No More Learning

He has said: 'I wish it. ' Will you disobey?

Count
Sir, to defend all that I hold sublime,
Such minor disobedience is no crime;
However great it seems, you will allow
My service is such as to efface it now.

Arias
However great you are, you must accept
That a king owes nothing to his subject.
You deceive yourself, for you must know
Who serves his King but does his duty so.
You will lose, sir, by your false confidence.

Count
I will test your views by my experience.

Arias
You should dread the power of the King.

Count
One error cannot render me as nothing.
Let all his grandeur seek my punishment,
If I meet ruin, the State's is imminent.

Arias
What! You fear the sovereign power so little. . .

Count
Of a sceptre which would be but metal
Without me: he values my great renown,
My head in falling would dislodge his crown.
Arias
Allow your feelings to respond to reason.
Listen to good advice.

Count
I adopt my own.

Arias
What shall I tell him? I must bring him word.

Count
That I reject all shame, as you have heard.

Arias
Yet know that royal power is absolute.

Count
The die is cast, sir, I am resolute.

Arias
Adieu, since my effort here appears in vain.
For all your laurels, fear the god's disdain.

Count
I wait here without dread.

Arias
He will take action.

Count
Then Don Diegue will have satisfaction.

(Exit Don Arias)

I have no fear of death, or harassment.
My courage is above all punishment;
I can be forced by other men to suffer,
But not to live a life devoid of honour.


Act II Scene II (The Count, Don Rodrigue)

Rodrigue
A word with you, Count.