ALVA.
And to what, most gracious prince,
Must I ascribe this favor, but to you—
Your intercession with the king?
CARLOS.
Ob, no!
Not in the least to me; but, duke, you travel,
So Heaven be with your grace!
ALVA.
And is this all?
It seems, indeed, most strange! And has your highness
No further orders, then, to send to Flanders?
CARLOS.
What should I have?
ALVA.
Not long ago, it seemed,
The country's fate required your presence.
CARLOS.
How?
But yes, you're right,—it was so formerly;
But now this change is better as it is.
ALVA.
I am amazed——
CARLOS.
You are an able general,
No one doubts that—envy herself must own it.
For me, I'm but a youth—so thought the king.
CARLOS.
The king was right, quite right. I see it now
Myself, and am content—and so no more.
God speed your journey, as you see, just now
My hands are full, and weighty business presses.
The rest to-morrow, or whene'er you will,
Or when you come from Brussels.
ALVA.
What is this?