Saverny: There may be men with greater names, but none
With greater hearts. To leap from Marion's arms,
And fight with footpads for a stranger's life!
The thing's heroic! I owe Didier
A debt that I would pay, if need there was,
With all my blood. I wish he were my friend!
[L'Angely, the King's jester—a mournful-looking creature—comes and sits with the officers. He is followed by a tall, pale, handsome young man. It is Didier.
Didier: The Marquis of Saverny! So the fop
Called himself. Oh, the easy, impudent air
With which he spoke to Marie! And I saved
The creature's life. If I meet him again——
Gasse: Saverny!
Didier: Here's my man.
Gasse: Have you observed
The edict against duelling, on pain
Of hanging?
Saverny: Hanging? Hang a gentleman?
You jest! That is a punishment for serfs.
Brichanteau: Well, read the edict underneath the lamp.
Saverny (annoyed at Didier for staring at him):
Go, read it for me, pale face!
Didier: I?