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• Argument
• Characters
• Don Carlo (italian Language)
• Atto Primo.
• Scena I.
• Scena II.
• Scena III.
• Scena IV.
• Atto Secondo.
• Parte Prima.
• Scena I.
• Scena II.
• Scena III.
• Parte Seconda.
• Scena I.
• Scena II.
• Scene IV.
• Scena V.
• Scena VI.
• Atto Terzo.
• Parte Prima.
• Scena I.
• Parte Seconda.
• Scena I.
• Atto Quarto.
• Parte Prima.
• Scena I.
• Scena II.
• Scena III.
• Scena IV.
• Parte Seconda.
• Scena I.
• Parte Terza.
• Scena I.
• Scena II.
• Don Carlos (english Language)
• Act First.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Act Second.
• Part First.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Part Second
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene IV.
• Scene V.
• Scene VI.
• Act Third.
• Part First.
• Scene I.
• Part Second.
• Scene I.
• Fourth Act.
• Part First
• Scene I.
• Scene II.
• Scene III.
• Scene IV.
• Part Second.
• Scene I.
• Part Third.
• Scene I.
• Scene II.

SCENA II.

ElisabettaeDon Carlo

Don Carlo.

È dessa!

Elisabetta.

Un detto, un sol; al ciel io raccomando

Il pellegrin che parte; e poi sol vi domando

E l’obblio e la vita.

Don Carlo.

Sì, forte esser vogl’io;

Ma quando è infranto amore

Pria della morte uccide.

Elisabetta.

No, pensate a Rodrigo.

Non è per folli idee,

Ch’ei si sacrificò!

Don Carlo.

Sulla terra fiamminga,

Io vo’ che a lui s’innalzi sublime, eccelso avel,

(Con entusiasmo.)

Qual mai ne ottenne un re tanto nobil e bel.

Elisabetta.

I fior del paradiso a lui sorrideranno!

Don Carlo.

Vago sogno m’arrise! ei sparve,

(Cupo.)

E nell’affanno un rogo appar a me,

Che spinge vampe al ciel.

Di sangue tinto un rio, resi i campi un avel,

Un popolo che muor, e a me la man protende,

Siccome a Redentor, nei dì della sventura.

A lui n’andrò beato, se, spento o vincitor,

Plauso, o pianto m’avrò dal tuo memore cor!

Non vedi, Elisabetta! io ti stringo al mio sen,

Ne mia virtù vacilla, nè ad essa mancherò!

Or che tutto finì e la man io ritiro dalla tua man . . .

Tu piangi?

Elisabetta.

Sì, piango, ma t’ammiro.

Il pianto gli è dell’alma, e veder tu lo puoi,

Qual san pianto versar . . . le donne per gli eroi!

ElisabettaeDon Carlo (solenne).

Ma lassù ci vedremo in un mondo migliore,

Dell’avvenir eterno suonan per noi già l’ore;

E là noi troverem stretti insiem nel Signor . . .

Il sospirato ben che fugge in terra ognor!

Addio! per sempre addio, per sempre!

Filippo.

(Prendendo il braccio dellaRegina)

Sì, per sempre!

Io voglio un doppio sacrifizio!

Il dover mio farò.

(All’Inquisitore.)

Ma voi?

Il Grande Inquisitore.

Il Santo Uffizio il suo farà.

Elisabetta.

Ciel!

Il Grande Inquisitore

(Ai familiari del Santo Uffizio, additandoDon Carlo).

Guardie! . . .

Don Carlo.

Dio mi vendicherà!

Il tribunal di sangue

Sua mano spezzerà!

(Don Carlo,difendendosi, indietreggia verso la tomba di Carlo Quinto.—Il cancello s’apre.—UnFrateappare, è Carlo Quinto col manto e colla corona reale).

Il Frate.

Il duolo della terra

Nel chiostro ancor ci segue,

Solo del cor la guerra

In ciel si calmerà!

Inquisitore.

È la voce di Carlo!

Quattro Familiari del Santo Uffizio.

È Carlo Quinto!

Filippo (spaventato).

Mio padre!

Elisabetta.

Oh ciel!

(Carlo Quinto trascina nel chiostroDon Carlosmarrito.)

fine dell’opera.

DON CARLOS

ACT FIRST.

(The forest of Fontainebleau in winter. At the right a mass of rock forming a sort of shelter. In the distant background the royal palace.)

SCENE I.

(A few woodcutters engaged in cutting wood, their wives standing near a large bonfire.Elizabeth of Valoisenters the scene from the left, mounted on a steed led by her pageTheobald.A party of hunters serve as her escort.)

Chorus of Hunters (at right).

Hasten hunters, hasten or the prey will escape us.

Band of Hunters (at left).

But we will overtake them before night envelops the forest.

