human
By Heavens! I have again been insulted by this King beyond all bearance! He has had the audacity to declare to me that my son, forsooth, cannot marry the daughter of the Duke of Cadaval; and when I demanded his reasons for the refusal, he chose to give none. I told him that they were betrothed, and that I had set my heart on the match, as one in every way suitable to both parties; when he only answered, that he had arranged it differently. What say you, my son? how do you like losing a fair bride through the caprice of a tyrant?
gpt
That I wish I were a man, to carry her off in spite of him,
human
Spoken like my son! exclaimed the Duke.
gpt
But you shall not be disappointed. His days are numbered; and then we shall see who will venture to dispute our authority.
human
I trust that you allude not to the designs you once spoke to me about, she said.
gpt
I had long hoped you had abandoned them.
human
Why did you nourish so foolish a hope, lady? exclaimed the Duke.
gpt
I should have thought my wife was equally interested with myself in their success.
human
I hoped so because I feel convinced that they cannot fail to bring destruction on yourself, and ruin on all your family; to drag many to the scaffold, if you are unsuccessful; and to introduce the horrors of a civil war into the country should they succeed: but such cannot be; Heaven will not favour so guilty a purpose. Oh! hear me, my lord. Abandon the dark and evil designs you have meditated. If you have any remaining love for your wife, if you regard the interests of your son, think not again of them.
gpt
What! would you not wish to be a queen, and see your son a prince?
human
I would far rather be a peasant's wife, than the queen of a blood-stained usurper; for, to become a king, such you must be, answered the Duchess, boldly.
gpt
No, my lord, I would not be cheated of my happiness by so deceitful a phantom.
human
Silence, madam! exclaimed the Duke, angrily.
gpt
This is but weak folly. Would not you wish to be a prince, my boy?
human
Gladly, if my father becomes a king,
gpt
Fear not, my boy. You shall be so; before long, too; but speak not of it, though I know I can trust you. Such I cannot your cousin, who would turn pale at the very thoughts of the enterprise; so utter not to him a syllable of what I have said.
human
Let me solemnly implore you to desist from this purpose; it cannot thrive--even should the King fall, you cannot succeed to his throne; the nobles and people would rise up in one body against you, and hurl you, with your few friends, to destruction. Many who now, for their own interests, are cordial, would desert you, and, instead of a throne, you would mount a scaffold.
gpt
Last night I dreamed of this, and that I saw you, mangled and bloody, upon the ground, while a rude mob stood around, gazing at you with scoffs and jeers.
human
Silence, foolish woman! suddenly exclaimed the Duke, shaking her off, though turning pale at the thought of what she described.
gpt
I remain not to hear such mad nonsense as this. Go, and learn more wisdom;