Don Car. Thus then I lay aside all rights of blood. [Rises boldly.
My mother cursed! She was all just and good,
Tyrant! too good to stay with thee below,
And therefore's blest, and reigns above thee now.
Submission! which way got it entrance here?
King. Perhaps it came ere treason was aware.
Thy traitorous design's now come to light,
Too great and horrid to be hid in night.
See here my honour, and thy duty's stains! [Shows the despatches.
I've paid your secretary for his pains;
He waits you there: to council with him go; [Shows Posa's body.
Ask what intelligence from Flanders now.
Don Car. My friend here slain, my faithful Posa 'tis.
Good Heaven! what have I done to merit this?
What temples sacked, what desolations made,
To pull down such a vengeance on my head?
This, villain, was thy work: what friend of thine
[To Ruy-Gomez.
Did I e'er wrong, that thou shouldst murder mine?
But I'll take care it shall not want reward—[Draws.
King. Courage, my Gomez, since thy king's thy guard.
Come, rebel, and thy villanies fulfil!
Don Car. No; though unjust, you are my father still;
[Throws away his sword.
And from that title must your safety own:
'Tis that which awes my hand, and not your crown.
'Tis true, all there contained I had designed:
To such a height your jealousy was grown,
It was the only way that I could find
To work your peace, and to procure my own.
King. Thinking my youth and vigour to decrease,
You'd ease me of my crown to give me peace.