(Elizabethto the fanfare of trumpets crosses the scene, throwing money to the woodcutters as she passes.—Don Carlosappears at the left, half concealing himself among the trees. The woodcutters and their wives after respectfully saluting the princess take their axes and baskets and disappear through the woodland paths.)

SCENE II.

Don Carlos (alone).

Fontainebleau, immense and solitary forest,

Whose gardens, those rose scented bowers, that Eden of splendor

Are less prized by Don Carlos than this rude forest,

Where his Elizabeth has smilingly appeared!

I have left the Iberian soil, have left my court,

Defying the tremendous fury of Philip,

That mingling unknown in the train of the royal ambassador,

I may behold her, my beautiful betrothed—

She who when first seen took her throne in my heart,

She who will ever reign over this doting heart.

I saw her and at her smile

The very ground seemed to shine unto light

As a soul in Paradise

She opened to me a dream of hope.

So much joy destined to me,

Overwhelmed my soul with ecstasy.

Heaven smile upon our affection,

Bless this chaste and holy love—

(Starts to followElizabeth,but checks himself and listens attentively. The sound of a horn is heard in the distance and silence ensues.)

The sound of the horn is silent through the forest,

(Listening.)

No longer is heard the clamor of the hunters.

The day is dying. All is silent, and the evening star

Glances in the far-off azure space,

How shall I retrace my steps to the royal palace,

And find my way through this dark wood?

Theobald (from within).

What ho there! body guard. Ho! pages of the King.

Carlos.

What voice resounds in the dark forest?

Theobald.

Ho! woodmen come hither.

(EnterElizabethandTheobald)

Carlos (retiring a little).

Oh! what vision of beauty approaches.

Theobald (in terror).

I cannot find the path. Lady take my arm.

I will support you. The night is dark and gloomy

And you tremble with cold.

Let us go further on.

Elizabeth.

Ah! fatigue overpowers me.

(Carlosappears and bows toElizabeth.)

Theobald.

(Terrified, toDon Carlos)

Heavens! who art thou?

Carlos (toElizabeth).

I am a stranger—a Spaniard

Elizabeth (boldly).

Art thou one of the train of Count Lerma, the Spanish ambassador?

Carlos (passionately).

Yes, noble lady. And I will be your protector.

Theobald.

(At the back of the scene).

Oh! What joy! I see

The lights of Fontainebleau

I will hasten to lead you to the royal palace.

Elizabeth (authoritatively).

Go, and be not anxious for my safety.

I am the betrothed of Don Carlos. I have faith

In Spanish honor. Hasten, page, to the castle!

He (pointing toCarlos) knows how to protect the daughter of thy King.

(Carloswith his hand on his sword takes his position by the side ofElizabeth. Theobaldbows and departs.)

SCENE III.

Elizabeth and Carlos.

(Elizabethsits on a rock, and looks atDon Carloswho is standing before her.Don Carlosbreaks a few small branches scattered on the ground and revives the fire).

Elizabeth (surprised).

At my feet! And wherefore?

Carlos.

(Looking at the Queen, kneels).

When in war,

With only the heavens for a covering,

We were wont to feed the cheerful flame.

See! Already the genial fire expands and lightens!

In the field when it burned and crackled thus

We called it the precursor of victory... or of love

Elizabeth.

So, thou hast left Madrid?

Carlos.

Yes.

Elizabeth.

And tonight the treaty of peace will be signed?

Carlos.

And first, will be arranged the details of the marriage of Don Carlos, the son of my King.

Elizabeth.

Ah! Let us talk of him.

A dark terror invades my heart.

A lonely exile I will be. France I must leave.

Yet would I had his love

Carlos.

Thou shalt see Don Carlos at thy feet

Burning with love. I have faith in his fidelity.

Elizabeth.

I shall leave France, also my father.

God wills it, I shall leave, I shall have another country.

I shall go contented, and with my heart full of hope.

Don Carlos.

And Carlo, still loving you, he shall live.

I swear he will love you.

Elizabeth (aside).

Why does my heart beat with joy?

But what is this?

Carlos (handing her a casket).

As the messenger of the Prince,

I present to you this gift.

Elizabeth.

A gift from him!

Carlos.

He sends you his faithful picture.

Elizabeth.

Oh happiness! I shall see him! I hesitate to open it,

And yet I fain would gaze upon his features.

(Opening the portrait and recognizingCarlos.)

Great Heaven!

Carlos (falling at her feet).

I am Carlos—and I love thee!

Elizabeth (aside).

With what ardor—with what love

This heart is overflowing!

To his destiny a divine will

Has now bound mine.

A gloomy terror I had in my heart

And till this hour I felt its shadow.

But now that I am beloved, a joy supreme

Possesses my happy soul.

Carlos.

Yes I love thee, I love thee, thee alone I desire—

For thee I will live—for thee I will die.

Elizabeth.

Love guided me to thee, and brought thee to my side,

And love decrees we both shall be happy.

(The distant booming of a cannon is heard.)

What noise is that?

Carlos.

