As for me,
Sir, I am Taillebras. From Thibet, sir,
I come; I've punished the great Khan, I've captured
The Mogul—

LAFFEMAS.

Choose something else—

[Low to Saverny, who stands beside him.

TAILLEBRAS.

It is one of our best.
If you prefer, I will be Charlemagne,
The Emperor of the West.

[Declaiming with emphasis.

LAFFEMAS.

Good!
[To Saverny.] Listen, the fine verses! "Bradamante"
By Garnier; what a poet!
[To Marion.] 'Tis your turn,
My beauty. First, your name.

MARION (trembling).