The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 11

SCENE VIII

GILBERT (_alone_).

He is gone. He is no longer here. I did not grind and crush him beneath my feet. I had to let him go. Not a weapon about me.

[_He sees on the ground the dagger with which Lord Clanbra.s.sil killed the Jew; he picks it up with fearful haste._

Ah, you come too late; you can probably kill no one but myself. All the same, whether you fall from heaven or are vomited up from h.e.l.l, I bless you. My Jane has betrayed me! Jane has given herself to this infamous man. Jane is the heiress of Lord Talbot. Jane is lost to me!

O G.o.d! more terrible things have come to me in this hour than my brain can stand.

[_Simon Renard appears in the darkness at the back._

Oh, to be revenged on that man! To be revenged on this Lord Clanbra.s.sil! If I go to the Queen's palace, the lackeys will kick me out as if I were a dog. I am mad! My head will burst! I am willing to die, but I want to be revenged. I would give my blood for revenge!

Will n.o.body in the world make this bargain with me? Who will give me vengeance on Lord Clanbra.s.sil and take my life in payment?

SCENE IX

Gilbert, Simon Renard

SIMON RENARD (_taking a step forward_).

I will.

GILBERT.

You? Who are you?

SIMON RENARD.

The man you want.

GILBERT.

Do you know who I am?

SIMON RENARD.

You are the man I need.

GILBERT.

There is no longer but one thought in my mind, do you know that? To be revenged on Lord Clanbra.s.sil and to die!

SIMON RENARD.

You shall be revenged on Lord Clanbra.s.sil and you shall die.

GILBERT.

Who ever you may be, I thank you.

SIMON RENARD.

Yes, you shall have the vengeance you desire. But do not forget upon what condition. I must have your life.

GILBERT.

Take it.

SIMON RENARD.

It is agreed?

GILBERT.

Yes.

SIMON RENARD.

Follow me!

GILBERT.

Where?

SIMON RENARD.

You shall know.

GILBERT.

Remember that you have promised to avenge me!

SIMON RENARD.

Remember that you have promised to die.

SECOND DAY

THE QUEEN

Scene.--_A room in the royal apartment. The gospel open on a prie-Dieu. The royal crown upon a stool. Side doors. A large door in the center. A portion of the background concealed by a large tapestry, representing a grand tournament_

SCENE I