_King._ Ye mighty powers, whose substitutes we are, On whom you've lain of earth the rule and care, Why all our toils do you reward with ill, And to those weighty cares add greater still? Oh, how could I your deities enrage, That blessed my youth, thus to afflict my age? A queen and a son's incest! dismal thought! _Don John._ What is't so soon his majesty has brought From the soft arms of his young bride? [_To_ RUY-GOMEZ. _King._ Ay, true! Is she not, Austria, young and charming too? Dost thou not think her to a wonder fair? Tell me! _Don John._ By Heaven, more bright than planets are: Her beauty's force might even their power out-do. _King._ Nay, she's as false, and as unconstant too. O Austria, that a form so outward bright Should be within all dark and ugly night! For she, to whom I'd dedicated all My love, that dearest jewel of my soul, Takes from its shrine the precious relic down, To adorn a little idol of her own,-- My son! that rebel both to Heaven and me! Oh, the distracting throes of jealousy! But as a drowning wretch, just like to sink, Seeing him that threw him in upon the brink, At the third plunge lays hold upon his foe, And tugs him down into destruction too; So thou, from whom these miseries I've known, Shalt bear me out again, or with me drown. [_Seizes roughly_ on RUY-GOMEZ. _Ruy-Gom._ My loyalty will teach me how to wait All the successes of my sovereign's fate. What is't, great sir, you would command me? _King._ How! What is't?--I know not what I'd have thee do: Study revenge for me, 'tis that I want. _Don John._ Alas! what frenzy does your temper haunt? Revenge! on whom? _King._ On my false queen and son. _Ruy-Gom._ On them! good Heaven! what is't that they have done? Oh, had my tongue been cursed, ere it had bred This jealousy! [_Half aside._ _King._ Then cancel what thou'st said. Didst thou not tell me that thou saw'st him stand Printing soft vows and kisses on her hand, Whilst in requital she such glances gave, Would quicken a dead lover in his grave? _Ruy-Gom._ I did; and what less could the queen allow To him than you to every vassal show? The affording him that little from love's store Implied that she for you reserved much more. _King._ Oh, doubtless, she must have a wondrous store Of love, that sells it at a rate so poor. Now thou'dst rebate[12] my passion with advice; And, when thou shouldst be active, wouldst be wise. No, lead me where I may their incest see-- Do, or by Heaven--do, and I'll worship thee! Oh, how my passions drive me to and fro! Under their heavy weight I yield and bow. But I'll re-gather yet my strength, and stand Brandishing all my thunder in my hand.