Two
workmen are covering the gap with a vast black cloth.
workmen are covering the gap with a vast black cloth.
World's Greatest Books - Volume 17 - Poetry and Drama
[L'ANGELY _gives him some; he hurriedly scrawls a few
words, and hands the writing to the fool. _
I have pardoned all of you.
L'ANGELY (_running to_ MARION): Here is the pardon.
Thank the king for it.
THE KING (_as_ MARION _throws herself at his feet_):
I must not! Give the paper back to me!
Richelieu will be angry.
MARION (_thrusting the pardon in her bosom_): You must tear
My heart out ere you take it from me, sire!
THE KING (_lowering his eyes, dazzled by her beauty_):
Are you a sorceress? You frighten me!
Keep it and go!
MARION (_as she departs_): My Didier is saved!
THE KING: At last I have shown Cardinal Richelieu
That I am King of France--
L'ANGELY: Who in a fright
Made a mistake, and once did what was right!
ACT III
SCENE--_A field by the castle of Beaugenoy. A great gap has been made
in the outer wall, through which looms the castle-keep.
Two
workmen are covering the gap with a vast black cloth. _
A WORKMAN: If they would hang the two young gentlemen
Outside the wall, the cardinal could see
The execution without breaking down
The ramparts in this way.
HIS MATE: Could he not come
Through the great gate?
A WORKMAN: What! In a litter borne
By four-and twenty men? No! Richelieu
Travels in greater state than any king.
He enters, like a conqueror, through the breach
Made in the castles of our noblemen.
He means to kill them all, they say.
HIS MATE: And now
He comes in his great litter through this wall,
To see these poor boys hanged? What cruelty!
A WORKMAN: Now come and see the gallows we have built.
[_As they depart,_ MARION _arrives at the castle gate. She
knocks, but before the door opens,_ LAFFEMAS,
RICHELIEU'S _agent, gallops up. _
MARION: An order from the king.
THE GATEKEEPER: You cannot pass.
