No More Learning

[_As they depart_, RUY BLAS _speaks to the other consternated_
COUNSELLORS:

Every man
Who will not serve Spain honestly must go.
If there are any who will work with me
In building up our country's power and fame,
On equal laws for rich and poor alike,
I shall be pleased to meet them in this room
In two hours' time.

[_All the_ COUNSELLORS _go out, bowing low to_ RUY
BLAS _as they pass by him. When he is alone, the_
QUEEN _comes from behind the tapestry; her face
is radiant with joy. _

THE QUEEN: You spoke to them as I would like to speak
Were I a man. Oh, let me take, dear Duke,
This loyal hand, so strong, and so sincere.

RUY BLAS: How did you hear me, madam?

THE QUEEN (_showing a secret door_): In this place
That Philip made to watch his counsellors.
How often have I seen poor Carlos here,
Listening to the villains robbing him,
And ruining the state!

RUY BLAS: What did he say?

THE QUEEN: Nothing, but it drove him mad at last.
But you! How masterful you were! The voice
With which you thundered still rings in my ears.
I raised the tapestry to look at you.
You towered above them terrible and great,
A king of men! What was it that inspired
Such fury in you?

RUY BLAS: Love for you, my queen!
If Spain falls, you will fall with it. But I
Will save it for your sake. Oh, I am mad!
I love you! Love you with a love that eats
The life out of me! God! What shall I do?
Die? Shall I die? Pardon me! Pardon me!

THE QUEEN: No, live! Live for your country, and your queen!