Dead sparrow is excellent!
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
This murder--listen--is bound to put the other one into disfavour. The King's Majesty (all bow) will shorten his leave of absence, and we, we shall be freed of him.
(All chuckle.)
The Painter.
What are they about? Alas, if they are glad, perhaps that means the ruin of some man of honour. Perhaps they are meditating some ribaldry. But in truth, what matters to me this vermin?
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Now let us send out a message hastily to the Marshal, that we are gathered in the antechamber, and while this poor dead mouse--no, pardon me sparrow!--stammers his love to her, he, driven by us to extremes, will burst in unannounced--and this fellow is detected.
The Marquis in Pink.
Very good! But if things turn out differently, what then?