The Prisoner of the Bastille, or The End of the Musketeers
Drama in Five Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1861
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 Louvre
COURTIERS
(waiting for the King to rise)
A PAGE
The King, gentlemen.
ALL
The King! The King!
KING
(entering)
Good morning, gentlemen -- the night was good -- I wish I could say as much for the Cardinal -- any news of him?
COURTIERS
I left his Eminence's, Sire -- I spent part of the night --
KING
Well, sir?
COURTIERS
There were two crises during which Guemand thought His Eminence was going to pass --
KING
Gentlemen, you won't be astonished that I am going to abridge this morning's reception -- I would never forgive myself if Cardinal Mazarin were to die without, one last time exposing my gratitude for the services he rendered me. Goodbye, gentlemen.
(The Courtiers bow and leave.)
USHER
Your Majesty's carriage is ready.
KING
Go to Her Majesty, the Queen Mother and ask her if she will accompany me to His Eminence!
QUEEN MOTHER
(entering)
Useless, my son -- the Cardinal can no longer receive anyone.
KING
Not even me.
QUEEN MOTHER
For this last ten minutes is seems he has completely lost consciousness.
KING
Who told you that, Madame?
QUEEN MOTHER
A certain Mr. Colbert, who is from his house and says he has an important paper to deliver to you on the Cardinal's behalf.
KING
Where is he?
QUEEN MOTHER
IN the Diana Salon.
KING
Show in Mr. Colbert who comes in behalf of His Eminence.
USHER
Sire, while Mr. Colbert was waiting, a couriers from His Eminence came to tell him that the Cardinal had regained consciousness and was asking for him.
KING
And he left?
USHER
Saying "Deliver this paper to the King -- but only to the King himself, I won't be delayed to return."
KING
That paper?
USHER
Here it is.
KING
Give it here.
(hearing noise in the gallery)
Oh-oh! Who's coming to us in such a great uproar.
QUEEN MOTHER
Either I'm mistaken or it must be your Finance Minister.
KING
Oh! Mr. Fouquet.
FOUQUET
(entering)
Himself, sire! And you see a desperate man -- not being arrived in time for His Majesty's _____-- Madame.
(bowing to the Queen)
KING
You know, Mr. Fouquet, that His Eminence is badly ill?
FOUQUET
Yes, Sire, I know that -- the news reached me this morning at Vaux -- and it was so pressing that I left the very instant I learned of it.
KING
You were at Vaux this morning, sir?
FOUQUET
(pulling a magnificent watch form his pocket)
I left there an hour and a half ago, Sire.
KING
An hour and a half? You came from Vaux to here in an hour and a half, sir?
FOUQUET
I understand, Sire, Your Majesty doubts my word; but if I came this way, it's truly by miracle: They sent me 4 pairs of very fast horses from England. They were harnessed four abreast and I tried them this morning. They came from Vaux to the Louvre in an hour and a half.
QUEEN MOTHER
Those are some marvelous horses, sir!
FOUQUET
They were made for Kings and not for subjects, Madame.
QUEEN MOTHER
Yet you are not King, so far as I know, Mr. Fouquet?
FOUQUET
NO, Madame! But the horses are only waiting for a sign from His Majesty to enter the stables of the Louvre, and if I permitted myself to try them, it was only for fear of offering to the King something that was not marvelous.
QUEEN MOTHER
You know, Mr. Fouquet, it's not the custom in the court of France for a subject to offer something to his King --
FOUQUET
I was hoping, Madame, that my love for His Majesty, my incessant desire to please him, would serve as a counterweight to reasons of etiquette, besides, it was a present I was offering, it was a tribute I was paying --
KING
Mr. Fouquet, I thank your intervention for indeed, I love fine horses; but you know quite well, I am not rich -- you know it better than anyone. My Minister of Finance. Even if I wished it, I couldn't purchase such an expensive team of horses.
FOUQUET
Luxury is the virtue of Kings -- it's through luxury they are more than other men -- it's by luxury they resemble God. With luxury a King nourishes his subjects and honors them -- under the soft ______ of luxury Kings give rise to the luxury of individuals a source of riches to the people. The King by accepting the gift of 3 incomparable horses would have strung the variety of horse breeders in our country of ______________ of Perche, of Normandy -- this emulation would have been profitable to all. But the King is silent and consequently I am condemned.
