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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Dramas of Victor Hugo, by Victor Hugo
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Dramas of Victor Hugo
+       Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda
+
+Author: Victor Hugo
+
+Release Date: March 14, 2012 [EBook #39133]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DRAMAS OF VICTOR HUGO ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Andrew Sly, Chuck Greif and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE DRAMAS
+
+OF
+
+VICTOR HUGO
+
+MARY TUDOR
+
+MARION DE LORME
+
+ESMERALDA
+
+Profusely Illustrated with Elegant
+Wood Engravings
+
+_VOLUME TWENTY-ONE_
+
+NEW YORK
+
+Peter Fenelon Collier, Publisher
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+_VOLUME TWENTY-ONE_
+
+  Mary Tudor
+
+  Marion de Lorme
+
+  Esmeralda
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+The Rendezvous      Frontispiece
+
+Marion de Lorme
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE RENDEZVOUS.]
+
+
+
+MARY TUDOR
+
+
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+  Mary, The Queen.
+  Jane.
+  Gilbert.
+  Fabiano Fabiani.
+  Simon Renard.
+  Joshua Farnaby.
+  A Jew.
+  Lord Clinton.
+  Lord Chandos.
+  Lord Montague.
+  Master Eneas Dulverton.
+  Lord Gardiner.
+  A Jailer.
+  _Lords, Pages, Guards, the Executioner._
+
+LONDON, 1553.
+
+
+
+
+MARY TUDOR
+
+_FIRST DAY_
+
+A MAN OF THE PEOPLE
+
+Scene.--_Border of the Thames. A deserted strand. An old parapet in
+ruins, conceals the borders of the water. To the right, a house of
+mean appearance. At the corner of this house, a statuette of the
+Virgin, at whose feet burns a wick in an iron lattice. In the
+background, beyond the Thames, London. Two high buildings are
+seen--the Tower of London and Westminster. The sun is setting_
+
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+
+_Several men are grouped here and there on the Strand, among whom are
+Simon Renard, John Bridges, Baron Chandos, Robert Clinton, Anthony
+Brown, Viscount of Montague_
+
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+You are right, my lord, this damned Italian must have bewitched the
+Queen. She can't exist without him; she lives only for him, finds
+pleasure only in him, listens only to him. If a day passes without
+seeing him, her eyes droop as they did when she loved Cardinal Polus,
+you remember?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+She is very much in love, it is true, and, consequently, very
+jealous.
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+The Italian has bewitched her.
+
+LORD MONTAGUE.
+
+For a fact, they say that people of his nationality have philters for
+that purpose.
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+The Spanish are clever at poisons which kill people, the Italians are
+clever at poisons which make people fall in love.
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+Then Fabiani is Spanish and Italian, at the same time. The Queen is
+in love and is ill. He has made her drink both.
+
+LORD MONTAGUE.
+
+As to that, is he really Spanish or Italian?
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+It appears certain that he was born in Italy, in the Capitanate, and
+that he was brought up in Spain. He claims to be connected with a
+great Spanish family. Lord Clinton has the story at his finger-tips.
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+An adventurer--neither Spanish nor Italian, and still less English,
+thank God! These men without a country have no pity on a country,
+when they become powerful.
+
+LORD MONTAGUE.
+
+Didn't you say the Queen was ill, Chandos? That does not hinder her
+from leading a very gay life with her favorite!
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+A gay life! A gay life! The people weep while the Queen laughs and
+the favorite is gorged. This man eats silver and drinks gold! The
+Queen has given him the estates of Lord Talbot, the great Lord
+Talbot! The Queen has made him Earl of Clanbrassil and Baron of
+Dinasmonddy, this Fabiano Fabiani who says he belongs to the Spanish
+family of Penalver, and who lies when he says it. He is an English
+peer like you, Montague, like you, Chandos, like Stanley, like
+Norfolk, like myself, like the King! He has the garter, the same as
+the Infante of Portugal, as the King of Denmark, as Thomas Percy,
+seventh Earl of Northumberland. And what a tyrant is this tyrant who
+rules us from his bed! Never did such a curse rest upon England! And
+yet I have seen much--I, who am old! There are seventy new gallows at
+Tyburn; the stakes are always embers and never ashes; the
+executioner's ax is sharp every morning and blunted every night.
+Every day some great nobleman is slaughtered; the day before
+yesterday it was Blantyre, yesterday Northcurry, to-day South-Reppo,
+to-morrow Tyrconnel. Next week it will be you, Chandos, and next
+month it will be I. My lords, my lords, it is shameful and outrageous
+that all these honest English heads should fall to please a miserable
+adventurer who does not even belong to our country! It is a frightful
+and unbearable thing, to think that a Neapolitan favorite can drag as
+many blocks as he likes from under this Queen's bed. These two lead a
+gay life, you say? By Heaven, it is infamous! Ah, they lead a gay
+life, these lovers, while the headsman, at their door, makes widows
+and orphans! Oh, their Italian guitar is too well accompanied by the
+clank of chains! Madame Queen! you send to the chapel of Avignon for
+your singers; every day in your palace, you have comedies, plays, and
+a stage crowded with musicians! Upon my life, madame, less joy at
+your house and less mourning at ours, if you please; fewer dancers
+there, and fewer executioners here; fewer farces at Westminster, and
+fewer scaffolds at Tyburn!
+
+LORD MONTAGUE.
+
+Have a care, my Lord Clinton! We are loyal subjects! Not a word
+against the Queen, everything against Fabiani.
+
+SIMON RENARD (_laying his hand on Lord Clinton's shoulder_).
+
+Have patience!
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+Patience! That is easy enough for you to say, Mr. Simon Renard! You
+are bailiff of Amont in Franche-Comte, subject of the Emperor, and
+his embassador at London. You represent the Prince of Spain, the
+Queen's future husband. Your person is sacred to the favorite. But it
+is different with us. You see, for you, Fabiani is the lover; for us
+he is the butcher! [_It is night._
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+This man troubles me as much as you! You tremble only for your life.
+I tremble for my power. That means much more. I do not talk; I act. I
+feel less anger than you, perhaps, but I feel more hate. I will
+destroy the favorite.
+
+LORD MONTAGUE.
+
+Yes! but how to do it! I think of it all day.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+It is not in the daytime that the favorites of queens are made and
+unmade; it is at night.
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+This night is dark and frightful.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+I find it good for what I wish to do.
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+What do you mean to do?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+You shall see. My Lord Chandos, when a woman reigns, caprice reigns.
+Politics are no longer a matter of calculation then, but of chance.
+You can count upon nothing. To-day does not logically bring
+to-morrow. Public affairs are no longer like a game of chess, but a
+game of cards.
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+That is all very well; but let us come to the point. When will you
+deliver us from the favorite? Time is pressing. To-morrow Tyrconnel
+will be beheaded.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+If I find the man I am looking for, to-night, Tyrconnel will sup with
+you to-morrow.
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+What do you mean? What will have become of Fabiani?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Have you good eyes, my lord?
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+Yes, although I am old and the night is dark.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Do you see London on the other side of the water?
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+Yes. Why?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Look well! From here you can see the height and the depth of every
+favorite's fortune--Westminster and the Tower of London.
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+Well?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+If God is with me, there is a man who at this moment is yet there
+[_pointing to Westminster_], and who to-morrow, at the same time,
+will be here [_pointing to the Tower_].
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+Pray God be with you!
+
+LORD MONTAGUE.
+
+The people hate him no less than we do. What a festival will his fall
+make in London!
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+We have placed ourselves in your hands, Sir Bailiff. Dispose of us.
+What must we do?
+
+SIMON RENARD (_indicating a house, near to the water_).
+
+You all see that house. It is the house of Gilbert the engraver. Do
+not lose sight of it. Now go away with your people, but don't go too
+far. Above all, do nothing without me.
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+It is agreed. [_They all exit at different sides._
+
+SIMON RENARD (_alone_).
+
+The man I need is not easy to find.
+
+[_He exits. Jane and Gilbert enter, arm in arm; they go toward
+the house. Joshua Farnaby, enveloped in a long cloak, accompanies
+them._
+
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+Jane, Gilbert, Joshua Farnaby
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+I must leave you here, my good friends. It is midnight, and I must go
+back to my post of turnkey of the Tower of London. I am not as free
+as you are, you see! A turnkey is only another kind of prisoner!
+Good-by, Jane! Good-by, Gilbert. Ah, my friends, how glad I am to see
+you happy! When is the wedding, Gilbert?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+In one week, isn't it, Jane?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Faith! day after to-morrow is Christmas. This is the day of good
+wishes and presents. But I have nothing to wish you. It would be
+impossible to wish more beauty to the bride or more love to the
+bridegroom. You are fortunate.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Good Joshua! And you, are you not happy?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Neither happy nor unhappy. As for me, I have given up everything.
+Look you, Gilbert [_opening his cloak and disclosing a bunch of keys
+hanging to his belt_], prison keys always jingling at your side, talk
+to you, suggest all sorts of philosophical ideas to you. When I was
+young, I was like the rest--in love for a day, ambitious for a month,
+mad a whole year. It was during the reign of Henry VIII. that I was
+young. Strange man that Henry VIII.! A man who changed his wives as a
+woman changes her dresses. He repudiated the first, had the second
+beheaded, had the third's womb cut open; as for the fourth, he had
+mercy on her--he sent her off; but for revenge he had the fifth's
+head cut off! This isn't the story of Bluebeard I am telling you, my
+beautiful Jane; it is the history of Henry VIII. In those days I
+interested myself in the religious wars; I fought first for one side
+and then for the other. That was the wisest thing to do. The whole
+business was very ticklish. It was whether to be for or against the
+Pope. The King's officers hanged those who were for, but they burned
+those who were against. The neutral people--those who neither were
+for nor against--they hanged them or they burned them
+indiscriminately. We managed as we could. Yes, the rope; no, the
+fagot. I, who am speaking to you, I smelled of burning very often,
+and I am not sure that I was not un-hanged two or three times. Those
+were great times; very much like the times now. The devil take me if
+I know now whom I fought for or what I fought about. If people speak
+to me now about Master Luther and Pope Paul III., I shrug my
+shoulders. You see, Gilbert, when a man has gray hairs he shouldn't
+go back to the opinions he fought for nor the women he loved when he
+was twenty. The women and the opinions will seem very ugly, very old,
+very paltry, very silly, very much wrinkled and out of date. Such is
+my history. Now I am through with public affairs. I am no longer the
+King's soldier nor the Pope's soldier; I am jailer of the Tower of
+London. I don't fight any more for anybody, and I put everybody under
+lock and key. I am turnkey and I am old. I have one foot in a prison
+and the other in the grave. I am the one who picks up the remnants of
+all the ministers and favorites who go to pieces in the Queen's
+palace. It is very amusing. I have also a little child whom I love,
+and you both whom I love too; and if you are happy, I am happy also.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+If that is the case, you can be happy; can't he, Jane?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+I can't do anything to add to your happiness, but Jane can do
+everything. You love her. I may never be able to do anything for you.
+Fortunately for you, you are not high and mighty enough to ever need
+the help of the turnkey of the Tower of London. Jane will pay my debt
+at the same time that she pays her own, because she and I owe
+everything to you. Jane was but a poor child, a forsaken orphan; you
+took her home and brought her up. I was drowning in the Thames, one
+fine day, and you dragged me out of the water.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Why do you always talk about that, Joshua?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+In order to tell you that our duty, Jane's and mine, is to love you.
+I, as a brother; and she, not as a sister.
+
+JANE.
+
+No, as a woman. I understand you, Joshua. [_She sinks back into her
+reverie._
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Look at her, Joshua! Is she not beautiful and attractive, and is she
+not worthy of a king? If you only knew! You cannot imagine how I love
+her!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Be careful! It is dangerous. A woman should not be loved so much as
+that. With a child, it is different.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+What do you mean?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Nothing. I will be at your wedding next week. I hope State affairs
+will leave me a little liberty then, and that everything will be
+finished.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+How? What will be finished?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Ah, these things do not interest you, Gilbert. You are in love; you
+belong to the people. What do the intrigues of the high-born matter
+to you, who are happy among the low-born? But since you ask me, I
+will tell you that within one week, perhaps within twenty-four hours,
+it is hoped that Fabiano Fabiani's place near the Queen will be
+filled by another.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Who is Fabiano Fabiani?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+The Queen's lover: a very celebrated and a very fascinating
+favorite--a favorite who has had his enemies' heads chopped off with
+greater dispatch than a procuress can repeat an "Ave"; the best
+favorite that the executioner of the Tower of London has had for ten
+years. For you must know that every great lord's head that falls,
+brings in ten silver crowns to the executioner--sometimes twice as
+much, when the head is very distinguished. The fall of this Fabiani
+is greatly desired; though, I must say, during my duties at the
+Tower, it is only the bad-tempered people whom I hear find fault with
+him--the discontented people; those whose heads are to fall next
+month.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Let the wolves rend each other! What do we care about the Queen and
+the Queen's favorite? Isn't it so, Jane?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+There is a big conspiracy against Fabiani; if he escapes, he will be
+lucky. I should not be surprised if they were to strike some blow
+to-night. I just saw Master Simon Renard prowling about here, very
+much absorbed.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Who is Master Simon Renard?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Is it possible that you don't know? He is the Emperor's right hand at
+London. The Queen is to marry the Prince of Spain, and Simon Renard
+is his embassador to her. The Queen hates him, this Simon Renard; but
+she is afraid of him, and she can't do anything to him. He has
+already destroyed two or three favorites. It seems to be his instinct
+to destroy favorites. He clears up the palace from time to time. He
+is a shrewd and spiteful man; he knows all that goes on, and he digs
+two or three subterranean rows of intrigues under every event. As for
+Lord Paget--didn't you ask me who was Lord Paget?--he is a crafty
+nobleman who helped to manage affairs under Henry VIII. He is a
+member of the secret council. He has such an ascendency that the
+other ministers do not dare to breathe in his presence--except,
+however, the chancellor, my Lord Gardiner, who detests him. A violent
+man, this Gardiner, and well born. As for Paget, he was nobody--a
+cobbler's son. He is to be made Baron Paget of Beaudesert in
+Stafford.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+How glibly he tells all these things, this Joshua.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+My faith! It's from hearing the prisoners of State talk.
+
+[_Simon Renard appears at the back of stage._
+
+You see, Gilbert, the man who knows most about the history of these
+times is the turnkey of the Tower of London.
+
+Simon Renard (_who overhears these last words_).
+
+You are mistaken, my master; it is the executioner!
+
+JOSHUA (_low to Gilbert and Jane_).
+
+Let us move back a little!
+
+[_Simon Renard goes off slowly; when he has disappeared._
+
+That is Master Simon Renard himself.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I don't like to have all these men prowling about my house.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+What the devil is he doing here? I must hurry back; I think he is
+getting work ready for me. Good-by, Gilbert! Good-by, my beautiful
+Jane, I knew you when you were no bigger than that, all the same!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Good-by, Joshua! What are you hiding there under your cloak?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+I've got my conspiracy, too!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+What conspiracy?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+O lover who forgets everything else! I have just reminded you that
+the day after to-morrow is the time for Christmas presents. The
+nobles are plotting a surprise for Fabiani. Well, I am plotting a
+surprise too. The Queen may give herself the present of a brand-new
+favorite. I am going to give my child a doll. [_He takes a doll from
+his cloak._] Brand-new, too! We will see which will be the first to
+break her toy. God keep you, my friends.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Good-by, Joshua!
+
+[Joshua _departs_. Gilbert _takes_ Jane's _hand and kisses it
+with passion_.
+
+JOSHUA (_from back of stage_).
+
+How wise is Providence! She gives to each one his plaything. The doll
+to the child, the child to the man, the man to the woman, and the
+woman to the devil. [_Exits._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+Gilbert, Jane
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I must go, too. Good-by, Jane: sleep well.
+
+JANE.
+
+You are not coming in with me to-night, Gilbert?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I can't. You know, I told you before, Jane, I have some work to do in
+my shop to-night. I must engrave the handle of a dagger for some Lord
+Clanbrassil, whom I have never seen, and who wants it to-morrow
+morning.
+
+JANE.
+
+Then good-night, Gilbert. Until to-morrow!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+No, Jane, wait a moment. Heaven! how it hurts me to leave you, even
+for a few hours. How true it is that you are my life and my joy. Yet
+I have to work--we are so poor. I won't go in, because I should stay;
+and yet I can't leave you, weak man that I am. Let us sit down by the
+door a few moments, on this bench. I think it will be easier to go
+from here than if I went into the house, and, above all, into your
+room. Give me your hand.
+
+[_He sits and takes her hands in his; she stands._
+
+Jane, do you love me?
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh, I owe you everything, Gilbert. I know it, although you have
+concealed it from me a long time! When I was little, almost in my
+cradle, my parents abandoned me, and you took me. For sixteen years
+your hand has worked for me as if you were a father; your eyes have
+watched over me like a mother. What would I be without you, just
+Heaven! All I have, you have given me; all I am, you have made me.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Jane, do you love me?
+
+JANE.
+
+What devotion yours has been, Gilbert! You work for me, night and
+day; you wear your eyes out, you kill yourself for me. You are going
+to sit up all night again to-night. And never a reproach to me, never
+an unkindness, never an angry word! You are very poor, yet you
+remember all my small womanly vanities; you gratify them. Gilbert,
+whenever I think about you, my eyes fill with tears. You have often
+gone without bread; I have never gone without my ribbons.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Jane, do you love me?
+
+JANE.
+
+Gilbert, I would like to kneel down and kiss your feet.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Do you love me, do you love me? All that does not prove that you love
+me. I want that word, Jane! Gratitude, always gratitude! Oh, I stamp
+it underfoot, your gratitude. I want love or nothing! Die! Jane, you
+have been my daughter for sixteen years; now you are to be my wife. I
+adopted you; now I am to marry you--in one week. You know, you
+promised me; you have consented; you are my betrothed. You loved me
+when you promised that. Oh, Jane, there was a time--do you remember
+it?--when you told me, "I love you," and you lifted your sweet eyes
+to heaven. That is the way I want you to be. For some months now, you
+have seemed different, especially during these last three weeks that
+my work has kept me away from here nights. Jane, I must have you love
+me! I am used to it. You were always so light-hearted; now you are
+sad and absent-minded--not cold, my poor child (you try your best not
+to be), but I feel your loving words do not come as tenderly and as
+naturally as they used. What is the matter? Don't you love me any
+more? I know I am an honest man, I know I am a good workman; but I
+would rather be a robber and an assassin, and be loved by you. Jane,
+if you knew how much I love you!
+
+JANE.
+
+I know it, Gilbert, and it makes me weep.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+For joy, isn't it? Say it is for joy! Oh, I need to believe it. There
+is only that in the world--to be loved. I have only a poor
+workingman's heart, but my Jane must love me. Why do you always talk
+to me about what I have done for you? One single word of love from
+you puts all the gratitude on my side. I will damn myself and commit
+a crime, whenever you wish it. You will be my wife, won't you, and
+you love me? Oh, Jane, for one look of your eyes I would give my work
+and my labor; for one smile, my life; for one kiss, my soul.
+
+JANE.
+
+What a noble heart you have, Gilbert.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Listen to me, Jane--laugh at me if you will; I am mad, I am jealous!
+I will tell you why. Do not get angry! It seems to me, for some time
+I have seen several young lords prowling around here. Do you know,
+Jane, I am thirty-two years old. For a poor, clumsy, badly-dressed
+workman like myself, who am no longer young, who am not handsome,
+what a misery it is to love a charming, beautiful girl of seventeen,
+who attracts all the handsome, gold-bedizened young nobles around
+her, as a light attracts the butterflies. Oh, I suffer; indeed, I do!
+But I never blame you, even in my thoughts! You, so honest, so pure;
+you, whose brow has never been touched, except by my lips. I only
+feel, sometimes, that you look on the Queen's cavalcades and retinues
+with too much pleasure, that you enjoy too much the fine suits of
+velvet and satin, under which there are no hearts, no souls. Forgive
+me. My God! why do so many young noblemen come around here? Why am I
+not handsome, young, noble, rich? Gilbert the engraver--that is all I
+am! They are Lord Chandos, Lord Gerard Fitz-Gerard, Earl of Arundel,
+the Duke of Norfolk! Oh, how I hate them! I spend my life engraving
+the handles of their swords, which I would like to plunge into their
+bowels.
+
+JANE.
+
+Gilbert!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I beg your pardon, Jane! Love makes us very wicked, doesn't it?
+
+JANE.
+
+No, very good; for you are good, Gilbert.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Oh, how much I love you! It increases every day. I would like to die
+for you! Love me or not, you can do as you please. I am mad. Forgive
+all that I have said. It is late: I must leave you! Good-by! Oh, how
+I hate to leave you! Go in! Haven't you your key?
+
+JANE.
+
+No; I haven't had it for several days.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Take mine. Until to-morrow morning! Jane, don't forget this! To-day I
+am still your father: in one week I shall be your husband.
+
+[_He kisses her on the forehead and exits._
+
+JANE (_alone_).
+
+My husband! Oh, no! I will never commit that crime. Poor Gilbert! he
+loves me truly; and the other--ah, provided I have not preferred
+vanity to love! Unhappy woman that I am, into whose power have I
+fallen! Oh, I am most thankless and most guilty! I hear footsteps!
+Let me get in quickly. [_Goes into house._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+_Gilbert, A Man enveloped in cloak and wearing a yellow cap. The
+Man holds Gilbert by the hand_
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Yes, I recognize you; you are the Jewish beggar who has been prowling
+around this house for several days. What do you want with me? Why
+have you taken hold of my hand, and why have you brought me back
+here?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Because what I have to say to you, I can only say here.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Well, what is it? Speak! Hurry!
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Listen, young man. One night, sixteen years ago, Lord Talbot, Earl of
+Waterford, was beheaded by torchlight, for the crimes of popery and
+rebellion, while his followers were cut to pieces in the city of
+London by Henry VIII.'s soldiers. They shot in the streets all night.
+That night a very young workman, who was much more interested in his
+labor than in the battle, was working in his stall. It was the first
+stall from the entrance of London Bridge; a low door on the right,
+the remains of some old red paint on the wall. It might have been two
+o'clock in the morning. They were fighting all around there. The
+balls hissed across the Thames. Suddenly some one knocked at the door
+of the stall, through which the workman's lamp threw a glimmer. The
+workman opened it. A man he did not know, entered. This man carried
+in his arms a baby in long clothes, who was much frightened and was
+crying. The man put the child down on the table and said, "Here is a
+creature who has neither father nor mother." Then he went out slowly
+and closed the door after him. Gilbert, the workman, had neither
+father nor mother himself. The workman accepted the child: the orphan
+adopted the orphan. He took it, watched over it, clothed it, fed it,
+tended it, brought it up, loved it. He gave himself entirely to this
+poor little creature whom civil war had thrown into his stall. He
+forgot everything for her--his youth, his love-affairs, his
+pleasures; he made this child the sole object of his work, his
+affections, his life: and it has lasted sixteen years. Gilbert, the
+workman was you; the child--
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Was Jane. All that you say is true; but what are you driving at?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I forgot to say that on the child's swaddling-clothes a paper was
+pinned, on which was written: "Have pity upon Jane."
+
+GILBERT.
+
+It was written in blood. I have kept that paper. I always carry it
+about me. But you torture me. What is your purpose, tell me.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+This. You see that I am acquainted with your affairs. Gilbert, watch
+over your house to-night.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+What do you mean?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Not another word. Don't go to your work; stay around the house:
+watch! I am neither your friend nor your enemy; this is only a piece
+of advice that I give you. Now, for your own sake, leave me! Go down
+that side, and come back if you hear me call for help.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+What does this mean? [_Goes off slowly._
+
+
+SCENE V
+
+THE MAN (_alone_).
+
+The matter is well arranged now. I needed some one young and strong
+to help me if it was necessary. This Gilbert is just the man I want.
+I think I hear the sound of oars and a guitar on the water. Yes.
+
+[_He goes to the parapet. A guitar and distant singing are heard._
+
+  When you sing soft at night, love,
+  Clasped in my arms so fond,
+  Can you not hear the tender thoughts
+  Which to your voice respond?
+  Your song brings back unto my heart
+  The happy days of yore;
+  Then sing, my beauty, sing, my love,
+  Sing on for evermore!
+
+THE MAN.
+
+That is my man!
+
+[_The voice draws nearer with each verse._
+
+  When you laugh, on your lips, dear,
+  Love's sweetest shadows play;
+  And doubt and cruel unbelief
+  Are sudden chased away.
+  For laughter proves we're loyal
+  And faithful to the core;
+  Then laugh, my beauty, laugh, my love,
+  Laugh on for evermore!
+
+  When you sleep, calm and pure, love,
+  In shadow, 'neath my eyes,
+  And your soft breathing gives my heart
+  Its tenderest replies,
+  On your sweet form my eyes can feast,
+  Oh, beauty's priceless store!
+  Then sleep, my beauty, sleep, my love,
+  Sleep on for evermore!
+
+  And when you say, "I love you,"
+  In truth it seems to be
+  As if God's heaven were opening
+  Especially for me.
+  I see dreams hidden in your eyes
+  That we've not dreamed before;
+  Then love me, oh, my beauty,
+  Love me for evermore!
+
+  You see, the whole of life, dear,
+  Lies in those words, just four--
+  All things that people envy,
+  All things that men adore,
+  All things that are seductive,
+  On which our heart sets store.
+  To sing, to laugh, my beauty,
+  To sleep, to love, no more!
+
+THE MAN.
+
+He lands! Good! He sends off the boatmen. Excellent!
+
+[_Comes back to the front of the stage._
+
+Here he comes.
+
+[_Fabiano Fabiani enters, enveloped in a cloak; he goes toward the
+door of the house._
+
+
+SCENE VI
+
+The Man, Fabiano Fabiani
+
+THE MAN (_stopping_ Fabiani).
+
+A word with you, if you please.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I believe some one is speaking to me. Who is this knave? Who are you?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Whatever you wish me to be.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+This lantern is not very bright, but you wear a yellow cap, it seems
+to me--a Jew's cap. Are you a Jew?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Yes, a Jew. I have something to tell you.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+What is your name?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I know your name, and you don't know mine. I have the advantage.
+Permit me to keep it.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+You know my name? That isn't true.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I know your name. At Naples you were called Signor Fabiani; at
+Madrid, Don Fabiano; at London you are called Lord Fabiano Fabiani,
+Earl of Clanbrassil.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+The devil take you!
+
+THE MAN.
+
+God keep you!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I will have you cudgeled. I do not wish my name to be known when I go
+abroad by night.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Especially when you go where you are going.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+What do you mean?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+If the Queen knew!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I am going nowhere in particular.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Oh, yes, my lord! You are going to see the fair Jane, the betrothed
+of Gilbert the engraver.
+
+FABIANI (_aside_).
+
+The devil! This is a dangerous man.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Shall I tell you more? You have seduced this girl, and during the
+last month she has received you twice in her house at night. This is
+the third time. The beauty is waiting for you.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Keep still. Do you want hush-money? How much do you want?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+We will see about that by-and-by. Now, my lord, shall I tell you why
+you have seduced this girl?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+By my faith! because I was in love with her.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+No. You were not in love with her.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I wasn't in love with Jane.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+No more than with the Queen! Love, oh, no! calculation, yes.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Why, fool, you are no man at all! You are my conscience dressed up
+like a Jew.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I will speak to you as if I were your conscience. This is your plan.
+You are the Queen's favorite. The Queen has given you the garter, an
+earldom, and a lordship--empty things, all of them. The garter is a
+rag; the earldom is a word; the lordship is the right to have your
+head cut off. You wanted something more. You wanted fine lands, fine
+bailiwicks, fine castles, fine revenues in fine English pounds. Well,
+King Henry VIII. confiscated the estates of Lord Talbot, who was
+beheaded sixteen years ago. You got Queen Mary to give you Lord
+Talbot's estates. But, to make the gift valid, it is necessary that
+Lord Talbot should have died without heirs. And since Lord Talbot
+died for Queen Mary and for her mother, Catherine of Aragon, since
+Lord Talbot was a Papist, and since the Queen is a Papist, it is not
+at all doubtful, if there existed such an heir or an heiress, that
+Queen Mary would take back the estates from you, great favorite
+though you are, and out of duty, gratitude and religion, return them
+to the heir or heiress. You were quite easy on that score, for Lord
+Talbot had never had but one little daughter; she disappeared from
+her cradle at the time of her father's execution, and all England
+believed her to be dead. But your spies have lately discovered that
+during the night in which Lord Talbot and his partisans were
+exterminated by Henry VIII., a child was mysteriously brought to an
+engraver on London Bridge, and that it was probable that this child,
+reared under the name of Jane, was Jane Talbot, the little girl who
+had disappeared. It is true that the written proofs of her birth were
+lacking, but they might be found any day. The discovery was
+unpleasant. It would be hard to see one's self forced some day to
+give back Shrewsbury, Wexford, which is a fine city, and the
+magnificent earldom of Waterford, to a little girl! What was to be
+done? You searched for a way to set aside this young girl, and to
+destroy her. An honest man would have had her killed or poisoned.
+You, my lord, have done better--you have dishonored her.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Insolent fool!
+
+THE MAN.
+
+It is your conscience which is speaking, my lord. Another man would
+have taken this young girl's life; you have taken her honor, and,
+consequently, her future. Queen Mary is a prude, although she has
+lovers herself.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+This man goes to the bottom of everything.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+The Queen's health is bad; the Queen may die, and then you, the
+favorite, will fall shattered on her tomb. The actual proofs of this
+young girl's rank may be found; and then, if the Queen is dead, Jane
+Talbot, dishonored though she be, will be recognized as Lord Talbot's
+heiress. You have foreseen that too. You are a handsome young
+cavalier; you have won her love; she has given herself to you; at the
+worst, you can marry her. Don't deprecate your scheme, my lord; I
+consider it sublime. If I were not myself, I would like to be you.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Thank you.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+You have managed the matter very skillfully. You have concealed your
+name. You are safe as far as the Queen is concerned. The poor girl
+thinks she has been seduced by a nobleman from Somerset county, named
+Amyas Pawlet.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+All--he knows it all! Well, come to the point. What do you want of
+me?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+My lord, suppose some one had in his possession the papers which
+prove the birth, existence, and rights of Talbot's heiress! It would
+make you as poor as my ancestor Job, Don Fabiano, and would leave you
+no better castles than your castles in Spain, which would be very
+hard for you.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Yes! But no one has those papers.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Yes. Some one has them.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Who?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+You, miserable wretch! It isn't true! Jew speaks, Jew lies.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I have got the papers.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+You lie! Where have you got them?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+In my pocket.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I don't believe you. Are they all in order? Nothing lacking?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Nothing is lacking.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Then I must have them.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Gently.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Jew, give me those papers!
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Excellent! Jew, miserable beggar who crawls through the streets, give
+me the city of Shrewsbury, give me the city of Wexford, give me the
+earldom of Waterford! Charity, if you please!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Those papers are everything to me and nothing to you.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Simon Renard and Lord Chandos would pay me pretty high for them.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Simon Renard and Lord Chandos are two dogs between whom I will have
+you hanged.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+You have nothing else to say to me? Then farewell.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Come back! What do you want me to give you for those papers?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Something which you have with you.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+My purse?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Out upon you! Do you want mine?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+What then?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+There is a parchment which never leaves you. It is a signature in
+blank which the Queen gave you, and in which she swears, upon her
+Catholic crown, to grant any favor he may ask, to the one who
+presents it. Give me that signature in blank, and you shall have Jane
+Talbot's titles. Paper for paper.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+What do you want to do with this signature in blank?
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I will explain. Cards on the table, my lord. I have told you your
+affairs; now I will tell you mine. I am one of the principal
+money-dealers in Kantersten Street, Brussels. I lend money; it is my
+business. I lend ten and get back fifteen. I lend to every one: I
+would lend to the devil; I would lend to the Pope. Two months ago one
+of my creditors died, without paying me. It was an old exiled servant
+of the Talbot family. The poor man left nothing but a few rags: I
+seized them. Among these rags I found a box, and in the box some
+papers--Jane Talbot's papers, my lord, giving her entire history in
+detail and furnishing proofs for better times. The Queen of England
+had just given you Jane Talbot's estates. I was in great need of the
+Queen of England at that time, for I wanted to make a loan of ten
+thousand gold marks. I realized that I might do business with you. I
+came to England in this disguise; I made myself a spy upon you, upon
+Jane Talbot. I did it all myself. In this way I learned everything,
+and here I am. You shall have Jane Talbot's papers if you give me the
+Queen's signature in blank. I will write upon it that the Queen shall
+give me ten thousand gold marks. They owe me something at the
+excise-office, but I won't haggle. Ten thousand gold marks--nothing
+more. I don't ask you for the sum, because only a crowned head could
+pay it. I am speaking frankly, you see. Two men as clever as we are,
+my lord, have nothing to gain by deceiving each other. If frankness
+were banished from the earth, it would be re-discovered in a
+_tete-a-tete_ between two rogues.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Impossible! I can't give you this signature in blank. Ten thousand
+gold marks! What would the Queen say? And then, to-morrow I may be
+disgraced: this signature in blank is my safeguard. This signature in
+blank is my head.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+What does that matter to me?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Ask me for something else.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+I want that.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Jew, give me Jane Talbot's papers.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+My lord, give me the Queen's signature in blank.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Accursed Jew, I will have to yield. [_Draws a paper from his pocket._
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Show me the Queen's signature in blank.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Show me Talbot's papers.
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Afterward.
+
+[_They go close to the lantern. Fabiani stands behind the Jew, and
+with his left hand holds the paper under the Jew's eyes; he examines
+it. The Man reads._
+
+"We, Mary, Queen--" It is well. You see, my lord, I am like you. I
+have calculated upon everything. I have foreseen everything.
+
+FABIANI (_draws a dagger with his right hand and plunges it into the
+Jew's throat_).
+
+Except this!
+
+THE MAN.
+
+Oh, traitor! Help!
+
+[_He falls. In falling he throws a sealed packet into the darkness
+behind him; Fabiani does not perceive it._
+
+FABIANI (_leaning over the body_).
+
+Faith! I believe he is dead. Quick, the papers. [_He searches the
+Jew._] What! he hasn't got them. He has nothing--nothing at all about
+him! Not a paper! He was lying, the old wretch! He deceived me: he
+wanted to rob me. Is it possible, you accursed Jew! No, he has
+nothing. That is clear. I have killed him for nothing. They are all
+alike, these Jews. To lie and steal, that is all they can do. Come,
+let us get rid of this corpse; I can't leave it here at the door.
+[_Goes up stage._] I will see if the boatman is still there; he can
+help me throw it into the Thames.
+
+[_He descends, and disappears behind the parapet._
+
+GILBERT (_enters from the opposite side_).
+
+I thought I heard a cry!
+
+[_He perceives the body stretched upon the ground under the lantern._
+
+Some one has been assassinated! The beggar!
+
+THE MAN (_lifting himself half-way up_).
+
+Ah, you come too late, Gilbert.
+
+[_He points to the place where he threw the packet._
+
+Take them. They are the papers which prove that Jane, your betrothed,
+is daughter and heiress of the last Lord Talbot. My assassin is Lord
+Clanbrassil, the Queen's favorite. Oh, I suffocate! Gilbert, avenge
+me! Avenge yourself! [_He dies._
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Dead! Avenge myself? What does he mean? Jane, daughter to Lord
+Talbot? Lord Clanbrassil! The Queen's favorite? Oh, I am lost in
+wonder! [_Shaking the body._] Speak! One word more! He is indeed
+dead!
+
+
+SCENE VII
+
+Gilbert, Fabiani
+
+FABIANI (_returning_).
+
+Who goes there?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+A man has been assassinated.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+No, a Jew.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Who killed him?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Faith! You or I.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Sir?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+No witnesses. A corpse on the ground. Two men beside it. Which is the
+assassin? There is nothing to prove it is one rather than the
+other--I rather than you.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Miserable man! You are the assassin!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Well, yes! To be frank, I am. What of it?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I am going to call the constables.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+You are going to help me throw the body into the water.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I will have you seized and punished.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+You will help me throw the body into the water.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You are insolent.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Do as I say! Let us destroy all traces of this. Believe me, you are
+more interested in the matter than I am.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Upon my soul!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+One of us two did the deed. I am a great lord, a nobleman. You are a
+passer-by, a peasant, a man of the people. A noble who kills a Jew
+pays a fine of four sous; a man of the people who kills one of his
+fellow-creatures is hanged.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You would dare--
+
+FABIANI.
+
+If you denounce me, I will denounce you. I will be believed sooner
+than you. At any rate, the chances are unequal. Four sous fine for
+me, and the gallows for you.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+No witnesses! No proofs! Oh, my brain is bewildered! This miserable
+man is right, he has me in his power.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Shall I help you throw the corpse into the river?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You are a demon!
+
+[_Gilbert takes the body up by the head, Fabiani by the feet;
+they carry it to the parapet._
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Yes. Faith, my friend, I can no longer exactly tell which of us
+killed this man!
+
+[_They go down behind the parapet. Fabiani re-appears._
+
+It is done. Good-night, comrade! Go your way!
+
+[_He starts toward the house, but turns back, seeing that Gilbert
+follows him._
+
+Well, what do you want? Money for your trouble? In truth, I don't owe
+you anything, but here, take this.
+
+[_He gives his purse to Gilbert, whose first impulse is to refuse
+it, but who accepts it afterward with the air of a man who has
+reflected._
+
+Well, go! What more are you waiting for?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Nothing.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Then stay, if it pleases you. You can have the fine starlight while I
+have the pretty girl. God be with you!
+
+[_He starts toward the door of the house and is about to open it._
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Where are you going?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Faith, into my house!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+How? Into your house!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+That is what I said.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Which of us two is dreaming? A short time ago you told me that I was
+the Jew's assassin! Now you tell me that that house is yours.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Or that of my mistress, which amounts to the same thing.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Repeat what you have just said.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+My friend, I say, since you wish to know, that this house belongs to
+a beautiful girl named Jane, who is my mistress.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+And I tell you, my lord, that you lie! I tell you that you are a liar
+and an assassin! I tell you that you are an insolent knave! I tell
+you, you have pronounced some fatal words which will kill us
+both--you, for having said them: me, for having heard them.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Dear me! Who the devil is this man?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I am Gilbert the engraver. Jane is my betrothed.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+And I am the Chevalier Amyas Pawlet. Jane is my mistress.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You lie, I tell you! You are Lord Clanbrassil, the Queen's favorite.
+Don't you think I know that, fool!
+
+FABIANI (_aside_).
+
+Everybody seems to know me to-night. Another dangerous man, whom we
+must get rid of.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Tell me instantly that you have lied like a coward, and that Jane is
+not your mistress!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Do you know her writing?
+
+[_He takes a note from his pocket._
+
+Read this!
+
+[_Aside, while Gilbert tremblingly unfolds the paper._
+
+If he would go in and quarrel with Jane, it would give my people time
+to get here.
+
+GILBERT (_reading_).
+
+"I will be alone to-night. You can come." Malediction! My lord, you
+have dishonored my betrothed, you are an infamous wretch! I demand my
+revenge.
+
+FABIANI (_putting his hand to his sword_).
+
+Willingly! Where is your sword?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Oh, fury! To be one of the people! To have nothing--neither sword nor
+dagger. Well, you can go; but I will wait for you at night, in a
+corner of the street, and I will stick my nails into your throat, and
+I will assassinate you, you villain!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Dear me! How violent you are, my friend.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I will be revenged upon you, my lord!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+You! Revenged upon me? You so low, upon me so high! You are crazy!
+I defy you.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You defy me?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Yes.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You shall see.
+
+FABIANI (_aside_).
+
+To-morrow's sun must not rise for this man. [_Aloud._] Friend, listen
+to me. Go into your house. I am sorry you found it out, but I leave
+the beauty to you. Go in.
+
+[_He throws a key down at Gilbert's feet._
+
+There is a key, if you haven't got one. Or, if you like it better,
+you can knock against the shutter three times and Jane will think it
+is I, and let you in. Good-night. [_He goes off._
+
+
+SCENE VIII
+
+GILBERT (_alone_).
+
+He is gone. He is no longer here. I did not grind and crush him
+beneath my feet. I had to let him go. Not a weapon about me.
+
+[_He sees on the ground the dagger with which Lord Clanbrassil
+killed the Jew; he picks it up with fearful haste._
+
+Ah, you come too late; you can probably kill no one but myself. All
+the same, whether you fall from heaven or are vomited up from hell, I
+bless you. My Jane has betrayed me! Jane has given herself to this
+infamous man. Jane is the heiress of Lord Talbot. Jane is lost to me!
+O God! more terrible things have come to me in this hour than my
+brain can stand.
