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 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 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! 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!
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--