KING
(who to give himself proper demeanor has unfolded the paper and glanced at it)
Ah, my God!
QUEEN MOTHER
What's wrong, my son?
KING
From the Cardinal -- it was really from the Cardinal this paper came?
QUEEN MOTHER
You heard the usher affirm it.
KING
Read, Madame.
QUEEN MOTHER
(reading)
A donation --
FOUQUET
A donation?
KING
Yes -- on the point of death, the Cardinal makes a donation to me of all his wealth.
QUEEN MOTHER
Forty millions! Ah, my son -- this is a beautiful deed on the part of the Cardinal and which is really going to contradict all those evil rumors -- forty millions amassed slowly and which will return at a single stroke to the treasury -- he's a faithful subject and a true Christian.
KING
(To Fouquet)
Why look, sir -- it' snot to be believed.
FOUQUET
Yes, Sire -- I see perfectly -- a donation and in order --
QUEEN MOTHER
You must reply, Sire -- you must reply at once.
KING
And say what, Madame?
QUEEN MOTHER
Why that you are grateful to the Cardinal and that you accept. Isn't that your opinion, sir?
FOUQUET
I ask your pardon, Madame, but my opinion is that His Majesty express thanks; but --
KING
But what?
FOUQUET
But that he not accept.
QUEEN MOTHER
Why's that?
FOUQUET
You yourself said it, Madame -- because Kings out not to accept presents from their subjects.
QUEEN MOTHER
Hey, sir -- instead of dissuading the King from reciting this present -- observe to His Majesty, you whose duty it is -- that these 40 millions are a fortune.
FOUQUET
It's precisely because 40 millions are a fortune, Madame, that I will say to the King -- Sire, if it's not decent for Your Majesty to accept 8 horses with 20,000 pounds from a subject, it is dishonorable for him to owe his fortune to a subject more or less scrupulous in the choice of means which contributed to the edifice of this fortune.
QUEEN MOTHER
It doesn't behoove you, sir, to give a lesson to the King -- instead procure him 40 millions to replace those you are making him lose.
FOUQUET
(bowing)
The King shall have them when he wishes, Madame --
QUEEN MOTHER
Yes, by pressuring the people.
FOUQUET
Eh! Weren't they pressured, Madame, when they were made to sweat out the 40 millions given by this act -- ? Moreover, the King asked me my opinion -- that's it. Let His Majesty demand my assistance, it would be the same --
QUEEN MOTHER
Come, come, accept my son. You are above rumors and interpretations.
FOUQUET
Refuse, Sire -- so long as a King lives, he has no other than his conscience -- no other judge than his will -- but once dead, it will be posterity that applauds or accuses.
KING
Thanks, Mother! Thanks, Mr. Fouquet!
QUEEN MOTHER
Well -- what have you decided, my son?
FOUQUET
Mr. Fouquet, take this donation and return it to the family of Cardinal Mazarin, who must be in great anxiety. I thank His Eminence from the depth of my heart, but --
FOUQUET and the QUEEN
But?
KING
But I refuse.
FOUQUET
(rushing up and kissing the King's hand)
Sire, I don't know what your reign will be like, but the omens are good.
(he leaves)
QUEEN MOTHER
My son, you just let slip an opportunity that you'll never have again.
KING
Madame, no one will accuse me of partiality to Mr. Fouquet, whom I detest instinctively and without knowing why -- but this time, I am compelled to say he gave me truly royal counsel.
QUEEN MOTHER
If that's the way it is, my son, I have only to withdraw and leave you to your good conscience -- but I doubt that it will sustain you in place of 40 millions it just cost you.
(she leaves)
USHER
(entering)
Sire, Mr. Colbert that Your Majesty was just asking for has returned to the Louvre.
(Enter Colbert.)
KING
Speak, sir -- what have you come to tell me?
COLBERT
That the Cardinal just died, Sire.
KING
Dead!
(after a moment of silence looking fixedly at Mr. Colbert)
So you are Mr. Colbert?
COLBERT
Yes, Sire.
KING
The Keeper of His Eminence's secrets?
COLBERT
Of all.
KING
You are a financier, sir?
COLBERT
Yes, Sire.
KING
The Cardinal employed you as his steward.
