Lady of Monsoreau
Drama in Five Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1860
Translated and adapted by Frank J. Morlock
Translation is Copyright © 2001 by Frank J. Morlock. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without explicit consent of Frank J. Morlock. Please contact frankmorlock@msn.com for licensing information.
For more information on this play, click here.
Table of Contents
Characters
The Lake of Beauge. A low hall of the Chateau Beauge in Anjou. Wooden sculptures, hangings of Spanish leather, heavy tapestries. Doors to the left and right. To the left at the rear, door giving on a lighted vestibule. Also at the rear a large window with three empty parts giving on the Lake of Beauge. Black trees on the horizon. End of winter.
AURILLY
(entering)
Is this apartment ready? Fires in the rooms? Good! Have you take out the interior locks and bolts? Good! Now, return here -- one person will occupy this apartment if someone comes to see and know this person -- the dungeon! It will be possible you may hear some noise -- some shouts. Take care for whichever one of you responds be it to a signal or a shout coming from this apartment -- will be regarded as a traitor -- and for a traitor there's something worse than a dungeon in the justice of the Duke of Anjou.
(The valets bow. A squire enters.)
SQUIRE
Master Aurilly -- you can hear horses hooves on the causeway.
AURILLY
Fine! You've understood everything I've told you completely? Let no one hear a breath, let no one see every a shadow in the chateau until the arrival of Milord! Go!
SQUIRE
(returning)
Master Aurilly, the letter is stopping before the steps of the Chateau. I am going down to see.
AURILLY
That's good. Return to my place and don't leave unless I call you.
(The Squire leaves. Aurilly follows him and shuts the door.)
(Diane and a masked man enter.)
DIANE
I won't take another stp unless you answer my questions.
(The man points to the room.
DIANE
Where am I?
(The man does not respond.)
GERTRUDE
Be calm, Miss -- ! We've probably arrived where they wanted to escort us -- and we will find someone to speak to.
(The man leaves.)
DIANE
(to herself) (crestfallen)
Oh!
GERTRUDE
Well -- he's gone! He's closed the door? Oh -- for heaven's sake.
DIANE
I am dying of fright!
GERTRUDE
Oh, but I am going to get angry in the end! Wait!
(going to strike the door while yelling)
Sir! Hola! Help! Help!
(to Diane)
You are going to see.
DIANE
Gertrude, take care.
GERTRUDE
Bah! Miss -- we must et to the bottom of it.
(she raps furiously)
Murder! Fire!
DIANE
They're coming.
GERTRUDE
I was very sure of it.
(noticing Aurilly)
Yet another masked man!
DIANE
Sir, I am Baroness Diane, only child of Baron Meridor, the companion in arms of King Francis the First. Are we so far from my father's house that no one knows me, or they dare to give me offense? I was going to the Chateau Jude, the home of a relative. Why have you stopped my litter? Why have you turned me from my way? By what right did the cavaliers who brought me here mistreat and chase off my servants? Who are these wretches and who for that matter are you? Where am I here, where am I?
AURILLY
At home, Madame?
DIANE
That's a joke.
AURILLY
Deign to command, Madame. It will suffice for you to strike with this door knocker, to cause to run at your orders a servant who will never leave this vestibule.
GERTRUDE
They protect us from being seen!
DIANE
Once more, what do you want to do with me?
AURILLY
To treat you like a queen!
(He salutes and leaves.)
DIANE
I would much prefer threats! Gertrude, you don't say anything.
GERTRUDE
Ah, Miss, we are in a trap!
DIANE
Whose maker is not hard to guess.
GERTRUDE
The Count of Monsoreau.
DIANE
Who could it be if not him? Since I've known him, I've known misfortune.
GERTRUDE
But Miss -- the Count had no need to kidnap you -- since he can see you freely at Meridor -- since he asked you of your father and your father did not refuse you!
DIANE
Yes, but I refused.
GERTRUDE
Perhaps you were wrong.
DIANE
What do you know about it? Would you deny the inexplicable feeling which seized me the first time I heard pronounced at Mercidor the name of Monsoreau? A presentiment, without doubt, sine I had not yet noticed the Count -- and since I've seen him, do you know why all my heart freezes when he comes near me, when I feel his avid and evil look attach itself to me? No, you don't understand, Gertrude? Well, you are going to know. You recall the day our woodcutters brought me to the Chateau, dying, fainting?
GERTRUDE
Yes, I remember. The Baron almost died of sadness seeing you so pale,a nd yet you were only a little tired .. it was the day Monsoreau first went hunting in the forest of Beauge.
DIANE
Well, yes! The Duke of Anjou had just send him into this province that he administered in his name. Tell then, I had lived very happily at Meridor, in the midst of my flowers, my lamb and my swans -- idolizing my old father -- and giving love to all those who surrounded me, to the birds in the heavens to the beasts in the woods -- everyone loved me, too and my bitch, Daphne, left the deep thickets to come eat from my hands. One morning, I heard the horn and barking of dogs in neighboring forests. It was, as you said, the first hunt of the new governor. Curious, I ran to the gate of the park -- and I noticed Daphne pursuing breathlessly behind her, all the pack, and at the same moment, a cavalier, who urged on his black horse, rapidly like a storm, it was Monsoreau -- who was hunting poor Daphne. I yelled "Mercy". He passed without hearing me.
GERTRUDE
Ah!
DIANE
To stop this pursuit, which tore my heart out, I tried to find the Count or one of his beaters. I advanced through the woods, guided by the noise of the hunt. Sometimes, I saw, still fleeing, the unfortunate Daphne, already worn out! Once she passed near me. Whining sadly as if to say goodbye to me. I went on forgetting my fatigue, calling -- when I found myself in a lane of oaks which led to the Chateau of the Duke of Anjou by the vast Lake of Beauge. I caught my breath, I listened, suddenly , boomed a whirlwind of braking, fanfares and shouts. The hunt returned and by the other side of the immense sheet of water, the bitch leaped from the woods and hurled itself in the water as if to come to me. I saw her, tears in my eyes, arms extended. She swam with all her strength in the midst of dogs
DIANE (continued)
ready to seize her. Monsoreau appeared then at the edge of the woods and jumped down from his horse. Without doubt he had seen me, he heard me beg, for he ran to a boat which he quickly detached from its moorings. He was going to save my poor Daphne. Already he touched her, separating her ferocious enemies from her, when suddenly I saw a light shine. He had drawn his hunting knife. The light disappeared with the lade which he plunged completely into the heart of the poor animal. Daphne uttered a lugubrious shiver and slid dead in the water, red with her blood! I took some steps to flee this horrible spectacle and I fell fainting in the heath where I was found that night by our people. Ah, Gertrude, since that day, each time I see the Count again, call me bizarre, unjust, mad -- between him and me -- there's that shout, that blood, that agony!
GERTRUDE
But Miss, he was unaware that poor Daphne was your favorite, and what he did, as a hunter, was no crime.
DIANE
Yes, perhaps.
GERTRUDE
The Count loves you very much -- he respects you too much to risk making himself scorned and hated. You won't pardon him for violence -- what's the use of a kidnapping? Am I not here to defend you?
DIANE
Dear Gertrude! Now this violence, this rape, we cannot contest them -- and they have a single author.
GERTRUDE
You want to know my idea, Miss?
DIANE
Speak.
GERTRUDE
You were invited with your father to Angers, a month ago to this feast given by the Count to the Duke of Anjou, brother to our King Henry III.
GERTRUDE
A very splendid feast.
GERTRUDE
Where all the nobility of the provinces were reunited -- you were much looked at, much admired.
DIANE
Yes, I recall a cold look which weighed strangle on me all evening.
GERTRUDE
What look?
DIANE
Continue.
GERTRUDE
Monsoreau is a little jealous, it's natural, besides he loves you. Monsoreau, I say, the next day had a long conversation with your father which left your father very preoccupied.
DIANE
It's true.
GERTRUDE
Following this conversation, your father decided precipitously on your departure for Lude.
DIANE
You're right.
GERTRUDE
Well, Miss, I conclude you must have produced, at this feast, a too lively impression on some neighboring lord -- that the Count noticed it, and fearing a rival dangerous to him, dangerous to you
GERTRUDE (continued)
perhaps, he advised your father to send you away from Meridor. That's why we were going this evening to Lude -- that's why also some masked men stopped your litter, ran off your servants and why we are here.
DIANE
At the home of a rival of County Monsoreau! At the home of a man capable of such a cowardly ambush! But truly, Gertrude, nothing could be more frightening than your supposition -- where are we? We've got to find out.
GERTRUDE
Patience! Let's not lose our head! And first of all, Miss, you noticed that to get to this room, we had to climb five steps.
DIANE
Yes.
GERTRUDE
Then we're on the ground floor, so that if these windows --
DIANE
If these windows are not barred, you mean.
GERTRUDE
And if you have some courage.
DIANE
If I have courage? You will see!
GERTRUDE
Hush! Oh! There's another room there. Wait!
(she takes a torch while Diane tries to open the window shutters)
Let me do it.
(Diane has opened the shutters, the countryside can be seen under a distant cloud; then it clears. The lake shines.)
DIANE
(with joy)
No bars!
GERTRUDE
Yes, but water comes right up to the walls.
DIANE
Water! An immense lake. Oh, but I recognize that -- it's the Lake of Beauge.
GERTRUDE
Are we in a castle?
DIANE
We are in the chateau of the Duke of Anjou.
GERTRUDE
Well, Miss?
DIANE
Well, Gertrude, the man whose sinister look, whose devouring attention tortured me during the feast -- was the Duke of Anjou!
GERTRUDE
Oh!
DIANE
The tyrant known throughout the province, the somber debauchee, with the pale face, the all powerful brother of the King, who is afraid of his conspiracies and his crimes!
GERTRUDE
Silence! Silence!
DIANE
But we are in his house and in his power -- ! It was he who set this infamous trap! Gertrude, we've got to get out of here.
GERTRUDE
That's what I ask -- but how?
DIANE
(looking at the neighboring room)
Here, a room with no exit. Here, their spires, their guards -- there --
(pointing to the window)
GERTRUDE
Death!
DIANE
Death is often the best! It seems to me now that the very walls threaten me, that eyes of flames watch over me -- I can no longer think. I cannot breathe. I am afraid. Let's lock ourselves in! Lock ourselves in!
GERTRUDE
Nothing. Not a bolt! Not a key! They have foreseen everything, Miss.
DIANE
Oh, my father! My good father! You will protect me.
GERTRUDE
And to say one is a woman! That one has no power, that one is nothing! Down there, wait a hundred yards away there's a boat in the willows. I see it. If I was a man, I would go find it in the water.
DIANE
Oh, my God!
GERTRUDE
What's wrong with you?
DIANE
I am dazzled, I am mad!
GERTRUDE
Why, what is it?
DIANE
It seems to me that I see the boat move.
GERTRUDE
Yes -- it is moving!
DIANE
It's coming here.
GERTRUDE
And those shadows which move about on the edge of the wood -- some friends, perhaps.
DIANE
Or the Prince!
GERTRUDE
He wouldn't hide so. See how the boat clings to obscurity, see how these shadows slide mysteriously in the reeds under the willows.
DIANE
A horse neighing.
GERTRUDE
Oh -- the moon's gone in. I can't see anymore.
DIANE
I hear an oar!
GERTRUDE
Very near!
DIANE
Shut the window.
VOICE
(outside)
Gertrude.
DIANE
What was that?
GERTRUDE
My name!
DIANE
Who is there?
MONSOREAU
(appearing beneath the balcony)
A friend!
GERTRUDE
Mr. Monsoreau!
DIANE
He!
MONSOREAU
Don't wait for me, Miss, since it is a question of your honor.
GERTRUDE
(low to Diane)
You see!
MONSOREAU
They just informed at Meridor, the treason of which you are the victim. Masked rapists kidnapped you. I ran, I pursued them. I found your tracks. Don't fear anything now, Miss, I am here.
DIANE
I am grateful to you, sir.
MONSOREAU
Give me your orders, Miss. Down below I have a bark, in the woods I have some good servants with my best horses. No one has seen me. No one suspects me. Let's not lose any time, let's get out of here.
DIANE
Where will you take me?
MONSOREAU
To Meridor!
DIANE
My father's home?
MONSOREAU
You can hug him in three hours!
DIANE
Oh, sir, if you speak the truth!
MONSOREAU
Are you ready?
DIANE
(hesitating)
Sir! --
MONSOREAU
Time is precious! The Prince is not at the Chateau, but tomorrow, perhaps, he will arrive. To flee in broad daylight -- impossible! And once the Prince has arrived, I can do nothing for you! Except vainly risk my life, as I risk it in this moment with the hope of saving you.
DIANE
You risk your life?
MONSOREAU
Doubtless, since the Prince calls me his friend, and I betray him for you -- ! If he were to suspect I am here, he would have me assassinated tomorrow.
GERTRUDE
Oh! Miss, believe him!
DIANE
(to herself)
Help makes me more fearful than the danger itself.
MONSOREAU
Is it from weakness that you are hesitating? Is it from scorn? I hoped better from my devotion.
DIANE
You come from Meridor, you say, warned, sent by my father? Why didn't he come with you?
MONSOREAU
Here! At the home of His Highness, I would prefer to suffer than for him to expose himself so! Never mind me -- but your father.
DIANE
But he could write to me -- a line from him had persuaded me, I would follow you! (Monsoreau draws a letter rapidly from his doublet)
He has written -- right? Give it to me!
(She holds out her hand.)
MONSOREAU
(who has reflected and hidden the letter)
No, Miss, he has not written! Could he believe that a devoted friend, a liberator would be suspected by you to such a degree?
GERTRUDE
Listen! Footsteps! They're coming.
DIANE
Count!
(knocking)
MONSOREAU
I am lost and without saving you.
(knocking)
GERTRUDE
Here, sir, here.
(She hides him in a neighboring room. The knocking continues. Diane falls into a seat.)
GERTRUDE
(opening)
What? What is it?
AURILLY
(masked)
(showing a letter)
Miss!
DIANE
On whose behalf do you come?
AURILLY
Take the trouble to read.
DIANE
I won't read this letter without knowing from who it comes. I refuse it.
(Aurilly places the letter on the cushion before Diane and leaves.)
GERTRUDE
(reading)
To the beautiful Diane de Meridor.
DIANE
Throw that paper out.
MONSOREAU
On the contrary, read it, read it, Miss.
(Gertrude tears it open hurriedly and gives it to Diane.)
DIANE
(reading)
A wretched Prince, lost in love, has offended you and wants to obtain his pardon. This evening, at 10 o'clock, he will come to ask it at your feet.
MONSOREAU
This evening.
GERTRUDE
At 10 o'clock.
(The Chateau clock can be heard to strike.)
MONSOREAU
Quarter to ten, is ringing at Beauge and the Duke is very precise, Miss, for his love rendezvous.
DIANE
Ah! What torture!
MONSOREAU
And for Diane de Meridor who is so beautiful he is capable of advancing the time. Look, you see those lights across the forest?
DIANE
It's true.
MONSOREAU
The torches are his escort.
GERTRUDE
Miss! Miss! I beg you.
DIANE
(motionless)
I want to flee -- impossible!
(A noise can be heard -- the sound of distant clocks.)
MONSOREAU
The Duke is entering the Chateau. In another minute, it will be too late.
(He places some furniture before the door.)
DIANE
Help me, Gertrude, help me!
GERTRUDE
Here I am, here I am!
(She pulls her up and drags her to the balcony.)
MONSOREAU
(throwing Diane's veil in the lake)
Her veil! They will believe her dead -- that will be better.
(He disappears in his turn.)
AURILLY
(knocking outside)
Open! Open! Don't be afraid -- it's Milord.
(the door is shaking. Aurilly enters through the other door and finding the room unlit goes to look in the neighboring room, the moves the furniture away from the door. The page enters with torches followed by the Duke.
AURILLY
No one, Milord!
(running to the open window)
Disappeared!
DUKE
(entering and looking from the balcony)
Her veil is floating on the water! Dead! Dead!
He turns away, overwhelmed!
A large office, giving on the gallery of the Hotel Casse-Brissau. Doors in the rear -- left and right, splendid lighting.
(Mangerion is seated. Schomberg enters with Saint Luc.
SCHOMBERG
Oh! My dear Stain Luc, your wedding is magnificent! But, do you know, when I see a man marry, it's too much for me -- I choke.
SAINT LUC
Poor Schomberg! In this office you will be able to breathe.
(noticing Mangerion)
What! You're here already, Mangerion?
MANGERION
Yes, I escaped. The marriage is very beautiful! And I'm waiting for Quelus here -- he's gambling with Mr. de Bussar, your father-in-law.
QUELUS
(entering)
Oh! Gentlemen, what a father-in-law.
(noticing Saint Luc)
Excuse me, my brave Saint Luc, but seven times already this dear Mr. de Bussar has asked me if the King will come to honor us with his presence. Does anyone ever know if the King will come of if he won't?
(They laugh.)
JEANNE
(entering)
What! The King isn't coming? But gentlemen, they promised me the King.
SAINT LUC
That's true, my friends, reassure Madame Saint Luc.
QUELUS
Did I say the King, Madame? My tongue betrayed me. We were speaking of the Duke of Anjou and I said "I hope he won't come!"
JEANNE
But they also promised me the Duke of Anjou.
SAINT LUC
(low)
My dear, Jeanne.
JEANNE
Why don't we see him?
QUELUS
Because, Madame, we haven't noticed any Auger_______ here.
SCHOMBERG
Thank God!
JEANNE
(astonished)
Thank God?
SAINT LUC
(giving her a sign)
Hum! Hum!
QUELUS
Madame Saint Luc, who comes to us from her convent all fresh and charming doesn't yet know the customs of the Angerin court. Know Madame that the Duke of Anjou never takes a step without scouts, without a little avant guard of __________, cut promises and cut throats.
JEANNE
Oh!
QUELUS
A Antraguet, a Riberae, a Levorat or sometimes a Bussy.
JEANNE
Lours de Clemond, Lord de Bussy -- a cut throat!
SAINT LUC
(to Jeanne)
Quelus is joking.
QUELUS
Not the least bit. So, Madame, as one doesn't notice here, Mr de Bussy, the Bully, it is certain one won't see, Mr. D'Anjou.
JEANNE
There is still time.
SAINT LUC
(low to Jeanne)
Shut up then.
JEANNE
Huh?
QUELUS
What is it?
SAINT LUC
(to Quelus)
Madame Saint Luc is complaining of the weather.
JEANNE
Hot here, snowing outside.
SCHOMBERG
Weather is never good on wedding days.
SAINT LUC
There's my father-in-law who's coming this way.
QUELUS
Perhaps he wants to know if the King will honor --
SAINT LUC
(meaningfully)
He's looking for someone.
QUELUS
Me, perhaps!
SAINT LUC
It well might be.
QUELUS
(to Mangerion)
Save yourself if you can.
SAINT LUC
Are you leaving us?
QUELUS
(to Saint Luc)
It will be eight o'clock, my friend -- we will return.
(to the others)
Quick!
(They leave precipitously.)
JEANNE
Why, they are crazy -- these people.)
SAINT LUC
Now, we are all alone!
JEANNE
But you are torturing me? What's wrong?
SAINT LUC
What's wrong, my adored Jeanne? It's that you want to change our wedding to the wedding of Pirithos! They're going to be strangled, my sweet!
JEANNE
Oh! Why's that -- God in Heaven?
SAINT LUC
Don't you understand? You want to see the King here, and with the King, the Duke of Anjou! But that's fire and water you are calling upon on our home! A conflagration and a deluge!
JEANNE
Two brothers?
SAINT LUC
No -- two sons of Catherine de Medises! Oh, my beautiful Countess, it's quite an education I have to undertake.
JEANNE
Do it, sir, do it.
SAINT LUC
You support the Duke of Anjou and Mr. de Bussy -- that's imprudent, before the friends of the King! But Jeanne, our King has no other heir than Francois his brother, and Francois would like to inherit immediately -- with the result that Henry is afraid of Francois and that Francois -- execrates Henry -- that's clear.
JEANNE
Very clear!
SAINT LUC
Now the friends of Henry want him to live and reign -- yes, but the friends of Francois don't want him to so Francois can reign in his turn. What to do?
JEANNE
It's dreadful! And they suffer this?
SAINT LUC
Oh -- not at all! There's someone who watches!
JEANNE
That's good!
SAINT LUC
Someone who does not want either Henry or Francois!
JEANNE
Because.
SAINT LUC
Because they prefer to reign themselves.
JEANNE
Who is it then?
SAINT LUC
Three well separated yet united heads -- like those of Hecate. One presides over armies and is called Henry de Guise. The second over consuls -- that Mayeane. The head over religion -- that's the Cardinal of Lorraine. I don't count a certain little changeable head, a viper's head -- their sister, Madame de Montperisier -- the most dangerous of all of them. Well -- the King, his brother, the Guises with three of four heads each has his following, his end, his intrigue, each conspirers and hurls at his rivals his little army of conspirators. And all of them -- they are everywhere, they occupy everything. You cannot open your eyes, you cannot open your mouth, but one of them will see you or hear us -- if you favor one, you have all the others against you -- so, my beloved Jeanne see without looking, speak without meaning, fear everyone -- smile at all -- always lie and don't join _____ -- except ours -- and only love yourself and me -- I tremble even here in whispering in your ear that I love you.
JEANNE
What! That's court life?
SAINT LUC
Our Court, yes!
JEANNE
What happiness do you reserve for me?
SAINT LUC
Oh! Patience! If you knew what efforts and address I had to employ to obtain the beginning of liberty, to escape from the friendship of the King. Oh, Jeanne, the King is very jealous if his friendship! He didn't look on my marriage with pleasure -- a marriage which deprived him of a friend's confidence -- he who has so
SAINT LUC (continued)
little. He could really bear rancor towards us. Believe me, let's efface ourselves, try to be forgotten, and try gently, very gently to find a way to live uniquely only for each other.
JEANNE
I know -- let's go to Meridor.
SAINT LUC
What is Meridor?
JEANNE
The opposite of the Court -- woods, flowers, sky -- a friend, beautiful adorable -- a treasure my dear. Diane, this companion of my childhood, Diane and her old father, the Lord Augusten, who called us his two daughters. Oh, the enchanted days I spent in Meridor -- today, at chapel you saw me cry and you asked me why these tears. It's that I was thinking of Diane's absence of the promise we made to each other not to marry without each other. She's not here. It's the only blessing lacking in my happiest day.
SAINT LUC
Why didn't you have her come?
JEANNE
I wrote but no reply. Anjou is so far and we married so hurriedly.
SAINT LUC
So you reproach me for that?
JEANNE
No, but now that I know the fate that awaits us here -- you understand whether i want to go to Meridor! Look -- let's go.
SAINT LUC
What do you mean -- let's go? The weeding and the Court and the King?
JEANNE
Are you going to refuse me the first thing I ask of you?
SAINT LUC
Oh, no! No! Only --
JEANNE
Meridor! Meridor! Meridor!
SAINT LUC
(on his knees)
Well, yes, tomorrow!
JEANNE
Tomorrow? Tonight! Right away!
(Antraguet, Levorat, Riberae enter.)
ANTRAGUET
On his knees to his wife! My congratulations!
SAINT LUC
Antraguet. The Angerins!
JEANNE
The Angerins!
ANTRAGUET
(to Saint Luc)
Do us the honor, Count, to present us to Madame Countess.
SAINT LUC
(to Jeanne)
The Marques Antraguet, Mr. de Levorat, Mr. de Riberae, whose absence you were regretting just now.
(aside)
Hopefully, the others won't return.
JEANNE
These gentlemen perhaps wish to greet my father?
ANTRAGUET
We have had that honor, Madame, and Mr. de Bussar has asked us several times over --
SAINT LUC
(completing the thought)
If the King is coming.
