The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 304

MARQUIS (after a pause).

Well! then they may be sent through Germany.

[Exeunt on different sides.

ACT III.

SCENE I.

The king's bedchamber. On the toilet two burning lights. In the background several pages asleep resting on their knees. The KING, in half undress, stands before the table, with one arm bent over the chair, in a reflecting posture. Before him is a medallion and papers.

KING.

Of a warm fancy she has ever been!

Who can deny it? I could never love her, Yet has she never seemed to miss my love.

And so 'tis plain--she's false!

[Makes a movement which brings him to himself.

He looks round with surprise.

Where have I been?

Is no one watching here, then, save the king?

The light's burnt out, and yet it is not day.

I must forego my slumbers for to-night.

Take it, kind nature, for enjoyed! No time Have monarchs to retrieve the nights they lose.

I'm now awake, and day it shall be.

[He puts out the candles, and draws aside the window-curtain.

He observes the sleeping pages--remains for some time standing before them--then rings a bell.

All Asleep within the antechamber, too?

SCENE II.

The KING, COUNT LERMA.

LERMA (surprised at seeing the KING).

Does not your majesty feel well?

KING.

The left Pavilion of the palace was in flames: Did you not hear the alarum?

LERMA.

No, my liege.

KING.

No! What? And did I only dream it then?

'Twas surely real! Does not the queen sleep there?

LERMA.

She does, your majesty.

KING.

This dream affrights me!

In future let the guards be doubled there As soon as it grows dark. Dost hear? And yet Let it be done in secret. I would not---- Why do you gaze on me?

LERMA.

Your bloodshot eyes, I mark, that beg repose. Dare I remind My liege of an inestimable life, And of your subjects, who with pale dismay Would in such features read of restless nights?

But two brief hours of morning sleep would----

KING (with troubled look).

Shall I find sleep within the Escurial?

Let the king sleep, and he may lose his crown, The husband, his wife's heart. But no! not so; This is but slander. Was it not a woman Whispered the crime to me? Woman, thy name Is calumny? The deed I'll hold unproved, Until a man confirms the fatal truth!

[To the pages, who in the meanwhile have awaked.

Summon Duke Alva!

[Pages go.

Count, come nearer to me.

[Fixes a searching look on the COUNT.

Is all this true? Oh for omniscience now, Though but so long as a man's pulse might beat.

Is it true? Upon your oath! Am I deceived?

LERMA.

My great, my best of kings!

KING (drawing back).

King! naught but king!

And king again! No better answer than Mere hollow echo! When I strike this rock For water, to a.s.suage my burning thirst, It gives me molten gold.

LERMA.

What true, my liege?

KING.

Oh, nothing, nothing! Leave me! Get thee gone!

[The COUNT going, the KING calls him back again.

Say, are you married? and are you a father?

LERMA.

I am, your majesty.