COLBERT
Yes, Sire -- I had the honor of being so employed and it was I that His Eminence charged to examine the accounts of the ministry.
KING
Ah! Ah! It's you who watch over Mr. Fouquet? And the result of that oversight?
COLBERT
There's deficit, Sire.
KING
Give me the summary --
COLBERT
Completely empty -- no gold anywhere -- Your Majesty sees that's simple.
KING
Be careful -- you are brutally attacking Mr. Fouquet's administration -- who is, I've heard say, a very clever man.
COLBERT
Yes, Sire, a very clever man.
KING
But if Mr. Fouquet is a clever man, and despite his cleverness money is lacking -- who's at fault?
COLBERT
I don't accuse, Sire -- I authenticate.
KING
If there's a deficit this year -- so be it but next year --
COLBERT
Next year is devoured, Sire, as short as the current year --
KING
Well -- the year after then?
COLBERT
Like next year, four years are engaged in advance.
KING
There will be a loan.
COLBERT
There have already been three.
KING
Still --
COLBERT
May Your Majesty formulate his thought clearly and I will try to respond to it.
KING
You are right. Clarity above all, right?
COLBERT
Yes, Sire -- God is God because He knew how to enlighten.
KING
Well -- today the Cardinal died and I remain King -- if I need money?
COLBERT
You won't have it.
KING
Then Mr. Fouquet, this clever man who just now offered me 40 millions -- won't be able to find me any money?
COLBERT
No, Sire.
KING
If things are as you say, Mr. Colbert, I am ruined before I reign.
COLBERT
You are indeed, Sire.
KING
Still, sir -- the money is somewhere.
COLBERT
Yes, Sire -- and even to begin I am bringing to Your Majesty an account of funds that the Cardinal didn't want to mention either in his will or in any act whatever but which he confided to me.
KING
To you?
COLBERT
Yes, Sire.
KING
Above and beyond the 40 millions in the will.
COLBERT
He knew you would refuse them.
KING
Who told him that?
COLBERT
I did, Sire.
KING
You? Ah, you judged me well, sir. And the sum you are bringing me -- is it worth the trouble?
COLBERT
Thirteen million pounds --
KING
Thirteen million pounds. You say 13 million pounds, Mr. Colbert?
COLBERT
Yes, Sire.
KING
That no one knows about?
COLBERT
No one.
KING
Which are in your hands?
COLBERT
In my hands.
KING
And that I can have?
COLBERT
In two hours.
KING
Why -- where are they?
COLBERT
In the cellar of a house that the Cardinal owned in the city and that he willed to me by a special clause in his will.
KING
Then you know the Cardinal's will?
COLBERT
I have a duplicate.
(he shows it to the King)
KING
But here it's only a question of the house and no part of the money is mentioned?
COLBERT
Pardon, Sire --it's in my conscience.
KING
You are an honest man, sir.
COLBERT
That's not a virtue, Sire -- it's a duty.
KING
Sir, what reward do you wish me to give you for this devotion and this probity?
COLBERT
Nothing -- Sire.
KING
Not even the opportunity to serve me?
COLBERT
Your Majesty didn't furnish me this opportunity, yet I served him none the less.
KING
You will be the Minister of Finance, Mr. Colbert.
COLBERT
There's already a Minister, Sire.
KING
Exactly.
COLBERT
Sire, today, after the death of the Cardinal, the Finance Minister is the most powerful man in the realm.
KING
Ah, you think so.
COLBERT
He could crush me in a week, Sire. Your Majesty is giving me an authority for which power is indispensable.
KING
It appears you are not making money on me.
COLBERT
I have already had the honor to tell Your Majesty that in the time of the Cardinal, Mr. Fouquet was the second man in the realm, but now Cardinal Mazarin is dead -- Mr. Fouquet is now first.
KING
Mr. Colbert -- I warn you that although today I consent to your saying such things -- but tomorrow I won't suffer it.
COLBERT
Then -- from tomorrow I will be of no use to Your Majesty.
KING
Then what do you want? In your turn -- speak clearly --
COLBERT
I want Your Majesty to give me aid in your work of the Ministry.
KING
Choose your colleagues -- is that all?
COLBERT
Yes, Sire -- I leave satisfied now.
KING
One moment, sir --
COLBERT
I am at the King's disposal.
