Ay! a thing of moment, Of which I made discovery to-day, And I would have your judgment on it. (DOMINGO: How! Discovery! To what do you allude?) Prince Carlos and myself this morning met In the queen's antechamber. I received An insult from him--we were both in heat-- The strife grew loud--and we had drawn our swords. Alarmed, from her apartments rushed the queen. She stepped between us,--with commanding eye Of conscious power, she looked upon the prince. 'Twas but a single glance,--but his arm dropped, He fell upon my bosom--gave me then A warm embrace, and vanished. DOMINGO (after a pause). This seems strange. It brings a something to my mind, my lord! And thoughts like these I own have often sprung Within my breast; but I avoid such fancies-- To no one have I e'er confided them. There are such things as double-edged swords And untrue friends,--I fear them both. 'Tis hard to judge among mankind, but still more hard To know them thoroughly. Words slipped at random Are confidants offended--therefore I Buried my secret in my breast, till time Should drag it forth to light. 'Tis dangerous To render certain services to kings. They are the bolts, which if they miss the mark, Recoil upon the archer! I could swear Upon the sacrament to what I saw. Yet one eye-witness--one word overheard-- A scrap of paper--would weigh heavier far Than my most strong conviction! Cursed fate That we are here in Spain!

Duke Of Alva Monologue from Don Carlos: A Play

Rehearse Duke Of Alva's monologue