ACT III
THE COMEDY
Scene.—The Castle of Nangis. A park in the style of Henry IV. In the background on an elevation, the Castle of Nangis, part new, part old, is visible. The old, a castle-keep with arches and turrets: the new, a large brick house with corners of wrought stone, and pointed roof. The large door of the castle-keep is hung with black: from afar one distinguishes a coat-of-arms—that of the families of Nangis and of Saverny
SCENE I
M. DE LAFFEMAS, undress costume of a magistrate of the period. Marquis de Saverny, disguised as an officer of the Regiment of Anjou; with black mustache and imperial, and a plaster on the eye
LAFFEMAS.
Then you were present, sir, at the attack?
SAVERNY (pulling his mustache).
I was his comrade: had that honor, sir!
But he is dead!
LAFFEMAS.
The Marquis de Saverny?
SAVERNY.
Yes, from a thrust in tierce, which burst the doublet,
Then carved its cruel way between the ribs
Through to the chest and to the liver, which,
As you well know, makes blood. The wound was fearful.
'Twas horrible to see!
LAFFEMAS.
He died at once?
SAVERNY.
Almost. His agony was short. I watched
The spasm follow frenzy; tetanos
Then came, and after opisthotonos
There followed improstathonos.
LAFFEMAS.
The deuce!
SAVERNY.
So that I calculate 'tis false to say
The blood passes the jugular. Pequet
And learned men should be condemned when they
Dissect live dogs to study 'bout the lungs.
LAFFEMAS.
The poor marquis is dead.
SAVERNY.
A thrust is fatal.
LAFFEMAS.
You are a doctor, sir, of medicine?
SAVERNY.
No.
LAFFEMAS.
You have studied it?
SAVERNY.
Somewhat.
In Aristotle.
LAFFEMAS.
You can talk it well!
SAVERNY.
Faith! I've a most malicious sort of heart.
I like destruction; find delight in evil;
I love to kill! So that I thought I'd be
A soldier or a doctor, sir, at twenty.
But I hesitated long, and finally
I chose the sword. It's not so sure, but twice
As quick. There was a time, I will confess,
I longed to be a poet or an actor,
Or an exhibitor of bears—but then,
I like dinner and supper every day.
A plague upon the poetry and bears!
LAFFEMAS.
With this hope in your mind you studied verse?
SAVERNY.
A little bit, in Aristotle. Yes—
LAFFEMAS.
The Marquis knew you?
SAVERNY.
He knew me as well
As a lieutenant knows an upstart soldier.
I belonged to Monsieur de Caussade first,
Who gave me to the Marquis' colonel. Poor
The present, but we do the best we can!
They made me officer—I'm worth as much
As any, and I wear a black mustache.
That is my history.
LAFFEMAS.
They sent you here
To notify the uncle?
SAVERNY.
Yes; I came
With Brichanteau, the cousin, and the corpse.
He will be buried here—where, if he'd lived,
He would have had his wedding!
LAFFEMAS.
Tell me how
The old Marquis de Nangis bore the news.
SAVERNY.
With calmness, without tears.
LAFFEMAS.
He loved him though?
SAVERNY.
As much as we love life. Having no children
Of his own he had but this one passion—
His nephew, whom he dearly loved, although
They had not seen each other for five years.
[In the background, the old Marquis de Nangis passes; white hair, pale countenance, arms folded across his breast, dress of the day of Henry IV.: deep mourning; the star and the ribbon of the order of the Holy Ghost. He walks slowly; nine guards in three rows follow; they are dressed in mourning, their halberds on their right shoulder, their muskets on their left; they keep within a short distance, stopping when he stops, and continuing when he continues.
LAFFEMAS (watching him pass).
Poor man!
[He goes to the back and follows The Marquis with his eyes.
SAVERNY (aside).
My good old uncle!
[Brichanteau enters and goes to Saverny.
SCENE II
The same. Brichanteau
BRICHANTEAU.
Ah! two words!
[Laughing.] He's looking pretty well for a dead man!
SAVERNY (low, indicating The Marquis, who passes).
Why do you make me grieve him, Brichanteau?
I think we might explain it to him now.
Oh, let me try.
BRICHANTEAU.
No; God forbid, my friend!
His grief must be sincere; he must weep much.
