The King: At last I have shown Cardinal Richelieu
That I am King of France—
L'Angely: Who in a fright
Made a mistake, and once did what was right!
Act III
Scene—A field by the castle of Beaugenoy. A great gap has been made in the outer wall, through which looms the castle-keep. Two workmen are covering the gap with a vast black cloth.
A Workman: If they would hang the two young gentlemen
Outside the wall, the cardinal could see
The execution without breaking down
The ramparts in this way.
His Mate: Could he not come
Through the great gate?
A Workman: What! In a litter borne
By four-and twenty men? No! Richelieu
Travels in greater state than any king.
He enters, like a conqueror, through the breach
Made in the castles of our noblemen.
He means to kill them all, they say.
His Mate: And now
He comes in his great litter through this wall,
To see these poor boys hanged? What cruelty!
A Workman: Now come and see the gallows we have built.
[As they depart, Marion arrives at the castle gate. She knocks, but before the door opens, Laffemas, Richelieu's agent, gallops up.