+
+[_Simon Renard appears in the darkness at the back._
+
+Oh, to be revenged on that man! To be revenged on this Lord
+Clanbrassil! If I go to the Queen's palace, the lackeys will kick me
+out as if I were a dog. I am mad! My head will burst! I am willing to
+die, but I want to be revenged. I would give my blood for revenge!
+Will nobody in the world make this bargain with me? Who will give me
+vengeance on Lord Clanbrassil and take my life in payment?
+
+
+SCENE IX
+
+Gilbert, Simon Renard
+
+SIMON RENARD (_taking a step forward_).
+
+I will.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You? Who are you?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+The man you want.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Do you know who I am?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+You are the man I need.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+There is no longer but one thought in my mind, do you know that? To
+be revenged on Lord Clanbrassil and to die!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+You shall be revenged on Lord Clanbrassil and you shall die.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Who ever you may be, I thank you.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Yes, you shall have the vengeance you desire. But do not forget upon
+what condition. I must have your life.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Take it.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+It is agreed?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Yes.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Follow me!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Where?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+You shall know.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Remember that you have promised to avenge me!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Remember that you have promised to die.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND DAY
+
+THE QUEEN
+
+Scene.--_A room in the royal apartment. The gospel open on a
+prie-Dieu. The royal crown upon a stool. Side doors. A large door in
+the center. A portion of the background concealed by a large
+tapestry, representing a grand tournament_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+_The Queen, splendidly dressed, reclining upon a couch; Fabiano
+Fabiani seated on a folding-chair. Magnificent costume. The garter_
+
+FABIANI (_a guitar in his hands, singing_).
+
+  When you sleep, calm and pure, love,
+  In shadow, 'neath my eyes,
+  And your soft breathing gives my heart
+  Its tenderest replies;
+  On your sweet form my eyes can feast,
+  Oh, beauty's priceless store!
+  Then sleep, my beauty, sleep, my love,
+  Sleep on, for evermore!
+
+  And when you say, "I love you,"
+  In truth, it seems to be
+  As if God's heaven were opening
+  Especially for me.
+  I see dreams hidden in your eyes
+  That we've not dreamed before;
+  Then love me, oh, my beauty,
+  Love me for evermore!
+
+  You see, the whole of life, dear,
+  Lies in those words, just four--
+  All things that people envy,
+  All things that men adore,
+  All things that are seductive
+  On which our hearts set store,
+  To sing, to laugh, my beauty,
+  To sleep, to love, no more!
+
+[_He puts down his guitar._
+
+Oh, I love you more than I can tell, madame! But this Simon
+Renard--this Simon Renard, who is more powerful here than you
+yourself--I hate him!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+I can't help it, my lord; you know that. He is here as the ambassador
+of the Prince of Spain, my future husband.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Your future husband!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Come, my lord, let us not speak of that. I love you! What more do you
+wish? Moreover, it is time for you to go, now.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+One moment more, Mary!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+It is time for the secret council to meet. Until now, there has been
+only a woman here. We must let the Queen enter.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I wish the woman would keep the Queen waiting at the door.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You wish, do you? You wish, do you? Look at me, my lord! Fabiani, you
+have a young and beautiful head!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+It is you who are beautiful, madame. You need only your beauty to be
+all-powerful. There is something on your head which tells me you are
+the Queen; but it is written plainer on your brow than on your crown!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Flatterer!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I love you!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You love me, do you not? You love only me? Say it to me again, just
+like that, with the same eyes! Alas! we poor women, we never know
+just what is passing in a man's heart. We have to trust your eyes;
+and the handsomest eyes, Fabiani, are often the most false. But
+yours, my lord, are so full of loyalty, so full of candor, so full of
+good faith, they could not deceive, those eyes--could they? Yes, my
+beautiful page, your glances are artless and sincere. Oh, it would be
+shameful to take such heavenly eyes to betray with! Your eyes are the
+eyes either of a devil or an angel!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Neither angel nor devil. A man who loves you!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Who loves the Queen?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Who loves Mary.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Listen to me, Fabiani. I love you, too. You are young; there are many
+beautiful women who smile tenderly on you--I know it. People get
+tired of queens as well as of other women.--Don't interrupt me!--If
+you ever fall in love with another woman, I want you to tell me about
+it.--Don't interrupt me, dear!--I may forgive you, if you tell me
+about it. You don't know how much I love you. I don't know myself. It
+is true, there are moments when I would rather see you dead than
+happy with another; but there are also moments when I would rather
+have you happy. Indeed, I don't know why they try to make me out such
+a wicked woman!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I can only be happy with you, Mary! I love no one but you!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Are you sure? Look at me! Are you sure? Oh, I am jealous sometimes! I
+imagine--where is the woman who does not think of these
+things?--sometimes I imagine that you are false to me. I would like
+to be invisible, so that I might follow you, and always know what you
+are doing, what you are saying, where you are! In fairy stories they
+tell about a ring which makes one invisible; I would give my crown to
+have such a ring as that. I keep thinking that you go to see the
+beautiful women in the city. Oh, you must not deceive me--indeed, you
+must not!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Banish such thoughts from your mind, madame. I false to you, my love,
+my queen, my kind mistress! To do that, I would have to be the most
+thankless, the most miserable of men. And I have given you no reason
+to think me the most thankless, the most miserable of men. I love
+you, Mary; I adore you! I could not even look at another woman! I
+love you, I say; but don't you see it in my eyes? There must be some
+way to persuade you! Look at me well! Do I look like a man who is
+false? When a man deceives a woman, you can see it at once. Women are
+seldom mistaken about that. And what a time you choose to tell me
+these things--the one moment in my life when I love you the most! It
+is true, I am sure I never loved you so much as I do to-day. I am not
+speaking to the Queen. What do I care about the Queen? What can she
+do to me? She can have my head cut off; what does that amount to?
+You, Mary, can break my heart. It isn't your sovereignty that I love,
+it is yourself. It is your beautiful white and soft hand that I love
+to kiss; it isn't your scepter, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Thank you, my Fabiano. Good-by! Ah, my lord, how young you are! What
+beautiful black hair, what a graceful head you have! Come back to me
+in an hour.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+What you call an hour, I call a century!
+
+[_He goes out. As soon as he is gone, The Queen rises hastily, goes
+to a concealed door, opens it, and ushers in Simon Renard._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+The Queen, Simon Renard
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Come in, Sir Bailiff! Well, did you stay there? Did you hear him?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What do you say to it? Oh, of all men on earth he is the most false,
+the most deceitful! What do you say to it?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+I say, madame, that it is plain to be seen his name ends in _i_.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Are you sure that he goes to this woman at night? Did you see him?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+I myself, Chandos, Clinton, Montague. Ten witnesses!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Oh, it is indeed infamous!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+The whole affair will be still better proved to the Queen in a short
+time. The young woman is here, as I told your Majesty. I had her
+brought from her house last night.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Isn't this a sufficient crime for his execution, sir?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+What! To go to see a pretty girl by night! Oh, no, madame! Your
+Majesty had Frogmorton tried for a similar crime. Frogmorton was
+acquitted.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+I punished Frogmorton's judges.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Try not to have to punish Fabiani's judges.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+How shall I revenge myself on this traitor?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Your Majesty wants only a certain kind of revenge?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+The only kind worthy of me!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Frogmorton was acquitted, madame. There is only one way. I have
+explained it to your Majesty. The man who is there!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Will he do whatever I wish?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+If you do all that he wishes.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Will he give his life?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+He will make his own conditions, but he will give his life.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What does he want? Do you know?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+What you yourself want--revenge!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Bid him come in, but stay you out there, within call, Sir Bailiff.
+
+SIMON RENARD (_coming back_).
+
+Madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Tell my Lord Chandos to hold himself in the next room, with six men
+of my ordinance, in readiness to appear. And the woman also, let her
+be ready to appear. Go.
+
+[_Simon Renard goes out._
+
+Oh! it would be frightful!
+
+[_The Queen alone. A side door opens; Simon Renard and Gilbert
+enter._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+The Queen, Gilbert, Simon Renard
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Before whom do I stand?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Before the Queen.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+The Queen!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Yes, the Queen. I am the Queen. There is no time for astonishment.
+You, sir, are Gilbert, a workman, an engraver. You live somewhere
+beyond the borders of the river, with a woman named Jane, who is your
+betrothed, and who deceives you, whose lover is a man named Fabiano,
+who deceives me. You want revenge, so do I. In order to get it, I
+must be able to make any disposition I please of your life. It is
+necessary that you should say what I command you to say, no matter
+what it is. For you, there must be no longer either false or true,
+good or bad, justice or injustice--nothing but my vengeance and my
+will. I shall require you to let me act, and to let yourself be acted
+upon. Do you consent?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Madame--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You shall have your revenge; but I warn you, it will cost you your
+life--that is all. Make your conditions. If you have an old mother
+and you want her tablecloth covered with ingots of gold, speak, I
+will do it. Sell me your life as dear as you please.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I am no longer willing to die, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I have been thinking about it all night. Nothing is proved yet. I saw
+a man who boasted that he was Jane's lover. How do I know that he did
+not lie? I saw a key! How do I know that he did not steal it? I saw a
+letter! How do I know that she was not forced to write it? I don't
+even know whether it was her writing; it was dark, I was excited, I
+could not see. I can't give up my life, which is her life, like that.
+I don't believe any of it, I am not sure of any of it, I have not
+seen Jane!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+It is easy to see that you love. You are like me, you refuse all the
+proofs. But if you see her, your Jane, if you hear her confess the
+crime, will you do what I wish?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Yes, upon one condition.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Tell it to me afterward. [_To Simon Renard._] Bring this woman here
+at once.
+
+[_Simon Renard goes out. The Queen places Gilbert behind a
+curtain which covers part of the background of the apartment._
+
+Stand there!
+
+[_Jane enters, pale and trembling._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+_The Queen; Jane; Gilbert behind the curtain_
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Approach, young woman. You know who we are?
+
+JANE.
+
+Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You know who is the man who seduced you?
+
+JANE.
+
+Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+He deceived you. He passed himself off for a nobleman called Amyas
+Pawlet?
+
+JANE.
+
+Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You know now that it is Fabiano Fabiani, Earl of Clanbrassil?
+
+JANE.
+
+Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Last night, when they seized you in your house, you had given him a
+rendezvous, you were waiting for him?
+
+JANE (_wringing her hands_).
+
+Heavens, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Answer!
+
+JANE (_with feeble voice_).
+
+Yes.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You understand that there is no more hope, neither for him nor for
+you?
+
+JANE.
+
+Nothing but death! That is a hope!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Tell me all about it. Where did you meet this man first?
+
+JANE.
+
+The first time I saw him was-- But what is the use? A poor wretched
+girl of the people, frivolous and vain, in love with jewels and fine
+clothes, a girl dazzled with the handsome looks of a great lord--that
+is all. I am seduced, I am dishonored, I am lost. There is nothing to
+add to that. My God, madame, don't you see that each word I speak is
+killing me?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Enough.
+
+JANE.
+
+Your anger is terrible, I know it, madame. My head bends now beneath
+the punishment you have prepared for me.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Punishment for you? Do you think I concern myself about you,
+simpleton? Who are you, wretched creature, that the Queen should
+concern herself about you? Oh, no! Fabiano is my affair. As for you,
+madame, some one else will look out for your punishment.
+
+JANE.
+
+Well, madame, whoever that one may be, whatever the punishment, I
+will endure all without a murmur. I will even thank you if you will
+listen to one prayer I am about to make. There is a man who took me
+in, an orphan from my birth, who adopted me, brought me up, nourished
+me, loved me, and who loves me still; a man of whom I am most
+unworthy, toward whom I have been most guilty, and yet whose image
+lies at the bottom of my heart, beloved, revered, sacred as is that
+of God; a man who now, while I am speaking to you, finds his home
+empty, deserted, robbed, who can't understand it, and who rends his
+garments in anguish. Well, madame, what I ask of your Majesty is that
+he may never understand, that I may disappear without his knowing
+what has become of me, what I have done, or what you have done with
+me. Alas, kind Heaven, I do not know how to make you understand, but
+you ought to feel that I have a friend in him--a noble, generous
+friend. Poor Gilbert! yes, it is true, he respects me and believes me
+pure, and I do not want him to hate me and despise me! Oh, you
+understand me, don't you, madame? That man's respect is a great deal
+more to me than my life. And then it will make him suffer so
+much--such a surprise! He won't believe it at first. No, he will not
+believe it. My God! Poor Gilbert. Oh, madame, have pity on him and on
+me! He has done you no harm! In the name of Heaven, keep him from
+knowing the awful truth! In the name of Heaven, don't let him know
+that I am guilty. He will kill himself. Don't let him know that I am
+dead. He will die too.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+The man you are speaking of is here; he is listening to you; he will
+judge you, he will punish you! [_Gilbert appears._
+
+JANE.
+
+Heavens! Gilbert!
+
+GILBERT (_to the Queen_).
+
+My life belongs to you, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Good. Have you any conditions to make?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Yes, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What are they? We give you our royal word that we will grant them.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+This, madame. It is very simple. It is a debt of gratitude I pay to
+one of your noble lords, who employed me a great deal in my capacity
+as engraver.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Speak!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+This lord has a secret liaison with a woman whom he cannot marry
+because she belongs to a proscribed family. This woman, who up to the
+present time has lived in concealment, is the only daughter and
+heiress of the last Lord Talbot, beheaded under King Henry VIII.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What? Are you sure of what you are saying? You say, John Talbot, the
+good Catholic lord, the loyal defender of my mother of Aragon, has
+left a daughter? Upon my crown, if that is true, this child is my
+daughter. And what John Talbot did for the mother of Mary of England,
+Mary of England will do for the daughter of John Talbot.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Then, of course, it will be a pleasure to your Majesty to give back
+Lord Talbot's estates to his daughter?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Yes, truly, and to take them away from Fabiano. But are there proofs
+that this heiress exists?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+There are!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+And if there are not, we will make them! We are not a queen for
+nothing!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Your Majesty will give back to Lord Talbot's daughter the estates,
+lands, rank, coat-of-arms, and device of her father. Your Majesty
+will remove her from all proscription, and will guarantee that her
+life shall be safe. Your Majesty will marry her to this lord, who is
+the only man she can marry. Upon these conditions, madame, you can
+dispose of me, of my liberty, of my life, and of my will as you see
+fit.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Good! I will do what you have asked.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Your Majesty will do what I have asked? The Queen of England swears
+it to me, Gilbert the engraver, upon her crown which is here, and
+upon the open gospel which is there?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Upon the royal crown which is here, and the divine gospel which is
+there, I swear it.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+The compact is concluded, madame. Have a tomb prepared for me and a
+nuptial bed prepared for the lovers. The lord I speak of is Fabiani,
+Earl of Clanbrassil. Talbot's heiress, behold her!
+
+JANE.
+
+What does he say?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Am I dealing with a fool? What do you mean? Have a care, sir! You are
+bold to mock the Queen of England! In the royal chambers people
+should look to their words; there are times when the lips bring the
+head to the block!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You have my head, madame; I have your oath.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You do not mean to say you are speaking seriously? This Fabiano--this
+Jane! Come, come!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+This Jane is the daughter and the heiress of Lord Talbot.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Bah! Nonsense! Delusion! Fancy! Have you got the proofs?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Complete!
+
+[_He takes a packet from his breast._
+
+Read these papers.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Have I time to read your papers? Did I ask for your papers? What do
+your papers matter to me? If they prove anything, upon my soul, I
+will throw them into the fire and nothing will be left of them.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Nothing but your oath, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+My oath, my oath!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Upon the crown and upon the gospel, madame; that is to say, on your
+head and your soul--on your life in this world, and on your life in
+the next.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+But what do you want? Oh, I swear you are mad!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+What do I want? Jane has lost her rank, give it back to her! Jane has
+lost her honor, give it back to her! Proclaim her the daughter of
+Lord Talbot and the wife of Lord Clanbrassil, and then take my life.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Your life! What do you want me to do with your life then? I didn't
+want it except to use for vengeance on this man--this Fabiano. You
+can't understand anything at all, can you? Well! I can't understand
+you, either. You talked about vengeance! That is the way you avenge
+yourself, is it? These men of the people are stupid! And after all,
+do you suppose I believe your ridiculous story about an heiress of
+Talbot? The papers! You show me papers! I won't look at them. Oh, a
+woman wrongs you, and you play the magnanimous. Well, do it if it
+suits you! I am not magnanimous! No! My heart is full of rage and
+hate. I will avenge myself and you shall help me! Oh, but this man is
+mad, mad, mad! My God! why do I need him? It is exasperating to have
+to deal with people like this, at such a serious time.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I have your word, as Catholic Queen. Lord Clanbrassil has seduced
+Jane; he shall marry her!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+And if he refuses to marry her?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You will force him to do it.
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh, no! Have pity upon me, Gilbert!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Well, then, if this infamous wretch refuses, your Majesty can do what
+she pleases with him and with me!
+
+THE QUEEN (_with joy_).
+
+Ah, that is all I ask!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+In that case, I will do everything the Queen commands, provided the
+crown of the Countess of Waterford is solemnly replaced by the Queen
+on the sacred and inviolable head of Jane, who stands here!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Everything?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Everything! Even a crime, if it is a crime you want. I will not stop
+at treachery, which is more than a crime; nor at infamy, which is
+more than treachery.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You will say what I want you to say? You will die the death that I
+want you to die?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+The death that you want me to die!
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh, my God!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You swear it?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I swear it!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Then it is settled. It is enough! I have your word, you have mine! It
+is agreed.
+
+[_She seems to reflect a moment._
+
+[_To Jane._] You are not needed here: go out. I will send for you.
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh, Gilbert, what is this you have done? Oh, Gilbert, I am a wretched
+creature, and I don't dare to raise my eyes to you. Oh, Gilbert, you
+are more than an angel, for you have the virtues of an angel and a
+man's passions at the same time. [_She goes out._
+
+
+SCENE V
+
+_The Queen, Gilbert, afterward Simon Renard, Lord Chandos, and
+the Guards_
+
+THE QUEEN (_to Gilbert_).
+
+Have you a weapon about you? A knife, a dagger, anything!
+
+GILBERT (_drawing from his breast Lord Clanbrassil's dagger_).
+
+A dagger? Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Good! Hold it in your hand!
+
+[_She seizes his arm quickly._
+
+Sir bailiff D'Amont! Lord Chandos!
+
+[_Enter Simon Renard, Lord Chandos, and Guards._
+
+Seize this man! He has threatened my life, with his dagger! I seized
+his arm as he was about to strike me. He is an assassin!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Madame!
+
+THE QUEEN (_low to Gilbert_).
+
+Have you forgotten your agreement so soon? Is this the way you let me
+use you? [_Aloud._] You are all witnesses that he had a dagger in his
+hand. Sir Bailiff, what is the name of the executioner of the Tower
+of London?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+He is an Irishman called Mac Dermot.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Send for him. I want to speak to him.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Yourself?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Myself.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+The Queen will speak to the executioner!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Yes, the Queen will speak to the executioner. The head will speak to
+the hand! Send for him.
+
+[_A Guard goes out._
+
+My Lord Chandos, and you, gentlemen, will answer to me for this man.
+Keep him there among you, back of you. Certain things are about to
+happen here which he must witness. Sir Lieutenant d'Amont, is Lord
+Clanbrassil in the palace?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+He is there, in the painted chamber, awaiting the Queen's good
+pleasure to see him.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Does he suspect anything?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Nothing.
+
+THE QUEEN (_to Lord Chandos_).
+
+Let him come in!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+The entire Court is also waiting there. Will nobody be admitted
+before Lord Clanbrassil?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Who are those among our nobles who hate Fabiani?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+All!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Which hate him the most?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Clinton, Montague, Somerset, Earl of Derby, Gerard Fitz-Gerard, Lord
+Paget, and the Lord Chancellor.
+
+THE QUEEN (_to Lord Chandos_).
+
+Admit them all--except the Lord Chancellor. Go! [_Chandos goes
+out._
+
+[_To Simon Renard._] The worthy Bishop Chancellor is not any fonder
+of Fabiani than the rest, but he is a more scrupulous man.
+
+[_Noticing the papers which Gilbert left upon the table._
+
+Ah, I must look over these papers!
+
+[_While she is examining them, the door in the background opens.
+Those lords designated by The Queen enter, making profound
+salutations._
+
+
+SCENE VI
+
+_The same. Lord Clinton and the other lords._
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Good-day, gentlemen! God be with you, my lords! [_To Lord
+Montague._] Anthony Brown, I do not forget that you held your own
+most worthily against John of Montmorency and the Count of Toulouse
+during my negotiations with my uncle, the Emperor! Lord Paget, to-day
+you will receive your letters patent of Baron Paget de Beaudesert in
+Stafford. And this is our old friend, Lord Clinton. We are always
+your good friend, my lord. It was you who exterminated Thomas Wyatt
+in St. James's Field. Let us all remember it, my lords. The crown of
+England was saved that day by a bridge which enabled my troops to
+reach the rebels, and by a wall which prevented the rebels from
+reaching me! The bridge was London Bridge. The wall was my Lord
+Clinton!
+
+LORD CLINTON (_low to Simon Renard_).
+
+The Queen has not spoken to me for six months. How kind she is
+to-day!
+
+SIMON RENARD (_low to Lord Clinton_).
+
+Patience, my lord. She will be kinder still, by-and-by.
+
+THE QUEEN (_to Lord Chandos_).
+
+My Lord Clanbrassil may enter. [_To Simon Renard._] After he has
+been here a few moments--
+
+[_She speaks to him in a low voice and indicates the door through
+which Jane passed._
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+I understand, madame. [_Fabiani enters._
+
+
+SCENE VII
+
+_The same._ Fabiani
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Ah, here he is!
+
+[_She continues to speak to Simon Renard in a low voice._
+
+FABIANI (_everybody salutes him; he looks around him. Aside_).
+
+What does this mean? There are only my enemies here, this morning!
+The Queen is speaking in a low tone to Simon Renard. The devil! She
+is laughing! It is a bad sign.
+
+THE QUEEN (_graciously to Fabiani_).
+
+God be with you, my lord!
+
+FABIANI (_seizing her hand which he kisses_).
+
+Madame-- [_Aside._] She smiled at me! The danger is not for me!
+
+THE QUEEN (_still graciously_).
+
+I want to speak to you.
+
+[_She advances to the front of the stage with him._
+
+FABIANI.
+
+And I also, I want to speak to you, madame. I have a right to
+reproach you! To keep me away, to exile me so long! Ah, it wouldn't
+be thus if you thought of me during these hours of absence as I think
+of you!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You are unjust. Since you left me, I have thought of no one but you!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Is that really true? Does so much happiness belong to me? Say it to
+me again!
+
+THE QUEEN (_always smiling_).
+
+I swear it to you!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Then you do indeed love me as I love you?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Yes, my lord! Truly, I have thought of no one but you. So much so,
+that I have tried to plan a pleasant surprise for your return.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+What do you mean? What surprise?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+A meeting which will give you pleasure!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+A meeting with whom?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Guess! Can't you guess?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+No, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Turn around!
+
+[_He turns and sees Jane on the threshold of the little door, which
+is half open._
+
+FABIANI (_aside_).
+
+Jane!
+
+JANE (_aside_).
+
+It is he!
+
+THE QUEEN (_with the same smile_).
+
+My lord, do you know this young woman?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+No, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Young woman, do you know this lord?
+
+JANE.
+
+Truth before life! Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+So, my lord, you do not know this woman?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Madame, this is a conspiracy. I am surrounded by enemies. This woman
+is doubtless in league with them. I do not know her, madame! I do not
+even know who she is, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN (_rising and striking him in the face with her glove_).
+
+Ah, you are a coward! You betray one and disown the other! You don't
+even know who she is? Do you want me to tell you? This woman is Jane
+Talbot, daughter of John Talbot, the good Catholic lord who perished
+on the scaffold for my mother. This woman is Jane Talbot, my cousin:
+Jane Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury, Countess of Wexford, Countess of
+Waterford, peeress of England. That is who she is, this woman! Lord
+Paget, you are commissioner of the private seal; you will remember
+our words. The Queen of England solemnly recognizes this woman here
+present, as Jane, daughter and sole heiress of the last Earl of
+Waterford. [_Showing the papers._] Here are the titles and the
+proofs, which you will have sealed with the great seal. It is our
+will.
+
+[_To Fabiani_] Yes, Countess of Waterford, and it is proved! And
+you will give back her estates, you wretched man! Ah, you don't know
+this woman? You don't know who she is? Well, I am telling you! It is
+Jane Talbot. Shall I tell you more yet?
+
+[_Looking him in the face, in a low voice, between her teeth._
+
+Coward, she is your mistress!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+That is what she is! Now, this is what you are! You are a man without
+soul, a man without heart, a man without brains. You are a liar and a
+villain! You are--By my faith, gentlemen, you need not draw away. I
+am quite willing you should hear what I have to say to this man. I am
+not lowering my voice, it seems to me. Fabiano, you are a wretch; a
+traitor to me, a coward to her; a lying lackey, the most vile, the
+lowest of all men. Yet it is true, I made you Earl of Clanbrassil,
+Baron of Dinasmonddy and what more? Baron of Darmouth in Devonshire.
+Ah, well! I was an idiot! My lords, I ask your pardon for having
+forced you to be elbowed by that man there. You, a knight! you, a
+noble! you, a lord! Compare yourself a little with those who are
+such. Look! look around you! There stand noblemen. There is Bridges,
+Baron Chandos; there is Seymour, Duke of Somerset. There are the
+Stanleys, who have been Earls of Derby since 1485. There are the
+Clintons, who have been barons since 1298. Do you imagine you are
+like these people--you? You say that you are allied to the Spanish
+family of Penalver, but it is not true; you are only a bad Italian.
+Nothing--worse than nothing! Son of a shoemaker in the village of
+Larino! Yes, gentlemen, the son of a shoemaker! I knew it, and I did
+not tell it; I concealed it, and I made believe I credited this man
+when he talked about his nobility. That is the way we are, we women.
+Oh, Heaven! I wish there were women here; it would be a lesson to
+them all. This scoundrel! this scoundrel! he betrays one woman and
+disowns the other. Infamous creature! Oh, yes, indeed you are
+infamous. What! I have been speaking all this time and he is not yet
+on his knees? On your knees, Fabiani! My lords, force this man to
+kneel!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Your Majesty--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+This creature whom I have loaded with benefits! this Neapolitan
+lackey whom I have made a noble knight and a proud earl of England.
+Ah, I ought to have expected this! But I am always like that; I am
+obstinate, and afterward I see that I am wrong. It is my fault.
+Italian stands for liar: Neapolitan for coward. Every time that my
+father made use of an Italian, he repented of it. This Fabiani! You
+see Lady Jane, unfortunate child, to what a man you have surrendered
+yourself! But I will avenge you. Oh, I ought to have known it from
+the first. You will find nothing in an Italian's pocket but a
+stiletto, nothing in his soul but treachery.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Madame, I swear to you--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Good! Now he will perjure himself; he will descend to the depths of
+infamy; he will make us blush to our finger-tips before these men--we
+women who have loved him. He will not even lift up his head!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Yes, madame, I will lift it up! I am lost; I see it clearly. My death
+is decided. You will make use of every means, dagger, poison--
+
+THE QUEEN (_taking hold of both his hands and dragging him violently
+to the front of the stage_).
+
+Poison! Dagger! What are you saying, Italian? A treacherous
+vengeance, a disgraceful vengeance--a vengeance from the back, a
+vengeance such as you take in your country? No, Signor Fabiani,
+neither dagger nor poison. Do I have to conceal myself? Do I have to
+hide in the corners of the street at night and make myself small when
+I want revenge? No, by my faith, I want the daylight! Do you hear, my
+lord?--the full noonday, the bright sun, the public square, the ax
+and the stake, the crowds in the street, the crowds at the windows,
+the crowds on the roofs! A hundred thousand witnesses! I want people
+to be afraid, do you hear, my lord? I want them to think it splendid,
+frightful, magnificent. I want them to say, "It is a woman who has
+been wronged, but it is a Queen who takes revenge!" This much envied
+favorite, this handsome, insolent young man, whom I have dressed in
+velvets and satins, I want to see him bent double, terrified and
+trembling, on his knees before a black cloth, with naked feet, with
+manacled wrists, hissed by the people, fingered by the executioner.
+On this white neck, where I have put a golden collar, I want to put a
+rope. I have seen how Fabiani looks upon a throne, I want to see how
+he looks upon a scaffold.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Madame--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Not a word! Not a word! You are indeed lost, as you say. You will
+mount the scaffold as did Suffolk and Northumberland. This will be a
+festival such as I have given before to my good city of London. You
+know how she hates you, this good city of mine! Faith, when one wants
+vengeance, it's a good thing to be Mary, Queen of England, daughter
+of Henry VIII. and mistress of four seas. When you are on the
+scaffold, you can make a long speech to the people, if you like, as
+Northumberland did, or a long prayer to God, as Suffolk did, in order
+to give pardon the time to arrive; but God is my witness that you are
+a traitor, and the pardon will not come. This wretched liar who
+talked of love to me, and this morning even said "thou" to me--Eh,
+gentlemen, it seems to amaze you that I talk thus openly before you;
+but I repeat it, what do I care?
+
+[_To Lord Somerset._] My lord duke, you are constable of the Tower;
+demand this man's sword!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Here it is; but I protest. Admitting that it is proved that I
+deceived or seduced a woman--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What does it matter to me whether you have seduced a woman? Do I
+concern myself about that? These gentlemen are witnesses, it is a
+matter of indifference to me!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+The seduction of a woman is not a capital offense, madame. Your
+Majesty could not procure Frogmorton's condemnation upon the same
+accusation!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+I believe he defies us now! The worm has become a serpent. Who says
+you are accused of that?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Of what else am I accused? I am not an Englishman; I am no subject of
+your Majesty. I am a subject of the King of Naples and a vassal of
+the Holy Father. I will appeal to his embassador, the eminent
+Cardinal Polus, to save me. I will defend myself, madame. I am a
+stranger! I cannot be tried unless I have committed a crime--a real
+crime. What is my crime?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You ask what your crime is?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Yes, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You all hear this question that he has asked, my lords? You shall
+hear the answer. Listen, and look out for yourselves, all of you,
+however great you may be, because you will see that I need only stamp
+upon the earth with my foot to bring from out of it a scaffold.
+Chandos, open that folding-door. Call the Court--every one! Bid every
+one enter.
+
+[_The door at the back is opened. The entire Court enters._
+
+
+SCENE VIII
+
+_The same. The Lord Chancellor, all the Court_
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Enter, enter, my lords! I am truly pleased to see you to-day. Good!
+good! The officers of the law this way: nearer, nearer! Where are the
+sergeants-at-arms of the House of Lords? Harriot and Herbert? Ah,
+there you are, gentlemen! Be welcome! Draw your swords. Good! Place
+yourselves at the right and at the left of that man. He is your
+prisoner.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Madame, what is my crime?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+My Lord Gardiner, my learned friend, you are chancellor of England.
+We order you and the twelve lord commissioners of the Star Chamber,
+whom we regret not to see here, to assemble yourselves in haste.
+Strange things are passing in this palace. Listen, my lords! Madame
+Elizabeth has raised more than one enemy to our crown. We have had
+the Pietro Caro plot--that man who started the Exeter movement, and
+who communicated with Madame Elizabeth by means of a cipher cut on
+her guitar. We have had the treachery of Thomas Wyatt who roused the
+county of Kent. We have had the rebellion of the Duke of Suffolk, who
+was captured in the hollow of a tree, after his followers were
+defeated. To-day we have a new attempt. Listen, all of you. To-day,
+this morning, a man presented himself at my audience. After a few
+words, he drew his dagger on me. I stopped his hand in time. Lord
+Chandos and the bailiff D'Amont seized the man. He says that he was
+urged to the crime by Lord Clanbrassil.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+By me! It is not true! This is a frightful thing! This man does not
+exist. This man cannot be found! Who is he? Where is he?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+He is here!
+
+GILBERT (_coming out from among the soldiers, behind whom he has been
+hidden up to this time_).
+
+I am the man!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+According to this man's declarations, we Mary, Queen, accuse before
+the Star Chamber this other man, Fabiano Fabiani, Earl of
+Clanbrassil, of high treason, and of an attempt of regicide upon our
+imperial and sacred person.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Regicide? I? This is monstrous. Oh, my brain is bewildered! I cannot
+see clear! What is this trap? Whoever you may be, wretched creature,
+dare you affirm that what the Queen says is true?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Yes!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+I urged you to regicide?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Yes.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Yes, always yes! Malediction! Oh, it is impossible for you to know
+how false that is, gentlemen. That man comes from hell! Unfortunate
+wretch, you want to ruin me, but don't you see that you ruin yourself
+in the same breath? The crime you charge upon me falls upon you too.
+You will send me to the block, but you will die also. Madman, with a
+single word you cause two heads to fall! Did you know that?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I know it.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+My lords, this man is bribed--
+
+GILBERT.
+
+By you. Here is the purse full of gold which you paid me for the
+crime. Your crest and your monogram are embroidered upon it.
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Just Heaven! But you don't show me the dagger with which this man, it
+is said, attempted to strike the Queen. Where is the dagger?
+
+LORD CHANDOS.
+
+Here it is!
+
+GILBERT (_to Fabiani_).
+
+It is yours. You gave it to me for that purpose. They will find the
+sheath at your house!
+
+THE LORD CHANCELLOR.
+
+Earl of Clanbrassil, what reply do you make? Do you recognize this
+man?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+No!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+In truth, he only saw me by night. Let me whisper two words to him,
+madame, they will help his memory. [_He approaches Fabiani._] My
+lord, you appear to recognize no one to-day--neither the man you have
+wronged, nor the woman you have seduced. Ah, the Queen avenges
+herself; but the man of the people, he avenges himself also. You
+defied me to do it, I think. Behold yourself caught between a double
+vengeance, my lord! What do you say to that? I am Gilbert the
+engraver!
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Yes, I recognize you. My lords, I recognize this man. Since it is
+with him I have to deal, I have nothing more to say.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+He confesses!
+
+THE LORD CHANCELLOR (_to Gilbert_).
+
+According to Norman law and Statute 25, Henry VIII., in a case of
+high treason of the first degree, a confession does not save the
+accomplice. Do not forget, it is a case wherein the Queen has not the
+right of mercy, and you will die upon the scaffold as well as the man
+you accuse. Therefore reflect! Do you confirm all you have said?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I know that I shall die, and I confirm it.
+
+JANE (_aside_).
+
+My God! if this is a dream, it is very horrible.
+
+THE LORD CHANCELLOR (_to Gilbert_).
+
+Are you willing to repeat your statements with your hand upon the
+gospel?
+
+[_He presents the gospel to Gilbert, who puts his hand upon it._
+
+GILBERT.
+
+With my hand upon the gospel, and my approaching death before my
+eyes, I swear that this man is an assassin; that this dagger, which
+is his, was used for the crime; that this purse, which is his, was
+given to me in payment for the crime. May God help me! It is the
+truth!
+
+THE LORD CHANCELLOR (_to Fabiani_).
+
+My lord, what have you to say?
+
+FABIANI.
+
+Nothing! I am lost.
+
+SIMON RENARD (_low to The Queen_).
+
+Your Majesty sent for the executioner. He is there!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Good! Let him come in!
+
+[_The row of noblemen divides and the Executioner appears; he is
+dressed in red and black, and on his shoulder bears a long sword in
+its scabbard._
+
+
+SCENE IX
+
+_The same._ Executioner
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+My lord Duke of Somerset, these two men to the Tower! My Lord
+Gardiner, our chancellor, let their trial before the twelve peers of
+the Star Chamber commence to-morrow, and may God keep watch over
+England. We expect them to be judged, both of them, before we leave
+for Exford, where we are to open Parliament, and for Windsor, where
+we are to spend Easter.
+
+[_To the Executioner._] Approach! I am glad to see you! You are a
+faithful servant. You are old; you have already witnessed three
+reigns. It is customary for the sovereigns of this kingdom to make
+you as costly a gift as possible, upon their ascension. My father,
+Henry VIII., gave you the diamond clasp of his cloak. My brother,
+Edward VI., gave you a goblet of chased gold. It is my turn now; I
+have not given you anything yet. I must give you a present. Come
+nearer! [_Indicating Fabiani._] Do you see that head--that young,
+adorable head; that head, which, up to this morning, was the dearest,
+the most precious thing to me, in all my kingdom? Well! that
+head--look at it well--I give it to you!
+
+
+
+
+_THIRD DAY_
+
+PART I
+
+WHICH OF THE TWO?
+
+Scene.--_Hall in the interior of the Tower of London. Pointed arch
+upheld by large pillars. To the right and to the left two low doors
+to two cells. To the right a dormer-window, which is supposed to
+overlook the Thames. To the left a dormer-window, which is supposed
+to overlook the streets. On each side a door concealed in the wall.
+In the background, a gallery with a sort of balcony shut in by glass
+and overlooking the exterior courts of the Tower_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+Gilbert, Joshua
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Well?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Alas!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+No more hope?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+No more hope. [_Gilbert goes to the window._
+
+You won't see anything from the window.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You inquired, didn't you?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+I am only too sure.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+It is for Fabiani?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+It is for Fabiani.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+How fortunate that man is! Maledictions on me!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Poor Gilbert! Your turn will come! To-day, it is he; to-morrow it
+will be you!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+What do you say? We are not thinking of the same thing. What are you
+talking about?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+About the scaffold which they are building.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+And I--I am speaking of Jane!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Of Jane?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Yes, of Jane! Only of Jane. What does the rest matter to me? You have
+forgotten, have you? You don't remember that for one whole month,
+glued to the bars of my cell, from which I can look into the street,
+I have watched her, pale and sad, wandering around the base of this
+tower, which holds two men, Fabiani and me. You have forgotten all
+about my anguish, have you, and my doubts, my misgivings? For which
+of us does she come? Poor wretch, I ask myself this question day and
+night. I asked you, Joshua; and last night you promised to try to see
+her, and speak to her. Oh, tell me! Did you learn anything! Is it for
+me she comes, or is it for Fabiani?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+I learned that Fabiani is certainly to be beheaded to-day, and you
+to-morrow, and from that moment I confess I lost my head, Gilbert.
+The scaffold drove Jane entirely out of my thoughts. Your death--
+
+GILBERT.
+
+My death! What do you mean by that word! My death is that Jane loves
+me no longer. From the day that I was no longer beloved, I was dead.
+Oh, yes! truly dead. Joshua, what has remained of me since that time
+won't be worth taking to-morrow. Oh, Joshua, you don't know, you
+can't understand what a man is when he loves. If any one had said to
+me, two months ago, "Jane, your Jane without reproach, your Jane so
+pure, your love, your pride, your lily, your treasure, Jane will give
+herself to another; will you take her then?" I should have said, "No,
+I will not have her! rather death a thousand times for her and for
+myself." And I should have crushed under my feet any one who had
+dared to speak to me like that. If I would take her?--To-day, you
+know, Jane is no longer the Jane without stain, whom I adored, the
+Jane whose brow I hardly dared touch with my lips. Jane has given
+herself to another--to a wretch! I know it--and--well, it's all the
+same to me. I love her! My heart is broken, but I love her! I would
+kiss the hem of her dress, and I would ask her pardon, if she would
+only take me. She might be in the gutter with those who belong there,
+and I would take her out, and I would hold her close to my heart,
+Joshua! Joshua, I would give, not a hundred years of life, since I no
+longer possess one day, but the eternity which will be mine
+to-morrow, just to see her smile at me once more--just once more
+before my death--and to have her say to me those dear words she used
+to say, "I love you." Joshua, Joshua, that is the way a man's heart
+is, when he loves. You think you would kill the woman who betrays
+you? No, you wouldn't kill her; you would lie at her feet afterward,
+the same as before, only you would be sad. You think I am weak? What
+should I have gained in killing Jane? Oh, my heart will burst with
+all these unbearable thoughts! If she only loved me now, what would
+it matter to me, what she has done? But she loves Fabiani! But she
+loves Fabiani! It is for Fabiani that she comes here! There is one
+thing that is sure, it is that I want to die. Have pity on me,
+Joshua!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Fabiani will die to-day.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+And I to-morrow.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+God is above all.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I will be revenged on him to-day. To-morrow, he will be revenged on
+me!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+My brother, here is the second constable of the Tower, Master Eneas
+Dulverton. You must go in. I will see you again to-night.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Oh, to die without being beloved! To have no one to weep for us!
+Jane! Jane! Jane!
+
+[_Re-enters his cell._
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Poor Gilbert! Good God! Who could have foretold that what has
+happened would happen?
+
+[_Goes out. Enter Simon Renard and Master Eneas._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+Simon Renard, Master Eneas Dulverton
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+As you say, it is very extraordinary. But what can you expect? The
+Queen is crazy. She doesn't know what she wants. You can't count upon
+anything. She is a woman. I would like to know what she is here for.
