(Stir of horror in the crowd and tremendous confusion, spreading and increasing to the furthest recesses of the hall and to the lower story. Then a sort of silence.
(A great noise, the uproar commencing below and spreading to the back of the hall. The spectators of the front rows are very pale and stand as if fascinated, staring with an expression of horror and curiosity at the blood, which pours forth on the floor in a great stream, tête-d'or laughs.
A Voice (at the back of the hall): Death to him!
Five or Six Voices (at the back): Kill him! Seize him!
(They surge forward.
Tête-d'or: Back!
Vile scum, who of you will venture to defy me and confront me face to face!
Here is your King!
And as for this contract, if there is anyone who putting his hand upon you has made you convey yourselves to this ancient shadow,
I tear it to pieces and throw the bits in your face, as I throw you