ANTRAGUET
Precisely -- but it's a bit unlikely. The King never goes about without an escort of certain persons that we don't see here.
RIBERAE
Thank God!
SAINT LUC
(to Jeanne)
Well?
JEANNE
(uneasily)
Yes! Yes!
ANTRAGUET
But the Duke of Anjou is coming.
SAINT LUC
(aside)
Plague!
(aloud)
His Highness completes us.
ANTRAGUET
His Highness fixed a rendezvous with Bussy who has doubtless arrived.
SAINT LUC
Not yet!
(he listens)
Quelus is returning --
(aloud)
Would you like to go have a look for him together --
ANTRAGUET
Let's go.
JEANNE
(to Saint Luc)
Try to lose them.
(At the moment Saint Luc starts to lead off the Angerins, Quelus appears in the doorway speaking to Mr. de Bussar.)
QUELUS
(turning his back)
Yes, Mr. de Bussar, yes, the King will come.
SAINT LUC
Fine!
ANTRAGUET
(seeing Quelus)
Oh! OH!
QUELUS
(advancing without seeing anything)
He will come all the more willingly for there are only good Frenchmen here -- not on Angerin.
ANTRAGUET, RIBERAE, and LEVORAT
'Scuse me?
SAINT LUC
See!
QUELUS
(noticing them)
Oh! Oh!
QUELUS
(to Saint Luc)
You heard, Mr. Saint Luc?
SAINT LUC
(graciously)
What?
ANTRAGUET
What this gentleman just said about the Angerins.
QUELUS
Well, so what?
JEANNE
(frightened, begging him)
Mr. de Quelus!
QUELUS
Oh! Madame!
SCHOMBERG and MANGERION
(who have just entered)
What do these gentlemen from Anjou want?
ANTRAGUET
(seeing them)
Fine! We shall each have one!
SCHOMBERG
Gentlemen! Gentlemen!
JEANNE
Gentlemen!
SAINT LUC
Before a lady.
(Noise -- murmurs from without announcing the presence of the King. The King enters from one side door - Chicot from the other. Courtier, pages at the back of the galley.
KING
What's wrong, gentlemen?
CHICOT
(taking the pose of the king)
Gentlemen -- what's wrong?
KING
Two kings here, Master Chicot! Why this bad joke?
CHICOT
Listen up, Hank, I am going to play King, you are gong to play Chicot. I am going to be enthroned. You are going to dance. I am going to listen to all the silly talk and all the lies of these gentlemen you meanwhile, you will amuse yourself, -- poor King.
KING
You are right, I intend to amuse myself -- to amuse myself a great deal. Do you hear, Mr. Saint Luc?
SAINT LUC
Milord!
(aside)
He is furious.
KING
(passing before Jeanne who curtsies deeply)
Madame Saint Luc?
SAINT LUC
Yes, Sire.
KING
(in a dry tone)
You are charming, Madame.
(He passes away and separates himself.)
JEANNE
(to Saint Luc)
What were you saying about the King's rancor -- the King finds me charming.
SAINT LUC
Eh! That's very bad.
(He wants to move away from her.)
JEANNE
You are leaving me?
SAINT LUC
In the name of heaven, don't look at me like that, my dear. You see the King is still smiling. He's contemplating a nasty _____.
KING
(calling)
Saint Luc!
SAINT LUC
Sire!
KING
May I offer you one of these lozenges?
(Saint Luc thanks him)
Ostne, they are quarreling down there -- you hear? The King is getting irritated!
CHICOT
(in the doorway)
Yes, I have made supplementary laws, but if they don't suffice, I will make others, I will make them again, I will always make them. If they are not good, at least they will be numerous. By the Horns of Beelzebub! Mr. de Bussy.
KING
What's he saying about Bussy?
(Noises outside.)
VOICES
(outside)
Bussy! Bussy! Bussy D'Antoine -- Bussy!
JEANNE
Mr. de Bussy!
SAINT LUC
That's all we need.
(Six pages magnificently dressed enter and arrange themselves before the gallery.)
KING
Six pages!
QUELUS
Like the King!
(Bussy appears, looking for the King.)
CHICOT
La de da! Mr. de Bussy -- look at us! Don't you see I am the real Henry? Can't you distinguish the King from his buffoon?
BUSSY
(to the King)
Sire --
KING
(drily)
The King is calling you, sir --
(He turns his back on Bussy.)
BUSSY
(wounded)
Ah!
(turning to Chicot)
Pardon, sir, I was confounded!
KING
(turning back)
What's he say?
SAINT LUC
Nothing, sire, absolutely nothing.
CHICOT
(to Bussy)
Sir, you encroach on my prerogatives! You are running yourself with pages. What! What you drape gold on these clowns and you a Clermont, a Colonel, almost a prince -- you dress in simple black velour!
BUSSY
(scrutinizing the Mignons who watch him insolently)
Sire, when one lives in times where clowns are dressed like princes, it is good taste for a prince to distinguish himself by dressing like a clown.
QUELUS, SCHOMBERG, MANGERION
By God. S'blood! Damnation!
KING
The Insolence!
CHICOT
(to Bussy)
Whoa! What's that you are saying? Is it intended for my friends or those of my brother?
BUSSY
For whoever wants to take it ill, Sire.
QUELUS
(advancing)
Well, sir --
SAINT LUC
(restraining him)
In the name of heaven, calm down, wait.
QUELUS
Eh! Wait yourself! Whoever attacks us touches the King.
KING
(softly)
Shut up, Quelus.
BUSSY
(to his friends)
Let me along -- you are going to see --
SAINT LUC
(aside)
To the other one now --
(to Bussy)
Mr. Bussy --
BUSSY
(to Saint Luc)
You want an explanation about what I just said?
SAINT LUC
I want nothing except to greet you and think you with Madame Saint Luc for the honor that your presence brings to our house.
BUSSY
(respectfully)
Excuse me, Madame. Nothing here could make me lose the respect which is due you.
KING
(to his friends)
Saint Luc provoked it -- but I don't want him to be killed on the very day of his wedding! Go Quelus -- no, not you -- you have too bad a head. Go Mangerion -- no, not you either.
CHICOT
(aside)
Poor King!
(to Bussy)
What are you thinking of Count de Bussy? They are saying you will lose your head -- don't you see my brother come in, my brother come in, my brother Francois -- the master you've chosen. He's not much to look at, it's true, but still you've chosen him -- too bad for you!
(The Duke of Anjou enters and hears these last words.)
DUKE
(to King)
Sire, you may find it pleasant for a buffoon to insult wrong a cross some gentleman, your servants and mine. But if he attacks me, a son of france, that's another matter! I won't stand for it.
CHICOT
(to King)
Answer, Chicot, I authorize you.
KING
Brother, you are very sensitive. Our ancestor Francis the First spoiled Treboulet. Henry II, our father laughed to see Brusquet compete with Marshall de Strozzi. As for me, I pardon much from Chicot because he loves me a little. Don't scorn him, Francois. He's a gentleman' he grew up as an orphan and was honorably raised -- at home of your Angerins, a Meridor, an old royal race.
DUKE
(aside)
Meridor!
JEANNE
Meridor!
KING
Besides, Chicot perhaps won't allow himself to be scorned even by a prince! He will rudely draw his sword.
DUKE
Not against me, I think. He didn't draw against Mr. de Mazene who had him whipped, not even against Nicholas David who held the stick.
KING
Francois, you have a cruel memory!
CHICOT
Well, what, Chicot? They remind you were beaten, that you received blows from the stick -- let's say fifty. But it wasn't your fault -- this can happen to anybody. Look, there's Mr. de Bussy -- a brave man, a proud man -- ask him what he would say if our evening, surprised at the home of his mistress by a rival, by a jealous prince, if he saw himself annihilated under the sticks of a dozen porters and a Norman lawyer -- reply, Bussy, what would you say?
BUSSY
That the prince is a wretch and a coward and that he had dishonored himself -- that's what I would tell him.
CHICOT
Fine! And what would you do?
BUSSY
I don't know -- but the next day this prince would have paid his debt to me.
CHICOT
The next day? Oh, Mr. de Bussy, how ill you manage your business! Chicot wouldn't settle his account the next day, oh, not at all -- he would let it gather interest. Then, after seven years -- including a leap year -- at 10 to the hundred, which is the legal rate, the rate which the King imposes on the Jews -- it takes seven years for interest to double the principal with the result that these so strapping blows given to Chicot and which drew from
CHICOT (continued)
his body a pint of his blood -- well grow today two a hundred blows and two pints for each of his debtors, in such a way that Monsieur de Maurigny, as fat as he is, and Nicholas David, as tall as he is, won't have enough skin or enough blood to replay Chicot and they will be reduced one day to bankrupt him by expiring after the 88th or 92nd blow of the cudgel.
(Laughter.)
BUSSY
Not so crazy!
KING
(to Duke)
What do you say to this king of arithmetic?
DUKE
Admirable, Milord. Chicot is a perfection. From now on we will have more than esteem for him -- we'll be his fanatics.
(Laughter.)
CHICOT
(to Duke)
Really -- you're going to love poor Chicot a little?
DUKE
We're going to adore him.
CHICOT
Oh! What a pretty little Court we shall have! All lambs, bleating together. Well, I don't much love the Angerins and they return the favor. But since we are now returned to the age of gold here -- home of Beelzebub! We are going to see milk and honey run in the streets of Paris. My brother, where are your friends, so that I may adore him? Mr. de Bussy, I begin with you.
BUSSY
(gesturing)
Sire, such goodness.
CHICOT
Did I never give you anything? No? Well, I was wrong. At the moment. At the moment, there's a vacancy in one of the greatest positions of my crown -- the position of great Huntsman.
DUKE
(aside)
What's he say?
KING
(to Quelus)
Let me listen.
CHICOT
Oh, I know what you want, Bussy -- and what my brother has promised to ask of me for you.
(Duke moves)
It's all very simple, you are his most faithful servant, his best friend, his pearl.
DUKE
(to himself)
The traitor!
CHICOT
You are an accomplished gentleman, a perfect lord, the ______________ par excellence, I make you Grant Huntsman.
DUKE
(carried away)
Wretches!
CHICOT
(graciously to Duke)
Oh, don't thank me.
(to King ____)
If you don't profit from this to make them fight to the death you are not the son of your mother.
(He moves away.)
DUKE
(aside)
Taken in a space.
KING
Brother, a bit of indulgence! Chicot thinks you are having a good time. He cannot know that, this morning you asked me that position for another.
BUSSY
For another!
DUKE
(to Bussy)
I will tell you. I will explain to you.
BUSSY
Useless! Milord --
KING
This new Great Huntsman, gentlemen, the protege of my brother, is naturally an Angerin -- who's name is -- whatever, is his name Francois? I can never get myself to recall that name!
DUKE
Oh!
(to King)
The Count de Monsieur, Sire.
CHICOT
(at the back)
Monsieur.
QUELUS
Monsieur! Who's that?
BUSSY
Monsieur?
ALL
Monsieur?
KING
When will you present him to us, Francois so we can see him at least since we don't know him.
KING
Sire, grant him a few days, Monsieur is in, Anjou on his lands -- I haven to been able yet to inform him of the favor of which he is the object.
QUELUS
(to King)
That beautiful position to an enemy! What a mistake, Sire?
KING
Monsieur or Bussy -- what's the difference! It's still on Angerin. Don't you see that they are my masters.
QUELUS
All the more reason for us to deliver you from them -- to destroy them -- and to begin with the most odious of all.
KING
This Bussy! Ah! If you can without taking too may risks. Well --
(lower)
-- carte blanche.
QUELUS
You hear, Mangerion.
MANGERION
You hear, Schomberg.
DUKE
(to Bussy)
Bussy, hear me, I beg you.
(Bussy bows coldly.)
CHICOT
(who has seen from the back)
Fine!
SAINT LUC
(to King)
Sir, they are waiting for Your Majesty.
(Ball music.)
CHICOT
Hanbus, let's go dance.
DUKE
Cursed fool!
KING
Come, Francois!
DUKE
Here I am.
(They leave.)
(Quelus, Schomberg, Mangerion, D'Eperon, are grouped at the left. Bussy, Riberae, Levorat, Antraguet at the right.)
RIBERAE
Bussy -- they are conspiring over there.
BUSSY
Some new hair cream!
ANTRAGUET
The Mignons are waiting for us.
BUSSY
Let them wait.
QUELUS
(to his friends)
It's agreed!
(aloud)
What do you want, gentlemen -- we must think of going on the hunt -- the King has a caprice, he intends that, tomorrow for his lunch, they will serve him a beautiful venison -- something in wonderful taste -- for example a wild boar.
MANGERION
With an Italian ruff.
SCHOMBERG
Sort of like --
(look at Bussy)
BUSSY
(approaching graciously)
Like this, perhaps?
(He points to his ruff.)
QUELUS
A little like, Mr. de Bussy.
BUSSY
Truly, it's getting very cold. That will chap the skin and then -- the boar -- he's rough.
MANGERION
We will have fur gloves to touch the animal.
RIBERAE
Is only one of you hunting?
QUELUS
We will hunt it wherever it runs to.
(Riberae, Levorat, Antraguet come closer.)
BUSSY
Bah! There's only four of them -- one is enough for them.
ALL THE MIGNONS
Insolent!
(The control themselves at a sign from Quelus.)
ANTRAGUET
(to Bussy)
But!
RIBERAE
(to Bussy)
A single one!
(to Mangerion)
Where are you hunting, gentlemen?
QUELUS
From cover. Are you one of us?
BUSSY
How can that be arranged? I have an affair, tonight with my answer in the Faubourg Saint Antoine.
MANGERION
A very deserted quarter.
SCHOMBERG
Where you get mugged.
BUSSY
Really. My word, I didn't know that! Help me a bit -- what road do you advise me to take?
QUELUS
Oh, my God -- the Quays right to the Grand Chalet -- the rue de la Truandance -- La Greve -- then the Rue St. Antoin right to the Hotel des Tourelles -- and the Bastille.
BUSSY
That's a perfect itinerary -- I won't deviate from it by a step -- you have nothing more to say to me, gentlemen?
QUELUS
Absolutely nothing.
BUSSY
(to himself)
No provocations. I don't get it.
SCHOMBERG
Bon voyage, Count.
BUSSY
There's nothing to be done with these people.
QUELUS
He's worried. It's his affair. Let us arrange outs.
RIBERAE
(to Bussy)
All the same you are wrong to go alone.
BUSSY
Bah!
LEVORAT
We will follow you.
BUSSY
I forbid it -- or I'll attack you!
RIBERAE
Don't get upset.
ANTRAGUET
The Duke's looking for you.
BUSSY
And I'm avoiding him.
(The Duke appears. They bow and leave.)
DUKE
(seeing them leave)
No one loves me, but still -- they fear me.
AURILLY
Milord!
DUKE
Aurilly! Well?
AURILLY
Do you still think of that woman you noticed the other night at the Church of Saint Catherine!
DUKE
Do I think of her! I seemed to see the ghost of the beautiful Diane that I killed.
AURILLY
I followed that ghost! Would you like to know where she lives?
DUKE
Aurilly.
AURILLY
In a house situated across from the Hotel des Tourelles -- a hundred feet from the Bastille.
DUKE
You are sure?
AURILLY
There's the key.
DUKE
This very night I will choke off remorse.
CHICOT
(enters and watches them)
What, Mr. Aurilly! Come here all! Mr. Aurilly is going to play the lute for us.
AURILLY
Why do that, sir?
CHICOT
Why to cheer up, Milord. Look at his somber expression.
DUKE
Mr. Chicot, I see you also want to open an account with me.
CHICOT
(gravely pulling a notebook from his pocket)
For you, Milord, we will put the interest at 15.
(Laughter. The Duke leaves. Jeanne comes in with Bussy.)
JEANNE
(to Bussy)
Thanks, Count, you don't want to sadden my house, even by a legitimate defense -- from having admiration for you henceforth, we will have gratitude -- I don't dare say friendship.
BUSSY
Say it, Madame! It's the very lease you owe me.
SAINT LUC
(low to Bussy)
Mr. de Bussy -- go home -- don't go anywhere else.
BUSSY
(astonished)
Ah!
DE NANCEY
The service of the King.
(King, Courtiers, ladies and officers enter.)
JEANNE
(to Saint Luc)
The King is leaving -- we are going to be free forever -- we will never leave each other.
SAINT LUC
Never! The King! To leave me so suddenly!
KING
(to Bussar)
Mr. de Bussar, everything has been perfect -- my compliments. Unfortunately it's getting late and I stay at the Louvre.
(A page detaches himself.)
DUKE
Will I have the honor to accompany Your Majesty?
KING
No, thanks, goodnight, Francois.
DUKE
(low to Aurilly)
Well -- let's leave, Aurilly.
(They leave.)
SAINT LUC
I will light His Majesty to his litter.
KING
All my friends are scapegoats who are going to keep Lent! Bad company -- you, Saint Luc, you are a serious man -- a married man.
JEANNE
Right.
KING
(smiling)
Goodnight, Madame Saint Luc.
JEANNE
Sire!
(aside)
He is perfect!
KING
(dreaming)
Everything considered, I'm afraid of being bored on the way; you shall accompany me, Saint Luc.
SAINT LUC
(to Jeanne)
You see!
JEANNE
You are going!
KING
Well, Saint Luc!
SAINT LUC
Here I am! Here I am.
(to Jeanne)
I'll be back.
CHICOT
(aside)
Ah, yes -- poor thing!
JEANNE
My God! My God!
CHICOT
What of it? Are you afraid, Saint Luc? The Louvre quarter is safe.
(looking at Bussy)
It' snot like the Faubourg Saint Antoine near the bastille before the Hotel des Tourelles, especially -- there's a place there where four men could hide at their ease to rush on a poor passer-by.
BUSSY
(surprised)
He said that for me --
CHICOT
Goodnight, Hanks, my son! Wait for me.
(He leaves precipitously.)
BUSSY
(to himself)
To frighten me, perhaps, let's get on with it, then.
(to Jeanne)
All my respects, Madame.
(He bows and leaves. Others come to bow and leave. Little by little Jeanne finds herself alone in the gallery.)
JEANNE
Here I am alone -- on my wedding night! Oh, Meridor! Meridor!
The Rue Saint Antoine before the Hotel des Tourelles; to the left of the hotel with its ramparts and its moat, a stone shed under which the Mignons lie in ambush. To the left, a wooden house with a balcony, and a low door with a wicket gate. The street passes between the hotel and this house; it abuts on the Bastille, whose towers are seen in the shadows. It's snowing. Bright moonlight.
(Quelus, Schomberg, Mangerion and D'Eperion are in hiding.)
QUELUS
What cold! Real Polish cold. That lunatic Bussy was really right. My skin is going to chap.
SCHOMBERG
Come on! Pull your cloak up to your eyes and put your hands in your pockets.
(He kicks the snow with his foot.)
QUELUS
It's easy to see you are German, Schomberg.
MANGERION
My mustache is frozen dead.
D'EPERON
With me it's the hands.
QUELUS
A little patience -- soon you will find, perhaps it's too hot.
MANGERION
May God hear you and the heat come quickly!
SCHOMBERG
(listening)
Hush!
QUELUS
What?
MANGERION
Something went "crack".
SCHOMBERG
A window opening -- there on the balcony.
MANGERION
A woman.
QUELUS
Two.
(Gertrude and Diane on the balcony.)
GERTRUDE
Go back in, Miss -- it's too cold.
DIANE
This quarter is frightening at night. For the 15 days Monsieur de Monsoreau has installed us in this house, each night we've been awakened by some alarm.
GERTRUDE
All is calm tonight; never mind go back in. It is imprudent to expose yourself since the Duke of Anjou noticed you at St. Catherine's church.
DIANE
And recognize me perhaps. Oh! My God.
QUELUS
(to Mangerion)
Can you hear what those two gossips are saying?
MANGERION
My word, no. There words freeze en route.
GERTRUDE
Some people hidden down there -- at the corner of the Hotel des Tourelles.
DIANE
Some evil doer -- perhaps. Oh! Go see if the old Marguerite, when she left, shut the door to the alley.
GERTRUDE
I will go, Madame.
(She goes in.)
MANGERION
Say Quelus, you were announcing heat a moment ago; well, I think I see it coming.
SCHOMBERG
From where?
MANGERION
By way of the Rue Saint Paul.
D'EPERON
My word, yes.
GERTRUDE
(returning)
That gate is completely shut, Miss. What makes you so worried then?
DIANE
(pointing to the street)
Do you see those two men coming?
GERTRUDE
Perhaps they are the one's those men in ambush are expecting.
DIANE
Suppose it's Mr. de Monsoreau.
GERTRUDE
The Count always comes alone.
DIANE
It's true. These men are stopping.
GERTRUDE
Before our door! Quick. Quick, Miss!
(She pulls her off.)
DIANE
What's going to happen?
(She goes in and the window is closed.)
(The Duke and Aurilly enter.)
DUKE
I heard a window shut.
AURILLY
And Your Highness, if the old witch didn't sell me a false key, you're going to hear a door open. Let's just make sure it's the correct one.
(he examines the house)
Wooden house _____ the -- a statute of the Virgin.
DUKE
That's it -- open.
QUELUS
(in the distance, to his friends)
That can only be Bussy -- let's not allow him to get into that house.
ALL
Let's go! Let's go!
(They advance and discover themselves.)
DUKE
(noticing them)
Armed me! A trap!
AURILLY
(who has opened the door)
Let's go in quickly, Milord.
QUELUS
(rushing ahead of others)
Death! Death!
ALL
Death!
DUKE
(crossing his arms)
I believe Mr. Quelus that my said "death" to a son of France?
QUELUS
Milord, Duke of Anjou.
ALL
Milord!
MANGERION
Pardon, Milord -- it's a joke.
DUKE
A singular joke.
QUELUS
It wasn't Your Highness that we sought.
DUKE
I quite believe it; but who then?
QUELUS
One of our friends.
MANGERION
To give him a scare.
QUELUS
Milord cannot suspect us of even wishing to trouble his pleasures.
DUKE
What pleasures, I beg you, sir?
MANGERION
Whatever pleasures Your Highness -- Pardon.
QUELUS
Milord can count on our discretion.
DUKE
I don't ask that of you. After all, I have no secrets to hide. I was going to consult the Jew Manasses, a sorcerer, who lives near here -- Aurilly saw you and took you for police, in turn, and true consulter of sorcerer that he is -- he tried to demolish the walls to escape the patrol. That's all, gentleman, that I wish said and that I wish believed. Goodnight, gentlemen.
QUELUS
We will retire, Milord.
(He makes a sign to post themselves in the area.)
AURILLY
Milord, those men have band intentions.
DUKE
You think so?
AURILLY
They haven't gone yet, see.
DUKE
Let's still go in here. Since we've already come. I want to know if this woman is a beautiful as Diane.
AURILLY
Ah, Milord, no imprudence! A prince of the blood, the Duke of Anjou, he's to the crown -- that so many people would not like to see you inherit.
DUKE
You are right. Let's turn to the Hotel. I will return better accompanied.
AURILLY
Wait, you see them?
DUKE
It's true. You've got the key back -- locked the door.
AURILLY
Eh, yes, Milord, yes, let's get out of here!
(He pulls him off.)
QUELUS
Gentlemen!
ALL
Here we are.
QUELUS
What did he come to this forsaken quarter for?
MANGERION
Nice question. And the woman who watched from this balcony just now.
QUELUS
That's it, by God! Oh! This time, listen.
VOICES
(singing in the distance)
There's only one lover like Bussy. ______________ -- there ain't no other --
QUELUS
It's him!
MANGERION
Eh, no -- this fellow is alone. His friends wouldn't have abandoned him like that.
QUELUS
I tell you it's him!
MANGERION
He's trying to trap us, then.
