Guiche has obtained the order; Ast is duke.
Of trifles, plenty—thirty Huguenots
Were hung; a quantity of duels. On
The third, D'Angennes fought Arquien on account
Of wearing point of Genoa; the tenth,
Lavardie had a rendezvous with Pons,
Because he'd taken Sourdis' wife from him.
Sourdis and D'Ailly met about a creature
In the theater Mondori. On the ninth,
Lachâtre fought with Nogent because he wrote
Three rhymes of Colletet's badly; Margaillan
With Gorde, about the time of day; D'Humière
With Gondi on the way to walk in church;
And all the Brissacs 'gainst all the Soubises
For some bet on a horse against a dog.
Then Caussade and Latournelle fought for nothing—
Merely for fun: Caussade killed Latournelle.
BRICHANTEAU.
GASSÉ.
BRICHANTEAU.
There is the only place to live!
[Yawning.] All one
Can do here is to die of weariness.
[To Gassé.] You say Caussade killed Latournelle?
GASSÉ.
With a good gash!
[Examining Rochebaron's sleeves.
What's that you wear, my friend?Those trimmings are not fashionable now.
What! cords and buttons? Nothing could be worse.
You must have bows and ribbons.
BRICHANTEAU.
The list of duels. How about the King?
What does he say?
GASSÉ.
And means to stop it.
BOUCHAVANNES.
GASSÉ.
Or else we lost it.
[Reflecting.] Yes, that's it. 'Tis lost!
They took it from us.
ROCHEBARON.
GASSÉ.
BRICHANTEAU.
GASSÉ.
The gout, and goes out only in a litter.
BRICHANTEAU.
GASSÉ.
BOUCHAVANNES.
GASSÉ.
A prodigy, which has amazed all Paris
For two months past; the flight, the disappearance—
BRICHANTEAU.
GASSÉ.
The fairest of the fair!
BRICHANTEAU (with an air of mystery).
She's here!
GASSÉ.
BRICHANTEAU.
GASSÉ.
In this place? Oh, you must be jesting, sir!
Fair Marion, who sets the fashions! Bah!
This Blois is the antipodes of Paris.
Observe! How ugly, old, ungainly, 'tis!
Even those towers—
[Indicating the towers of St. Nicholas.
Uncouth and countrified!ROCHEBARON.
BRICHANTEAU.
He says he saw her, hidden somewhere with
A lover, and this lover saved his life
When thieves attacked him in the street at night?—
Good thieves, who took his purse for charity,
And just desired his watch to know the time.
GASSÉ.
ROCHEBARON (to Brichanteau).
BRICHANTEAU.
Upon a field of azure. Saverny
Has no desire, at present, but to find
This man.
BOUCHAVANNES.
BRICHANTEAU.
Of her is lost.
[Marion and Didier cross the back of the stage slowly without being noticed by the talkers; they enter a small door in one of the houses on the side.
GASSÉ.
To find our Marion, a provincial!
[Enter Count de Villac and Chevalier de Montpesat, disputing loudly.
VILLAC.
I tell you no!
MONTPESAT.
VILLAC.
MONTPESAT.
The author of "The Cid" and of "Melite."
VILLAC.
But he degenerated after that,
As they all do. I'll do the best I can
To satisfy you: talk about "Melite,"
"The Gallery of the Palace," but "The Cid!"
What is it, pray?
GASSÉ (to Montpesat).
MONTPESAT.
VILLAC.
Your "Cid"—why Scudéry can crush it with
A touch! Look at the style! It deals with things
Extraordinary; has a vulgar tone;
Describes things plainly by their common names;
Besides, it is obscene, against the law!
"The Cid" has not the right to wed Chimène!
Now have you read Pyramus, Bradamante?
When Corneille writes such tragedies, I'll read!
ROCHEBARON (to Montpesat).
You must read that: that is fine tragedy!
But for your "Cid."
VILLAC.
Does he not think he equals Boisrobert,
Mairet, Gombault, Serisay, Chapelain,
Bautru, Desmarets, Malleville, Faret,
Cherisy, Gomberville, Colletet, Giry,
Duryer—indeed, all the Academy?
BRICHANTEAU (laughing compassionately and shrugging his shoulders).
VILLAC.
Create! Faith! after Garnier, Theophile,
And Hardy! Oh, the coxcomb! To create!
An easy thing! As if the famous minds
Had left behind them any unused thing.
On that point Chapelain rebukes him well!
ROCHEBARON.
BOUCHAVANNES.
Bishop of Grasse, says he's a man of wit.
MONTPESAT.
VILLAC.
Would follow Aristotle and good style.
GASSÉ.
Corneille is now the fashion: takes the place
Of Garnier, just as in our day felt hats
Have replaced velvet mortiers.
MONTPESAT.
I am, and for felt hats!
GASSÉ (to Montpesat).