His woe is one good half of your disguise.
SAVERNY.
Poor uncle!
BRICHANTEAU.
He will find it out ere long.
SAVERNY.
If sorrow has not killed him, then joy will.
These shocks are dangerous to such old men.
BRICHANTEAU.
It must be done!
SAVERNY.
I cannot bear to hear
Him laugh so bitterly, then weep; then keep
So still! I hate to see him kiss that coffin.
BRICHANTEAU.
Yes—a fine coffin with no corpse in it!
SAVERNY.
But I am dead and bleeding in his heart.
The corpse lies there.
LAFFEMAS (coming back).
Alas, the poor old man!
His eyes show plainly how he's suffering!
BRICHANTEAU (low to Saverny).
Who is that surly-looking man in black?
SAVERNY (with gesture of ignorance).
Some friend who's living at the castle?
BRICHANTEAU (low).
Crows
Are also black and love the smell of death.
Keep silence more than ever. 'Tis a face
That's treacherous and evil; it would make
A madman prudent.
[The Marquis de Nangis re-enters; he is still absorbed in a deep reverie. He walks slowly, does not appear to notice any one, and seats himself upon a bank of turf.
SCENE III
The same. Marquis de Nangis
LAFFEMAS (approaching The Marquis).
Marquis, we've lost much.
He was a rare man; would have comforted
Your old age. I mingle my tears with yours.
Young, handsome, good, naught more could be desired;
Obeying God, respecting women, strong;
Just in his actions, sensible in speech,
A perfect nobleman, whom all revere!
To die so young! Most cruel fate! Alas!
[The Marquis lets his head fall on his hands.
SAVERNY (low to Brichanteau).
The devil take this funeral discourse!
These praises but augment the old man's grief.
Console him, you; Show him the other side.
BRICHANTEAU (to Laffemas).
You are mistaken, sir. I was in the
Same grade. A bad comrade, this Saverny—
A shiftless fellow, growing worse each day.
Courageous! Every man is brave at twenty;
His death is nothing much to boast about.
LAFFEMAS.
A duel! Surely, that is no great crime.
[Banteringly to Brichanteau, pointing to his sword.
BRICHANTEAU (in the same tone, pointing to Laffemas's wig).
A magistrate?
SAVERNY (low).
Go on!
BRICHANTEAU.
He was capricious, thankless, and
A liar: not worth any real regret.
He went to church, but just to ogle girls.
He was a gallant, a mere libertine,
A fool!
SAVERNY (low).
Good! good!
BRICHANTEAU.
Intractable and stubborn;
Rude to his officers. As to good looks,
He had lost his; he limped, had a large wen
Upon his eye; from blonde had turned to red,
And from round-shouldered had become hump-backed.
SAVERNY (low).
Enough!
BRICHANTEAU.
He gambled—every one knows that.
He would have staked his soul on dice. I'll wager
That cards had eaten up his property.
His fortune galloped faster every night.
SAVERNY (low, pulling his sleeve).
Enough! Good God! Your consolation is
Too strong.
LAFFEMAS.
To speak so ill of a dead friend!
Unpardonable!
BRICHANTEAU (indicating Saverny).
Ask this gentleman!
SAVERNY.
Oh, no; I beg to be excused!
LAFFEMAS (affectionately, to the old Marquis).
My lord,
We'll comfort you. We have his murderer,
And we will hang him. We have kept him safe.
His end is sure.
[To Brichanteau and Saverny.
SAVERNY (aside).
What? Didier?
[The old Marquis, who has remained silent and motionless during all this scene, rises and goes out slowly on the side opposite where he came in. His guards follow him.
LAFFEMAS (wiping away a tear and following him with his eyes).
In truth, his sorrow deeply touches me.
LACKEY (running).
My lord!
BRICHANTEAU.
Why can't you leave your master quiet?
LACKEY.
It is the burial of the young marquis!
What is the hour?
BRICHANTEAU.
You'll know it by-and-by.
LACKEY.
A few comedians have arrived here from
The city; they beg shelter for the night.
BRICHANTEAU.
The time's ill-chosen for comedians, but
The law of hospitality holds good.
Give them this barn.
[Indicating a barn on the left.
LACKEY (holding a letter).
A letter! 'Tis important!
