The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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 King's 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.
We'd give him one perfidious, useful blow!
L'ANGELY (_rising, with gloomy tone_).
Conspiring! Young men! Think of Marillac!
[_All shudder: turn away, and are silent with terror; all fix their eyes on L'Angely, 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_).
Let's go and find some corner in the town.
L'ANGELY (_rising_).
A duel, sirs? Remember Boutteville.
[_New consternation among the young men. Villac and Montpesat separate, keeping their eyes fixed on L'Angely._
ROCHEBARON.
Who is this man in black who frightens us?
L'ANGELY.
I'm L'Angely. I'm jester to the King.
BRICHANTEAU (_laughing_).
Then it's no wonder that the King is sad.
BOUCHAVANNES (_laughing_).
Great fun he makes, this rabid cardinalist!
L'ANGELY (_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.
I'm 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.
