No More Learning

Here's a pen.

[_He leads the terrified_ QUEEN _to a writing-table, and
puts a pen in her hand. _ RUY BLAS _stands in a corner,
motionless and bewildered. _

THE QUEEN: Oh, I am lost! Lost, and yet innocent!

DON SALLUST: You lose a crown; but think of what you gain--
A life of love and peace and happiness.
Don Cesar loves you, and is worthy of you.
A man of noble race; almost a prince.

[THE QUEEN _is about to sign, but_ RUY BLAS _snatches
the pen from her hand, and tears up the parchment. _

RUY BLAS: You must not sign it! This man lies to you.
I am Ruy Blas, a common serving-man.

[_Turning fiercely on_ DON SALLUST.

No more of it, I say! I'll have no more!
You mean, contemptible scoundrel! Tell the truth!

DON SALLUST: This creature is, in fact, my serving-man,
Only he has blabbed too soon.

THE QUEEN: Great Heavens!

DON SALLUST: No matter. My revenge is good enough.
What do you think of it? Madrid will laugh!
You exiled me, my lady; brought me down
Into the dust. I'll drag you from the throne
And hold you up--the laughing-stock of Spain!

[_While he is speaking_ RUY BLAS _silently bolts the door;
then, creeping behind_ DON SALLUST, _he snatches his
sword from the scabbard. _

RUY BLAS: Insult the queen again, you wretch, and I
Will kill you where you stand. You foul, black snake,
Crawl in the further room and say your prayers.

[DON SALLUST _rushes towards the outer door;_ RUY
BLAS _pushes him back at the sword's point. _

THE QUEEN: You are not going to slay him?

RUY BLAS: This affair
Must be now settled once for all.