The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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--
