The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda - LightNovelsOnl.com
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I've watched you creeping close to me, You demon! In your eyes I've seen that glare Of h.e.l.l fire which illuminates your soul.
I might have 'scaped your trap--a useless thing; But to see cunning wasted thus grieved me.
Take me, and get well paid for treachery.
LAFFEMAS (_with concentrated rage, trying to laugh_).
You are not a comedian, it would seem!
DIDIER.
It's you who played the comedy.
LAFFEMAS.
Not well.
But with the Cardinal I'll write a play.
It is a tragedy: you have a part.
[_Marion screams with horror. Didier turns from her with contempt._
Don't turn your head in such a lordly way.
We will admire your acting, never fear!
Come, recommend your soul to G.o.d, my friend.
MARION.
Ah, G.o.d!
[_At this moment Marquis de Nangis pa.s.ses across the back of the stage, in the same att.i.tude, with his escort of Halberdiers. Marion's cry arrests him; pale and silent he turns to the characters._
LAFFEMAS (_to_ Marquis de Nangis).
Marquis, I claim your aid. Good news!
Lend me your escort. The murderer escaped Our vigilance, but we've recaptured him.
MARION (_throwing herself at Laffemas's feet_).
Oh, pity for him!
LAFFEMAS (_with gallantry_).
At my feet, madame!
'Tis I should kneel at yours.
MARION (_on her knees, clasping her hands_).
My lord the judge, Have mercy upon others, if some day You hope a jealous judge, more powerful Than you are, will be merciful to you!
LAFFEMAS (_smiling_).
You're preaching us a sermon, I believe!
Ah, madame, reign at b.a.l.l.s and s.h.i.+ne at fetes, But do not preach us sermons. For your sake, I would do anything; but he has killed-- It is a murder.
DIDIER (_to Marion_).
Rise! [_Marion rises, trembling._ You lie! it was a duel.
LAFFEMAS.
Sir!
DIDIER.
I say, you lie!
LAFFEMAS.
Have done!
[_To Marion._] Blood calls For blood; this rigor troubles me-- I wish-- But he has killed--killed whom? The young marquis, Gaspard de Saverny, [_Indicating Marquis de Nangis._ Nephew to him, That worthy old man there. A rare young lord; The greatest loss for France and for the King.
Were he not dead, I do not say that I-- My heart is not of stone, and if--
SAVERNY (_taking a step forward_).
The man You think is dead is living. I am he!
[_General astonishment._
LAFFEMAS (_starting_).
Gaspard de Saverny! A miracle!
There is his coffin.
SAVERNY (_tearing off his false mustache, his plaster, and black wig_).
But he is not dead!
Who recognizes me?
MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_as if awakening from a dream, starts, and with a great cry throws himself into his nephew's arms_).
Gaspard! My nephew!
It is my child! [_They remain locked in each other's arms._
MARION (_falling upon her knees and lifting her eyes to heaven_).
Didier is saved! Praise G.o.d!
DIDIER (_coldly, to Saverny_).
What is the use? I wished to die.