KING
One question.
COLBERT
I'm prepared.
KING
Once I had in my service, as a lieutenant of the Musketeers a man who gave me his resignation.
COLBERT
At Blois -- over a million that Your Majesty or rather the Cardinal refused to His Majesty Charles II.
KING
You know that?
COLBERT
I know everything the Cardinal knew.
KING
Well, could you tell me what has become of Mr. D'Artagnan?
COLBERT
Your Majesty is unaware that he contributed powerfully to the restoration of His Majesty Charles II?
KING
Yes -- he must have taken service under my brother of England.
COLBERT
He refused some very fine offers they made him.
KING
Where is he?
COLBERT
I've not heard it said, that he left Great Britain.
KING
I need Mr. D'Artagnan, Mr. Colbert.
COLBERT
Wherever he may be, he will be found.
KING
That's fine -- you may so, sir.
(Colbert leaves.)
KING
I will be very astonished if that man isn't in Mr. Fouquet place within 3 months.
USHER
(entering)
Sire, a letter, coming from England by special messenger.
KING
Give it here -- ah, it's on the subject of marriage of my brother, Phillippe with Miss Henriette of England.
(to usher)
Have the courier who brings this letter enter.
USHER
(at the door calling)
Mr. D'Artagnan!
(D'Artagnan enters.)
KING
Mr. Davis! At the moment that I asked for him, at the moment that I have need of him. Could this be what they call the luck of Kings?
(to D'Artagnan who has come in)
It's you who bring me this letter from England, sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sire -- King Charles II, knowing I was going to France didn't think he could find a more faithful hand to deliver it to you.
KING
Sir --
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire!
KING
You know without doubt that the Cardinal is dead?
D'ARTAGNAN
No, Sire, but I'd begun to suspect it.
KING
You know, in consequence, that I am my own master?
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire, one is always one's own master when one wishes to be.
KING
You recall what you told me at Blois -- the day you left my service?
D'ARTAGNAN
It was a long time ago, Sire, that I had the honor to have that conversation with Your Majesty.
KING
Well, if your memory is defective, as for me, I recall. You commenced by telling me, sir, that you had served my family for a long while and that you were worn out.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's true, Sire, I said that.
KING
Then later you admitted that this fatigue was a pretext and discontent was the real cause of your retreat.
D'ARTAGNAN
I was discontented, indeed, Sire -- but this discontentment did not betray itself in any way that I know of -- and I was a man of heart, I spoke openly before Your Majesty, I never even thought it in the presence of others.
KING
Don't excuse yourself and continue to listen to me. As you reproached me that you were discontent you received in reply a promise I told you "Wait" right?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sire.
KING
In your turn, you replied to me "Wait?" No -- right away -- now, or never!" Don't excuse yourself - that's quite natural -- only you had no charity toward your prince, Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire, charity for a King -- from a poor soldier?
KING
Oh! You understand me, sir -- you know quite well about charity -- you know indeed I needed charity -- you knew quite well I wasn't master -- you know quite well that I had the future in hope -- all that counted for nothing -- you answered me -- "My leave -- right away."
D'ARTAGNAN
(gnawing his mustache)
Again, that's true.
KING
You didn't flatter me when I was in distress, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
(raising his head)
If I didn't flatter poor Your Majesty, neither did I betray him -- I watched like a dog at the door of my King -- knowing perfectly well they wouldn't throw me bread or a bone -- and that poor as well, I had nothing to hope for except the discharge Your Majesty reproaches me for.
KING
You've reflected, since I presume?
D'ARTAGNAN
About what, Sire?
KING
Why about all I told you the, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sire.
KING
And haven't you waited for an opportunity to withdraw your words?
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't understand very well what Your Majesty is doing me the honor of telling me.
KING
Huh?
D'ARTAGNAN
Would you excuse me, Sire, my _____ has grown very lazy and my skull very thick with things only penetrated it with difficulty -- it's true that once entered, they remain there.
KING
You are going to understand me. You told me at Blois that you weren't rich?
D'ARTAGNAN
I am now.
KING
That's not my concern. You have your money, not mine. That's not my concern.
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't understand yet very well.
KING
Let's dot the i's. Do you have 25,000 pounds a year fixed income.
