies of Castilian pride
Who can expound? Contemptible resentment!
17
Warm, open, indiscreet?
Granvel
It is. What then?
Lopez.
Why then I'll move him to attempt the Rescue
Of his imprisoned friend.
Granvil
Hah! that is something.
Lopez.
This act of fury by your care defeated
Throws your unguarded rival on your mercy;
Divests the Princess of the power to save him,
And quickens Raymond's death.
Granvil
Or say, my Lopez,
Amidst the wild disorder of the fray,
Might not some friendly hand be found to strike
This well-aimed dagger to the Heart of Egmont?
(Producing a dagger)
Lopez
Hah! to the Heart?
Gran.
Yes, Lopez, to the Heart.
Lopez
Nay but 'twill grieve thee.
Gran.
Oh! 'twill glad my soul.
Lopez.
Art sure of that? What strike it to the heart?
Thou wilt relent & curse me for the deed.
Gran.
Oh, never, never; thou shalt be my hero,
My friend
Lopez.
I've strong temptations to the deed:
Egmont has done me wrong.
Granvel
Revenge it then.
Lopez.
Shall it be so; or say'st thou this to prove me,
And practice on my spirit?
18
No, by Heav'n!
Serious as death; if thou would'st be revenged,
Thou handlest that, which in a brave man's grasp
Would not be idle long.
Lopez.
I'll do it; he dies.
Granvil
Why this is well: Be constant! Let us hence
And in a fitter place consult upon it.
Lopez.
Your patience good my Lord, if I presume
Again to urge my former suit to You
Some portion of the traitrous Raymond's fortune
My services without a boast may claim
Granvel
Claim, say'st thou?
Lopez
Do I use too bold a phrase?
When by my Industry the whole was gain'd
Am I too sanguine to expect a part?
Granvel
How, Lopez, would You make conditions with me?
Remember Raymond lives and Egmont lives:
Remember likewise what and where I found You,
Sinking beneath accumulated guilt
And crusht with Penury, Despair and Shame.
No more of this: Think humbly of thyself,
As it becomes thee. Follow me.
(Exit)
Lopez
Thou villain!
Blast me, ye fires of Heav'n if I forgive him!
(Exit)
| The Princess of Parma | |