[To Villac.] Garnier is very fine. I'm neutral; but
Corneille has also his good points.
VILLAC.
ROCHEBARON.
I like him!
BRICHANTEAU.
ROCHEBARON.
BOUCHAVANNES.
Have gnawed at ducats 'til they obtained sous.
[L'Angely enters, seats himself at a table alone, and in silence. He is dressed in black velvet with gold trimming.
VILLAC.
The day of tragic-comedy is past.
I swear to you the theater is doomed.
It is because this Richelieu—
GASSÉ (looking across at L'Angely).
Or else speak lower.
BRICHANTEAU.
Is't not enough to manage everything?
To rule our soldiers, finances, and us,
Without controlling our poor language too?
BOUCHAVANNES.
Man of the red hand and the scarlet robe!
ROCHEBARON.
BRICHANTEAU.
That is the people—march: eyes on a torch.
He is the torch: the King's the lantern which
In its bright glass protects the flame from wind.
BOUCHAVANNES.
As to extinguish this devouring fire!
ROCHEBARON.
BRICHANTEAU.
[To Bouchavannes.] What do you think, Viscount?
BOUCHAVANNES.
L'ANGELY (rising, with gloomy tone).
[All shudder: turn away, and are silent with terror; all fix their eyes on L'Angely, who silently resumes his seat.
VILLAC (taking Montpesat aside).
You spoke in tones that irritated me.
In my turn I would like to say two words
To you—
MONTPESAT.
VILLAC.
MONTPESAT.
VILLAC.
MONTPESAT (taking his arm).
L'ANGELY (rising).
[New consternation among the young men. Villac and Montpesat separate, keeping their eyes fixed on L'Angely.
ROCHEBARON.
L'ANGELY.
BRICHANTEAU (laughing).
BOUCHAVANNES (laughing).
L'ANGELY (standing).
Is mighty. A great mower, he! He makes
Great seas of blood, and then he covers them
With his red cloak and nothing more is said. [Silence.
GASSÉ.
ROCHEBARON.
BRICHANTEAU.
This jester Pluto was a funny man!
[A crowd of people enter from the streets and houses, and spread over the Square. In the center appears The Town-Crier on horseback, with four Town-servants in livery, one of whom blows the trumpet, while the other beats the drum.
GASSÉ.
Well, paternosters are in order now!
BRICHANTEAU (to a juggler with a monkey on his back, who has joined the crowd).
MONTPESAT (to Rochebaron).
[Indicating the four Servants in livery.
It looks as though these knaves were stolen thence.TOWN-CRIER (in a nasal tone of voice).
BRICHANTEAU (low to Gassé).
His voice wears out his nose more than his mouth!
TOWN-CRIER.
BOUCHAVANNES (low to Brichanteau).
L'ANGELY.
TOWN-CRIER (continuing).
BRICHANTEAU (low to Bouchavannes).
TOWN-CRIER (continuing).
[He salutes assembly.
Having considered that all kings desiredAnd have tried to abolish dueling,
But yet, in spite of edicts signed by them,
The evil has increased in great degree,
We ordain and decree that from this time
All duelists who rob us of our subjects,
Whether but one of them or both survive,
Be brought for punishment unto our court,
And commoner or noble shall be hanged.
In order to give force to this edict
We here renounce our right of pardon for
This crime. It is our gracious pleasure."—
Signed, Louis; and lower—Richelieu.
[Indignation among the nobles.
BRICHANTEAU.
We are to hang up like Barabbas!
BOUCHAVANNES.
Tell me the name of any place which holds
A rope by which to hang a nobleman!
TOWN-CRIER (continuing).
Command this edict to be hung up on
The Square."
[The two Servants attach a great placard to an iron gallows protruding from the wall on the right.
GASSÉ.
Well done!
BOUCHAVANNES (shaking his head).
Which shall defy it.
[The Town-Crier exits; the crowd retires. Saverny enters. It begins to grow dark.
SCENE II
The same. Marquis de Saverny
BRICHANTEAU (going to Saverny).
I hope you've found the man who rescued you.
SAVERNY.
The robbers, the young man, and Marion—
They have all faded from me like a dream.
BRICHANTEAU.
Like a good Christian, from those infidels.
SAVERNY.
The lamp.
GASSÉ.
BRICHANTEAU.
You met him?
SAVERNY.
BRICHANTEAU.
SAVERNY.
ROCHEBARON.
That is a bourgeois name.
SAVERNY.
Didier is this man's name. There are great men
Who have been conquerors and bear grand names,
But they've no greater hearts than this man had.
I had six robbers! He had Marion!
He left her, and saved me. My debt's immense!
This debt I mean to pay. I tell you all:
I'll pay it with the last drop of my blood!
VILLAC.
SAVERNY (proudly).
Those debts which can be paid with blood.
Blood is the only change I carry, sir!