D'ARTAGNAN
Why, Sire?
KING
Have you enough for 4 horses provided and furnished by me -- and more in supplementary funds if you were to ask it, according to occasion and necessity -- or would you prefer a fixed income of an additional 25,000 pounds? Look -- answer, sir, or I will believe indeed that you no longer have the rapidity of judgment. I always appreciated in you.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire, 50,000 pounds per year is a sum that appears sufficient to me to face many eventualities.
KING
Let's pass them to something more important.
D'ARTAGNAN
But, Sire, I had the honor of saying to Your Majesty.
KING
That you wanted to rest -- I know quite well -- only -- I don't want that -- I am the master, I believe.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sire.
KING
Right! You were formerly in luck to become Captain of Musketeers.
D'ARTAGNAN
I was lieutenant -- and I had my order in blank --
KING
Well -- here's your order -- signed this time.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire!
KING
You accept.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- yes --
KING
Then, sir -- starting today you are going to enter into functions. The Company of Musketeers has become completely disorganized since your departure -- the men are loafing and haunting the cabarets where they fight despite my edicts and those of my father. You will reorganize the service as rapidly as possible.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sire.
KING
You will never leave my person.
D'ARTAGNAN
Fine!
KING
And you will march with me into the army where you and your men will take up general quarters around my tent.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then, Sire, if it's to impose a service like this on me, Your Majesty, doesn't need to give me 25,000 pounds.
KING
And as for me -- I intend for you to have a stately house, and keep open table -- as my Captain of Musketeers -- and in short e an important person.
D'ARTAGNAN
As for me, Sire, I don't like money _____, I want to earn it, Your Majesty, is offering me a lazy man's job that the first comer would take for 4,000 pounds.
KING
You are a clever Gascon, Mr. D'Artagnan, and you will extract the secret from my heart.
D'ARTAGNAN
Good! Your Majesty has a secret.
KING
Yes, sir --
D'ARTAGNAN
Then I accept the 25,000 pounds and even the fifty -- ; for I will keep that secret, and description has no price but time which runs -- does Your Majesty wish to speak now?
KING
Much later.
USHER
(announcing)
The Count de la Fere.
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos!
KING
Who are you calling, Athos?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's true, Sire, you don't know that under that name is one of the most valiant men of your realm and one of the most noble hearts on earth.
KING
Little matter, sir, under what name I know him, since I know him. Will you be happy to see him and announce to him yourself that you've been named Captain General of the Musketeers?
D'ARTAGNAN
Enchanted, Sire!
KING
(to Usher)
Show in the Count de la Fere.
ATHOS
(entering)
Sire.
KING
(to Athos)
Sir, didn't you see, on entering a man who calls himself one of your good friends.
ATHOS
Where the King is, Sire, I see only the King.
KING
Well -- I permit you to see Mr. D'Artagnan my Captain General of Musketeers -- and to embrace him.
D'ARTAGNAN
Dear Athos!
ATHOS
Friend, I congratulate you with all my heart and I especially congratulate His Majesty for having given you the reward that you've deserved for so long.
KING
Count, allow me to hope you've come to ask something of me.
ATHOS
I won't hide from Your Majesty that I came indeed to solicit --
KING
Well, de la Fere, let's see what I can do for you.
ATHOS
Sire, what I wish to obtain from Your Majesty concerns the Vicomte de Brazellone, my son -- he's thinking of marrying --
KING
Ah! Well, I intend to find him a wife --
ATHOS
He's found her, Sire -- and only seeks the assent of Your Majesty.
KING
It's only a question of singing a contract of marriage? Fine. What's his fiancee's name?
ATHOS
It's Miss de la Valliere de la Baume le Blanc --
KING
Ah, yes -- I know -- she was presented to me -- she's one of the maids of honor designated to the service of the future Madame Henriette of England.
ATHOS
That's it even.
KING
She's rich?
ATHOS
Not precisely -- 15-20,000 pounds in dowry at least, Sire, but those in love are disinterested -- as for myself I put little stock in money.
KING
With 1,500 pounds of diary, without a portion, a woman cannot deal with the court. We will supply it. I intend to do that for Brazellone. Let's pass from money to quality, she's indeed the daughter of the Marquis de la Valliere -- that's fine, but we have this good Saint Runy who wastes the house a bit with a woman, I know still it wastes and you, Count, you cling strongly to your house?
