Robert Browning

“ Restore the past—prevent the future! Seat
His mistress in your seat, and place in mine
. . . Oh, my own people, whom will you find there,
To ask of, to consult with, to care for,
To hold up with your hands? Whom? One that's false—
False—from the head's crown to the foot's sole, false!
The best is, that I knew it in my heart
From the beginning, and expected this,
And hated you, Polyxena, because
You saw thro' him, though I too saw thro' him,
Saw that he meant this while he crowned me, while
He prayed for me,—nay, while he kissed my brow,
I saw—
Polyxena. ”

“ Charles.
It would seem
That all my people love me.
D'Ormea.
Yes.
[To Polyxena while Charles continues to inspect the papers.]
A temper
Like Victor's may avail to keep a state;
He terrifies men and they fall, not off;
Good to restrain; best, if restraint were all:
But, with the silent circle round him, ends
Such sway. Our King's begins precisely there.
For to suggest, impel, and set at work,
Is quite another function. Men may slight,
In time of peace, the King who brought them peace:
In war,—his voice, his eyes, help more than fear.
They love you, Sire!
Charles. ”

“ As I will bear! What matters happiness?
Duty! There's man's one moment—this is yours!
[Putting the crown on his head, and the sceptre in his hand, she places him on his seat: a long pause and silence.]
[Enter D'Ormea and Victor.]
Victor.
At last I speak; but once—that once, to you!
'Tis you I ask, not these your varletry,
Who's King of us?
Charles. ”