DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.

He saves France, sire.

THE KING.

Does he? He damns my soul!
With one arm fights the heathen, with the other
He signs a compact with the Huguenots.

[Whispering to Duke de Bellegarde.

DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.

Treats he his own
More kindly? Did he spare Saint Preuil?

THE KING.

He has
A bitter tenderness, they say, for those
He loves. He must love me tremendously!

[Abruptly, after a pause, folding his arms.