The Online Library of Liberty

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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.

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!