CARLOS and MARQUIS POSA.
CARLOS (after the departure of the DUKE, full of expectation and
astonishment, to the MARQUIS).
What means all this? Inform me, Roderigo—
Art thou not, then, the minister?
MARQUIS.
I was,
As thou canst well perceive——
[Going to him with great emotion.
O Carlos! Now
I have succeeded—yes—it is accomplished—
'Tis over now—Omnipotence be praised,
To whom I owe success.
CARLOS.
Success! What mean you?
Thy words perplex me.
MARQUIS (takes his hand).
Carlos! thou art saved—
Art free—but I——
[He stops short.
CARLOS.
But thou——
MARQUIS.
Thus to my breast
I press thee now, with friendship's fullest right,
A right I've bought with all I hold most dear.
How great, how lovely, Carlos, is this moment
Of self-approving joy?
CARLOS.
What sudden change
I mark upon thy features! Proudly now
Thy bosom heaves, thine eyes dart vivid fire!
MARQUIS.
We must say farewell, Carlos! Tremble 'not,
But be a man! And what thou more shalt hear,
Promise me, not by unavailing sorrow,
Unworthy of great souls, to aggravate
The pangs of parting. I am lost to thee,
Carlos, for many years—fools say forever.