+Well! a woman's heart is a riddle of which King Francis I. wrote the
+solution on that pane of glass at Chambord--
+
+  "A woman's heart is most capricious;
+  Who trusts her, finds life not propitious."
+
+Listen to me, Master Eneas. We are old friends; we must get through
+with this thing to-day. Everything here depends upon you. If you are
+ordered--[_He whispers to Eneas_] be slow about it; let it fall
+through skillfully. Let me have two clear hours before me to-night,
+and what I want will be accomplished; to-morrow there will be no
+favorite. I shall be all-powerful, and you will be baronet and
+lieutenant of the Tower the day after. Do you understand?
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+I understand.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Very well. Some one is coming. We must not be seen together. Go out
+that way. I am going to meet the Queen. [_They separate._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_A Jailer enters with caution, then ushers in Lady Jane._
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+You are where you wished to be, my lady. Here are the doors to the
+two cells. My recompense, now, if you please.
+
+[_Jane unfastens her diamond bracelet and gives it to him._
+
+JANE.
+
+There it is.
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+Thanks. Don't compromise me.
+
+[_He goes out._
+
+JANE (_alone_).
+
+Kind Heaven! What shall I do? It is I who have destroyed him. I must
+be the one to save him! I can never do it, never! A woman can do
+nothing! The scaffold-- The scaffold! Oh, it is horrible! Come, no
+more tears; let us have action! I never can do it! I never can do it!
+Have mercy on me, my God! I think some one is coming. Whose voice is
+that? I recognize it. It is the Queen's voice! Ah, all is lost!
+
+[_She hides behind a pillar. The Queen and Simon Renard enter._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+_The Queen; Simon Renard; Jane, concealed_
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Ah, the change surprises you? I am no longer myself? Well, what does
+that matter to me? It is the truth! I don't want him to die--now!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Yet yesterday, your Majesty ordered the execution to take place
+to-day.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+As I ordered the day before, that the execution should take place
+yesterday. As I ordered Sunday that the execution should take place
+Monday. To-day I ordered the execution to take place to-morrow.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+As a matter of fact, since the second Sunday in Advent, when the
+decision was pronounced in the Star Chamber, and the two criminals
+came back to the Tower preceded by the executioner with the ax turned
+toward them--and that was three weeks ago--every day since then your
+Majesty has put the matter off until to-morrow.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Well, can't you understand what that means, sir? Must I explain
+everything, and must a woman be forced to show her naked heart to
+you, because she is a Queen--unfortunate woman that she is--and
+because you represent the Prince of Spain, her future husband? You
+don't understand, you men, that with a woman the heart has its
+chastity as well as the body. Well, then, yes--since you want to
+know, since you make believe that you don't understand anything--yes,
+every day I put off Fabiani's execution until to-morrow, because
+every morning my courage fails me when I think that the bell of the
+Tower of London will ring out his death-knell; because to think they
+are sharpening an ax for that man, breaks my heart; because it kills
+me to think they will nail a coffin over him; because I am a woman,
+because I am weak, because I am insane, because I love him yet, my
+God! There! have you got enough? Are you satisfied? Do you understand
+now? Oh, some day, my lord, I will have my revenge on you, for all
+these things you have made me tell you!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Yet it ought to be about time to get through with this Fabiani! You
+expect to marry my royal master, the Prince of Spain, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+If the Prince of Spain is not satisfied, let him say so; we will
+marry somebody else. Suitors are not lacking. The son of the King of
+the Romans, the Prince of Piedmont, the Infante of Portugal, Cardinal
+Polus, the King of Denmark, and Lord Courtenay are as good noblemen
+as he!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Lord Courtenay! Lord Courtenay!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+An English baron is worth a Spanish prince, my lord. Besides, Lord
+Courtenay is descended from the emperors of the East. Oh, get mad if
+you like!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Fabiani has made himself hated by every one in London who has got a
+heart.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Except by me!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Peasants and lords are united against him, and if he is not executed
+this very day, as your Majesty has promised--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Well!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+There will be an uprising among the people.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+I've got my lansquenets.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+There will be a conspiracy among the nobles.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+I have the executioner.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Your Majesty swore upon your mother's prayer-book that you would not
+pardon him.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Here is a signature in blank which he has sent to me, in which I
+swear on my imperial crown that I will pardon him! My father's crown
+is worth as much as my mother's prayer-book. One oath destroys the
+other. But who says that I will pardon him?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+He has boldly betrayed you, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What does that matter? All men are alike about that. I don't want him
+to die. Listen, my lord--I mean Sir Bailiff. Good God! you confuse my
+mind so much that I can't even tell whom I am talking to. Oh, I know
+all that you want to say to me! I know he is a vile, degraded,
+contemptible man. I know it as well as you, and I blush for it. But I
+love him! What do you want me to do about it? I would probably love a
+better man less. Moreover, who are you--all of you--great as you may
+be? Are you any better than he? You will tell me that he is a
+favorite, and the English nation detests favorites! Don't I know that
+you only want to overthrow him to put the Earl of Kildare--that fool,
+that Irishman--in his place, that he may have twenty heads a day cut
+off? What does that matter to you? Don't talk to me about your Prince
+of Spain; you make light enough of him. Don't talk to me about the
+anger of M. de Noailles, the French embassador! M. de Noailles is an
+idiot, and I will tell him so to his face. As for me, I am a woman; I
+want things, and then I don't want them. I am not made all in one
+piece. That man's life is necessary to my life. Oh, I beg of you,
+don't put on that air of virginal sincerity and good faith. I know
+all your intrigues. Between us two, you know as well as I that he
+didn't commit the crime for which he is condemned. Well, it is
+settled. I don't want Fabiani to die. Am I the mistress, or am I not?
+Come, Sir Bailiff, let us talk about something else, will you?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+I withdraw, madame. All your nobles have spoken to you through my
+voice.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What do I care for my nobles!
+
+SIMON RENARD (_aside_).
+
+Suppose we try the people!
+
+[_He goes out with respectful salutation._
+
+THE QUEEN (_alone_).
+
+He went out with a singular expression. That man is capable of
+arousing a rebellion. I must hurry off to the City Hall. What ho!
+Some one! [_Master Eneas and Joshua appear._
+
+
+SCENE V
+
+_The same, without Simon Renard. Master Eneas, Joshua_
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Is it you, Master Eneas? This man and you, you must attend to it that
+the Earl of Clanbrassil makes his escape at once.
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Madame--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Very well! I won't trust you; I remember you are one of his enemies.
+Are there none but enemies of the man I love, around me? I will wager
+that this turnkey, whom I don't even know, he hates him too.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+You are right, madame.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+My God! My God! This Simon Renard is more a king than I am a queen!
+What! not one person to trust? No one to whom I can give power to
+plan his escape?
+
+JANE (_coming out from behind the pillar_).
+
+Yes, madame, I!
+
+JOSHUA (_aside_).
+
+Jane!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You! Who are you? Ah, it is you, Jane Talbot. What are you doing
+here? Never mind, you are here! You have come to save Fabiani; thank
+you! I ought to hate you, Jane; I ought to be jealous of you. I have
+reason enough to be! But I'm not! I love you for loving him! In front
+of the scaffold there is no more jealousy--nothing but love! You are
+like me, you forgive him. I understand; men don't understand these
+things. Lady Jane, let us have it clearly understood. We are both of
+us miserable, are we not? We must save Fabiani! I have no one but
+you. I must let you do it! At least, I am sure, you will do it with
+all your heart. Take charge of it, gentlemen, both of you. Do
+everything that Lady Jane directs you to do, and upon your heads, you
+will be answerable for the execution of her orders. Embrace me, young
+woman!
+
+JANE.
+
+The Thames washes the base of the Tower on this side. I noticed a
+secret passage. A boat at that place, and the escape might be made by
+the Thames. It is the safest way.
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+It will be impossible to get a boat there, before an hour.
+
+JANE.
+
+That is very long.
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+It will soon pass! It will be dark, too. That will be better if her
+Majesty wishes to keep the escape secret.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Perhaps you are right. In one hour then. I leave you, Lady Jane. I
+must go to the City Hall. Save Fabiani!
+
+JANE.
+
+Make yourself easy, madame!
+
+[_The Queen goes out; Jane follows her with her eyes._
+
+JOSHUA (_front of stage_).
+
+Gilbert was right; she loves Fabiani!
+
+
+SCENE VI
+
+_The same, without The Queen_
+
+JANE (_to Master Eneas_).
+
+You have heard the Queen's commands. A boat, there, at the base of
+the Tower, the keys of the secret corridors, a cap, and a cloak.
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Impossible to get all that before night. In one hour, my lady.
+
+JANE.
+
+Very well! Go! Leave me with this man.
+
+[_Master Eneas goes out. Jane follows him with her eyes._
+
+JOSHUA (_aside, at front stage_).
+
+"This man!" It is very natural. One who has forgotten Gilbert will
+not remember Joshua.
+
+[_He goes to Fabiani's cell and is about to open it._
+
+JANE.
+
+What are you doing there?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Forestalling your wishes, my lady. I am opening this door.
+
+JANE.
+
+What door is that?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+The door of my Lord Fabiani's cell.
+
+JANE.
+
+And that one?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+It is the door to another man's cell.
+
+JANE.
+
+Who is he--that other?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Another who is condemned to death; some one whom you do not know--a
+workman named Gilbert.
+
+JANE.
+
+Open that door!
+
+JOSHUA (_after having opened it_).
+
+Gilbert!
+
+
+SCENE VII
+
+Jane, Gilbert, Joshua
+
+GILBERT (_from the interior of his cell_).
+
+What is wanted?
+
+[_He appears on the threshold, sees Jane, leans trembling against
+the wall._
+
+Jane! Lady Jane Talbot!
+
+JANE (_on her knees, without lifting her eyes to him_).
+
+Gilbert, I have come to save you!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Save me!
+
+JANE.
+
+Listen to me! Pity me! Do not crush me! I know all that you would
+say. It is all true; but don't say it to me. I must save you.
+Everything is ready. The escape is safe. Let yourself be saved by me,
+just as if I were anybody else. I don't ask any more. You need never
+recognize me again. You need never know who I am! Don't forgive me!
+Just let me save you. Will you?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Thank you! It is useless. Why wish to save my life, Lady Jane, if you
+do not love me?
+
+JANE (_with joy_).
+
+Oh, Gilbert, is that what you ask me, truly? Gilbert, do you deign to
+think of what is passing in this poor girl's heart? Gilbert, is it
+possible that the love I have for you can interest you, can seem
+worth thinking about? Oh, I thought it was quite indifferent to
+you--that you despised me too much to wonder what I did with my
+heart. Gilbert, if you only knew how these words you have spoken make
+me feel! Oh, it is an unhoped-for gleam of sunshine in my dark night.
+Oh, listen to me! If I dared to draw near to you, if I dared to touch
+your garments, if I dared to take your hand in mine, if I dared once
+more to lift mine eyes to you and to Heaven, as I did once--do you
+know what I would say to you? On my knees, prostrate, weeping at your
+feet, with sobs on my lips and the joy of angels in my heart, I would
+say, "Gilbert, I love you!"
+
+GILBERT (_taking her to his heart with rapture_).
+
+You love me?
+
+JANE.
+
+Yes, I love you!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You love me! My God! she loves me. It is indeed true! She has said it
+herself; her lips have spoken it. God in heaven!
+
+JANE.
+
+My Gilbert!
+
+GILBERT.
+
+You say all is prepared for my escape? Quick--let us hurry! Life! I
+want to live! Jane loves me! This roof descends on my head and
+crushes it. I want air! I suffocate here! Let us fly quickly. Let us
+go, Jane! I want to live! I want to live! I am beloved.
+
+JANE.
+
+Not yet. We must have a boat. We must wait until night. But be easy.
+You are saved. In less than an hour we will be outside. The Queen is
+at the City Hall and will not come back so soon as that. I am
+mistress here. I will explain it all to you.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Wait an hour? That is long. Oh, I yearn to get back to life and
+happiness. Jane, Jane, you are there; I will live! You love me! I am
+come back from hell! Restrain me. I will do something mad. I will
+laugh, I will sing. Ah, you do love then?
+
+JANE.
+
+Yes, I love you! yes, I love you! And listen, Gilbert, believe me;
+this is the truth as though I were on my death-bed: I have never
+loved any one but you. Even in my fall, even in the midst of my sin,
+I loved you. Scarcely had I fallen into the arms of that demon who
+ruined me, when I wept for my angel.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Forgotten! forgiven! Never speak of it again, Jane! What do I care
+for the past? Who could resist your voice, who would do other than I
+am doing? Yes, I pardon everything, my well-beloved child. The
+foundation of love is mercy and pardon, Jane; jealousy and despair
+burned the tears in my eyes, but I pardon you, but I thank you! You
+are the only truly bright thing in this world; at each word that you
+speak, I feel grief dies, and joy is born in my soul. Jane, lift your
+head, stand up straight before me there and look at me! I tell you
+that you are my child.
+
+JANE.
+
+Always generous! Gilbert, my well-beloved.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+I wish I were outside now: in our flight, far away: free, with you!
+Oh, this night, which will never come! The boat is not there. Jane,
+we will leave London at once, this night. We will leave England; we
+will go to Venice. Men of my trade make a great deal of money there.
+You will belong to me! Oh, my God! I am insane! I have forgotten the
+name you bear. It is too proud a one, Jane.
+
+JANE.
+
+What do you mean?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Daughter of Lord Talbot.
+
+JANE.
+
+I know one prouder still.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Which?
+
+JANE.
+
+Wife of the workman Gilbert.
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Jane!
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh, no! Don't think I ask so much as that. I know I am unworthy of
+that. I do not lift my eyes so high. I would never take such an
+advantage of your pardon. The poor engraver Gilbert shall make no
+mesalliance with the Countess of Waterford. No, I will follow you, I
+will love you, I will never leave you; I will lie all day at your
+feet, all night at your door. I will watch you work, I will help
+you, I will give you all you need. I will be to you something less
+than a sister, something more than a dog. And if you ever marry,
+Gilbert--because God will want you to find somebody, some pure woman,
+without stain and worthy of you--well, if you marry, and if your wife
+is good, if she will let me, I will be your wife's servant. If she
+won't have me, I will go off, far off, to die where I can. That is
+the only way I shall ever leave you. If you do not marry I will
+stay with you, always; I will be gentle and patient--oh, you shall
+see!--and if people think ill of me because I am with you--well, they
+can think what they please. I have no longer the right to blush, you
+see--I am only an unfortunate woman!
+
+GILBERT (_falling at her feet_).
+
+You are an angel! You are my wife!
+
+JANE.
+
+Your wife? Ah, you are like God--your pardon purifies me. Be blessed,
+Gilbert, for putting this crown upon my brow.
+
+[_Gilbert takes her up and folds her to his heart. While they stand
+thus in each other's arms, Joshua takes Jane's hand._
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+It is Joshua, Lady Jane!
+
+JANE.
+
+Good Joshua!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+You did not know me a little while ago.
+
+JANE.
+
+No, I had to begin with him.
+
+[_Joshua kisses her hand._
+
+GILBERT (_pressing her in his arms_).
+
+Ah, what happiness! But is it real, all this happiness?
+
+[_For some time a distant noise has been heard; confused voices, a
+tumult. It grows dark._
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+What is that noise?
+
+[_He goes to the window which overlooks the street._
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh! My God! Let nothing happen!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+There is a great crowd off there. Pick-axes, pikes, torches. The
+Queen's pensioners on horseback, and fighting. They are all coming
+this way! What cries! The devil! It looks like a public revolt.
+
+JANE.
+
+If it is only not against Gilbert.
+
+DISTANT CRIES.
+
+Fabiani! Death to Fabiani!
+
+JANE.
+
+Can you hear?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Yes.
+
+JANE.
+
+What are they saying?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+I can't distinguish!
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh, my God! My God!
+
+[_Master Eneas and a boatman enter hastily through the concealed
+door._
+
+
+SCENE VIII
+
+_The same. Master Eneas, a Boatman_
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+My Lord Fabiani! My lord, not an instant to lose! The people know the
+Queen wanted to save your life. There is a revolt of the London
+populace against you. In a quarter of an hour you will be torn to
+pieces. My lord, save yourself. Here is a cloak and a cap. Here are
+the keys. Here is a boatman. Don't forget that you owe it all to me.
+My lord, make haste! [_Low to Boatman._] Remember, you are not to
+hurry.
+
+JANE (_hastily covers Gilbert with the cloak and cap; low to
+Joshua_).
+
+Heaven! If this man will only not recognize him.
+
+MASTER ENEAS (_looking into Gilbert's face_).
+
+What! this is not Lord Clanbrassil. You are not fulfilling the
+Queen's orders, my lady. You are helping another to escape.
+
+JANE.
+
+All is lost! I ought to have foreseen this! Ah, sir, it is true! Have
+mercy--
+
+MASTER ENEAS (_low to Jane_).
+
+Silence! Go on! I have said nothing! I have seen nothing!
+
+[_He goes up stage with an air of indifference._
+
+JANE.
+
+What does he say? Ah, Providence befriends us. Everybody wants to
+save Gilbert.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+No, my lady, everybody wants to destroy Fabiani.
+
+[_During the entire scene the cries have increased outside._
+
+JANE.
+
+We must hurry, Gilbert. Come quickly.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Let him go alone!
+
+JANE.
+
+Leave him!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Only for a moment. No woman in the boat, if you want it to arrive
+safe. It is too light yet; your dress is white. After the peril is
+over, you will find each other again. Come this way with me. Let him
+go that way.
+
+JANE.
+
+Joshua is right. Where will I find you, my Gilbert?
+
+GILBERT.
+
+Under the first arch of London Bridge.
+
+JANE.
+
+Good! Go quickly. The tumult increases. Oh, I wish you were safe
+away!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Here are the keys. There are twelve doors to open and shut between
+here and the water's edge. It will take you a good quarter of an
+hour.
+
+JANE.
+
+A quarter of an hour! Twelve doors! That is frightful.
+
+GILBERT (_embracing her_).
+
+Good-by, Jane! A few more moments of separation and we will rejoin
+each other for a life-time!
+
+JANE.
+
+For eternity. [_To the Boatman._] Sir, I place him in your care!
+
+MASTER ENEAS (_low to Boatman_).
+
+For fear of accident, don't hurry.
+
+[_Gilbert goes out with the Boatman._
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+He is saved! Now for us! We must shut this cell.
+
+[_He shuts the door of Gilbert's cell._
+
+All right! Come quickly; this way!
+
+[_He goes out, with Jane, through the other concealed door._
+
+MASTER ENEAS (_alone_).
+
+Fabiani remains in the trap. Now, there is a shrewd little woman whom
+Simon Renard would have paid a good deal for. How will the Queen take
+all this? Provided the consequences do not fall on my shoulders!
+
+[_The Queen and Simon Renard enter with rapid steps. The tumult
+outside has steadily increased. It is night. Cries of death, torches,
+lights, sounds of moving masses; the click of arms, shots, the
+stamping of horses. Several noblemen with daggers in their hands
+accompany The Queen. Among them are the herald of England,
+Clarence, bearing the royal banner, and the herald of the Order of
+the Garter, Jarretiere, bearing the banner of that order._
+
+
+SCENE IX
+
+_The Queen, Simon Renard, Master Eneas, Lord Clinton, the two
+heralds, lords, pages, etc._
+
+The Queen (_low to Master Eneas_).
+
+Has Fabiani escaped?
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Not yet!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Not yet! [_Giving him a terrible look._
+
+MASTER ENEAS (_aside_).
+
+The devil!
+
+THE PEOPLE (_outside_).
+
+Death to Fabiani!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+You must make your decision on the spot, madame. The people demand
+this man's death! The Tower is besieged. The revolt is formidable.
+Your nobles have been cut to pieces on London Bridge. Your Majesty's
+pensioners hold their own yet; but, just the same, your Majesty has
+been chased street by street, from the City Hall to the Tower of
+London. Madame Elizabeth's followers have joined the people. You can
+tell that by the venom of the mob. All this is serious. What does
+your Majesty command?
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Fabiani! Death to Fabiani!
+
+[_They grow louder, and come nearer._
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Death to Fabiani! Do you hear that howling populace, my lords? You
+must throw a man out to them. The rabble is hungry!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+What does your Majesty command?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+By heaven, my lords! it seems to me you all stand trembling around
+me! Upon my soul! must a woman show you your duty as noblemen? To
+horse, my lords, to horse! Are you afraid of the rabble? Are swords
+afraid of clubs?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Don't let things go any further. Yield, madame, while there is yet
+time. You can yet say "the rabble"; in an hour you will have to say
+"the people"!
+
+[_The cries increase, the noise comes nearer._
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+In an hour!
+
+SIMON RENARD (_going to gallery and returning_).
+
+In a quarter of an hour, madame. The first wall of the Tower is
+broken down. One more step, the mob will be here.
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+To the Tower! to the Tower! Fabiani! death to Fabiani!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+How right they are who call the people terrible! Fabiano!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Do you want to see him torn to pieces before your eyes?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Do you know this is infamous, that not one of you stirs? In the name
+of Heaven, defend me, my lords!
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+You? yes, madame. Fabiano? no!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Very well, I will tell you all then, so much the worse for you.
+Fabiano is innocent. Fabiano never committed the crime for which he
+was condemned. It was I, and this man here, and the engraver Gilbert.
+We did it all; we invented it all; we imagined it all. It was all a
+farce! Contradict me if you dare, Sir Bailiff! Now, gentlemen, will
+you defend him? He is innocent; I swear it. On my head, on my crown,
+on my God, on my mother's soul, he is innocent of the crime. It is as
+true as that you stand there, Lord Clinton! Defend him! Annihilate
+these wretches as you annihilated Tom Wyatt, my brave Clinton, my old
+friend, my good Robert! I swear to you that it is false that Fabiano
+tried to assassinate the Queen.
+
+LORD CLINTON.
+
+There is another Queen whom he tried to assassinate--England!
+
+[_The cries continue outside._
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+The balcony! Open the balcony. I myself will prove to the people that
+he is not guilty.
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Prove to the people that he is not Italian.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+When I think it is Simon Renard, one of Cardinal Granvelle's
+creatures, who dares to speak to me like this! Well, open that door!
+open that cell! Fabiano is there. I want to see him; I want to speak
+to him.
+
+SIMON RENARD (_low_).
+
+What are you doing? For his own sake, you needn't let everybody know
+where he is.
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Death to Fabiani! Long live Elizabeth!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+They cry long live Elizabeth, now!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+My God! My God!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Choose, madame [_with one hand he points to the cell_], this head to
+the people [_with the other hand he designates the crown which the
+Queen wears_] or that crown to Madame Elizabeth.
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Death! Death! Fabiani! Elizabeth!
+
+[_A stone breaks through a pane of glass near The Queen._
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Your Majesty is destroying herself without saving him! The second
+court is reached. What does the Queen command?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You are all cowards, and Clinton is the worst of all. Ah, Clinton, I
+will remember this, my friend!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+What does the Queen command?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Oh, to be abandoned by all of you! to have confessed all without
+obtaining anything! What sort of creatures are these noblemen here?
+That populace is infamous! I would like to crush them under my feet.
+There are times then, when a queen is nothing but a woman? You will
+pay dear for this, gentlemen!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+What does the Queen command?
+
+THE QUEEN (_crushed_).
+
+Whatever you will. Do what you like. You are an assassin. [_Aside._]
+Oh, Fabiano!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Clarence! Jarretiere! Come here! Master Eneas, open the great balcony
+of the gallery.
+
+[_The balcony in the back opens. Simon Renard steps out upon it,
+Clarence at his right, Jarretiere at his left. Immense tumult outside._
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Fabiani! Fabiani!
+
+SIMON RENARD (_on the balcony, turned toward the people_).
+
+In the Queen's name!
+
+HERALDS.
+
+In the Queen's name!
+
+[_Profound silence outside._
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+People, the Queen bids you know this: To-day, this very night, one
+hour after the curfew, Fabiano Fabiani, Earl of Clanbrassil, covered
+with a black veil from head to foot, bound with an iron gag, a yellow
+wax candle weighing three pounds in his hand, will be led, by
+torchlight, from the Tower of London, through Charing Cross, to the
+old Market-Place of the city, there to be publicly punished and
+beheaded, for the crimes of high treason and attempt of regicide on
+the imperial person of the Queen!
+
+[_Immense applause outside._
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Long live the Queen! Death to Fabiani!
+
+SIMON RENARD (_continuing_).
+
+And, in order that no one in this city of London shall ignore it,
+this is what the Queen orders during the entire journey, which the
+criminal must make from the Tower of London to the old Market-Place:
+The great bell of the Tower shall toll; at the moment of the
+execution, three cannon-shots will be fired--the first, when he
+mounts the scaffold; the second, when he kneels upon the black cloth;
+the third, when his head falls. [_Applause._]
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Illuminate! Illuminate!
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+This night the Tower and the city of London will be illuminated with
+lights and torches, in sign of joy. I have spoken. [_Applause._] God
+protect the old charter of England!
+
+THE TWO HERALDS.
+
+God protect the old charter of England.
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Death to Fabiani! Long live Mary! Long live the Queen!
+
+[_The balcony is closed. Simon Renard approaches The Queen._
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+What I have just done will never be forgiven me by the Princess
+Elizabeth!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Nor by Queen Mary. Leave me, sir.
+
+[_She dismisses them all with a gesture._
+
+SIMON RENARD (_low to Master Eneas_).
+
+Master Eneas, look to the execution!
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Count upon me!
+
+[_Simon Renard goes out. As Master Eneas is about to go, The
+Queen rushes to him, seizes him by the arm and drags him violently
+to the front of the stage._
+
+
+SCENE X
+
+The Queen, Master Eneas
+
+THE PEOPLE (_outside_).
+
+Death to Fabiani! Fabiani! Fabiani!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Whose head is worth most at this moment, do you think--Fabiani's or
+yours?
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You are a traitor!
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Madame! [_Aside._] The devil!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+No explanations! I swear by my mother, if Fabiano dies, you die!
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+But, madame--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Save Fabiano, and you save yourself--not otherwise!
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Death to Fabiani! Fabiani!
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Save the Earl of Clanbrassil? But the people are out there! It is
+impossible! By what means?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Find some!
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+What could I do?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Do what you would for yourself.
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+The people will keep armed until after the execution. To satisfy
+them, somebody must be beheaded!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Anybody you please.
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+Anybody I please? Wait, madame! The execution will be at night, by
+torchlight; the criminal covered with a black veil, gagged; the
+people kept a long way from the scaffold by the pike-men, the same as
+always. It is enough, if the people see a head fall. The thing is
+possible. If only the boatman is there yet! I told him not to hurry.
+
+[_He goes to the window which overlooks the Thames._
+
+There he is, but we're just in time!
+
+[_He leans out of the window, a torch in his hand, waving his
+handkerchief, then he turns to The Queen._
+
+All right! I will answer for Lord Fabiani, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+On your head?
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+On my head!
+
+
+
+
+THIRD DAY
+
+PART II
+
+
+Scene.--_A hall or room into which lead two staircases, one
+ascending and the other descending. The entrance to each of these
+staircases fills a portion of the back of the stage. The one which
+ascends ends at the frieze; the one which descends ends
+underneath--neither the beginning nor the end is visible_
+
+_The room is draped with black in a peculiar fashion. The wall on the
+right, the wall on the left, and the ceiling are covered with a black
+cloth on which is a large white cross; the background, which faces
+the spectator, with a white cloth and large black cross. These black
+and white draperies continue until they are lost to sight under the
+staircases. To the right and to the left, there is an altar draped
+with black and white, decorated as if for a funeral. Tall candles. No
+priests. A few funeral lamps, hanging here and there from the vaulted
+roof, light the room and the staircases feebly. What really lights
+the room is the great white cloth in the background, through which
+a reddish light shines as if there were a fiery furnace behind. The
+room is paved with tombstones. As the curtain rises, the motionless
+figure of The Queen is seen in black outline on this transparent cloth_
+
+
+Scene I
+
+_Jane, Joshua. They enter cautiously through a little door behind
+the black draperies, which they push aside_
+
+JANE.
+
+Where are we, Joshua?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+On the great landing of the staircase down which the criminals go to
+execution. It was draped in this way under Henry VIII.
+
+JANE.
+
+No way of getting out of the Tower?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+The people are on guard at every exit. They want to be sure of
+getting their criminal this time. No one can go out before the
+execution.
+
+JANE.
+
+The proclamation they made from the balcony rings in my ears yet.
+This is a horrible thing, Joshua.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Oh, I've seen many such!
+
+JANE.
+
+If only Gilbert has been able to escape. Do you think he is safe,
+Joshua?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+I am sure of it.
+
+JANE.
+
+You are sure of it, good Joshua?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+The Tower wasn't surrounded on the waterside. Then, when he started,
+the riot wasn't as bad as it was afterward. It was a fine riot, if
+you but knew it.
+
+JANE.
+
+You are sure that he is safe?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+And waiting for you under the first arch of London Bridge, where you
+will meet him before midnight.
+
+JANE.
+
+Heaven! He will be anxious too.
+
+[_Seeing the shadow of The Queen._
+
+My God! what is that, Joshua?
+
+JOSHUA (_low, taking her hand_).
+
+Silence! It is the lioness, on the watch.
+
+[_While Jane looks at this figure in horror, a distant voice, which
+seems to come from above, pronounces these words slowly and
+distinctly._
+
+VOICE.
+
+The man, covered with a black veil, who follows me, is the very high
+and mighty Lord Fabiano Fabiani, Earl of Clanbrassil, Baron of
+Dinasmonddy, Baron of Darmouth in Devonshire, who is to be beheaded
+at the London Market-Place, for the crimes of regicide and high
+treason. God have mercy on his soul!
+
+ANOTHER VOICE.
+
+Pray for him!
+
+JANE (_trembling_).
+
+Joshua, do you hear?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Yes, I hear such things every day.
+
+[_A funeral procession appears at the head of the staircase, and
+gradually forms itself on the steps as it descends. A man dressed in
+black is at the head, bearing a white banner with black cross. Next
+comes Master Eneas Dulverton, wearing a great black cloak, holding
+his Constable's baton in his hand. Then a group of halberdiers,
+dressed in red; then a man in white, bearing black banner with white
+cross. To the right and to the left, halberdiers bearing torches._
+
+JANE.
+
+Do you see?
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+Yes, I see such things every day.
+
+[_As they are about to reach the stage the procession stops._
+
+MASTER ENEAS.
+
+The man, covered with a black veil, who follows me, is the very high
+and mighty Lord Fabiano Fabiani, Earl of Clanbrassil, Baron of
+Dinasmonddy, Baron of Darmouth in Devonshire, who is to be beheaded
+at the London Market-Place, for the crimes of regicide and high
+treason. God have mercy on his soul!
+
+THE TWO STANDARD-BEARERS.
+
+Pray for him!
+
+[_The procession slowly crosses the back of the stage._
+
+JANE.
+
+This is a terrible thing we are looking at, Joshua. It freezes my
+blood.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+That abominable Fabiani!
+
+JANE.
+
+Peace, Joshua! Very abominable, but very unfortunate.
+
+[_The procession reaches the other staircase: Simon Renard, who
+appeared at the entrance of this staircase, some moments before, and
+has observed everything, moves aside to let them pass. The procession
+goes under the arch of the staircase, and gradually disappears.
+Jane, terrified, follows it with her eyes._
+
+SIMON RENARD (_after the procession has disappeared_).
+
+What does this mean? Is that really Fabiani? I thought him not so
+tall. Has Master Eneas?--It seems to me the Queen kept him near her
+for a moment. Let us see!
+
+[_He disappears under the staircase, following the procession._
+
+VOICE (_which grows fainter and fainter_).
+
+The man, covered with a black veil, who follows me, is the very high
+and mighty Lord Fabiano Fabiani, Earl of Clanbrassil, Baron of
+Dinasmonddy, Baron of Darmouth in Devonshire, who is to be beheaded
+at the London Market-Place, for the crimes of regicide and high
+treason.
+
+OTHER VOICES (_almost indistinct_).
+
+Pray for him!
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+The great bell will announce his exit from the Tower, presently.
+Perhaps you can make your escape now: I must try to find a way. Wait
+for me here: I will come back.
+
+JANE.
+
+Are you going to leave me, Joshua? I will be afraid here, all alone.
+
+JOSHUA.
+
+It will be dangerous for you to wander over the Tower with me. I must
+get you away from here. Remember Gilbert is waiting for you.
+
+JANE.
+
+Gilbert? Everything for Gilbert. Go!
+
+[_Joshua goes out._
+
+Oh, what a terrible sight!--when I think that it might have been like
+this for Gilbert.
+
+[_She kneels on one of the altar steps._
+
+Oh, thank you! You are indeed God the Saviour. You have saved
+Gilbert.
+
+[_The cloth at the back opens. The Queen appears: she comes slowly
+to the front of the stage, without seeing Jane, who turns around._
+
+The Queen! My God!
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_Jane, The Queen. Jane clings to the altar, with horror, and fixes
+a look of stupor and terror on The Queen's face_
+
+THE QUEEN (_she stands a few seconds at the front of the stage, her
+glance fixed, pale, as if absorbed in gloomy thoughts. At last she
+sighs profoundly_).
+
+Oh, the people!
+
+[_She looks around with anxiety and sees Jane._
+
+Some one is here. Oh, it is you, young woman! It is you, Lady Jane. I
+frighten you. Don't be afraid. You know the turnkey Eneas betrayed
+us. Don't be afraid. I have already told you, child, you have nothing
+to fear from me. What was your ruin a month ago is your salvation
+to-day. You love Fabiano. There are only you and I in the whole world
+to-day who have a heart like that. Only you and I love him. We are
+sisters.
+
+JANE.
+
+Madame--
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Yes, you and I--two women, we are all he has! Every one else is
+against him; a whole city, a whole nation, a whole world. Unequal
+struggle of love against hate. Love for Fabiano is a sad thing, a
+fatal, a horror-stricken thing: it has a pallid brow like yours,
+tear-filled eyes like mine; it hides itself close to a funereal
+altar; it entreats with your lips, it curses with mine. But hate for
+Fabiano is a proud thing, radiant, triumphant: it is well-armed and
+victorious; it has the Court, the people, the crowded streets; it
+munches cries of death and cries of joy at the same time; it is
+magnificent, haughty, powerful; it illuminates a whole city
+surrounding a scaffold. Love, here it is--two women weeping in a
+tomb! Hate, there it is!
+
+[_She pulls the white cloth violently aside, which reveals a balcony,
+and beyond the balcony, almost out of sight, the whole city of
+London, brilliantly illuminated. What is visible of the Tower of
+London is also illuminated. Jane fixes her amazed eyes on this
+startling scene, the reflection of which lights up the theater._
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Oh, infamous city; rebellious city; accursed city; monstrous
+city--who soaks her holiday dress in blood, and who holds the torch
+for the executioner! You are afraid of it, aren't you, Jane? Doesn't
+it seem to you, as it does to me, that it cowardly defies us both;
+that it is watching us with its hundred thousand flaming eyes--us,
+feeble, forsaken women that we are, alone and lost in this sepulcher?
+Jane, do you hear it howl and laugh--that horrible city? Oh, England,
+all England to him who will destroy London! Would that I could change
+those torches into fiery brands, those lights into flames, and that
+illuminated city into a city of _fire_!
+
+[_A tremendous outburst from the people outside--applause, confused
+cries, "There he is! There he is! Death to Fabiani--" The great
+bell of the Tower begins to toll. At this sound, The Queen breaks
+into a terrible peal of laughter._
+
+JANE.
+
+God! The unfortunate man is leaving the Tower!--You laugh, madame!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Yes, I laugh! [_She laughs._] Yes, and you will laugh, too. Let me
+drop those hangings first. It seems to me all the time as if we were
+not alone, as if that frightful city could see and hear us.
+
+[_She drops the white curtain and comes back to Jane._
+
+Now that he is gone, now that there is no more danger, I can tell you
+about it. Laugh, laugh, let us both laugh at those execrable people
+who drink blood! Oh, it is grand, Jane! Jane, you tremble for
+Fabiano? Be at ease, laugh with me, I tell you. Jane, the man they've
+got, the man who is going to die, the man they think is Fabiano--is
+not Fabiano.
+
+[_She laughs._]
+
+JANE.
+
+Not Fabiano?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+No!
+
+JANE.
+
+Then who is it?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+The other!
+
+JANE.
+
+What other?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+You know well enough! You know him--that workman--that man. Besides,
+what does it matter?
+
+JANE (_trembling with terror_).
+
+Gilbert?
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Yes, Gilbert! That is the name.
+
+JANE.
+
+Madame! Oh, no, madame! Don't say that, madame! Gilbert--it would be
+too horrible! He has escaped!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+He was escaping when they seized him. They put him under the black
+veil in Fabiano's place. It is night. The people won't know. Rest
+easy.
+
+JANE (_with a frightful cry_).
+
+Ah, madame! But the man I love--it is Gilbert!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What? What do you say? Are you going crazy? Did you deceive me, too?
+Ah, it is Gilbert whom you love! Well, what does that matter to me?
+
+JANE (_at The Queen's feet, broken-hearted, sobbing, dragging
+herself on her knees, her hands clasped: the great bell tolls through
+all this scene_).
+
+Madame--just for pity! Madame, in the name of Heaven! Madame, by your
+crown, by your mother, by the angels! Gilbert, Gilbert--it will make
+me mad! Madame, save Gilbert! That man, he is my life; that man, he
+is my husband; that man-- I have told you that he did everything for
+me, that he brought me up, that he adopted me, that beside my cradle
+he took the place of my father, who died for your father. Madame, you
+see that I am a poor, wretched creature, and it isn't right to be too
+hard on me. What you said to me just now struck such a terrible blow
+that I don't truly see how it is I have strength to speak to you. I
+am just saying what I can, you see. But you must stop the
+execution--right away! Stop the execution! Put it off until
+to-morrow. Just time to have things understood, that is all. The
+people can wait until to-morrow, I know. We will see what we can do.
+No! don't shake your head! There is no danger for your Fabiano. You
+can put me in his place--under the black veil--at night. Who will
+know? But you must save Gilbert. What difference does it make whether
+it be he or I? And since--since I want to die! Oh, my God, that bell,
+that frightful bell! Every knell of that bell is a step toward the
+scaffold. Every knell of that bell strikes me full in the heart. Do
+it, madame. Be merciful! No danger for your Fabiano! Let me kiss your
+hands. I love you, madame. I never said it before--but I love you
+dearly. You are a great queen. See, how I kiss your beautiful hands!
+Give an order to stop the execution. There is time yet. I am sure we
+can do it. They go so slowly. It is a long way from the Tower to the
+old Market-Place. The man on the balcony said they would pass through
+Charing Cross. There is a quicker way. A man on horseback could get
+there. In Heaven's name, madame, be merciful! Try to put yourself in
+my place. Imagine that I am Queen and you the poor young woman; and
+you would weep as I do, and I would pardon. Pardon! Pardon! Oh, that
+is what I was afraid of, that my tears would hinder me from speaking!
+Oh, right away!--stop the execution! There won't be any trouble,
+madame; no danger for Fabiano, I swear it to you. Don't you really
+think you ought to do what I say, madame?
+
+THE QUEEN (_touched and lifting her up_).
+
+I wish I could, poor girl. Ah, yes, you are weeping as I wept; what
+you feel I have just felt myself, and my anguish makes me understand
+yours. Look! I am weeping too. It is very sad, my poor child. It
+seems to me, too, they might have taken somebody else--Tyrconnel, for
+instance. But he is too well known: they had to have some obscure
+man. He was the only one they could get hold of. I explain all this
+so that you can understand, don't you see? My God, there are
+fatalities like that: we get caught. We can't do anything.
+
+JANE.
+
+I am listening to you, madame. I am like you. I have got many things
+to say. But I would like to have the order to suspend the execution
+signed, and the man sent off. You see it would be finished then. We
+could talk better afterward. Oh, that bell! forever, that bell!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What you want is impossible, Lady Jane.
+
+JANE.
+
+Oh, no, it is possible!--a man on horseback. There is a very short
+way--by the wharf. I can go--I-- It is quite possible! It is easy! You
+see I talk very quietly.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+But the people won't have it. They will come back here and massacre
+everybody in the Tower. And Fabiano is here yet. Can't you
+understand? You are trembling, poor child. I am like you--I tremble
+also. In your turn, put yourself in my place. I might easily not take
+the trouble to explain all this to you. You see I do what I can.
+Don't think about this Gilbert any more. Jane, it is over-- Resign
+yourself.
+
+JANE.
+
+Over! No, it is not over! No--as long as that horrible bell tolls, it
+is not over! Resign myself to Gilbert's death? Do you think I am
+going to let Gilbert die like that? No, madame! Ah, I am wasting my
+time! Ah, you won't listen to me! Very well, if the Queen won't hear
+me, the people will. They are good, the people--if you but knew it!
