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 shirt 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.
Who is so bold, so idle, you would ask, As to watch Carlos when he deems himself From scrutiny secure? Who was it, then, At the last palace-ball observed you leave The queen, your partner, standing in the dance, And join, with eager haste, the neighboring couple, To offer to the Princess Eboli The hand your royal partner should have claimed?
An error, prince, his majesty himself, Who just then entered the apartment, noticed.
CARLOS (with ironical smile).
His majesty? And did he really so?
Of all men he should not have seen it.
PRINCESS.
Nor yet that other scene within the chapel, Which doubtless Carlos hath long since forgotten.
Prostrate before the holy Virgin"s image, You lay in prayer, when suddenly you heard-- "Twas not your fault--a rustling from behind Of ladies" dresses. Then did Philip"s son, A youth of hero courage, tremble like A heretic before the holy office.
On his pale lips died the half-uttered prayer.
In ecstasy of pa.s.sion, prince--the scene Was truly touching--for you seized the hand, The blessed Virgin"s cold and holy hand, And showered your burning kisses on the marble.
CARLOS.
Princess, you wrong me: that was pure devotion!
PRINCESS.
Indeed! that"s quite another thing. Perhaps It was the fear of losing, then, at cards, When you were seated with the queen and me, And you with dexterous skill purloined my glove.
[CARLOS starts surprised.
That prompted you to play it for a card?
CARLOS.
What words are these? O Heaven, what have I done?
PRINCESS.
Nothing I hope of which you need repent!
How pleasantly was I surprised to find Concealed within the glove a little note, Full of the warmest tenderest romance,
CARLOS (interrupting her suddenly).
Mere poetry! no more. My fancy teems With idle bubbles oft, which break as soon As they arise--and this was one of them; So, prithee, let us talk of it no more.
PRINCESS (leaving him with astonishment, and regarding him for some time at a distance).
I am exhausted--all attempts are vain To hold this youth. He still eludes my grasp.
[Remains silent a few moments.
But stay! Perchance "tis man"s unbounded pride, That thus to add a zest to my delight.
a.s.sumes a mask of timid diffidence.
"Tis so.
[She approaches the PRINCE again, and looks at him doubtingly.
Explain yourself, prince, I entreat you.
For here I stand before a magic casket, Which all my keys are powerless to unlock.
CARLOS.
As I before you stand.
PRINCESS (leaves him suddenly, walks a few steps up and down in silence, apparently lost in deep thought. After a pause, gravely and solemnly).
Then thus at last-- I must resolve to speak, and Carlos, you Shall be my judge. Yours is a n.o.ble nature, You are a prince--a knight--a man of honor.
I throw myself upon your heart--protect me Or if I"m lost beyond redemption"s power, Give me your tears in pity for my fate.
[The PRINCE draws nearer.