[Reading.] For a Monsieur de Laffemas.
LAFFEMAS.
'Tis I!
Give it to me!
BRICHANTEAU (low to Saverny, who has remained thoughtful in a corner).
Saverny, let us go!
Come and arrange things for your funeral!
[Pulling him by the sleeve.
SAVERNY (aside).
Oh, Didier!
[They go out.
SCENE IV
LAFFEMAS (alone).
The seal of State! The great seal of red wax!
Come! this is business. Let me know at once!
[Reading.] "Sir Criminal Lieutenant: We make known
To you that Didier, the assassin of
The late Marquis Gaspard, has fled." My God!
That is unfortunate! "A woman is
With him, called Marion de Lorme. We beg
You to return as soon as possible."
Quick! Get me horses! I, who felt so sure!
Another matter spoiled for want of sense.
Outrageous! Of the two, not one! One, dead!
Escaped, the other! I will catch him, though!
[He exits. Enter a troupe of strolling actors, men, women and children in character costumes. Among them are Marion and Didier, dressed as Spaniards. Didier wears a great felt hat and is covered with a cloak.
SCENE V
The Comedians, Marion, Didier
A LACKEY (conducting the Comedians to the barn).
This is your lodging. You're on the estate
Of the Marquis de Nangis. Behave well,
Try to be quiet, for some one is dead.
The burial is to-morrow. Above all,
Don't mix your songs with the funereal chants
Which will be sung for him throughout the night.
GRACIEUX (small and hump-backed).
We'll make less noise than do your hunting-dogs
Who bark around the legs of all who pass!
LACKEY.
Dogs are not actors, my good friend.
TAILLEBRAS (to Gracieux).
Be still!
You'll cause us to sleep in the open air!
[Lackey exits.
SCARAMOUCHE (to Marion and Didier, who until now have remained quietly apart).
Come! let us talk. Now you belong to us.
Why Monsieur fled with Madame on behind,
If you are man and wife or lovers only,
Escaping justice, or black sorcerers
Who held Madame a prisoner, perhaps—
Is not my business. What I want to know
Is what you'll act. Chimènes are best for you,
Black eyes.
[Marion makes a courtesy.
DIDIER (aside, indignant).
To hear that mountebank speak thus!
SCARAMOUCHE (to Didier).
For you: if you should want a splendid part,
We need a bully—a long-leggèd man,
Tremendous strides, a thundering voice; and when
Orgon is robbed of wife or niece, you kill
The Moor and terminate the piece. Great part!
High tragedy! 'Twill suit you splendidly.
DIDIER.
Just as you please!
SCARAMOUCHE.
Good! Don't say "you" to me!
I like "thou"! [With a profound obeisance.
Blusterer, hail!
DIDIER (aside).
What fools!
SCARAMOUCHE (to the other actors).
Now eat;
Then we'll rehearse our parts.
[All enter the barn except Marion and Didier.
SCENE VI
Marion, Didier; afterward Gracieux, Saverny, afterward Laffemas
DIDIER (with bitter laugh, after a long silence).
Is't bad enough?
My Marion, have I dragged you low enough?
You wished to follow me? My destiny
Precipitates itself and crushes you,
Bound to its wheel! What are we come to now?
I told you so!
MARION (trembling and clasping her hands).
Do you reproach me, love?
DIDIER.
Oh, may I be accursed! Cursed first by Heaven,
Then cursed 'mongst men: cursed throughout all my life;
Cursed more than we are now, if a reproach
Shall ever leave my lips for you! What matter
Though all the earth abandon me, you're mine!
You are my savior, refuge, all my hope!
Who duped the jailer, filed my chains for me?
Who came from heaven to follow me to hell?
Who was a captive with the prisoner,
An exile with the fugitive? Ah, who,
Who else had heart so full of love and wit,
Heart to sustain, console, deliver me?
Great, feeble woman, have you not saved me
From destiny, alas! and my own soul?
Had you not pity on my nature, crushed?
Have you not loved one whom all others hate?
MARION (weeping).
It is my joy to love you—be your slave.
DIDIER.
Leave me your eyes, dear; they enrapture me!
God willed, when placing soul within my flesh,
A demon and an angel should guide me.
Yet he was merciful; his love concealed
The demon, but the angel he revealed.
