Nothing but names, mere names are here:--no note E"en of the services to which they owe Their place upon the roll! Oh, what can be Of shorter memory than grat.i.tude!

Here, in this other list, I read each fault Most accurately marked. That is not well!

Can vengeance stand in need of such a help?

[He reads further.

Count Egmont! What doth he here? Long ago The victory of St. Quentin is forgotten.

I place him with the dead.

[He effaces this name and writes it on the other roll after he has read further.

The Marquis Posa!

The Marquis Posa! I can scarce recall This person to mind. And doubly marked!

A proof I destined him for some great purpose.

How is it possible? This man, till now, Has ever shunned my presence--still has fled His royal debtor"s eye? The only man, By heaven, within the compa.s.s of my realm, Who does not court my favor. Did he burn With avarice, or ambition, long ago He had appeared before my throne. I"ll try This wondrous man. He who can thus dispense With royalty will doubtless speak the truth.

SCENE VI.

The Audience Chamber.

DON CARLOS in conversation with the PRINCE of PARMA. DUKES ALVA, FERIA, and MEDINA SIDONIA, COUNT LERMA, and other GRANDEES, with papers in their hands, awaiting the KING.

MEDINA SIDONIA (seems to be shunned by all the GRANDEES, turns towards DUKE ALVA, who, alone and absorbed in himself, walks up and down).

Duke, you have had an audience of the king?

How did you find him minded?

ALVA.

Somewhat ill For you, and for the news you bring.

MEDINA SIDONIA.

My heart Was lighter "mid the roar of English cannon Than here on Spanish ground.

[CARLOS, who had regarded him with silent sympathy, now approaches him and presses his hand.

My warmest thanks, Prince, for this generous tear. You may perceive How all avoid me. Now my fate is sealed.

CARLOS.

Still hope the best both from my father"s favor, And your own innocence.

MEDINA SIDONIA.

Prince, I have lost A fleet more mighty than e"er ploughed the waves.

And what is such a head as mine to set "Gainst seventy sunken galleons? And therewith Five hopeful sons! Alas! that breaks my heart.

SCENE VII.

The KING enters from his chamber, attired. The former all uncover and make room on both sides, while they form a semicircle round him. Silence.

KING (rapidly surveying the whole circle).

Be covered, all.

[DON CARLOS and the PRINCE of PARMA approach first and kiss the KING"s hand: he turns with friendly mien to the latter, taking no notice of his son.

Your mother, nephew, fain Would be informed what favor you have won Here in Madrid.

PARMA.

That question let her ask When I have fought my maiden battle, sire.

KING.

Be satisfied; your turn will come at last, When these old props decay.

[To the DUKE OF FERIA.

What brings you here?

FERIA (kneeling to the KING).

The master, sire, of Calatrava"s order This morning died. I here return his cross.

KING (takes the order and looks round the whole circle).

And who is worthiest after him to wear it?

[He beckons to DUKE ALVA, who approaches and bends on one knee. The KING hangs the order on his neck.

You are my ablest general! Ne"er aspire To more, and, duke, my favors shall not fail you.

[He perceives the DUKE of MEDINA SIDONIA.

My admiral!

MEDINA SIDONIA.

And here you see, great king, All that remains of the Armada"s might, And of the flower of Spain.

KING (after a pause).

G.o.d rules above us!

I sent you to contend with men, and not With rocks and storms. You"re welcome to Madrid.

[Extending his hand to him to kiss.

I thank you for preserving in yourself A faithful servant to me. For as such I value him, my lords; and "tis my will That you should honor him.

[He motions him to rise and cover himself, then turns to the others.

What more remains?

[To DON CARLOS and the PRINCE OF PARMA.

Princes, I thank you.