[The Queen is about to sign, but Ruy Blas snatches the pen from her hand, and tears up the parchment.
Ruy Blas: You must not sign it! This man lies to you.
I am Ruy Blas, a common serving-man.
[Turning fiercely on Don Sallust.
No more of it, I say! I'll have no more!
You mean, contemptible scoundrel! Tell the truth!
Don Sallust: This creature is, in fact, my serving-man,
Only he has blabbed too soon.
The Queen: Great Heavens!
Don Sallust: No matter. My revenge is good enough.
What do you think of it? Madrid will laugh!
You exiled me, my lady; brought me down
Into the dust. I'll drag you from the throne
And hold you up—the laughing-stock of Spain!
[While he is speaking Ruy Blas silently bolts the door; then, creeping behind Don Sallust, he snatches his sword from the scabbard.
Ruy Blas: Insult the queen again, you wretch, and I
Will kill you where you stand. You foul, black snake,
Crawl in the further room and say your prayers.
[Don Sallust rushes towards the outer door; Ruy Blas pushes him back at the sword's point.