QUELUS
Trap or not, Attack! Attack! Swords!
ALL
Swords!
BUSSY
(on horse)
Two, three, four, oh! They don't think much of me. Thanks, gentlemen.
QUELUS
Is it him -- speak?
BUSSY
Himself -- the wild boar in question. The famous boar -- well, he's going to tear up someone. I begin.
(He wounds D'Eperon who attacks him.)
D'EPERON
(wounded)
Good! I have my due yours, gentlemen!
SCHOMBERG
Look at this big ugly _____ who speaks to us from his horse.
BUSSY
(jumping down form his horse)
Wait.
(He cuts him with his sword.)
SCHOMBERG
(touched)
Dear Tenfel!
BUSSY
So much for those two -- ! Now for the others!
QUELUS
(wounding Bussy)
Ah! Ah! Got ya!
BUSSY
In the clothe.
(He disarms Quelus with a reverse which makes his sword pop out of his hand.)
QUELUS
(returning to the charge)
Look! Look! Ah -- you flinch!
BUSSY
No, I draw back.
MANGERION
(to Bussy)
You are weakening.
BUSSY
See!
(He strikes him on his head with the pommel of his sword.)
MANGERION
(nothing on the ground)
Butcher!
BUSSY
Come on, courage! It's you who soften.
QUELUS
(touched in his turn)
Ah!
ALL
Death! Death!
(They press him towards Diane's door.)
BUSSY
(leaning his back against the door and feeling it give way behind her)
Open!
(He fences and keeps them back for a moment, then rushes into the alley.)
ALL
Open!
BUSSY
(shutting the door)
And how shut!
(He laughs.)
QUELUS
Ah, the demon.
SCHOMBERG
Let's break down the door.
(The bill in the distance.)
MANGERION
What was that?
QUELUS
The alarm from the Bastille.
SCHOMBERG
The Patrol!
QUELUS
Let's get out of here.
ALL
Hurry! Hurry!
MANGERION
Help me, Schomberg.
(They help him and drag him off. They disappear.)
BUSSY
(behind the door)
Pleasant evening, gentlemen, it was time!
(He staggers and falls. An armed patrol appears in the distance, coming from the Bastille.)
(curtain)
The Louvre. Three entrances. At the left an entrance to the King's chambers. Another door at the right. In the rear a large gallery going on. The arms room of the King.
DE NANCEY
(to a guard)
Don't let anyone come in right now.
(to Saint Luc, who enters)
Oh, Mr. Saint Luc -- impossible!
SAINT LUC
The King won't receive me?
DE NANCEY
Ah -- well -- yes! Don't you know the news?
SAINT LUC
No. I am coming from home.
DE NANCEY
Mr. de Mangerion was almost killed. Mr. D'Eperon grievously wounded Mr. de Schomberg.
SAINT LUC
And by whom, by God!
DE NANCEY
By Mr. de Bussy, who himself is dead -- or so it appears and no one has seen him the King is in a fury! Don't you hear him?
SAINT LUC
Who is quarreling with in such a way.
DE NANCEY
With the Duke of Anjou. Oh! What a scene. They are coming. Let's not stay here.
(the guard)
Withdraw twenty paces, guard! Come, Mr. Saint Luc, come.
(The King and the Duke enter.)
KING
I tell you that it's false, sir.
DUKE
And I, I affirm that your friends attached him before the Hotel des Tourelles.
KING
Who told you that!
DUKE
I saw them.
KING
That's pretty strong!
DUKE
There's more. They took me for Bussy and charged me.
KING
You!
DUKE
Yes, me.
KING
And what were you going to in the Faubourg Saint Antoine.
DUKE
But what does that matter to you, my brother?
KING
I want to know, I am curious today.
DUKE
I was going to Manasses.
KING
A sorcerer!
DUKE
You often go to Ruggieve; a poisoner.
KING
I go where I want! I am the King.
DUKE
That's not a reply to an attack.
KING
Your Bussy was the aggressor.
DUKE
He attached four men? Come on.
KING
By God's death, I tell you I heard the provocation at St. Luke's ball. It was a conspiracy.
DUKE
(humbly)
I don't defend him.
KING
That's better. I will make a terrible example of this. Ah! You have friends who murder my friends.
DUKE
You have nice friends who insult me, me, your brother, who no one in France, except Your Majesty has the right to look in the face.
KING
What's that mean?
DUKE
It means Your Majesty overwhelms me without justice and without pity. Yesterday was a scandalous scene; today another scene -- stay in your court is tolerable.
CHICOT
(enters, bringing the Kings)
What, at it again? Two brothers, it's nice.
KING
Shut up.
CHICOT
You, ________, you are the older, you ought to be more reasonable, and you make the little one cry.
DUKE
(injured)
Ah!
CHICOT
He's so sweet! I don't intend to torment him. Right, Francois, my pretty.
DUKE
Sire, my leave, I beg you -- my liberty -- exile if necessary.
KING
I am not forcing you to stay.
(The Duke leaves.)
CHICOT
(struck puts down his plat)
He's leaving.
KING
This Bussy! This Bussy! If I could lay hold of him!
CHICOT
You'd make him Commander in Chief, huh?
KING
I'd quarter him -- and you with him.
CHICOT
Ingrate! You have four mignons [pretty boys] who are the excretion of the public four bloodsuckers, four plagues, who have caused you to be called Herold and Heligobulus, and who will get you dethroned one of those days. Well, a brave man relieves you of these abominations and you are going to draw and quarter him? Aren't you entering?
KING
Wretch.
CHICOT
You have a long brother, a model brother, a sagacious brother -- you exile him.
KING
Will you shut up, insect! Cursed drone!
CHICOT
(weeping)
Where's he going to go, this good Francois?
KING
He can go to the Devil, and you, too!
CHICOT
Henry de Guise, the Great Henry annoyed you -- you sent him away as commander of the army -- his brother annoyed you, you sent him to bring back Henry de Guise. The great Mayenne annoyed you, you sent him to bring back the Cardinal. Still you had this little lame sister seized, the duchess who always laughs sharpening her little gold scissors, you know -- with which she wants to tonsure you. You've done so much that she has gone to find the three others. And now that your brother Francois irritates you also, and you sued -- you want to send everybody away? Well, damn, Mr. Hankers, you are a clever politician, you are right, my word. Let me put all these people together.
Ah! Ah! Send them on the same occasions, you new Grand Huntsman, this Monsoreau, the damned soul of your brother -- send them even the 500,000. Parisians who sing from morning till night -- why, Hankers, send them all France, and let's the two of us stay by ourselves.
KING
(calling)
Mr. de Nancey!
CHICOT
This is a very good kettle of fish.
(Nancey enters.)
KING
Beg my brother not to leave, Mr. Louvre, before having spoken to me.
DE NANCEY
Sire, the Duke just left.
KING
Run! Rejoin him! Bring him to me!
DE NANCEY
Yes, sir.
KING
(to an usher)
Where is the envoy of Mr. De Guise?
DE NANCEY
He's awaiting the good pleasure of Your Majesty.
(He leaves.)
KING
I am going there.
CHICOT
(following him with the gold plate)
Taste something.
KING
Ah, this Bussy!
(He goes into the neighboring room.)
CHICOT
Hankers!
SAINT LUC
(entering)
The storm is over -- Chicot!
CHICOT
Huh?
SAINT LUC
Allow me to thank you -- you are good.
CHICOT
Me?
SAINT LUC
It was you who set me free on my wedding night, it was you who sent me to my wife, when the King was planning to play me a nasty trick.
CHICOT
For goodness sakes.
SAINT LUC
Oh, I understood you. Thanks for your generous friendship.
CHICOT
I haven't the least friendship for you.
JEANNE
(appearing)
For him, perhaps, but for Jeanne de Bussar, for the companion of Diane de Meridor, your little childhood friend that you once called your sister and over whom you watched like a brother. Oh, if she was here! If you saw her with her beautiful black eyes, her golden hair, her angelic smile, would you turn your back on her at the moment? Oh? I know you well!
CHICOT
Come on!
JEANNE
What! You are not the poor orphan that old Lord Augsuten, raised educated, loved?
CHICOT
I don't understand a word you're saying.
SAINT LUC
Come on, the King told usa bout it, yesterday.
CHICOT
If you are still listening to all the King says. Saint Luc you are very disagreeable -- let me lunch in peace.
(The King enters with De Guise's envoy.)
KING
(To Guise's envoy)
You will say then to my cousin de Guise I have no need of him in Paris, but I have great need of him at the head of my army, which is besieging La Charitie. Let him await my orders and not budge from there. Send him my compliments. Goodbye, sir.
(The Envoy salutes and leaves. Nancey reappears.)
KING
Well?
DE NANCEY
Milord, the Duke of Anjou was preparing to leave. On Your Majesty's order he's returned.
KING
Fine. Now, is there noes of Mr. de Bussy?
DE NANCEY
Why no, Sire, he' thought to be dead.
KING
I don't want to think, I want to know. A man doesn't disappear this way. Find Mr. de Bussy dead or alive, understand?
BUSSY
(enters)
Sire!
ALL
Bussy!
KING
He. In truth!
BUSSY
Your Majesty does me the honor to be concerned over me, I believe?
KING
You let run the rumor of your death. You were hiding.
BUSSY
I am not hiding myself, Sir, since I am here.
KING
Do you still pretend to have been attached last night?
BUSSY
I don't pretend anything.
Why should I complain, Sire? I still have the two hands to avenge me that I use in self-defense.
CHICOT
(to the King)
I wish you had a hundred friends like this fellow.
(The Duke of Anjou runs in.)
DUKE
Bussy -- ! My dear Bussy!
(He embraces him.)
BUSSY
(pushing him away)
Pardon, Milord, you are making me ill.
DUKE
What's the matter with you then? Answer me.
KING
That's fine, that's fine. Francois, I have to speak to you. Mr. de Bussy, we are going to settle this business. Wait for me here. Come Francois.
(The two princes leave.)
JEANNE
Ah! Sir, you didn't follow the advice of my husband, yesterday.
BUSSY
Madame, I am sometimes very disobedient, but I am never ungrateful!
(He shakes the hand of Saint Luc and kisses that of Jeanne.)
SAINT LUC
Believe us at least one time -- not a false point of honor. Instead of waiting for the King who is furious get away, put yourself in safety.
BUSSY
Thanks, but is that the opinion of Mr. Chicot? Let me consult him.
(to Chicot, low)
Sir, you acted towards me as a gallant man. I don't know for what end you've taken this interest in me, but I owe you my life from today and as I've never clung much to life, I render you thanks.
CHICOT
Well, if you wish to cling to life, Count, take care of yourself, for you are pale.
BUSSY
Me.
CHICOT
And there's a _____ of blood which is appearing through the silk of your doublet. Hide it, if to intend to pretend you weren't wounded last night.
SAINT LUC
Wounded! He is wounded!
JEANNE
Oh!
CHICOT
How lucky he is.
JEANNE
Lucky!
CHICOT
This wound is going to make the King adore him.
JEANNE
Eh? Wouldn't it be better to be less adored by the King and a little more interest.
BUSSY
Ah -- Madame -- this blessed sword blow I would not give up for an empire -- if you know how much I owe to it.
JEANNE
What then?
BUSSY
A dream!
SAINT LUC
Let's see!
BUSSY
Yes, a charitable friend warned me to avoid the Hotel des Tourelles. It's there I was attached. I maimed several persons -- of whom one was Mr. de Quelus, I think, who got me in the flank with a very facile reverse.
CHICOT
It was Quelus, our favorite, who wounded you? Nice business!
BUSSY
My horse killed, myself slashed, the situation was becoming grave when I don't know how I found myself with my back against a gate which gave me passage. I shut the gate between my enemies and me. I escaped them! I had trouble for a time drawing my handkerchief to cover the wound -- blood was choking me. I think in fact that I fainted.
CHICOT
And the dream?
JEANNE
Alas! But to that point, I see only a sad reality.
BUSSY
Wait! It's here the dream begins. I dreamed that I was lying on the bed of White Dams with gold flowers face-to-face with the portrait of a woman! Oh, what a woman! Suddenly the portrait began to come towards me and sit on my bed. I saw some blond hair, of pure gold falling in waves on adorable shoulders, profound black eyes, where trembled a tear, lips which seemed to murmur a prayer, a satin skin trembling, under which I saw blood running. No, this was not a woman -- the like does not exist! No, under he long white and blue gown, I saw one of those angels who hover around the Virgin or kneel before the Lord.
CHICOT
You were lucky to have such dreams. And then?
BUSSY
Then, I found her so prodigiously beautiful that I wanted to throw myself at her feet, but I didn't even succeed in moving. I soon set myself to thinking of a compliment in _____ -- I say to thinking -- for I did not succeed in uttering a syllable. I fainted for the second time.
JEANNE
Finally now, you've regained consciousness.
BUSSY
Certainly, Countess.
JEANNE
Well?
BUSSY
Well, I was no longer on the bed of white damas and golden flowers -- in company of an angel in a blue gown -- I was on the side of a ditch by the temple between an old wise woman and a big Parish Cantor who took me in his arms and carried me to my hotel.
CHICOT
At what time?
BUSSY
Daybreak.
CHICOT
A Cantor round like his barrels.
BUSSY
Yes! You know him?
CHICOT
My friend Lorenflot.
BUSSY
Yes, Lorenflot.
BUSSY
Yes, Lorenflot. He's not fasting --
CHICOT
Say frankly that he was drunk.
BUSSY
Well, Countess -- it seems my dream makes you pensive.
JEANNE
That gold hair -- those black eyes -- a skin like rose petals --
BUSSY
Oh! Madame, you haven't made a little tour of paradise to know my angel.
JEANNE
I know of such a portrait; ask Mr. Chicot about it.
BUSSY
Really?
CHICOT
Madame jokes.
JEANNE
Not at all! Not at all!
BUSSY
You know those eyes, those arms, that mouth?
JEANNE
I would say yes if we were in the midst of Anjou. But as you speak to me of the Faubourg Saint Antoine, I say no more -- neither yes nor no. You were dreaming, sir.
CHICOT
The most certain thing about your affairs is your sword blow.
BUSSY
Explains one thing to me then.
CHICOT
All right.
BUSSY
I closed my wound with my handkerchief -- I said that, didn't I?
CHICOT
Yes.
BUSSY
Well, when I woke up, I no longer found my handkerchief.
CHICOT
Oh, Lorenflot! Fi!
BUSSY
Here's what I found on my wound.
(He pulled a handkerchief from his doublet which he displays.)
JEANNE
A perfumed, embroidered handkerchief.
BUSSY
Masked by a D and an M.
JEANNE
(excitedly)
D! M!
CHICOT
(excitedly)
Ah!
JEANNE
Could she be in Paris?
BUSSY
She is here, Countess.
VOICES
It's impossible.
JEANNE
(to Chicot)
Right?
BUSSY
(to Chicot)
What is impossible?
CHICOT
(to Bussy)
That Lorenflot has such handkerchiefs.
JEANNE
(to herself)
She would never have left so --
BUSSY
(to Jeanne)
Who -- ? Who wouldn't she have left. Countess you are a statue! Mr. Chicot rouse yourself, take pity on me, both of you -- I'm in love. I'm lost. I am mad.
CHICOT
A D and an M.
(A page brings Jeanne a letter.)
PAGE
For Countess Saint Luc.
BUSSY
Oh! But I will find her again!
JEANNE
(who has read the letter)
He's in Paris! Now that's a marvel.
(She gives the letter to Saint Luc.)
SAINT LUC
(reading)
My daughter, Jeanne, I am expecting you -- come! Baron de Meridor!
CHICOT
(aside)
Meridor!
SAINT LUC
Let's go, Countess -- don't make him wait.
BUSSY
You abandon me? Oh?
JEANNE
Au revoir -- you can flatter yourself for having a star.
(She lives with Saint Luc.)
CHICOT
(aside)
In Paris.
(He leaves.)
(Levorat, Riberae, Antraguet, courtiers enter.)
ANTRAGUET
Bussy! My brave fellow!
LEVORAT
We were commencing to weep for you.
ANTRAGUET
I ran all over Paris. Well, it seems you've cut up, the Mignons. The Parisians are waiting to carry you in triumph.
BUSSY
The devil! This is no time.
DE NANCEY
(going to knock at the King's door)
Sire, the County Monsoreau is here for the audience with Your Majesty.
KING'S VOICE
Let him enter.
(The courtiers come closer.)
DE NANCEY
Introduce the County Monsoreau.
(General movement of curiosity.)
ANTRAGUET
Finally we get to see him.
(The Duke of Anjou leaves the King's chamber slowly and remains in the doorway.)
BUSSY
Let's see!
USHER
(entering in a loud voice)
The County Monsoreau!
DE NANCEY
(to Monsoreau)
Follow me, sir.
MONSOREAU
(to the Duke)
Milord, I know all I owe Your Highness and I will try to acquit myself.
DUKE
Enter, Great Huntsman, my brother awaits you with his friendliest expression.
(The Duke and Monsoreau go into the King's chamber.)
BUSSY
Oh! The villainous face. Are these the people you protect, Milord?
ANTRAGUET
He is ugly, this Monsoreau!
BUSSY
Hideous! It's strange, I don't know why I feel I have a bone to pick with that fellow.
RIBERAE
So much the worse for him.
LEVORAT
Eh -- he's an ogre! The Devil!
BUSSY
You know him?
LEVORAT
Too well. I have land near his.
BUSSY
Why is he an ogre?
LEVORAT
Listen. I was returning one night.
ANTRAGUET
Brr! This is starting in a terrible way --
BUSSY
Let him finish.
LEVORAT
I was returning, I say, from the home of my uncle, D'Antraguet, crossing the forest of Meridor about six weeks ago. Suddenly I heard a piercing cry, and at the end of an alley, I saw a man mounted on a great black horse. This man, with his hand, was stifling the cries of a woman who was thrown across his saddle. I had my hunting rifle and I was going to kill this executioner. But he disappeared into the forest.
BUSSY
And then?
LEVORAT
Think I learned: They told me that was Mr. de Monsoreau.
ANTRAGUET
Why kidnapping women is often done.
RIBERAE
Yes -- but they are allowed to cry.
(Laughter.)
DUKE
(entering)
You are laughing here?
BUSSY
My word, yes, Milord.
DUKE
And about what?
BUSSY
Some services you rendered the Grand Huntsman.
DUKE
You know them?
BUSSY
You are going to see. They said it is he who kidnaps women for Your Highness on his big black horse.
DUKE
Mr. de Bussy!
BUSSY
(to himself)
One would say I struck home.
DUKE
(returning)
Hey! Bussy.
BUSSY
Milord?
(The Duke breaks out in laughter.
BUSSY
My, my! It seems what I said to you has become laughable.
DUKE
I laughed over your information where, did you get it?
BUSSY
In the forest of Meridor.
(The Duke is startled.)
BUSSY
(aside)
The Duke is mixed up in what Levorat saw.
DUKE
Would you refuse us the right to be amorous?
BUSSY
Why?
DUKE
And jealous.
BUSSY
At your pleasure, sir.
DUKE
Well -- do me a service.
BUSSY
Like those of your Grand Huntsman?
DUKE
Listen. I noticed in church a woman whose features recall to me those of another woman that I passionately loved, that I will always love.
BUSSY
I am listening, Milord.
DUKE
They call her wise and beautiful, but --
BUSSY
But you don't know.
DUKE
I learned that a man penetrated furtively at night into her horse.
BUSSY
Ah! Ah! A lover? A husband?
DUKE
That's what I want to find out.
BUSSY
By Whom? By me?
DUKE
Do you consent to do it?
BUSSY
Me, spy on this woman.
DUKE
To watch this man.
BUSSY
A job of spying? Eh, Milord, you have Mr. de Monsoreau.
DUKE
But Bussy, it might be necessary to draw a sword.
BUSSY
Reason the more to give the commission to the Grant Huntsman. He's paid to do everything.
DUKE
You refuse -- you, my servant.
BUSSY
To do wrong to a woman, that's not in the service. And then I am tired, I am wounded.
DUKE
Find, I will keep watch myself, as I did yesterday when you were attached.
BUSSY
You were there?
DUKE
The same.
BUSSY
Then this woman lives -- ?
DUKE
Across from the Hotel des Tourelles.
BUSSY
Ah!
DUKE
And if something bad happens to me, you will reproach yourself for it.
BUSSY
Don't go there. Nothing bad will happen to you.
DUKE
Oh! She is very pretty.
BUSSY
You have hardly seen her.
DUKE
You'll never find adorable blond hair like that again.
BUSSY
Ah!
DUKE
Those black eyes.
BUSSY
(to himself)
Black!
DUKE
This complexion unique in all the world -- this divine figure.
BUSSY
(aside)
It's she.
(aloud)
Look, Milord, you are softening me up.
DUKE
Are you making fun?
BUSSY
No, on my oath. Tell me what must be done.
DUKE
You have only to hide yourself near the wooden house with the slanted room that has a statute of Our Lady under the --
BUSSY
(aside)
That's really it.
(aloud)
And then.
DUKE
You will follow a man who enters the house until you know who he is.
BUSSY
But if he locks the door?
DUKE
Here is the key.
BUSSY
Give it to me.
DUKE
You will go.
BUSSY
Will I go? This very night.
DUKE
Your oath.
BUSSY
Word of a gentleman.
DUKE
Fine -- the audience is finished -- goodbye.
(Monsoreau enters.)
DUKE
Well, Grant Huntsman are you pleased with the King?
MONSOREAU
Enchanted, Milord, thanks to the recommendation of Your Highness.
DUKE
I have spoken only the truth of your talents as a huntsman.
MONSOREAU
This talent the King wishes to quickly put to the test. He orders me to leave this evening for Fontanbleau where he wishes to hunt day after tomorrow.
DUKE
Well -- on your way.
MONSOREAU
Impossible, Highness.
DUKE
Why?
MONSOREAU
Mr. de Guise is in Paris since this morning and Mr. de Mayenne has just arrived with Nicholas David.
DUKE
Much lower!
CHICOT
(crossing)
He said "Nicholas David!"
MONSOREAU
The rendezvous is for tonight,a t the Abbey of Saint Geuerieve.
DUKE
Tonight!
MONSOREAU
Your Highness enjoined me to speak in his name. I've spoken: It's finished.
DUKE
My oath! My oath!
MONSOREAU
Oath of a Prince given to princes, Milord.
DUKE
Don't leave till tomorrow for Fontanbleau.
MONSOREAU
And tonight, we can count on you?
DUKE
Yes.
MONSOREAU
At the Abbey: 10 o'clock.
DUKE
At 10:00.
CHICOT
(who has heard)
Ten o'clock.
DUKE
Here's the King. Be off.
KING
(entering)
Well, gentlemen, we will hunt the day after tomorrow at Fontainbleau.
VOICE
Let me pass, I tell you.
(Noise of voices and arms.)
KING
What's that? Why this noise.
VOICE
Ask the King if he will kick old baron Meridor from the Louvre.
CHICOT
(hiding behind a group)
Ah!
KING
That old man --
MERIDOR
(trying to get away from the guards)
You recognize me, Sire?
DUKE
(uneasy)
Monsoreau.
MONSOREAU
(also uneasy)
Milord!
KING
Let the Baron Meridor approach.
(The Swiss raise their halberds, Meridor advances slowly and kneels.)
MERIDOR
Sire, it's your old servant, one who in four reigns, has never failed his king or his country once.
KING
What do you ask of us, sir?
MERIDOR
Justice.
KING
Speak!
MERIDOR
I received in my home a gentleman, I received him as a friend. He's kidnapped my daughter, he has imprisoned her in his Chateau letting her choose between dishonor and death.
KING
This is a crime which must be punished.
