The Online Library of Liberty

A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.

• 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.

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.)