[She recognizes the miniature, and remains in speechless astonishment. They both gaze at each other. After a long pause.
In truth, this mode of trying a wife"s heart Is great and royal, sire! But I should wish To ask one question?
KING.
"Tis for me to question.
QUEEN.
Let my suspicions spare the innocent.
And if by your command this theft was done----
KING.
It was so done!
QUEEN.
Then I have none to blame, And none to pity--other than yourself-- Since you possess a wife on whom such schemes Are thrown away.
KING.
This language is not new-- Nor shall you, madam, now again deceive me As in the gardens of Aranjuez-- My queen of angel purity, who then So haughtily my accusation spurned-- I know her better now.
QUEEN.
What mean you, sire?
KING.
Madam! thus briefly and without reserve-- Say is it true? still true, that you conversed With no one there? Is really that the truth?
QUEEN.
I spoke there with the prince.
KING.
Then is clear As day! So daring! heedless of mine honor!
QUEEN.
Your honor, sire! If that be now the question, A greater honor is, methinks, at stake Than Castile ever brought me as a dowry.
KING.
Why did you then deny the prince"s presence?
QUEEN.
Because I"m not accustomed to be questioned Like a delinquent before all your courtiers; I never shall deny the truth when asked With kindness and respect. Was that the tone Your majesty used towards me in Aranjuez?
Are your a.s.sembled grandees the tribunal Queens must account to for their private conduct?
I gave the prince the interview he sought With earnest prayer, because, my liege and lord, I--the queen--wished and willed it, and because I never can admit that formal custom Should sit as judge on actions that are guiltless; And I concealed it from your majesty Because I chose not to contend with you About this right in presence of your courtiers.
KING.
You speak with boldness, madam!
QUEEN.
I may add, Because the prince, in his own father"s heart, Scarce finds that kindness he so well deserves.
KING.
So well deserves!
QUEEN.
Why, sire! should I conceal it!
Highly do I esteem him--yes! and love him As a most dear relation, who was once Deemed worthy of a dearer--tenderer--t.i.tle.
I"ve yet to learn that he, on this account, Should be estranged from me beyond all others,-- Because he once was better loved than they.
Though your state policy may knit together What bands it pleases--"tis a harder task To burst such ties! I will not hate another For any one"s command--and since I must So speak--such dictates I will not endure.
KING.
Elizabeth! you"ve seen me in weak moments-- And their remembrance now emboldens you.
On that strong influence you now depend, Which you have often, with so much success, Against my firmness tried. But fear the more The power which has seduced me to be weak May yet inflame me to some act of madness.
QUEEN.
What have I done?
KING (takes her hand).
If it should prove but so-- And is it not already? If the full Acc.u.mulated measure of your guilt Become but one breath heavier--should I be Deceived---- [Lets her hand go.
I can subdue these last remains Of weakness--can and will--then woe betide Myself and you, Elizabeth!
QUEEN.
What crime Have I committed?
KING.
On my own account then Shall blood be shed.
QUEEN.
And has it come to this?
Oh, Heaven!
KING.
I shall forget myself--I shall Regard no usage and no voice of nature-- Not e"en the law of nations.
QUEEN.
Oh, how much I pity you!
KING.
The pity of a harlot!
INFANTA (clinging to her mother in terror).
The king is angry, and my mother weeps.
[KING pushes the child violently from the QUEEN.
QUEEN (with mildness and dignity, but with faltering voice).
This child I must protect from cruelty-- Come with me, daughter.
[Takes her in her arms.
If the king no more Acknowledge thee--beyond the Pyrenees I"ll call protectors to defend our cause.
[Going.