No More Learning

THE QUEEN (_in terror_): What, then, am I?

DON SALLUST: A lady who has sold her throne for love.

RUY BLAS: No!

DON SALLUST (_whispering to_ RUY BLAS): I am working in your
interests.
(_Aloud to_ THE QUEEN) Now listen, madam. I have found you here,
Alone with Cesar, in his room, at night.
This conduct--in a queen--would lead the Pope--
Were the fact published--to annul your marriage.
Why not avoid the scandal?

[_Taking a parchment from his pocket, he presents it to_
THE QUEEN.

Sign this deed
Admitting everything, and we can keep
All the proceedings secret. I have put
Plenty of money in the coach that waits
Outside the door. Ride off in it and take
Cesar with you, to France or Portugal.
No one will stop you. But if you refuse
Everything shall be published. 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!