_King._ How evenly she pleads in his defence! So blind is guilt when 'twould seem innocence. She thinks her softness may my rage disarm. No, sorceress, you're mistaken in your charm, And, whilst you soothe, do but assist the storm! Do, take full view of your tall able slave; [QUEEN _looks on_ Don CARLOS. Look hard; it is the last you're like to have. _Don Car._ My life or death are in your power to give. _King._ Yes, and thou diest. _Don Car._ Not till she give me leave: She is the star that rules my destiny; And, whilst her aspect's kind, I cannot die. _Queen._ No, prince, for ever live, be ever blest. _King._ Yes, I will send him to his eternal rest. Oh! had I took the journey long ago, I ne'er had known the pains that rack me now. _Queen._ What pains? what racks? [_Approaching._ _King._ Avoid, and touch me not! I see thee foul, all one incestuous blot; Thy broken vows are in thy guilty face. _Queen._ Have I then in your pity left no place? _King._ Oh! thus it was you drew me in before, With promises you ne'er would see him more. But now your subtlest wiles too weak are grown; I've gotten freedom, and I'll keep my own. _Queen._ May you be ever free! But can your mind Conceive that any ill was here designed? He hither came, only that he might show Obedience, and be reconciled to you. You saw his humble, dutiful address. _King._ But you beforehand signed the happy peace. _Re-enter_ Duchess of EBOLI. O princess, thank you for the care you take. Tell me, how got this monster entrance? speak. _D. of Eboli._ Heaven witness 'twas without my knowledge done. _Ruy-Gom._ No, she had other business of her own. [_Aside._ O blood and murder! _King._ All are false: a guard! _Enter_ Guard. Seize on that traitor! [_Pointing to_ Don CARLOS. _Don Car._ Welcome; I'm prepared. _Queen._ Stay, sir, let me die too: I can obey. _King._ No, thou shalt live. [_Seemingly kind._] By Heaven, but not a day! [_Aside._ I a revenge so exquisite have framed, She unrepenting dies, and so she's damned. _Hen._ If ever pity could your heart engage, If e'er you hope for blessings on your age, Incline your ears to a poor virgin's prayer! _King._ I dare not venture thee, thou art too fair. What wouldst thou say? _Hen._ Destroy not in one man More virtue than the world can boast again. View him the eldest pledge of your first love, Your virgin joys; that may some pity move--