Don Car. Ah, princess! lovers' pains you never knew;
Or what it is to part, as we must do.
Part too for ever!
After one minute never more to stand
Fixed on those eyes, or pressing this soft hand!
'Twere but enough to feed one, and not starve,
Yet that is more than I did e'er deserve;
Though fate to us is niggardly and poor,
That from eternity can't spare one hour.
Queen. If it were had, that hour would soon be gone,
And we should wish to draw another on.
No, rigorous necessity has made
Us both his slaves, and now will be obeyed.
Come, let us try the parting blow to bear.
Adieu! [Looking at each other.
Don Car. Farewell! I'm fixed and rooted here;
I cannot stir—
Queen. Shall I the way then show?
Now hold, my heart—
[Goes to the door, stops, and turns back again.
Nay, sir, why don't you go?
Don Car. Why do you stay?
Queen. I won't—
Don Car. You shall a while. [Kneels.
With one look more my miseries beguile,
That may support my heart till you are gone!
Queen. O Eboli! thy help, or I'm undone. [Takes hold on her.
Here, take it then, and with it too my life! [Leans into her arms.