The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 66

I've watched you creeping close to me, You demon! In your eyes I've seen that glare Of h.e.l.l fire which illuminates your soul.

I might have 'scaped your trap--a useless thing; But to see cunning wasted thus grieved me.

Take me, and get well paid for treachery.

LAFFEMAS (_with concentrated rage, trying to laugh_).

You are not a comedian, it would seem!

DIDIER.

It's you who played the comedy.

LAFFEMAS.

Not well.

But with the Cardinal I'll write a play.

It is a tragedy: you have a part.

[_Marion screams with horror. Didier turns from her with contempt._

Don't turn your head in such a lordly way.

We will admire your acting, never fear!

Come, recommend your soul to G.o.d, my friend.

MARION.

Ah, G.o.d!

[_At this moment Marquis de Nangis pa.s.ses across the back of the stage, in the same att.i.tude, with his escort of Halberdiers. Marion's cry arrests him; pale and silent he turns to the characters._

LAFFEMAS (_to_ Marquis de Nangis).

Marquis, I claim your aid. Good news!

Lend me your escort. The murderer escaped Our vigilance, but we've recaptured him.

MARION (_throwing herself at Laffemas's feet_).

Oh, pity for him!

LAFFEMAS (_with gallantry_).

At my feet, madame!

'Tis I should kneel at yours.

MARION (_on her knees, clasping her hands_).

My lord the judge, Have mercy upon others, if some day You hope a jealous judge, more powerful Than you are, will be merciful to you!

LAFFEMAS (_smiling_).

You're preaching us a sermon, I believe!

Ah, madame, reign at b.a.l.l.s and s.h.i.+ne at fetes, But do not preach us sermons. For your sake, I would do anything; but he has killed-- It is a murder.

DIDIER (_to Marion_).

Rise! [_Marion rises, trembling._ You lie! it was a duel.

LAFFEMAS.

Sir!

DIDIER.

I say, you lie!

LAFFEMAS.

Have done!

[_To Marion._] Blood calls For blood; this rigor troubles me-- I wish-- But he has killed--killed whom? The young marquis, Gaspard de Saverny, [_Indicating Marquis de Nangis._ Nephew to him, That worthy old man there. A rare young lord; The greatest loss for France and for the King.

Were he not dead, I do not say that I-- My heart is not of stone, and if--

SAVERNY (_taking a step forward_).

The man You think is dead is living. I am he!

[_General astonishment._

LAFFEMAS (_starting_).

Gaspard de Saverny! A miracle!

There is his coffin.

SAVERNY (_tearing off his false mustache, his plaster, and black wig_).

But he is not dead!

Who recognizes me?

MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_as if awakening from a dream, starts, and with a great cry throws himself into his nephew's arms_).

Gaspard! My nephew!

It is my child! [_They remain locked in each other's arms._

MARION (_falling upon her knees and lifting her eyes to heaven_).

Didier is saved! Praise G.o.d!

DIDIER (_coldly, to Saverny_).

What is the use? I wished to die.