MERIDOR
And my child chose death! She gave up everything, youth, joy, happiness, to put herself in the hands of God as pure as she was when she left. She is dead, Lord, leaving me alone and hopeless. I who had no other joy on earth, I who can only die as she has after I have avenged her -- I an old man that heaven has forgotten and who can only bang my head on the ground saying "Earth, swallow me up if my King won't listen to me."
KING
I have listened and I will avenge you. Who is the guilty party? Name him boldly. Oh, name him, be he Baron, be he Duke, be he Prince!
MERIDOR
(rising and going straight to the Duke)
The guilty man? Here it is!
KING
You hear, my brother?
DUKE
This man doesn't know what he's saying. I don't know him.
MERIDOR
You don't know me?
KING
(to Duke)
Reply better.
DUKE
This wretched gentleman has lost his daughter. He adored her. The sadness has driven him crazy and not blaming to God, you see he blames men.
MERIDOR
The coward! But someone must know me here. Someone will say to the King I have not lied, and that I will not buy even my life if the price were a lie. Gentlemen.
(Monsoreau makes a gesture which reveals him to Meridor.)
Ah, the Count de Monsoreau, my friend, the one who warned me of the projects of this evil prince, and whom I didn't believe. Count de Monsoreau come, testify for me.
DUKE
(uneasy)
He calls the Count his friend!
MERIDOR
Yes, my best friend, for if I had listened, if I had left my daughter to your case, she would be living -- alas she would still be living.
DUKE
Well, Sire, Mr. de Monsoreau, the best friend of this old man. I accept him for judge. Let him give his sentence.
MERIDOR
Let him give his sentence. All that he says will be well said.
KING
(to Monsoreau)
Speak, sir.
MONSOREAU
Sire, I will never abandon the cause of a friend, of an old man so sorely tested. But, I must tell you that, throughout the province, since the death of his daughter, everyone knows that the Baron de Meridor is mad.
MERIDOR
Me?
DUKE
You see.
MONSOREAU
It has cost me a lit, but one cannot lie to the King.
MERIDOR
(exasperated)
Oh!
(Duke throws himself protectively before the King.)
DUKE
Take care, Sire. His madness may become dangerous.
MERIDOR
(on his knees)
Sire, by all that is most holy, by all that is most sacred.
KING
(softly)
Yes, yes, let some go fetch my Doctor Meron. He will cure you, I hope.
(aside)
Pardon, Francois.
MERIDOR
Am I really going mad -- ?
KING
Mr. de Nancey -- send everyone away -- then you will conduct this old man from the Louvre with all the care due to his illness.
(He goes out to the left with the Duke.)
DE NANCEY
Yes, Sire.
(when the King is gone)
Leave, gentlemen.
(He raises the Baron.)
BUSSY
I won't abandon this unfortunate.
(He approaches the Baron.)
CHICOT
(low)
Mr. de Bussy go to the house in the Faubourg St. Antoine. You will tell them there what you've just seen.
BUSSY
But --
CHICOT
Go, I'll stay here.
MERIDOR
Where are you then, My God, that you don't see me suffer? My God, I beg you. I conjure you. I implore you. Help! Send me help.
CHICOT
(touching him on the shoulder)
Father!
MERIDOR
(turning)
Ah -- my son!
CHICOT
Silence!
MERIDOR
I won't leave you.
CHICOT
On the contrary, you are going to leave me. If we are seen together, if they suspect we know each other -- all will be lost.
MERIDOR
Eh! What's my life worth since Diane is dead.
CHICOT
And if she isn't?
MERIDOR
What do you say?
CHICOT
Nothing. Where are you staying?
MERIDOR
Rue de L'Aubre-See at the Stag Horn.
CHICOT
Go there and wait for me.
MERIDOR
You intend to abandon me!
CHICOT
I am neither courtier nor Grant Huntsman to betray a friend. I will save you, don't worry.
MERIDOR
What are you then?
CHICOT
A fool --
MERIDOR
You?
CHICOT
Like you! Go! Go!
(The Baron leaves. Nancey enters.)
CHICOT
He's gone. Don't bother yourself about it. But why do they let people like that enter the Louvre?
The interior of the Hotel des Tourelles. The stage is separated in two. To the right a vestibule with a window on the street. To the left, Diane's bedroom, occupying two sections of the stage. Doors right and left. In the rear, an oratory. Bed in white damascus with gold flowers. A large portrait between the windows.
DIANE
(dreaming)
What will become of this wretch, so brave, so handsome?
(Gertrude opens the boudoir window)
DIANE
He was there, pale, lifeless -- and suddenly his eyes opened. What a look.
(She rises.)
GERTRUDE
You called me?
DIANE
Are you sure no one in the neighborhood can suspect we received this gentleman.
GERTRUDE
No one -- for I answer for the little surgeon who dressed his wound and helped me transport him to the Temple.
DIANE
To abandon him so -- oh!
GERTRUDE
The news of the Temp are nurses. Rest easy. Remy has answered for it.
DIANE
(heavily)
Yes, Gertrude, yes.
(Gertrude leaves.)
DIANE
How I want to know his name! If ever I should see him again.
GERTRUDE
(aside)
Madame, the door's closing -- someone has entered. They're coming up. Two men. The Duke, perhaps, with his Aurilly!
(She runs out.)
DIANE
(taking a dagger from its coffer and hiding in it her breast)
Let them come. I am no longer afraid of them!
GERTRUDE
Miss -- it's the Count.
MONSOREAU
(entering)
I still frighten you?
DIANE
Why no, sir, I was praying.
MONSOREAU
Can I talk you alone?
DIANE
Go Gertrude.
(excitedly)
Leave the door open.
(Gertrude returns to the boudoir so she can see without hearing.)
MONSOREAU
You fear me a lot, Diane?
DIANE
You have something of importance to tell me, Count?
MONSOREAU
You shall judge -- and if my protection becomes powerless, you will be convinced it's in no respect my fault.
DIANE
I am listening.
MONSOREAU
I had. I think succeeded in tearing you from the Duke of Anjou, succeeded in saving Your Honor.
DIANE
It's true.
MONSOREAU
Your veil floating on the water, your inexplicable disappearance, have conformed the rumor of your death; the Duke believes it.
DIANE
Alas! And my father as well!
MONSOREAU
A cruel but advantageous necessity. Who, seeing your father's despair, will doubt your death?
DIANE
Poor father! How me must have suffered until the moment you undeceived him! But how happy he must be in learning from you of my health and my retreat!
MONSOREAU
Indeed happy, doubtless, but your safety is compromised and your retreat discovered. If you had obeyed me, if you had stayed shut in this house today perhaps all danger had passed. You insisted on going out.
DIANE
I wanted to think God for having consoled my father. I went to the Saint Catherine's church.
MONSOREAU
It was a mistake; by fate the Duke came there and he noticed you.
DIANE
It's true. Pardon me for hiding it from you. I hoped not to be recognized under my veil.
MONSOREAU
You had proof to the contrary yesterday?
DIANE
You know?
MONSOREAU
I know that the Duke had obtained a key to this house; I know he was accompanied by Aurilly, his accomplice in all his evil deeds, I know they were going to enter here, when, by a mistake, the Mignons of the King assailed and attacked him. He was afraid of being a victim of his incognito, and revealed himself -- then he beat a retreat. Am I well informed?
DIANE
Yes, yes.
(aside)
I am trembling.
MONSOREAU
You must have been very uneasy about this noise, this fighting?
DIANE
Assuredly! But the Duke finally left --
MONSOREAU
He has a somber and preserving temperament. He will return.
DIANE
He will forget, sir.
MONSOREAU
No. I've done what I could to forget you -- but no one will ever forget you once they've seen you.
DIANE
Sir!
MONSOREAU
The Duke will return tonight.
DIANE
I will leave the house; I will return to my father.
MONSOREAU
Go where you wish; he will follow you until he finds you.
DIANE
You overwhelm me.
MONSOREAU
That is not my intention.
DIANE
Then, what are you planning to do?
MONSOREAU
Oh -- I have little imagination. I've found -- or rather your father has found a way -
DIANE
My father! What way?
MONSOREAU
The last time I saw him at Meridor when I informed him you were not dead but that you were in great danger, when I swore to him to deliver you, be it at the price of my life, he gave me a letter.
DIANE
You have a letter from my father, and you have not shown it to me until now?
MONSOREAU
I hoped to succeed without costing you any sacrifice. I know all the aversion I inspire in you. Now the peril is pressing -- we are facing it.
DIANE
The letter, sir!
MONSOREAU
Here it is.
DIANE
(reading)
"My beloved Diane."
MONSOREAU
You recognize his dear handwriting?
DIANE
Oh! Yes, yes.
(reading)
"The danger that you run is immense, insurmountable. I cannot tear you from it. Mr. Monsoreau wishes to try. Tie yourself to him as the best friend heaven can send us. The Count will tell you later how, from the depths of my heart I desire that you do this to acquit our debt to him. Believe me, obey me, I conjure you. Have pity on me and on our friend."
Baron de Meridor
(Diane bows her head and weeps.)
MONSOREAU
It's the only way; your father approves it. If you decline, I renounce it.
GERTRUDE
(reentering)
They followed you, Count. I see shadows across the bars of the gate.
MONSOREAU
They will wait until I leave.
GERTRUDE
(pointing to the gate)
Do you see?
(Monsoreau goes to look.)
MONSOREAU
(aside)
My two men, good!
DIANE
Well.
MONSOREAU
It's the Duke!
DIANE
My God! My God! But even you yourself sir, can't you deliver me from this persecution?
MONSOREAU
Pardon, Madame, I am the Grant Huntsman. I am exalted above all but the King and if I was married, it is the King who would protect my wife.
DIANE
(looking around her)
Impossible! Never! Never!
MONSOREAU
There remains nothing more for me to take my leave of you. I am departing for Fountainbleau where I will stay for eight days.
DIANE
You abandon me, then?
MONSOREAU
I obey you. Can I spend a night under your roof without being your husband?
DIANE
I will leave with you.
MONSOREAU
I do not wish to compromise you. You mustn't be seen except with your husband.
DIANE
I have bolts for this gate.
MONSOREAU
Bolts against a prince of the blood?
DIANE
I will kill myself!
MONSOREAU
You will kill your father.
DIANE
Oh! Oh!
(she runs to the boudoir window)
They are still there.
(she returns beaten)
MONSOREAU
(half opening the door -- to a valet)
Have the priest and his assistant in.
(to Diane)
Is it so difficult to obey Baron Meridor?
DIANE
(pulling out the letter which she rereads)
It is if God ordered me to do it. You order, father, I will obey.
MONSOREAU
Come then.
DIANE
Where to?
MONSOREAU
To your oratory.
DIANE
In my oratory.
MONSOREAU
A priest.
DIANE
Ah! You think of everything.
MONSOREAU
You can say no.
DIANE
I want to see my father first!
MONSOREAU
You are free, Madame. NO one forces your will. Forget your oath -- I set you free.
DIANE
Come, Sir! Come Gertrude.
(They go out by way of the door to the oratory, the moment this door shuts on them, that of the cabinet opens and Bussy appears.)
BUSSY
(alone)
I thought those men would never enter. Ah, so! Well, if I've counted right, there are found in the house. What interest does Chicot have in sending me here. We shall see. Where am I? The stairway, the landing, this office. I do not recognize it. I don't see the white bed or -- that portrait. They must have put me in another room.
(he softly opens Diane's door)
There! Then! That's my dream -- only missing is the beautiful angel but the house was full of people and now I see no one. Where have they gone?
(opening a door)
A dark corridor which rejoins the stairway.
(approaching the oratory and listening)
That's strange. One would say the sing-song of a prayer.
(looking through the keyhole)
A man on his knees -- a woman near him. She! Oh -- more beautiful than in the dream. But this man? Impossible to see him. Why this priest? Ah, but this looks like a marriage. They are bowing, the priest blesses them. It's over -- they are coming.
Quick, Bussy.
(He goes back into the small room.)
BUSSY
Monsoreau, the rapist on the black horse.
DIANE
I am your wife, sir -- but this marriage lacks the blessing of my father at the Chateau Meridor.
BUSSY
Meridor! I understand everything.
MONSOREAU
Listen, Diane! Let me hope!
DIANE
You said to me, "Be my wife so I will have the right to protect you." You can now announce me to the Duke of Anjou, to everyone. Well, protect me. Defend me.
MONSOREAU
Retire, Gertrude.
(Gertrude hesitates.)
DIANE
Go.
(Gertrude leaves.)
MONSOREAU
Madame, it's time to end with this role of victim. You are in Paris, in my house, you are the Countess de Monsoreau, in other words, my wife.
DIANE
Escort me to my father, now that I no longer have anything to fear.
MONSOREAU
That would be unwise. The moment has not come, not yet. I have measures to take.
DIANE
Well -- return when they are taken.
MONSOREAU
Do you make a game of my love and my rights?
DIANE
Make me have faith in the husband, and I will respect the marriage.
MONSOREAU
What have I done that makes you so distrustful? What do I need to do to deserve your confidence?
DIANE
Think less of yourself and more of me.
MONSOREAU
Ah -- that's too much! You insult me, you hurl me into despair.
DIANE
Gertrude!
(Monsoreau wants to stop her on the passage.)
MONSOREAU
This very night, you will be mine!
DIANE
(drawing her dagger)
This is how I answer you!
(She rushes, dagger in hand into the closet and closes the door.)
MONSOREAU
(rapping on the door with his fist, it gives way)
Diane!
DIANE
Open and you will find me dead on the floor.
BUSSY
(replacing her at the door, which he bolts)
And you will have an avenger!
DIANE
Ah!
(recognizing him)
Him!
MONSOREAU
(aside)
Nine o'clock and the prince's rendezvous!
(to Diane)
You wish it, Madame? I am going, pardon me. A word! Just one.
(he waits, silence)
I obey.
(to himself)
But I will return.
(Monsoreau opens the door of the corridor and disappears. Gertrude has returned from the oratory. She sees Monsoreau leaving and follows him to relatch the gate that one can hear falling violently below.)
DIANE
Why, sir, what are you doing here?
BUSSY
The man whose life you saved perhaps endangers your honor.
DIANE
You heard me?
BUSSY
Alas, Madame!
DIANE
Who are you? Your name?
BUSSY
Louis de Clemont, Count de Busy.
DIANE
(with a transport of joy)
Bussy! Mr. Brave Bussy! Ah, Gertrude, how happy I am! Here I am under the protection of the most brave, the most loyal gentleman of France.
(curtain)
The Hotel - Stag Horn. A low room. Door in the rear. Window at the right. Door on the left.
(Chicot enters.)
BONHOMET
What! It's you, Mr. Chicot. Good evening, Mr. Chicot! Good evening and bon appetit.
CHICOT
There's a wish as profitable to you as to me, my dear Bonhomet. Unfortunately, I don't love to eat alone.
BONHOMET
If need be, sir, I'll eat with you.
CHICOT
Thanks, I'm expecting someone.
BONHOMET
Master Lorenflot? That's why he asked for a private room where he could think and reflect.
CHICOT
Lorenflot reflect? You misunderstood my friend -- he must have said digest.
BONHOMET
No, Mr. Chicot, no. I am sure of what I said, to digest would be very easy.
CHICOT
The fact is he has a fine stomach.
BONHOMET
The worse stomach would digest the supper Master Lorenflot ordered tonight.
CHICOT
Bah!
BONHOMET
A place of spinach.
CHICOT
Lorenflot dine on a plate of spinach? Something unusual has happened.
BONHOMET
(shrewdly)
Eh! Eh!
CHICOT
Tonight Paris makes me have the feeling of one of those faces I've seen that watch the great St. Bartholemew's feast -- anyway, perhaps I am mistaken.
(Bonhomet smiles.)
CHICOT
I am not deceived, huh?
BONHOMET
I don't know.
LA HURRIERE
(putting his head in the door)
Can you speak, colleague?
CHICOT
I know him.
BONHOMET
Master La Hurriere -- a colleague.
(to La Hurriere)
I'll be right with you.
LA HURRIERE
I will wait for you.
(He leaves.)
CHICOT
That's La Hurriere, the host of the beautiful star.
BONHOMET
Yes.
CHICOT
And he's waiting for you? You have an affair together.
BONHOMET
A little reunion.
CHICOT
Fine, fine, go, Master Claude, go! One thing you are lodging on old gentleman who arrived this very day.
CHICOT
Didn't he tell you he was expecting a visitor tonight?
BONHOMET
I must warn him when this visitor arrives.
CHICOT
Well, tell him that he's expected.
BONHOMET
Where?
CHICOT
Here -- go Master Claude, go!
(Bonhomet leaves.)
CHICOT
(alone)
Ah! Mr. La Hurriere convokes his colleagues for a nocturnal reunion. Ah! Paris has a strange face. Ah! Monsoreau mentions Nicholas David. Nicholas David master swashbuckler, you are not coming alone. The sword always hangs close to someone's body and how to separate Nicholas David from his dear Lord, Mayenne from his dear brother Henry! Guise and Mayenne are in Paris. That's what Monsoreau told the Duke of Anjou. Yeah! Could today be the day of reckoning? Your accounts are in order, Mr. de Mayenne. Yours also, Nicholas David.
BONHOMET
(entering with a waiter)
He's coming down, he's coming down, the worthy Lord. Where must we lay your table?
CHICOT
What's that?
BONHOMET
Master Lorenflot's table -- who should be here at 10 o'clock.
CHICOT
And this?
BONHOMET
He's carafe of water.
CHICOT
His carafe? Decidedly there's something amiss in the sub______ machinery.
BONHOMET
I hear the step of the old gentleman.
CHICOT
By the way.
(speaking low to Bonhomet)
Rap 3 times at this shutter when these people arrive.
BONHOMET
Yes, Mr. Chicot. This way, Baron this way.
(He introduces Meridor and leaves.)
MERIDOR
My child! My friend!
CHICOT
Here you can embrace me.
(they hug each other.
Sit down, father.
MERIDOR
No, I am no longer living, no longer thinking. All my old blood is mounting to my heart. I've had a fever, you see, since I left you.
CHICOT
Ah -- let's have a look.
MERIDOR
You said one word -- a terrible word which killed me -- you said, "If Diane is not dead." Take care, take care!
CHICOT
I said it.
MERIDOR
(with exaltation)
It's not possible!
CHICOT
(aside)
Let's not kill him.
(aloud)
Look, calm down -- what is there that's impossible to God.
MERIDOR
God is no longer with me.
CHICOT
Fully despair! That's bad.
MERIDOR
Dare you tell me to hope?
CHICOT
Listen up -- you haven't held this poor dead creature in your arms and some, on the contrary, has seen in Paris a woman who strangely resembles --
MERIDOR
Diane?
CHICOT
Yes.
MERIDOR
That?
CHICOT
That I have warned -- he's a friend, a great heart -- to find out and let me know.
MERIDOR
Where?
CHICOT
Here?
MERIDOR
Where --
CHICOT
Why today -- tonight perhaps.
MERIDOR
So that -- ?
CHICOT
So that, if the response was good, this friend will arrive, and rap 3 times on the window shutter.
(Three raps.)
MERIDOR
(transported)
Oh!
CHICOT
Father, father -- there's hope but no certainty.
(to Bussy who enters)
MERIDOR
(to Bussy)
Sir -- either life or death -- don't make me suffer.
DIANE
(entering)
My dear father!
(She rushes into the arms of the Baron.)
MERIDOR
Diane, my child.
(They embrace.)
CHICOT
(to Bussy)
Thanks.
MERIDOR
You are mine! You are mine!
BUSSY
(low, sighing)
No -- poor father -- she belongs to another.
CHICOT
To this wretched Monsoreau? I don't think so.
MERIDOR
(to Diane)
I will take you away. You will never leave me again.
DIANE
(pointing to Bussy)
At least thank my Liberator.
MERIDOR
Ah! How to thank him?
(He shakes Bussy's hands.)
DIANE
(to Chicot)
And you, my friend, my brother --
CHICOT
Ah -- not another word! Return to your apartment and let no one see you. Don't open, don't go out when someone comes to call you on my behalf, when someone summons in the King's name, when I myself come -- Go! Go!
MERIDOR
But when will we see you again?
CHICOT
Tomorrow, at eight o'clock, in the Kings Arms Room -- present yourselves together! Go!
MERIDOR
Come, my treasure! Come, my daughter!
DIANE
(to Bussy tenderly)
Till tomorrow.
BUSSY
(with passion)
Forever!
(Diane and Meridor leave.)
CHICOT
As for you, Mr. de Bussy, avoid the Duke until tomorrow -- return home and rest, I will watch. Let's go see if the street is clear. Come.
BONHOMET
But the supper, Mr. Chicot?
CHICOT
I will escort this gentleman to the quae and I will return.
(He leaves with Bussy.)
BONHOMET
He'll return -- good! What am I going to give him for supper -- he's a real gourmet -- and he pays -- which is rare in our times.
(to the waiter who enters)
Set that table. Let's not worry about the wine, he usually chooses the same.
(Lorenflot enters dreamily, gesticulating like a man giving a speech.)
BONHOMET
He doesn't dislike a crayfish bisque -- yes, crayfish bisque, you hear? After the crayfish bisque, shall we say river trout with orange? Go for trout with oranges?
(to Waiter)
You understand? Now the roast -- well a good pullet from Bust.
(Sign by Lorenflot.)
BONHOMET
(noticing Lorenflot)
Ah, it's you Master Lorenflot?
LORENFLOT
And who is the hardened fisherman for whom you are preparing such a meal in Lent?
BONHOMET
Why everything is dietetic -- crayfish bisque.
LORENFLOT
(licking his lips)Ah!
BONHOMET
Trout with oranges.
LORENFLOT
(still licking)
Ah!
BONHOMET
Pullet -- ah! Wait, you're right. Well, we will replace the pullet with a carp form the Seine with shrimp sauce dressed with smelts and mussels.
LORENFLOT
Ah! Ah!
BONHOMET
Serve the spinach to Master Lorenflot.
(He leaves.)
LORENFLOT
(alone)
And when you consider there are beings gluttonous enough to dine alone -- why did Bonhomet put me in this room. "We don't induce temptation" says the scripture. Chase off the evil spirit.
(The waiter brings in the spinach.)
LORENFLOT
If I were to practice my speech while I am alone. "Brothers, my brothers," that's the customary way -- here I've indeed repeated it a hundred times, "brothers" so I can't remember anything else.
(standing on his chair)
"Brothers" Good. "It's a great day -- a great day, because when I give my speech it will be 11 o'clock at night, "My brothers, it's a great night, a great night."
CHICOT
(entering)
Bah!
LORENFLOT
Heavens! Why Mr. Chicot.
CHICOT
What are you doing up there, friend?
LORENFLOT
(coming down)
You see, Mr. Chicot, I am dining.
CHICOT
Why on the chair?
LORENFLOT
No, nothing.
CHICOT
Is this bruise trying to hide something from me? By God -- It would be strange if having raised two hares, when I was only looking for one, I don't hop them both at the same time.
(to Lorenflot)
Ah, you are dining!
LORENFLOT
(trying to eat)
Yes. What's this?
(He moistens his finger in the spinach.)
LORENFLOT
A very clean vegetable.
CHICOT
Yuck! Come on!
LORENFLOT
We are in Lent -- we do it for our health.
CHICOT
Let's do it for our health without ruining our stomachs. Goodness! Why don't we dine together?
LORENFLOT
Oh! Impossible, I am expected.
CHICOT
Where's that?
BONHOMET
Why -- ?
CHICOT
At what time, Good God?
LORENFLOT
At --
(rising)
CHICOT
You remember the little dinner we had at the gate of Montematre.
LORENFLOT
Why?
CHICOT
The Day of the Flagellants; while our great King whipped himself and whipped others, we were eating a teal from the marshes of La Grainge-Baliliere, a marvelous hotchpotch and we drank some pretty little burgundy.
LORENFLOT
A wine from my country, La Romance, it was good!
