human
Depend on it, she said,
gpt
I think not thus of the King, answered the Marquis.
human
He has some faults, but he has too much respect for himself to ill-treat his nobles. On another occasion, I will complain of this villain Teixeira's conduct, and I doubt not he will be dismissed.
gpt
I think far differently from you, my lord, returned the Marchioness.
human
The King, by the instigation of his upstart Minister, has become jealous of the power and wealth of our Puritano families. In every one of us he has been taught to suspect a foe, and he waits but the first opportunity to crush us.
gpt
Your feelings of indignation have exaggerated the danger, Donna Leonora. The only foe we have to fear is the Minister; and we must endeavour, by exhibiting our love and devotion to our sovereign, to counteract his evil influence.
human
It will be the very way to increase the suspicions of the King, returned the Marchioness.
gpt
Half measures are of no avail. If we are to retain our wealth and influence, if we are to remain grandees of Portugal, we must either compel the King to dismiss his counsellor, or he himself must suffer the punishment of his obstinacy.
human
What mean you?
gpt
I mean, my lord, returned Donna Leonora, with a firm voice,
human
Great heavens! utter not such dreadful treason! cried the Marquis.
gpt
The very walls might hear you; and such thoughts alone might bring ruin on yourself and your whole family. From henceforth banish such an idea from your mind.
human
Never! exclaimed the Marchioness.
gpt
I have far too great a respect for our family honour, and for our holy religion, to submit tamely to such indignities. If you forget that you are a Tavora and a Catholic, I do not forget that I am your wife.
human
I prize the honour of my family as I do my life, but it shall never be said that a Tavora became a traitor to his sovereign,
gpt
None shall have cause to say it, my lord, answered his wife;
human
Say rather, by the instigations of the evil one,
gpt
It was through the voice of that living saint, the holy Father Malagrida, responded Donna Leonora.
human
He has ever led me in the right path to holiness, and why should I now doubt his words? Oh, harden not your heart, my lord, but put faith in that holy man, for be assured whatever he utters proceeds alone from the fountain of truth. Of what object would have been all his fastings, his penances, and his prayers, if Heaven had not more particularly selected him among men to utter the words of truth to mankind? I feel assured that those who follow his advice cannot err; then wherefore hesitate in this ease?
gpt
I doubt not the sanctity of the Father Malagrida, Donna Leonora, but I have reason to doubt his sanity. His enthusiastic mind has been overthrown, and what he now conceives to be the inspirations of Heaven, are but the workings of a disordered imagination.
human
Cease, cease, my lord, from giving utterance to such dreadful impiety, exclaimed the Marchioness, interrupting him;
gpt
I will not discuss the character of the Father Malagrida, answered the Marquis.
human
But tell me how you would wish me to act, for against the sacred life of his Majesty will I not lift up my hand.
gpt
I would wish you to act like a high noble of Portugal, worthy of your Puritano descent, returned Donna Leonora.
human
I would wish you to protect the high order to which you belong from the encroachments of the King and his Minister, and I would wish you to take fitting vengeance for every insult offered you.
gpt
In overthrowing the Minister, am I ready to hazard all; and never will I act otherwise than as becomes a high noble of the realm; nor will my sword be slow to avenge any insult offered to me or mine; but of the King have I ever been a faithful servant, and faithful will I die. Urge me then no more to engage in conspiracies which can but end in the destruction of all concerned.
human
Oh! that I were a man, to lead the faint-hearted beings with whom I am associated! she exclaimed.
gpt
The slightest shadow of danger frightens them from the most noble undertakings; the prophets of Heaven counsel them, but they will not listen to their words; even if the dead were to arise to assure them of it, they would not believe that the deed is a righteous one, and must be successful. Yet have I still some hopes that my lord will not close his ears to the divine words of the holy Malagrida, and that he may be brought round to follow his counsels. I will pray to the Blessed Virgin that she will turn his heart to the right path.