The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 06: Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English. in Twenty Volumes
General
The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 06: Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English. in Twenty Volumes
German literature -- 19th century -- Translations into English; German literature -- 20th century -- Translations into English
[_DON MANRIQUE and GARCERAN appear at the centre door. The latter takes
a step across the threshold._]
MANRIQUE. Wilt thou with, us?
GARCERAN. My father!
MANRIQUE. Wilt thou not?
The rest are gone--wilt follow them?
GARCERAN. I will.
[_They withdraw, the door closes. Pause. The_ KING _returns. In the
attitude of one listening intently._]
KING. Listen again!--'Tis nothing, quiet all!--
Empty, forlorn, the chambers of the Queen.
But, on returning, in the turret room,
I heard the noise of carriages and steeds,
In rushing gallop, hurrying away.
Am I alone? Ramiro! Garceran!
[_The page, comes from the door at the right._]
KING. Report! What goes on here?
PAGE. Illustrious Sire,
The castle is deserted; you and I
Are at this hour its sole inhabitants.
KING. The Queen?
PAGE. The castle in her carriage left.
KING. Back to Toledo then?
PAGE. I know not, Sire.
The lords, howe'er--
KING. What lords?
PAGE. Sire, the estates,
Who all upon their horses swung themselves;
They did not to Toledo take their way--
Rather the way which you yourself did come.
KING. What! To Retiro? Ah, now fall the scales
From these my seeing and yet blinded eyes!
Murder this is. They go to slay her there!
My horse! My horse!
PAGE. Your horse, illustrious Sire,
Was lame, and, as you know, at your command--
KING. Well, then, another--Garceran's, or yours!
PAGE. They've taken every horse from here away,
Perhaps with them, perhaps but driv'n afar;
As empty as the castle are the stalls.
KING. They think they will outstrip me. But away!
Get me a horse, were't only some old nag;
Revenge shall lend him wings, that he may fly.
And if 'tis done? Then, God above, then grant
That as a man, not as a tyrant, I
May punish both the guilty and the guilt.
Get me a horse! Else art thou in their league,
And payest with thy head, as all shall--
(_Standing at the door, with a gesture of violence._)
All!
[_He hastens away._]
ACT V
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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