+They are in the court yet. You can do what you like with me
+afterward. I am going to tell them they are cheated; and that it is
+not Fabiani, it's a poor workman, named Gilbert--a workman like
+themselves!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Stop, you wretched child!
+
+[_She seizes her arm and looks at her fixedly and resentfully._
+
+This is the way you thank me, is it? I am patient and gentle with
+you, I weep with you--and all at once, you get wild and furious!
+Well, my love is just as great as yours, and my hand is more
+powerful! You shall not stir! Your lover!--what do I care for your
+lover? Are all the girls in England coming to ask me about their
+lovers, now? By my soul, I save my own as well as I can, and at the
+cost of everything which stands in his way. You must look after
+yours.
+
+JANE.
+
+Let me go! Oh, I curse you, you wretched, wicked woman!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Hush!
+
+JANE.
+
+I will not hush! Do you want me to tell you what I'm thinking of now?
+I don't believe the man who is going to die out there is my Gilbert.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What are you saying?
+
+JANE.
+
+I don't know, but I saw him pass by under that black veil; and if it
+had been my Gilbert, something would have stirred in me, something
+would have roused itself in my heart, and would have cried out to me,
+"Gilbert--it is Gilbert." But I felt nothing at all; it is not
+Gilbert.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+What are you saying? Ah, my God! you are crazy. What you have said is
+idiotic, but it terrifies me just the same. Ah, you have roused one
+of the secret terrors of my own heart! Why did that riot prevent me
+from looking after him myself? Why did I intrust to any one but
+myself the safety of my Fabiano? Eneas Dulverton is a traitor.
+Perhaps Simon Renard was there. What if I have been betrayed a second
+time by Fabiano's enemies? What if it is Fabiano himself? What, ho!
+quick--some one--come--some one!
+
+[_Two Jailers appear._
+
+[_To the first._] You--run! Here is my royal signet. Tell them to
+suspend the execution. To the old Market-Place; to the old
+Market-Place! There is a shorter way, you said, Jane.
+
+JANE.
+
+By the wharf.
+
+THE QUEEN (_to Jailer_).
+
+By the wharf. A horse--go quick!
+
+[_The Jailer goes out._
+
+[_To the second Jailer._] You--go at once to Edward the Confessor's
+Tower. The two cells of the condemned criminals are there. There is a
+man in one of them. Bring him here at once.
+
+[_The Jailer goes out._
+
+I tremble; my knees sink under me; I have not strength enough to go
+myself. Ah, you have made me as mad as yourself! Miserable girl, you
+have made me as wretched as yourself. I curse you as you cursed me.
+My God, will the man get there in time? What a torturing anxiety! I
+can't see anything more. All is trouble in my soul. Does the bell
+toll yet? Is it for Gilbert? Is it for Fabiano?
+
+JANE.
+
+The bell ceases.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Then the procession is on the place for the execution. Will the man
+get there in time?
+
+[_A cannon-shot is heard._
+
+JANE.
+
+Heaven!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+He is ascending the scaffold! [_Second cannon._ He is kneeling!
+
+JANE.
+
+It is horrible! [_Third cannon._
+
+BOTH.
+
+Ah!
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+There is only one alive now. In a moment we will know which one. My
+God, let the man who comes in be Fabiano!
+
+JANE.
+
+My God, let it be Gilbert!
+
+[_The curtain at the back opens. Simon Renard appears, holding
+Gilbert by the hand._
+
+Gilbert! [_They rush into each other's arms._
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+And Fabiano?
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+Dead.
+
+THE QUEEN.
+
+Dead! Dead! Who has dared--
+
+SIMON RENARD.
+
+I have dared. I have saved the Queen of England.
+
+
+
+
+MARION DE LORME
+
+
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+  Marion de Lorme.
+  Didier.
+  Louis XIII.
+  Marquis de Saverny.
+  Marquis de Nangis.
+  L'Angely.
+  M. de Laffemas.
+  Duke de Bellegarde.
+  Marquis de Brichanteau,   }
+  Count de Gasse,           }   _Officers_
+  Viscount de Bouchavannes, }    _of the_
+  Chevalier de Rochebaron,  }  _Regiment of_
+  Count de Villac,          }    _Anjou._
+  Chevalier de Montpesat,   }
+  Duke de Beaupreau.
+  Viscount de Rohan.
+  Abbe de Gondi.
+  Count de Charnace.
+  Scaramouche,  }
+  Gracieux,     }     _Provincial comedians._
+  Taillebras,   }
+  Councilor of the Great Chamber.
+  Town Crier.
+  Captain.
+  A Jailer.
+  A Registrar.
+  The Executioner.
+  First Workman.
+  Second Workman.
+  Third Workman.
+  A Lackey.
+  Dame Rose.
+  _Provincial Comedians, Guards, Populace, Nobles, Pages._
+
+1638.
+
+
+
+
+MARION DE LORME
+
+
+
+
+_ACT I_
+
+THE MEETING
+
+Scene.--_Blois. A bed-chamber. A window opening on a balcony at the
+back. To the right, a table with a lamp, and an armchair. To the left a
+door, covered by a portiere of tapestry. In the background a bed_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+_Marion de Lorme, in a very elegant wrapper, sitting beside the table,
+embroidering. Marquis de Saverny, very young man, blonde, without
+mustache, dressed in the latest fashion of 1638_
+
+SAVERNY (_approaching Marion and trying to embrace her_).
+
+Let us be reconciled, my sweet Marie!
+
+MARION (_pushing him away_).
+
+Not such close reconciliation, please!
+
+SAVERNY (_insisting_).
+
+Just one kiss!
+
+MARION (_angrily_).
+
+             Marquis!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                     What a rage! Your mouth
+Had sweeter manners, not so long ago!
+
+MARION.
+
+Ah, you forget!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+               No, I remember, dear.
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+The bore! the tiresome creature!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                Speak, fair one!
+What does this swift, unkind departure mean?
+While all are seeking you at Place Royale,
+Why do you hide yourself at Blois? Traitress,
+What have you done here all these two long months?
+
+MARION.
+
+I do what pleases me, and what I wish
+Is right. I'm free, my lord!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                            Free! Yes. But those
+Whose hearts you've stolen, are they also free?
+I? Gondi, who omitted half his Mass
+The other day, because he had a duel
+Upon his hands for you? Nesmond, D'Arquien,
+The two Caussades, Pressigny, whom your flight
+Has left so wretched, so morose, even
+Their wives wish you were back in Paris, that
+They might have gayer husbands!
+
+MARION (_smiling_).
+
+                                     Beauvillain?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Is still in love.
+
+MARION.
+
+                 Cereste?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                         Adores you yet.
+
+MARION.
+
+And Pons?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+         Oh, as for him, he hates you!
+
+MARION.
+
+                                      Proof
+He is the only one who loves me! Well,
+The President?
+[_Laughing._] The old man! What's his name?
+                [_Laughing more heartily._
+Leloup!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+      He's waiting for you, and meanwhile
+He keeps your portrait and sings odes to it.
+
+MARION.
+
+He's loved me two years now, in effigy.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+He'd much prefer to burn you. Tell me how
+You keep away from such dear friends.
+
+MARION (_serious, and lowering her eyes_).
+
+                                    That's just
+The reason, Marquis; to be frank with you,
+Those brilliant follies which seduced my youth
+Have given me much more misery than joy.
+In a retreat, a convent cell, perhaps,
+I want to try to expiate my life.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+I'll wager there's a love-tale behind that.
+
+MARION.
+
+You dare to think--
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                   That never a nun's veil
+Surmounted eyes so full of earthly fire.
+It could not be. You love some poor provincial!
+For shame! To end a fine romance with such
+A page!
+
+MARION.
+
+       It isn't true!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                     Let's make a wager!
+
+MARION.
+
+Dame Rose, what time is it?
+
+DAME ROSE (_outside_).
+
+                            Almost midnight!
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+Midnight!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+         That is a most ingenious way
+Of saying, "Time to go."
+
+MARION.
+
+                         I live retired,
+Receiving no one, and unknown to all.
+Besides, 'tis dangerous to be out late:
+The street is lonely, full of robbers.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                           Well,
+They can rob me.
+
+MARION.
+
+                 And oftentimes they kill!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Good! they can kill me.
+
+MARION.
+
+                       But--
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                            You are divine!
+But I'll not stir one foot before I know
+Who this gay shepherd is, who's routed us!
+
+MARION.
+
+There's no one!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+               I will be discreet. We courtiers,
+Whom people think so mad, so curious
+And spiteful, are maligned. We gossip, but
+We never talk! You're silent?
+               [_Sits down._] Then I'll stay!
+
+MARION.
+
+What does it matter? Well, it's true! I love!
+I'm waiting for him!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                  That's the way to talk!
+That's right! Where is it you expect him?
+
+MARION.
+
+                                         Here!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+When?
+
+MARION.
+
+      Now!      [_She goes to the balcony and listens._
+          Hark! that is he perhaps.
+             [_Coming back._] 'Tis not.
+Now are you satisfied?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                      Not quite!
+
+MARION.
+
+                                Please go!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+I want to know his name, this proud gallant,
+For whose reception I am thus dismissed.
+
+MARION.
+
+Didier is all the name I know for him.
+Marie is all the name he knows for me.
+
+SAVERNY (_laughing_).
+
+Is't true?
+
+MARION.
+
+          Yes, true!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                    This is a pastoral,
+And no mistake. 'Tis Racan, pure! To enter,
+I have no doubt he scales the wall.
+
+MARION.
+
+                                    Perhaps.
+Please go! [_Aside._] He wearies me to death!
+
+SAVERNY (_becoming serious_).
+
+                                     Of course
+He's noble.
+
+MARION.
+
+            I don't know.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                          What?
+
+[_To Marion, who is gently pushing him toward the door._
+
+                                 I am going!  [_Coming back._
+Just one word more! I had forgotten. Look!
+
+[_He draws a book out of his pocket and gives it to Marion._
+
+An author who is not a fool, did this.
+It's making a great stir.
+
+MARION (_reading the title_).
+
+                          "Love's Garland"--ah!
+"To Marion de Lorme."
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                      They talk of nothing
+But this in Paris. That book and "The Cid"
+Are the successful efforts of the day.
+
+MARION (_taking the book_).
+
+It's very civil of you; now, good-night!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+What is the use of fame? Alack-a-day!
+To come to Blois and love a rustic! Bah!
+
+MARION (_calling to Dame Rose_).
+
+Take care of the Marquis, and show him out!
+
+SAVERNY (_saluting her_).
+
+Ah, Marion, you've degenerated! [_He goes out._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_Marion, afterward Didier_
+
+MARION (_alone, shuts the door by which Saverny
+went out_).
+
+                               Go--
+Go quickly! Oh, I feared lest Didier--
+                         [_Midnight strikes._
+                                       Hark!
+It's striking midnight! Didier should be here!
+
+[_She goes to the balcony and looks into the street._
+
+No one!
+
+[_She comes back and sits down impatiently._
+
+       Late! To be late--so soon!
+
+[_A young man appears behind the balustrade of the balcony, jumps over
+it lightly, enters, places his cloak and sword on the armchair. Costume
+of the day: all black: boots. He takes one step forward, pauses_ _and
+contemplates Marion, sitting with her eyes cast down._
+
+                                  At last!
+                [_Reproachfully._
+To let me count the hour alone!
+
+DIDIER (_seriously_).
+
+                               I feared
+To enter!
+
+MARION (_hurt_).
+
+         Ah!
+
+DIDIER (_without noticing it_).
+
+            Down there, outside the wall,
+I was o'ercome with pity. Pity? yes,
+For you! I, poor, accursed, unfortunate,
+Stood there a long time thinking, ere I came!
+"Up there an angel waits," I thought, "in virgin grace,
+Untouched by sin--a being chaste and fair,
+To whose sweet face shining on life's pathway
+Each passer-by should bend his knees and pray.
+I, who am but a vagrant 'mongst the crowd,
+Why should I seek to stir that placid stream?
+Why should I pluck that lily? With the breath
+Of human passion, why should I consent
+To cloud the azure of that radiant soul?
+Since in her loyalty she trusts to me,
+Since virtue shields her with its sanctity,
+Have I a right to take her gift of love,
+To bring my storms into her perfect day?"
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+This is theology, it seems to me!
+I wonder if he is a Huguenot?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+But when your tender voice fell on my ear,
+I wrestled with my doubts no more--I came.
+
+MARION.
+
+Oh, then you heard me speaking--that is strange!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Yes; with another person.
+
+MARION (_quickly_).
+
+                         With Dame Rose!
+She talks just like a man, don't you think so?
+Such a strong voice! Ah, well, since you are here
+I am no longer angry! Come, sit down.
+    [_Indicating a place at her side._
+Sit here!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+         No! at your feet.
+
+[_He sits on a stool at Marion's feet and looks at her for some
+moments in complete silence._
+
+                          Hear me, Marie!
+I have no name but Didier--never knew
+My father nor my mother. I was left,
+A baby, on the threshold of a church.
+A woman, old, belonging to the people,
+Preserved me, was my mother and my nurse.
+She brought me up a Christian, then she died
+And left me all she had--nine hundred francs
+A year, on which I live. To be alone
+At twenty is a sad and bitter thing!
+I traveled--saw mankind: I learned to hate
+A few and to despise the rest. For on
+This tarnished mirror we call human life,
+I saw nothing but pride and misery
+And pain; so that, although I'm young, I'm old,
+And am as weary of the world as are
+The men who leave it. Never touched a thing
+That did not tear and lacerate my soul!
+Although the world was bad, I found men worse.
+Thus I have lived; alone and poor and sad,
+Until you came, and you have set things right.
+I hardly know you. At the corner of
+A Paris street you first appeared to me.
+Then afterward I met you, and I thought
+Your eyes were sweet, your speech was beautiful!
+I was afraid of loving you, and fled!
+But destiny is strange: I found you here,
+I find you everywhere, as if you were
+My guardian angel. So at last, my love
+Grew powerful, resistless, and I felt
+I must talk with you. You were willing. Now
+They're at your service, both my heart and life.
+I will do anything that you wish done.
+If there is any man or anything
+That troubles you, or you have any whim
+And somebody must die to satisfy it--
+Must die, and make no sign--and feel 'twas worth
+Death any time to see you smile; if you
+Need such a man, speak, lady: I am here!
+
+MARION (_smiling_).
+
+You've a strange nature, but I love you so!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+You love me! Ah, take care! One dare not say
+Such words in any careless way! Love me?
+Oh, do you know what loving means? What 'tis
+To feel love take possession of our blood,
+Become our daily breath? To feel this thing
+Which long has smoldered burst to flame, and rise
+A great, majestic, purifying fire?
+To feel it burn up clean within our hearts
+The refuse other passions have left there?
+This love, hopeless indeed, but limitless,
+Which outlives all things, even happiness--
+Is this the kind of love you mean?
+
+MARION (_touched_).
+
+                                   Indeed!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+You do not know it, but I love you so!
+From that first time I saw you, my dark life
+Was shot with sunlight streaming from your eyes;
+Since then all's different. To me you seem
+Some wonderful creation, not of earth.
+My life, in whose dark gloom I groaned so long,
+Grows almost beautiful when you are by.
+For 'til you came, I'd wandered, suffered, wept;
+I'd struggled, fallen--but I had not loved.
+
+MARION.
+
+Poor Didier!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+              Speak, Marie!
+
+MARION.
+
+                            Well, then, I do.
+I love with just this love--love you as much
+And maybe more than you love me! It was
+Not destiny that brought me here. 'Twas I
+Who came, who followed you, and I am yours!
+
+DIDIER (_falling on his knees_).
+
+Oh, do not cheat me! Give me truth, Marie!
+If to my ardent love your love responds,
+The world holds no possession rich as mine!
+My whole life, kneeling at your feet, will be
+One sigh of speechless, blinding ecstasy.
+But do not cheat me!
+
+MARION.
+
+                   Do you want a proof
+Of love, my Didier?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                    Yes!
+
+MARION.
+
+                         Then speak!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                     You are--
+Quite free?
+
+MARION (_embarrassed_).
+
+            Free? Yes!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                       Then take me for a brother,
+For a protector--be my wife?
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+                           His wife!
+Ah, why am I not worthy?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                         You consent?
+
+MARION.
+
+I--can--
+
+DIDIER.
+
+         Don't say it, please--I understand!
+An orphan, without fortune! What a fool!
+Give back my pain, my gloom, my solitude!
+Farewell!
+
+[_He starts to go; Marion holds him back._
+
+MARION.
+
+         Didier, what are you saying?
+   [_She bursts into tears._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                     True!
+But why this hesitation?  [_Going back to her._
+                         Can't you feel
+The ecstasy of being, each to each, a world,
+A country, heaven; in some deserted spot
+To hide a happiness kings could not buy.
+
+MARION.
+
+It would be heaven!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                    Will you have it? Come!
+
+MARION.
+
+[_Aside._] Accursed woman! [_Aloud._] No, it cannot be.
+
+[_She tears herself from out his arms, and falls on the armchair._
+
+DIDIER (_freezingly_).
+
+The offer was not generous, I know.
+You've answered me. I'll speak of it no more!
+Good-by!
+
+MARION. (_aside_).
+
+Alack, the day I pleased him! [_Aloud._] Stay!
+I'll tell you. You have hurt me to the soul.
+I will explain--
+
+DIDIER (_coldly_).
+
+                What were you reading, madame,
+When I came?
+
+[_Takes the book from the table and reads._
+
+             "To Marion de Lorme.
+Love's Garland!" Yes, the beauty of the day!
+
+[_Throwing the book violently to the floor._
+
+Vile creature! a dishonor to her sex!
+
+MARION. (_trembling_).
+
+But--she--
+
+DIDIER.
+
+          What are you doing with such books?
+How came they here?
+
+MARION. (_inaudibly, and looking down_).
+
+                    They came by chance.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                         Do you--
+You who have eyes so pure, a brow so chaste--
+Do you know what she is--this woman? Well,
+She's beautiful in body, and deformed
+In soul! A Phryne, selling everywhere,
+To every man, her love, which is an insult,
+An infamy!
+
+MARION (_her head in her hands_).
+
+           My God!
+
+[_A noise of footsteps, a clashing of swords outside, and cries._
+
+VOICE IN THE STREET.
+
+                  Help! Murder! Help!
+
+DIDIER (_surprised_).
+
+What noise is that out there upon the square?
+            [_Cries continue._
+
+VOICE IN THE STREET.
+
+Help! Murder! Help!
+
+DIDIER (_looking from the balcony_).
+
+                    They're killing some one! Ha!
+
+[_He takes his sword and step's over the balustrade. Marion rises,
+runs to him and tries to hold him back by his cloak._
+
+MARION.
+
+Don't, Didier, if you love me! They'll kill you!
+Don't go!
+
+DIDIER (_jumping down into the street_).
+
+          He is the one they're going to kill!
+Poor man!      [_Outside, to combatants._
+
+          Stand off! Hold firmly, sir, and push!
+    [_Clashing of swords._
+There, wretch!
+
+[_Noise of swords, voices, and footsteps._
+
+MARION. (_on the balcony, terrified_).
+
+       Just Heaven! They are six 'gainst two!
+
+VOICE IN THE STREET.
+
+This man--he is the devil!
+
+[_The clashing of swords subsides little by little, then entirely
+ceases. The sounds of footsteps become indistinct. Didier reappears
+scaling the balcony._
+
+DIDIER (_outside of the balcony and turned toward
+the street_).
+
+                           You are safe;
+Now go your way!
+
+SAVERNY (_from outside_).
+
+                 Not 'til I've grasped your hand--
+Not 'til I've thanked you, if you please!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                          Pass on!
+I will consider myself thanked.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                Not so!
+I mean to thank you.      [_Scaling balcony._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                     Can't you speak from there
+And say "I thank you" without coming up?
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+Marion, Didier, Saverny
+
+SAVERNY (_jumping into the room, sword in hand_).
+
+Upon my soul! 'Tis a strange chivalry
+To save my life and push me from the door!
+The door--that is to say, the window! No,
+They shall not say one of my family
+Was bravely rescued by a nobleman
+And did not in return say "Marquis--" Pray,
+What is your name?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                  Didier.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                          Didier--of what?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Didier, of nothing! People kill you, and
+I help you--that is all! Now go!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                Indeed!
+That's your way, is it? Why not have let
+Those traitors kill me? 'Twould have pleased me more.
+For without you I'd be a dead man now.
+Six thieves against me! Dead! Of course! What else?
+Six daggers against one thin sword--
+
+[_Perceiving Marion, who has been trying to avoid him._
+
+                Oh, ho!
+You're not alone! At last I understand!
+I'm robbing you of pleasure. Pardon me!
+[_Aside._] I'd like to see the lady!
+
+[_Approaches Marion, who is trembling: he recognizes her._
+
+                                 It is you!
+     [_Indicating Didier._
+Then he's the one!
+
+MARION (_low_).
+
+                  Hush! You will ruin all!
+
+SAVERNY (_bowing_).
+
+Madame!
+
+MARION (_low_).
+
+      I love for the first time!
+
+DIDIER (_aside_).
+
+                                'Sdeath!
+That man is looking at her with bold eyes.
+
+[_He overturns the lamp with a blow._
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You put the lamp out, sir?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                          It would be wise
+For us to leave together, and at once.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+So be it, then! I follow you!
+
+[_To Marion, whom he salutes profoundly._
+
+                            Madame,
+Farewell!
+
+DIDIER (_aside_).
+
+          What a rare coxcomb!
+[_Aloud to Saverny._]   Come, sir, come!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You're brusk, but I'm in debt to you for life.
+If ever you should need fraternal friendship,
+Count upon me, Marquis de Saverny,
+Paris, Hotel de Nesle.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                      Enough, sir! Come!
+[_Aside._] To see her thus examined by a fool!
+
+[_They go out by the balcony. The voice of Didier is heard outside._
+
+Your road lies that way. Mine lies here!
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+Marion, Dame Rose
+
+MARION (_remains absorbed a moment, then calls_).
+
+                                        Dame Rose!
+
+[_Dame Rose appears. Marion points to the window._
+
+Go shut it!
+
+[_Dame Rose, having shut the window, turns and sees Marion wiping
+away a tear._
+
+DAME ROSE (_aside_).
+
+           She is weeping!
+                [_Aloud._] It is time
+To sleep, madame!
+
+MARION.
+
+                 Yes, time for you--you people.   [_Undoing her hair._
+Come, help me to undress!
+
+DAME ROSE (_helping her to undress_).
+
+                         The gentleman
+To-night was pleasant. Is he rich?
+
+MARION.
+
+                                   Not rich.
+
+DAME ROSE.
+
+But gallant.
+
+MARION.
+
+             No, nor gallant.     [_Turning to Dame Rose._
+                              He did not
+So much as kiss my hand!
+
+DAME ROSE.
+
+                         What use is he?
+
+MARION (_pensive_).
+
+I love him!
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MARION DE LORME.]
+
+
+
+
+_ACT II_
+
+THE ENCOUNTER
+
+Scene.--_Blois. The door of a public-house. A square. In the
+background the city of Blois is visible in the form of an amphitheater,
+also the towers of St. Nicholas upon the hill, which is covered with
+houses_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+Count de Gasse, Marquis de Brichanteau, Viscount de Bouchavannes,
+Chevalier de Rochebaron. _They are seated at tables in front of the
+door: some are smoking, the others are throwing dice and drinking.
+Afterward Chevalier de Montpesat, Count de Villac; afterward
+L'Angely; afterward The Town-Crier and The Populace_
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_rising, to Gasse, who enters_).
+
+           Gasse!     [_They shake hands._
+                 You are come to join
+The regiment at Blois: our compliments
+Upon your burial.      [_Examining his clothes._
+                 Ah!
+
+Gasse.
+
+                     It is the style--
+This orange with blue ribbons.
+
+[_Folding his arms and curling his mustache._
+
+                              You must know
+That Blois is forty miles from Paris!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                                     Yes,
+It's China!
+
+GASSE.
+
+           That makes womankind rebel:
+To follow us they must exile themselves.
+
+BOUCHAVANNES (_turning from the game_).
+
+You come from Paris?
+
+ROCHEBARON (_taking out his pipe_).
+
+                    Is there any news?
+
+GASSE (_bowing_).
+
+No, nothing. Corneille still upsets all heads.
+Guiche has obtained the order; Ast is duke.
+Of trifles, plenty--thirty Huguenots
+Were hung; a quantity of duels. On
+The third, D'Angennes fought Arquien on account
+Of wearing point of Genoa; the tenth,
+Lavardie had a rendezvous with Pons,
+Because he'd taken Sourdis' wife from him.
+Sourdis and D'Ailly met about a creature
+In the theater Mondori. On the ninth,
+Lachatre fought with Nogent because he wrote
+Three rhymes of Colletet's badly; Margaillan
+With Gorde, about the time of day; D'Humiere
+With Gondi on the way to walk in church;
+And all the Brissacs 'gainst all the Soubises
+For some bet on a horse against a dog.
+Then Caussade and Latournelle fought for nothing--
+Merely for fun: Caussade killed Latournelle.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+Gay Paris! Duels have begun again.
+
+GASSE.
+
+It is the fashion!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                  Feasts and love and fighting!
+There is the only place to live!
+                    [_Yawning._] All one
+Can do here is to die of weariness.
+[_To Gasse._] You say Caussade killed Latournelle?
+
+GASSE.
+
+                                                   He did,
+With a good gash!      [_Examining Rochebaron's sleeves._
+                 What's that you wear, my friend?
+Those trimmings are not fashionable now.
+What! cords and buttons? Nothing could be worse.
+You must have bows and ribbons.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                               Pray repeat
+The list of duels. How about the King?
+What does he say?
+
+GASSE.
+
+                 The Cardinal's enraged
+And means to stop it.
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+                     Any news from camp?
+
+GASSE.
+
+I think we captured Figuere by surprise--
+Or else we lost it.
+    [_Reflecting._] Yes, that's it. 'Tis lost!
+They took it from us.
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+                     Ah! What said the King?
+
+GASSE.
+
+The Cardinal is most dissatisfied.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+How is the Court? I hope the King is well.
+
+GASSE.
+
+Alas! the Cardinal has fever and
+The gout, and goes out only in a litter.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+Queer! We talk King, you answer Cardinal!
+
+GASSE.
+
+It is the fashion!
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+                  So there's nothing new!
+
+GASSE.
+
+Did I say so? There's been a miracle,
+A prodigy, which has amazed all Paris
+For two months past; the flight, the disappearance--
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+Go on! Of whom?
+
+GASSE.
+
+               Of Marion de Lorme,
+The fairest of the fair!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_with an air of mystery_).
+
+                        Here's news for you.
+She's here!
+
+GASSE.
+
+           At Blois?
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                    Incognito!
+
+GASSE.
+
+                              What! she?
+In this place? Oh, you must be jesting, sir!
+Fair Marion, who sets the fashions! Bah!
+This Blois is the antipodes of Paris.
+Observe! How ugly, old, ungainly, 'tis!
+Even those towers--
+      [_Indicating the towers of St. Nicholas._
+                   Uncouth and countrified!
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+That's true.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+            Won't you believe Saverny when
+He says he saw her, hidden somewhere with
+A lover, and this lover saved his life
+When thieves attacked him in the street at night?--
+Good thieves, who took his purse for charity,
+And just desired his watch to know the time.
+
+GASSE.
+
+You tell me wonders!
+
+ROCHEBARON (_to Brichanteau_).
+
+                    Are you sure of it?
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+As sure as that I have six silver bezants
+Upon a field of azure. Saverny
+Has no desire, at present, but to find
+This man.
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+         He ought to find him at her house.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+She's changed her name and lodging, and all trace
+Of her is lost.
+
+[_Marion and Didier cross the back of the stage slowly without
+being noticed by the talkers; they enter a small door in one of the
+houses on the side._
+
+GASSE.
+
+               To have to come to Blois
+To find our Marion, a provincial!
+
+[_Enter Count de Villac and Chevalier de Montpesat, disputing
+loudly._
+
+VILLAC.
+
+                                   No!
+I tell you no!
+
+MONTPESAT.
+
+              And I--I tell you, yes!
+
+VILLAC.
+
+Corneille is bad!
+
+MONTPESAT.
+
+                 To treat Corneille like that--
+The author of "The Cid" and of "Melite."
+
+VILLAC.
+
+"Melite"? Well, I will grant you that is good;
+But he degenerated after that,
+As they all do. I'll do the best I can
+To satisfy you: talk about "Melite,"
+"The Gallery of the Palace," but "The Cid!"
+What is it, pray?
+
+GASSE (_to Montpesat_).
+
+                 You are conservative.
+
+MONTPESAT.
+
+"The Cid" is good!
+
+VILLAC.
+
+                  I tell you it is bad!
+Your "Cid"--why Scudery can crush it with
+A touch! Look at the style! It deals with things
+Extraordinary; has a vulgar tone;
+Describes things plainly by their common names;
+Besides, it is obscene, against the law!
+"The Cid" has not the right to wed Chimene!
+Now have you read Pyramus, Bradamante?
+When Corneille writes such tragedies, I'll read!
+
+ROCHEBARON (_to Montpesat_).
+
+"The Great and Last Soliman" of Mairet,
+You must read that: that is fine tragedy!
+But for your "Cid."
+
+VILLAC.
+
+                    What self-conceit he has!
+Does he not think he equals Boisrobert,
+Mairet, Gombault, Serisay, Chapelain,
+Bautru, Desmarets, Malleville, Faret,
+Cherisy, Gomberville, Colletet, Giry,
+Duryer--indeed, all the Academy?
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_laughing compassionately and shrugging his shoulders_).
+
+Good!
+
+VILLAC.
+
+      Then the gentleman deigns to create!
+Create! Faith! after Garnier, Theophile,
+And Hardy! Oh, the coxcomb! To create!
+An easy thing! As if the famous minds
+Had left behind them any unused thing.
+On that point Chapelain rebukes him well!
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+Corneille's a peasant!
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+                       Yet, Monsieur Godeau,
+Bishop of Grasse, says he's a man of wit.
+
+MONTPESAT.
+
+Much wit!
+
+VILLAC.
+
+          If he would write some other way--
+Would follow Aristotle and good style.
+
+GASSE.
+
+Come, gentlemen, make peace. One thing is sure,
+Corneille is now the fashion: takes the place
+Of Garnier, just as in our day felt hats
+Have replaced velvet _mortiers_.
+
+MONTPESAT.
+
+                                 For Corneille
+I am, and for felt hats!
+
+GASSE (_to Montpesat_).
+
+                        You are too rash!
+[_To Villac._] Garnier is very fine. I'm neutral; but
+Corneille has also his good points.
+
+VILLAC.
+
+                                    Agreed!
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+Agreed! He is a witty fellow and
+I like him!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+           He has no nobility!
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+A name so commonplace offends the ear.
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+A family of petty lawyers, who
+Have gnawed at ducats 'til they obtained sous.
+
+[_L'Angely enters, seats himself at a table alone, and in silence. He
+is dressed in black velvet with gold trimming._
+
+VILLAC.
+
+Well, if the public like his rhapsodies
+The day of tragic-comedy is past.
+I swear to you the theater is doomed.
+It is because this Richelieu--
+
+GASSE (_looking across at L'Angely_).
+
+                              Say, _lordship_,
+Or else speak lower.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                    Hell take this eminence!
+Is't not enough to manage everything?
+To rule our soldiers, finances, and us,
+Without controlling our poor language too?
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+Down with this Richelieu, who flatters, kills:
+Man of the red hand and the scarlet robe!
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+Of what use is the King?
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                        In darkness, we--
+That is the people--march: eyes on a torch.
+He is the torch: the King's the lantern which
+In its bright glass protects the flame from wind.
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+Oh, could our swords blow such a wind some day
+As to extinguish this devouring fire!
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+If every one had the same mind as I!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+We would unite--
+[_To Bouchavannes._] What do you think, Viscount?
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+We'd give him one perfidious, useful blow!
+
+L'ANGELY (_rising, with gloomy tone_).
+
+Conspiring! Young men! Think of Marillac!
+
+[_All shudder: turn away, and are silent with terror; all fix their eyes
+on L'Angely, who silently resumes his seat._
+
+VILLAC (_taking Montpesat aside_).
+
+My lord, when we were talking of Corneille,
+You spoke in tones that irritated me.
+In my turn I would like to say two words
+To you--
+
+MONTPESAT.
+
+        With sword--
+
+VILLAC.
+
+                    Yes.
+
+MONTPESAT.
+
+                        Or with pistol?
+
+VILLAC.
+
+                                        Both!
+
+MONTPESAT (_taking his arm_).
+
+Let's go and find some corner in the town.
+
+L'ANGELY (_rising_).
+
+A duel, sirs? Remember Boutteville.
+
+[_New consternation among the young men. Villac and Montpesat
+separate, keeping their eyes fixed on L'Angely._
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+Who is this man in black who frightens us?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+I'm L'Angely. I'm jester to the King.
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_laughing_).
+
+Then it's no wonder that the King is sad.
+
+BOUCHAVANNES (_laughing_).
+
+Great fun he makes, this rabid cardinalist!
+
+L'ANGELY (_standing_).
+
+Be careful, gentlemen! This minister
+Is mighty. A great mower, he! He makes
+Great seas of blood, and then he covers them
+With his red cloak and nothing more is said.   [_Silence._
+
+GASSE.
+
+Good faith!
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+          I'm blessed if I shall stir!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                                      Beside
+This jester Pluto was a funny man!
+
+[_A crowd of people enter from the streets and houses, and spread over
+the Square. In the center appears The Town-Crier on horseback, with
+four Town-servants in livery, one of whom blows the trumpet, while the
+other beats the drum._
+
+GASSE.
+
+What are these people doing? Ah, the crier!
+Well, paternosters are in order now!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_to a juggler with a monkey on his back, who has joined the
+crowd_).
+
+Which one of you shows off the other, friend?
+
+MONTPESAT (_to Rochebaron_).
+
+I hope our packs of cards are still complete.
+   [_Indicating the four Servants in livery._
+It looks as though these knaves were stolen thence.
+
+TOWN-CRIER (_in a nasal tone of voice_).
+
+Peace, citizens!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_low to Gasse_).
+
+                He has a wicked look.
+His voice wears out his nose more than his mouth!
+
+TOWN-CRIER.
+
+"Ordinance: Louis, by the Grace of God--"
+
+BOUCHAVANNES (_low to Brichanteau_).
+
+Cloak _fleur-de-lis_ concealing Richelieu!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Attention!
+
+TOWN-CRIER (_continuing_).
+
+          "King of France and of Navarre--"
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_low to Bouchavannes_).
+
+A fine name, which no minister e'er hoards.
+
+TOWN-CRIER (_continuing_).
+
+"Know all men by these presents, we greet you!
+    [_He salutes assembly._
+Having considered that all kings desired
+And have tried to abolish dueling,
+But yet, in spite of edicts signed by them,
+The evil has increased in great degree,
+We ordain and decree that from this time
+All duelists who rob us of our subjects,
+Whether but one of them or both survive,
+Be brought for punishment unto our court,
+And commoner or noble shall be hanged.
+In order to give force to this edict
+We here renounce our right of pardon for
+This crime. It is our gracious pleasure."--
+Signed, Louis; and lower--Richelieu.
+        [_Indignation among the nobles._
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                                              What's this?
+We are to hang up like Barabbas!
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+                                We?
+Tell me the name of any place which holds
+A rope by which to hang a nobleman!
+
+TOWN-CRIER (_continuing_).
+
+"We, provost, that all men may know these facts,
+Command this edict to be hung up on
+The Square."
+
+[_The two Servants attach a great placard to an iron gallows protruding
+from the wall on the right._
+
+GASSE.
+
+               'Tis the edict they ought to hang!
+Well done!
+
+BOUCHAVANNES (_shaking his head_).
+
+          Yes, Count; while waiting for the head
+Which shall defy it.
+
+[_The Town-Crier exits; the crowd retires. Saverny enters. It begins
+to grow dark._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_The same._ Marquis de Saverny
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_going to Saverny_).
+
+                     Cousin Saverny,
+I hope you've found the man who rescued you.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+No; I have searched the city through in vain.
+The robbers, the young man, and Marion--
+They have all faded from me like a dream.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+You must have seen him when he brought you back,
+Like a good Christian, from those infidels.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+The first thing that he did was to throw down
+The lamp.
+
+GASSE.
+
+         That's strange!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                        You'd recognize him if
+You met him?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+            No; I didn't see his face.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+What is his name?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                  Didier.
+
+ROCHEBARON.
+
+                          That's no man's name!
+That is a bourgeois name.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                        It doesn't matter.
+Didier is this man's name. There are great men
+Who have been conquerors and bear grand names,
+But they've no greater hearts than this man had.
+I had six robbers! He had Marion!
+He left her, and saved me. My debt's immense!
+This debt I mean to pay. I tell you all:
+I'll pay it with the last drop of my blood!
+
+VILLAC.
+
+Since when do you pay debts?
+
+SAVERNY (_proudly_).
+
+                            I've always paid
+Those debts which can be paid with blood.
+Blood is the only change I carry, sir!
+
+[_It is quite dark; the windows in the city are lighted one by one; a
+lamplighter enters and lights a street-lamp above the edict and goes
+out. The little door through which Marion and Didier disappeared is
+re-opened. Didier comes forth dreamily, walking slowly, his arms
+folded._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_The same._ Didier
+
+DIDIER (_coming slowly from the back; no one sees or hears him_).
+
+Marquis de Saverny! I would like much
+To see that fool who looked at her so hard.
+I have him on my mind.
+
+BOUCHAVANNES (_to Saverny, who is talking with Brichanteau_).
+
+                      Saverny!
+
+DIDIER (_aside_).
+
+                              Ah,
+That is my man!
+
+[_He advances slowly, his eyes fixed on the noblemen, and sits down at a
+table placed under the street-lamp, which lights up the edict.
+L'Angely, motionless and silent, is a few steps distant._
+
+BOUCHAVANNES (_to Saverny, who turns around_).
+
+               You know about the edict?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Which one?
+
+BOUCHAVANNES.
+
+          Commanding us to give up duels.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+It is most wise.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                Hanging's the penalty.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You must be jesting. Commoners are hanged,
+Not nobles.
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_showing the placard_).
+
+           Read it for yourself. It's there,
+Upon the wall.
+
+SAVERNY (_perceiving Didier_).
+
+              That sallow face can read
+For me.
+       [_To Didier, elevating his voice._
+        Ho! man there with the cloak! My friend!
+Good fellow!
+[_To Brichanteau._] Brichanteau, he must be deaf.
+
+DIDIER (_slowly lifting his head, without taking his eyes from him_).
+
+You spoke to me?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                I did! In fair return,
+Read that placard which hangs above your head.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+I?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+   You--if you can spell the alphabet.
+
+DIDIER (_rising_).
+
+It is the edict threatening duelists
+With gallows, be they nobles or plebeians.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+No, you mistake, my friend. You ought to know
+A nobleman was never born to hang,
+And in this world, where we claim all our rights,
+Plebeians are the gallows' only prey.
+    [_To the noblemen._
+These commoners are rude.
+[_To Didier, with malice._] You don't read well;
+Perhaps you are near-sighted. Lift your hat,
+'Twill give you more light. Take it off.
+
+DIDIER (_overthrowing the table which is in front of him_).
+
+                                        Beware!
+You have insulted me! I've read for you;
+I claim my recompense! I'll have it, too!
+I want your blood, I want your head, Marquis!
+
+SAVERNY (_smiling_).
+
+We must be fitted to our station, sir.
+I judge him commoner, he scents marquis
+In me.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+       Marquis and commoner can fight.
+What do you say to mixing up our blood?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You go too fast, and fighting is not all.
+I am Gaspard, Marquis de Saverny.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+What does that matter?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                       Here my seconds are!
+The Count de Gasse, noble family,
+And Count de Villac, family La Teuillade,
+From which house comes the Marquis d'Aubusson.
+Are you of noble blood?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                        What matters that?
+I am a foundling left at a church door.
+I have no name; but in its place, I've blood,
+To give you in exchange for yours!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                   That, sir,
+Is not enough; but as a foundling, you
+May claim the right, because you might be noble.
+It is a better thing to lift a vassal
+Than to degrade a peer. You may command me!
+Choose your hour, sir.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                       Immediately!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                    Agreed!
+You're no usurper, that is clear.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                             A sword!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You have no sword? The devil! that is bad.
+You might be thought a man of low descent.
+Will you have mine?
+      [_Offers his sword to Didier._
+                   Well tempered and obedient!
+
+[_L'ANGELY rises, draws his sword and presents it to Didier._
+
+L'ANGLEY.
+
+No; for a foolish deed, you'd better take
+A fool's sword! You are brave! You'll honor it!
+[_Maliciously._] And in return, to bring me luck, pray let
+Me cut a piece from off the hanging-rope!
+
+DIDIER (_bitterly, taking sword_).
