KING.
But one
One service more-the last-and then in peace
Depart. Let all the past be now forgotten-
Let peace be made between us. We are friends.
GRAND INQUISITOR.
When Philip bends with due humility.
KING (after a pause).
My son is meditating treason.
GRAND INQUISITOR,
Well!
And what do you resolve?
KING.
On all, or nothing.
GRAND INQUISITOR.
What mean you by this all?
KING.
He must escape,
Or die.
GRAND INQUISITOR.
Well, sire! decide.
KING.
And can you not
Establish some new creed to justify
The bloody murder of one's only son?
GRAND INQUISITOR.
To appease eternal justice God's own Son
Expired upon the cross.
KING.
And can you spread
This creed throughout all Europe?
GRAND INQUISITOR.
Ay, as far
As the true cross is worshipped.
KING.
But I sin-
Sin against nature. Canst thou, by thy power,
Silence her mighty voice.
GRAND INQUISITOR.
The voice of nature
Avails not over faith.
KING.
My right to judge
I place within your hands. Can I retrace
The step once taken?
GRAND INQUISITOR.
Give him to me!
KING.
My only son! For whom then have I labored?
GRAND INQUISITOR.
For the grave rather than for liberty!
KING (rising up).
We are agreed. Come with me.
GRAND INQUISITOR.
Monarch! Whither
KING.
From his own father's hands to take the victim.
[Leads him away.
SCENE XI.
Queen's Apartment.
CARLOS. The QUEEN. Afterwards the KING and attendants. CARLOS
in monk's attire, a mask over his face, which he is just taking
off; under his arm a naked sword. It is quite dark. He approaches
a door, which is in the act of opening. The QUEEN comes out in
her night-dress with a lighted candle. CARLOS falls on one knee
before her.
CARLOS.
Elizabeth!
QUEEN (regarding him with silent sorrow).
Do we thus meet again?
