The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 67

MARION (_still on her knees_).

Kind G.o.d, You have protected him!

DIDIER (_continuing, without listening to her_).

How otherwise Could he have caught me in his trap? Think you My spur could not have crushed the spider's web Which he had made to catch a gnat? Henceforth I ask no other boon than death. This is No friendly gift from you, who owe me life!

MARION.

What does he say? You must live--

LAFFEMAS.

All's not over.

Is it certain that this is the Marquis?

MARION.

It is.

LAFFEMAS.

We must have proof of it at once.

MARION (_indicating Marquis de Nangis, who is still holding Saverny in his arms_).

Look at that old man, how he smiles and weeps!

LAFFEMAS.

Is that Gaspard de Saverny?

MARION.

What heart Can question such a close embrace?

MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_turning around_).

You ask If it is he--Gaspard, my son, my soul?

[_To Marion._] Did he not ask if it was he, madame?

LAFFEMAS (_to Marquis de Nangis_).

Then you affirm that this man is your nephew?

He is Gaspard de Saverny?

MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_with intensity_).

I do!

LAFFEMAS.

According to the law I do arrest Gaspard de Saverny, in the King's name.

Your sword!

[_Surprise and consternation among the characters._

MARQUIS DE NANGIS.

My son!

MARION.

Oh, Heaven!

DIDIER.

Another head!

Yes, two were needed. 'Tis the least, to bring This Roman Caesar one head in each hand.

MARQUIS DE NANGIS.

Speak! By what right--

LAFFEMAS.

Ask my lord cardinal.

All who survive a duel fall beneath The ordinance. Give me your sword.

DIDIER (_looking at Saverny_).

Rash man!

SAVERNY (_drawing his sword and presenting it to Laffemas_).

'Tis here!

MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_stopping him_).

A moment! None is master here Save me! I mete out justice high and low.

Our sire the King would be no more than guest.

[_To Saverny._] Give up your sword to none but me.

[_Saverny hands him his sword, and clasps him in his arms._

LAFFEMAS.

In truth, That is a feudal right quite out of date.

The Cardinal might blame me for it, but I would not willingly annoy you--