MARION.
You are my Didier, master, lord of me!
DIDIER.
Your husband, am I not?
MARION (aside).
Alas!
DIDIER.
What joy,
When we have left this country far behind,
To have you, call you wife as well as love!
You will be willing?—answer.
MARION.
I will be
Your sister, and my brother you shall be!
DIDIER.
Oh, no! Refuse me not that ecstasy
Of knowing, in God's sight, you're mine alone!
You're safe to trust my love in everything.
The lover keeps you for the husband, pure!
MARION (aside).
Alas!
DIDIER.
If you knew how things torture me!
To hear that actor talk, affront you thus!
It is not least among our wretched woes
To see you mixed with jugglers such as these,
A chaste, exquisite flower 'mid this filth—
You, 'mongst these women steeped in infamy!
MARION.
Be prudent, Didier!
DIDIER.
God! I struggled hard
Against my anger! He said "thou" to you,
When I, your love, your husband, hardly dare
For fear of tarnishing that virgin brow—
MARION.
Be pleasant with them; it means life to you,
And me as well.
DIDIER.
She's right. She's always right.
Although each hour brings us increasing woe,
You lavish on me love and joy and youth!
How happens it these blessings come to me,
When royal kingdoms were small pay for them—
To me, who give but anguish in return?
Heaven gave you—yes; but hell binds you to me.
For us to merit this unequal fate,
What good can I have done? What evil you?
MARION.
My only blessings come from you, my love!
DIDIER.
If you say that you think it, but it's wrong!
Oh, yes, my star of destiny is bad.
I know not whence I come, nor where I go.
My whole horizon's dark. Love, hark to me!
There's time yet; you can leave me and go back.
Let me pursue the gloomy route alone.
When all is ended and I'm tired out,
The couch that's waiting will be cold—ice-cold,
And narrow; there's not room enough for two.
Go back!
MARION.
That couch, dark, and mysterious,
I'll share it with you; that at least is mine.
DIDIER.
Will you not listen? Can't you understand?
You're tempting Providence to cling to me!
The years of anguish, love, may be so long
Your sweet eyes may grow sightless, just from tears.
[Marion lets her head fall on her hands.
DIDIER.
I swear I draw the picture none too strong.
Your future frightens me. I pity you!
Go back!
MARION (bursting into tears).
It were more kind to kill me, Didier,
Than to talk thus! [Weeping.] O God!
DIDIER (taking her in his arms).
My darling, hush!
So many tears! I'd shed my blood for one.
Do what you will! Come, be my destiny,
My glory, life, my virtue, and my love!
Answer me now. I speak! Sweet, do you hear?
[He seats her on a bank of turf.
MARION (withdrawing herself from his arms).
You've hurt me!
DIDIER (kneeling to her).
I, who'd gladly die for her!
MARION (smiling through her tears).
You made me cry, you cruel man!
DIDIER.
My beauty!
[Sits on the bank beside her.
[He kisses her forehead. They look at each other with ecstasy.
GRACIEUX (entering).
Dona Chimène is wanted in the barn.
[Marion rises hastily from Didier's side. At the same time that Gracieux enters, Saverny comes in; he stands in the background and looks attentively at Marion without seeing Didier, who remains sitting on the bank and is hidden by a bush.
SAVERNY (back, without being seen, aside).
Faith, it is Marion! What brings her here?
[Laughing.] Chimène!
GRACIEUX (to Didier, who is about to follow Marion).
Oh, no! stay there, my jealous friend,
I want to tease you!
DIDIER.
Devil take you!
MARION (low to Didier).
Hush!
Restrain yourself.
[Didier re-seats himself; she enters the barn.
SAVERNY (still back, aside).
What makes her roam the country in this fashion?
Can he be the gallant who succored me?
Who saved my life? Didier! It is indeed!
LAFFEMAS (enters in traveling costume, and salutes Saverny).
I take my leave, sir!
SAVERNY (bowing).
You are going away?
[He laughs.
LAFFEMAS.
What makes you laugh?
SAVERNY.
A very silly thing.
I'll tell you. Guess whom I have recognized
Among those jugglers who have just arrived.
LAFFEMAS.
Among those jugglers?
SAVERNY (laughing still more).
Yes. Marion de Lorme!
