The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 343

KING.

I looked into his eyes. Oh, pardon me This weak relapse into mortality.

The world has one less access to your heart; Your eyes are sunk in night.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

What did this man Want with you? What new thing could he adduce, You did not know before? And are you versed So ill with fanatics and innovators?

Does the reformer's vaunting language sound So novel to your ears? If the firm edifice Of your conviction totters to mere words, Should you not shudder to subscribe the fate Of many thousand poor, deluded souls Who mount the flaming pile for nothing worse?

KING.

I sought a human being. These Domingos----

GRAND INQUISITOR.

How! human beings! What are they to you?

Cyphers to count withal--no more! Alas!

And must I now repeat the elements Of kingly knowledge to my gray-haired pupil?

An earthly G.o.d must learn to bear the want Of what may be denied him. When you whine For sympathy is not the world your equal?

What rights should you possess above your equals?

KING (throwing himself into a chair).

I'm a mere suffering mortal, that I feel; And you demand from me, a wretched creature, What the Creator only can perform.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

No, sire; I am not thus to be deceived.

I see you through. You would escape from us.

The church's heavy chains pressed hard upon you; You would be free, and claim your independence.

[He pauses. The KING is silent.

We are avenged. Be thankful to the church, That checks you with the kindness of a mother.

The erring choice you were allowed to make Has proved your punishment. You stand reproved!

Now you may turn to us again. And know If I, this day, had not been summoned here, By Heaven above! before to-morrow's sun, You would yourself have stood at my tribunal!

KING.

Forbear this language, priest. Restrain thyself.

I'll not endure it from thee. In such tones No tongue shall speak to me.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

Then why, O king Call up the ghost of Samuel? I've anointed Two monarchs to the throne of Spain. I hoped To leave behind a firm-established work.

I see the fruit of all my life is lost.

Don Philip's hands have shattered what I built.

But tell me, sire, wherefore have I been summoned?

What do I hear? I am not minded, king, To seek such interviews again.

KING.

But one One service more--the last--and then in peace Depart. Let all the past be now forgotten-- Let peace be made between us. We are friends.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

When Philip bends with due humility.

KING (after a pause).

My son is meditating treason.

GRAND INQUISITOR, Well!

And what do you resolve?

KING.

On all, or nothing.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

What mean you by this all?

KING.

He must escape, Or die.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

Well, sire! decide.

KING.

And can you not Establish some new creed to justify The b.l.o.o.d.y murder of one's only son?

GRAND INQUISITOR.

To appease eternal justice G.o.d's own Son Expired upon the cross.

KING.

And can you spread This creed throughout all Europe?

GRAND INQUISITOR.

Ay, as far As the true cross is worshipped.

KING.

But I sin-- Sin against nature. Canst thou, by thy power, Silence her mighty voice.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

The voice of nature Avails not over faith.

KING.

My right to judge I place within your hands. Can I retrace The step once taken?

GRAND INQUISITOR.

Give him to me!

KING.

My only son! For whom then have I labored?

GRAND INQUISITOR.

For the grave rather than for liberty!

KING (rising up).

We are agreed. Come with me.

GRAND INQUISITOR.

Monarch! Whither