CHICOT
I was good! Well, would you believe Bonhomet dares maintain that he has in his cellar 50 bottles beside which the wine of Montamartie is inferior.
LORENFLOT
He's right.
CHICOT
What? And in a house containing such treasure you drink my pure water? Fi!
(He sprays the room with the carafe of water.)
LORENFLOT
There's a time for everything, sir, but when one has to give a speech --
CHICOT
You have to give a spee --
LORENFLOT
A speech.
CHICOT
Well -- I who have no speech to give I'm going to have a drop of this Burgundy -- what do you advise me to take with it?
LORENFLOT
Don't take any vegetables -- they're nauseating.
CHICOT
No!
(he throws the plate outside)
Master Claude!
BONHOMET
Here I am!
CHICOT
Bring two bottles of burgundy.
LORENFLOT
Why two bottles -- since I'm not made of wood?
CHICOT
Sonofabitch -- if you are drinking, I'll make it four, six, as many as they have in the house -- but when I drink by myself, I drink poorly and two bottles are enough for me.
LORENFLOT
You are fasting, I hope.
CHICOT
You see -- crayfish, game from the marshes --
LORENFLOT
That's very true.
CHICOT
(pointing to the bird)
And a carp.
LORENFLOT
A carp.
CHICOT
(putting the plate under his nose)
Doubtless.
LORENFLOT
And since when does a carp have a beak?
CHICOT
A snout, you mean?
LORENFLOT
Wings.
CHICOT
Fins.
LORENFLOT
Talons.
CHICOT
That's his tail. Ah, for goodness sake, my dear Lorenflot, you are drunk!
LORENFLOT
Drunk -- me -- I've only eaten spinach and drunk water! I'll call our host and let him decide.
CHICOT
So be it! But let him pour first, I mean to know if it's the same wine.
The host uncorks and pours, Chicot drinks slowly.
LORENFLOT
(his eyes shining)
Well?
CHICOT
Ah, what a poor taster I am! I can remember if it's the same as the Montmastic.
(pours several drops in his glass)
Look, my Master, it's the duty of a good Christian to advise his neighbor. Advise me.
LORENFLOT
I'm the same king, but --
CHICOT
But?
LORENFLOT
But there's too little for me to say i fit's worse or better.
CHICOT
Ah! If you didn't have a speech to give this evening you would tell me.
(pouring)
The whole truth.
LORENFLOT
If you insist.
(drinking)
Better!
CHICOT
Right! You have an understanding with the host --
LORENFLOT
No -- a drinker must first of all recognize the type, second the guilty, third the year --
CHICOT
The year! That's what we need to know.
(pouring 3 quarts)
LORENFLOT
Nothing easier --
(drinking without coming up for air)
1561.
BONHOMET
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! That's it exactly.
CHICOT
Friend Lorenflot -- they decorate statues of people less deserving than you.
LORENFLOT
Oh --it's from habit, Mr. Chicot. [A little of the usual.]
(He rises.)
CHICOT
What are you doing?
LORENFLOT
I'm going to my assembly.
CHICOT
(aside)
Ah!
(aloud)
And you risk giving this speech on an empty stomach? Not very wise.
LORENFLOT
Why?
CHICOT
You will lack lung-power -- Gallein said -- Pulno hominis facile deficit.
LORENFLOT
I have little wind, but --
(letting himself fall into his seat)
I have zeal.
CHICOT
Zeal's not enough, my poor friend -- a drop.
LORENFLOT
Just one, then --
CHICOT
By God!
(he fills a huge glass)
(Lorenflot drinks.)
There -- Noelle?
LORENFLOT
The fact is I feel a bit less weak.
CHICOT
Sonofabitch! It's not a question of feeling less weak, it's a question of feeling very strong. Ah! Take care eat a little crayfish, if not you'll feel the wine.
LORENFLOT
You're right! Hum -- what a stew!
CHICOT
And what wine!
LORENFLOT
You can believe me if you like -- well, I'm very hungry.
CHICOT
Poor Lorenflot! He's pale.
LORENFLOT
A little trout, eh?
CHICOT
Of course.
LORENFLOT
(devouring)
A sauce! Ah -- that's better.
CHICOT
I've gut you a fin --
LORENFLOT
A fin! Ah! You keep it up.
CHICOT
Hell! You called our host: consult him. Master Claude.
(to Lorenflot)
Oh -- don't influence him -- what is this?
BONHOMET
Why a carp -- it's a way we do up fish to disguise it.
LORENFLOT
Oh, that's a different story then. Go for the fin.
(He chokes.)
CHICOT
A fishbone?
LORENFLOT
(showing the bone)
My God, yes!
CHICOT
That's the trouble with fish. Master Bonhomet if you could make us a nice omelet?
LORENFLOT
I could only take a bite -- like this glass, only a swallow -- ah, my friend, I was stupid.
CHICOT
You?
LORENFLOT
With this speech that has suckered me for the last 3 days.
CHICOT
It must be perfect?
LORENFLOT
Splendid!
CHICOT
Tell me something about it while waiting for the omelet.
LORENFLOT
At dinner? Where have you seen that, Master Fool? With Sardanopahs, with your Herod, with your Nebbicanezer.
(it's Bonhomet)
Bring it on! Bring it on!
CHICOT
But the speech!
LORENFLOT
(rapping his head)
It is here.
CHICOT
You were in such a hurry!
LORENFLOT
I lied -- all mankind is a liar.
CHICOT
At what time is your meeting?
LORENFLOT
Eleven o'clock at the Abbey.
CHICOT
Eleven o'clock! Why I thought the Abbey closed at 10?
LORENFLOT
Let it close. I have the key.
CHICOT
The key?
LORENFLOT
Here it is.
(He tosses money in the air.)
CHICOT
Oh -- Money! You corrupt the brother at the door.
LORENFLOT
Give me my coin back.
CHICOT
Heavens! Funny sort of money.
LORENFLOT
The effigy of Sardanopolus -- performed in the heart.
CHICOT
(aside)
Ah, now things are coming out, he isn't yet drunk enough.
(pouring -- aloud)
Then I understand perfectly -- you show this coin to the doorkeeper and you enter?
LORENFLOT
And I enter.
CHICOT
Without difficulty.
LORENFLOT
Like this wine in my stomach.
CHICOT
Without touching the sides -
LORENFLOT
Meaning that for Lorenflot they open both doors.
CHICOT
And you speak.
LORENFLOT
And I speak. There will be Barons, Counts, Dukes, there.
CHICOT
And Princes?
LORENFLOT
It is you who said that, I take my place among the faithful of the union.
CHICOT
I am curious to see these faithful.
LORENFLOT
(stumbling)
They call Lorenflot. I come forward.
CHICOT
What bitch of truth is going to emerge from this drunk.
(aloud)
And you say?
LORENFLOT
"My brothers."
VOICES
My brothers?
GERTRUDE
It is my day to -- it's really beautiful night -- it's a nice day-night to --
(He falls dead drunk.)
CHICOT
Goodnight! He's in for 12 hours of slumber.
(he tosses Lorenflot's frock off)
(calling)
Master Claude -- here's for the supper -- here's for my horse -- and here's for putting Lorenflot in a corner where he can sleep until noon.
BONHOMET
Rest easy.
(Lorenflot snores.)
BONHOMET
The effect of the feet of the pullet!
(looking at Lorenflot)
How beautiful a drunk is!
(They came off Lorenflot together with the table which he never leaves.)
(blackout)
A low hall is the Abbey of St. Genevieve Dias dominates the rest of the Chapel. You get up there by five steps. Entry ways on each side. Crypt under the dias. The Abbey is full of men -- all covered by frocks of pilgrim's cassocks. Pillars, gothic windows.
(A dozen monks are ranged on the dias as a chorus -- before them 3 empty armchairs.)
???Duke de Guise (to Nicholas David, dis_______ing the stall of the left) come, Master Nicholas David; hide yourself there -- and take note of all that happens.
DAVID
Yes, Milord.
CHICOT
(entering)
Sonofabitch. It wasn't easy. Ten minutes more and it would be too late.
(the bolts and bars can be heard)
There -- the gates are closing.
(looking at the assembly still tumultuous and mingling around)
Who are all these people?
Three monks go up to the dias and install themselves on the armchairs.
And those there?
(Trumpet -- repeated 3 times)
Who?[?]
We are 136. It's the count of God.
CHICOT
(aside)
Ah!
(Tumult -- people who come closer and I install themselves.)
SEVERAL VOICES
Silence! Silence!
MONK
(on the step of the dias)
Brother Monsoreau!
MONSOREAU
Present!
CHICOT
(aside)
Good! There's one of my hares!
MONK-PRESIDENT
Brother Monsoreau, what news do you bring to the Union from the Providence of Anjou?
MONSOREAU
(wearing a frock advancing to the center of the circle)
Bad, my friends! I had counted on the Baron de Meridor to propagate the union in this providence -- but this old man, in despair over the death of his daughter, in his misery, refuses all participation in the Holy League. But I bring now several adherents whose importance the council will appreciate. I have disposed them, following the rule, in the alms box of the faithful.
(Murmurs of approbation. Monsoreau returns to the ranks.)
MONK-PRESIDENT
Brother La Hurriere.
LA HURRIERE
Present.
(Noises.)
MONK-PRESIDENT
What news from your district, Paris?
LA HURRIERE
My brothers, you all know how zealous I am. It was I, who hurling to the ground the ridiculous pretenders of hospitality, sent myself to killing my loaders on Saint Bartholemew's day -- then named me Gauleiter a lucky circumstances for the association for I note one by one all the heretics of the Quarter Saint Gemara, l'Auxerroes, where I still keep, Rue de l'Arbre su, the Hostel of the Beautiful Star -- at your service, my brothers.
CHICOT
(aside)
Honest La Hurriere.
VOICES
Get to the point!
LA HURRIERE
I'm getting there. We were promised the adherence of a certain prince to the Holy League -- but he hasn't come. The Duke of Anjou is very lukewarm.
(Approval, murmurs.)
MONSOREAU
Why lukewarm? Who told you that?
LA HURRIERE
Because he won't be one of us -- for fear of compromising himself.
MONSOREAU
How do you know if his adhesion is not among those I brought this evening and deposited.
(Noise, approval.)
LA HURRIERE
That's true, I shall wait for the counting. But if we don't have the Duke of Anjou for chief, we have others and illustrious ones let's form our companies and enroll our followers -- we all know each. We all understand each other. Hush! As Cicero said, and act quietly, very quietly.
(He shows his knife.)
CHICOT
(aside)
Hush! Why, not at all! Quietly! Very quietly! It's not my business.
MONK-PRESIDENT
The proposition of brother La Hurriere will be went to the High Council.
CHICOT
(aside)
Ah, I begin to understand. The Guises are forming a little association within the state. Guise the Great will have soldiers. Mayenne the bourgeoisie, the Cardinal, the church. It will only be my friend, Hankins, who has nothing.
MONK-PRESIDENT
Brother Lorenflot.
CHICOT
(aside)
It's this good Francois of Anjou who occupies me -- what's his role in all this? My second _____ -- how to get him moving.
MONK-PRESIDENT
(calling)
Brother Lorenflot!
CHICOT
Eh! I was forgetting that I am Lorenflot. And what kind of speech do they expect from me, by chance?
MONK-PRESIDENT
Brother Lorenflot -- aren't you here?
CHICOT
Devil! Devil!
(aloud)
Present.
MONK-PRESIDENT
Why didn't you answer.
CHICOT
(nasally)
I was thinking over the ideas of Brother La Hurriere.
MONK-PRESIDENT
Well, speak.
CHICOT
I must know everything.
(going into the circle)
My brothers --
(to himself)
Which way to begin?
Ah! It's a beautiful day -- for -- it's a beautiful day that ________ -- but since we are back together, no more obscurity between us -- let us understand each other -- let us speak plainly -- let us speak frankly.
NUMEROUS VOICES
Yes, yes, he's right, let's speak openly.
CHICOT
(to himself)
Good!
(aloud)
What is a kingdom my friends -- ? A body. Omnis civites corpus est toute cite est un corp -- what is the condition of health in a body. Good health. How do you preserve good health in a body? By large scale bleeding when there is an excess of force in some corner. Well, our enemies are excessively strong -- so there's no doubt what to do.
ALL
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
CHICOT
And what prevents us from letting some blood? Is it a lack of instruments? Is it a lack of will, no -- Brother Monsoreau, our faithful has, I am sure of it, his Grand Huntsman's knife hanging from his belt. Brother La Hurriere manages the spit and cleaver of his kitchen with ease. But what stops us is the lack of example. What we lack is the courage of our opinions. What we hide it under, a hood, or we hide it where they enlist on the quiet. They don't dare
CHICOT (continued)
admit soldiers to the League, they don't dare to announce the leader -- and they glide furtively at night like weasels. Sicur mustelae, as said Cato of Ultra in an old cloister to hear _____________ Lorenflot? Why we act as if we are afraid, my brothers.
We are afraid of everything good -- why we are ready to laugh at those damned heretics who do not sulk on a day of battle. But we don't know our strengths for failing to show ourselves to others -- why our leaders, not being known -- don't lead us like soldiers -- come on! Our cause is sublime -- let's shout it from the rooftops -- show ourselves, march in the streets of Paris in good order -- in procession, with our flags and our Halberds. Let us sign our League, let us sign and let's break the windows of those who will not sign -- that's how one serves his cause; that's how one serves his country and if you say to me, who is this man who will provide an example?" I will reply, "It's I -- I Nepornusene Modesty Lorenflot! I who you will see armor on his back, musket on his shoulder -- sword at his side. I who you will see marching alone at the head of battalions of faithful who wish to follow me. And when will this be my brothers? Next Sunday, not a day later. I am ready -- those who want to follow me -- are they?
ALL
Yes! Yes! Yes! Let's sign! Let's sign!
CHICOT
Well -- till Sunday Let us march -- let us march -- till Sunday!
ALL THE VOICES
Bravo! Bravo!
(explosions of applause)
Long live the brave Lorenflot -- long live the intrepid Lorenflot -- the procession of the League! The procession. Let's sign.
MONK-PRESIDENT
It's a bit too soon.
MONSOREAU
Have they seen that hothead!
MONK-PRESIDENT
My brothers -- it's the hour of retreat. The session is over.
ALL
The procession! The procession! Sunday! Sunday!
VOICES
Thanks, brothers, thanks.
(they congratulate him, they press around him, he separates himself modestly)
Ah, gentlemen of the union, we will see you again! I am sure that Mayenne and Nicholas David are here -- but where are they? How to recognize them under these cursed hoods? Let's try at the exit to have a closer look at them.
(He heads toward the gate.)
MONSOREAU
(aside)
The Duke has not appeared. Is he distrustful of me? His adhesion is indeed all that he is giving them? How to know? Everyone is leaving. Something tells me that after this session everything is not terminated. The three leaders have made a sing to the dozen who hang behind them -- let's hide ourselves somewhere -- there's a return at the end of this stairway.
(He disappears in the shadows.)
CHICOT
(returning)
Sonofabitch! But to leave you must exhibit another little coin and I don't have one. Why everybody's gone. I'll stay all lone -- they're going to discover me -- sonofabitch -- where can I hide.
(Seeing the friar arrive with a Monk he obscures himself behind a pillar.)
FRIAR
No more people? They are going, shut the gate.
(Chicot has gone around the pillar little by little to avoid being seen -- ends by finding a hiding place in the stall at right whose grill of _______ wood he arises.)
FRIAR
Shut it up! Shut the gate! Brother Gatekeeper let's inspect the whole place.
CHICOT
Zounds! There's a friar I'll cherish in my heart.
(They inspect. Chicot draws back to his corner, the three monks of the chorus have taken their place. Chicot extends his neck and looks.)
CHICOT
What the devil! These monks and this friar are not going to sleep here -- when they've gone, I'll pile some chairs on the benches and escape through the window.
FRIAR
Extinguish everything! Let them see from the outside that everything is over.
CHICOT
(alone)
(night rays of sinister moonlight shine through the window)
Ekh!
If one were of a timid disposition. Oh -- if only my son H_____ were afraid here -- my word - let us take a nap while waiting.
(loud blow struck on a bell)
Huh! The stones are marching -- eh!
(a flagstone of the choir rises slowly and makes way from a monk, then another, etc.)
CHICOT (continued)
Again! Ah, so! Are all the priors of the abbey from Optat to Pierre Boriden going to rise from their tombs -- ? Devil! Devil! Devil!
(All goes dark. Midnight strikes.)
MAYENNE
(under the robe of a monk)
Is the person who expects us here.
CHICOT
There's a voice I know.
MONK
(to Mayenne)
Yes, Milord.
CHICOT
(aside)
Milord! There it's Mayenne. I was sure of it.
MAYENNE
Let him be brought in -- and you gentlemen, come!
(Two monks leave the sacristy.)
CHICOT
Oh -- this is a comedy in two acts -- the second is beginning.
MAYENNE
Gentlemen, now we are alone, we can reveal ourselves.
(The hoods fall -- that of the friar first.)
CHICOT
(recognizing them)
The Duchess! Ah Friar, go! The Great Henry de Guise with the _____, scar -- he that His Majesty the most credulous thinks is busy at the siege of La Ch_____ good! Mr. de Lorraine, nothing's missing. Oh -- yes -- Nicholas David is missing.
LEVORAT
(leading in the Duke)
Milord, the Duke of Anjou!
(Guise, Mayenne and Mr. de Lorraine greet him.)
DUKE
Here I am, gentlemen.
CHICOT
My other hare!
ALL
(coldly)
Long live the Duke of Anjou!
CHICOT
(aside)
Levorat, Riberae, Antraguet -- all his friends. Won't this wretched Francois ever leave off playing King with the heads of others -- like the way he played with those of La Mole and Coconnas?
GUISE
Milord -- fear nothing -- the vaults are heavy and our doors are well guarded.
CHICOT
(aside)
Yes, yes.
DUKE
Gentlemen, I heard all that was said just now. I am one of you -- be sure of it.
CHICOT
(aside)
Good Francois.
(All bow.)
DUKE
But the destruction of heresy is not the only end that these gentlemen of the kingdom ought to seek to attain. I have another in view.
CHICOT
Speak. I'm a gentleman, too.
MR. DE LORRAINE
We are listening religiously to Your Highness.
MAYENNE
And our hearts beat hopefully as we listen.
DUKE
When a gentleman thinks what owes to God, he also thinks.
CHICOT
(aside)
Of his King --
DUKE
Of his country.
CHICOT
Good heavens!
DUKE
He asks himself of this noble country, whose child he is -- is enjoying all the benefit it has the right to expect. Parasites and venomous plants choke the harvest -- why not uproot these deadly plants? Gentlemen, King Henry is surrounded, not by friends but by parasites who suffocate the happiness of France.
GUISE
It's time.
MAYENNE
You are right, Prince. Let us destroy this cursed breed. Let each of us work without relaxation.
DUKE
You've begun to accomplish this task, Mayenne, in ridding us of Saint Negru.
CHICOT
By assassinating Saint Negru.
MAYENNE
Milord, there remain others.
ANTRAGUET
They are ours, Milord. I will take Quebec.
LEVORAT
Me, Mangerion.
RIBERAE
Me, Schomberg.
DUKE
And my brave Bussy will take care of the rest himself.
CHICOT
(aside)
Count on it, on your brave Bussy.
DUKE
He will be with us, gentlemen, if his wound received in fighting for me doesn't keep him in bed. But I answer for him.
CHICOT
(aside)
So do I!
MAYENNE
Gentlemen, a fanatic spoke here just now -- and despite his extravagance --
CHICOT
Thanks.
MAYENNE
He spoke a truth, he said, "We lack frankness". He was right. Let us be frank.
CHICOT
(aside)
Well, get on with it -- ! Be frank, that's all that I ask.
MAYENNE
Must we continue to live under a lazy King at the moment when Spain lights bonfires, when Germany reawakens old drowsy hierarchies in the shadow of cloisters. When England at the same time chops _____ and chops off head? We are sleeping gentlemen -- may a great Prince pardon us for saying so, we are ruled not by a King but by a monk.
TOURS
Down with Valoris! Down with Henry! Down! A real King, a Knight! A tyrant, if necessary, but not a Monk!
DUKE
(hypocritically)
Pardon, gentlemen -- my brother is perhaps distracted.
CHICOT
(aside)
Hiss, serpent, hiss!
GUISE
Milord, you have just heard the truth. You know our vows -- you know the spirit of the League -- you are going to see the result.
DUKE
What do you mean, Mr. de Guise?
GUISE
We've come together, Milord, not about a frivolous and vain question, but with the end in view of the public health and honor. We are going to name a chief from the nobility of France. And, as was the custom among the Franks, our ancestors -- to make a worthy present to the most worthy -- here is our present, Milord. I place it at the feet of Your Majesty.
(He designates a crown born with sword and Bible by the three gentlemen.)
DUKE
A crown, for me?
ALL
(drawing their swords)
Long live Francois III!
DUKE
(overwhelmed)
Gentlemen! Gentlemen! My brother is still alive!
GUISE
We will depose him while awaiting for God to do justice.
DUKE
(trembling)
Sir!
ANTRAGUET
(low)
Milord, we are all devoted to you -- accept it! It must be.
DUKE
Well, well -- yes!
ALL
The oath! The oath!
LORRAINE
(presenting the book)
Swear, Milord.
DUKE
I swear it!
MAYENNE
(crowing him)
May God crown you with the crown of glory and justice.
GUISE
(offering him his sword)
May God arm you _____________ with glory and justice.
ALL
Long live Francois III!
LORRAINE
Sire, from this moment you are King of France, blessed by Gregory I(II whose representatives we are.
CHICOT
(aside)
Sonofabitch! What bad luck to have their scrofula!
DUKE
Gentlemen, I will never forget those who have chosen me to govern them.
(to Guise)
Come my Constable.
(he salutes him -- to Mayenne)
Come my grant Master of France. The day when I shall really be King, all the gentlemen here present will be Knights of Orders.
(All bow.)
CHICOT
What a chance to get a cordon bleau. Let's hide carefully. Hide carefully!
(The Princes of Lorraine escort the Duke out. The others accompany him and go down with him into the crypt! The friar shuts the crypt with key.)
MONSOREAU
Ah, my gracious master so that's what you came to do at the Abbey! That's the confidence you had in me. Francois of Anjou -- King of France -- I've got
you -- !
(He replaces his hood slides among the Lords in the suite of the Price and disappears with them.)
DUKE
(breaking out his laughter)
Ha! Ha! Ha!
GUISE
Quiet, sister.
DUKE
Did you see that horrible face under the crown?
GUISE
He is ours -- impossible for him to escape us!
MAYENNE
And let's put to profit the trouble the innocents of Paris will give themselves for singing the league.
LORRAINE
First of all -- put ourselves in order -- let's do our own business.
CHICOT
(aside)
What do they mean their own business. They are not finished? What's the use of playing of everyone cheats?
MAYENNE
You say he's here?
GUISE
Yes.
LORRAINE
I didn't notice him.
CHICOT
Of whom are they speaking?
GUISE
He's hidden.
CHICOT
(aside)
Huh?
GUISE
In a stable.
CHICOT
Uh-oh! Who's hidden in a stall? Sonofabitch! I don't see anyone but me.
MAYENNE
Then he heard everything?
GUISE
Doubtless -- go find him, Mayenne.
CHICOT
(aside)
Aie! By God! They are going to murder me like a rat in a trap. I can't let that happen to me like this -- and since the occasion presents itself I am faster going to strangle Mr. de Mayenne.
(Mayenne comes right up to the shirt stall.)
GUISE
Not that one. That other one facing it.
CHICOT
(aside)
Oof! That was just in time. But who is the other one?
MAYENNE
Come out, Master Nicholas David!
CHICOT
Good! You were missing at the party.