The cannon sounds.

Elizabeth.

Auspicious day! ’Tis the signal for the festival.

Don Carlos and Elizabeth.

Yes! thanks to Heaven! The treaty of peace is signed!

(The windows of the palace of Fontainebleau in the distance are suddenly illuminated.)

Elizabeth.

What splendor! How brilliantly shine the lights of yon palace!

Carlos.

(ClaspingElizabethin his arms).

The horror and gloom of the forest disappears!

All is joy and brightness! All is delight and love!

Elizabeth.

Oh Heaven!

Elizabeth and Don Carlos.

Heaven at last will see us united heart to heart

In Hymen’s bonds. May Heaven hasten the happy day.

Carlos.

Ah do not fear! Renew thy courage

My own betrothed one!

Angel of love, turn on me

Thy beloved eyes.

Elizabeth.

If I tremble yet ’tis not from terror,

Already I feel my strength renewed!

To rapture—strange indeed to me

I abandon my joyous heart!

Together.

We will renew in loving ecstasy

The oath which binds us;

Our lips have said it—Heaven has heard it

Our hearts confirm the sacred vow—

(Theobaldenters with pages bearing torches. The pages remain in the background.Theobaldalone approachesElizabeth.)

Theobald.

(kneeling and kissing the dress ofElizabeth).

Grant, oh lady, to the faithful messenger

Who now bears thee happy tidings,

One favor—to remain in thy service

And never to leave thee more.

Elizabeth.

(Directing him by a sign to rise).

It is granted.

Theobald.

I salute your Majesty, as Queen, and Spouse of Philip II.

Elizabeth (trembling).

No, no, I am engaged to the Infante by my father’s will.

Theobald.

To the Spanish Monarch. Henry has destined you.

You are Queen.

Elizabeth.

Poor me!

Don Carlos (aside).

A chill runs through my heart.

The abyss is opening before me

And you permit it, oh, Heaven!

SCENE IV.

Chorus.

(Heard first in the distance and gradually approaching).

With festal songs and joyful strains

Salute this happy day!

Peace beams above us, happy days are ours

While Heaven unites two loving hearts

Glory and honor to the beauteous lady!

To her who on the morrow mounts the throne,

And gives her hand, a gentle loving spouse,

To Philip, King of Spain.

Elizabeth.

All is darkness.

Carlos.

Unhappy fate!

Elizabeth.

To misery I am condemned.

Carlos.

The golden dream is vanished;

Vanished forever from my broken heart!

Elizabeth.

Ah! from my heart it has vanished.

Chorus (entering on the scene)...

With festal songs and joyful strains,

Salute this happy day...

Peace beams above us, happy days are ours;

While Heaven unites two loving hearts!

Elizabeth.

The fatal hour has come.

Against the merciless fate

Easier shall be the battle

Oh! Poor me, poor me.

Our souls are condemned,

Never again shall we find

So much love, so much love.

Don Carlos.

The fatal hour has come;

My life was a happy one—

Hard and sad it now seems.

All is ended, all is ended!

To bitter sorrow

Our souls are condemned.

So much love, now ended.

Count of Lerma.

(ToElizabeth).

The glorious King of France, the Great Henry

To the Monarch of Spain and India

Desires to give the hand of Elizabeth, his daughter.

This union shall be a tie of friendship.

But Philip wants to leave you full liberty;

Would you accept the hand of my King, who is hoping?

Chorus of Women.

Accept, Elizabeth, the hand that the King offers you,

Pity, pity, at last we shall have peace, pity for us!

Count of Lerma.

What do you answer?

Elizabeth (with dying voice).

Yes

(Aside.)

It is the supreme agony, I feel as if I were dying.

Chorus.

God in Heaven shall bless you.

Shall your friendly fate be faithful.

Don Carlos (aside).

I feel as if I were dying,

It is the supreme agony.

Chorus.

Festal hymns gladly resound,

And greet the glad day.

Peace brings happy moments.

Two loving hearts, Heaven has united.

Don Carlos.

To such cruel sorrow this soul is condemned.

Elizabeth.

What sorrow! What pain!

Together.

We shall never, never again find such love.

Chorus.

Glory, Honor. Glory, Queen!

(Elizabethis being conducted by the count to the litter. The procession starts.Don Carlosremains alone and sad.)

Don Carlos.

Poor me, poor me!

Chorus (in the distance).

Glory, honor!

Carlos (with despair).

The fatal hour has come!

And life to me but now so blessed,

Gloomy and dark appears.

The golden dream so beautiful, is fled!

Oh! Destiny! Cruel, cruel destiny!

end of act i.

ACT SECOND.

PART FIRST.

(The cloister of the convent of San Giusto. On the right an illuminated chapel, in which is seen, through a gilt railing, the tomb of Charles V. On the left, a door leading to the exterior. At back, the inner door of the cloister. A garden with lofty cypress trees. Daybreak.)