Domingo monologue (Act 2) — Don Carlos: A Play

(after a pause) This seems strange. It brings a something to my mind, my lord! And thoughts like these I own have often sprung Within my breast; but I avoid such fancies-- To no one have I e'er confided them. There are such things as double-edged swords And untrue friends,--I fear them both. 'Tis hard to judge among mankind, but still more hard To know them thoroughly. Words slipped at random Are confidants offended--therefore I Buried my secret in my breast, till time Should drag it forth to light. 'Tis dangerous To render certain services to kings. They are the bolts, which if they miss the mark, Recoil upon the archer! I could swear Upon the sacrament to what I saw. Yet one eye-witness--one word overheard-- A scrap of paper--would weigh heavier far Than my most strong conviction! Cursed fate That we are here in Spain!