The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 68

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 68

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 va.s.sals 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. Youre 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, Ill 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.


Een so! The King can pardon.


It is his kingly right and royal duty.


Have no more fear. In heart as well as name Hes 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._ Hes coming soon. Do you know, to be frank, Your costumes of a style to make one laugh.