Part 303 (1/2)

CARLOS (with increased vehemence).

Nay, that Is far too harsh--and cruel! She is proud And n.o.ble; well I know her, and fear nothing.

Vain are your efforts to alarm my hopes.

I must speak to my mother.

MARQUIS.

Now? for what?

CARLOS.

Because I've nothing more to care for now.

And I must know my fate. Only contrive That I may speak with her.

MARQUIS.

And wilt thou show This letter to her?

CARLOS.

Question me no more, But quickly find the means that I may see her.

MARQUIS (significantly).

Didst thou not tell me that thou lov'st thy mother?

And wouldst thou really show this letter to her?

[CARLOS fixes his eyes on the ground, and remains silent.

I read a something, Carlos, in thy looks Unknown to me before. Thou turn'st thine eyes Away from me. Then it is true, and have I Judged thee aright? Here, let me see that paper.

[CARLOS gives him the letter, and the MARQUIS tears it.

CARLOS.

What! art thou mad?

[Moderating his warmth.

In truth--I must confess it, That letter was of deepest moment to me.

MARQUIS.

So it appeared: on that account I tore it.

[The MARQUIS casts a penetrating look on the PRINCE, who surveys him with doubt and surprise. A long silence.

Now speak to me with candor, Carlos. What Have desecrations of the royal bed To do with thee--thy love? Dost thou fear Philip?

How are a husband's violated duties Allied with thee and thy audacious hopes?

Has he sinned there, where thou hast placed thy love?

Now then, in truth, I learn to comprehend thee-- How ill till now I've understood thy love!

CARLOS.

What dost thou think, Roderigo?

MARQUIS.

Oh, I feel From what it is that I must wean myself.

Once it was otherwise! Yes, once thy soul Was bounteous, rich, and warm, and there was room For a whole world in thy expanded heart.

Those feelings are extinct--all swallowed up In one poor, petty, selfish pa.s.sion. Now Thy heart is withered, dead! No tears last thou For the unhappy fate of wretched Flanders-- No, not another tear. Oh, Carlos! see How poor, how beggarly, thou hast become, Since all thy love has centered in thyself!