ATHOS
As for me, Sire, I don't cling to anything except my devotion to Your Majesty.
KING
Count, you surprise me: You just addressed a request to me about marriage -- and you don't seen to me to be making this demand with a good heart.
ATHOS
Well, Sire, that's true.
KING
Then I don't understand you: refuse.
ATHOS
No, Sire, I love Raoul with all my paternal love; he's taken with Miss de la Valliere, he's forging a paradise for the future; I'm not one of those who wish to destroy the illusions of youth.
KING
Let's se, Count -- does she love him?
ATHOS
If Your Majesty prefers I will tell him the truth; I don't believe much in the love of Miss de la Valliere. She's ______ -- the pleasure of seeing the Count, of being in the service of the Court, of being in the service of Madame, balance, I fear in her head, so that she could have a fondness in her heart -- so it will probably be, a marriage such as Your Majesty some time sees at court -- but Raoul wants it -- so let it be then --
KING
You don't resemble those soft fathers who are the slaves of their children?
ATHOS
Sire, I have a will against evil doers, I don't against people with heart. Raoul is suffering -- he feels chagrin -- I don't wish to deprive Your Majesty of services he can render.
KING
I understand --
ATHOS
Then I have no need to tell Your Majesty my goal is to make these children or rather this child happy as fast as possible.
KING
And as for me, I want, as you do the happiness of Mr. de Brazellone -- I don't say he'll never marry Miss de la Valliere -- but I don't want him to marry her before she's made a fortune -- and she on her side, deserves my good graces, such that I mean to give her -- in a word, Count, I want them to wait.
ATHOS
Sire, once more.
KING
Mr. Count -- you came, you said to ask a favor of me?
ATHOS
Yes, surely.
KING
Well -- grant me one -- let's not speak of this anymore. It's possible, away from here I will make war. I have need of free gentlemen around me. I would hesitate to send under balls and canons a married man -- a father of a family -- I would hesitate also - for Brazellone to give a dowry, without an important reason to a young unknown girl -- that would spread the seed of jealousy amongst my nobles. Is that all that you have to ask of me?
ATHOS
Absolutely all, Sire -- and I take leave of Your Majesty -- but should I warn Raoul?
KING
Spare yourself that concern; tell the Vicomte that I will speak to him -- as for this evening, you will be at my gaming table?
ATHOS
I'm in traveling clothes, Sire --
KING
A day will come, I hope, when you won't leave me anymore. Above all, Count, the monarchy will be established in this manner -- by offering a worthy hospitality to all men of your merit.
ATHOS
Sire, so long as King is great in the hearts of his subjects little matter the palace he occupies since he is adored in a temple.
(Athos goes to rejoin D'Artagnan who has remained at the back.)
KING
Come, the day is good! Thirteen millions in my cellars. Mr. Colbert holds the treasury; D'Artagnan the sword -- I am truly King!
(blackout)
In the Forest of Fontainbleau -- by the Royal Oak.
AURE
(entering and looking about)
Nobody! Come Athenais, come Louise!
LOUISE
(smiling)
Beautiful walk in these words of Fontainbleau! Nice plan we formed of passing the night without overseers and without escorts while our service as Ladies of Honor to Madame leaves us a little liberty. You remember Montalais, the words of Chaverny and Chambard. The endless poplars of Blois? We exchanged many hopes there.
AURE
Alas.
LOUISE
Ah, merry Montalais how you sigh, the words inspire you and you an almost reasonable this evening.
ATHENAIS
Ladies, you ought not to regret Blois so much that you don't find yourself happy with us; a court's a place where men and woman come to discuss matters that their mothers and tutors severely forbid, at court one speaks of these things under the privilege of the King and Queen -- isn't that pleasant?
LOUISE
Oh -- Athenais!
AURE
Athenais is frank tonight; let's profit by it.
ATHENAIS
Yes, let's profit by it -- for at this moment, they could tear the most intimate secrets of my heart from me.
AURE
Ah! If Mr. de Montespan were here!
ATHENAIS
You think I love de Montespan? A well organized must be looked at by men, making them love, adore her even, and say once at least in her life "Heavens! It seems to me that if I hadn't been what I am -- I would have detested that one less than the others."
