Is that your frankness?
There is no cardinal here, nor red, nor gray!
No spies! Speak! Why are you afraid? The King
Wants your opinion of the Cardinal.
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
Entirely frank, sire?
THE KING.
Yes, entirely frank.
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (boldly).
Well, then, I think him a great man!
THE KING.
If needful
You would proclaim it on the house-tops? Good!
Can you not understand? The State, mark me,
Is suffering, because he does it all
And I am nothing!
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.