(to his sword)
Oh -- soon! A bit of patience my little friend.
DAVID
Your orders, Milords.
GUISE
You heard everything, understand everything, and you can report to the Papal Legate at Avignon.
DAVID
Without omitting a word.
GUISE
You have as agreed taken down the proceeding crowing the Duke of Anjou and understood his oaths and words!
DAVID
I've written everything, signed it and initiated it, Milord. Here's the record.
GUISE
Fine.
DAVID
And here, Milord, the work I promised to Your Lordship to let you sit with protest on the throne of France.
CHICOT
(aside)
They, too. Goodness! Why the whole word wants to sit on the throne of the Valois! It's not an armchair -- it's a big couch.
GUISE
The house of Lorraine, illustrious as it is, would have to walk in the footsteps of the Valoes.
DAVID
Unless, as is proven in this genealogy, the House of Lorraine is descended from Charlemagne.
GUISE
From Charles of Lorraine, yes, but the Salie Law.
DAVID
Milord, what is the date of the first application of the Salie Law?
GUISE
1378, it seems to me.
DAVID
That is to say 240 years after Charles of Lorraine, your ancestor. Then for 240 years your ancestors had the right to the crown -- before the Sali Law was invented, the Las has no retroactive effect?
CHICOT
By God! The snake is more venomous than I thought!
GUISE
You are an able man, Master David.
LORRAINE
Ingenious.
DUCHESS
My successors are in their right!
CHICOT
My God -- Lawyers! Lawyers!
GUISE
And to think such wretched things are necessary to a man of my stature. To think that people sometimes obey this instead of reading the right and the nobility of a man in the light from his eyes and his sword.
LORRAINE
Here are your 200 gold crowns.
(Giving a purse to David.)
MAYENNE
With 200 more.
(also giving a purse to David)
And en route to Avignon! Pierre Gordy who is with us will carry this genealogy to Rome and bring it back approved.
DAVID
I will leave tomorrow morning.
MAYENNE
Tonight, tonight, tonight.
DAVID
Tonight, Lord.
GUISE
Let us withdraw now -- we, by the crypt.
(to David)
You by this door -- for which they must have given you a key so you could return to the church.
DAVID
Here it is.
GUISE
Bon voyage.
DAVID
May God be with us, gentlemen.
(The Princes leave through the crypt.)
CHICOT
(watching David get his hat and waiting for the crypt door to close)
Ah -- here's a ch_____.
(He bars his way.)
DAVID
Who is that? Excuse me.
(he tries to pass, but Chicot places himself in front of him)
Perhaps you are unaware who I am?
CHICOT
ON the contrary -- you are Nicholas David. It's you who don't know me.
DAVID
Who are you then?
CHICOT
An old acquaintance -- Mr. de Chicot.
DAVID
(recoiling)
Impossible.
CHICOT
(coming forward with the most gracious way)
Judge for yourself!
DAVID
What are you doing here? What do you want?
CHICOT
Eh!
DAVID
To find the remaining blows from the whipping we gave you?
CHICOT
On the contrary -- I come to return them. And, by luck, I want to have this pretty genealogy.
DAVID
Huh?
CHICOT
You know -- this parchment which proves Mr. de Guise descends from Charlemagne.
DAVID
Ah! Spy! Spy and clown at the same time.
CHICOT
Spy to make you hang -- and jester to make you laugh.
DAVID
You were here?
CHICOT
In the stall facing yours. Oh, if I knew you were so near. This genealogy if you please?
DAVID
What are you going to do with it?
CHICOT
Give it to the King, who loves such curious things and with whom I will make your peace -- provided you behave honestly.
DAVID
You make me pity --
CHICOT
(opening his gown)
You don't believe me, Mr. David, because you have an evil nature -- because you are strong in trickery, on heralding on the sword you think a man must gnaw his enemy like rust gnaws iron. Look -- believe me, I really hate you a lot -- but give me that parchment and I will, make your fortune. Stay easy! Do you know why I am acting this way with you -- it's because I love someone. That astonishes you -- you don't love anyone. I love the King, as weak, as distracted as he appears to be -- the King who gave me asylum and protected me from your assassin, Mayenne, who killed gentlemen with street porters. Well -- quit for my poor King -- let him reign in peace. Let him escape Guise, Mayenne, Anjou, genealogies and Nicholas David! This parchment and you will be all you wish to be. Once -- twice through. You won't do it? Oh well, in that case, I am going to hang you.
DAVID
(stopping him)
Master Food -- when one knows such secrets one dies -- when one threatens Nicholas David one dies -- when one enters -- one does not leave -- one dies.
(He puts his sword on his hand.)
CHICOT
(drawing his sword)
How stupid this man is not to see all the please he is giving me. Come on, I'm going to kill you! OH -- I will kill you with a stroke the King taught me -- with whom I fence every day -- that's flattering isn't it, huh? For a swine like you?
(touching his breast)
Well -- that's where I'm gong to get you.
(he makes a cross on his doublet with a white crayon)
(They fight, Nicholas David astonished breaks away.)
CHICOT
Ha! Ha! You weren't expecting that. I've made some progress huh -- sine that whipping -- ? Let's see those papers -- will you?
DAVID
Never.
(He rushes at Chicot.)
CHICOT
Here's the blow.
(he parries him. David falls and rolls in agony. Chicot watches him expire)
Good! There's my first hare. I've got him by the ears. The transcript of they coronation -- very good! Now for the key.
the to the gown which he holds in his left hand)
Ah, Lorenflot, what have you done tonight?
(He leaves.)
(curtain)
A room in the Louvre giving on the King's chamber on the left and at the rear on the Hill of Mars. Large window on the right with a deep bay.
(Chicot asleep on a bed.)
KING
(watching him sleep
There he is again! What time did he return -- and what was he doing all night, the wretch. He's sleeping. He doesn't even have the strength to go to his room, Chicot!
(calling)
Chicot!
CHICOT
Huh? What is it now?
KING
Chicot, what are you doing there? You can't sleep here.
CHICOT
Why, on the contrary, you can sleep there very nicely, heavens, Hankers -- are you sick my boy?
KING
Come on -- get up! Or rather, if you want to sleep -- go to your room -- let me work.
CHICOT
Huh? You are going to work? You!
KING
I'm expecting Mr. de Monvilliers, yes.
CHICOT
Who is this Mr. de Monvilliers?
KING
This wretch is so besotted by sleep that he no longer knows my chamber. Mr. de Monvilliers is a man who does not sleep and who watches over his King.
CHICOT
Ah, yes, a man of great appointments.
KING
And who earns them. What would become of the Kingdom without his vigilance and his police.
CHICOT
(lying back down)
You say -- his police? Do you seriously believe that, Hankers?
KING
Master fool!
CHICOT
What will you give me if I prove you have no police? Come on! What will you give me? Will you let me sleep?
KING
Shut up Chicot! I"m not laughing this morning. It appears Mr. de Monvilliers has some grave things to say to me.
CHICOT
Bah! About what?
KING
Shut up!
CHICOT
Listen! You recall that one day -- no, one evening.
KING
Eh!
CHICOT
Oh! Don't interrupt me -- you recall that one evening -- Rue Froidmanetl, you were walking with Quelus and Schomberg.
KING
It's possible, and then?
CHICOT
You recall the Quelus and Schomberg had been well thrashed?
KING
Huh?
CHICOT
Well, thrashed for having tormented a page. Well thrashed -- and you, too.
KING
Comedian!
CHICOT
Look -- prove me wrong -- ah! Well, the next day you recall having made Mr. de Monvilliers come as he is going to come this morning.
KING
And so?
CHICOT
And you told him of the nasty accident that happened -- the night before Mr. Froidmantel -- to a gentlemen and your friends?
KING
And so? And so?
CHICOT
You ordered him to find the insolent one, the atheist?
KING
Perhaps.
CHICOT
Did he find him?
KING
No.
CHICOT
Well -- it was me! You see how bad your police are.
KING
Miserable rogue.
USHER
(coming in)
The Grand Chancellor is at Your Majesty's orders.
CHICOT
Go! Go! And let me sleep.
(hardly has the King gone through Chicot rises)
(to Usher)
Someone is there for me?
USHER
Mr. de Bussy, yes, sir.
CHICOT
Alone.
USHER
Yes, sir.
CHICOT
Bring him to me, go!
(the usher leaves)
Let me begin my day with the sight of an honest man who does not betray anyone -- that will perhaps bring me joy.
Well, Count, how did you sleep?
BUSSY
I didn't sleep. I believe that I will never sleep again. It's finished.
CHICOT
Your wound makes you suffer?
BUSSY
Yes, my wound -- you haven't seen anyone yet?
CHICOT
It's a little early in the morning. I've recommended the gatekeeper to escort our two friends to the arms room as soon as they present themselves.
BUSSY
Ah! Sir, oh! You have nothing more to tell me.
CHICOT
Why, no --
BUSSY
You allow this odious iniquitous marriage, extorted by terror be consecrated henceforth without opposition, without a war to the death yet there has been violence, kidnapping and the Countess will protest --
CHICOT
Eh! Eh! A marriage -- what can be done about it?
BUSSY
I can't be so patient. I love so passionately.
(Chicot starts.)
BUSSY
Mr. de Meridor -- the sadness of this worthy lord has so penetrated me that to return his daughter to him --
CHICOT
You will take her from Mr. de Monsoreau -- that's very fine! How do you count on doing it?
BUSSY
I have my plan.
CHICOT
Which you told Mr. D'Anjou?
BUSSY
I haven't seen him. You told me not to see him without first having spoken to you. I will go to him after leaving you.
CHICOT
(giving him his hand)
He's coming to the Louvre.
BUSSY
So early?
CHICOT
He will come very early -- this morning! There - you hear those horses in the court?
BUSSY
You're right. He's coming up here.
(The Usher approaches Chicot and speaks to him low.)
CHICOT
Let them wait for me in the Arms room.
BUSSY
Oh! tell her -- tell her that I will make her free -- and my only regret is not having poured out all my blood for her -- tell her --
CHICOT
Tell the Baron? I'm on my way.
(returning)
By the way, if you don't succeed --
BUSSY
I will succeed.
CHICOT
(to himself)
He's not figuring on Monsoreau.
(aloud)
Well, anyway, if you don't succeed remember that in my country we always have some recipes for desperate cases.
(He leaves, Duke enters with an Usher.)
DUKE
(to an Usher)
Let them inform my brother. I was uneasy about his health this morning, I had a bad dream.
BUSSY
Really, Milord?
DUKE
Bussy -- at the Louvre -- at this hour?
BUSSY
I just came from Your Highness -- they wouldn't admit me.
DUKE
I had ordered no one because --
BUSSY
Little importance, Milord, I wanted to see you, I see you -- that suffices.
DUKE
Have you something of importance to tell me?
BUSSY
Why, yes, Milord.
DUKE
(uneasy)
Ah!
BUSSY
I needed to speak to you last night.
DUKE
(uneasy)
Last night! Did you leave --
BUSSY
All I wanted to know. But it something the matter, Your Highness?
DUKE
I don't understand. Here's what I --
BUSSY
Your Highness doesn't understand that having charged me with a commission I am rendering an account of that commission?
DUKE
Ah! Pardon! So many things have happened. Yes, Bussy, yes, you owe me an account of something I take very much to heart. Well -- do I have to wait?
BUSSY
You must reap what you have sewn, Milord, some shame!
DUKE
Huh?
(Bussy bows slightly)
Who is this woman?
BUSSY
I believe Milord recognized her.
DUKE
It's she? It's Diane?
BUSSY
Yes, Milord.
DUKE
Living! You have seen her? And she spoke to you?
BUSSY
Yes. Only ghosts don't speak. It's true, Milord - that you were right to think her dead -- and it would probably be better if she was, after all.
DUKE
Why?
BUSSY
Because in escaping from martyrdom, by saving her life, she has found a much worse misfortune than death.
DUKE
What?
BUSSY
Because a man who saved her honor, and who, to steal her from the already extended arms of the Duke of Anjou whose mistress she did not wish to become, and that man has made her his wife -- she's been into the arms of a man she loathes.
DUKE
What are you saying?
BUSSY
I am saying that Diane de Meridor has known since yesterday as the Countess de Monsoreau.
DUKE
Death of my life! Is it true?
BUSSY
By God! Since I tell you so.
DUKE
You misunderstand me. I am only asking myself if it is possible that one of my gentlemen, a Monsoreau, has had the audacity to protect a woman from me that I honor with my love.
BUSSY
He will reply that he has protected her not against your love but against violence.
DUKE
Violence! He advised me to do it.
BUSSY
He?
DUKE
With fury.
BUSSY
This man advised you to dishonor that young girl?
DUKE
He wrote me.
BUSSY
Ah! Milord!
DUKE
You doubt, also.
(taking a letter from her purse)
Here!
BUSSY
(reading)
"Milord, be less scrupulous. It can be done without risk for, thanks to me, the young person has tonight for the Chateau de Jude. I answer for it. As for resistance, no one will ever suspect that the ______ will be taken to the Chateau de Beauge -- she will be there this evening. By Your Highness very respectful servant Count Bryant de Monsoreau.
DUKE
(taking back the letter)
What do you say about that? This traitor made me fall in love with Diane.
BUSSY
He loved her himself - that's his excuse.
DUKE
You think so? You will see if I know how to avenge myself.
BUSSY
Go on! A prince does not avenge himself on such a wretch. He chastise him.
DUKE
And how?
BUSSY
By giving joy to Ms. Meridor -- by making her free.
DUKE
But you said she is his wife.
BUSSY
The marriage was forced --it's _____.
DUKE
That's true.
BUSSY
Annul the marriage, Milord -- show yourself a worthy gentleman, a noble prince make yourself blessed by all.
DUKE
What warmth! This matter interests you a lot, Bussy.
BUSSY
Me? Not the least in the world -- what concerns me is that Your Highness not be duped by a coward that you have heaped benefits on -- at my expense perhaps. What interests me is that no one says you allow infamies to occur and that I serve a prince without honor.
DUKE
You will see.
BUSSY
You understand -- don't you, Milord.
DUKE
You will see if I have understood.
BUSSY
Then it's agreed, then -- you will break the marriage?
DUKE
It is broken.
BUSSY
Word of a gentleman?
DUKE
Word of a Prince.
BUSSY
And this poor woman is free?
DUKE
(touching his hand)
You have my word.
BUSSY
(kissing his hand)
Ah -- you may demand my life, Milord!
DUKE
The King -- silence!
(Enter the King from the left -- Chicot, Diane, the Baron de Meridor.)
CHICOT
(to Bussy)
Monsoreau, who has received a counter-command from the hunt at Fontainbleau -- is arriving right now at the Louvre. Escort the Baron and Diane into the Hall of Mars.
(Bussy goes to find Diane and her father at the rear.)
BUSSY
(to Diane)
Free, Madame! You are free. In an hour you will be free and happy forever.
DIANE
Ah! Be Blessed!
(She goes into the neighboring room.)
CHICOT
(to Bussy)
Well -- what's new?
BUSSY
(to Chicot)
I have his promise.
CHICOT
What did he swear on?
BUSSY
On his honor.
CHICOT
I'd much prefer something else. make sure Monsoreau doesn't notice Diane and her father.
(Bussy leaves after Diane.)
CHICOT
Well, my son, did you see Mr. de Monvilliers?
DUKE
(to King)
I am in such haste to embrace Your Majesty.
CHICOT
(aside)
Swine!
KING
(with friendship)
Thanks, Francois.
CHICOT
(aside)
Brute!
(to King)
And the grave matters form your police?
KING
The Chancellor thinks it's dangerous for me to make the pilgrimage to Chartres.
CHICOT
That's all?
KING
Isn't it enough?
CHICOT
How ugly it is to lie! Better to admit that Your Chancellor has told you things you don't want to repeat before your brother?
DUKE
And what's that, sir?
CHICOT
The King knows how much Your Highness loves him and doesn't want to worry you.
KING
(low)
Shut-up.
CHICOT
And if I want to speak!
KING
Get out!
CHICOT
And I don't want to go!
KING
(threateningly)
Ah!
CHICOT
And if I want to repeat to His Highness what Mr. de Monvilliers discovered last night?
KING
Fool!
CHICOT
You think I don't have my police, too and they do much better than yours -- for I do it myself -- well, listen -- listen, Milord.
DUKE
Go ahead.
CHICOT
Mr. de Monvilliers told you, first of all, that Mr. de Guise is not in camp besieging La Charite as you believed.
KING
Wow! Where is he then?
CHICOT
In Paris.
KING
He didn't mention a word of that to me.
CHICOT
Well -- I am telling you -- ask your brother.
DUKE
(furious)
Why -- truly --
CHICOT
You haven't heard it said, Milord, that Mr. de Guise is in Pris with Mayenne, Lorraine and the Duchess. You didn't know it.
KING
Francois!
DUKE
(aside)
Oh -- the Demon!
KING
Well --
DUKE
My God, sir, perhaps I have heard words to that effect, but just rumors.
KING
You heard that said and you didn't tell me about it!
DUKE
Why, Sir, it was with that end that I came so early to the Louvre.
CHICOT
Good! I was sure of that. It was what happened last night.
(to King)
You know, Your Chancellor told you of it.
KING
Some plotters, some malcontents.
CHICOT
Some -- he is modest. He told you that some malcontents were meeting.
KING
I know it.
CHICOT
At the Abbey -- speak up -- one has to _____ the words out of you.
KING
What Abbey?
CHICOT
Saint Genevieve.
KING
How do you know this?
CHICOT
My police, as usual. And they met.
KING
Yes -- at eleven.
CHICOT
And they made speeches?
KING
Incendiary -- one especially -- a certain --
CHICOT
Lorenflot -- a very dangerous man!
KING
Yes, that's it. Why you know him.
CHICOT
Again, my police. They have decided on a procession. You will really like i t-- muskets, halberds instead of candles. It will be wonderful.
KING
But the purpose! The purpose of all this?
CHICOT
Ah! Ask Mr. de Monvilliers.
(low)
Look at your brother.
KING
How pale he is.
USHER
The Count de Monsoreau comes to receive the King's orders.
CHICOT
(to Duke)
Confess, Milord, how conveniently a Grant Huntsman comes to change the subject of conversation.
(Monsoreau enters.)
CHICOT
(to King)
Why, it can't be long ago that your Grant Huntsman met a wolf.
KING
Why?
CHICOT
Because, like one of the Austopames clouds -- he has taken the face of it. A real wolf -- it's striking!
KING
(laughing)
Mr. Monsoreau you wills tay with me just now, I've changed the orders.
MONSOREAU
Sire!
(he bows)
(The King leaves.)
MONSOREAU
(to Chicot)
Sir, I don't see why, since we are alone, I shouldn't speak with you -- in this bay window of your place.
CHICOT
In the depths of a forest, if you like. Oh -- it's striking.
(to the Duke who is absorbed)
Right, Milord?
MONSOREAU
Mr. Chicot, Mr. Fool, Mr. Buffoon -- a gentleman forbids you, forbids you, you understand -- to laugh at him, and invites you, before giving you a rendezvous in the forest, to reflect that, in the woods, he has a collection of poles, clubs and fly poles just as good as those which so rudely drubbed you in behalf of Mr. de Mayenne.
CHICOT
Ah, sir, you intend to place yourself on the same rank as my memories?
MONSOREAU
Sir, your memory is not to be feared -- it fails you every time you are afraid and you forget your principal.
CHICOT
Of whom are you speaking, sir, I pray you?
MONSOREAU
Of Master Nicholas David.
CHICOT
Oh! As for him, you are mistaken Count -- as for him -- I owe him nothing -- he is paid -- I kiss your hands, Milord.
(aside)
May the devour each other!
(He leaves. The Duke sits down. Monsoreau takes a step after cheat.)
DUKE
(seated)
Leave that man -- you must speak with me.
(Monsoreau, uneasy, looks around the hangings)
Oh, fear nothing -- we are indeed alone -- you are really with your master -- a good master -- I am indeed with my faithful servant.
MONSOREAU
Highness, I believe I deserve that praise.
DUKE
Yes, you have often aided my plans, forgetting your interests, even exposing yourself -- why, most recently in that unfortunate business --
MONSOREAU
Which, Milord?
DUKE
The kidnapping of Miss de Meridor, poor young girl!
MONSOREAU
Alas!
DUKE
You pity her?
MONSOREAU
Who does not pity her?
DUKE
Not I. God is my witness of the despair that her death caused me -- and of the regret I had of my part in such a deadly caprice. It takes all my friendship for you to make me forget that but for you I would not have kidnapped that young girl.
MONSOREAU
You did not wish her death, Milord. Your intention absolves you. It's a misfortune, a misfortune -- like fate in everything.
DUKE
Besides -- it's over isn't it? And death has buried everything in eternal silence.
MONSOREAU
(aside)
He knows everything -- and this woman they are hiding in the Hall of Mars -- it's Diane -- she is here.
(aloud)
Milord, would you, at his time permit to speak frankly?
DUKE
Doesn't Your Highness intend to make me understand that Miss de Meridor is perhaps alive -- and this suspicion -- isn't it sort of accusation against me?
DUKE
(rising)
Traitor! You have deceived me -- You have betrayed me! You have taken this woman that I loved.
MONSOREAU
That's true, Milord.
DUKE
Oh! It's true! Impudent one! Trickster.
MONSOREAU
Would you please speak lower, Milord -- for you are forgetting, it seems to me, that you are speaking not only to a faithful servant, but to a gentleman -- besides, I had an excuse.
DUKE
And what is it?
MONSOREAU
I was in love with Ms. de Meridor.
DUKE
And I?
MONSOREAU
Miss de Meridor didn't love Your Highness.
DUKE
She loved you perhaps?
MONSOREAU
Perhaps.
DUKE
You are lying! I had nothing but thrust and you had treachery.
MONSOREAU
Milord, I loved her.
DUKE
Eh! What's that to me!
MONSOREAU
(threatening)
Milord!
DUKE
You threaten, Serpent!
MONSOREAU
Milord, take care! I love her I tell you, and I am not a valet. I am Count and Lord. My wife is mine like my land -- nothing can take me from her, not even the King! I wanted this woman and I have taken her.
DUKE
Really! You've taken her? Well, you will give her back!
(He rushes towards a hill.)
MONSOREAU
(placing himself in front of him)
Stop that bad idea, Milord. If you intend to injure me, if you call once, if you do me a public injury.
DUKE
You will give us this woman, I tell you!
MONSOREAU
I have married her before God.
DUKE
You will give her up!
MONSOREAU
Never!
DUKE
(choking in rage)
You will break this marriage -- I will break it were you engaged before all the Gods who reign in Heaven.
MONSOREAU
You blaspheme, Milord.
DUKE
Tomorrow, Ms. de Meridor will be returned to her father. Tomorrow you will go into exile. In an hour, you will have surrendered your post as Grant Huntsman. Those are my conditions if not, take care vassal! I will break you like I break this cup.
(Swashing a vase in the table.)
MONSOREAU
I will not surrender my position, I will not leave my wife, and I will dwell in France.
DUKE
How's that, cursed me?
MONSOREAU
Because I will ask my grace of the King of France -- of the true King, elected last night at the Abbey of Saint Genevieve -- and this new sovereign will not refuse to listen to the first suppliant that falls at his feet.
DUKE
(stunned)
Shut up!
MONSOREAU
Sire.
(He kneels.)
DUKE
Will you shut up, wretch!
(raising the Count and leading him aside)
If you have a grace to ask it, but very quietly -- I am listening to you: Ask.
MONSOREAU
Humbly, as behooves a humble servant of Your Highness.
(The Duke slowly inspects the tapestries.)
DUKE
You were saying?
MONSOREAU
I was saying, that my fatal answer did it all, that I was not master of myself, that I had lost my reason -- and that you shall pardon me, Milord.
