_Don Car._ Methinks 'tis very hard, but yet I'll do't. I must obey whatever you prefer, Knowing you're all divine, and cannot err. For, if my doom's unalterable, I shall This way at least with less dishonour fall; And princes less my tameness thus condemn, When I for you shall suffer, though by him. _Queen._ In my apartment farther we'll debate Of this, and for a happy issue wait. Your presence there he cannot disapprove, When it shall speak your duty, and my love. [_Exeunt_ Don CARLOS, QUEEN, HENRIETTA, _and_ Attendants. _Re-enter_ RUY-GOMEZ. _D. of Eboli._ Now, Gomez, triumph! All is ripe; the toil Has caught them, and fate saw it with a smile. Thus far the work of destiny was mine; But I'm content the masterpiece be thine. Away to the king, prepare his soul for blood,-- A mystery thou well hast understood. Whilst I go rest within a lover's arms, [_Aside._ And to my Austria lay out all my charms. [_Exit._ _Ruy-Gom._ Fate, open now thy book, and set them down: I have already marked them for thy own. _Re-enter_ KING, _and_ Marquis of POSA _at a distance_. My lord the king? _King._ Gomez? _Ruy-Gom._ The same. _King._ Hast seen The prince? _Ruy-Gom._ I have. _King._ Where is he? _Ruy-Gom._ With the queen. _King._ Now ye that dwell in everlasting flame, And keep records of all ye mean to damn, Show me, if 'mongst your precedents there e'er Was seen a son like him, or wife like her. Hark, Gomez! didst not hear the infernals groan? Hush, hell, a little, and they are thy own! _M. of Posa._ Who should these be? the king and Gomez, sure: Methinks I wish that Carlos were secure; For Flanders his despatches I've prepared. _King._ Who's there? 'Tis Posa, pander to their lust. [_Drawing near to_ POSA. Now, Gomez, to his heart thy dagger thrust; In the pursuit of vengeance drive it far; Strike deep, and, if thou canst, wound Carlos there. _Ruy-Gom._ I'll do't as close as happy lovers kiss: May he strike mine, if of his heart I miss! Thus, sir! [_Stabs_ POSA. _M. of Posa._ Ha, Gomez! villain! thou hast done Thy worst: but yet I would not die alone: Here, dog! [_Stabs at him._ _Ruy-Gom._ So brisk! then take it once again. [_As they are struggling, the despatches fall_ _out of_ POSA'S _bosom_. 'Twas only, sir, to put you out of pain. [_Stabs him again, and_ POSA _falls_.