(Maximilian looks with the greatest astonishment at his now flushed face and eager manner, then thinks he understands)
Max. Ah, Charles,
This tender heart of yours will kill you yet.
No more of this. I ’ll keep you at your books.
Char. (Recovering, proceeds with suavity, completely sold to his desire)
My mind has cleared with deeper thought, my lord,
Discord, the ancients tell us, was at first
So small a gnat did give her birth, but grew
So great her feet o’erturned proud cities while
Her head upset the gods in council. So this
Small trouble may o’ercast your destiny—
And is ’t not better, sir, to pass a law,
However dreaded, ’gainst the rebel few
Than that the nation trusted to your care
Should be broad cursed with civil slaughter?
Max. Better?
If such a danger threatens ’t is a crime
Not to forfend it!
(Enter Marquez and Archbishop Labastida)
Lab. Gracious sovereign!
Max. Most reverend father, you would counsel us?
Lab. We would, your majesty. If yet the wish
Of Heaven has power over you; and Christ
Be your most high example, you will prove
A careful guardian to your trusting people,
And crush this villainous and robber race
Now preying on the true and innocent,
Swelling each day more poisonous and foul!
Max. We are decided. Are we not, good Charles?
Mar. (Hastily) Nay, sire—