Don Carlos (play)

SCENE VI.

MARQUIS (looks after him with astonishment).

And is this possible! And to this hour

Have I not known him fully? In his heart

This blemish has escaped my eye. Distrust

Of me-his friend! But no, 'tis calumny!

What hath he done that I accuse him thus

Of weakest weakness. I myself commit

The fault I charge on him. What have I done

Might well surprise him! When hath he displayed

To his best friend such absolute reserve?

Carlos, I must afflict thee-there's no help-

And longer still distress thy noble soul.

In me the king hath placed his confidence,

His holiest trust reposed-as in a casket,

And this reliance calls for gratitude.

How can disclosure serve thee when my silence

Brings thee no harm-serves thee, perhaps? Ah! why

Point to the traveller the impending storm?

Enough, if I direct its anger past thee!

And when thou wakest the sky's again serene.

[Exit.