The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Vi Part 54

RACHEL (_still exhausted, turning to the _KING).

My thanks, O Sire, for all thy mighty care!

O were I not a poor and wretched thing--

(_with a motion of her hand across her neck_)

That this my neck, made short by hangman's hand, That this my breast, a shield against thy foe-- But that thou wishest not!

KING. A charming shield!

Now go, and G.o.d be with you.--Garceran,

(_more softly_)

I do not wish that she, whom I protect Should be insulted by improper jests, Or any way disturbed--

RACHEL (_with her hand on her brow_).

I cannot walk.

KING (_as Garceran is about to offer his arm_).

And why your arm? The woman can a.s.sist.

And do thou, gaffer, watch thy daughter well, The world is ill! Do thou protect thy h.o.a.rd.

[_Exeunt_ RACHEL _and her kin, led by_ GARCERAN.]

KING (_watching them_).

She totters still in walking. All her soul A sea of fear in e'er-renewing waves.

(_Putting down his foot_)

She held my foot so tightly in her grasp, It almost pains me. Strange it is, a man When cowardly, with justice is despised-- A woman shows her strength when she is weak.

Ah, Almirante, what say _you_ to this?

MANRIQUE. I think, the punishment you gave my son, Is, n.o.ble Sire, both subtle and severe.

KING. The punishment?

MANRIQUE. To guard this common trash.

KING. Methinks the punishment is not so hard.

Myself have never toyed with women much,

(_Pointing to his suite._)

But these, perchance, think otherwise than you.

But now, avaunt all pictures so confused!

And dine we, for my body needs new strength, And with the first glad draught this festal day, Let each one think--of what he wants to think.

No ceremony! Forward! Hasten! On!

[_As the court arranges itself on both sides and the KING goes through the centre, the curtain falls._]

ACT II

_A drop scene showing part of the garden. At the right, a garden-house with a balcony and a door, to which several steps lead up._

GARCERAN _enters through the door._

GARCERAN. And so before I'm caught, I'll save myself!

The girl is beautiful, and is a fool; But love is folly; wherefore such a fool Is more to fear than e'er the slyest was.

Besides, 'tis necessary that I bring, While still there's time, my good repute again To honor,--and my love for Dona Clara, Most silent she of all that never talk; The wise man counts escape a victory.

_A page of the_ KING _enters._

PAGE. Sir Garceran--

GARCERAN. Ah, Robert, what's a-foot?

PAGE. The King, my lord, commanded me to see If still you were with her entrusted you--

GARCERAN. If I am here? Why, he commanded--friend!

You were to see were I, perhaps, upstairs?

Just tell him that the girl is in the house, And I outside. That answer will suffice.

PAGE. The King himself!

GARCERAN. Your majesty!

[_The_ KING _comes wrapped in a cloak. Exit PAGE._]

KING. Well, friend!

Still here?

GARCERAN. Why, did you not yourself command That only with the evening's first approach--

KING. Yes, yes, but now on second thought it seems Far better that you travel while 'tis day-- They say thou'rt brave.

GARCERAN. So you believe, O Sire--

KING. Methinks thou honorest the royal word Which would unharmed know what it protects.

But custom is the master of mankind; Our wills will often only what they must.

And so, depart. But tell me, what doth she?

GARCERAN. At first, there was a weeping without end, But time brings comfort, as the saying is; And so 'twas here. Soon cheerfulness, yea jest, Had banished all her former abject fear; Then there was pleasure in the shining toys, And wonder at the satin tapestries.

We measured every curtained stuff by yards, Till now we've settled down and feel at home.

KING. And does she seem desirous to return?