LAFFEMAS (with a start).
Marion de Lorme!
DIDIER (who has been looking at them fixedly all the time).
Hein? [He half rises from the bank.
SAVERNY (still laughing).
I would like to send
That news to Paris. Are you going there?
LAFFEMAS.
I am, and I will spread the news, trust me!
But are you sure you recognize her?
SAVERNY.
Sure?
Hurrah for France! We know our Marion.
[Feeling in his pocket.
[Giving Laffemas a locket.
[Indicating the barn door.
LAFFEMAS (looking from the locket to the barn).
'Tis she—Marion de Lorme! [Aside.] I have him now!
[To Saverny.] She must have a companion 'mongst these men.
SAVERNY.
It's likely. Such fair ladies are not prudes,
And seldom travel round the world alone.
LAFFEMAS (aside).
I'll guard this door. It will go hard, indeed,
If I can't capture that false actor here.
He's taken now—no doubt of that! [Goes out.
SAVERNY (watches the exit of Laffemas: aside).
I think
I've done a foolish thing.
[Taking Gracieux aside, who all this time has stood in a corner gesticulating and running over his lines: in a whisper.
[Indicating the door of the barn.
GRACIEUX.
Chimène?
[Solemnly.] My lord, I do not know her name. Ask him,
This lord, her noble friend.
[Exits on the side of the park.
SCENE VII
Didier, Saverny
SAVERNY (turning toward Didier).
This gentleman?
Tell me— 'Tis strange how hard he looks at me!
Upon my soul, 'tis he! My man! [Loud to Didier.] If you
Were not in prison, I should say that you
Resemble a—
DIDIER.
And if you were not dead, I'd say
That you had the exact appearance of—
His blood be on his head!—a man whom two
Short words of mine put in a tomb.
SAVERNY.
Hush! You
Are Didier!
DIDIER.
Marquis Gaspard, you!
SAVERNY.
'Twas you
Who were somewhere, a certain night! 'Tis you
To whom I owe my life!
[He opens his arms. Didier draws back.
DIDIER.
Excuse surprise!
I felt so sure I took it back.
SAVERNY.
Not so!
You saved me—did not kill me! Let me know
What I can do for you. Do you desire
A second—brother—a lieutenant? Speak!
What will you have—my blood, my wealth, my soul?
DIDIER.
Not any of those things. That portrait there!
[Saverny gives him the portrait; he looks at it, speaking with bitterness.
SAVERNY.
You think so?
DIDIER.
This was made for you, you say?
SAVERNY (bowing, and making an affirmative sign).
It was! But now 'tis you whom she prefers,
You whom she loves and chooses 'mongst us all.
You are a happy man.
DIDIER (with loud and mocking laugh).
Yes! Am I not?
SAVERNY.
Accept my compliments; she's a good girl,
And loves no one but men of family.
Of such a mistress one can well be proud!
It's honorable, and it gives one style.
'Tis in good taste. If men ask who you are
They say, "Beloved of Marion de Lorme."
[Didier gives him back the portrait; he refuses it.
DIDIER.
I thank you! [Puts it in his breast.
SAVERNY.
She is charming in that dress.
So you are my successor! One might say,
As King Louis succeeded Pharamond.
The Brissacs, both of them, supplanted me.
[Laughing.] Then, yes, the Cardinal himself came next,
Then little D'Effiat, then the three Sainte-Mesmes,
The four Argenteans! In her heart you'll find
The best society. [Laughing.] A little numerous.
DIDIER (aside).
My God!
SAVERNY.
Tell me about it some time. Now,
To be quite frank with you, I pass for dead,
And in the morning shall be buried. You
Must have escaped police and seneschals.
Your Marion can manage everything!
You joined a strolling company by chance;
What a delightful history!
DIDIER.
Yes, true
It is a history!
SAVERNY.
To get you out
She probably made love to all the jailers.
DIDIER (in a voice of thunder).
Do you think that?
SAVERNY.
You are not jealous—what?
Oh, joke incredible!—of Marion!
A man jealous of Marion! The poor child!
Don't go and scold her!
DIDIER.
Have no fear. [Aside.] The angel—
It was a demon! Oh, my God!
[Enter Laffemas and Gracieux. Didier goes out; Saverny follows him.
