Don Carlos (play)

SCENE III.

King, sunk in gloomy contemplation, walks a few steps

up and down; Alva approaches with embarrassment.

KING.

Hold yourself ready to depart for Brussels

Upon a moment's notice.

ALVA.

All is prepared, my liege.

KING.

And your credentials

Lie ready sealed within my cabinet,-

Meanwhile obtain an audience of the queen,

And bid the prince farewell.

ALVA.

As I came in

I met him with a look of frenzy wild

Quitting the chamber; and your majesty

Is strangely moved, methinks, and bears the marks

Of deep excitement-can it be the theme

Of your discourse--

KING.

Concerned the Duke of Alva.

[The KING keeps his eye steadfastly fixed on him.

I'm pleased that Carlos hates my councillors,

But I'm disturbed that he despises them.

[ALVA, coloring deeply, is about to speak.

No answer now: propitiate the prince.

ALVA.

Sire!

KING.

Tell me who it was that warned me first

Of my son's dark designs? I listened then

To you, and not to him. I will have proof.

And for the future, mark me, Carlos stands

Nearer the throne-now duke-you may retire.

[The KING retires into his cabinet. Exit DUKE by another door.