Part 284 (1/2)

QUEEN.

Thou vain man!

What if my heart should tell me the reverse?

How, sir, if Philip's watchful tenderness, The looks that silently proclaim his love, Touched me more deeply than his haughty son's Presumptuous eloquence? What, if an old man's Matured esteem----

CARLOS.

That makes a difference! Then, Why then, forgiveness!--I'd no thought of this; I had no thought that you could love the king.

QUEEN.

To honor him's my pleasure and my wish.

CARLOS.

Then you have never loved?

QUEEN.

Singular question!

CARLOS.

Then you have never loved?

QUEEN.

I love no longer!

CARLOS.

Because your heart forbids it, or your oath?

QUEEN.

Leave me; nor never touch this theme again.

CARLOS.

Because your oath forbids it, or your heart?

QUEEN.

Because my duty--but, alas, alas!

To what avails this scrutiny of fate, Which we must both obey?

CARLOS.

Must--must obey?

QUEEN.

What means this solemn tone?

CARLOS.

Thus much it means That Carlos is not one to yield to must Where he hath power to will! It means, besides, 'That Carlos is not minded to live on, The most unhappy man in all his realm, When it would only cost the overthrow Of Spanish laws to be the happiest.

QUEEN.

Do I interpret rightly? Still you hope?

Dare you hope on, when all is lost forever?

CARLOS.

I look on naught as lost--except the dead.

QUEEN.