DUKE
(debating with himself)
No -- for the first duty of a Prince is justice.
MONSOREAU
Milord!
DUKE
(aside)
I promised Bussy.
(aloud)
Look, you are a gentleman, you understand that I can not sanction your conduct. Listen, renounce this woman, Monsoreau just this sacrifice -- I will indemnify you for it with whatever you ask of me.
MONSOREAU
You still love her, Milord?
DUKE
Why no! Not at all!
MONSOREAU
Then what can prevent you -- she is my wife.
DUKE
She doesn't love you.
MONSOREAU
What can that matter to Your Highness?
MONSOREAU
Impossible.
DUKE
I understand you. You hold my secret, you will denounce me -- that's infamous!
MONSOREAU
That's true. But I love Diane enough to be infamous.
DUKE
Coward!
MONSOREAU
Yes; but i love her enough to be a coward.
(Duke puts his hand on ______)
Oh, you will gain nothing by killing me, Milord. There are some secrets which float with the body.
DUKE
(hearing the King come)
My brother!
MONSOREAU
Come on, Milord -- do something for a man who will serve you well.
DUKE
What do you ask?
MONSOREAU
That Your Majesty --
DUKE
Your conditions, hurry!
MONSOREAU
You will pardon me?
DUKE
Yes.
MONSOREAU
You will reconcile me with Baron Meridor?
DUKE
Yes.
MONSOREAU
And you will present my wife to the King?
DUKE
Yes, but later --
MONSOREAU
Right away.
DUKE
We'll see - go find her.
MONSOREAU
She is here, Highness.
DUKE
How's that?
MONSOREAU
Right here -- in the Hall of Mars.
(The King, Diane, Bussy, Baron de Meridor, Chicot and all the Court enter.)
BUSSY
(running near the Duke, low)
She's here, Milord.
MONSOREAU
(low)
I am waiting, Milord.
DIANE
At least!
BUSSY
At last.
DUKE
(after a sad effort goes to take Diane by the hand and lend her to the King)
Sir, allow me to present Your Majesty, Miss Diane de Meridor, Countess of Monsoreau, wife of my most faithful servant.
DIANE
(letting out a shriek)
Ah!
BUSSY
OH!
KING
(to Monsoreau)
My compliments, Lord Grant Huntsman.
(The King salutes and passes taking Monsoreau with happen. All the Court follows them.)
DIANE
But what has happened, Count?
BUSSY
Madame, scorn me, hate me; I thought I was someone in this world and I am nothing but an atom. I thought I could do something and I can't even tear my own heart out. Yes, Madame, you are indeed the wife of Mr. de Monsoreau -- his legitimate wife, his recognized wife. I have ______ you, wretch that I am, cussed as I am -- for having believed a coward and an ignoble person.
(He rushes out, mad and in a wild disorder pushing through the courtier.)
DUKE
(beside himself)
Arrest that man who has insulted a prince.
DIANE
We are lost!
CHICOT
(to himself)
Lost! Oh! Not at all.
(not quite)
(blackout)
The square before the Arke-Su. To the left a small door of a church with 3 pathways a street behind. In the rear -- a group of houses. The Inn of the Beautiful Star. A Dye factory with its immense vat to the right -- the Stag Horn -- balcony, windows. In the center, a large space formed by the convergence of 3 streets one of which turns towards the rear of the stage. In the rear -- panorama of the Seine facing Saint Germain/Avnenois.
BONHOMET
(before his door)
Two windows, two windows to rent for the procession.
LA HURRIERE
(before his door)
Sign, sign, gentlemen in the register of the Holy League.
(A lot of people sign.)
BONHOMET
Two windows to see the King pass by at the head of the grand procession.
(People enter and negotiate with Bonhomet.)
LA HURRIERE
Sign brave Parisians! Today is the great day.
(People walk around. Some enter the church. Other groups in animated conversation. Others sign La Hurriere's register.
CHICOT
(arriving)
After you, sir.
(He signs after a bourgeois. Then another sings and he signs again.)
CITIZEN
But you already signed, sir!
CHICOT
You think so? So much the better. I will sign a hundred times rather than once. I intend to sign all the registers in Paris.
BONHOMET
Two windows for the procession.
CHICOT
I'll take one.
BONHOMET
Mr. Chicot!
CHICOT
Hush! This is the ground floor.
(He enters the Stag Horn.)
BONHOMET
Fine, Mr. Chicot --
(aloud)
A window to see the King pass and the grand procession.
(A noisy crowd arrives from the rear with Lorenflot.)
VOICES
Lorenflot! Lorenflot!
LORENFLOT
Yes, children -- let --it's I -- Goodday!
LA HURRIERE
Master Lorenflot.
(runs to him eagerly)
The illustrious orator -- the Martyr of Our Holy Cause.
VOICES
Lorenflot! Lorenflot!
(The crowd presses around him.)
LORENFLOT
Has everybody gone crazy?
VOICES
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! To brother Lorenflot.
(Chicot opens his window.)
CHICOT
(at the window)
My dupe!
LORENFLOT
(to crowd)
Children, let me by, I beg you -- I want to stop here for a few minutes.
VOICES
Hallelujah! Hallelujah -- to Lorenflot.
CHICOT
(studying through the window)
But you see this worthy man needs repose, meditation -- let him be.
VOICES
Yes! Yes! No! No!
LORENFLOT
(noticing Chicot without recognizing him)
There's an honest person.
CHICOT
You see he wants to gather his strength and compose some harangue.
VOICES
Yes, yes, leave him -- hallelujah! Hallelujah!
(The crowd goes off little by little.)
LORENFLOT
That was lucky.
(recognizing Chicot)
Mr. Chicot.
CHICOT
Goodday -- pal!
LORENFLOT
Do you know what all those folk wanted form me? They jumped on me like flies.
CHICOT
Complain to yourself then -- you are popular.
LORENFLOT
Me?
CHICOT
Don't play modest! You are well aware of it.
LORENFLOT
For one whole week, I haven't taken a step outside. They've shut me as penitence for not returning until 6 in the morning a week ago.
CHICOT
Ah! Yes, that famous night.
CHICOT
You know -- the night you didn't want to dine with me.
LORENFLOT
That's right.
CHICOT
And you left me at eleven o'clock.
LORENFLOT
I did -- ?
CHICOT
To go -- you know.
LORENFLOT
No.
CHICOT
To utter --
LORENFLOT
What --
CHICOT
That speech --
LORENFLOT
Well -- ?
CHICOT
That magnificent, that splendid speech --
LORENFLOT
I vaguely remember.
CHICOT
Brother! It's a beautiful day to --
LORENFLOT
You are opening my eyes.
CHICOT
Oh! There were terribly things in your speech --
LORENFLOT
Bah!
CHICOT
Against the King, against the Court, against everything.
LORENFLOT
Really!
CHICOT
So terrible that even then, watching you in the midst of that crowd I said to myself, "Poor pal, they're going to arrest him."
LORENFLOT
(nervously)
But Mr. Chicot, I never gave even a little speech.
CHICOT
Come on!
LORENFLOT
I slept here -- at the Stag Horn and woke up here.
CHICOT
Come on!
LORENFLOT
Ask Mr. Bonhomet.
CHICOT
It was he who opened the door mysteriously when you returned from the assembly.
LORENFLOT
From the assembly.
CHICOT
All puffed up with pride.
LORENFLOT
For what reason?
CHICOT
Because of the success you had, and of the compliment you paid, Mr. Guise, Mr. Lorraine and Mr. Mayenne.
(he salutes)
Whom God preserve -- ! Look -- you remember?
LORENFLOT
No.
(brusquely)
Ah, my God!
CHICOT
What.
LORENFLOT
Everything is clear to me.
CHICOT
There.
LORENFLOT
I'm a sleepwalker.
CHICOT
What's that mean?
LORENFLOT
It means, Mr. Chicot, that with me spirit dominates over matter so that while my body is asleep, my spirit wakes and it commands things -- things --
CHICOT
Sublime things?
LORENFLOT
My God, yes.
CHICOT
Incendiary things, revolutionary things, enough to raise the hair on your head.
LORENFLOT
Ah!
CHICOT
Things to get you hanged if they see you.
LORENFLOT
Ah!
CHICOT
Things to get you drawn and quartered if they meet you.
LORENFLOT
What is to be done?
CHICOT
Put yourself in hiding and quickly!
LORENFLOT
(overwhelmed)
I believe you are right.
CHICOT
Otherwise, you are a dead man!
LORENFLOT
(uttering a cry and escaping)
Mr. Chicot.
CROWD
(noticing him)
Lorenflot! Lorenflot!
LORENFLOT
Let me pass.
CHICOT
(at his warden)
Let him pass -- he is proscribed.
LA HURRIERE
Him -- a saint?
LORENFLOT
Me -- a saint?
CHICOT
There's a price on his head.
CROWD
(furious, howling)
Oh!
CHICOT
Go -- saintly man!
LA HURRIERE
Help -- help Master Lorenflot.
CHICOT
Triumph for Brother Lorenflot.
ALL
Long live Brother Lorenflot! Long live the League! Long Live the Duke of Guise. Down with the Tyrant!
LORENFLOT
They are going to get me drawn and quartered.
CHICOT
Long live Lorenflot the martyr!
CROWD
Down with the Valois -- down with the Tyrant -- ! Down --
(They carry Lorenflot off on their shoulders.)
(The Duke of Anjou, Monsoreau, Antraguet enter.)
ANTRAGUET
You see them, Milord?
MONSOREAU
And hear them?
DUKE
Yes, I hear them shouting "Down with Henry" and "Long Live Guise", but that's all.
(Chicot closes his shutter.)
MONSOREAU
If they were shouting "Long Live Anjou", Milord -- it would be very dangerous tonight.
DUKE
(to himself)
Damn! How he knows!
(aloud)
That' snot what I mean, sir -- I mean that all their shouts, all this burning fanaticism, are capable of making the King suspicious.
MONSOREAU
And what will he do, Milord?
DUKE
What will he do? He'll shut himself up in the Louvre instead of leaving this evening -- he'll send his Swiss guards and the French guards from Cullon to chase away these people and club the procession -- and then, what will become of all our plans.
MONSOREAU
All our plans, Milord -- will not suffer the King will not send a single soldier against the League since he's declared himself its leader. Far from forbidding this procession he -- himself will march at its head. Had he some doubts, he would still do it from Brarade. Besides, isn't it his custom each year to lead the procession? Isn't it his custom, after this procession to go in a retreat for 2 days in a religious community? Last year it was a Minimes, this year he had chosen Genovefanes -- fear nothing, Milord.
ANTRAGUET
All will go well, Highness.
DUKE
I tell you that since the business at the Abbey my brother is suspicious.
MONSOREAU
All the more reason for us to hasten, Milord. If the King's on his guard -- let's know it. In two hours, he will have crossed the door of Genovefanes -- whose door will close on him -- in two hours we will have him. Mr. de Mayenne runs through the city with his followers from Lorraine. Mr. de Guise has hidden in the Abbey, 80 of his best swordsmen. The whole community is ours -- you will have your friends, your faithful -- he will be alone. In two hours, you will be our master and his.
DUKE
(hypocritically)
What to do with a sacred head? He also is the anointed of the Lord!
MONSOREAU
You are reflecting, Highness -- but first act. Come on boldly and play cautiously.
ANTRAGUET
Consider that the wager is all our heads. Win, sir, win!
DUKE
His friends could warn him.
MONSOREAU
Assembly yours. At the first shot of the cannon that, by custom announces his departure from the Louvre be ready, but don't make any significant move. At the second shot -- which announces the King's entry into Genovefanes -- much with your friends on the Abbey whose door I will open for you.
DUKE
These two shots of the cannon -- will I ever hear them?
ANTRAGUET
I haven't seen Bussy.
DUKE
Bussy?
ANTRAGUET
We have him, I hope? Oh -- be he is necessary to us.
MONSOREAU
One would say to hear you, that without his sword all will fail.
ANTRAGUET
With that sword all will succeed.
DUKE
It's true, when I have Bussy I am at ease -- unfortunately he's been sulking with me for several days.
ANTRAGUET
Make peace, Milord, do it quickly.
DUKE
I've just sent Aurilly to his hotel. I make the advances that overture will doubtless touch him, and Aurilly will bring him to me.
MONSOREAU
Where, Milord?
DUKE
Here, from when I can watch the city and the Louvre at the same time.
ANTRAGUET
There's Aurilly, Milord.
DUKE
(to Aurilly)
Well, Bussy?
AURILLY
Milord, Mr. de Bussy is abed with a grave fever -- and the doctor forbids him to leave.
ANTRAGUET
Bad luck!
DUKE
You told --
AURILLY
All that I could to a valet for they would not receive me.
DUKE
What?
AURILLY
No, Milord, the doctor forbade me to enter.
DUKE
Even to my envoy! Bussy is then in agony?
ANTRAGUET
Milord -- do you want me to try -- ?
DUKE
But --
ANTRAGUET
We must have Bussy at all costs.
MONSOREAU
High Highness to implore a mere gentleman!
DUKE
Antraguet is right, Count. The King has Cullon -- I must have Bussy. Go Antraguet -- go --
(Antraguet rushes off)
You suspect nothing tonight -- because you are married, you see everything as beautiful. It's natural -- through the prisoner of love and of happy love!
MONSOREAU
(wounded)
Happy love!
DUKE
Let's go, the hour approaches; gather your men and go take your post at the Abbey.
MONSOREAU
Does he know my unhappiness -- and is he laughing at me?
DUKE
What's wrong with you?
MONSOREAU
Nothing, Milord, nothing -- I obey --
(aside)
Happily love!
(He leaves.)
DUKE
You can never tell if this man is for you or against you. An odious tool [creature] that I will break with joy! I chose a woman -- the most beautiful -- I loved her -- he took her from me -- I had a friend, the most stalwart, the most brave -- he's made my friend my enemy. Oh, I am going to get Bussy back right away -- I am going there myself. As for taking back Diane -- we'll see about that later.
AURILLY
Milord, look there.
(A group passes from right to left.)
DUKE
Those comedians! Are you joking?
AURILLY
(pointing to the right)
Not over there -- but this way. Do you see?
DUKE
Those two men who are coming? One would say Saint Luc.
AURILLY
And the other one?
DUKE
Bussy! Bussy -- in bed with fever. Bussy whose door is closed to me.
(He moves off excitedly.)
SAINT LUC
It's no use denying it, Count. Here you are much more gay than while shut up in the Hotel de Bussy -- eight days without leaving or seeing a living soul!
BUSSY
You can change from heaven, you cannot change with ideas. You won't take me back to my home any gayer than you found me.
SAINT LUC
We shall see.
DUKE
(approaching suddenly)
Good evening, Bussy.
BUSSY
(surprised)
Milord.
(Saint Luc bows deeply.)
DUKE
Here you are cured, it seems to me? Marvelous! Weren't you in bed just now?
BUSSY
It is true, Milord.
DUKE
You are sulking with me, and your refused my messenger of peace. But since you bring peace yourself - that's fine -- you have a good heart, thanks.
BUSSY
Your Highness is mistaken; I was not seeking him.
DUKE
Come on -- be reasonable -- you will soon know everything I was unable to explain to you the other day -- you'll know it tomorrow and you will see that I could not act otherwise in this deplorable affair but as I did -- Really! You'll know it tonight -- in less than two hours. Come on -- come!
(He takes him by the arm.)
BUSSY
(disengaging himself)
Pardon, Milord -- it's not possible for me to accompany, Your Highness.
DUKE
Ah.
BUSSY
I am suffering greatly. I was wrong to go outside and I am returning to put myself in bed.
DUKE
So I won't abuse you. I also ask that you finish with me the promenade you began with Mr. de Saint Luc, who is now one of your friends from what I see.
BUSSY
Yes, Duke -- and one of the best.
DUKE
Well, I too -- I am your friend and the first in date. Come on, come!
BUSSY
If there had been friendship between us, Milord, this would be a great honor to me -- but I must renounce this honor.
DUKE
Why.
BUSSY
We are no longer anything to each other, Milord.
DUKE
Ah! I am taking the first step.
BUSSY
That's added sadness for me.
DUKE
I beg you.
BUSSY
Highness --
DUKE
Listen -- you are not one of the those who would abandon even a stranger in peril -- even an enemy -- you would aid him.
BUSSY
Your Highness is not in any danger and has no need of my aid.
DUKE
Yes -- I have need of you tonight in a situation more grave perhaps than any in my life. Come only with me, give me this evening -- and tomorrow you will awake, Duke, Prince -- the second in the Kingdom! I could in no way be more than the third, Milord, for I will always have before me the King and you.
DUKE
You refuse?
BUSSY
It's necessary.
DUKE
My friendship.
BUSSY
Yes.
DUKE
My offers?
BUSSY
Yes.
DUKE
My orders?
BUSSY
Yes, Milord.
DUKE
You will repent of not being my friend anymore?
BUSSY
I have already repented of being it.
DUKE
Come Aurilly, come!
AURILLY
(to Duke)
Since he did not come here for Your Highness, let's try to learn why he came.
(Duke and Aurilly leave.)
BUSSY
Ah! Saint Luc why did you bring me here! If I had remained home, I would have avoided this disagreeable meeting.
SAINT LUC
One moment.
BUSSY
What are we doing in this absurd quarter? Nothing?
SAINT LUC
I came here for something -- I am waiting for my wife, who is in the church here -- wait.
BUSSY
That's another matter. Well, I will leave you. I have my confidential page. I am full of confidence. I am returning to the hotel.
SAINT LUC
Won't you greet the Countess? She's leaving now. Here she is.
(People leave the church. Diane and Jeanne leave in their turn, coming down the steps, followed by Gertrude and a page.)
BUSSY
She is not alone.
SAINT LUC
No -- she is with one of her friends. Come, Count, let us approach.
BUSSY
(to Jeanne)
Madame.
(seeing Diane)
Diane.
SAINT LUC
(low)
Here's what reconciles you with this place.
JEANNE
(greeting Bussy)
Mr. de Bussy! What a miracle!
(to Saint Luc)
Look, you promised me a window to see the procession -- let's find one together.
SAINT LUC
Facing you -- if you like.
(They leave, leaving Bussy and Diane together. Bonhomet talks with them.)
BUSSY
Ah, Madame, here's luck that fills the place of providence for me.
DIANE
It's not luck, Count. It was I who begged Madame de Saint Luc to help me meet you.
BUSSY
You!
DIANE
I really owe you thanks for your generous efforts!
BUSSY
What! You don't hate me -- I who was unable to prevent your misfortune, I who brought it about, perhaps!
DIANE
Your memory has been my sole consolation during these eight days of agony. But that's not what I wished to tell you -- I have in my turn a duty to fulfill toward you.
BUSSY
Me?
DIANE
You are living at home, right -- shut in, ill?
BUSSY
Ill with shame -- devoured by regrets and by rate!
DIANE
Yet, each night a mysterious person slides near my new dwelling rambling here and there, watching the light or shadow from my window -- I've seen him -- I recognize him -- it's you.
BUSSY
Madame, I swear --
DIANE
It's you! It's you.
BUSSY
Well, yes, it's me -- I who no longer have any purpose, without hope -- dragging my body which no longer has a soul -- it's I who go to watch your lamp when it's lit, your shadow as it passes. It's i assuring myself as I see you that my love i snot folly and I return from there more desperate than ever but still living because I have breathed the same air as you!
DIANE
Oh! Ill omened -- but I am not alone in this house -- other eyes than mine have seen you -- already hunt you, and watch for you. The Count of Monsoreau is jealous.
BUSSY
Jealous! What does he have to envy -- he, the husband of the most beautiful, the most adorable of women? Jealous of a wretch who suffers, of a madman passing by --
DIANE
The Count is frightening in his suspicions and rages. Last night, I saw you through my windows and suddenly his window, bordering on mind, opened softly. I saw a weapon shine.
BUSSY
Eh! Let him kill me!
DIANE
Oh! I con____ you -- don't come back -- from pity for me.
BUSSY
And why do you want me to live? To assist in the happiness of this infamous man -- happiness he has stolen twice? To expire slowly, minute by minute, from the torment this hellish joy makes me suffer -- ? Jealous! He is jealous, the wretch! Jealous if a shadow when he possesses the reality, by the living God, I would be a food to let myself be killed by this man. He is my mortal enemy -- and I will kill him with my bare hands.
God, I would be fool to let myself be killed by this man. He is my mortal enemy -- and I will kill him with my bare hands.
DIANE
Sir -- or, sir -- perhaps he is excusable.
BUSSY
(with despair)
You defend him?
DIANE
If you knew --
BUSSY
I know that you love him and that he is your husband --
DIANE
But if he isn't, if he never will be?
BUSSY
(delighted)
Oh!
DIANE
(confused)
Goodbye.
BUSSY
Diane! Diane!
(He throws himself at her feet. She escapes to go rejoin Jeanne.)
(The Duke and Aurilly appear in the doorway of the church.)
DUKE
(by the church door)
Ah! Bussy -- that's why you betray your master! That's fine!
(They go off.)
DIANE
(to Jeanne)
Let's leave.
BUSSY
(holding her)
One more word -- ah, my friends.
CHICOT
(jumping through the window)
Are you mad, my master? On your knees on the pavement, only 10 feet form the Duke of Anjou who is watching you?
BUSSY and DIANE
Oh -- the Duke.
BUSSY
Do you think I will allow myself to be torn from her again?
CHICOT
I believe you have a fever and enthusiasm and that you are going to return to your hotel right away.
BUSSY
Oh!
CHICOT
Right away! And you are going to hide under your covers, shiver with fever and never confess that you went out tonight if you hope to keep your head on your shoulders.
BUSSY
Why, what's the matter then?
CHICOT
There's a -- but go away Mr. de Bussy, you will run this young woman.
(bussy goes off)
As for you, Diane, my little sister, remember that I promised to return you to your father. Watch out! Watch! Oh, Jeanne, what madness. Are you still my scatterbrain from Meridor? Go! Go!
(to Saint Luc)
You stay with me for I will have need of you very soon. It's tonight, at midnight, at the Abbey that Chicot will finish paying his debts.
(The two women flee.)
(Lorenflot seated on a donkey followed by a noisy well drunken mob.)
CROWD
Long live the League! Down with Valois! Long live Lorenflot!
LORENFLOT
(drunk)
Yes, brave Parisians -- shout, "Long Live Lorenflot" I am your champion -- and the first orator in the world!
CROWD
Hallelujah, hallelujah -- a speech, a speech.
LORENFLOT
Yes -- a speech.
CROWD
Silence! Silence.
LORENFLOT
My children, Paris is the most beautiful city in France and the Parisians are the most spiritual people in the Kingdom -- yes, the song says.
(sings)
PARISIAN FRIEND
You know everything.
CROWD
(laughs and applauds)
Yes! Yes!
LORENFLOT
There's only one thing which reigns Paris and reins France -- it's this tyrant of a Valois who I have already brought to ground by the thunder bolt of my eloquence.
CROWD
Down -- down with the tyrant.
(Lorenflot gets off his donkey.)
LORENFLOT
(while someone leads the donkey)
I know very well that the earth is an arid valley which man cannot refresh only with his tears. But I shall have the consolation of seeing the punishment of Sardonaplies. It is today we depose him, tonsure him and throw him in a monastery?
(At each word the crowd shouts. Cannon shot.)
ALL
The procession -- the procession.
(All abandon Lorenflot to run before the procession.)
LORENFLOT
(sad)
Let's go with the procession -- where is _______? Where is my donkey? Let's go to the procession.
(He leaves -- music, shouts, arrival of the procession.)
ALL
The procession! The procession!
(Enter the Duke of Anjou, Aurilly, Antraguet, then the King, followed by the procession marching -- Legionaries, Lorramares, gentlemen, the Guilds with their banners, Swiss Guards, women and children.)