+
+I will.
+     [_To The Marquis._
+       Now God have mercy on the good!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_jumping with delight_).
+
+A duel--excellent!
+
+SAVERNY (_to Didier)._
+
+                  Where shall we fight?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Beneath the street-lamp.
+
+GASSE.
+
+                        Gentlemen, you're mad!
+You cannot see. You'll put your eyes out.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                       Humph!
+There's light enough to cut each other's throat.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Well said!
+
+VILLAC.
+
+          You can see nothing.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                              That's enough!
+Each sword is lightning flashing in the dark.
+Come, Marquis!
+
+[_Both throw off their cloaks, take off their hats with which they
+salute each other, throwing them afterward on the ground. Then they draw
+their swords._
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+              At your service, sir.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                   Now! _Garde!_
+
+[_They cross swords and fence, silently and furiously. Suddenly the
+small door opens, Marion in a white dress appears._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+_The same._ Marion
+
+MARION.
+
+What is this noise?
+      [_Perceiving Didier under the lamp._
+                  Didier!
+   [_To the combatants._] Stop!
+             [_They continue._] Ho! The guard!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Who is this woman?
+
+DIDIER (_turning_).
+
+                  Heaven!
+
+BOUCHAVANNES (_running, to Saverny_).
+
+                        All is lost!
+That woman's cry went through the town.
+I saw the archers' rapiers flash.
+    [_The Archers with torches enter._
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_to Saverny_).
+
+                                Seem dead,
+Or you will be so!
+
+SAVERNY (_falling down_).
+
+                  Ah!
+
+[_Low to Brichanteau, who bends over him._
+
+                    Oh, damn these stones.
+
+[_Didier, who thinks he has killed him, pauses._
+
+CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT.
+
+Hold! In the King's name!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_to the noblemen_).
+
+                        We must save the Marquis.
+He's a dead man if he is caught.
+      [_The noblemen surround Saverny._
+
+CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT.
+
+                                Zounds, sirs!
+To fight a duel 'neath the very light
+Of the edict is bold indeed!
+            [_To Didier._] Give up
+Your sword.
+
+[_The Archers seize Didier, who stands apart, and disarm him. The
+Captain indicates Saverny stretched upon the ground and surrounded by
+the noblemen._
+
+          That other man with dull eyes, who
+Is he? What is his name?
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                        His name's Gaspard,
+Marquis de Saverny, and he is dead.
+
+CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT.
+
+Dead, is he? Then his trouble's over. Good!
+This dead man's worth more than the other.
+
+MARION (_frightened_).
+
+                                          What!
+
+CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT (_to Didier_).
+
+The whole affair rests now with you, sir. Come!
+
+[_The Archers lead Didier off on one side, the noblemen carry
+Saverny off on the other._
+
+DIDIER (_to Marion, who is motionless from horror_).
+
+Forget me, Marion. Good-by! [_They exit._
+
+
+SCENE V
+
+Marion, L'Angely
+
+MARION (_rushing to detain him_).
+
+                            Didier!
+What do you mean? Good-by? Why this good-by?
+Wherefore forget you?
+
+[_The Soldiers push her off; she approaches L'Angely with anguish._
+
+                    Is he lost for this?
+What did he do? What will they do to him?
+
+L'ANGELY (_takes her hand and leads her in silence before the edict_).
+
+Read this!
+
+MARION (_reads, and starts back with horror_).
+
+          My God! Just God! Condemned to death!
+They've taken him away. To kill him! Oh,
+I brought this ruin on him with my cries!
+I called for help, but my unhappy voice
+Found death in the dark streets and brought her here.
+Impossible! A duel is no crime!      [_To L'Angely._
+They'll not kill him for that?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                              I think they will.
+
+MARION.
+
+He can escape!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+              The prison walls are high!
+
+MARION.
+
+I've brought this crime upon him with my sins.
+God strikes him for my sake! My Didier! love!
+[_To L'Angely._] Nothing on earth seemed good enough for him!
+A prison cell--my God! Death! Torture too!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Perhaps! It all depends--
+
+MARION.
+
+                          I'll find the King!
+He has a royal heart; he pardons.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                                Yes,
+The King does, not the Cardinal.
+
+MARION.
+
+                                 Then, what--
+What can I do?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+              A capital offense,
+Nothing can save him from the fatal rope.
+
+MARION.
+
+Oh, grief!
+[_To L'Angely._] You freeze my blood, sir. Who are you?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+I'm the King's jester!
+
+MARION.
+
+                      Oh, my Didier, love,
+I'm lost, unworthy; but what God can do
+With a weak woman's hands, I'll show to you.
+Go on, my love; I follow!
+
+[_She goes out on the side from which Didier left._
+
+L'ANGELY (_alone_).
+
+                         God knows where!
+
+[_Picking up the sword which Didier left on the ground._
+
+Among all these, who'd think I was the fool?      [_He goes out._
+
+
+
+
+_ACT III_
+
+THE COMEDY
+
+Scene.--_The Castle of Nangis. A park in the style of Henry IV. In the
+background on an elevation, the Castle of Nangis, part new, part old, is
+visible. The old, a castle-keep with arches and turrets: the new, a
+large brick house with corners of wrought stone, and pointed roof. The
+large door of the castle-keep is hung with black: from afar one
+distinguishes a coat-of-arms--that of the families of Nangis and of
+Saverny_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+_M. DE LAFFEMAS, undress costume of a magistrate of the period.
+Marquis de Saverny, disguised as an officer of the Regiment of Anjou;
+with black mustache and imperial, and a plaster on the eye_
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Then you were present, sir, at the attack?
+
+SAVERNY (_pulling his mustache_).
+
+I was his comrade: had that honor, sir!
+But he is dead!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+              The Marquis de Saverny?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Yes, from a thrust in tierce, which burst the doublet,
+Then carved its cruel way between the ribs
+Through to the chest and to the liver, which,
+As you well know, makes blood. The wound was fearful.
+'Twas horrible to see!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                      He died at once?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Almost. His agony was short. I watched
+The spasm follow frenzy; tetanos
+Then came, and after opisthotonos
+There followed improstathonos.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                              The deuce!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+So that I calculate 'tis false to say
+The blood passes the jugular. Pequet
+And learned men should be condemned when they
+Dissect live dogs to study 'bout the lungs.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+The poor marquis is dead.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                         A thrust is fatal.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+You are a doctor, sir, of medicine?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+No.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+   You have studied it?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                       Somewhat.
+In Aristotle.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+             You can talk it well!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Faith! I've a most malicious sort of heart.
+I like destruction; find delight in evil;
+I love to kill! So that I thought I'd be
+A soldier or a doctor, sir, at twenty.
+But I hesitated long, and finally
+I chose the sword. It's not so sure, but twice
+As quick. There was a time, I will confess,
+I longed to be a poet or an actor,
+Or an exhibitor of bears--but then,
+I like dinner and supper every day.
+A plague upon the poetry and bears!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+With this hope in your mind you studied verse?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+A little bit, in Aristotle. Yes--
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+The Marquis knew you?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                       He knew me as well
+As a lieutenant knows an upstart soldier.
+I belonged to Monsieur de Caussade first,
+Who gave me to the Marquis' colonel. Poor
+The present, but we do the best we can!
+They made me officer--I'm worth as much
+As any, and I wear a black mustache.
+That is my history.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                   They sent you here
+To notify the uncle?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                    Yes; I came
+With Brichanteau, the cousin, and the corpse.
+He will be buried here--where, if he'd lived,
+He would have had his wedding!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                              Tell me how
+The old Marquis de Nangis bore the news.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+With calmness, without tears.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                             He loved him though?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+As much as we love life. Having no children
+Of his own he had but this one passion--
+His nephew, whom he dearly loved, although
+They had not seen each other for five years.
+
+[_In the background, the old Marquis de Nangis passes; white hair,
+pale countenance, arms folded across his breast, dress of the day of
+Henry IV.: deep mourning; the star and the ribbon of the order of the
+Holy Ghost. He walks slowly; nine guards in three rows follow; they are
+dressed in mourning, their halberds on their right shoulder, their
+muskets on their left; they keep within a short distance, stopping when
+he stops, and continuing when he continues._
+
+LAFFEMAS (_watching him pass_).
+
+Poor man!
+
+[_He goes to the back and follows The Marquis with his eyes._
+
+SAVERNY (_aside_).
+
+         My good old uncle!
+
+[_Brichanteau enters and goes to Saverny._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_The same._ Brichanteau
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                           Ah! two words!
+[_Laughing._] He's looking pretty well for a dead man!
+
+SAVERNY (_low, indicating The Marquis, who passes_).
+
+Why do you make me grieve him, Brichanteau?
+I think we might explain it to him now.
+Oh, let me try.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+               No; God forbid, my friend!
+His grief must be sincere; he must weep much.
+His woe is one good half of your disguise.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Poor uncle!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+           He will find it out ere long.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+If sorrow has not killed him, then joy will.
+These shocks are dangerous to such old men.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+It must be done!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                I cannot bear to hear
+Him laugh so bitterly, then weep; then keep
+So still! I hate to see him kiss that coffin.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+Yes--a fine coffin with no corpse in it!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+But I am dead and bleeding in his heart.
+The corpse lies there.
+
+LAFFEMAS (_coming back_).
+
+                      Alas, the poor old man!
+His eyes show plainly how he's suffering!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_low to Saverny_).
+
+Who is that surly-looking man in black?
+
+SAVERNY (_with gesture of ignorance_).
+
+Some friend who's living at the castle?
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_low_).
+
+                                        Crows
+Are also black and love the smell of death.
+Keep silence more than ever. 'Tis a face
+That's treacherous and evil; it would make
+A madman prudent.
+
+[_The Marquis de Nangis re-enters; he is still absorbed in a deep
+reverie. He walks slowly, does not appear to notice any one, and seats
+himself upon a bank of turf._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_The same._ Marquis de Nangis
+
+LAFFEMAS (_approaching The Marquis_).
+
+                  Marquis, we've lost much.
+He was a rare man; would have comforted
+Your old age. I mingle my tears with yours.
+Young, handsome, good, naught more could be desired;
+Obeying God, respecting women, strong;
+Just in his actions, sensible in speech,
+A perfect nobleman, whom all revere!
+To die so young! Most cruel fate! Alas!
+
+[_The Marquis lets his head fall on his hands._
+
+SAVERNY (_low to Brichanteau_).
+
+The devil take this funeral discourse!
+These praises but augment the old man's grief.
+Console him, you; Show him the other side.
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_to Laffemas_).
+
+You are mistaken, sir. I was in the
+Same grade. A bad comrade, this Saverny--
+A shiftless fellow, growing worse each day.
+Courageous! Every man is brave at twenty;
+His death is nothing much to boast about.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+A duel! Surely, that is no great crime.
+
+[_Banteringly to Brichanteau, pointing to his sword._
+
+You are an officer?
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_in the same tone, pointing to Laffemas's wig_).
+
+                  A magistrate?
+
+SAVERNY (_low_).
+
+Go on!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+      He was capricious, thankless, and
+A liar: not worth any real regret.
+He went to church, but just to ogle girls.
+He was a gallant, a mere libertine,
+A fool!
+
+SAVERNY (_low_).
+
+      Good! good!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                  Intractable and stubborn;
+Rude to his officers. As to good looks,
+He had lost his; he limped, had a large wen
+Upon his eye; from blonde had turned to red,
+And from round-shouldered had become hump-backed.
+
+SAVERNY (_low_).
+
+Enough!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+       He gambled--every one knows that.
+He would have staked his soul on dice. I'll wager
+That cards had eaten up his property.
+His fortune galloped faster every night.
+
+SAVERNY (_low, pulling his sleeve_).
+
+Enough! Good God! Your consolation is
+Too strong.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+           To speak so ill of a dead friend!
+Unpardonable!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_indicating Saverny_).
+
+             Ask this gentleman!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Oh, no; I beg to be excused!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_affectionately, to the old Marquis_).
+
+                            My lord,
+We'll comfort you. We have his murderer,
+And we will hang him. We have kept him safe.
+His end is sure.
+      [_To Brichanteau and Saverny._
+                But can one understand
+The Marquis? There are duels, we all know,
+That cannot be avoided, but to fight
+With any one named Didier--
+
+SAVERNY (_aside_).
+
+                           What? Didier?
+
+[_The old Marquis, who has remained silent and motionless during all
+this scene, rises and goes out slowly on the side opposite where he came
+in. His guards follow him._
+
+LAFFEMAS (_wiping away a tear and following him with his eyes_).
+
+In truth, his sorrow deeply touches me.
+
+LACKEY (_running_).
+
+My lord!
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+        Why can't you leave your master quiet?
+
+LACKEY.
+
+It is the burial of the young marquis!
+What is the hour?
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+                 You'll know it by-and-by.
+
+LACKEY.
+
+A few comedians have arrived here from
+The city; they beg shelter for the night.
+
+BRICHANTEAU.
+
+The time's ill-chosen for comedians, but
+The law of hospitality holds good.
+Give them this barn.
+      [_Indicating a barn on the left._
+
+LACKEY (_holding a letter_).
+
+                   A letter! 'Tis important!
+[_Reading._] For a Monsieur de Laffemas.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                                             'Tis I!
+Give it to me!
+
+BRICHANTEAU (_low to Saverny, who has remained thoughtful in a
+corner_).
+
+              Saverny, let us go!
+Come and arrange things for your funeral!
+   [_Pulling him by the sleeve._
+What is it? Are you dreaming?
+
+SAVERNY (_aside_).
+
+                             Oh, Didier!   [_They go out._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+LAFFEMAS (_alone_).
+
+The seal of State! The great seal of red wax!
+Come! this is business. Let me know at once!
+[_Reading._] "Sir Criminal Lieutenant: We make known
+To you that Didier, the assassin of
+The late Marquis Gaspard, has fled." My God!
+That is unfortunate! "A woman is
+With him, called Marion de Lorme. We beg
+You to return as soon as possible."
+Quick! Get me horses! I, who felt so sure!
+Another matter spoiled for want of sense.
+Outrageous! Of the two, not one! One, dead!
+Escaped, the other! I will catch him, though!
+
+[_He exits. Enter a troupe of strolling actors, men, women and children
+in character costumes. Among them are Marion and Didier, dressed as
+Spaniards. Didier wears a great felt hat and is covered with a cloak._
+
+
+SCENE V
+
+_The Comedians_, Marion, Didier
+
+A LACKEY (_conducting the Comedians to the barn_).
+
+This is your lodging. You're on the estate
+Of the Marquis de Nangis. Behave well,
+Try to be quiet, for some one is dead.
+The burial is to-morrow. Above all,
+Don't mix your songs with the funereal chants
+Which will be sung for him throughout the night.
+
+GRACIEUX (_small and hump-backed_).
+
+We'll make less noise than do your hunting-dogs
+Who bark around the legs of all who pass!
+
+LACKEY.
+
+Dogs are not actors, my good friend.
+
+TAILLEBRAS (_to Gracieux_).
+
+                                    Be still!
+You'll cause us to sleep in the open air!
+      [_Lackey exits._
+
+SCARAMOUCHE (_to Marion and Didier, who until now have remained
+quietly apart_).
+
+Come! let us talk. Now you belong to us.
+Why Monsieur fled with Madame on behind,
+If you are man and wife or lovers only,
+Escaping justice, or black sorcerers
+Who held Madame a prisoner, perhaps--
+Is not my business. What I want to know
+Is what you'll act. Chimenes are best for you,
+Black eyes.
+        [_Marion makes a courtesy._
+
+DIDIER (_aside, indignant_).
+
+           To hear that mountebank speak thus!
+
+SCARAMOUCHE (_to Didier_).
+
+For you: if you should want a splendid part,
+We need a bully--a long-legged man,
+Tremendous strides, a thundering voice; and when
+Orgon is robbed of wife or niece, you kill
+The Moor and terminate the piece. Great part!
+High tragedy! 'Twill suit you splendidly.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Just as you please!
+
+SCARAMOUCHE.
+
+                   Good! Don't say "you" to me!
+I like "thou"!  [_With a profound obeisance._
+              Blusterer, hail!
+
+DIDIER (_aside_).
+
+                              What fools!
+
+SCARAMOUCHE (_to the other actors_).
+
+                                         Now eat;
+Then we'll rehearse our parts.
+
+[_All enter the barn except Marion and Didier._
+
+
+SCENE VI
+
+_Marion, Didier; afterward Gracieux, Saverny,
+afterward Laffemas_
+
+DIDIER (_with bitter laugh, after a long silence_).
+
+                                                       Is't bad enough?
+My Marion, have I dragged you low enough?
+You wished to follow me? My destiny
+Precipitates itself and crushes you,
+Bound to its wheel! What are we come to now?
+I told you so!
+
+MARION (_trembling and clasping her hands_).
+
+                        Do you reproach me, love?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Oh, may I be accursed! Cursed first by Heaven,
+Then cursed 'mongst men: cursed throughout all my life;
+Cursed more than we are now, if a reproach
+Shall ever leave my lips for you! What matter
+Though all the earth abandon me, you're mine!
+You are my savior, refuge, all my hope!
+Who duped the jailer, filed my chains for me?
+Who came from heaven to follow me to hell?
+Who was a captive with the prisoner,
+An exile with the fugitive? Ah, who,
+Who else had heart so full of love and wit,
+Heart to sustain, console, deliver me?
+Great, feeble woman, have you not saved me
+From destiny, alas! and my own soul?
+Had you not pity on my nature, crushed?
+Have you not loved one whom all others hate?
+
+MARION (_weeping_).
+
+It is my joy to love you--be your slave.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Leave me your eyes, dear; they enrapture me!
+God willed, when placing soul within my flesh,
+A demon and an angel should guide me.
+Yet he was merciful; his love concealed
+The demon, but the angel he revealed.
+
+MARION.
+
+You are my Didier, master, lord of me!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Your husband, am I not?
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+                       Alas!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                            What joy,
+When we have left this country far behind,
+To have you, call you wife as well as love!
+You will be willing?--answer.
+
+MARION.
+
+                             I will be
+Your sister, and my brother you shall be!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Oh, no! Refuse me not that ecstasy
+Of knowing, in God's sight, you're mine alone!
+You're safe to trust my love in everything.
+The lover keeps you for the husband, pure!
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+Alas!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+     If you knew how things torture me!
+To hear that actor talk, affront you thus!
+It is not least among our wretched woes
+To see you mixed with jugglers such as these,
+A chaste, exquisite flower 'mid this filth--
+You, 'mongst these women steeped in infamy!
+
+MARION.
+
+Be prudent, Didier!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                   God! I struggled hard
+Against my anger! He said "thou" to you,
+When I, your love, your husband, hardly dare
+For fear of tarnishing that virgin brow--
+
+MARION.
+
+Be pleasant with them; it means life to you,
+And me as well.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+               She's right. She's always right.
+Although each hour brings us increasing woe,
+You lavish on me love and joy and youth!
+How happens it these blessings come to me,
+When royal kingdoms were small pay for them--
+To me, who give but anguish in return?
+Heaven gave you--yes; but hell binds you to me.
+For us to merit this unequal fate,
+What good can I have done? What evil you?
+
+MARION.
+
+My only blessings come from you, my love!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+If you say that you think it, but it's wrong!
+Oh, yes, my star of destiny is bad.
+I know not whence I come, nor where I go.
+My whole horizon's dark. Love, hark to me!
+There's time yet; you can leave me and go back.
+Let me pursue the gloomy route alone.
+When all is ended and I'm tired out,
+The couch that's waiting will be cold--ice-cold,
+And narrow; there's not room enough for two.
+Go back!
+
+MARION.
+
+        That couch, dark, and mysterious,
+I'll share it with you; that at least is mine.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Will you not listen? Can't you understand?
+You're tempting Providence to cling to me!
+The years of anguish, love, may be so long
+Your sweet eyes may grow sightless, just from tears.
+
+[_Marion lets her head fall on her hands._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+I swear I draw the picture none too strong.
+Your future frightens me. I pity you!
+Go back!
+
+MARION (_bursting into tears_).
+
+        It were more kind to kill me, Didier,
+Than to talk thus! [_Weeping._] O God!
+
+DIDIER (_taking her in his arms_).
+
+                          My darling, hush!
+So many tears! I'd shed my blood for one.
+Do what you will! Come, be my destiny,
+My glory, life, my virtue, and my love!
+Answer me now. I speak! Sweet, do you hear?
+
+[_He seats her on a bank of turf._
+
+MARION (_withdrawing herself from his arms_).
+
+You've hurt me!
+
+DIDIER (_kneeling to her_).
+
+              I, who'd gladly die for her!
+
+MARION (_smiling through her tears_).
+
+You made me cry, you cruel man!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                              My beauty!
+
+[_Sits on the bank beside her._
+
+Just one sweet kiss upon your forehead, pure
+As is our love!
+
+[_He kisses her forehead. They look at each other with ecstasy._
+
+              Yes, look at me! Look thus,
+Look harder; look until we die of looking!
+
+GRACIEUX (_entering_).
+
+Dona Chimene is wanted in the barn.
+
+[_Marion rises hastily from Didier's side. At the same time that
+Gracieux enters, Saverny comes in; he stands in the background and
+looks attentively at Marion without seeing Didier, who remains
+sitting on the bank and is hidden by a bush._
+
+SAVERNY (_back, without being seen, aside_).
+
+Faith, it is Marion! What brings her here?
+[_Laughing._] Chimene!
+
+GRACIEUX (_to Didier, who is about to follow Marion_).
+
+          Oh, no! stay there, my jealous friend,
+I want to tease you!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                    Devil take you!
+
+MARION (_low to Didier_).
+
+                                   Hush!
+Restrain yourself.
+
+[_Didier re-seats himself; she enters the barn._
+
+SAVERNY (_still back, aside_).
+
+What makes her roam the country in this fashion?
+Can he be the gallant who succored me?
+Who saved my life? Didier! It is indeed!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_enters in traveling costume, and salutes Saverny_).
+
+I take my leave, sir!
+
+SAVERNY (_bowing_).
+
+                     You are going away?    [_He laughs._
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+What makes you laugh?
+
+SAVERNY.
+                       A very silly thing.
+I'll tell you. Guess whom I have recognized
+Among those jugglers who have just arrived.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Among those jugglers?
+
+SAVERNY (_laughing still more_).
+
+                     Yes. Marion de Lorme!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_with a start_).
+
+Marion de Lorme!
+
+DIDIER (_who has been looking at them fixedly all the time_).
+
+                Hein? [_He half rises from the bank._
+
+SAVERNY (_still laughing_).
+
+                     I would like to send
+That news to Paris. Are you going there?
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+I am, and I will spread the news, trust me!
+But are you sure you recognize her?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                   Sure?
+Hurrah for France! We know our Marion.
+      [_Feeling in his pocket._
+I think I have her portrait--tender pledge
+Of love! She had it done by the King's painter.
+      [_Giving Laffemas a locket._
+Look and compare them.
+      [_Indicating the barn door._
+                      See her, through that door,
+In Spanish costume, with green petticoat.
+
+LAFFEMAS (_looking from the locket to the barn_).
+
+'Tis she--Marion de Lorme! [_Aside._] I have him now!
+
+[_To Saverny._] She must have a companion 'mongst these men.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+It's likely. Such fair ladies are not prudes,
+And seldom travel round the world alone.
+
+LAFFEMAS (_aside_).
+
+I'll guard this door. It will go hard, indeed,
+If I can't capture that false actor here.
+He's taken now--no doubt of that!      [_Goes out._
+
+SAVERNY (_watches the exit of Laffemas: aside_).
+
+                                I think
+I've done a foolish thing.
+
+[_Taking Gracieux aside, who all this time has stood in a corner
+gesticulating and running over his lines: in a whisper._
+
+                          Who is that lady
+Sitting within the shadow there?
+
+[_Indicating the door of the barn._
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+                                Chimene?
+[_Solemnly._] My lord, I do not know her name. Ask him,
+This lord, her noble friend.
+
+[_Exits on the side of the park._
+
+
+SCENE VII
+
+Didier, Saverny
+
+SAVERNY (_turning toward Didier_).
+
+                          This gentleman?
+Tell me-- 'Tis strange how hard he looks at me!
+Upon my soul, 'tis he! My man! [_Loud to Didier._] If you
+Were not in prison, I should say that you
+Resemble a--
+
+DIDIER.
+
+            And if you were not dead, I'd say
+That you had the exact appearance of--
+His blood be on his head!--a man whom two
+Short words of mine put in a tomb.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                  Hush! You
+Are Didier!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+          Marquis Gaspard, you!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                               'Twas you
+Who were somewhere, a certain night! 'Tis you
+To whom I owe my life!
+
+[_He opens his arms. Didier draws back._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                           Excuse surprise!
+I felt so sure I took it back.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                              Not so!
+You saved me--did not kill me! Let me know
+What I can do for you. Do you desire
+A second--brother--a lieutenant? Speak!
+What will you have--my blood, my wealth, my soul?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Not any of those things. That portrait there!
+
+[_Saverny gives him the portrait; he looks at it, speaking with
+bitterness._
+
+Yes, there's her brow, her black eyes, her white neck;
+Above all, there's her candid glance! How like!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You think so?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+             This was made for you, you say?
+
+SAVERNY (_bowing, and making an affirmative sign_).
+
+It was! But now 'tis you whom she prefers,
+You whom she loves and chooses 'mongst us all.
+You are a happy man.
+
+DIDIER (_with loud and mocking laugh_).
+
+                    Yes! Am I not?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Accept my compliments; she's a good girl,
+And loves no one but men of family.
+Of such a mistress one can well be proud!
+It's honorable, and it gives one style.
+'Tis in good taste. If men ask who you are
+They say, "Beloved of Marion de Lorme."
+
+[_Didier gives him back the portrait; he refuses it._
+
+No, keep the portrait; since the lady's yours,
+It should belong to you. Keep it, I pray.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+I thank you!       [_Puts it in his breast._
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+            She is charming in that dress.
+So you are my successor! One might say,
+As King Louis succeeded Pharamond.
+The Brissacs, both of them, supplanted me.
+[_Laughing._] Then, yes, the Cardinal himself came next,
+Then little D'Effiat, then the three Sainte-Mesmes,
+The four Argenteans! In her heart you'll find
+The best society. [_Laughing._] A little numerous.
+
+DIDIER (_aside_).
+
+My God!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+       Tell me about it some time. Now,
+To be quite frank with you, I pass for dead,
+And in the morning shall be buried. You
+Must have escaped police and seneschals.
+Your Marion can manage everything!
+You joined a strolling company by chance;
+What a delightful history!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                          Yes, true
+It is a history!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                To get you out
+She probably made love to all the jailers.
+
+DIDIER (_in a voice of thunder_).
+
+Do you think that?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                  You are not jealous--what?
+Oh, joke incredible!--of Marion!
+A man jealous of Marion! The poor child!
+Don't go and scold her!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                       Have no fear. [_Aside._] The angel--
+It was a demon! Oh, my God!
+
+[_Enter Laffemas and Gracieux. Didier goes out; Saverny follows
+him._
+
+
+SCENE VIII
+
+Laffemas, Gracieux
+
+GRACIEUX (_to Laffemas_).
+
+                           My lord,
+I do not understand you!
+             [_Aside._] Humph! A costume
+Of Alcaid and a figure of police;
+Small eyes, adorned with big eyebrows! I think
+He plays the part of Alguazil in this
+Locality.
+
+LAFFEMAS (_pulling out his purse_).
+
+         My friend!
+
+GRACIEUX (_drawing near, low to Laffemas_).
+
+                   My lord--I see!
+Chimene has interested you. You wish
+To know--
+
+LAFFEMAS (_low, smiling_).
+
+         Who is her Roderick?
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+                             You mean
+Her lover?
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+          Yes!
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+              Who groans beneath her spell?
+
+LAFFEMAS (_impatiently_).
+
+There's one?
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+            Of course!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_approaching him eagerly_).
+
+                      Then show him to me, quick!
+
+GRACIEUX (_with profound obeisance_).
+
+It's I, my lord. I'm mad about her!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                                You!
+
+[_Laffemas, disappointed, turns away with annoyance; then he comes
+back and shakes his purse in Gracieux's eyes and ears._
+
+Know you the sound of ducats?
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+                             Heavenly tones!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_aside_).
+
+I've got my Didier!
+       [_To Gracieux._] Do you see this purse?
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+How much!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+         Gold ducats--twenty!
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+                             Humph!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_jingling the gold in his face_).
+
+                                   Will you?
+
+GRACIEUX (_grabbing the purse from him_).
+
+Most certainly!
+
+[_With theatrical tone to Laffemas, who listens anxiously._
+
+               My lord, if your back bore
+Just in the center a great hump, as big
+As is your belly, and if those two bags
+Were filled with louis, sequins, and doubloons,
+In that case--
+
+LAFFEMAS (_eagerly_).
+
+              Well, what would you do?
+
+GRACIEUX (_putting the purse into his pocket_).
+
+                                      I'd take
+The whole of it, and I would say--
+      [_With profound obeisance._
+                                  I thank you;
+You are a gentleman!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_aside, furious_).
+
+                    Plague on the monkey!
+
+GRACIEUX (_aside, laughing_).
+
+The devil take the cat!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_aside_).
+
+                      They have agreed
+On what to do, if any one suspects.
+'Tis a conspiracy. They'll all be dumb;
+Accursed gypsy devils!
+
+[_To Gracieux who is going away._
+
+                      Give me back
+My purse!
+
+GRACIEUX (_turning around, with tragic tone_).
+
+        What do you take me for, my lord?
+What will the world think of us, pray, if you
+Propose and I agree to anything
+So infamous as sell for gold a life,
+My soul?      [_Turns to go._
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+        That's as you please; but give me back
+My money!
+
+GRACIEUX.
+
+        No, I keep my honor, sir,
+And we have no accounts to settle.
+
+[_He salutes him and re-enters barn._
+
+
+SCENE IX
+
+LAFFEMAS (_alone_).
+
+                                  Humph!
+The wretched juggler! Pride in such base souls!
+If you some day should fall into my hands
+Unoccupied with better sort of game--
+But this will not find Didier! Now, I can't
+Take all this crowd and put them to the torture.
+This is worse work than hunting needles in
+A haystack. Faith! a chemist's crucible
+Bewitched I ought to have, which, eating up
+The lead and copper, would reveal at last
+The golden ingot hid by much alloy.
+Go to the Cardinal without my prize?
+      [_Striking his brow._
+That's it! The clever thought! Oh, joy! He's mine!
+      [_Calling through the barn door._
+Ho, gentlemen, comedians! one word, please.
+
+[_The actors crowd out of the barn._
+
+
+SCENE X
+
+_The same. Comedians, among them Marion and Didier; afterward
+Saverny, afterward Marquis de Nangis_
+
+SCARAMOUCHE (_to Laffemas_).
+
+What do you want with us?
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                          Without preamble:
+My lord the Cardinal commissioned me
+To find good actors, if there may be such
+Within the provinces, to act the plays
+Which he constructs in hours of leisure when
+Allowed by State affairs. In spite of care
+And earnest thought, his theater declines,
+And is no credit to a cardinal-duke.
+
+[_All the actors press eagerly forward. Saverny enters, and watches
+the scene with curiosity._
+
+GRACIEUX (_aside, counting his money_).
+
+Twelve only! He said twenty. The old scamp!
+He's robbed me!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+               Let each one repeat some scene,
+That I may know your talents and may choose.
+[_Aside._] If he gets out of that, this Didier's sharp.
+[_Aloud._] Are you all here?
+
+[_Marion stealthily approaches Didier and tries to lead him off._
+
+GRACIEUX (_going up to them_).
+
+                 Come with the others--you!
+
+MARION.
+
+Oh, heaven!
+
+[_Didier leaves her and joins the actors; she follows him._
+
+GRACIEUX.
+           You're in luck to be with us.
+To have new clothes, get every day a feast,
+To speak the Cardinal's verses every night,
+A happy lot!
+
+[_All the actors take their places before Laffemas. Marion and
+Didier among them. Didier does not look at Marion; his eyes are
+bent on the ground; his arms are folded underneath his cloak. Marion
+watches him anxiously._
+
+GRACIEUX (_at head of troupe, aside_).
+
+             Who would have thought this crow
+Recruited actors for the Cardinal?
+
+LAFFEMAS (_to Gracieux_).
+
+First you. What do you play?
+
+GRACIEUX (_with a low bow and a pirouette which shows off his hump_).
+
+                             I'm called the Sylph
+Among the troupe. This piece I know the best.
+      [_He sings._
+
+  "On the bald heads of magistrates,
+  Enormous wigs are spread.
+  Out of that fleece, in due time, come
+  Chains, gallows, tortures dread.
+  Whenever one called president
+  Shall shake his bigger head.
+
+  "Let any barber, strolling fool,
+  Wash, powder, and pomade
+  The hair which bald heads steal from beards,
+  Let them be combed and frayed
+  In shape of a right gorgeous wig--
+  Your magistrate is made.
+
+  "The lawyer is a sea of words
+  Hurled wildly at the bench.
+  A killing kind of mixing up
+  Of Latin and bad French--"
+
+LAFFEMAS (_interrupting him_).
+
+You sing so false, you'd make an eagle sick.
+Be still!
+
+GRACIEUX (_laughing_).
+
+         I may sing false--the song is true!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_to Scaramouche_).
+
+It's your turn now.
+
+SCARAMOUCHE (_bowing_).
+
+                   I'm Scaramouche, my lord!
+"The Lady of Honor," sir, I open thus.
+      [_Declaiming._
+"'Naught is so fine,' said once a Queen of Spain,
+'As bishop at the altar, soldier in
+The field, unless it is a girl in bed,
+Or robber on the gallows--'"
+
+[_Laffemas interrupts Scaramouche with a gesture and signs to
+Taillebras to speak. Taillebras makes a profound obeisance, then
+draws himself up._
+
+TAILLEBRAS (_with emphasis_).
+
+                           As for me,
+Sir, I am Taillebras. From Thibet, sir,
+I come; I've punished the great Khan, I've captured
+The Mogul--
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+            Choose something else--
+      [_Low to Saverny, who stands beside him._
+                                    A beauty,
+Eh, this Marion!
+
+TAILLEBRAS.
+
+                It is one of our best.
+If you prefer, I will be Charlemagne,
+The Emperor of the West.
+      [_Declaiming with emphasis._
+                        "Strange destiny!
+O Heaven, I appeal to you! Bear witness
+Unto my woe. I must despoil myself,
+Surrender my beloved one to another.
+I must endow my rival, fill his heart
+With joy, while my poor stomach stings with grief.
+Thus, birds, you can no more perch in the woods;
+Thus, flies, you can no more buzz in the fields;
+Thus, sheep, you can no longer wear your wool;
+Thus, bulls, you can no longer raze the plains."
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Good!
+[_To Saverny._] Listen, the fine verses! "Bradamante"
+By Garnier; what a poet!
+           [_To Marion._] 'Tis your turn,
+My beauty. First, your name.
+
+MARION (_trembling_).
+
+                            I am Chimene!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Indeed! Chimene? Then you must have a lover.
+He has killed a man in duel--
+
+MARION (_terrified_).
+
+                             Oh, heaven!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_maliciously_).
+
+I've a good memory. If one escapes--
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+Great heaven!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+             Come! Now let us hear your scene
+
+MARION (_half turned toward Didier_).
+
+"Since to arrest you in this fatal course
+Your life and honor are of no avail,
+If ever I have loved you, Roderick,
+Defend yourself to save me from Don Sancho.
+Fight valiantly against the fearful fate
+Which must surrender me to one I hate.
+Shall I say more? Go; your defense shall be
+Your right to force my duty, seal my lips!
+If love for me still in your brave heart lies,
+Go win this combat, for Chimene is prize."
+
+[_Laffemas rises gallantly and kisses her hand. Marion is pale; she
+looks at Didier, who remains motionless with eyes on the ground._
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+No voice but yours could take so firm a hold
+Upon the secret fibers of our heart.
+You are adorable.
+[_To Saverny._] You can't deny
+Corneille is not worth Garnier, after all.
+'Tis true, his verses have a finer ring
+Since he's belonged unto the Cardinal-Duke.
+[_To Marion._] What a complexion! What fine eyes! Good God!
+This is no place for you! You're buried here.
+Sit down!
+
+[_He sits and makes sign to Marion to sit beside him; she draws back._
+
+MARION (_low to Didier, with anguish_).
+
+          For God's sake, let me stay with you!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_smiling_).
+
+Come sit by me, I say!
+
+[_Didier repulses Marion, who staggers terrified to the bench where
+Laffemas sits, and falls upon it._
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+                      'Tis horrible!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_smiling at Marion, with an air of reproach_).
+
+At last!
+[_To Didier._] Now, sir, your turn. What is your name?
+
+DIDIER (_with gravity_).
+
+My name is Didier!
+
+MARION, LAFFEMAS, SAVERNY.
+
+                   Didier!
+
+DIDIER (_to Laffemas, who laughs triumphantly_).
+
+                        Yes, you can
+Send all of them away. You've got your prey.
+Your prisoner himself takes up his chain.
+This joy has cost you a great deal of work.
+
+MARION (_running to him_).
+
+Didier!
+
+DIDIER (_with a freezing look_).
+
+       Don't try to hinder me this time,
+Madame!
+
+[_She starts back and falls crushed upon the bank: to Laffemas._
+
+       I've watched you creeping close to me,
+You demon! In your eyes I've seen that glare
+Of hell fire which illuminates your soul.
+I might have 'scaped your trap--a useless thing;
+But to see cunning wasted thus grieved me.
+Take me, and get well paid for treachery.
+
+LAFFEMAS (_with concentrated rage, trying to laugh_).
+
+You are not a comedian, it would seem!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+It's you who played the comedy.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                               Not well.
+But with the Cardinal I'll write a play.
+It is a tragedy: you have a part.
+
+[_Marion screams with horror. Didier turns from her with contempt._
+
+Don't turn your head in such a lordly way.
+We will admire your acting, never fear!
+Come, recommend your soul to God, my friend.
+
+MARION.
+
+Ah, God!
+
+[_At this moment Marquis de Nangis passes across the back of the
+stage, in the same attitude, with his escort of Halberdiers. Marion's
+cry arrests him; pale and silent he turns to the characters._
+
+LAFFEMAS (_to_ Marquis de Nangis).
+
+        Marquis, I claim your aid. Good news!
+Lend me your escort. The murderer escaped
+Our vigilance, but we've recaptured him.
+
+MARION (_throwing herself at Laffemas's feet_).
+
+Oh, pity for him!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_with gallantry_).
+
+                 At my feet, madame!
+'Tis I should kneel at yours.
+
+MARION (_on her knees, clasping her hands_).
+
+                             My lord the judge,
+Have mercy upon others, if some day
+You hope a jealous judge, more powerful
+Than you are, will be merciful to you!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_smiling_).
+
+You're preaching us a sermon, I believe!
+Ah, madame, reign at balls and shine at fetes,
+But do not preach us sermons. For your sake,
+I would do anything; but he has killed--
+It is a murder.
+
+DIDIER (_to Marion_).
+
+               Rise!      [_Marion rises, trembling._
+You lie! it was a duel.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Sir!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+    I say, you lie!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                   Have done!
+              [_To Marion._] Blood calls
+For blood; this rigor troubles me-- I wish--
+But he has killed--killed whom? The young marquis,
+Gaspard de Saverny,
+      [_Indicating Marquis de Nangis._
+                   Nephew to him,
+That worthy old man there. A rare young lord;
+The greatest loss for France and for the King.
+Were he not dead, I do not say that I--
+My heart is not of stone, and if--
+
+SAVERNY (_taking a step forward_).
+
+                                   The man
+You think is dead is living. I am he!
+    [_General astonishment._
+
+LAFFEMAS (_starting_).
+
+Gaspard de Saverny! A miracle!
+There is his coffin.
+
+SAVERNY (_tearing off his false mustache, his plaster, and black wig_).
+
+                    But he is not dead!
+Who recognizes me?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_as if awakening from a dream, starts, and with
+a great cry throws himself into his nephew's arms_).
+
+                  Gaspard! My nephew!
+It is my child!      [_They remain locked in each other's arms._
+
+MARION (_falling upon her knees and lifting her eyes to heaven_).
+
+               Didier is saved! Praise God!
+
+DIDIER (_coldly, to Saverny_).
+
+What is the use? I wished to die.
+
+MARION (_still on her knees_).
+
+                                 Kind God,
+You have protected him!
+
+DIDIER (_continuing, without listening to her_).
+
+                       How otherwise
+Could he have caught me in his trap? Think you
+My spur could not have crushed the spider's web
+Which he had made to catch a gnat? Henceforth
+I ask no other boon than death. This is
+No friendly gift from you, who owe me life!
+
+MARION.
+
+What does he say? You must live--
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                                 All's not over.
+Is it certain that this is the Marquis?
+
+MARION.