SCENE VIII
Laffemas, Gracieux
GRACIEUX (to Laffemas).
My lord,
I do not understand you!
[Aside.] Humph! A costume
Of Alcaid and a figure of police;
Small eyes, adorned with big eyebrows! I think
He plays the part of Alguazil in this
Locality.
LAFFEMAS (pulling out his purse).
My friend!
GRACIEUX (drawing near, low to Laffemas).
My lord—I see!
Chimène has interested you. You wish
To know—
LAFFEMAS (low, smiling).
Who is her Roderick?
GRACIEUX.
You mean
Her lover?
LAFFEMAS.
Yes!
GRACIEUX.
Who groans beneath her spell?
LAFFEMAS (impatiently).
There's one?
GRACIEUX.
Of course!
LAFFEMAS (approaching him eagerly).
Then show him to me, quick!
GRACIEUX (with profound obeisance).
It's I, my lord. I'm mad about her!
LAFFEMAS.
You!
[Laffemas, disappointed, turns away with annoyance; then he comes back and shakes his purse in Gracieux's eyes and ears.
GRACIEUX.
Heavenly tones!
LAFFEMAS (aside).
I've got my Didier!
[To Gracieux.] Do you see this purse?
GRACIEUX.
How much!
LAFFEMAS.
Gold ducats—twenty!
GRACIEUX.
Humph!
LAFFEMAS (jingling the gold in his face).
Will you?
GRACIEUX (grabbing the purse from him).
Most certainly!
[With theatrical tone to Laffemas, who listens anxiously.
LAFFEMAS (eagerly).
Well, what would you do?
GRACIEUX (putting the purse into his pocket).
I'd take
The whole of it, and I would say—
[With profound obeisance.
LAFFEMAS (aside, furious).
Plague on the monkey!
GRACIEUX (aside, laughing).
The devil take the cat!
LAFFEMAS (aside).
They have agreed
On what to do, if any one suspects.
'Tis a conspiracy. They'll all be dumb;
Accursed gypsy devils!
[To Gracieux who is going away.
GRACIEUX (turning around, with tragic tone).
What do you take me for, my lord?
What will the world think of us, pray, if you
Propose and I agree to anything
So infamous as sell for gold a life,
My soul? [Turns to go.
LAFFEMAS.
That's as you please; but give me back
My money!
GRACIEUX.
No, I keep my honor, sir,
And we have no accounts to settle.
[He salutes him and re-enters barn.
SCENE IX
LAFFEMAS (alone).
Humph!
The wretched juggler! Pride in such base souls!
If you some day should fall into my hands
Unoccupied with better sort of game—
But this will not find Didier! Now, I can't
Take all this crowd and put them to the torture.
This is worse work than hunting needles in
A haystack. Faith! a chemist's crucible
Bewitched I ought to have, which, eating up
The lead and copper, would reveal at last
The golden ingot hid by much alloy.
Go to the Cardinal without my prize?
[Striking his brow.
[Calling through the barn door.
[The actors crowd out of the barn.
SCENE X
The same. Comedians, among them Marion and Didier; afterward Saverny, afterward Marquis de Nangis
SCARAMOUCHE (to Laffemas).
What do you want with us?
LAFFEMAS.
Without preamble:
My lord the Cardinal commissioned me
To find good actors, if there may be such
Within the provinces, to act the plays
Which he constructs in hours of leisure when
Allowed by State affairs. In spite of care
And earnest thought, his theater declines,
And is no credit to a cardinal-duke.
[All the actors press eagerly forward. Saverny enters, and watches the scene with curiosity.
GRACIEUX (aside, counting his money).
Twelve only! He said twenty. The old scamp!
He's robbed me!
LAFFEMAS.
Let each one repeat some scene,
That I may know your talents and may choose.
[Aside.] If he gets out of that, this Didier's sharp.
[Aloud.] Are you all here?
[Marion stealthily approaches Didier and tries to lead him off.
GRACIEUX (going up to them).
Come with the others—you!
MARION.
Oh, heaven!
[Didier leaves her and joins the actors; she follows him.
GRACIEUX.
You're in luck to be with us.
To have new clothes, get every day a feast,
To speak the Cardinal's verses every night,
A happy lot!
