Come! Now let us hear your scene
MARION (half turned toward Didier).
"Since to arrest you in this fatal course
Your life and honor are of no avail,
If ever I have loved you, Roderick,
Defend yourself to save me from Don Sancho.
Fight valiantly against the fearful fate
Which must surrender me to one I hate.
Shall I say more? Go; your defense shall be
Your right to force my duty, seal my lips!
If love for me still in your brave heart lies,
Go win this combat, for Chimène is prize."
[Laffemas rises gallantly and kisses her hand. Marion is pale; she looks at Didier, who remains motionless with eyes on the ground.
LAFFEMAS.
No voice but yours could take so firm a hold
Upon the secret fibers of our heart.
You are adorable.
[To Saverny.] You can't deny
Corneille is not worth Garnier, after all.
'Tis true, his verses have a finer ring
Since he's belonged unto the Cardinal-Duke.
[To Marion.] What a complexion! What fine eyes! Good God!
This is no place for you! You're buried here.
Sit down!
[He sits and makes sign to Marion to sit beside him; she draws back.
MARION (low to Didier, with anguish).
For God's sake, let me stay with you!
LAFFEMAS (smiling).