The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 48

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 48

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 Kings the lantern which In its bright gla.s.s 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.


Wed give him one perfidious, useful blow!


LANGELY (_rising, with gloomy tone_).


Conspiring! Young men! Think of Marillac!


[_All shudder: turn away, and are silent with terror; all fix their eyes on LAngely, 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_).


Lets go and find some corner in the town.


LANGELY (_rising_).


A duel, sirs? Remember Boutteville.


[_New consternation among the young men. Villac and Montpesat separate, keeping their eyes fixed on LAngely._


ROCHEBARON.


Who is this man in black who frightens us?


LANGELY.


Im LAngely. Im jester to the King.


BRICHANTEAU (_laughing_).


Then its no wonder that the King is sad.


BOUCHAVANNES (_laughing_).


Great fun he makes, this rabid cardinalist!


LANGELY (_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._


Ga.s.se.


Good faith!


ROCHEBARON.


Im 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._


Ga.s.se.