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 III.

Elizabeth, Eboli, RodrigoandPhilip.

Elizabeth.

(Entering, and throwing herself at theKing’sfeet).

Justice, sire, I implore,

I’ve faith in the King’s loyalty.

Unworthily am I treated in this thy court,

Outraged am I by unknown, worthless enemies!

The casket wherein my precious jewels I kept,

With other matters, e’en yet dearer to me,

Hath been most shamefully taken from me.

Justice do I claim from thy dread sovereign power!

(The King slowly rises, approaches the table, takes from it a casket, and presents it to the Queen.)

Philip.

Methinks the object of thy search is here!

Elizabeth.

Oh heaven!

Philip.

Wilt please to open it?

(Elizabethby a gesture refuses.)

Be it so; I then myself will open it!

(Breaking open the casket).

Elizabeth (aside).

With fear I die!

Philip.

The portrait of Don Carlos!

Why art thou speechless?

Elizabeth.

Yes.

Philip.

Among thy jewels?

Elizabeth.

Yes!

Philip.

What? Thou darest confess all to me?

Elizabeth.

Yes I dare! yes!

As thou well knowest, once I have been

To your son betrothed!

And now I humbly belong to God,

I am as immaculate as a lily!

And now the honor of Elizabeth is doubted!

They doubt me. . . and he who insults me is the King!

Philip.

Thou speakest too boldly!

Thou thinkest me weak, and seem to mistrust me;

The weakness in me can change to violence.

Thou wilt tremble then, for me!

Elizabeth.

What is my error?

Philip.

Perjury! since thou hast disgraced me,

Thou hast betrayed me,

I swear it, I swear it, before God!

I will shed blood!

Elizabeth.

I pity thee!. . .

Philip.

Ah! the pity of an adulterous consort!

Elizabeth (fainting).

Ah!

Philip.

(Throwing open the doors at back).

Attend to the Queen!

Eboli

(Terrified on beholding the fainting Queen).

Oh, heaven! what is’t I see!

(The King, after a moment’s hesitation, withdraws.Rodrigofollows him with a resolute gesture.Eboliremains with the Queen.)