[All the actors take their places before Laffemas. Marion and Didier among them. Didier does not look at Marion; his eyes are bent on the ground; his arms are folded underneath his cloak. Marion watches him anxiously.
GRACIEUX (at head of troupe, aside).
Who would have thought this crow
Recruited actors for the Cardinal?
LAFFEMAS (to Gracieux).
First you. What do you play?
GRACIEUX (with a low bow and a pirouette which shows off his hump).
I'm called the Sylph
Among the troupe. This piece I know the best.
[He sings.
"On the bald heads of magistrates,
Enormous wigs are spread.
Out of that fleece, in due time, come
Chains, gallows, tortures dread.
Whenever one called president
Shall shake his bigger head.
"Let any barber, strolling fool,
Wash, powder, and pomade
The hair which bald heads steal from beards,
Let them be combed and frayed
In shape of a right gorgeous wig—
Your magistrate is made.
"The lawyer is a sea of words
Hurled wildly at the bench.
A killing kind of mixing up
Of Latin and bad French—"
LAFFEMAS (interrupting him).
You sing so false, you'd make an eagle sick.
Be still!
GRACIEUX (laughing).
I may sing false—the song is true!
LAFFEMAS (to Scaramouche).
It's your turn now.
SCARAMOUCHE (bowing).
I'm Scaramouche, my lord!
"The Lady of Honor," sir, I open thus.
[Declaiming.
[Laffemas interrupts Scaramouche with a gesture and signs to Taillebras to speak. Taillebras makes a profound obeisance, then draws himself up.
TAILLEBRAS (with emphasis).
As for me,
Sir, I am Taillebras. From Thibet, sir,
I come; I've punished the great Khan, I've captured
The Mogul—
LAFFEMAS.
Choose something else—
[Low to Saverny, who stands beside him.
TAILLEBRAS.
It is one of our best.
If you prefer, I will be Charlemagne,
The Emperor of the West.
[Declaiming with emphasis.
LAFFEMAS.
Good!
[To Saverny.] Listen, the fine verses! "Bradamante"
By Garnier; what a poet!
[To Marion.] 'Tis your turn,
My beauty. First, your name.
MARION (trembling).
I am Chimène!
LAFFEMAS.
Indeed! Chimène? Then you must have a lover.
He has killed a man in duel—
MARION (terrified).
Oh, heaven!
LAFFEMAS (maliciously).
I've a good memory. If one escapes—
MARION (aside).
Great heaven!
LAFFEMAS.
Come! Now let us hear your scene
MARION (half turned toward Didier).
"Since to arrest you in this fatal course
Your life and honor are of no avail,
If ever I have loved you, Roderick,
Defend yourself to save me from Don Sancho.
Fight valiantly against the fearful fate
Which must surrender me to one I hate.
Shall I say more? Go; your defense shall be
Your right to force my duty, seal my lips!
If love for me still in your brave heart lies,
Go win this combat, for Chimène is prize."
[Laffemas rises gallantly and kisses her hand. Marion is pale; she looks at Didier, who remains motionless with eyes on the ground.
LAFFEMAS.
No voice but yours could take so firm a hold
Upon the secret fibers of our heart.
You are adorable.
[To Saverny.] You can't deny
Corneille is not worth Garnier, after all.
'Tis true, his verses have a finer ring
Since he's belonged unto the Cardinal-Duke.
[To Marion.] What a complexion! What fine eyes! Good God!
This is no place for you! You're buried here.
Sit down!
[He sits and makes sign to Marion to sit beside him; she draws back.
MARION (low to Didier, with anguish).
For God's sake, let me stay with you!
LAFFEMAS (smiling).
Come sit by me, I say!
[Didier repulses Marion, who staggers terrified to the bench where Laffemas sits, and falls upon it.
MARION (aside).
'Tis horrible!
LAFFEMAS (smiling at Marion, with an air of reproach).
At last!
[To Didier.] Now, sir, your turn. What is your name?
DIDIER (with gravity).
My name is Didier!
MARION, LAFFEMAS, SAVERNY.
Didier!
DIDIER (to Laffemas, who laughs triumphantly).
Yes, you can
Send all of them away. You've got your prey.
Your prisoner himself takes up his chain.
This joy has cost you a great deal of work.
MARION (running to him).
