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 IV.

Elizabeth and Carlos.

(Carlosappears, led byTheobald. Rodrigospeaks aside toTheobald,who enters the convent.Carlosslowly approachesElizabeth,and bows reverently without once daring to raise his eyes.Elizabeth,scarcely able to master her emotion, bidsCarlosapproach.RodrigoandEboliinterchange signs with the Ladies, who withdraw, and gradually disappear among the trees. The Countess of Aremberg and two of the Ladies of Honor remain standing at a short distance. The Countess and the two Ladies cross from shrub to shrub, pluck flowers, and withdraw.)

Carlos (calmly).

I come to crave a favor from my Queen!

She who in the royal heart the first place now doth hold

Alone this favor can obtain for me!

(Gradually increasing in animation).

The air I now do breathe is fatal to me!

My tortured breast it does oppress,

Like to the recollection of a fearful woe!

’Tis meet that I go hence. Obtain me leave

To travel hence to Flanders!

Elizabeth (agitated).

My son!

Carlos (vehemently).

By that name call me not!

Call me as thou wert wont!

(Elizabethis about to withdraw.Carlossuppliantly entreats her to remain.)

Ah! woe is me! I know not what to do!

Ah! pity me! my sufferings are great.

One day of happiness alone was granted me,

And soon, alas! it fled!

(RodrigoandEbolicross the stage, conversing aside.)

Elizabeth.

Prince, if Philip will my prayer but hear,

To Flanders, ere to-morrow’s sun shall set,

As its vice-regent thou shalt quickly hie.

(RodrigoandEbolihave now disappeared.Elizabethmakes a gesture of farewell toDon Carlo,and is about to withdraw.)

Carlos.

Heavens! and has she not a word, a single sigh,

For the lorn wretch who, exiled, leaves the land!

Why do I never hear

Pity in thy heart?

Oh! This soul is oppressed!

In my heart, in my heart, there is coldness

Insane, I cried, I prayed in my delirium

I have turned to the cold marble of the tomb!

Elizabeth (greatly agitated).

Ah! why accuse my heart of coldness!

My silence you should better understand.

Duty’s bright ray before mine eye hath gleamed.

And guided by its light, I’ll on!

My trust I place in God and in mine innocence

Carlos (in despairing accents.)

O treasure lost to me for ever!

The light—the brightness of my life hath fled!

Speak! speak! that I may hear thee once again!

Thy words do cause me more than mortal happiness!

Elizabeth.

All merciful Heaven! may this true heart

Its woes forget and calm once more enjoy;

Carlos farewell—at thy side

This earth a paradise had seemed!

Carlos (delirious).

What voice from heaven of love now speaks?

Elizabeth! Yes, ’tis thou, adored one!

Elizabeth.

O terror! delusion wild is this!

Carlos.

I see thee at my side once more, as on that day!

Ah! all is now bright once more—

The forest its gay green again assumes!

Elizabeth.

He is dying Oh, Heavens! he is dying.

Don Carlos.

Oh! My treasure, is it thou, my sweet love?

Elizabeth.

Great God, just Heaven!

Don Carlos (reviving).

To my tomb, to the slumber of the tomb

Why take me away, unmerciful Heaven?

Elizabeth.

Oh, Carlos, oh, Carlos!

Don Carlos.

Under my foot, shall the abyss open

And may my body by lightning be struck,

I love thee, I love thee, Elizabeth,

(Takes her in his arms.)

To me the world has vanished!

Elizabeth (disengaging herself).

Complete thy work—go, slay thy father!

And with his blood besmeared.

Then lead thy mother to the altar!

Carlos (retreating in alarm).

Ah! woe is me! accurs’d am I!

(He rushes out desperately.)

Elizabeth.

(Falling on her knees).

Heaven has kept watch o’er us!