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 n.o.ble, 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, G.o.d! 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, G.o.d has broken every limb With His great iron rod! "Tis night-time now, And I"ve received the final blow! Farewell, My king! G.o.d 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!