SCENE III

The same. Marquis de Nangis

LAFFEMAS (approaching The Marquis).

Marquis, we've lost much.
He was a rare man; would have comforted
Your old age. I mingle my tears with yours.
Young, handsome, good, naught more could be desired;
Obeying God, respecting women, strong;
Just in his actions, sensible in speech,
A perfect nobleman, whom all revere!
To die so young! Most cruel fate! Alas!

[The Marquis lets his head fall on his hands.

SAVERNY (low to Brichanteau).

The devil take this funeral discourse!
These praises but augment the old man's grief.
Console him, you; Show him the other side.

BRICHANTEAU (to Laffemas).

You are mistaken, sir. I was in the
Same grade. A bad comrade, this Saverny—
A shiftless fellow, growing worse each day.
Courageous! Every man is brave at twenty;
His death is nothing much to boast about.

LAFFEMAS.