Queen Monologue from Don Carlos: A Play

From Don Carlos: A Play by Friedrich Schiller

female · defiant · 1:12 min

I spoke there with the prince. (KING: Then is clear As day! So daring! heedless of mine honor!) Your honor, sire! If that be now the question, A greater honor is, methinks, at stake Than Castile ever brought me as a dowry. (KING: Why did you then deny the prince's presence?) Because I'm not accustomed to be questioned Like a delinquent before all your courtiers; I never shall deny the truth when asked With kindness and respect. Was that the tone Your majesty used towards me in Aranjuez? Are your assembled grandees the tribunal Queens must account to for their private conduct? I gave the prince the interview he sought With earnest prayer, because, my liege and lord, I--the queen--wished and willed it, and because I never can admit that formal custom Should sit as judge on actions that are guiltless; And I concealed it from your majesty Because I chose not to contend with you About this right in presence of your courtiers.

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