R.D. Boylan - Don Carlos ( Act 4 Scene 14) lyrics

The QUEEN, ALVA, DOMINGO. ALVA. If we may be permitted, gracious queen—— QUEEN. What are your wishes? DOMINGO. A most true regard For your high majesty forbids us now To watch in careless silence an event Pregnant with danger to your royal safety. ALVA. We hasten, by a kind and timely warning, To counteract a plot that's laid against you. DOMINGO. And our warm zeal, and our best services, To lay before your feet, most gracious queen! QUEEN (looking at them with astonishment). Most reverend sir, and you, my noble duke, You much surprise me. Such sincere attachment, In truth, I had not hoped for from Domingo, Nor from Duke Alva. Much I value it. A plot you mention, menacing my safety— Dare I inquire by whom—— ALVA. You will beware a certain Marquis Posa He has of late been secretly employed In the king's service. QUEEN. With delight I hear The king has made so excellent a choice. Report, long since, has spoken of the marquis As a deserving, great, and virtuous man— The royal grace was ne'er so well bestowed! DOMINGO. So well bestowed! We think far otherwise. ALVA. It is no secret now, for what designs This man has been employed. QUEEN. How! What designs? You put my expectation on the rack. DOMINGO. How long is it since last your majesty Opened your casket? QUEEN. Why do you inquire? DOMINGO. Did you not miss some articles of value? QUEEN. Why these suspicions? What I missed was then Known to the court! But what of Marquis Posa? Say, what connection has all this with him? ALVA. The closest, please your majesty—the prince Has lost some papers of importance; And they were seen this morning with the king After the marquis had an audience of him. QUEEN (after some consideration). This news is strange indeed—inexplicable To find a foe where I could ne'er have dreamed it, And two warm friends I knew not I possessed!   [Fixing her eyes steadfastly upon them. And, to speak truth, I had well nigh imputed To you the wicked turn my husband served me. ALVA. To us! QUEEN. To you yourselves! DOMINGO. To me! Duke Alva! QUEEN (her eyes still fastened on them). I am glad to be so timely made aware Of my rash judgment—else had I resolved This very day to beg his majesty Would bring me face to face with my accusers. But I'm contented now. I can appeal To the Duke Alva for his testimony. ALVA. For mine? You would not sure do that! QUEEN. Why not? ALVA. 'Twould counteract the services we might Render in secret to you. QUEEN. How! in secret?   [With stern dignity. I fain would know what secret projects, duke, Your sovereign's spouse can have to form with you, Or, priest! with you—her husband should not know? Think you that I am innocent or guilty? DOMINGO. Strange question! ALVA. Should the monarch prove unjust— And at this time—— QUEEN. Then I must wait for justice Until it come—and they are happiest far Whose consciences may calmly wait their right.   [Bows to them and exit. DOMINGO and ALVA exeunt on the opposite side.