Louis—If those who said so fell in my power!...
Francis—Is it true?
Louis—His ghost rising from the grave can alone with impunity accuse me of his death.
Francis—So you were guilty of it?
Louis—The traitor deserved it!
Francis [rising]—You would escape your just punishment! Tremble! I was your brother, I am now your judge. Crushed under your sin, bend low your head. Return to nothingness, empty Majesty! I no longer see the King, I hear the criminal: to your knees, fratricide!
Louis [falling on his knees]—I shudder.
Francis—Repent!
Louis [crawling to the monk and catching hold of his garments]—I own my fault, have pity on me! I beat my breast and repent another crime. I do not excuse it.
Francis [resuming his seat]—Is this not all?