Friedrich Schiller - Don Carlos (Act 2 Scene 3) lyrics

King, sunk in gloomy contemplation, walks a few steps up and down; Alva approaches with embarra**ment. KING. Hold yourself ready to depart for Brussels Upon a moment's notice. ALVA. All is prepared, my liege. KING. And your credentials Lie ready sealed within my cabinet,— Meanwhile obtain an audience of the queen, And bid the prince farewell. ALVA. As I came in I met him with a look of frenzy wild Quitting the chamber; and your majesty Is strangely moved, methinks, and bears the marks Of deep excitement—can it be the theme Of your discourse—— KING. Concerned the Duke of Alva.   [The KING keeps his eye steadfastly fixed on him. I'm pleased that Carlos hates my councillors, But I'm disturbed that he despises them.   [ALVA, coloring deeply, is about to speak. No answer now: propitiate the prince. ALVA. Sire! KING. Tell me who it was that warned me first Of my son's dark designs? I listened then To you, and not to him. I will have proof. And for the future, mark me, Carlos stands Nearer the throne—now duke—you may retire.   [The KING retires into his cabinet. Exit DUKE by another door.