+
+It is.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+      We must have proof of it at once.
+
+MARION (_indicating Marquis de Nangis, who is still holding Saverny
+in his arms_).
+
+Look at that old man, how he smiles and weeps!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Is that Gaspard de Saverny?
+
+MARION.
+
+                           What heart
+Can question such a close embrace?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_turning around_).
+
+                                  You ask
+If it is he--Gaspard, my son, my soul?
+[_To Marion._] Did he not ask if it was he, madame?
+
+LAFFEMAS (_to Marquis de Nangis_).
+
+Then you affirm that this man is your nephew?
+He is Gaspard de Saverny?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_with intensity_).
+
+                         I do!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+According to the law I do arrest
+Gaspard de Saverny, in the King's name.
+Your sword!
+      [_Surprise and consternation among the characters._
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+           My son!
+
+MARION.
+
+                  Oh, Heaven!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                             Another head!
+Yes, two were needed. 'Tis the least, to bring
+This Roman Caesar one head in each hand.
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+Speak! By what right--
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                      Ask my lord cardinal.
+All who survive a duel fall beneath
+The ordinance. Give me your sword.
+
+DIDIER (_looking at Saverny_).
+
+                                  Rash man!
+
+SAVERNY (_drawing his sword and presenting it to Laffemas_).
+
+'Tis here!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_stopping him_).
+
+          A moment! None is master here
+Save me! I mete out justice high and low.
+Our sire the King would be no more than guest.
+[_To Saverny._] Give up your sword to none but me.
+
+[_Saverny hands him his sword, and clasps him in his arms._
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                                                    In truth,
+That is a feudal right quite out of date.
+The Cardinal might blame me for it, but
+I would not willingly annoy you--
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                 Wretch!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_bowing to Marquis de Nangis_).
+
+So I consent. You can return the favor
+By loaning me your guard and prison, sir.
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_to his Guards_).
+
+Not so! Your sires were vassals to my sires.
+I forbid any one to stir a step.
+
+LAFFEMAS (_with voice of thunder_).
+
+My masters, hark to me: I am the judge
+Of the secret tribunal, Criminal-
+Lieutenant to the Cardinal. Conduct
+These men to prison. Four of you mount guard
+Before each door. You're all responsible.
+It would be rash to disobey when I command
+You to go here or there or do a deed.
+If any hesitate, it is because
+His head annoys him.
+
+[_The Guards, terrified, drag the two prisoners off in silence, Marquis
+de Nangis turns away indignant and buries his face in his hands._
+
+MARION.
+
+                    All is lost!
+                 [_To Laffemas._] Have pity!
+If in your heart--
+
+LAFFEMAS (_low to Marion_).
+
+                  If you will come to-night,
+I'll tell you something--
+
+MARION (_aside_).
+
+                         What is it he wants?
+His smiles are terrible. He has a gloomy,
+Treacherous soul.
+      [_Turning with desperation to Didier._
+                 Didier!
+
+DIDIER (_coldly_).
+
+                        Farewell, madame!
+
+MARION (_shuddering at the tone of his voice_).
+
+What have I done? Oh, miserable woman!
+      [_She sinks upon the bank._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Miserable! Yes!
+
+SAVERNY (_embraces Marquis de Nangis, then turns to Laffemas_).
+
+               Is your pay doubled
+When you bring two heads?
+
+LACKEY (_entering, to Marquis de Nangis_).
+
+                         My lord,
+The funeral preparations for the Marquis
+Are now completed. I am sent to you
+To know what hour and day the ceremony
+Will be performed.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                  Come back one month from now.
+
+[_The Guards lead off Didier and Saverny._
+
+
+
+
+_ACT IV_
+
+THE KING
+
+Scene.--_Chambord. The guard-room in the Castle of Chambord_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+_Duke de Bellegarde, rich court costume covered with embroidery and
+lace, the order of the Holy Ghost around his neck, and the star upon his
+cloak. Marquis de Nangis, in deep mourning and followed by his escort
+of Guards. Both cross the back of the hall_
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+Condemned?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+                   Condemned!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                       E'en so! The King can pardon.
+It is his kingly right and royal duty.
+Have no more fear. In heart as well as name
+He's son of Henry IV.
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+                                   I was his comrade.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+Indeed, we spoiled full many a coat of armor
+For the proud sire! Now go unto the son,
+Show him your gray hairs, and in lieu of prayer
+Cry out "Ventre Saint Gris!" Let Richelieu
+Himself give better reason! Hide here now.
+      [_He opens a side door._
+He's coming soon. Do you know, to be frank,
+Your costume's of a style to make one laugh.
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+Laugh at my mourning?
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                  Ah, these coxcombs here!
+Old friend, stay there; you'll not have long to wait.
+I will dispose him 'gainst the Cardinal.
+I'll stamp upon the ground for signal; then
+Come out.
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_grasping his hand_).
+
+            May God repay you!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to a Musketeer who walks up and down in front of
+a small gilt door_).
+
+                                  Monsieur, pray,
+What does the King?
+
+MUSKETEER.
+
+                      He's working, my lord duke!
+      [_Lowering his voice._
+A man in black is with him.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_aside_).
+
+                               At this moment
+He is singing a death-warrant, I believe.
+
+[_To the old Marquis, grasping his hand._
+
+Be brave!
+
+[_He conducts him to a neighboring gallery._
+
+             While waiting for the signal, look
+At these new ceilings, they're by Primatice.
+
+[_Both go out. Marion, in deep mourning, enters through the great door
+in the back, which opens on a staircase._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_Marion, the Guards_
+
+HALBERDIER (_to Marion_).
+
+Madame, you cannot enter!
+
+MARION (_advancing_).
+                                          Sir!
+
+HALBERDIER (_placing his halberd against the door_).
+
+                                                I say,
+No entrance!
+
+MARION (_with contempt_).
+
+                     Here you turn your lance against
+A woman. Elsewhere, 'tis in her defense.
+
+MUSKETEER (_laughing, to Halberdier_).
+
+Well said!
+
+MARION (_firmly_).
+
+               I must immediately have audience
+With the Duke de Bellegarde.
+
+HALBERDIER (_lowering his halberd, aside_).
+
+                              Ah, these gallants!
+
+MUSKETEER.
+
+Enter, madame.
+      [_She enters with determined step._
+
+HALBERDIER (_aside, watching her from the corner of his eye_).
+
+                         Well, the old duke is not
+As feeble as he looks. This rendezvous
+Would have cost him a sojourn in the Louvre,
+In former times.
+
+MUSKETEER (_making sign to Halberdier to keep still_).
+
+                    The door is open.
+
+[_The little gilt door is opened. M. de Laffemas comes out, holding in
+his hand a parchment to which a red seal hangs by strands of silk._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_Marion, Laffemas: gesture of surprise from both. Marion turns
+away from him with horror_
+
+LAFFEMAS (_low, advancing slowly toward Marion_).
+
+                                         You!
+What is your errand here?
+
+MARION.
+
+                           What's yours?
+
+LAFFEMAS (_unrolls the parchment and spreads it out before her eyes_).
+
+                                          Signed by
+The King!
+
+MARION (_glances at it, then buries her face in her hands_).
+
+               Good God!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_speaking in her ear_).
+
+                               Will you?
+
+[_Marion shivers and looks him in the face; he fixes his eyes on hers:
+lowering his voice._
+
+                                              Wilt thou?
+
+MARION (_pushing him away_).
+
+                                                              Away!
+Foul tempter!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_straightening himself up, sneeringly_).
+
+                    You will not!
+
+MARION.
+
+                                       I have no fear!
+The King can pardon: 'tis the King who reigns.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Go try him. See what his good will is worth!
+
+[_He turns away, then turns back: folds his arms and whispers to her._
+
+Beware of waiting until I refuse!
+
+[_Exits. Duke de Bellegarde enters._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+Marion, Duke de Bellegarde
+
+MARION (_going toward Duke de Bellegarde_).
+
+Here you are captain, my lord duke.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                        'Tis you,
+My beauty!       [_Bowing._
+           Speak! What does my queen desire?
+
+MARION.
+
+To see the King.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                   When?
+
+MARION.
+
+                          Now!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                               This is short notice!
+Why?
+
+MARION.
+
+          For something!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_bursting into a laugh_).
+
+                                We will send for him!
+How she goes on!
+
+MARION.
+
+                            Then you refuse me?
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                                        Nay!
+Am I not yours? Have we refused each other
+Anything?
+
+MARION.
+
+                 That's very well, my lord!
+When shall I see the King?
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                              After the Duke.
+I promise you shall see him when he passes
+Through this hall. But while waiting, talk with me!
+Ah, little woman, are we good? In black?
+Lady-in-waiting you might be. You used
+To laugh so much.
+
+MARION.
+
+                   I don't laugh now.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                       Indeed!
+I think she's weeping! Marion! You?
+
+MARION (_wiping her eyes: with firm tone_).
+
+                                                  My lord,
+I want to see his Majesty at once!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+For what?
+
+MARION.
+
+               Just Heaven! For--
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                     Is it against
+The Cardinal?
+
+MARION.
+
+                      It is!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_opening the gallery for her_).
+                            Please enter here.
+I put the discontented all in there;
+Do not come out before the signal, please.
+      [_Marion enters; he shuts door._
+I would have run the risk for my old friend.
+It costs no more to do it for them both.
+
+[_The hall is gradually filled with Courtiers; they talk together. Duke
+de Bellegarde goes from one to the other. L'Angely enters._
+
+
+SCENE V
+
+_The same. Duke de Beaupreau, Laffemas, Viscount de Rohan, Count
+de Charnace, Abbe de Gondi, and other courtiers_
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to Duke de Beaupreau_).
+
+Good-morning, Duke!
+
+DUKE DE BEAUPREAU.
+
+                      Good-morning!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                      Any news?
+
+DUKE DE BEAUPREAU.
+
+There's talk of a new cardinal.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                 Which one?
+The Archbishop of Arle?
+
+DUKE DE BEAUPREAU.
+
+                          No! Bishop of Autun.
+All Paris thinks he has obtained the hat.
+
+ABBE DE GONDI.
+
+'Tis his by right. He was commander of
+Artillery at the siege of La Rochelle.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+That's true!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                The Holy See has my approval.
+This one will be a cardinal according
+To the canons.
+
+ABBE DE GONDI (_laughing_).
+
+                       L'Angely--the fool!
+
+L'ANGELY (_bowing_).
+
+My lord knows all my names.
+
+[_Laffemas enters; all the Courtiers vie with each other in paying
+court to him and surrounding him. Duke de Bellegarde watches them with
+vexation._
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to_ L'Angely).
+
+                               Fool, who's that man
+Who wears the ermine cloak?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                               Whom every one
+Is paying court to?
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                        Yes. I know him not.
+Is he a follower of Monsieur d'Orleans?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+They would not fawn on him so much.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_watching Laffemas, who struts about_).
+
+                                       What airs!
+As if he were grandee of Spain!
+
+L'ANGELY (_low_).
+
+                                 It is
+Sir Laffemas, intendant of Champagne,
+Lieutenant-Criminal--
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_low_).
+
+                         Infernal, say!
+He's called the Cardinal's executioner?
+
+L'ANGELY (_still low_).
+
+The same.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+               That man at Court!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                                    Why not? One extra
+Tiger-cat in the menagerie!
+Shall I present him?
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_haughtily_).
+
+                        Peace, you fool!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                                           I think
+I'd cultivate him if I were a lord.
+Be friendly! Unto each man comes his day.
+If he takes not your hand, he may your head.
+
+[_He seeks Laffemas, presents him to Duke de Bellegarde, who bows
+with ill-concealed displeasure._
+
+LAFFEMAS (_bowing_).
+
+Sir Duke!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+              Sir, I am charmed--
+                        [_Aside._] Upon my life,
+We're fallen low, Monsieur de Richelieu!
+       [_Laffemas walks away._
+
+VISCOUNT DE ROHAN (_bursting into laughter among a group of
+Courtiers in the back of the hall_).
+
+Delightful!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                What?
+
+VISCOUNT DE ROHAN.
+
+                         That Marion is here.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Here--Marion?
+
+VISCOUNT DE ROHAN.
+
+                      We were just saying this:
+"Chaste Louis's guest is Marion." How rich!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+A charming piece of wit, indeed, my lord!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to Count de Charnace_).
+
+Sir wolf-hunter, have you found any prey?
+Is hunting good?
+
+COUNT DE CHARNACE
+
+                        There's nothing! Yesterday
+I had great expectations, for three peasants
+Had been devoured by wolves. At first I thought
+We would find several at Chambord. I beat
+The woods, but not a wolf, nor trace of one!
+[_To L'Angely._]  Fool, know you anything that's gay?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                       Nothing,
+My lord, except two men will soon be hanged
+At Beaugency for dueling.
+
+ABBE DE GONDI.
+
+                             So little,
+Bah!      [_The small gilt door is opened._
+
+AN USHER.
+
+      The King!
+
+[_The King enters; he is in black, his eyes are cast down. The order
+of the Holy Ghost is on his doublet and his cloak. Hat on his head. The
+Courtiers all uncover and range themselves, silently, in two rows. The
+Guards lower their pikes and present muskets._
+
+
+SCENE VI
+
+_The same. The King. The King enters slowly, passes through the
+crowd of Courtiers, without lifting his head, stops at front of stage,
+and stands for several instants absorbed and silent. The Courtiers
+retire to the back of the hall_
+
+THE KING.
+
+All things move on from bad to worse. Yes, all!
+      [_To Courtiers, nodding his head._
+God keep you, gentlemen!
+
+[_He throws himself into a large armchair and sighs profoundly._
+
+                          I have slept ill!
+      [_To Duke de Bellegarde._
+My lord!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_advancing with three profound salutations_).
+
+            The time for sleeping, sire, is past.
+
+THE KING (_eagerly_).
+
+True, Duke! The State is rushing to destruction
+With giant strides!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                           'Tis guided by a hand
+Both strong and wise.
+
+THE KING.
+
+                      He bears a heavy burden,
+Our good lord cardinal!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                       Sire!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                            He is old.
+I ought to spare him, but I have enough
+To do with living, without reigning!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                    Sire,
+The Cardinal's not old!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                       Pray, tell me frankly--
+No one is watching or is listening here--
+What do you think of him?
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                         Of whom, sire?
+
+THE KING.
+
+                                       Him!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+His Eminence?
+
+THE KING.
+
+             Of course!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                       My dazzled eyes
+Can hardly fix themselves--
+
+THE KING.
+
+                           Is that your frankness?
+There is no cardinal here, nor red, nor gray!
+No spies! Speak! Why are you afraid? The King
+Wants your opinion of the Cardinal.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+Entirely frank, sire?
+
+THE KING.
+
+                     Yes, entirely frank.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_boldly_).
+
+Well, then, I think him a great man!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                                    If needful
+You would proclaim it on the house-tops? Good!
+Can you not understand? The State, mark me,
+Is suffering, because he does it all
+And I am nothing!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                 Ah!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                    Rules he not war
+And peace, finances, states? Makes he not laws,
+Edicts, mandates, and ordinances too?
+Through treachery he broke the Catholic league;
+He strikes the house of Austria--friendly
+To me--to which the Queen belongs.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                  Ah, sire,
+He lets you keep a vivary within
+The Louvre. You have your share.
+
+THE KING.
+                            Then he intrigues
+With Denmark.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+             But he let you fix the marc
+Among the jewelers.
+
+THE KING (_whose ill-humor increases_).
+
+                   He fights with Rome!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+He let you issue an edict, alone,
+By which a citizen was not allowed
+To eat more than a crown's worth at a tavern,
+E'en though he wished to.
+
+THE KING.
+
+                         All the treaties he
+Concludes in secret.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                    Yes; but then you have
+Your hunting mansion at Planchette.
+
+THE KING.
+
+                                   All--all!
+He does it all! All with petitions rush
+To him! I'm but a shadow to the French!
+Is there a single one who comes to me
+For help?
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+         Those who have the king's evil come.
+
+[_The anger of The King increases._
+
+THE KING.
+
+He means to give my order to his brother!
+I will not have it! I rebel.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                            But, sire--
+
+THE KING.
+
+I am disgusted with his people!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                               Sire!
+
+THE KING.
+
+His niece, Combalet, leads a model life.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+'Tis slander, sire!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                   Two hundred foot-guards!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                                           But
+Only a hundred horse-guards!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                            What a shame!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+He saves France, sire.
+
+THE KING.
+
+                      Does he? He damns my soul!
+With one arm fights the heathen, with the other
+He signs a compact with the Huguenots.
+      [_Whispering to Duke de Bellegarde._
+Then, if I dared to count upon my hand
+The heads--the heads that fall for him at Greve!
+All friends of mine! His purple robes are made
+Of their hearts' blood! 'Tis he who forces me
+To wear eternal mourning.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                         Treats he his own
+More kindly? Did he spare Saint Preuil?
+
+THE KING.
+
+                                       He has
+A bitter tenderness, they say, for those
+He loves. He must love me tremendously!
+
+[_Abruptly, after a pause, folding his arms._
+
+He has exiled my mother!
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+                        But he thinks
+He does your will. He's faithful. He is firm
+And sure.
+
+THE KING.
+
+         I hate him! He is in my way.
+He crushes me! I am not master here--
+Not free! And yet I might be something. Ah,
+When he walks o'er me with such heavy tread,
+Does he not fear to rouse a slumbering king?
+For trembling near me, be it ne'er so high,
+His fortune vacillates with every breath
+I draw, and all would crumble at a word,
+Did I wish loud, what I wish in my heart!
+      [_A pause._
+That man makes good men bad, and bad men vile!
+The kingdom, like the king, already sick,
+Grows worse. Without is cardinal, within
+Is cardinal; no king is anywhere!
+He torments Austria, lets any one
+Capture my vessels in Gascony's Bay.
+Allies me with Gustavus Adolphus!
+What more? I do not know. He's everywhere:
+As if he were soul of the king, he fills
+My kingdom, and my family, and me.
+I am much to be pitied.      [Going to window.
+                       Always rain.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
+
+Your Majesty is suffering?
+
+THE KING.
+
+                          I am bored.
+      [_A pause._
+I am the first in France and yet the last!
+I'd change my lot to lead a poacher's life--
+To hunt all day; to have no cares to fret
+The pleasures of the chase; to sleep 'neath trees;
+To laugh at the King's officers, to sing
+During the storm; to live as freely in the woods
+As birds live in the air. The peasant in
+His hut, at least, is master and is king;
+But with that scarlet man forever there,
+Forever stern and cold, and speaking thus,
+"This must be your good pleasure, sire!" Oh, outrage!
+This man conceals me from my people's gaze.
+As with young children, he hides me beneath
+His robe; and when a passer-by asks, "Who
+Is that behind the Cardinal?" they say,
+"The King!" Then there are new lists every day.
+Last week the Huguenots; the duelists
+To-day! He wants their heads. Such a great crime--
+A duel! But the heads; what does he do
+With them?
+
+[_Duke de Bellegarde stamps his foot. Enter Marquis de Nangis and
+Marion._
+
+
+SCENE VII
+
+_The same. Marion, Marquis de Nangis. Marquis de Nangis advances
+with his escort to within a few steps of The King; he kneels there.
+Marion falls on her knees at the door_
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+          Justice, my sire.
+
+THE KING.
+
+                           Against whom? Speak!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+Against a cruel tyrant--against Armand,
+Called here the cardinal-minister!
+
+MARION.
+
+                                  Mercy,
+My sire!
+
+THE KING.
+
+        For whom?
+
+MARION.
+
+                 For Didier!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+                            And for him,
+Gaspard de Saverny!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                   I've heard those names.
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+Justice and mercy, sire!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                        What title?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+                                   Sire,
+I am uncle of one.
+
+THE KING.
+
+                  And you?
+
+MARION.
+
+                          I'm sister
+Unto the other!
+
+THE KING.
+
+               Why do you come here,
+Sister and uncle?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_indicating first one of The King's hands,
+then the other_).
+
+                 To entreat mercy
+From this hand, and justice from that! My sire,
+I, William, Marquis de Nangis, Captain
+Of Hundred Lances, Baron of Mountain
+And Field, do make appeal to my two lords--
+The King of France and God, for justice 'gainst
+Armand du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu.
+Gaspard de Saverny, for whom I make
+This prayer, is my nephew--
+
+MARION (_low to Marquis de Nangis_).
+
+                           Oh, speak for both,
+My lord!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_continuing_).
+
+        Last month he had a duel with
+A captain, a young nobleman, Didier.
+Of parentage uncertain. 'Twas a fault.
+They were too rash and brave. The minister
+Had stationed sergeants--
+
+THE KING.
+
+                         Yes, I know the story.
+Well, what have you to say?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+                           That 'tis high time
+You thought about these things! The Cardinal-Duke
+Has more than one disastrous scheme afoot.
+He drinks the best blood of your subjects, sire!
+Your father, Henry IV., of royal heart,
+Would not have sacrificed his nobles thus!
+He never struck them down without dire need!
+Well served by them, he sought to guard them well.
+He knew good soldiers had more use in them
+Than trunkless heads. He knew their worth in war,
+This soldier-king whose doublet smelled of battle!
+Great days were those. I shared, I honor them!
+A few of the old race are living yet.
+Never could priest have touched one of those lords.
+There was no selling of a great head cheap!
+Sire, in these treacherous days to which we've come,
+Trust an old man, keep a few nobles by.
+Perhaps, in your turn, you will need their help.
+The time may come when you will groan to think
+Of all the honors lavished on La Greve!
+Then, sadly, your regretful eyes will seek
+Those lords indomitably brave and true,
+Who, dead so long, had still been young to-day.
+The country's heart yet pants with civil war;
+The tocsin of past years re-echoes yet,
+Be saving of the executioner's arm!
+He is the one should sheathe his sword, not we!
+Be miserly with scaffolds, O my sire!
+'Twill be a woful thing some later day
+To mourn this great man's help, who hangs to-day
+A whitening skeleton on gallows-tree!
+For blood, my king, is no good, wholesome dew.
+You'll reap no crops from irrigated Greve!
+The people will avoid the sight of kings.
+That flattering voice which tells you all is well,
+Tells you you're son of Henry IV., and Bourbon--
+That voice, my sire, however high it soars,
+Can never drown the thud of falling heads!
+Take my advice: play not this costly game.
+You, King, are bound to look God in the face,
+Hark to the words of fate, ere it rebels!
+War is a nobler thing than massacre!
+'Tis not a prosperous nor joyful State
+When headsmen have more work than soldiers have!
+He for our country is a pastor hard,
+Who dares collect his tithes in slaughtered heads!
+Look! this proud lord of inhumanity
+Who holds your scepter has blood-covered hands!
+
+THE KING.
+
+The Cardinal's my friend! Who loves me must
+Love him!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+         Sire!
+
+THE KING.
+
+              Silence! He's my second self.
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+Sire!
+
+THE KING.
+
+     Bring no more such griefs to trouble me!
+
+[_Showing his hair, which is beginning to turn gray._
+
+Petitioners like you make these gray hairs!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+An old man, sire; a woman, sire, who weeps!
+A word from you is life or death for us!
+
+THE KING.
+
+What do you ask?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+                 Pardon for my Gaspard!
+
+MARION.
+
+Pardon for Didier!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                  Pardons of a king
+Are often thefts from justice!
+
+MARION.
+
+                              Oh, no, sire!
+Since God himself is merciful, you need
+Not fear! Have pity! Two young, thoughtless men,
+Pushed by this duel o'er a precipice
+To die! Good God! to die upon the gallows!
+You will have pity, won't you? I don't know
+How people talk to kings--I'm but a woman;
+To weep so much perhaps is wrong. But oh,
+A monster is that cardinal of yours.
+Why does he hate them? They did naught to him.
+He never saw my Didier. All who do
+Must love him! They're so young--these two! To die
+For just a duel! Think about their mothers.
+Oh, it is horrible! You will not do it, sire!
+We women cannot talk as well as men.
+We've only cries and tears and knees, which bend
+And totter as kings turn their eyes on us.
+They were in fault, of course! But if they broke
+Your law, you can forgive it! What is youth?
+Young people are so heedless! For a look,
+A word, a trifle, anything or nothing,
+They always lose their heads like that! Such things
+Are happening every day. Each noble, here,
+He knows it. Ask them, sire! Is it not true,
+My lords? Oh, frightful hour of agony!
+To know with one word you can save two lives!
+I'd love you all my life, sire, if you would
+Have mercy--mercy, God! If I knew how,
+I'd talk so that you'd have to say that word.
+You'd pardon them; you'd say, "I must console
+That woman, for her Didier is her soul."
+I suffocate, sire. Pity, pity me!
+
+THE KING.
+
+Who is this woman?
+
+MARION.
+
+                  She's a sister, sire,
+Who trembles at your feet. You owe something
+Unto your people!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                 Yes! I owe myself
+To them, and dueling does grievous harm.
+
+MARION.
+
+You should have pity!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                     And obedience, too!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+Two boys of twenty years! Think of it well!
+Their years together are but half of mine!
+
+MARION.
+
+Your Majesty, you have a mother, wife,
+A son--some one at least who's dear to you!
+A brother? Then have pity for a sister!
+
+THE KING.
+
+No, I have not a brother!      [_Reflects a moment._
+                         Yes, _Monsieur_!
+
+[_Perceiving the escort of Marquis de Nangis._
+
+Well, my lord marquis, what is this brigade?
+Are we besieged, or off to the Crusades?
+To bring your guards thus boldly in my sight,
+Are you a duke and peer?
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
+
+                        I'm better, sire,
+Than any duke and peer, created for mere show!
+I'm Breton baron of four baronies.
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_aside_).
+
+His pride is great, and here, unfortunate!
+
+THE KING.
+
+Good! To your manors carry back your rights,
+And leave us ours within our own domain.
+We are justiciary!
+
+MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_shuddering_).
+
+                  Sire, reflect!
+Think of their age, their expiated fault!
+      [_Falling on his knees._
+The pride of an old man, who, prostrate, kneels!
+Have mercy!
+
+[_The King makes an abrupt sign of anger and refusal._
+
+             I was comrade to Henry!
+Your father and our father! I was there
+When he--that monster--struck the fatal blow.
+'Til night I watched beside my royal dead:
+It was my duty. I have seen my father
+And my six brothers fall 'neath rival factions;
+I have lost the wife who loved me. Now
+The old man standing here is like a victim
+Whom a hard executioner, for sport,
+Has bound unto the wheel the whole long day.
+My master, God has broken every limb
+With His great iron rod! 'Tis night-time now,
+And I've received the final blow! Farewell,
+My king! God keep you!
+
+[_He makes a profound obeisance, and exits. Marion lifts herself with
+difficulty, and, staggering, falls on the threshold of the gilt door of
+The King's private room._
+
+THE KING (_to Duke de Bellegarde, wiping his eyes and watching the
+retreating figure of Marquis de Nangis_).
+
+                    A sad interview!
+Ah, not to weaken, kings must watch themselves!
+To do right is not easy. I was touched.
+
+[_Reflects for a moment, then interrupts himself suddenly._
+
+No pardoning to-day, for yesterday
+I sinned too much!
+
+[_Approaching Duke de Bellegarde._
+
+                  Before he came, my lord,
+You said bold things, which may be bad for you
+When I report to my lord cardinal
+The conversation we have had. I'm sorry
+For you, Duke. In the future, have more care!
+I slept so wretchedly, my poor Bellegarde.
+
+[_With a gesture dismissing Courtiers and Guards._
+
+Pray leave us, gentlemen!
+          [_To L'Angely._] Stay, you!
+
+[_All go out except Marion, whom The King does not see. Duke de
+Bellegarde sees her crouching on the threshold of the door and goes to
+her._
+
+DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_low to Marion_).
+
+                                  My child,
+You can't remain here, crouching by this door;
+What are you doing like a statue there?
+Get up and go away!
+
+MARION.
+
+                   I'm waiting here
+For them to kill me!
+
+L'ANGELY (_low to Duke de Bellegarde_).
+
+                    Leave her there, my lord!
+[_Low to Marion._] Remain!
+
+[_He returns to The King, who is seated in the great armchair and is
+in a profound reverie._
+
+
+SCENE VIII
+
+The King, L'Angely
+
+THE KING (_sighing deeply_).
+
+                  Ah! L'Angely, my heart is sick.
+'Tis full of bitterness. I cannot smile.
+You, only, have the power to cheer me. Come!
+You stand in no awe of my majesty.
+Come, throw a glint of pleasure in my soul.
+      [_A pause._
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Life is a bitter thing, your Majesty.
+
+THE KING.
+
+Alas!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+     Man is a breath ephemeral!
+
+THE KING.
+
+A breath, and nothing more!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                           Unfortunate
+Is any one who is both man and king.
+Is it not true?
+
+THE KING.
+
+               A double burden--yes.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+And better far than life, sire, is the tomb,
+If but its gloom is deep enough!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                              I've thought
+That always!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+            To be dead or unborn is
+The only happiness. Yes, man's condemned!
+
+THE KING.
+
+You give me pleasure when you talk like this!
+      [_A silence._
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Once in the tomb, think you one e'er gets out?
+
+THE KING (_whose sadness has increased with the Fool's words_).
+
+We'll know that later. I wish I were there!
+      [_Silence._
+Fool, I'm unhappy! Do you comprehend?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+I see it in your face so thin and worn,
+And in your mourning--
+
+THE KING.
+
+                      Ah, why should I laugh?
+Your tricks are lost on me! What use is life
+To you? The fine profession! Jester to the King!
+Bell out of tune, a jumping-jack to play with,
+Whose half-cracked laugh is but a poor grimace!
+What is there in the world for you, poor toy?
+Why do you live?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                For curiosity.
+But you--why should you live? I pity you!
+I'd sooner be a woman than a king
+Like you. I'm but a jumping-jack whose string
+You hold; but underneath your royal coat
+There's hid a tauter string, a strong arm holds.
+Better a jumping-jack in a king's hands
+Than in a priest's, my sire.
+          [_Silence._
+
+THE KING (_thinking, growing more and more sad_).
+
+                            You speak the truth,
+Although you laugh. He is a fearful man!
+Has Satan made himself a cardinal?
+What if 'twere Satan who possessed my soul!
+What say you?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+             I have often had that thought
+Myself!
+
+THE KING.
+
+       We must not speak thus. 'Tis a sin!
+Behold, how dire misfortune follows me!
+I had some Spanish cormorants. I come
+To this place--not a drop of water here
+For fishing! In the country! Not a pond
+In this accursed Chambord large enough
+To drown a flesh-worm! When I wish to hunt--
+The sea! And when I wish to fish--the fields!
+Am I unfortunate enough?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                        Your life
+Is full of woe.
+
+THE KING.
+
+              How will you comfort me?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Another grief! You hold in high esteem,
+And justly too, the art of training hawks
+For hunting partridges. A good huntsman--
+You're one--ought to respect the falconer.
+
+THE KING.
+
+The falconer! A god!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                    Well! there are two
+Who are at point of death!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                          Two falconers?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Yes!
+
+THE KING.
+
+    Who are they?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                 Two famous ones!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                                 But who?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Those two young men whose lives were begged of you!
+
+THE KING.
+
+Gaspard and Didier?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                   Yes; they are the last.
+
+THE KING.
+
+What a calamity! Two falconers!
+Now that the art is very nearly lost.
+Unhappy duel! When I'm dead, this art
+Will go from earth, as all things go at last!
+Why did they fight this duel?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                              One declared
+That hawks upon the wing were not as swift
+As falcons.
+
+THE KING.
+
+          He was wrong. But yet that seems
+Scarcely a hanging matter--      [_Silence._
+                            And my right
+Of pardon is inviolable--though
+I am too lenient, says the Cardinal!      [_Silence._
+[_To L'Angely._] The Cardinal desires their death?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                                He does!
+
+THE KING (_after pausing and reflecting_).
+
+Then they shall die!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                    They shall!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                              Poor falconry!
+
+L'ANGELY (_going to window_).
+
+Sire, look!
+
+THE KING (_turns around suddenly_).
+
+        At what?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                Just look, I beg of you!
+
+THE KING (_rising and going to the window_).
+
+What is it?
+
+L'ANGELY (_indicating something outside_).
+
+            They have changed the sentinel!
+
+THE KING.
+
+Well, is that all?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                  Who is that fellow with
+The yellow lace?
+
+THE KING.
+
+                No one--the corporal!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+He puts a new man there. What says he, low?
+
+THE KING.
+
+The password! Fool! What are you driving at?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+At this: Kings act the part of sentinels.
+Instead of pikes, a scepter they must bear.
+When they have strutted 'round their little day,
+Death comes--the corporal of kings--and puts
+Another scepter-bearer in their place,
+Speaking the password which God sends, and which
+Is clemency.
+
+THE KING.
+
+           No, it is justice. Ah,
+Two falconers! It is a frightful loss!
+Still, they must die.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                     As you must die, and I.
+Or big or little, death has appetite
+For all. But though they've not much room,
+The dead sleep well. The Cardinal annoys
+And wearies you. Wait, sire! A day, a month,
+A year; when we have played as long as needful--
+I, my own part of fool; you, king; and he,
+The master--we will go to sleep. No matter
+How proud or great we are, no one shall have
+More than six feet of territory there.
+Look! how they bear his lordly litter now!
+
+THE KING.
+
+Yes, life is dark; the tomb alone is bright.
+If you were not at hand to cheer me up--
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Alas! I came to-day to say farewell.
+
+THE KING.
+
+What's that?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+            I leave you!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                        You're a crazy fool!
+Death, only, frees from royal service.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                                  Well,
+I am about to die!
+
+THE KING.
+
+                  Have you gone mad?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+You have condemned me--you, the King of France!
+
+THE KING.
+
+If you are joking, fool, explain yourself.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+I shared the duel of those two young men--
+At least my sword did, sire, if I did not.
+I here surrender it.
+
+[_Draws his sword and, kneeling, presents it to The King._
+
+THE KING (_takes it and examines it_).
+
+                    Indeed, a sword!
+Where does it come from, friend?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                                We're noble, sire!
+The guilty are not pardoned. I am one.
+
+THE KING (_somber and stern_).
+
+Good night, then! Let me kiss your neck, poor fool,
+Before they cut it off.      [_Embraces L'Angely._
+
+L'ANGELY (_aside_).
+
+                       He's in dead earnest!
+
+THE KING (_after a pause_).
+
+For never does a worthy king oppose
+The course of justice. But you claim too much,
+Lord Cardinal--two falconers and my fool!
+All for one duel!
+
+[_Greatly agitated, he walks up and down with his hand on his forehead.
+Then he turns to L'Angely, who is most anxious._
+
+                 Go! console yourself!
+Life is but bitterness, the tomb means rest.
+Man is a breath ephemeral.
+
+L'ANGELY (_aside_).
+
+                          The devil!
+
+[_The King continues to pace the floor and appears violently
+agitated._
+
+THE KING.
+
+And so, you think you'll have to hang, poor fool!
+
+L'ANGELY (_aside_).
+
+He means it! God! I feel cold perspiration
+Starting upon my brow.
+           [_Aloud._] Unless a word
+From you--
+
+THE KING.
+
+          Whom shall I have to make me laugh?
+If you should rise from out the tomb, come back
+And tell me all about it. 'Tis a chance!
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+The errand is a pleasant one!
+
+[_The King continues to walk rapidly, speaking to L'Angely now and
+then._
+
+THE KING.
+
+                            What triumph
+For my lord cardinal--my fool!
+      [_Folding his arms._
+                              Think you
+I could be master if I wished to be?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Montaigne would say, "Who knows?" And Rabelais,
+"Perhaps."
+
+THE KING (_with gesture of determination_).
+
+          Give me a parchment, fool.
+
+[_L'Angely eagerly hands a parchment which he finds on the table near
+the writing-desk. The King hastily writes a few words, then gives the
+parchment back to L'Angely._
+
+                                    Behold!
+I pardon all.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+             All three?
+
+THE KING.
+
+                       Yes.
+
+L'ANGELY (_running to Marion_).
+
+                           Come, madame,
+Come, kneel, and thank the King.
+
+MARION (_falling on her knees_).
+
+                                We have the pardon?
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Yes! It was I--
+
+MARION.
+
+               Whose knees must I embrace--
+His Majesty's or yours?
+
+THE KING (_astonished, examining Marion: aside_).
+
+                       What does this mean?
+Is this a trap?
+
+L'ANGELY (_giving parchment to Marion_).
+
+               Here is the pardon. Take it!
+
+[_Marion kisses it, and puts it in her bosom._
+
+THE KING (_aside_).
+
+Have I been duped?
+     [_To Marion._] One instant! Give it back!
+
+MARION.
+
+Good God!
+
+[_To The King, with courage, touching her breast._
+
+         Come here and take it, and tear out
+My heart as well!
+
+[_The King stops and steps backward, much embarrassed._
+
+L'ANGELY (_low to Marion_).
+
+                 Good! Keep it, and be firm!
+His Majesty won't take it, there!
+
+THE KING (_to Marion_).
+
+                                 Give it
+To me!
+
+MARION.
+
+      Take it, my sire!
+
+THE KING (_casting down his eyes_).
+
+                       Who is this siren?
+
+L'ANGELY (_low to Marion_).
+
+He wouldn't touch the corset of the Queen!
+
+THE KING (_after a moment's hesitation, dismisses Marion with
+a gesture without looking at her_).
+
+Well, go!
+
+MARION (_bowing profoundly to The King_).
+
+         I'll fly to save the prisoners!      [_Exits._
+
+L'ANGELY (_to The King_).
+
+She's sister to Didier, the falconer.
+
+THE KING.
+
+She can be what she will. It's very strange,
+The way she made me drop my eyes! Made me,
+A man--      [_Silence._
+       Fool, you have played a trick on me!
+I'll have to pardon you a second time.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+Yes, do it! Every time they grant a pardon,
+Kings lift a dreary weight from off their hearts.
+
+THE KING.
+
+You speak the truth. I always suffer when
+La Greve holds court. Nangis was right: the dead
+Serve nobody. To fill Montfaucon
+I make a desert of the Louvre!
+      [_Walking rapidly._
+                              'Tis treason
+To strike my right of pardon out, before
+My face. What can I do? Disarmed, dethroned,
+And fallen: in this man absorbed, as in
+A sepulcher! His cloak becomes my shroud:
+My people mourn for me as for the dead.
+I am resolved: those two boys shall not die!
+The joy of living is a heavenly gift.
+      [_After reflection._
+God, who knows where we go, can ope the tomb;
+A king cannot. Back to their families
+I give them; that old man, that fair young girl,
+Will bless me. It is said: I've signed it--I,
+The King. The Cardinal will be furious,
+But it will please Bellegarde.
+
+L'ANGELY.
+
+                              One can, sometimes,
+Be kingly by mistake.
+
+
+
+
+_ACT V_
+
+THE CARDINAL
+
+Scene.--_Beaugency. The tower of Beaugency. A courtyard; the tower in
+the background, all around a high wall. To the left, a tall arched door;
+to the right, a small rounded door in the wall; near the door a stone
+table and stone bench_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+_Some Workmen. They are pulling down a corner of the back wall on the
+left. The demolition is almost completed_
+
+FIRST WORKMAN (_working with his pickax_).
+
+                     It's very hard!
+
+SECOND WORKMAN (_working_).
+
+Deuce take this heavy wall we're pulling down!
+
+THIRD WORKMAN (_working_).
+
+Saw you the scaffold, Peter?
+
+FIRST WORKMAN.
+
+                            Yes, I did.
+
+[_He goes to the large door and measures it._
+
+The door is narrow; never will the litter
+Of the Lord Cardinal go through it.
+
+THIRD WORKMAN.
+
+                                  Bah!
+Is it a house?
+
+FIRST WORKMAN (_with affirmative gesture_).
+
+              With great long curtains. Yes.
+It takes some four and twenty men on foot
+To carry it.
+
+SECOND WORKMAN.
+
+            I saw the great machine,
+One night when it was very dark. It looked
+Just like Leviathan in shadow-land.
+
+THIRD WORKMAN.
+
+What does he come here with his sergeants for?
+
+FIRST WORKMAN.
+
+To see the execution of those two young men.
+He's sick. He needs to be amused.
+
+SECOND WORKMAN.
+
+                                 To work!
+
+[_They resume work; the wall is about torn down._
+
+Saw you the scaffold, all in black? That comes
+Of being noble!
+
+FIRST WORKMAN.
+
+               They have everything.
+
+SECOND WORKMAN.
+
+                                    I wonder
+If they would build a black scaffold for us.
+
+FIRST WORKMAN.
+
+What have those young men done that they should die?
+Hein? Do you understand, Maurice?
+
+THIRD WORKMAN.
+
+                                 I don't.
+It's justice.
+
+[_They continue their work. Laffemas enters; The Workmen are silent.
