Gr. Inq. Far as the Cross is honored.
King. I do violence
To nature; her all-powerful voice wilt thou
To silence also bring?
Gr. Inq. Before Belief
Avails no voice of nature.
King. I resign
My office as his judge into thy hands.
May I do this?
Gr. Inq. Give him to me.
The cold and brief manner in which this arrangement is concluded is appalling. The plot hastens to its catastrophe. In a remote apartment the queen's last meeting with the doomed prince takes place. Our last extract shall be a part of the final scene.
Carlos. (sinking on one knee before her.) Elizabeth!
Queen. And thus we meet again!
Carlos. And thus we meet again!
Queen. Arise; we will not,
Carlos, grow weak. Not with unworthy tears
Must the great dead be honored. Tears may flow
For smaller ills! He offered up himself
For you! * * * O, Carlos,
I spoke for you. On my security
He left this place in joy. Will you my words
Make false?