The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 81

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 81

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?


LANGELY.


Were n.o.ble, 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 LAngely._


LANGELY (_aside_).


Hes 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 LAngely, who is most anxious._


Go! console yourself!


Life is but bitterness, the tomb means rest.


Man is a breath ephemeral.


LANGELY (_aside_).


The devil!


[_The King continues to pace the floor and appears violently agitated._


THE KING.


And so, you think youll have to hang, poor fool!


LANGELY (_aside_).


He means it! G.o.d! 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!


LANGELY.


The errand is a pleasant one!


[_The King continues to walk rapidly, speaking to LAngely 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?


LANGELY.


Montaigne would say, "Who knows?" And Rabelais, "Perhaps."


THE KING (_with gesture of determination_).


Give me a parchment, fool.


[_LAngely 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 LAngely._


Behold!


I pardon all.


LANGELY.


All three?


THE KING.


Yes.


LANGELY (_running to Marion_).


Come, madame, Come, kneel, and thank the King.


MARION (_falling on her knees_).


We have the pardon?


LANGELY.


Yes! It was I--