+He comes from the back as though he were coming from an inside court of
+the prison; stops beside The Workmen, appears to examine the breach,
+and gives them some directions. When the space is opened, he orders
+them to hang black cloth across it, which covers it entirely; then he
+dismisses them. At almost the same moment Marion appears, dressed in
+white, and veiled; she enters through the great door, crosses the court
+rapidly, and runs to the grating of the small door, at which she knocks.
+Laffemas follows slowly in the same direction. The grating is opened;
+The Turnkey appears._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+Marion, Laffemas
+
+MARION (_showing a parchment to The Turnkey_).
+
+             Order of the King!
+
+THE TURNKEY.
+
+                               You can't
+Enter, madame.
+
+MARION.
+
+              What!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_presenting a paper to The Turnkey_).
+
+                   Signed, the Cardinal!
+
+THE TURNKEY.
+
+Enter.
+
+[_When about to enter, Laffemas turns, looks at Marion a moment,
+then approaches her. The Turnkey shuts the door._
+
+LAFFEMAS (_to Marion_).
+
+      You here? This questionable place!
+
+MARION.
+
+I am.      [_Triumphantly showing the parchment._
+      I have the pardon!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_showing his_).
+
+                         Yes? I have
+The revocation!
+
+MARION (_with a cry of horror_).
+
+               Mine was yesterday--
+The morning!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+            Mine, last night!
+
+MARION (_with hands over her eyes_).
+
+                             My God! No hope!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Hope is a flash of lightning which deceives.
+The clemency of kings is a frail thing;
+It comes with lagging steps and goes with wings.
+
+MARION.
+
+The King was moved with pity for their fate!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+What can the King against the Cardinal?
+
+MARION.
+
+Oh, Didier, our last hope's extinguished now!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_low_).
+
+Not--not the last!
+
+MARION.
+
+                  Just Heaven!
+
+LAFFEMAS (_drawing near to her_).
+
+                              There is here
+A man whom one short word from you could make
+Happier than any king, and mightier too!
+
+MARION.
+
+Away!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+     Is that your answer?
+
+MARION (_haughtily_).
+
+                         I beg you!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+How fleeting are the whims of the fair sex!
+You were not always, madame, so severe!
+Now that 'tis question of your lover's life--
+
+MARION (_without looking at him, turning to the small door,
+her hands clasped_).
+
+If it would save your life, I could not go
+Back to that infamy. My soul's grown pure
+At touch of you, my Didier; sin is shamed.
+Your love gives back my lost virginity.
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+Well, love him!
+
+MARION.
+
+               Ah, he pushes me from crime
+To vice! Oh, monster, go! Let me keep pure!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+There is but one thing left for me to do!
+
+MARION.
+
+What is it?
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+           I can show you--let you see.
+It is to-night.
+
+MARION (_trembling all over_).
+
+               Oh, heaven! this night!
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                                      This night
+The Cardinal, in litter, will attend.
+
+[_Marion is buried in a deep and painful reverie. Suddenly she passes
+her two hands over her brow and turns, as if wild, toward Laffemas._
+
+MARION.
+
+How could you manage their escape?
+
+LAFFEMAS (_low_).
+
+                                   You mean?
+Two of my men could guard this place, by which
+The Cardinal passes--
+      [_He listens at the small door._
+                     I think some one comes!
+
+MARION (_wringing her hands_).
+
+You'll save him?
+
+LAFFEMAS.
+
+                Yes.
+             [_Low._] To tell you in this place--
+The walls have echoes--elsewhere.
+
+MARION (_with despair_).
+
+                                 Come!
+
+[_Laffemas goes toward the large door and signs to her to follow. She
+falls on her knees, turned toward the grating of the prison; then she
+arises with a convulsive effort and disappears through the great door
+after Laffemas. Saverny and Didier enter, surrounded by Guards._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_Didier, Saverny. Saverny, dressed in the latest fashion, enters
+gayly and petulantly. Didier is in black, walks slowly, is very pale.
+A jailer accompanied by Halberdiers conducts them. The Jailer places
+the two Halberdiers as sentinels beside the black curtain. Didier
+sits, silently, on the stone bench_
+
+SAVERNY (_to The Jailer, who opens the door for him_).
+
+                                        Thank you.
+The air is very good!
+
+THE JAILER (_low, and drawing him aside_).
+
+                     My lord, two words with you.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Four, if you like.
+
+THE JAILER (_lowering his voice still more_).
+
+                  Will you escape?
+
+SAVERNY (_eagerly_).
+
+                                  Speak! How?
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+That's my affair.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Truly?      [_The Jailer nods his head._
+      Lord Cardinal,
+You meant to keep me from attending balls,
+But it appears I am to dance again.
+The pleasant thing that life is!
+               [_To The Jailer._] When, my friend?
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+To-night, as soon as it is dark.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                My faith!
+I shall be charmed to leave these quarters. Whence
+Comes this assistance?
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+                      Marquis de Nangis.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+My good old uncle!
+ [_To The Jailer._] 'Tis for both, I hope!
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+I can save only one!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                    For twice as much?
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+I can save only one!
+
+SAVERNY (_tossing his head_).
+
+                    Just one?
+                      [_Low to The Jailer._] Then listen;
+Good jailer, that's the one to save!
+      [_Indicating Didier._
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+                                    You jest!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+I do not! He's the one!
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+                       What an idea!
+Your uncle wants to save you, not save him.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+It's settled? Then prepare two shrouds at once.
+
+[_Turns his back on The Jailer, who goes out, astonished. A
+Registrar enters._
+
+We can't be left alone an instant--strange!
+
+REGISTRAR (_saluting the prisoners_).
+
+The royal councilor of the Great Chamber
+Is close at hand.
+      [_Salutes them again and exits._
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                 'Tis well!      [_Laughing._
+                           Annoying luck!
+Twenty years old--September--and to die
+Before October!
+
+DIDIER (_motionless at front of stage, holding the portrait in his
+hand, and as if absorbed in a deep study of it_).
+
+               Come, look at me well!
+Eyes in my eyes: thus. You are beautiful!
+What radiant grace! Hardly a woman, you!
+No: much more like an angel. God Himself
+When He formed that divinely honest look
+Put much fire in it but more chastity.
+That childish mouth, pushed open by sweet hopes,
+Throbs with its innocence.
+
+[_Throwing the portrait violently to the ground._
+
+                          Why did that peasant
+Take me unto her breast? Why not have dashed
+My head against the stones? What did I do
+Unto my mother to be cursed with birth?
+Why, in that misery, it may be crime,
+Which forced her to abandon her own blood,
+Had she not motherhood enough to choke
+Me in her arms?
+
+SAVERNY (_returning from back of court_).
+
+               The swallows fly quite low;
+'Twill rain to-night.
+
+DIDIER (_without hearing him_).
+
+                     A faithless, a mad thing,
+A woman is: inconstant, cruel, deep,
+And turbulent as is the ocean. Ah,
+Upon that sea I trusted all my fortune!
+In all the vast horizon saw one star!
+Well! I am shipwrecked! Nothing's left but death.
+Yet I was born good-hearted: might have found
+The spark divine within me by-and-by.
+Fair looked the future! Oh, remorseless woman,
+Did you not shrink in face of such a lie,
+Since to your mercy I trusted my soul?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Forever Marion! You've strange ideas
+About her!
+
+DIDIER (_without heeding him, picks up the picture and fixes his eyes
+upon it_).
+
+          Down 'mongst the degraded things
+I must throw you, oh, woman who betrays!
+A demon, with eyes touched by angels' wings.
+      [_Puts it back into his breast._
+Come back; here is your place!
+       [_Approaching Saverny._] A curious thing!
+That portrait is alive; I do not jest.
+While you were sleeping there so peacefully
+It gnawed my heart all night.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                             Alas! poor friend.
+We'll talk of death.
+           [_Aside._] It comforts him, although
+I find it rather sad.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                     What did you say?
+I have not listened. Since I heard that name
+I have been stupefied. I cannot think:
+I can't remember, cannot hear nor see!
+
+SAVERNY (_taking hold of his arm_).
+
+Death, friend!
+
+DIDIER (_joyfully_).
+
+              Oh, yes!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                      Let's talk about it.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                          Yes!
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+What is it, after all?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                      Did you sleep well
+Last night?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+           No, badly, for my bed was hard.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+When you are dead, your bed will be much harder,
+But you will sleep extremely well--that's all.
+They've made hell splendidly; but by the side
+Of life, it's nothing.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                      Good! My fears are gone!
+But to be hanged! That certainly is bad.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+You're getting death; don't be an egotist.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You can be satisfied; but I am not.
+I'm not afraid of death--that is no boast--
+When death is death, but on the gallows!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                        Well,
+Death has a thousand forms--gallows are one.
+That moment is not pleasant when the rope
+Puts out your life as one puts out a flame,
+Choking your throat to let your soul fly up;
+But, after all, what matter? If all's dark,
+If only all this earth is hidden well,
+What matter if a tomb lies on one's breast?
+What matter if the night-winds howl and blow
+About the strings of flesh crows tore from you
+When you were on the gibbet? What care you?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You're a philosopher.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                     Yes, let them rave.
+Let vultures tear my flesh, let worms consume,
+As they consume all, even kings; my body
+Is what's concerned, not I. What do I care?
+When sepulchers shut down our mortal eye,
+The soul lifts up the mighty mass of stone
+And flies away--
+
+[_A Councilor enters, preceded and followed by Halberdiers in black._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+_The same. Councilor of the Great Chamber, in full dress, The
+Jailer, Guards_
+
+THE JAILER (_announcing_).
+
+                The Councilor of the King!
+
+COUNCILOR (_saluting Saverny and Didier in turn_).
+
+My mission's painful and the law severe--
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+I understand: there is no hope! Speak, sir!
+
+COUNCILOR (_unfolds a parchment and reads_).
+
+"We, Louis, King of France and of Navarre,
+Reject appeals made by these men condemned,
+But moved by pity, change the punishment
+And order them beheaded."
+
+SAVERNY (_joyfully_).
+
+                         God be praised!
+
+COUNCILOR (_saluting them once more_).
+
+You are to hold yourselves in readiness;
+It will take place to-day.
+      [_He salutes and prepares to exit._
+
+DIDIER (_who has remained in the same thoughtful attitude, to Saverny_).
+
+                          As I was saying,
+After this death, although the corpse be mangled,
+Though every limb be stamped with hideous wounds,
+Though arms be twisted, broken every bone,
+Though through the mire the body has been dragged,
+From out that putrid, bleeding, awful flesh
+The soul shall rise, unstained, untouched, and pure.
+
+COUNCILOR (_coming back, to Didier_).
+
+'Tis well to occupy yourselves with such
+Great thoughts.
+
+DIDIER (_gently_).
+
+               Please do not interrupt me, sir.
+
+SAVERNY (_gayly to Didier_).
+
+No gallows!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+           Order of the fete is changed,
+I know. The Cardinal travels with his headsman,
+And he must be employed; the ax will rust.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+You're cool about it, yet the stake is great.
+[_To The Councilor._] Thank you for such good news.
+
+COUNCILOR.
+
+                                                   I wish 'twere better!
+Good sir, my zeal--
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                   Excuse me. What's the hour?
+
+COUNCILOR.
+
+At nine o'clock to-night.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                         I hope the sky
+Will be as dark as is my soul.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                              The place?
+
+COUNCILOR (_indicating the neighboring court_).
+
+Here in the court. The Cardinal will come.
+
+[_Councilor exits with his escort. The two prisoners remain alone. Day
+begins to fade. The halberds of the two sentinels, who silently
+promenade before the breach, are all that can be seen._
+
+DIDIER (_solemnly, after a pause_).
+
+At this portentous hour we must reflect
+Upon the fate awaiting us. Our years
+Are equal, though I'm older far than you.
+It is but just, therefore, that mine should be
+The voice to cheer and to exhort you, since
+I am the cause of all your misery.
+'Twas I who challenged you. You were content
+And happy: 'twas enough for me to pass
+Across your life to ruin it. My fate
+Pressed down upon yours 'til it crushed it. Now,
+Together, we are soon to face the tomb.
+We'll take each other's hand--
+      [_Sound of hammering._
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                              What is that noise?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+It is our scaffold which they're building, or
+Our coffins they are nailing.
+
+[_Saverny sits on the stone bench._
+
+                             When the hour
+Has tolled, sometimes the heart of man gives way.
+Life holds us in a thousand secret ways.
+      [_A bell strikes._
+I think a voice is calling to us. Hark!
+      [_Another bell._
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+The hour is striking.
+      [_A third bell._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                     Yes, the hour!
+      [_A fourth bell._
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                                   In chapel!
+      [_Four more bells._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+It is a voice that calls us, just the same.
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+Another hour!
+
+[_He leans his elbows on the stone table and drops his head on his
+hands. The Guard is changed._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+             My friend, do not give way!
+Don't falter on this threshold we must cross.
+The tomb they're fitting up for us is low,
+And won't permit the entrance of a head.
+Let's go to meet them with a fearless tread.
+The scaffold can afford to shake, not we.
+They claim our heads; and since no fault is ours,
+We'll bear them proudly to the fatal block.
+
+[_Approaches Saverny, who is motionless._
+
+Courage!
+
+[_Touches his arm and finds he is asleep._
+
+        Asleep! While I've been preaching courage
+This man has slept! What is my bravery
+Compared to his? Sleep on, you who can sleep.
+My turn will come--provided all things die,
+That nothing of the heart survives within
+The tomb, to hate what it has loved too much.
+
+[_It is night. While Didier has become absorbed in his thoughts,
+Marion and The Jailer enter through the opening in the wall; The
+Jailer precedes her. He carries a dark-lantern and a bundle, both of
+which he places on the ground, then advances cautiously toward Marion,
+who has remained standing on the threshold, pale, motionless,
+half-wild._
+
+
+SCENE VI
+
+[The scenes are mis-numbered in the book and skip from the number IV
+to the number VI in Act V. (note of etext transcriber)]
+
+_The same._ Marion, The Jailer
+
+
+THE JAILER (_to Marion)._
+
+Be sure to come at the appointed hour.
+
+[_Goes up stage; during the rest of this scene he continues to walk up
+and down at the back._
+
+MARION (_advances with tottering steps as if absorbed in some
+desperate thought. Every now and then she draws her hand across
+her face as if to rub off something_).
+
+His lips, like red-hot iron, have branded me!
+
+[_Suddenly she discovers Didier, gives a cry, runs and throws herself
+breathless at his feet._
+
+Didier--Didier!
+
+DIDIER (_roused with a start_).
+
+               Here, Marion! My God!
+[_Coldly._] 'Tis you?
+
+MARION.
+
+         Who should it be? Oh, leave me here--
+Here at your feet! It is the place I love!
+Your hands, your dear loved hands, give them--your hands!
+Oh, they are wounded! Those harsh chains did that.
+The wretched creatures! But I'm here--you know--
+Oh, it is terrible!      [_She weeps; her sobs are audible._
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                  Why do you weep?
+
+MARION.
+
+Why? Didier, I'm not weeping! No, I laugh!
+      [_She laughs._
+We'll soon escape from here! I laugh. I'm happy.
+You will live; the danger's passed.
+
+[_She falls again at Didier's feet and sobs._
+
+                                  My God!
+All this is killing me! I'm broken--crushed.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Madame--
+
+MARION (_rises, without hearing him, and gets the bundle and brings
+it to him_).
+
+        Now hurry! We have not much time!
+Take this disguise. I've bribed the sentinels.
+We'll leave Beaugency without being seen.
+Go down that street, at the wall's end, out there!
+The Cardinal will come to see them execute
+His orders; we can't lose an instant now.
+The cannon will be fired when he arrives,
+And we'll be lost if we should still be here.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+'Tis well!
+
+MARION.
+
+          Quick! hurry! Didier, you are saved!
+To be free! Didier, how I love you--God!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+You say a street where the wall ends?
+
+MARION.
+
+                                    I do.
+I saw it. I've been there. It is quite safe.
+I saw them close up the last window, too.
+It may be we shall meet some women, but
+They'll think you're just a passer-by. Come, love;
+When you are far off--please put on these things--
+We'll laugh to see you thus disguised. Come, dear!
+
+DIDIER (_pushing the clothes aside with his foot_).
+
+There is no hurry.
+
+MARION.
+
+                  Death waits at the door.
+Fly! Didier! Since I've come!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                            Why did you come?
+
+MARION.
+
+To save you! What a question to ask me!
+Why such a freezing tone?
+
+DIDIER (_with a sad smile_).
+
+                        Ah, well! We men
+Are often senseless.
+
+MARION.
+
+                  We are losing time.
+The horses wait. What you have in your mind,
+You'll tell me afterward. We must fly now.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Who is that man there watching us?
+
+MARION.
+
+                                  The jailer.
+He's safe; I bribed him, as I did the guard.
+Do you suspect them? You have such an air.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+It's nothing. We're so easily deceived.
+
+MARION.
+
+Come! Each lost moment chills me to the heart.
+I seem to hear the tread of that great crowd.
+Hasten, my Didier--on my knees--oh, fly!
+
+DIDIER (_indicating Saverny, asleep_).
+
+Tell me which one of us you want to save.
+
+MARION (_overcome for a moment_).
+
+[_Aside._] Gaspard is generous: he would not tell.
+[_Aloud._] Does Didier speak to his beloved thus?
+My Didier, what have you against me?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                    Naught.
+Lift up your face and look me in the eyes.
+
+[_Marion, trembling, fixes her eyes on him._
+
+It is a perfect likeness! Yes.
+
+MARION.
+
+                           My love,
+I worship you, but come!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                        Don't turn away!
+      [_He looks at her fixedly._
+
+MARION (_terrified at his look_).
+
+[_Aside._] The kisses of that man, he sees them! God!
+[_Aloud._] You have a secret, something against me!
+It hurts you! Tell me all about it, dear.
+You know we often make things worse by thinking,
+And too late find it out; then we regret.
+I had my share in all your thoughts, love, once!
+Speak, are those days for evermore gone by?
+Do you not love me now? Have you forgot
+My little room at Blois? Forgotten how
+We loved each other, till the world was lost?
+Sometimes you grew uneasy; then I said,
+"If any one should see him!" Oh, 'twas fine!
+But one day has destroyed it all. You've said
+A thousand times, in words that burned my soul,
+I was your love, I knew your secrets, I
+Could make you anything I chose. What have
+I ever asked? I've always thought with you!
+This time, oh, yield to me! It is your life
+I'm pleading for. My Didier, hark to me.
+Alive or dead, I swear to follow you.
+All things with you, love, will be sweet to me--
+To fly, or die upon the scaffold. What!
+You push me back? You shall not! Leave your hand,
+I want it. My poor brow, it does no harm
+To rest it on your knees. I am so tired;
+I ran so fast to come! What would they say,
+The people I knew once, to see me now?
+I was so gay, so merry; now I weep!
+What is it that you have against me? Speak!
+Oh, shame! You must let me lie at your feet.
+It's very cruel of you not to say
+One single word. When we have thoughts, we speak!
+'Twould be more merciful to stab me, love!
+See, I have dried my tears, and I am smiling.
+You smile too. Oh, if you don't smile at me,
+I will not love you! I have always done
+Just what you wanted; now it is your turn.
+These chains are what have chilled your soul. Love, smile
+And speak to me, and say "Marie."
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                 "Marie"
+Or "Marion"?
+
+MARION (_falls annihilated at his feet_).
+
+            Didier, be merciful!
+
+DIDIER (_with terrible tone_).
+
+Here, no one finds an entrance easily.
+Prisons of state are guarded night and day,
+The doors are iron, walls twenty cubits high;
+To open these remorseless doors, madame,
+To whom here did you prostitute yourself?
+
+MARION.
+
+Who told you?
+
+DIDIER.
+
+             No one; but I understand.
+
+MARION.
+
+Didier, I swear by every hope divine
+It was to save you, tear you from this place;
+To melt the executioner--to save you--
+Don't you hear?
+
+DIDIER (_folding his arms_).
+
+               I thank you! To descend
+As low as that! To have no shame, no soul!
+Oh, madame! can one be so infamous?
+
+[_Crossing the court with a great cry of rage._
+
+Who is this trader in disgrace and vice,
+Who puts a price like that upon my head?
+Where is the jailer, where the judge, the man?--
+That I may crush him as I crush this thing.
+
+[_He is about to break the portrait in his hands, but he stops, and
+beside himself, continues._
+
+The judge? Yes, gentlemen, make laws and judge!
+What matters it to me if the false weight
+Which swings your vile scales to this side or that
+Be made of woman's honor or man's life?
+[_To Marion._] Go to your lover!
+
+MARION.
+
+                 Do not treat me thus!
+Another word of scorn and I fall dead
+Here at your feet. If ever love was true
+And strong and pure, mine was. If any man
+Was ever worshiped by a woman, you
+Have been by me.
+
+DIDIER.
+
+              Hush! Do not speak! I might,
+For sorrow, have been born a woman too.
+I might have been as infamous as you.
+I might have sold myself, have given my breast
+To any passer-by, as place for rest.
+But if there came to me, in his frank way,
+An honest man, filled with the love of truth,
+If I had met a heart insane enough
+To keep its vain illusions all these years,
+Oh, sooner than not tell that honest man
+"I'm this," sooner than charm and dazzle him,
+Sooner than fail to warn him that my eyes
+So candid and my lips so pure were lies,
+Sooner than be perfidious and base like that,
+I'd want to dig my grave with my own hands.
+
+MARION.
+
+O God!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+      How you would laugh if you could see
+The picture that my heart painted of you!
+How wise you were to shatter it, madame!
+There you were chaste and beautiful and pure!
+What injury has this poor man done you,
+Who loved you on his bended knees?
+
+[_Presenting portrait to her._
+
+                                  Perhaps
+This is a fitting time to give you back
+This pledge of love ardent and true.
+
+MARION (_turning away with a cry_).
+
+                            Oh, shame!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Did you not have it painted just for me?
+
+[_He laughs, and dashes the locket to the ground._
+
+MARION.
+
+Will some one, out of pity, kill me now?
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+Time's passing.
+
+MARION.
+
+                Yes, it flies; and we are lost.
+Didier, I've not the right to say a single word.
+I am a woman to whom naught is due.
+You have rebuked and cursed me: you did well!
+I merit still more hate and shame. You've been
+Too kind; my broken, bruised heart is grateful.
+But the remorseless hour draws near. Away!
+The headsman you forget, remembers you.
+I've planned it all. You can escape. Now, listen--
+My God! do not refuse. You know how much
+It costs me. Hate me, strike me, curse me, leave
+Me to my shame, disown me, walk upon
+My bleeding heart--but fly!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                             Fly where? From whom?
+There's naught but you to fly from in this world;
+And I escape you, for the grave is deep.
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+The hour is passing.
+
+MARION.
+
+                     O my Didier, fly!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+I will not!
+
+MARION.
+
+            Just for pity!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                          Pity! why?
+
+MARION.
+
+To see you taken, bound! To see you--_there_!
+Only to think it makes me die of horror!
+Come! I will be a servant unto you.
+Come! Take me, when I have redeemed myself,
+Just to have something underneath your feet.
+The one you called "a wife" in times of trial--
+
+DIDIER.
+
+A wife!        [_Cannon sounds in the distance._
+        This makes of you a widow, then!
+
+MARION.
+
+Didier!
+
+THE JAILER.
+
+        The hour is past.
+
+[_Rolling of drums. Enter Councilor of the Great Chamber, accompanied
+by penitents bearing torches, and by Executioner. A crowd of soldiers
+and people follow._
+
+MARION.
+
+                         Ah, Christ!
+
+
+SCENE VII
+
+_The same. Councilor, Executioner, Populace, Soldiers_
+
+COUNCILOR.
+
+                                  I'm ready,
+Gentlemen!
+
+MARION (_to Didier_).
+
+           I told you that he'd come!
+
+DIDIER (_to Councilor_).
+
+We're ready also.
+
+COUNCILOR.
+
+                  Which is named Gaspard,
+Marquis de Saverny?
+
+[_Didier points to Saverny, who is asleep._
+
+[_To Executioner._]  Awaken him!
+
+EXECUTIONER (_shaking him_).
+
+How well he sleeps, my lord!
+
+SAVERNY (_rubbing his eyes_).
+
+                             Ah, how could you
+Break in on such a pleasant sleep!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                  'Tis only
+Interrupted, friend!
+
+SAVERNY (_half awake: sees Marion and salutes her_).
+
+                     Oh, I was dreaming
+About you, my beauty!
+
+COUNCILOR.
+
+                         Have you made
+Your peace with God?
+
+SAVERNY.
+
+                     I have, sir.
+
+COUNCILOR.
+
+                                  It is well.
+Please sign this paper!
+
+SAVERNY (_takes the parchment, runs over it_).
+
+                      'Tis the _proces-verbal_.
+Good! This is a most curious thing--account
+Of my own death, signed with my autograph!
+
+[_Signs, and reads the paper again: to Councilor._
+
+You have made three mistakes in spelling, sir.
+
+[_Takes the pen and corrects them. To Executioner._
+
+You have awakened me; put me to sleep!
+
+COUNCILOR (_to Didier_).
+
+Didier!
+
+[_Didier approaches: Councilor gives pen to him._
+
+       Your name is there.
+
+MARION (_hiding her eyes_).
+
+                           The grewsome thing!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+I could sign nothing with intenser joy!
+
+[_The Guards form themselves into a line to lead them away._
+
+SAVERNY (_to some one in the crowd_).
+
+Sir, step aside and let that young child see!
+
+DIDIER (_to Saverny_).
+
+My brother, 'tis for me you suffer death;
+Let us embrace each other!      [_He embraces Saverny._
+
+MARION (_running to him_).
+
+                           And for me
+No kisses, Didier!
+
+DIDIER (_indicating Saverny_).
+
+                   This is my friend, madame!
+
+MARION (_clasping her hands_).
+
+How hard you are upon me, a poor thing,
+Who always on my knees to king or judge
+Have begged mercy for you from every one!
+Pardon of them for you; pardon of you for me!
+
+DIDIER (_rushes to Marion, trembling, and bursting into tears_).
+
+No, I cannot! The torture's horrible!
+No, I have loved too much to leave her so!
+It is too hard to keep a cold, impassive face
+When underneath the heart is breaking down.
+Come to my arms, oh, woman, come!
+
+[_Presses her convulsively to his heart._
+
+                                 I love you!
+I'm about to die. Before them all,
+It is my loftiest joy to tell you this:
+I love you!
+
+MARION.
+
+           Didier!
+
+[_Embraces her again with rapture._
+
+                To my heart, oh, come!
+You who behold this direful tragedy,
+I wonder if there's one of you who would
+Refuse love unto one who'd given herself
+Entirely and unceasingly to him?
+Oh, I was wrong! Say, would you have me face
+Eternity without a pardon from
+Her lips? No! Stand by me and listen, love:
+Among all womankind--and those who hear
+Will prove me right by their own hearts--the one
+I love, the one in whom I trust, the one
+I venerate is you--is always you!
+For you were kind, devoted, loving, good.
+My life is almost ended. When death's near
+A clearer light illuminates all things.
+If you deceived me, 'twas excess of love;
+And if you fell, have you not cruelly atoned?
+Perhaps your mother--life's so hard--forgot
+You in your cradle, as my mother did;
+When you were young and helpless, perhaps they sold
+Your innocence. Ah, lift up your white brow!
+And listen, all of you. At such an hour
+The earth is a mere shadow and the heart
+Speaks true. Well, at this moment, from the height
+Of the dread scaffold--and there's naught so high
+When guiltless souls ascend it--here,
+I say to you, Marie, angel of light,
+Whose luster earth has dimmed, my love, my wife,
+In God's name, before whom I soon shall stand,
+I pardon you.
+
+MARION (_suffocated with tears_).
+
+             Ah, Christ!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                        It is your turn.
+Speak now, and pardon me!
+      [_He kneels before her._
+
+MARION.
+
+                         Didier!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                                Your pardon,
+Love! I was the most at fault, the most
+Unkind. God has chastised you much through me.
+Weep for me when I'm gone, because to have
+Hurt you is such a burden to take hence
+Into eternity. Don't leave it on me;
+Pardon me!
+
+MARION (_inaudibly_).
+
+          Have mercy on me--God!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+Just speak one word; put your sweet hands upon
+My forehead. If your heart is full and you
+Can't speak, please make a sign. I'm dying; you
+Must comfort me.
+
+[_Marion places her hand on his forehead; he rises, embraces her
+tenderly, with a smile of celestial joy._
+
+                Farewell! Come, gentlemen!
+Let us move on!
+
+MARION (_throws herself wildly between him and the Soldiers_).
+
+              Oh, no! Stop! This is madness!
+If you think you can behead him easily,
+You have forgotten I am here. Spare us!
+Oh, men! oh, soldiers, judge, people! Spare us!
+How do you want me to ask you? Upon
+My knees? Well, here I am! Now if
+In you there's anything that quivers at
+A woman's voice, if God has thrown no curse
+On you--don't kill him!
+[_To the spectators._]  Men and women--you!
+When you go back into your homes to-night,
+You'll find your mothers and your daughters; they
+Will say to you, "It was a wicked crime.
+You might have saved him, and you did not. Shame!"
+Didier, they ought to know that I must follow
+You! They will not kill you if they want
+To keep me living!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+                    Let me die, Marie.
+'Tis better, dear one, for my wound is deep;
+It would have taken too much time to heal.
+Better for me to go; but if, some time--
+You see I'm weeping too--another comes,
+A happier man, more fortunate than I,
+Think of your old friend sleeping in the tomb.
+
+MARION.
+
+You shall not die! Are these men all inhuman?
+You must live!
+
+DIDIER.
+
+              Don't ask things impossible.
+No; with your bright eyes, turn, illuminate
+My grave for me. Embrace me. You will love
+Me better, dead. I'll hold a sacred place
+In your dear memory. But if I lived,
+Lived near you with my lacerated soul--
+I, who have loved no one but you--you see
+It would be painful. I would make you weep.
+I'd have a thousand thoughts I could not speak.
+I'd seem to doubt you, watch you, worry you.
+You would be most unhappy. Let me die!
+
+COUNCILOR (_to Marion_).
+
+The Cardinal will pass by soon, madame!
+You can ask pardon for him then.
+
+MARION.
+
+                                  Oh, yes!
+The Cardinal is coming--that is true.
+You'll see, then, gentlemen, that he will hear!
+My Didier, you shall hear me talk to him!
+The Cardinal! Indeed, you must be all insane,
+To think such an old man--a Christian too,
+The gracious Cardinal--will not be glad
+To pardon you. Have you not pardoned me?
+
+[_Nine o'clock strikes. Didier makes sign to all to hush. Marion
+listens with terror. After the nine strokes have sounded, Didier goes
+and stands close to Saverny._
+
+DIDIER (_to the spectators_).
+
+You who have come to see the last of us,
+If any speak of us, bear witness all,
+That without faltering we have heard the hour
+Bring us its summons to eternity.
+
+[_The cannon sounds at the door of the tower; the black veil which
+concealed the opening in the wall, falls: the gigantic litter of The
+Cardinal appears, borne by twenty-four foot-guards, surrounded by
+twenty other guards bearing halberds and torches: the litter is scarlet
+and ornamented with the arms of the House of Richelieu. It crosses the
+back of the stage slowly. Great agitation among the crowd._
+
+MARION (_dragging herself up to the litter on
+her knees and wringing her hands_).
+
+In your Christ's name! In name of all your race,
+Mercy for them, my lord!
+
+A VOICE (_from the litter_).
+
+                          No mercy!
+
+[_Marion falls to the ground. The litter passes and the procession of
+the condemned men follows it. The crowd rush madly after them._
+
+MARION (_alone, lifts herself half way up, and drags herself along by
+her hands: looking around._)
+
+                                Ah!
+What did he say? Where are they gone? My love!
+My Didier! No one! Not a sound! Is it
+A dream--this place? the crowd?--or am I mad?
+
+[_The people rush back in disorder. The litter reappears in the
+background on the side where it went off. Marion rises and gives a
+terrible cry._
+
+He's coming back!
+
+GUARDS (_pushing the people aside_).
+
+                Make way!
+
+MARION (_erect and half-wild, pointing to the litter_).
+
+                          Look, all of you!
+It is the red man who goes by!
+      [_She falls senseless._
+
+
+
+
+
+ESMERALDA
+
+
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE
+
+  Esmeralda.
+  Phoebus de Chateaupers.
+  Claude Frollo.
+  Quasimodo.
+  Fleur-de-lys.
+  Madame Aloise de Gondelaurier.
+  Diana.
+  Berangere.
+  Viscount de Gif.
+  M. de Chevreuse.
+  M. de Morlaix.
+  Clopin Frouillefou.
+  The Town-Crier.
+  _Populace, Vagrants, Archers, etc._
+
+
+
+ESMERALDA
+
+
+
+
+_ACT I_
+
+SCENE.--_The Court of Miracles. It is night. A crowd of vagrants.
+Noisy dancing. Male and female beggars in different attitudes of their
+profession. The King of Thune on his cask. Fires, lights, torches. In
+the shadow a circle of wretched dwellings_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+_Claude Frollo, Clopin Frouillefou, then Esmeralda, then
+Quasimodo. The Vagrants_
+
+CHORUS OF VAGRANTS.
+
+Long live Clopin! Long live the King of Thune!
+Long live the rogues of Paris.
+Let us strike our blows at dusk--
+The hour when all the cats are drunk.
+Let us dance! Defy Pope and bull,
+And let us laugh in our skins,
+Whether April wets or June burns
+The feathers in our caps.
+Let us smell from afar
+The shot of the avenging archer,
+Or the bag of money which passes
+On the back of the traveler.
+In the light of the moon,
+We will go dance with the spirits.
+Long live Clopin, King of Thune!
+Long live the rogues of Paris!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_apart behind a pillar in a corner of the stage. He is
+covered with a long cloak which hides his priestly garb_).
+
+In the midst of this infamous band
+What matters the sigh of a soul?
+I suffer! Oh, never did fiercer flame
+Burn in the bowels of a volcano.      [_Esmeralda enters, dancing._
+
+CHORUS.
+
+There she is! There she is! It is she--Esmeralda!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).
+
+  It is she! oh, yes--'tis she!
+    Wherefore, relentless fate,
+  Made you her so beautiful,
+    Me--so unfortunate?
+
+[_She reaches the center of the stage. The Vagrants form an admiring
+circle around her._
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+  An orphan am I,
+    Child of woe,
+  To you I turn
+    And flowers throw!
+  In my wild joy
+    Sad sighs abide;
+  I show a smile,
+    The tears I hide.
+
+  Poor girl--I dance
+    Where brooklets run,
+  As chirp the birds
+    My song flows on:
+  I am the dove
+    Which, hurt, must fall;
+  Over my cradle
+    Hangs death's pall.
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  Young girl, dance on!
+    More gentle you make us.
+  Take us for family,
+    And play with us,
+  As stoops the nightingale
+    Unto the sea,
+  Teasing its waves
+    To ecstasy.
+
+  'Tis the young girl--
+    Child of woe,
+  When beams her eye
+    Grief must go.
+  She's like the bee
+    Which trembling flies
+  To the flower's heart,
+    Its Paradise.
+
+  Young girl, dance on!
+    More gentle you make us.
+  Take us for family,
+    And play with us!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).
+
+  Tremble, young girl--
+  The priest is jealous.
+
+[_Claude attempts to draw near to Esmeralda; she turns away from him
+with a kind of horror. The procession of the Pope of Fools enters.
+Torches, lanterns and music. In the middle of the procession, upon a
+litter surrounded with candles, Quasimodo, decked with cope and miter,
+is carried._
+
+CHORUS.
+
+Salute him, clerks of Vasoche!
+Shell-heaps, lubbers, beggars!
+Salute him, all of you! He comes.
+Behold the Pope of Fools!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_perceiving Quasimodo, and
+starting toward him with a gesture of anger_).
+
+Quasimodo! What a strange part to play!
+Profanation! Here--Quasimodo!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Great God! what do I hear?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Come here, I tell you.
+
+QUASIMODO (_jumping from the litter_).
+
+Here I am!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Be anathematized!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+God! it is himself!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Outrageous audacity!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Moment of terror.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+To your knees, traitor!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Pardon me, Master!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+No! I am a priest.
+
+[_Claude Frollo tears off Quasimodo's pontifical ornaments, and
+crushes them underfoot. The Vagrants begin to murmur; they form
+menacing groups around him; he looks at them angrily._
+
+THE VAGRANTS.
+
+He threatens us,
+O comrades!
+Here in this place,
+Where we reign.
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+What means the audacity
+Of these robbers?
+They menace him,
+But we shall see!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Race unclean,
+You menace me.
+Robbers--Jews--
+But we shall see!
+
+[_The anger of The Vagrants bursts forth._
+
+THE VAGRANTS.
+
+Stop! stop! stop!
+Down with the mar-joy!
+He shall pay for it with his head;
+In vain he defends himself.
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Have respect for his head.
+Let every one cease,
+Or I change this festival
+To a bloody battle.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+It is not about his head
+That Frollo is troubled.
+      [_Puts his hand on his heart._
+There is the tempest,
+There is the battle!
+
+[_At the moment when The Vagrants' fury has reached its highest pitch,
+Clopin Frouillefou appears at the back of the stage_
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+Who in this infamous den
+Dares to attack my lord the Archdeacon,
+And Quasimodo, bell-ringer
+Of Notre Dame?
+
+THE VAGRANTS (_subsiding_).
+
+It is Clopin, our King!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+                         Clowns! Be off!
+
+THE VAGRANTS.
+
+We must obey!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+              Leave us!
+
+[_The Vagrants retire to their hovels. The Court of Miracles appears
+deserted. Clopin approaches Claude cautiously._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+Claude Frollo, Quasimodo, Clopin Frouillefou
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+What purpose brings you to this orgy?
+Has your lordship any orders to give me?
+You are my master in sorcery;
+Speak--I will do all.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_grasping Clopin's arm excitedly, and dragging him to
+the front of the stage_).
+
+                     I have come to end all.
+Listen!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+         My lord!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+              I love her more than ever.
+You behold me quivering with love and with anguish.
+I must have her to-night.
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+You will see her pass by here--in a moment;
+It is the way to her home.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).
+
+Oh! Hell has hold of me!
+               [_Aloud._] Soon--you say?
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+                                         Upon the instant!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Alone?
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+       Alone.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+              That is enough.
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+Will you wait?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+               I wait--
+Let me have her, or let me die!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+Can I help you?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+                 No!
+
+[_He motions to Clopin to leave him, after having thrown him his
+purse. When he finds himself alone with Quasimodo, he draws him to the
+front of the stage._
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Come! I need you!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+                  It is well!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+For a deed that is impious, frightful, awful!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+You are my lord and master!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+                            Chains, death, the law--
+We brave them all.
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+                  Count upon me.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_recklessly_).
+
+I mean to abduct the gypsy!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Master, take my blood--without telling me why!
+
+[_Upon a sign from Claude Frollo he retires up stage and leaves his
+master down stage._
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Oh, Heaven! to have given one's mind to the depths,
+To have tried all the crimes of sorcery,
+To have fallen lower than hell itself:
+A priest, at midnight, in the dark to watch for a woman!
+And to reflect that in this state in which I find my soul God sees me!
+
+  Well! what does it matter?
+    Fate drags me on!
+  Its hand is too strong,
+    Its will be done!
+  I begin life over--
+    The priest insane
+  Feels hope no longer,
+    Knows terror is vain!
+  Demon, who drugs me,
+    Give her to me;
+  And I, who evoked thee,
+    Thy slave will be--
+  Receive the priest
+    Whose bonds are riven!
+  Hell with her
+    Will be my heaven!
+  Come, exquisite woman,
+    Your beauty I claim.
+  You shall own me forever--
+    I swear, in God's name!
+  Since he--since the master
+    By whom love was given,
+  Bids me choose--me, a priest,
+    Between passion and heaven!
+
+QUASIMODO (_returning_).
+
+Master, the moment is at hand!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+                         Yes--the solemn hour:
+It will decide my fate. Be silent! Hush!
+
+_CLAUDE FROLLO and QUASIMODO._
+
+  The night is dark,
+    Footsteps I hear:
+  In shadow does not
+    Some one draw near?
+
+[_They go to the back of the stage to listen._
+
+THE WATCH (_passing behind the houses_).
+
+  Vigilance and peace!
+    Whoever passes here
+  Must ope the eye to darkness,
+    To silence strain the ear.
+
+_CLAUDE FROLLO and QUASIMODO._
+
+  In shadow they come;
+    They make no sound:
+  Still let us be
+    While the watch goes round!
+
+[_The voices of the watch grow fainter._
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+The watch has passed!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Our terror follows it.
+
+[_Claude Frollo and Quasimodo look anxiously at the door through
+which Esmeralda must pass._
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+  Love inspires,
+    Hope renders strong,
+  Him who watches
+    While sleeps the throng.
+  I see her come--
+    Lo! she appears.
+  Maid divine!