DUKE
(at the right, in a corner with Aurilly and Antraguet)
He comes out! Will he go right to the Abbey?
(After the different guilds, greeted by shouts, one sees troops, then the court, then the King dressed as a Genovefanes monk -- under a dias with fleur de lys. In the distance marches the court and its diverse officers.)
CROWD
The King, the King -- long live the King.
(Diverse shouts. They kneel, they jostle each other to better see the King. The march continues. The procession disappears into the neighboring street. Cannon shot.)
DUKE
(suddenly standing tall)
I am King!
(The crowd is in uproar during the march which finished.)
(curtain)
The grand hall in the Genovefanes' Monastery. Large door at the rear -- through which one gets outside by a sharply plunging staircase to the right, a door and window. To the left, a door giving on the King's cell.
(At rise, Mayenne places and inspects different detachments of armed me whom he stations at the door.)
DUCHESS
(arriving)
Well -- where are we at?
MAYENNE
Everything is going well -- we are impregnable in our fortress.
DUCHESS
What's the Valois doing?
MAYENNE
Hardly came in before shutting himself in his cell -- there at the end of this gallery -- you cannot even hear him breathe! He's praying.
DUCHESS
He's made to be a monk.
LORRAINE
(entering)
What news from outside?
MAYENNE
The populace is returning quietly and very satisfied by hits pretty procession -- it's King was not _______.
DUCHESS
I believe it -- oh, how I would like to have seen this Valois, head lowered, feet naked advancing little by little towards the trap -- how I should have laughed.
MAYENNE
I wouldn't have laughed. At each station he stopped to reset or to refresh himself they closed the curtains on the litter. I didn't laugh -- my heart was beating too much -- we were losing sight of him and saying to ourselves -- "Is he leaving -- isn't he going to reflect?"
DUCHESS
He didn't reflect?
MAYENNE
At the last step, in the Rue de l'Arbre Sec, he stayed shut up longer than the other times and when he left, buried under his frock, he seemed to me more bent over, more unsteady than other times -- I feared he wouldn't have the strength to get here.
DUCHESS
He's here, God be praised and that is wonderful. Now for the Duke of Anjou!
LORRAINE
He's just arrived, Monsoreau opened the door for him.
DUCHESS
He is taken like his brother. What will we do with him?
MAYENNE
Oh, with him -- no ceremonies. As soon as the act of abdication is signed -- he's en route to one of our strongholds. But here is not. Not a word!
(The Duke, Monsoreau and several gentlemen enter.)
DUKE
Good evening, gentlemen.
LORRAINE
We are at orders of Your Majesty.
MAYENNE
We were only waiting for you, Sire.
DUKE
I don't see your brother, Henry de Guise?
(The Duchess curtsies and leaves.)
LORRAINE
He's inspecting our posts.
DUKE
And the prisoner -- where is he?
MAYENNE
In his cell.
LORRAINE
Best not to lose time, Sire, and to make him sign the act of abdication.
DUKE
Well -- do so, gentlemen.
MAYENNE
That' snot for us to do, Sire; we have not the right.
LORRAINE
It's for the present, King to declare the fall of his predecessor.
DUKE
But -- if he refuses?
MAYENNE
He will refuse us very justly, and in such a case we could do nothing. All initiative belongs to you, Sire.
DUKE
Oh -- we will struggle.
(to Monsoreau)
Won't he.
MONSOREAU
That is to be feared.
DUKE
In that case --
MAYENNE
Time is precious.
LORRAINE
Success depends on a prompt resolution.
DUKE
He will refuse, I tell you.
MONSOREAU
Try still.
MAYENNE
It's necessary.
LORRAINE
When he sees he's alone without any resources.
MONSOREAU
In powerful and resolute hands --
MAYENNE
Make him come, Sire.
MAYENNE
Here's the key of his cell.
DUKE
Take it, Monsoreau.
MAYENNE
And here's the act of abdication in good form -- as was agreed between us, Milord -- it only lacks his signature.
DUKE
(taking the act)
Fine.
LORRAINE
And now, Sire, act.
MAYENNE
We will wait your first signal.
DUKE
We will wait, your first signal.
DUKE
You are leaving me?
MONSOREAU
(aside)
Are they retiring?
MAYENNE
Our presence would be detrimental intimidation important not to frighten the prisoner -- let us obtain his act by persuasion -- if severity becomes necessary we are here with all our forces.
(They leave.)
MONSOREAU
The Lorrainians put themselves to the side; why?
DUKE
It means they are placing the responsibility for an action they dare not take on me.
MONSOREAU
I think so -- but time is running out -- and she must act.
DUKE
It won't be me -- am I already reduced to doing the will of their Lorrainians?
MONSOREAU
You have already taken all of them for your greater officers -- Constable, Grand Master -- they hold you --
DUKE
Not for long.
MONSOREAU
What is your decision, Milord?
DUKE
Open this door.
(Monsoreau opens it)
Can you see him?
MONSOREAU
Yes, Milord, his cell is open.
DUKE
What's he doing?
MONSOREAU
He is on his knees -- absorbed as in an ecstasy.
DUKE
Well, take Antraguet with you and go read him this Act.
MONSOREAU
I -- his Grant Huntsman?
DUKE
Am I not his brother?
MONSOREAU
A swordsman does not read an act, Milord -- he executes it.
DUKE
Ah!
MONSOREAU
You have Mr. Aurilly there. Send him with Antraguet.
DUKE
(containing himself)
You are right, count. Oh, Bussy! Bussy! Where are you?
(Monsoreau goes to find Antraguet)
Yield once more, I will rise up again soon!
(Antraguet returns with Monsoreau.)
DUKE
Marquis D'Antraguet accompany this gentleman to the prisoner -- to whom this act will be read in its minutest details.
ANTRAGUET
Yes, Milord.
DUKE
Necessarily you may expect resistance but to all he may say, threaten, plead or pray -- only oppose silence.
ANTRAGUET
Yes, Highness.
DUKE
Shut all! Oh! I don't want to hear his voice. Go.
(Antraguet and Aurilly leave to go to the King and shut the door behind him then Monsoreau approaches the Duke.)
MONSOREAU
A single word, Milord. In a minute, Your Highness will be King and in return for what we give him -- the King must give us guarantees.
DUKE
Guarantees?
MONSOREAU
The King is indeed decided to respect the honor and response of his servants.
DUKE
Monsieur!
MONSOREAU
I say this to you, Milord -- because yesterday is very like tomorrow and only yesterday. Your Highness didn't properly respect the wife of one of his best gentlemen.
DUKE
Of what women do you mean to speak?
MONSOREAU
Of mine, Your Highness, still loves Diane de Meridor and Your Highness still hopes.
DUKE
Count!
MONSOREAU
Each night, since my marriage, Your Highness has come along or with a page to the neighborhood of my house.
DUKE
Me?
MONSOREAU
Milord, I've seen you! I watch. Oh, I've sworn this woman will not belong to anyone else -- Living, she will never leave me -- dead she will leave me even less, I will bring her with me in parting. What do you expect? She's my delivery, Milord. Happily, I've thought of pre_____ you, but still when you are King -- what will happen if I don't recognize you in the shadow -- and if like yesterday you find yourself in my gun sites?
DUKE
Monsoreau! You are mad.
MONSOREAU
I saw a man under my window.
DUKE
You saw a man -- that's possible, but who told you it was me?
MONSOREAU
It was then someone else?
DUKE
Apparently.
MONSOREAU
Who loves Diane?
DUKE
Yes.
MONSOREAU
And who is loved by her?
DUKE
(shrugging her shoulders)
Perhaps.
MONSOREAU
Oh, Milord, the name of this man! I demand it of you -- as the price for all my services. Milord, I will never leave you until you have told me.
DUKE
Rest easy, you will learn it.
(The door of the King opens -- silence -- Antraguet and Aurilly enter.)
DUKE
Well?
ANTRAGUET
The act was read, Milord.
DUKE
What did he say?
ANTRAGUET
Nothing.
DUKE
He didn't rebel, he didn't protest!
ANTRAGUET
Motionless as if vanquished by this revelation, hiding his face in his trembling hands -- he remained on his knees more humbly prostrated than before -- and you could see him silently beat his best.
MONSOREAU
This is strange!
DUKE
(coming forward to look)
He's afraid.
AURILLY
It's true that the wound is savage.
MONSOREAU
Finish, Milord, finish -- you will have his signature at a cheap price.
DUKE
Ah, bring him here, Antraguet.
(Antraguet obeys.)
MONSOREAU
I will run inform the princes of Lorraine and to position my men at arms --
(aside)
She loves someone! Who?
(He leaves.)
DUKE
See him, speak to him. This much more difficult than I ever thought.
(Antraguet leads him in the King in his hood -- he comes in bent over, defeated, head lowered, hands joined.)
ANTRAGUET
(low)
This is pitiful.
DUKE
Approach, Henry, you know the whole truth -- at ruth one hides very often from Kings, and which never reveals itself except with a thunderbolt. You know that your people have rejected you, that your nobles and officers of the Kingdom have deposed you -- reassure yourself, they will let you live -- and the act you are going to sign -- in making your abdication appear voluntary will still save appearances and the honor of our house.
(the King takes a step)
Oh, you would have been hard on my -- you have humiliated me so often as if I were not a son of France, your equal, the sole heir to the throne from which you ran me off -- and which henceforth belongs to me.
ANTRAGUET
Milord, he's your brother -- terminate his agony.
(to King)
Sire, sign.
AURILLY
Sign!
(He offers him a pen -- the King hesitates.)
DUKE
Oh! Be provident -- don't test our patience.
(noise outside)
Sign Henry -- or be prepared for the worst.
MONSOREAU
(running in)
The Lorrainians have disappeared and the Swiss guard are entering the Abbey through the cemetery.
DUKE
(threateningly)
Will you sign?
(The King crouches and signs slowly.)
DUKE
Finally.
AURILLY
(who runs to the window)
And there's Cullon who is occupying the gate with his French guards.
ANTRAGUET
They are coming up.
DUKE
We need fear nothing with such a hostage.
(Blows struck rudely on the door.)
VOICES
(from outside)
Open, clergyman.
DUKE
That voice.
MONSOREAU
My God.
VOICES
(outside)
Give me back, my food who has not returned to the Louvre.
MONSOREAU
(looking through the window)
The King.
DUKE
Why then --
(reading the signature)
"Chicot, the first."
MONSOREAU
Oh --
(as he raises the hood of the false King)
CHICOT
(bursting into laughter)
Ha, ha, ha -- how funny I can be.
DUKE
Wretch!
KING
(outside)
Break down the door, Mr. de Cullon!
DUKE
(beside himself)
Help! Help!
MONSOREAU
All is lost! Each one for himself, Milord.
(He jumps through a window and flees.)
AURILLY
(pulling the Duke)
Come on, come on, Milord.
(They are gong to flee. The Swiss Guards commanded by Saint Luc who enters from the right surround them. The door at the back is broken open with a crash.)
SAINT LUC
(to Chicot)
Where is Monsoreau?
CHICOT
In the cellar -- through that door. Hurry.
(Saint Luc leaves hurriedly.)
(The King, Cullon and guards enter from every direction.)
CHICOT
You came just in time. They were going to make me abdicate.
KING
Let them bring me Mr. de Guise.
(they run)
Mr. de Bussy! You hear Mr. Nancey?
QUELUS
(to King)
We have revenge to take on him. I charge myself with it.
(They leave.)
KING
Mr. de Monsoreau?
CHICOT
I charge myself with that.
KING
Let them leave me, gentlemen, stay Chicot.
(The guards retire to the stairway at back -- Chicot leans his back against the door to the cell.
DUKE
(shaken)
Sire!
KING
So you have conspired against me, as in the past yo conspired against my brother Charles. Then it was with the King of Navarre -- today it is with the Guises, who scorn you and who play you. Before you crept, like serpent, today, you play the lion, you intend to bite. After the trick, violence, after poison, the sword.
DUKE
Poison! What do you mean?
KING
You don't know what I mean? You don't know of the poisoned book on hunting that you intended for the King of Navarre and which fate diverted to our brother Charles. It's still well known, this fatal poison of our mother, well known -- isn't it? That's why you renounced my respect. That's why you chose the sword. But look at me -- your attack with the sword, the conqueror of Jarnae and Noncontour.
DUKE
My brother!
KING
The sword! Well, I want to see you alone with me face to face, holding a sword.
You have yours. You want to make my crown from me -- and we will be face to face, see! Ah, wretch be convinced that a man of your character will never kill a man of mine. Here! Don't think any more of struggling in one way or another -- for from now on, I am no longer your brother. I am your King, your master, your despot. I will watch you in your twisting will pursue you in your wickedness and at the least obscurity, at the least doubt, I will put my hand on you, weakling and hurl your quivering to the ax of the executioners.
DUKE
(crouching)
Sire, pity! pity!
KING
No!
DUKE
Grace!
KING
You will have grace of your judges give you grace.
DUKE
Let me see our mother.
KING
What's the use, since I know the family poison.
DUKE
Oh, sire, sire!
KING
Enough! To me, Cullon! My Captains -- everyone.
(Everyone enters.)
KING
My prisoners -- Mr. de Guise?
NANCEY
Escaped, Sire! They are being pursued.
KING
The true successors of Charlemagne -- they won't escape. I will get them.
SAINT LUC
(bringing Monsoreau back)
Here's Mr. de Monsoreau, Sire!
CHICOT
Eh! Our Grant Huntsman -- you were howling?
KING
(to Monsoreau)
Lese Majesty, treason, sacrilege -- you know who's waiting for you?
MONSOREAU
Quite, Sire.
CHICOT
There's a little woman who will soon be a widow.
KING
We'll remarry her.
MONSOREAU
(shuddering)
Oh!
QUELUS
(entering)
Mr. de Bussy is hiding very effectively, sir, we haven't found in him in the Abbey.
NANCEY
(entering)
Sire, Mr. de Bussy.
(Bussy enters.)
KING
Where were you?
BUSSY
In my bed, Sire -- ask your captain of the guards.
NANCEY
It's the truth.
BUSSY
Anyway, if it's a question of treason as I hear said -- Your Majesty knows I am no traitor.
(the Duke smiles)
You were smiling, Milord.
DUKE
From surprise.
KING
What there?
DUKE
I thought Mr. de Bussy very generous to disown his friends in danger.
BUSSY
What does Your Highness mean?
KING
Speak, I wish it.
BUSSY
What friends have I disowned.
DUKE
Why me, first of all. Weren't you with me this evening, at the time of the procession.
BUSSY
Why --
DUKE
When I met you with Mr. Saint Luc?
CHICOT
Oh!
DUKE
IN front of the church where you had a rendezvous with that person.
KING
What person?
DUKE
(exchanging a look with Monsoreau)
A woman!
BUSSY
(low)
Milord Duke, I beg you --
DUKE
(in a loud voice)
The Lady of Monsoreau!
MONSOREAU
(jumping)
Oh!
CHICOT
The wretch.
MONSOREAU
(to the Duke)
Milord --
DUKE
(in a low voice, pointing to Bussy)
It's him.
MONSOREAU
Him?
BUSSY
Ah, Milord, why are you still all powerful, why are you still free?
(Saint Luc restrains Bussy.)
KING
(to Chicot)
Do you answer to me for Bussy?
KING
(to Chicot)
Do you answer to me for Bussy?
CHICOT
Like myself.
KING
(to Duke)
You, Milord, Duke to the Louvre --
(to Nancey)
Watch him --
(to Monsoreau)
You, Mr. de Monsoreau to the Dungeon of Vincennes -- ! Mr. de Bussy, you are free.
MONSOREAU
(furious)
He is free! And I am a prisoner! Oh no -- freedom --
(to Duke)
Milord I must have freedom.
DUKE
(slipping him his dagger)
Here it is.
MONSOREAU
Yes, yes - let's go.
(He laves in the midst of the guards.)
KING
Gentlemen, to the Louvre!
(Nancy comes to take the Duke's sword.)
NANCEY
Your sword, Milord.
DUKE
(passing before Bussy)
You will repent.
(Bussy bows without replying. Everyone leaves behind the King.)
BUSSY
(to Chicot)
Ah, my friend! What a dream!
CHICOT
(to Bussy)
There -- my work finished. The King saved Diane free. The rest doesn't concern me.
BUSSY
You won't run to the des Tourelles. You won't announce this ____ to Baron Meridor, to Diane.
CHICOT
Aren't you here! You really must do something.
BUSSY
(hugging him)
Oh -- I am flying. Goodbye.
CHICOT
And me, I am going to bed. Goodnight.
(blackout)
The house in the Rue des Tourelles. Large room contiguous to a terrace which is opens on through a window. Doors at the left -- and right. View of Paris on a stormy night.
DIANE
You are not deceiving me -- right, you are not deceiving yourself? So much joy for my good father, freedom for me, life -- what you tell me is true?
BUSSY
I repent it to you on my knees. God owes me this flash of happiness after this century of despair.
DIANE
Don't speak to me of happiness here, where I believe I still see that wretch.
BUSSY
Yes, I understand your generous soul. There must be no blood between your past and your future. Well, we will pray to the King, you will supplicate him yourself -- we will obtain this man's life. His crime separates him forever from you. His conviction destroys the marriage -- isn't that enough? Let live!
BUSSY
You will leave -- and without regretting anything here?
DIANE
But, except for my brother, this noble soul who saved me -- I will leave nothing in Paris.
BUSSY
Not even me?
DIANE
(with exaltation)
Oh! You! Why no, here I cannot, I don't wish to say anything to you. Here I received your dying and I gathered your first glance -- here I feel misfortune and shame -- here -- no, no, here don't even ask a word from me!
BUSSY
Well -- look at me again. You can ___ don't speak -- let me look at you, let me adore you.
DIANE
Bussy! Dear Bussy!
CHICOT
(masked)
God be praised - I have come in time again.
BUSSY
What's the matter?
(Chicot unmasks.)
DIANE
My brother.
CHICOT
Monsoreau who was thought to be disarmed threw himself on the guards who were escorting him to Vincennes. He stabbed two of them and escaped.
DIANE
Ah.
BUSSY
Escaped! Where is he?
CHICOT
It's here he will return first. Not a moment to lost -- you must leave here.
BUSSY
I must wait for him.
CHICOT
You? Why? What are you in this house if the husband returns and finds you here?
DIANE
Flee?
BUSSY
Flee?
CHICOT
Run to Saint Luc. Let him arm his servants -- let him assemble all he can find -- soldiers and friends to recapture this wretch.
BUSSY
And Diane.
CHICOT
I will escort her to the home of her father. Hurry to bring Saint Luc and his men -- but don't be soon -- your the only person who cannot touch a hair on the had of this man. Go!
BUSSY
I'm on my way. But who will --
CHICOT
I'll be here --
DIANE
Oh -- you leave me -- I am lost.
BUSSY
i'm staying.
CHICOT
Death --
(of my life)
Kill her, but don't dishonor her.
BUSSY
I'm going.
DIANE
Goodbye! I love you. Goodbye!
BUSSY
Oh -- till we see each other again.
(He leaves.)
DIANE
(with a tear burst)
Alas!
CHICOT
I can breathe -- come on, sister, some courage! All is going well -- in a quarter of an hour we will be at the home of your father. We will have superior strength - and we will brave all the Monsoreaus in the world. Look -- take my arm, let's go.
DIANE
(shaking)
My friend, I don't know that I can. I have no fear with you but I feel my turning icy. My feet are rotted to the floor -- a mysterious invincible will orders me to stay here and enchains me. You wee, I cannot go - I cannot!
CHICOT
You must lean on me -- in my arms -- I will carry you -- I would carry the world.
(Suddenly a window pane shatters loudly. The window opens and three men jump over the balcony.)
DIANE
There they are.
CHICOT
Already!
MONSOREAU
(followed by the other men)
Ah, Lord de Bussy -- you allow yourself to be taken?
DIANE
My brother.
CHICOT
(shutting her mouth)
Don't name me.
DIANE
He will kill you! Reveal yourself!
CHICOT
(low to Diane)
So he can escape and go kill Bussy -- or for Bussy to kill him -- an eternal obstacle between you two. Let providence do its work.
(to page)
Let's go -- bring her -- bring her.
(He shuts her in the adjoining room.)
MONSOREAU
Yes -- lock her up! She will have her turn -- you first, she later.
CHICOT
It is written that I will make her a widow.
MONSOREAU
Come, my bravos, he's half dead with fever.
CHICOT
You lie -- my name is Bussy!
MONSOREAU
Ah! You thought this poor Grant Huntsman was in prison -- who knows? Decapitated, perhaps -- and you came to announce this good news to his wife -- come on, take off your mask -- let's look each other in the face.
CHICOT
Not at all -- the roles would not be equal -- I am very handsome and you are ugly enough to cause fright.
(They prepare and go on guard.)
MONSOREAU
Let's begin.
CHICOT
Let's begin!
(He extends his arm and a man falls. They fire two shots at him, one of which strikes the page, who falls and the other a mirror which shatters.)
CHICOT
Poor child. After you -- man in the red doublet.
(He strikes this man. Furious fighting, two assaults falls. Chicot pursues the others who flee, one through the door -- one through the window. Chicot returns, victorious.)
CHICOT
Ah, that cleared the decks. Anyone still here?
MONSOREAU
Yes! Me!
CHICOT
Good!
(Five men appear on the terrace balcony.)
MONSOREAU
Let's go -- at them, my friends?
CHICOT
It seems this is an assassination?
MONSOREAU
By God!
CHICOT
Then take care of yourselves, wretches!
(With a back hand of his hat, he puts out the candles and retreats behind a priedieu which he makes into a rampart. Fighting, he wounds each time or knocks over a man -- screening behind this rampart then another. In one of the clashes two of the assassins seize his sword and break it. He knocks them to the ground, strangles them, a love of them strikes him with a knife from the rear.)
MONSOREAU
Disarmed! He is ours!
(Chicot takes up some furniture as a truncheon and brandishes it. They rush him and he retreats for the first time.)
CHICOT
No more weapons -- wounded --
(The page, rising from the midst of the dying, hands him his sword.)
CHICOT
Oh, thanks poor child -- thanks!
(A second pistol shot. The page expires.)
MONSOREAU
Come on -- let's get it over with!
CHICOT
Four still! I will kill two of them, perhaps, but the others will kill me. Ah -- Bussy -- now's the time.
MONSOREAU
Charge!
(pistol shot hits Chicot, who falls to one knee)
He's lost.
CHICOT
(weakly)
Bussy! Now's the time, now's the time.
MONSOREAU
(triumphant)
You are dead, Bussy!
(Bussy and men with torches enter.)
BUSSY
(in a thunderous voice)
There's murder here! Give way. Make way!
CHICOT
Here! Here!
(The murderers flee - overwhelmed.)
MONSOREAU
(recognizing Bussy by the light of the torches)
Bussy! Who's the other one then?
CHICOT
(pushing away Bussy who is about to hurl himself on Monsoreau)
The fool!
(raising his mask)
Who is committing his last folly.
(With a low of his sword he pins. Monsoreau to the wall.)
MONSOREAU
(pulling the sword form his breast)
Chicot! Rage! Demons!
(Saint Luc enters with his guards.)
BUSSY
(seizing Chicot in his arms)
My friend! My brother! Where is Diane!
(Chicot points to the room)
(to Saint Luc)
There! There!
CHICOT
I want to embrace her again.
(Saint Luc goes to find Diane who enters livid and mute with horror and falls into Chicot's arms.)
DIANE
(shivering)
My -- my friend.
(Monsoreau seeing her rises up horribly. Diane kneels and turns her head away with terror.)
CHICOT
(to Monsoreau)
My sister is a widow)
(to Bussy)
I give her to you.
(Monsoreau tries to struggle yet once more, these last words floor him. He falls back and dies.)
(curtain)