Carlos. If I could ever
Believe he was my friend more shame would kindle
My cheek than e'er did wrath.
Isabella. Yet he alone
Feels pity now for you. 'Twas he revealed
The king's atrocious plot to me.
Carlos. Incautious!
Alas, too credulous, what hast thou done?
Why give to such compassion faith? If truth
He uttered—he—most impious minister
Of the most impious king—'twas with the truth
To cheat thee!
Act V, Scene 2.
Both are now in the tyrant's power; as a last resort, the prince beseeches Isabella to begone from his dangerous presence.
Carlos. Away—if life be dear——
Isabella. To me—life dear?
Carlos. My honor then—thy fame! * * Go—hide thy tears;
Smother thy sighs in thine own breast; with eye
Unmoistened, with intrepid front, must thou
The tidings of my death receive.
It is too late; Philip enters, and scornfully upbraids them with their mutual love, which they have vainly thought to conceal from his discernment. He has long known it, but has suffered them to remain in their delusion, that his revenge might more readily overtake them, and now comes to rejoice in their last sufferings. The monster asserts what is evident throughout, that his jealousy is not the object of love, but of pride.
“Thou hast offended
In me thy sovereign king—and not thy lover;
The sacred name of Philip's wife hast stained.”