+    Have no fears!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+  Love inspires,
+    Hope renders strong,
+  Him who watches
+    While sleeps the throng.
+  I see her come,
+    Maid divine!
+  Lo! she appears--
+    She is mine!
+
+[_Esmeralda enters: they throw themselves upon her and try to drag her
+away: she struggles._
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Help--help! To me--help!
+
+_CLAUDE FROLLO and QUASIMODO._
+
+Hush, young maiden--hush!
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Phoebus de Chateaupers, the archers of
+the watch_
+
+PHOEBUS (_entering at the head of a body of archers_).
+
+In the King's name!
+
+[_In the struggle Claude escapes. The archers seize Quasimodo._
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Arrest him! hold him close!
+Be he lord or valet!
+At once--we will conduct him
+To the prison Chatelet.
+
+[_The archers take Quasimodo up stage and off. Esmeralda, recovered
+from her fright, approaches Phoebus with curiosity, mingled with
+admiration, and draws him gently to the front of the stage._
+
+ESMERALDA (_to Phoebus_).
+
+Deign to tell me
+Your name, sir!
+I beg you to.
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Phoebus, my child--
+Of the family
+Of Chateaupers.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Captain?
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Yes, my queen!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Queen? oh, no!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Exquisite grace!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Phoebus! I like your name!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  Upon my soul
+    I have a blade
+  Which has, Madame,
+    Great havoc made.
+
+ESMERALDA (_to Phoebus_).
+
+  A beautiful captain,
+    An officer grand,
+  With corselet of steel
+    And an air of command!
+  Often, kind sir,
+    Our hearts they break,
+  And only laugh
+    At the tears they make.
+
+PHOEBUS (_aside_).
+
+  With a beautiful captain,
+    An officer gay,
+  Love hardly succeeds
+    In living a day.
+  All soldiers desire
+    To pluck every rose,
+  Joys without troubles,
+    Love without woes.
+
+PHOEBUS (_to Esmeralda_).
+
+A radiant spirit
+Smiles at me
+Through thine eyes.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+  A beautiful captain,
+    An officer grand,
+  With corselet of steel
+    And an air of command!
+  Long watches the girl
+    He carelessly passed;
+  And the dreams he awakened
+    Forever may last!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  With a beautiful captain,
+    An officer gay,
+  Love hardly succeeds
+    In a living day!
+  It's like lightning which flashes--
+    This eager desire
+  Which the eyes of sweet maidens
+    Kindle to fire!
+
+ESMERALDA (_standing before the Captain and admiring him_).
+
+My lord Phoebus! Let me see you!
+Let me admire you a hundred-fold!
+Oh the beautiful scarf of silk--
+Oh the fine scarf with fringe of gold!
+
+[_Phoebus takes it off and offers it to her._
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Does it please you?
+
+ESMERALDA (_taking the scarf and putting it on_).
+
+Yes, it is beautiful!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+One moment!
+      [_He goes to her and tries to embrace her._
+
+ESMERALDA (_drawing back_).
+
+Don't, I beg you!
+
+PHOEBUS (_insisting_).
+
+You must kiss me!
+
+ESMERALDA (_drawing away still more_).
+
+No, truly!
+
+PHOEBUS (_laughing_).
+
+  A beauty
+  So cruel,
+  So haughty,
+  Is charming.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+  No, beautiful captain,
+    In vain you plead!
+  Can I tell how far
+    A kiss might lead?
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  I am a captain,
+    Why abuse me?
+  I want a kiss--
+    Don't refuse me!
+Give it me--give it, or I will take!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+No, leave me! I beg of you, for my sake.
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+One kiss, one kiss--'tis nothing, you see.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Nothing to you, but much to me!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Look at me, dear! I am playing no part!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Alas, but I cannot look into my heart!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+To-night love shall make an entrance there!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Wherever love enters, soon follows despair.
+
+[_She slips out of his arms and escapes. Phoebus, disappointed,
+turns to Quasimodo, whom the archers hold bound at the back of the
+stage._
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+She escapes me, she resists me!
+A gay adventure, verily!
+I keep the worst of our two birds of prey--
+The owl remains; the nightingale flew away!
+
+[_He places himself at the head of his guard and goes out, taking
+Quasimodo with him._
+
+CHORUS OF THE WATCH.
+
+  Vigilance and peace--
+    Whoever passes here
+  Must ope the eye to darkness,
+    To silence strain the ear!
+
+[_The sound grows fainter and finally ceases._
+
+
+
+
+_ACT II_
+
+Scene.--_The square of Greve. The pillory. Quasimodo is in the
+pillory. Populace on the square_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+CHORUS.
+
+He abducted a girl--
+What! is it possible?
+Hark! how they abuse him!
+Do you hear, my friends?
+Quasimodo has been hunting on Cupid's domain!
+
+A WOMAN OF THE PEOPLE.
+
+He will pass through my street
+On his return from the pillory;
+And it is Pierrat Forterne
+Who will give us the signal.
+
+TOWN-CRIER.
+
+In the King's name, whom God protect!
+The man you see here, will be put
+Under a strong guard,
+In the pillory for one hour.
+
+CHORUS.
+
+Down with him! Down with him!
+The hunchback, the deaf, the one-eyed creature
+              This Barabbas!
+I believe, s'death! he's looking at us.
+Down with the sorcerer!
+He makes faces, he kicks;
+He makes dogs bark in the streets.
+Punish the rascal well!
+Double the whip and the penalty.
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Drink!
+
+CHORUS.
+
+       Hang him!
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Drink!
+
+CHORUS.
+
+       Be accursed!
+
+[_Esmeralda, some instants ago, joined the crowd. She perceives
+Quasimodo, first with surprise, then with pity. Suddenly, in the midst
+of all the noise, she mounts the pillory, unfastens a little cup which
+she carries on her belt, and gives a drink to Quasimodo._
+
+CHORUS.
+
+What are you doing, beautiful girl?
+Leave Quasimodo alone!
+When Beelzebub roasts,
+Nobody gives him water.
+
+[_She comes down. The archers unfasten Quasimodo and take him away._
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  He abducted a woman!
+    Who? This dolt!
+  It is terrible, it is infamous,
+    It is too much!
+  Do you hear, my friends?
+    Quasimodo
+  Dared to go hunting on Cupid's domain.
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_A magnificent drawing-room in which people are making preparations for
+a festival._ Phoebus, Fleur-de-lys, Madame Aloise De Gondelaurier
+
+MADAME ALOISE.
+
+Phoebus, my future son-in-law, listen to me. I am fond of you.
+Be master here, as if you were another self.
+Look to it that every one is gay to-night.
+And you, my daughter, come, get ready.
+You will be the most beautiful at this festival,
+Be also the most happy.
+
+[_She goes up stage and gives orders to the servants, who continue the
+preparations._
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+Sir, since the other week,
+We have hardly seen you twice!
+This festival brings you back.
+How fortunate for us!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Don't scold, I beg of you!
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+I understand. Phoebus forgets me!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+I swear to you--
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+                 Don't swear!
+They only swear who deceive.
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Forget you? What folly!
+Are you not the most fair?
+Am I not the most loving?
+
+PHOEBUS (_aside_).
+
+  My beautiful betrothed
+     Is out of sorts to-day;
+  Suspicion is in her mind.
+     What a pity!
+  Beauties, the lovers you treat ill
+     Go elsewhere.
+  You can do more with pleasure
+     Than with tears.
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS (_aside_).
+
+  To betray me, his betrothed,
+     Who belong to him!
+  I, who have only him to think of
+     And worry about!
+  Ah! whether he is away or here,
+     What grief!
+  Present, he scorns my joy;
+     Absent, my tears.
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+Phoebus, the scarf that I worked for you--
+What have you done with it? I don't see it.
+
+PHOEBUS (_troubled_).
+
+The scarf? I don't know!
+[_Aside._]  Good God! unlucky chance!
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+You forgot it?
+      [_Aside._]To whom has he given it?
+And for whom am I deserted?
+
+MADAME ALOISE (_coming up to them and trying to reconcile them_).
+
+Heavens! get married! Then you can quarrel.
+
+PHOEBUS (_to Fleur-de-lys_).
+
+No! I have not forgotten it.
+I remember, I carefully folded it
+And put it in an enameled box
+That I had made for it.
+
+[_Passionately to Fleur-de-lys, who still frets._
+
+I swear I love you better
+Than one could love Venus herself!
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+Don't swear! Don't swear!
+They only swear who deceive!
+
+MADAME ALOISE.
+
+Children, don't quarrel--everything is bright to-day!
+Come, my daughter, you must be seen!
+The guests are coming! Everything has its turn.
+[_To the servants._] Light the candles and let the ball begin.
+I want everything to be beautiful, to seem as bright as day.
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Since we have Fleur-de-lys, nothing is wanting to the ball.
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+Yes, Phoebus--love is wanting!      [_They go out._
+
+PHOEBUS (_watching Fleur-de-lys go out_).
+
+  She speaks the truth: my heart is sad
+    Even when she is near--
+  The one I love, the one who fills my soul--
+    Alas! she is not here.
+
+    Exquisite creature,
+      To you my love!
+    Oh, dancing shadow,
+      My sweet-voiced dove,
+    Absent, yet with me
+      Wherever I move!
+
+  She's as bewildering and sweet
+    As is a nest 'mid rushes,
+  Sweet as a rosebud crowned with moss,
+    Sweet as the joy which sorrow hushes.
+
+  Humble child and virgin proud,
+    Soul that's pure though free!
+  Voluptuous ardors sink abashed
+    Before thy chastity.
+
+  In the dark night she comes,
+    An angel from the skies;
+  Her forehead veiled by shadows,
+    Flames darting from her eyes.
+
+  I see her face forever--
+    Now bright, now dark it seems;
+  But strangely--'tis in heaven
+    I see her in these dreams.
+
+    Exquisite creature.
+      To you my love!
+    Oh, dancing shadow,
+      My sweet-voiced dove,
+    Absent, yet with me
+      Wherever I move!
+
+[_Enter several lords and ladies in gala dress._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_The preceding. Viscount de Gif, M. de Morlaix, M. de Chevreuse,
+Madame de Gondelaurier, Fleur-de-lys, Diana, Berangere. Ladies,
+Lords_
+
+VISCOUNT DE GIF.
+
+My salutations, noble hostesses!
+
+MADAME ALOISE, PHOEBUS, FLEUR-DE-LYS (_bowing_).
+
+Good-evening, noble viscount!
+Forget all care and grief
+Beneath this hospitable roof.
+
+M. DE MORLAIX.
+
+Ladies, may God send you
+Health, pleasure, and happiness!
+
+MADAME ALOISE, PHOEBUS, FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+May Heaven return with interest
+All your good wishes, my lord!
+
+M. DE CHEVREUSE.
+
+Ladies, from the bottom of my soul
+I belong to you, as I do to God!
+
+MADAME ALOISE, PHOEBUS, FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+Kind sir, may our good Lady
+Come always to your aid!
+      [_All the guests enter._
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  Come to the festival, come!
+  Page, lordship, and ladyship, come!
+    With flowers in your hand,
+    A joy-seeking band,
+  Come to the festival, come!
+
+[_The guests greet and salute each other; servants circulate among the
+crowd, bearing platters laden with flowers and fruits. A group of young
+girls forms itself near a window to the left. Suddenly one of them calls
+to the others, and motions to them to look out of the window._
+
+DIANA (_looking out_).
+
+Come and look! come and look, Berangere!
+
+BERANGERE (_looking into the street_).
+
+Isn't she quick? Isn't she light?
+
+DIANA.
+
+It is a fairy or it is love.
+
+VISCOUNT DE GIF (_laughing_).
+
+Who dances in the public square?
+
+M. DE CHEVREUSE (_after having looked_).
+
+Indeed! it is the magician.
+Phoebus, it is your gypsy
+Whom, the other night, with valor
+You saved from a robber.
+
+VISCOUNT DE GIF.
+
+Oh, yes, it is the gypsy.
+
+M. DE MORLAIX.
+
+She's as beautiful as the day.
+
+DIANA (_to Phoebus_).
+
+If you know her, tell her to come
+And dance for us.
+
+PHOEBUS (_looking out with an absent air_).
+
+It might be she!
+
+[_To M. de Gif._] Do you think she would remember?
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS (_who watches and listens_).
+
+Every one remembers you.
+Come, call her, tell her to come up.
+[_Aside._] I will see whether to believe what I am told.
+
+PHOEBUS (_to Fleur-de-lys_).
+
+You wish it? Well, let us try!
+      [_He motions to the dancer to come up._
+
+THE YOUNG GIRLS.
+
+She is coming!
+
+M. DE CHEVREUSE.
+
+She has disappeared under the porch.
+
+DIANA.
+
+She has left the mob, stupefied.
+
+VISCOUNT DE GIF.
+
+Ladies, you will see the nymph of the streets.
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS (_aside_).
+
+How quickly she obeyed that sign from Phoebus!
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+_The same. Esmeralda. The gypsy enters timidly, confused and radiant.
+Movement of admiration. The crowd falls back before her_
+
+CHORUS.
+
+Look! her brow is fair amid the fairest,
+As a star would shine, surrounded by torches.
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  Oh, creature divine!
+    Admiration is duty.
+  Of this ball she is queen,
+    Her crown is her beauty.
+
+[_He turns to Messieurs de Gif and de Chevreuse._
+
+  Friends, my soul is on fire.
+    War and death would I face,
+  To hold in my arms
+    Such bewildering grace.
+
+M. DE CHEVREUSE.
+
+  She is a heavenly vision,
+    A dream most rare and tender,
+  Which, floating through earth's darkness,
+    Radiates celestial splendor.
+  Born in the public streets--
+    Oh, blind caprice of fate,
+  To trail through muddy streams
+    A flower so immaculate!
+
+ESMERALDA (_fixing her eyes on Phoebus in the crowd_).
+
+  It is my Phoebus, I was sure,
+    Just as that night I found him;
+  Whether in satin or in steel,
+    How grace and strength surround him!
+  Phoebus--my head is all on fire,
+    All burns within me, joy and pain;
+  My soul's consumed for lack of tears,
+    Just as earth yearns for rain.
+
+FLEUR-DE-LYS.
+
+  How fair she is--yes, I was sure!
+    Jealous, indeed, I ought to be;
+  But yet to match that loveliness
+    How great must be my jealousy!
+  Alas! perhaps we both, foredoomed
+    To waste 'neath sorrow's harsh caress,
+  Full soon shall die--she in her flower,
+    I in my loneliness!
+
+MADAME ALOISE.
+
+  A radiant creature, truly,
+    But, faith, 'tis a disgrace
+  That such a wretched gypsy
+    Should have so sweet a face.
+  Alas! the curious laws of fate
+    'Tis not for mortal mind to know:
+  The serpent hides his treacherous head
+    Beneath the fairest flowers that grow.
+
+ALL (_together_).
+
+  She has the calmness, the delight
+  Of radiant skies on a warm night.
+
+MADAME ALOISE (_to Esmeralda_).
+
+Come, child! My beauty, come--
+Come and dance us some new dance!
+
+[_Esmeralda prepares to dance, and draws from her bosom the scarf which
+Phoebus gave her._
+
+FLEUR DE-LYS.
+
+My scarf! Phoebus, you have deceived me!
+My rival! Here she is!
+
+[_Fleur-de-lys snatches the scarf from Esmeralda, and falls in a
+swoon. All the people rush angrily toward the gypsy, who flies for
+protection to Phoebus._
+
+ALL.
+
+  Is it true that Phoebus loves her?
+    Infamous creature, go--depart!
+  To brave us thus in our own home,
+    You must have an audacious heart.
+  Oh! height of insolence! Retire!
+    Go back into the public street!
+  The common tradesmen, they can praise
+    The jumping of your low-born feet.
+  Away with her, away at once!
+    Out at the door! 'Tis a disgrace
+  For this degraded girl to lift
+    Her eyes to such a lofty place.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+  Oh, defend me! Help! Defend me,
+    Save me, Phoebus, I implore thee;
+  For the poor forsaken gypsy,
+    Stands defenseless now before thee!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  I love her, and I love but her.
+    Yes! her defender I will be.
+  I'll fight for her, and my strong arm
+    Will bear my heart out valiantly.
+  If some one must be her protector,
+    I am the one--and doubt me not,
+  Her wrongs are mine, and who insults her
+    Must answer for it on the spot.
+
+ALL.
+
+  What! She is what he loves! Indeed!
+    Away from here, away from here!
+  A gypsy he prefers to us;
+    With loving words he calms her fear.
+  Hush! silence! Both of you be still!
+    No further words of insolence.
+
+[_To Phoebus._] From you, 'tis too much arrogance!
+
+[_To Esmeralda._] From thee, too much impertinence!
+
+[_Phoebus and his friends protect the gypsy, who is menaced by all
+the guests of Madame De Gondelaurier. Esmeralda staggers toward the
+door._
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+Scene.--_The front yard of a tavern. Tavern to the right; trees to the
+left. In the back a door, and a small low wall which closes in the yard.
+In the distance the roof of Notre Dame with its towers and its spire. A
+dark silhouette of old Paris outlines itself against the red sunset. The
+river Seine is at the base of the picture_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+_Phoebus, Viscount de Gif, M. de Morlaix, M. de Chevreuse, and
+many other friends of Phoebus, seated at tables, are drinking, and
+singing; afterward Don Claude Frollo_
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  Be propitious and well-inclined,
+    Our Lady of Saint Lo,
+  To him who only water hates
+    Of all things here below!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  Give to the brave
+    In every place
+  A well-filled cellar,
+    A pretty face.
+  Happy fellow!
+    Help him hold
+  Dainty women,
+    Wine that's old.
+
+  If a beauty
+    Of cold mien
+  Be unwilling,
+    'Tis sometimes seen,
+  He jokes with her
+    With merry winks,
+  Then he sings,
+    Then he drinks!
+
+  The day goes by.
+    Or drunk or not,
+  He soon embraces
+    His Toinotte;
+  Then ferocious
+    He goes to bed
+  In a cannon's mouth,
+    And sleeps like lead!
+
+  And his soul,
+    Which often seems
+  To mix up women
+    With his dreams,
+  Is contented if the wind,
+    With its come and go,
+  Rocks the canvas of his tent
+    Gently to and fro!
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  Be propitious and well inclined,
+    Our Lady of Saint Lo!
+  To him who only water hates
+    Of all things here below.
+
+[_Enter Claude Frollo, who seats himself at a table at some distance
+from Phoebus, and appears at first to observe nothing that passes
+around him._
+
+VISCOUNT DE GIF (_to Phoebus_).
+
+That pretty gypsy,
+What are you doing with her?
+
+[_Claude Frollo makes a movement of attention._
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+To-night, in an hour,
+I have a meeting with her.
+
+ALL.
+
+Truly?
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+       Truly!
+
+[_The agitation of Claude Frollo increases._
+
+VISCOUNT DE GIF.
+
+In one hour?
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+        In one moment!
+  Oh, love! supremest rapture!
+    To feel one heart holds two!
+  To own the woman that one loves--
+    Be slave and conqueror too!
+  To have her soul; to have her charms,
+    Her song which fills with bliss;
+  To see her sweet eyes wet with tears,
+    To dry them with a kiss.
+
+[_While he sings, the others drink and strike their glasses._
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  'Tis a rapture supreme,
+    Whatever one thinks,
+  To drink to one's love,
+    And to love what one drinks!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  Friends, the prettiest of all,
+    A grace divine,
+  Oh, wonder, ecstasy!
+    Friends, she is mine!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).
+
+  I bind myself to hell;
+  Misfortune on you dwell!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  Pleasure awaits us;
+    Exhaust without remorse
+  The better part of life,
+    Love's precious intercourse!
+  What matter if one dies,
+    When joy has passed away,
+  I'd give a century for an hour,
+    Eternity for a day.
+
+[_The curfew rings; the friends of Phoebus arise from the table,
+replace their swords, their caps, their cloaks, and prepare to depart._
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  Phoebus, the hour is come;
+    It is the curfew-bell:
+  Hurry to your beloved;
+    God's blessing on you dwell!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  At last the hour is come;
+    It is the curfew-bell.
+  I go to my beloved;
+    God's blessing on her dwell!
+
+[_The friends of Phoebus go out._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_Claude Frollo, Phoebus. Claude Frollo stops Phoebus as he
+is about to go out_
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Captain!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+         Who is this man?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Listen to me?
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+              Make haste!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Do you know the name of the one
+Who awaits you at the meeting to-night?
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  By my life, it is my beauty!
+    The one I love and who loves me.
+  My song-bird, my dancing gypsy,
+    My Esmeralda, it is she!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+It is death!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Friend! First, you are an idiot;
+Second, go to the devil!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Listen!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+        What do I care?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Phoebus, if you cross the threshold of that door--
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+You are mad!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+                You are dead!
+  Tremble! One of the gypsies she!
+    No law protects those awful places.
+  There love's a masquerade for hate,
+    Death lies concealed in their embraces.
+
+PHOEBUS (_laughing_).
+
+  My dear sir, readjust your cape,
+    Return unto your fools' retreat!
+  Strange they allow you to escape!
+  May Esculapius, Jupiter, the Devil,
+    Thither conduct your straying feet!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+  Truly they are faithless women;
+    Believe that the report speaks true.
+  Darkness strange and deep surrounds them;
+    Phoebus! there death waits for you!
+
+[_Claude Frollo's earnestness seems to trouble Phoebus, who looks
+at his interrogator with anxiety._
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+        He astounds me!
+        Ah, he wounds me,
+  In spite of myself, with doubt!
+        This city great
+        Is full of hate,
+  And treachery is all about!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+        I astound him,
+        And I wound him,
+  In spite of himself, with doubt.
+        The fool, he fears,
+        And sees and hears
+  Nothing but treachery about.
+
+Believe me--my lord, avoid the siren
+Who lures you to destruction.
+More than one gypsy in her rage
+Has stabbed a heart palpitating with love.
+
+[_Phoebus, whom he tries to drag along, recovers himself and pushes
+him off._
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  Have I become a fool?
+    Gypsy, Jewess, or Moor,
+  The love that questions what she be
+    Is love most base and poor.
+  The fateful hour is come,
+    Unto my love I fly!
+  If death be but as sweet as she,
+    It will be fine to die!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_holding him_).
+
+  Consider! A gypsy!
+    Your folly is great.
+  How dare you thus rashly
+    Trifle with fate!
+  Oh, dread the false creature
+    Who waits in the gloom,
+  And do not thus wildly
+    Rush to your doom.
+
+[_Phoebus exits quickly, in spite of Claude Frollo. Claude
+Frollo stands gloomy and undecided for a moment; then follows
+Phoebus._
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_A chamber. In the background, a window which opens on the river.
+Clopin Frouillefou enters, bearing a torch. He is followed by several
+men, to whom he makes a preconcerted sign, and places them in a dark
+corner, in which they disappear; then he returns to the door and signals
+to some one to come up. Don Claude appears_
+
+CLOPIN (_to Claude_).
+
+From here you can see the captain
+And the gypsy without being seen.
+
+[_He shows him an alcove behind some tapestry._
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+The men are stationed and ready?
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+                                 They are ready.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+The projector of this must never be known.
+Silence! take this purse.
+I will give you as much more afterward.
+
+[_Claude Frollo hides himself in the alcove. Clopin exits with
+caution. Esmeralda and Phoebus enter._
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).
+
+  Oh, woman adored,
+    Destiny's prey!
+  She enters in beauty,
+    In tears goes away.
+
+ESMERALDA (_to Phoebus_).
+
+  My lord the count,
+    My feelings I try to hide.
+  My heart is filled with shame,
+    And filled also with pride.
+
+PHOEBUS (_to Esmeralda_).
+
+  My beauty, white and red,
+    I beg you blush no more.
+  Love, entering love's domain,
+    Leaves fear outside the door.
+
+[_Phoebus makes Esmeralda sit down on the bench beside him._
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Dost thou love me?
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+                   I love thee!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).
+
+                                What torture!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+The adorable creature!
+Upon my soul, you are divine!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Your lips are flatterers;
+You make me feel ashamed.
+I beg of you, don't come so near.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+They love each other. How I envy them!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+My Phoebus! I owe my life to you.
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+And I--I owe my happiness to you.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+    Be good to me!
+    Oh, try to be
+  Gentle, I entreat,
+    To the young maid,
+    Who much afraid
+  Trembles at your feet!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+    Oh, my white queen,
+    Goddess serene,
+  Sovereign of beauty,
+    Whose bright eyes shine
+    With fires divine
+  Of passion and of duty!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+    I wait for them;
+    I hark to them.
+    How tender she,
+    How handsome he!
+  How near their doom!
+    Be joyous he,
+    And happy she,
+  While I prepare their tomb!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+    Nymph or woman,
+    Saint or human,
+  Be my wife to me!
+    All day I yearn,
+    All night I burn,
+  Such is my love for thee!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+    I am woman,
+    I am human,
+  And my soul afire,
+    Trembles ever,
+    Longs forever,
+  As throbs a lover's lyre!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+    Woman, wait!
+    My flame as great,
+  My blade must have its turn.
+    Oh! I admire
+    These souls afire,
+  And these hearts which burn!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+  Be always white and red, my love,
+    And smile at our bright lot;
+  Smile sweet at love, which we've awaked,
+    And chastity, which we've forgot.
+  Your mouth is heaven--my heaven, love--
+    My soul would cling in bliss
+  Upon it, love, and pray that life
+    Might end with one long kiss.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+  Your voice delights my ear, love;
+    Your smile is sweet and free.
+  The laughing passion in your eyes
+    Benumbs and conquers me.
+  Your wishes are my law, love,
+    But I can't yield to this:
+  My virtue and my happiness
+    Might die in that long kiss!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+  Don't let them hear your step, Death,
+    As near to them you creep!
+  My jealous hatred will keep watch
+    While their love falls asleep.
+  From out their arms so closely locked
+    You'll steal away their bliss!
+  Phoebus--your wish is granted,
+    You die for that long kiss!
+
+[_Claude Frollo rushes upon Phoebus and stabs him; then he opens
+the window in the back, through which he escapes. With a great cry,
+Esmeralda falls upon the body of Phoebus. The men stationed at the
+corner rush forward, seize her, and seem to accuse her._
+
+
+
+
+_ACT IV_
+
+Scene.--_A prison. Door in the center_
+
+
+SCENE I
+
+ESMERALDA (_alone, chained, lying upon a bed of straw_).
+
+What! He in the tomb and I in this cell--
+  He a victim and I a prisoner!
+I saw him fall! In truth, he's dead!
+  And this crime, this awful crime--
+  They say it is my work!
+The stem of our life, while yet green, is broken.
+Phoebus has gone, and he shows me the way.
+  Yesterday they made his grave,
+  To-morrow they'll make mine!
+
+ROMANCE
+
+  Phoebus, is there nothing left,
+  No help given, to those bereft
+    In this cruel wise--
+  Neither filters, love, nor charms,
+  To assuage the soul's alarms,
+    Or reopen closed eyes?
+
+  God in heaven, I adore thee!
+  Every hour I implore thee!
+  Deign to end my life to-day
+  Or to take my love away!
+
+  Phoebus, let us turn our wings
+    Toward the lights supernal,
+  Where all things must go at last,
+    Where love bides and is eternal.
+  On earth our bodies sleep together,
+  In heaven our souls will live forever!
+
+  God in heaven, I adore thee!
+  Every hour I implore thee!
+  Deign to end my life to-day
+  Or to take my love away!
+
+[_The door opens. Claude Frollo enters, a lamp in his hand, his hood
+pulled over his face: he comes and stands, motionless, in front of
+Esmeralda._
+
+ESMERALDA (_jumping up with terror_).
+
+Who is this man?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_covered by his hood_).
+
+A priest!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+A priest! How mysterious!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Are you ready?
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Ready for what?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Ready to die.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Yes.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+It is well.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Will it be soon? Answer me, father!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Do you suffer so much?
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Yes, I suffer.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Perhaps I, who shall live to-morrow,
+Suffer more than you.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+You? Who, then, are you?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+The tomb lies between us!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Your name?
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+You wish to know it?
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Yes.            [_He lifts his hood._
+                The priest!
+It is the priest! O God! my feeble strength inspire!
+It is indeed his brow of ice, it is his glance of fire!
+'Tis he who has pursued me, remorseless, day and night;
+'Twas he who killed my Phoebus, and slew my heart's delight.
+Monster, from my prison, with death's cold hand on me,
+I'll curse thee, till within the grave my lips shall silent be!
+What have I done to thee? What is thine awful plan?
+What dost thou want with me, relentless, impious man?
+You hate me!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+    I love you!
+  I love you--it is infamous!
+    Oh, shame to my priesthood!
+  This love, it is my soul;
+    This love, it is my blood!
+  At your feet I fall;
+    Hear my heart, which cries,
+  I prefer your tomb
+    Unto Paradise.
+
+Pity me. I love you! Your pity I implore!
+For you I've sinned. Have mercy, do not curse me more!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+He loves me! Oh, crown of horrors!
+He holds me--this horrible sorcerer!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+The only living thing in me
+Is my love and my anguish!
+    Hopeless anguish,
+      Wretched plight!
+    Alas! I love her,
+      Painful night!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+    Awful moment,
+      Cruel fright!
+    Heaven! He loves me,
+      Fearful night.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).
+
+She shudders, quivers in my arms;
+  The priest has won his chance at last!
+By night I bore her, once, away;
+  Now, in the day, I'll hold her fast!
+Death, which follows in my train,
+Will give her back to love again!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Pity--pity, let me go!
+  Phoebus is dead; he waits above.
+Alas! I tremble, I'm afraid,
+  I shiver at your frightful love,
+E'en as the bird which, tortured, dies
+Beneath the vulture's cruel eyes!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Accept me, I love you! Refuse me no more!
+Have pity for me, for yourself, I implore!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Your prayer is an insult.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+                         Would you rather die?
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+The body dies--the soul lives!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+To die is terrible!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Hush! your impious words!
+Your love makes death beautiful!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Choose! choose! Or Claude or death!
+
+[_Claude falls at Esmeralda's feet in supplication. She repels him._
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+  No, murderer, I will not! Hush!
+    A crime is this foul love you've nursed.
+  Better the tomb to which I fly--
+    Be cursed amid the most accursed!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Tremble, for the scaffold claims you!
+  You know not what awful schemes
+This breast of fury has engendered;
+  And hell abets me in my dreams.
+      How I love thee!
+        Thy hand give,
+      And to-morrow
+        Thou shalt live!
+      Night benumbed
+        With terror's breath!
+      Tears for me,
+        For thee death!
+      Say, "I love thee!"
+        Cease thy scorning;
+      Thy last day
+        Is dawning!
+Ah! since in vain I supplicate,
+  In vain thy hate I fight,
+Farewell forever! One day more,
+  Then comes eternal night.
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+      Inhuman priest.
+        Go! I abhor thee!
+      His dear blood yet
+        Seems dripping o'er thee,
+      Oh, night of horror,
+        Night of shame!
+      Enough of tears;
+        Death I claim!
+      In prison I brave thee,
+        In chains defy!
+      Be thou accursed
+        Eternally!
+Thy passion be thy punishment!
+To God my love leads me:
+The gates of heaven he'll open,
+But hell shall close o'er thee!
+
+[_A jailer appears. Claude Frollo signs to him to lead out
+Esmeralda. He exits while they drag forth the gypsy._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+_The area before Notre Dame; the front of the church. The sound of bells
+is heard_
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+My God! I love,
+Except myself,
+All that's here--
+The air which passes,
+And which chases
+Away care;
+And the swallow
+Who is faithful
+To the old roof;
+The chapels high
+O'ershadowed by
+The Holy Cross;
+Every rose
+That grows;
+Every sight
+Of delight!
+
+Sad creature, I--
+Uncouth, ill-made!
+None envies me!
+This is life
+As it is!
+Darkest night,
+Bluest sky,
+What matters it?
+Every door
+Leads to God.
+Ignoble scabbard,
+Noble blade;
+Fair my soul
+God has made.
+
+Ring, bells small and great--
+Ring on, ring on!
+Mix well your voices,
+Gruff and sweet!
+In the turrets,
+In the tower,
+Sing your song!
+
+How they ring!
+With all their might,
+Let them hum
+Day and night!
+Our festival shall be
+Magnificent, I swear!
+Assail it fiercer yet,
+The palpitating air!
+The stupid peasants run,
+And o'er the bridges tear!
+
+  Let them ring,
+  Let them hum,
+  Day and night!
+  Every feast
+  Is increased
+  By their might!
+
+[_He turns toward the front of the church._
+
+I saw black hangings in the chapel.
+Are they dragging some misery here?
+God! a presentiment! I'll not believe it!
+
+[_Enter Claude Frollo and Clopin without perceiving Quasimodo._
+
+It is my master! I'll observe him. He is gloomy too!
+
+[_He hides himself in an obscure angle of the porch._
+
+Oh, my mistress! Oh, Notre Dame!
+Take my life! save my soul!
+
+
+
+SCENE III
+
+_Quasimodo hidden, Claude Frollo, Clopin_
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+So Phoebus is at Montfort?
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+My lord, he is not dead!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Provided nothing brings him here!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+Do not fear it;
+He is too feeble yet for such a journey.
+If he came, 'twould be his death.
+My lord, you can feel sure
+That every step would reopen his wound;
+Do not fear anything this morning.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Oh! let me hold her just to-day
+For life or death within my power!
+Hell! I'll give you all the rest,
+If you grant me this one hour!
+[_To Clopin._] They will soon bring the gypsy here!
+You remember everything!
+In the square--with your men--
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+Yes.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+    Keep in the shadow;
+If I cry, "To me!" you come.
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+Yes!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+    Have plenty with you!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+If you cry, "To me!"
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Yes.
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+    I rush to her,
+I tear her from the King's men--
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Yes.
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+    And give her to you.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Go, mix among the crowd,
+  And perhaps she
+Will look upon the priest
+  More tenderly;
+Then rush--rush all of you--
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+                              Yes, my master!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Hold yourselves close!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+                       Yes.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Hide your arms,
+Not to excite suspicion!
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+                        Master, you shall see!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+  But hell may take her quick,
+    With my good-will,
+  If now this insane creature
+    Refuses still!
+
+  Destiny! Oh, fatal stroke!
+    Friend, I count on thee!
+  On this my only chance I wait
+    With fierce anxiety.
+
+CLOPIN.
+
+  Fear nothing terrible, my lord,
+    Count faithfully on me,
+  And on this last and only chance
+    Rely courageously!
+
+[_They go out hurriedly. The populace begin to enter the square._
+
+
+SCENE IV
+
+_The populace; Quasimodo; afterward Esmeralda, and her escort; then
+Claude Frollo, Phoebus, Clopin Frouillefou, priests, archers,
+officers of the law_
+
+CHORUS.
+
+  To Notre Dame
+    Come, get a sight
+  Of the young woman
+    Who dies to-night!
+
+  This gypsy woman
+    Who stabbed, they say,
+  The handsomest officer
+    In the King's pay.
+
+  In vain did Heaven
+    Beauty lend her!
+  Is it possible--
+    God defend her!--
+  A soul so black,
+    An eye so tender!
+
+  A frightful thing,
+    Human nature is so!
+  The poor unfortunate!
+    Come, let us go
+  To Notre Dame
+    To get a sight
+  Of the young woman
+    Who dies to-night!
+
+_The crowd increases; noise; a gloomy procession begins to appear on the
+Place du Parvis. Rows of black penitents. Banners of La Misericorde.
+Torches, archers, officers of the law and the watch. The soldiers
+disperse the crowd. Esmeralda appears. She wears a chemise; a rope is
+around her neck; her feet are bare, and she is covered with a long black
+veil of crape. Following her, come the executioners and the King's
+officers. As the prisoner reaches the front of the church, a somber
+chant is heard in the distance, coming from the interior of the church,
+whose doors are closed._
+
+CHORUS (_in the church_).
+
+  Omnes fluctus fluminis
+  Transierunt super me
+  In imo voraginis
+  Ubi plorant animae.
+
+[_The chant draws nearer. It bursts forth, at length, when near the
+doors, which open suddenly and discover the interior of the church. It
+is filled with a long procession of priests in their robes of ceremony;
+banners are borne before them. Claude Frollo, in sacerdotal costume,
+leads the procession. He goes toward the criminal._
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Alive to-day, to-morrow dead!
+Heaven! thy wings around her spread!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+It is Phoebus who calls me
+  Unto our home eternal,
+Where God will hold us in His arms,
+  Safe from misfortunes cruel.
+Though plunged in the abyss of woe,
+  A joyful hope is given:
+I am to die upon the earth
+  To be re-born in heaven!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+To die so young, so beautiful!
+  Alas! the guilty priest
+Must suffer greater woe than she;
+  He ne'er will be released.
+Oh, hapless child of sorrow,
+  Lost through my infamy,
+You only die from off this earth,
+  While heaven is lost to me!
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Alas! she is an infidel.
+  God's words, unto us spoken,
+Say that in heaven for such as she
+  No blessed gate shall open.
+
+Death holds her fast, what misery!
+  She can escape it, never!
+She dies unto the world this day,
+  And unto heaven forever!
+
+[_The procession approaches. Claude accosts Esmeralda._
+
+ESMERALDA (_frozen with terror_).
+
+It is the priest!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_low_).
+
+Yes, it is I! I love you, I entreat you!
+Say but one word! 'Tis not too late;
+I can yet save you!
+Say, I love you!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+                I abhor you! Go!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Then die! I'll go where I can find you!
+      [_Claude turns to the crowd._
+We deliver this woman to the secular arm;
+At this solemn moment may the breath of the Lord
+Pass over her soul!
+
+[_As the officers of the law are about to seize Esmeralda, Quasimodo
+jumps into the square, thrusts back the archers, takes Esmeralda in
+his arms, and throws himself with her into the church._
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Sanctuary! sanctuary! sanctuary!
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Sanctuary! sanctuary! sanctuary!
+Rejoice, O people!
+Hail to the good bell-ringer!
+              Oh, destiny!
+              The criminal
+              Belongs to heaven!
+              The scaffold falls!
+              The eternal God
+              Instead of a tomb
+              Discloses the altar!
+              Executioners, back!
+              King's officers, back!
+              This barrier
+              Limits your power.
+              Thou hast changed
+              Everything here.
+              The angels claim her;
+              She belongs to God!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_commanding silence by a gesture_).
+
+She is not saved! She is a gypsy!
+Notre Dame can save none but Christians!
+Pagans are proscribed even when clasping the altar!
+[_To the King's men._] In the name of my lord the Archbishop of Paris,
+I give you back this sinful woman!
+
+QUASIMODO (_to the archers_).
+
+I will defend her! I swear it.
+Approach us not!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_to the archers_).
+
+                Do you hesitate?
+Obey me, on the instant!
+Tear the gypsy from this holy place.
+
+[_The archers advance. Quasimodo places himself between them and
+Esmeralda._
+
+QUASIMODO.
+
+Never!
+      [_A horseman is heard approaching. He calls out_:
+       Wait!        [_The crowd disperses._
+
+PHOEBUS (_appearing on horseback. He is pale, breathless, exhausted
+as is a man who has made a long journey_).
+
+             Wait!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Phoebus!
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside, terrified_).
+
+           My plot has failed.
+
+PHOEBUS (_leaping from his horse_).
+
+God be praised! I breathe
+And I arrive in time!
+This girl is innocent.
+Behold my assassin!
+      [_Points to Claude Frollo._
+
+ALL.
+
+                     Heavens! the priest!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+The priest alone is guilty, and I will prove it!
+Arrest him!
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+            Oh, wonder!      [_The archers surround Claude Frollo._
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+God alone is Master!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Phoebus!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+           Esmeralda!
+      [_They fall into each other's arms._
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+My adored Phoebus, we shall live!
+
+PHOEBUS.
+
+Thou shalt live!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+                 For us shines happiness!
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+Live, both of you!
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+                   Hear these joyous shouts!
+At thy feet receive me, humble girl!
+Heavens! thou art pale! What is the matter?
+
+PHOEBUS (_staggering_).
+
+I die!
+
+[_She catches him in her arms. Expectation and anxiety among the crowd._
+
+Each step I took toward you, my beloved,
+Reopened my wound, that was hardly healed.
+I have taken your grave and given you life.
+I die! Destiny has avenged thee.
+My angel, I go to see
+If heaven is worth thy love!
+Farewell!                   [_He dies._
+
+ESMERALDA.
+
+Phoebus! He dies! In an instant everything is changed!
+
+[_She falls upon his body._
+
+I follow you into eternity.
+
+CLAUDE FROLLO.
+
+Fatality!
+
+THE PEOPLE.
+
+            Fatality!
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes
+
+A few minor typographical errors have been silently corrected. Names of
+characters have been regularized, but other variant spellings have been
+left as they were printed. Page numbers have been removed from the table
+of contents.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Dramas of Victor Hugo, by Victor Hugo
+
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