SCENE X.
The KING, and MARQUIS POSA.
The MARQUIS, as soon as he observes the KING, comes forward and sinks on one knee; then rises and remains standing before him without any sign of confusion.
KING (looks at him with surprise).
We"ve met before then?
MARQUIS.
No.
KING.
You did my crown Some service? Why then do you shun my thanks?
My memory is thronged with suitor"s claims.
One only is omniscient. "Twas your duty To seek your monarch"s eye! Why did you not?
MARQUIS.
Two days have scarce elapsed since my return From foreign travel, sire.
KING.
I would not stand Indebted to a subject; ask some favor----
MARQUIS.
I enjoy the laws.
KING.
So does the murderer!
MARQUIS.
Then how much more the honest citizen!
My lot contents me, sire.
KING (aside).
By heavens! a proud And dauntless mind! That was to be expected.
Proud I would have my Spaniards. Better far The cup should overflow than not be full.
They say you"ve left my service?
MARQUIS.
To make way For some one worthier, I withdrew.
KING.
"Tis pity. When spirits such as yours make holiday, The state must suffer. But perchance you feared To miss the post best suited to your merits.
MARQUIS.
Oh, no! I doubt not the experienced judge, In human nature skilled--his proper study,-- Will have discovered at a glance wherein I may be useful to him, wherein not.
With deepest grat.i.tude, I feel the favor Wherewith, by so exalted an opinion, Your majesty is loading me; and yet----
[He pauses.
KING.
You hesitate?
MARQUIS.
I am, I must confess, Sire, at this moment, unprepared to clothe My thoughts, as the world"s citizen, in phrase Beseeming to your subject. When I left The court forever, sire, I deemed myself Released from the necessity to give My reasons for this step.
KING.
Are they so weak?
What do you fear to risk by their disclosure?
MARQUIS.
My life at farthest, sire,--were time allowed For me to weary you--but this denied--
Then truth itself must suffer. I must choose "Twixt your displeasure and contempt.
And if I must decide, I rather would appear Worthy of punishment than pity.
KING (with a look of expectation).
Well?
MARQUIS.
I cannot be the servant of a prince.
[The KING looks at him with astonishment.
I will not cheat the buyer. Should you deem Me worthy of your service, you prescribe A course of duty for me; you command My arm in battle and my head in council.
Then, not my actions, but the applause they meet At court becomes their object. But for me Virtue possesses an intrinsic worth.
I would, myself, create that happiness A monarch, with my hand, would seek to plant, And duty"s task would prove an inward joy, And be my willing choice. Say, like you this?
And in your own creation could you hear A new creator? For I ne"er could stoop To be the chisel where I fain would be-- The sculptor"s self. I dearly love mankind, My gracious liege, but in a monarchy I dare not love another than myself.
KING.
This ardor is most laudable. You wish To do good deeds to others; how you do them Is but of small account to patriots, Or to the wise. Choose then within these realms The office where you best may satisfy This n.o.ble impulse.
MARQUIS.
"Tis not to be found.
KING.
How!
MARQUIS.
What your majesty would spread abroad, Through these my hands--is it the good of men?
Is it the happiness that my pure love Would to mankind impart? Before such bliss Monarchs would tremble. No! Court policy Has raised up new enjoyments for mankind.
Which she is always rich enough to grant; And wakened, in the hearts of men, new wishes Which such enjoyments only can content.
In her own mint she coins the truth--such truth!
As she herself can tolerate: all forms Unlike her own are broken. But is that Which can content the court enough for me?
Must my affection for my brother pledge Itself to work my brother injury?
To call him happy when he dare not think?
Sire, choose not me to spread the happiness Which you have stamped for us. I must decline To circulate such coin. I cannot be The servant of a prince.
KING (suddenly).
You are, perhaps, A Protestant?
MARQUIS (after some reflection).