_Philip_. With foot Most sacrilegious thou hast passed already, Long since, that bound. What do I say? Unknown It ever was to thee. Lay by the words Of haughty virtue and severe; but ill Such words become thee. Speak now as thou art; Thy meditated treasons, and the many Already ripe, unveil. What dost thou fear? That I should be less great than thou art impious? If truth thou speak'st and nought dost hide, then hope! If aught thou dare conceal, then tremble! _Carlos_. Truth Severe thou forcest from me now. Myself Too well I know, to fear; and thee, oh Philip! Too well I know, to hope. The luckless gift, My life, take back; 'tis thine; but mine my honor, Which thou hadst never power to take nor give. Guilty I should be, if to such confession Base fear could lead me. Here my latest breath {704} Thou may'st behold me draw; long, cruel death, And infamous prepare for me; no death Degrades me. Thou alone, sire—thou alone Wilt not weep tears of pity for my fate. _Philip_. Rash youth! thus to thy sovereign lord dost offer Excuse for all thy crimes? _Carlos_. Excuse? Thou hat'st me, That is mine only fault; thy thirst for blood Mine only crime. Thy right alone, O king, Is kingdom absolute. _Philip_. Ho—guards—arrest him! _Carlos_. Such is a tyrant's sole reply. These arms, Lo! to the chain I give—lo! to the steel I bare my breast. Wherefore delay? Dost now Begin to soften? Day by day thy reign Is written in black characters of blood. _Philip_. Bear him hence—from my sight. In the next tower, Unto the deepest dungeon. Wo to you If any of you show compassion to him. _Carlos_. Nay—fear not that. Thy ministers in cruelty Do equal thee. _Philip_. Drag him by force away; Forth from my presence. _Act IV, Scene 2_.