The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 17

And if he refuses to marry her?

GILBERT.

You will force him to do it.

JANE.

Oh, no! Have pity upon me, Gilbert!

GILBERT.

Well, then, if this infamous wretch refuses, your Majesty can do what she pleases with him and with me!

THE QUEEN (_with joy_).

Ah, that is all I ask!

GILBERT.

In that case, I will do everything the Queen commands, provided the crown of the Countess of Waterford is solemnly replaced by the Queen on the sacred and inviolable head of Jane, who stands here!

THE QUEEN.

Everything?

GILBERT.

Everything! Even a crime, if it is a crime you want. I will not stop at treachery, which is more than a crime; nor at infamy, which is more than treachery.

THE QUEEN.

You will say what I want you to say? You will die the death that I want you to die?

GILBERT.

The death that you want me to die!

JANE.

Oh, my G.o.d!

THE QUEEN.

You swear it?

GILBERT.

I swear it!

THE QUEEN.

Then it is settled. It is enough! I have your word, you have mine! It is agreed.

[_She seems to reflect a moment._

[_To Jane._] You are not needed here: go out. I will send for you.

JANE.

Oh, Gilbert, what is this you have done? Oh, Gilbert, I am a wretched creature, and I don't dare to raise my eyes to you. Oh, Gilbert, you are more than an angel, for you have the virtues of an angel and a man's pa.s.sions at the same time. [_She goes out._

SCENE V

_The Queen, Gilbert, afterward Simon Renard, Lord Chandos, and the Guards_

THE QUEEN (_to Gilbert_).

Have you a weapon about you? A knife, a dagger, anything!

GILBERT (_drawing from his breast Lord Clanbra.s.sil's dagger_).

A dagger? Yes, madame.

THE QUEEN.

Good! Hold it in your hand!

[_She seizes his arm quickly._

Sir bailiff D'Amont! Lord Chandos!

[_Enter Simon Renard, Lord Chandos, and Guards._

Seize this man! He has threatened my life, with his dagger! I seized his arm as he was about to strike me. He is an a.s.sa.s.sin!

GILBERT.

Madame!

THE QUEEN (_low to Gilbert_).

Have you forgotten your agreement so soon? Is this the way you let me use you? [_Aloud._] You are all witnesses that he had a dagger in his hand. Sir Bailiff, what is the name of the executioner of the Tower of London?

SIMON RENARD.

He is an Irishman called Mac Dermot.

THE QUEEN.