[It is quite dark; the windows in the city are lighted one by one; a lamplighter enters and lights a street-lamp above the edict and goes out. The little door through which Marion and Didier disappeared is re-opened. Didier comes forth dreamily, walking slowly, his arms folded.
SCENE III
The same. Didier
DIDIER (coming slowly from the back; no one sees or hears him).
To see that fool who looked at her so hard.
I have him on my mind.
BOUCHAVANNES (to Saverny, who is talking with Brichanteau).
DIDIER (aside).
That is my man!
[He advances slowly, his eyes fixed on the noblemen, and sits down at a table placed under the street-lamp, which lights up the edict. L'Angely, motionless and silent, is a few steps distant.
BOUCHAVANNES (to Saverny, who turns around).
SAVERNY.
BOUCHAVANNES.
SAVERNY.
BRICHANTEAU.
SAVERNY.
Not nobles.
BRICHANTEAU (showing the placard).
Upon the wall.
SAVERNY (perceiving Didier).
For me.
[To Didier, elevating his voice.
Ho! man there with the cloak! My friend!Good fellow!
[To Brichanteau.] Brichanteau, he must be deaf.
DIDIER (slowly lifting his head, without taking his eyes from him).
SAVERNY.
Read that placard which hangs above your head.
DIDIER.
SAVERNY.
DIDIER (rising).
With gallows, be they nobles or plebeians.
SAVERNY.
A nobleman was never born to hang,
And in this world, where we claim all our rights,
Plebeians are the gallows' only prey.
[To the noblemen.
These commoners are rude.[To Didier, with malice.] You don't read well;
Perhaps you are near-sighted. Lift your hat,
'Twill give you more light. Take it off.
DIDIER (overthrowing the table which is in front of him).
You have insulted me! I've read for you;
I claim my recompense! I'll have it, too!
I want your blood, I want your head, Marquis!
SAVERNY (smiling).
I judge him commoner, he scents marquis
In me.
DIDIER.
What do you say to mixing up our blood?
SAVERNY.
I am Gaspard, Marquis de Saverny.
DIDIER.
SAVERNY.
The Count de Gassé, noble family,
And Count de Villac, family La Teuillade,
From which house comes the Marquis d'Aubusson.
Are you of noble blood?
DIDIER.
I am a foundling left at a church door.
I have no name; but in its place, I've blood,
To give you in exchange for yours!
SAVERNY.
Is not enough; but as a foundling, you
May claim the right, because you might be noble.
It is a better thing to lift a vassal
Than to degrade a peer. You may command me!
Choose your hour, sir.
DIDIER.
SAVERNY.
You're no usurper, that is clear.
DIDIER.
SAVERNY.
You might be thought a man of low descent.
Will you have mine?
[Offers his sword to Didier.
Well tempered and obedient![L'Angely rises, draws his sword and presents it to Didier.
L'ANGLEY.
A fool's sword! You are brave! You'll honor it!
[Maliciously.] And in return, to bring me luck, pray let
Me cut a piece from off the hanging-rope!
DIDIER (bitterly, taking sword).
[To The Marquis.
Now God have mercy on the good!BRICHANTEAU (jumping with delight).
SAVERNY (to Didier).
DIDIER.
GASSÉ.
You cannot see. You'll put your eyes out.
DIDIER.
There's light enough to cut each other's throat.
SAVERNY.
VILLAC.
DIDIER.
Each sword is lightning flashing in the dark.
Come, Marquis!
[Both throw off their cloaks, take off their hats with which they salute each other, throwing them afterward on the ground. Then they draw their swords.
SAVERNY.
DIDIER.
[They cross swords and fence, silently and furiously. Suddenly the small door opens, Marion in a white dress appears.
SCENE IV
The same. Marion
MARION.
[Perceiving Didier under the lamp.
Didier![To the combatants.] Stop!
[They continue.] Ho! The guard!
SAVERNY.
DIDIER (turning).
BOUCHAVANNES (running, to Saverny).
That woman's cry went through the town.
I saw the archers' rapiers flash.
[The Archers with torches enter.
BRICHANTEAU (to Saverny).
Or you will be so!
SAVERNY (falling down).
[Low to Brichanteau, who bends over him.
Oh, damn these stones.[Didier, who thinks he has killed him, pauses.
CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT.
BRICHANTEAU (to the noblemen).
He's a dead man if he is caught.
[The noblemen surround Saverny.
CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT.
To fight a duel 'neath the very light
Of the edict is bold indeed!
[To Didier.] Give up
Your sword.
[The Archers seize Didier, who stands apart, and disarm him. The Captain indicates Saverny stretched upon the ground and surrounded by the noblemen.
That other man with dull eyes, whoIs he? What is his name?
BRICHANTEAU.
Marquis de Saverny, and he is dead.
CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT.
This dead man's worth more than the other.
MARION (frightened).
CAPTAIN OF THE DISTRICT (to Didier).