Didier!
DIDIER (with a freezing look).
Don't try to hinder me this time,
Madame!
[She starts back and falls crushed upon the bank: to Laffemas.
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.
MARION.
Ah, God!
[At this moment Marquis de Nangis passes across the back of the stage, in the same attitude, 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 balls and shine at fêtes,
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.
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 God!
DIDIER (coldly, to Saverny).
What is the use? I wished to die.
MARION (still on her knees).
Kind God,
You have protected him!
DIDIER (continuing, without listening to her).
How otherwise
Could he have caught me in his trap? Think you
My spur could not have crushed the spider's web
Which he had made to catch a gnat? Henceforth
I ask no other boon than death. This is
No friendly gift from you, who owe me life!
MARION.
What does he say? You must live—
LAFFEMAS.
All's not over.
Is it certain that this is the Marquis?
MARION.
It is.
LAFFEMAS.
We must have proof of it at once.
MARION (indicating Marquis de Nangis, who is still holding Saverny in his arms).
Look at that old man, how he smiles and weeps!
LAFFEMAS.
Is that Gaspard de Saverny?
MARION.
What heart
Can question such a close embrace?
MARQUIS DE NANGIS (turning around).
You ask
If it is he—Gaspard, my son, my soul?
[To Marion.] Did he not ask if it was he, madame?
LAFFEMAS (to Marquis de Nangis).
Then you affirm that this man is your nephew?
He is Gaspard de Saverny?
MARQUIS DE NANGIS (with intensity).
I do!
LAFFEMAS.
According to the law I do arrest
Gaspard de Saverny, in the King's name.
Your sword!
[Surprise and consternation among the characters.
MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
My son!
MARION.
Oh, Heaven!
DIDIER.
Another head!
Yes, two were needed. 'Tis the least, to bring
This Roman Cæsar one head in each hand.
MARQUIS DE NANGIS.
Speak! By what right—
LAFFEMAS.
Ask my lord cardinal.
All who survive a duel fall beneath
The ordinance. Give me your sword.
DIDIER (looking at Saverny).
Rash man!
SAVERNY (drawing his sword and presenting it to Laffemas).
'Tis here!
MARQUIS DE NANGIS (stopping him).
A moment! None is master here
Save me! I mete out justice high and low.
Our sire the King would be no more than guest.
[To Saverny.] Give up your sword to none but me.
[Saverny hands him his sword, and clasps him in his arms.
LAFFEMAS.
In truth,
That is a feudal right quite out of date.
The Cardinal might blame me for it, but
I would not willingly annoy you—
DIDIER.
Wretch!
LAFFEMAS (bowing to Marquis de Nangis).
So I consent. You can return the favor
By loaning me your guard and prison, sir.
MARQUIS DE NANGIS (to his Guards).
Not so! Your sires were vassals to my sires.
I forbid any one to stir a step.
LAFFEMAS (with voice of thunder).
My masters, hark to me: I am the judge
Of the secret tribunal, Criminal-
Lieutenant to the Cardinal. Conduct
These men to prison. Four of you mount guard
Before each door. You're all responsible.
It would be rash to disobey when I command
You to go here or there or do a deed.
If any hesitate, it is because
His head annoys him.
[The Guards, terrified, drag the two prisoners off in silence, Marquis de Nangis turns away indignant and buries his face in his hands.
MARION.
All is lost!
[To Laffemas.] Have pity!
If in your heart—
LAFFEMAS (low to Marion).
If you will come to-night,
I'll tell you something—
MARION (aside).
What is it he wants?
His smiles are terrible. He has a gloomy,
Treacherous soul.
[Turning with desperation to Didier.
DIDIER (coldly).
Farewell, madame!
MARION (shuddering at the tone of his voice).
What have I done? Oh, miserable woman!
[She sinks upon the bank.
DIDIER.
Miserable! Yes!
SAVERNY (embraces Marquis de Nangis, then turns to Laffemas).
Is your pay doubled
When you bring two heads?
LACKEY (entering, to Marquis de Nangis).
My lord,
The funeral preparations for the Marquis
Are now completed. I am sent to you
To know what hour and day the ceremony
Will be performed.
LAFFEMAS.
Come back one month from now.
[The Guards lead off Didier and Saverny.