Robert Browning

“ In love with Spain—at feud with Austria!—Well—
I wondered—laughed a moment's laugh for pride
In the chivalrous couple—then let drop
My curtain—"I am out of it," I said—
When . . .
Polyxena.
You have told me, Charles.
Charles.
Polyxena—
When suddenly,—a warm March day, just that!
Just so much sunshine as the cottager's child
Basks in delighted, while the cottager
Takes off his bonnet, as he ceases work,
To catch the more of it—and it must fall
Heavily on my brother . . . had you seen
Philip—the lion-featured!—not like me!
Polyxena.
I know—
Charles. ”

“ D'Ormea.
[who has approached them, overlooks the other paper Charles continues to hold]
My project for the Fiefs! As I supposed!
Sir, I must give you light upon those measures
—For this is mine, and that I spied of Spain,
Mine too!
Charles.
Release me! Do you gloze on me
Who bear in the world's face (that is, the world
You've made for me at Turin) your contempt?
—Your measures?—When was any hateful task
Not D'Ormea's imposition? Leave my robe!
What post can I bestow, what grant concede?
Or do you take me for the King?
D'Ormea. ”

“ Endure, endure, beloved! Say you not
That he's your Father? All's so incident
To novel sway! Beside, our life must change:
Or you'll acquire his kingcraft, or he'll find
Harshness a sorry way of teaching it. ”

“ Already!) You surmise why you, myself,
Del Borgo, Spava, fifty nobles more,
Are summoned thus?
Charles.
Is the Prince used to know,
At any time, the pleasure of the King,
Before his minister?—Polyxena,
Stay here till I conclude my task—I feel
Your presence— (smile not) —thro' the walls, and take
Fresh heart. The King's within that chamber?
D'Ormea.
[Passing the table whereon a paper lies, exclaims, as he glances at it,]
"Spain!"
Polyxena.
[Aside to Charles.] Tarry awhile: what ails the minister?
D'Ormea. ”

“ D'Ormea.
[Aside.] I question if they'll even speak to me.
Polyxena.
[to Charles.] Face D'Ormea, he'll suppose you fear him, else.
[Aloud.] The Marquis bears the King's command, no doubt.
D'Ormea.
[Aside.] Precisely!—If I threatened him, perhaps?
Well, this at least is punishment enough!
Men used to promise punishment would come.
Charles.
Deliver the King's message, Marquis!
D'Ormea.
[Aside.] Ah—
So anxious for his fate? [Aloud.] A word, my Prince,
Before you see your father—just one word
Of counsel! ”