Don Carlos. Фридрих Шиллер

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СКАЧАТЬ Weary of jealousies and deadly feuds,

       Transmitted down from Guelphs and Ghibellines,

       Through centuries of hate, from sire to son,

       Resolved to ratify a lasting peace

       By the sweet ministry of nuptial ties.

       Fernando, nephew of the great Pietro,

       And fair Matilda, old Colonna's child,

       Were chosen to cement this holy bond.

       Nature had never for each other formed

       Two fairer hearts. And never had the world

       Approved a wiser or a happier choice.

       Still had the youth adored his lovely bride

       In the dull limner's portraiture alone.

       How thrilled his heart, then, in the hope to find

       The truth of all that e'en his fondest dreams

       Had scarcely dared to credit in her picture!

       In Padua, where his studies held him bound;

       Fernando panted for the joyful hour,

       When he might murmur at Matilda's feet

       The first pure homage of his fervent love.

       [The QUEEN grows more attentive; the MARQUIS continues, after

       a short pause, addressing himself chiefly to PRINCESS EBOLI.

       Meanwhile the sudden death of Pietro's wife

       Had left him free to wed. With the hot glow

       Of youthful blood the hoary lover drinks

       The fame that reached him of Matilda's charms.

       He comes—he sees—he loves! The new desire

       Stifles the voice of nature in his heart.

       The uncle woos his nephew's destined bride,

       And at the altar consecrates his theft.

       QUEEN.

       And what did then Fernando?

       MARQUIS.

       On the wings

       Of Jove, unconscious of the fearful change,

       Delirious with the promised joy, he speeds

       Back to Mirandola. His flying steed

       By starlight gains the gate. Tumultuous sounds

       Of music, dance, and jocund revelry

       Ring from the walls of the illumined palace.

       With faltering steps he mounts the stair; and now

       Behold him in the crowded nuptial hall,

       Unrecognized! Amid the reeling guests

       Pietro sat. An angel at his side—

       An angel, whom he knows, and who to him

       Even in his dreams, seemed ne'er so beautiful.

       A single glance revealed what once was his—

       Revealed what now was lost to him forever.

       EBOLI.

       O poor Fernando!

       QUEEN.

       Surely, sir, your tale

       Is ended? Nay, it must be.

       MARQUIS.

       No, not quite.

       QUEEN.

       Did you not say Fernando was your friend?

       MARQUIS.

       I have no dearer in the world.

       EBOLI.

       But pray

       Proceed, sir, with your story.

       MARQUIS.

       Nay, the rest

       Is very sad—and to recall it sets

       My sorrow fresh abroach. Spare me the sequel.

       [A general silence.

       QUEEN (turning to the PRINCESS EBOLI).

       Surely the time is come to see my daughter,

       I prithee, princess, bring her to me now!

       [The PRINCESS withdraws. The MARQUIS beckons a Page. The QUEEN

       opens the letters, and appears surprised. The MARQUIS talks with

       MARCHIONESS MONDECAR. The QUEEN having read the letters, turns to

       the MARQUIS with a penetrating look.

       QUEEN.

       You have not spoken of Matilda! She

       Haply was ignorant of Fernando's grief?

       MARQUIS.

       Matilda's heart has no one fathomed yet—

       Great souls endure in silence.

       QUEEN.

       You look around you. Who is it you seek?

       MARQUIS.

       Just then the thought came over me, how one,

       Whose name I dare not mention, would rejoice,

       Stood he where I do now.

       QUEEN.

       And who's to blame,

       That he does not?

       MARQUIS (interrupting her eagerly).

       My liege! And dare I venture

       To interpret thee, as fain I would? He'd find

       Forgiveness, then, if now he should appear.

       QUEEN (alarmed).

       Now, marquis, now? What do you mean by this?

       MARQUIS.

       Might he, then, hope?

       QUEEN.

       СКАЧАТЬ