Part 295 (1/2)

CARLOS.

Into the open air.

Nay, do not hold me, princess, for I feel As though the world behind me were in flames.

PRINCESS (holding him forcibly back).

What troubles you? Whence comes these strange, these wild, Unnatural looks? Nay, answer me!

[CARLOS stops to reflect, she draws him to the sofa to her.

Dear Carlos, You need repose, your blood is feverish.

Come, sit by me: dispel these gloomy fancies.

Ask yourself frankly can your head explain The tumult of your heart--and if it can-- Say, can no knight be found in all the court, No lady, generous as fair, to cure you-- Rather, I should have said, to understand you?

What, no one?

CARLOS (hastily, without thinking).

If the Princess Eboli----

PRINCESS (delighted, quickly).

Indeed!

CARLOS.

Would write a letter for me, a few words Of kindly intercession to my father;-- They say your influence is great.

PRINCESS.

Who says so?

[Aside.

Ha! was it jealousy that held thee mute!

CARLOS.

Perchance my story is already public.

I had a sudden wish to visit Brabant Merely to win my spurs--no more. The king, Kind soul, is fearful the fatigues of war Might spoil my singing!

PRINCESS.

Prince, you play me false!

Confess that by this serpent subterfuge You would mislead me. Look me in the face, Deceitful one! and say would he whose thoughts Were only bent on warlike deeds--would he E'er stoop so low as, with deceitful hand, To steal fair ladies' ribbons when they drop, And then--your pardon! h.o.a.rd them--with such care?

[With light action she opens his s.h.i.+rt frill, and seizes a ribbon which is there concealed.

CARLOS (drawing back with amazement).

Nay, princess--that's too much--I am betrayed.

You're not to be deceived. You are in league With spirits and with demons!

PRINCESS.

Are you then Surprised at this? What will you wager, Carlos But I recall some stories to your heart?

Nay, try it with me; ask whate'er you please, And if the triflings of my sportive fancy-- The sound half-uttered by the air absorbed-- The smile of joy checked by returning gloom-- If motions--looks from your own soul concealed Have not escaped my notice--judge if I Can err when thou wouldst have me understand thee?

CARLOS.

Why, this is boldly ventured; I accept The wager, princess. Then you undertake To make discoveries in my secret heart Unknown even to myself.

PRINCESS (displeased, but earnestly).

Unknown to thee!

Reflect a moment, prince! Nay, look around; This boudoir's not the chamber of the queen, Where small deceits are practised with full license.

You start, a sudden blush o'erspreads your face.