I will speak before this assembly of slovens and cowards. And either I will perish at their hands or I will found my appointed empire!
Hola! Hola! Hola!
(He leans against the wall.
(Tremendous hubbub outside. Slamming of doors. Calls on the stairs. Enter a great crowd of people. Prominent among them is the tribune of the people. Three or four women accompany him. He is surrounded with people who jostle him and shake hands with him. Beside him, carrying his overcoat, is the go-between. In the group are the high prefect, the schoolmaster, and other public officials. Also the brother of the king. Among the others is the king to whom no one pays the slightest attention. Those representing the people are dumb actors. Enter after everyone else the man out of office. He holds himself apart with three or four ill-dressed people. No one appears to notice the presence of tête-d'or, although all keep a certain distance away from him.
(The hall is filled in a moment and through the open door one can see people crowding the vestibule and lining the stairs and climbing on benches to see better. All talk at once. Noise of many feet.
The Tribune of the People (speaking and laughing very loudly, in sudden outbursts): Ah, well, yes, it is I, here I am.—Good morning, old fellow.—Eh?—Good morning.—Perfectly mad about me, aren't you! Just can't get along without me! Oh! Oh! Oh!—What's that, my dear?—Good morning,—Yes, sir!—Don't eat me. There is something for everyone! Ouf! Good morning!—Make room for me, I am far from small!
The Man Out of Office (in his group, feverishly): Pig!...
That's right! Go on! Keep it up! Play with your good moment!
Hmmm! We shall see! We shall see!
(He rubs his hands.