This rebuke I pay you back. Why did you not consult us Before you sought the arms of such a man? You knew him: one sole glance unmasked him to you. Why did you rob the office of its victim? Are we thus trifled with! When majesty Can stoop to such concealment, and in secret, Behind our backs, league with our enemies, What must our fate be then? If one be spared What plea can justify the fate of thousands? (KING: But he, no less, has fallen a sacrifice.) No; he is murdered--basely, foully murdered. The blood that should so gloriously have flowed To honor us has stained the assassin's hand. What claim had you to touch our sacred rights? He but existed, by our hands to perish. God gave him to this age's exigence, To perish, as a terrible example, And turn high-vaunting reason into shame. Such was my long-laid plan--behold, destroyed In one brief hour, the toil of many years. We are defrauded, and your only gain Is bloody hands. (KING: Passion impelled me to it. Forgive me.) Passion! And does royal Philip Thus answer me? Have I alone grown old? [Shaking his head angrily. Passion! Make conscience free within your realms, If you're a slave yourself.

Grand Inquisitor Monologue from Don Carlos: A Play

Rehearse Grand Inquisitor's monologue