In the second act Carlos seeks the king, and implores a private audience. The Duke of Alba is in presence, and is excessively reluctant to depart; nor is it without displeasure that Philip, at the repeated solicitations of his son, sends him away. The prince, alone with his father, lays open his heart; implores forgiveness for his offences, and expresses in the most ardent language, his dutiful affection and desire for a perfect reconciliation. Upon the machinations of designing courtiers, he charges the fault of the breach that has so long existed between them; pleads that he will do for good will the service his corrupted ministers do for their own interests; that a purer fount of love than gold can purchase, swells in the heart of Philip's son. The king is not unmoved by this generous abandonment, but coldly answers that those he traduces are his proved servants. With increasing earnestness Carlos appeals to the parental feelings of his father; and the following picture of happiness succeeds the startled admission of Philip that he is alone upon a throne. You have been so, my lord. Hate me no more, And I will love you with a duteous love And ardent; but oh, hate me not; How lovely, How sweet it is, in a fair soul, to feel Ourselves as holy things enshrined; to know Our happiness another cheek doth kindle, Our trouble doth another bosom swell, Our sorrow fill with tears another's eyes. How sweet and glorious is it, hand in hand, With a beloved and duteous son, once more To tread the rose-strewed path of early youth! To dream again life's dream of pleasure o'er! How sweet and blessed in your children's virtue, Immortal, ever present to endure, The benefactor of a century! How fair to plant, what a beloved offspring One day shall reap; to sow what shall make glad Their future fields; to anticipate the joy, The gratitude which they shall feel! My father, Your priest is wisely silent of this Eden On Earth!