Robert Browning

“ Charles.
—Do and ever did
So take it: 'tis the method you pursue
That grieves . . .
Victor.
These words! Let me express, my friend,
Your thought. You penetrate what I supposed
A secret. D'Ormea plies his trade betimes!
I purpose to resign my crown to you.
Charles.
To me?
Victor.
Now—in that chamber.
Victor.
You resign
The crown to me?
Victor.
And time enough, Charles, sure?
Confess with me, at four-and-sixty years
A crown's a load. I covet quiet once
Before I die, and summoned you for that.
Charles. ”

“ I took some ill-advised . . . one's age, in fact,
Spoils every thing: though I was overreached,
A younger brain, we'll trust, may extricate
Sardinia readily. To-morrow, D'Ormea,
Inform the King!
D'Ormea.
[without regarding Victor, and leisurely.]
Thus stands the case with Spain:
"When first the Infant Carlos claimed his proper
Succession to the throne of Tuscany . . .
Victor.
I tell you, that stands over! Let that rest!
There is the policy!
Charles.
[to D'Ormea.] Thus much I know,
And more—too much: the remedy?
D'Ormea.
Of course!
No glimpse of one—
Victor. ”

“ Your engine, me, to pieces: try at least
If not a spring remains worth saving! Take
My counsel as I've counselled many times!
What if the Spaniard and the Austrian threat?
There's England, Holland, Venice—which ally
Select you?
Victor.
Aha! Come, my D'Ormea,—"truth"
Was on your lip a minute since. Allies?
I've broken faith with Venice, Holland, England.
—As who knows if not you?
D'Ormea.
But why with me
Break faith—with one ally, your best, break faith?
Victor.
When first I stumbled on you, Marquis— ('twas
At Mondovi—a little lawyer's clerk . . .)
D'Ormea.
. . . ”

“ Our life
Grows not the broad and dazzling life, I dreamed
Might prove your lot—for strength was shut in you
None guessed but I—strength which, untrammelled once,
Had little shamed your vaunted ancestry—
Patience and self-devotion, fortitude,
Simplicity and utter truthfulness
—All which, they shout to lose! ”

“ Victor.
I do not mean . . .
Polyxena.
[who watches Victor narrowly this while.]
Your father does not mean
That you are ruling for your father's sake:
It is your people must concern you wholly
Instead of him. You meant this, Sire? (He drops
My hand!)
Charles.
That People is now part of me.
Victor.
About the People! I took certain measures
Some short time since . . Oh, I'm aware you know
But little of my measures—these affect
The nobles—we've resumed some grants, imposed
A tax or two ”