Your second must be Spain. How gladly, Carlos,
Will I give place to this more worthy choice!
CARLOS (overpowered by emotion, throws himself at her feet)
How great thou art, my angel! Yes, I'll do
All, all thou canst desire. So let it be.
[He rises.
Here in the sight of heaven I stand and swear —
I swear to thee, eternal – no, great Heaven! —
Eternal silence only, – not oblivion!
QUEEN
How can I ask from you what I myself
Am not disposed to grant?
MARQUIS (hastening from the alley)
The king!
QUEEN
Oh God!
MARQUIS
Away, away! fly from these precincts, prince!
QUEEN
His jealousy is dreadful – should he see you —
CARLOS
I'll stay.
QUEEN
And who will be the victim then?
CARLOS (seizing the MARQUIS by the arm)
Away, away! Come, Roderigo, come!
[Goes and returns.
What may I hope to carry hence with me?
QUEEN
Your mother's friendship.
CARLOS
Friendship! Mother!
QUEEN
And
These tears with it – they're from the Netherlands.
[She gives him some letters. Exit CARLOS with the MARQUIS.
The QUEEN looks restlessly round in search of her ladies, who are nowhere to be seen. As she is about to retire up, the KING enters.
SCENE VI
The KING, the QUEEN, DUKE ALVA, COUNT LERMA, DOMINGO, LADIES, GRANDEES, who remain at a little distance.
KING
How, madam, alone; not even one of all
Your ladies in attendance? Strange! Where are they?
QUEEN
My gracious lord!
KING
Why thus alone, I say?
[To his attendants.
I'll take a strict account of this neglect.
'Tis not to be forgiven. Who has the charge
Of waiting on your majesty to-day?
QUEEN
Oh, be not angry! Good, my lord, 'tis I
Myself that am to blame – at my request
The Princess Eboli went hence but now.
KING
At your request!
QUEEN