LOUISE
(joining hands)
Then that's what you promise de Montespan.
ATHENAIS
To him like anybody else.
AURE
Perfect! Athenais -- you will go far -- for it's with coquetting one is queen among women -- when one hasn't received from God the precious faculty of building in one's heart and one's wit.
LOUISE
Oh, ladies, a loving heart is stronger than your coquettery! Love, the way I think of it, is constant sacrifice, absolute, total! It's the complete abrogation of two souls which melt into one -- love is a shivering in the presence of the one loves -- it's palpitate under the charm of his voice -- it's to be annihilated by his glance -- if I ever love, it will be with so much devotion and faith, that my greatest excuse will be in my love itself!
My life, my soul -- I will give them -- and if they close to love me one day -- well -- I will die -- at least God will help me -- at least the Lord will take me in his mercy!
AURE
But, Louise, you are telling us that and you are not practicing it.
LOUISE
Me?
AURE
Yes, you -- you've been adored for 12 years by Mr. Raoul de Brazellone -- adored on both knees -- ! The poor lad is a victim if your virtue more than he would be of my coquettery or Athenais' pride.
LOUISE
What do you expect? Suppose I thought I loved -- and I didn't.
AURE
What! You don't love.
LOUISE
If I've behaved differently than others do when they love it's because I don't love --it's because my time hasn't yet come.
ATHENAIS
Then, decidedly, you don't love Mr. de Brazellone?
AURE
Perhaps! She really isn't sure yet. But in any case, listen Athenais, if Mr. de Brazellone becomes free I give you a friend's advice.
ATHENAIS
What is it?
AURE
It's to really look at him before deciding for Mr. de Montespan.
ATHENAIS
Oh! If you are going there, my sweet, Mr. de Brazellone isn't the only one pleasing to look at -- and, for example, Mr. de Saint-Aignan really has his price.
AURE
(to Louise)
Let's see -- among all these gentlemen -- which do you prefer?
LOUISE
I don't prefer any, ladies, I find them all equally fine --
ATHENAIS
Then, in all this brilliant assembly, in the midst of this court, the first in the world -- no one pleases you?
LOUISE
I didn't say that.
ATHENAIS
Speak then -- come on -- share your ideal with us.
LOUISE
He's not an ideal.
AURE
Then 'he' exists?
LOUISE
Truly, ladies, I don't understand a thing. Like me, you have a heart, like me -- you have eyes, and you speak of Mr. de Gucche, Mr. Saint-Aignan -- what do I know -- when the King is there --
AURE and ATHENAIS
The King --
LOUISE
Yes, yes, the King! Is there someone who can be compared to him -- ? Ah, I know quite sell he's not one of those that our eyes have the right to look on. Try then, if you like to avert my glances from this blazing sun. Choose among the Lords of the Court the one you imagine can make me forget this dream -- this madness in my heart -- but choose carefully for that my love will not involuntarily return to the King -- the whole universe must guess my secret.
(on these words the King and Saint-Aignan enter -- the King who has heard Louise gestures for Athenais and sure to retire who courtesy respectfully and do so without a word. Louise remains pensive then stands up looking for her friends.
Well -- Montatais -- Athenais - where are they?
The King.
(she wants to withdraw)
KING
Stay put, miss.
LOUISE
Sire --
KING
Here's the rain -- here the foliage is thick -- but what's the matter with you? Are you cold, perhaps?
LOUISE
No, Sire.
KING
Yet you are trembling.
LOUISE
Sire, it's the fear my absence will be interpreted ill, when everyone is doubtless reunited.
KING
Miss, I would indeed suggest returning by carriage -- but look -- listen -- tell me -- if it is possible to attempt the least action at this moment -- anyway there is no interpretation possible in your disfavor -- aren't you with the King of France -- that is to say with the first gentleman in the Kingdom?
LOUISE
(embarrassed)
Certainly, Sire.
KING
(aside)
Truly, she's charming!
LOUISE
Sire, here's the rain coming down and Your Majesty remains with your head uncovered.
KING
I beg you -- let's only concern ourselves with you -- miss.
LOUISE
Oh, me -- I am used to running through the meadows and the woods of the Louvre -- whatever the weather -- as for my clothes, Your Majesty, they are no big thing to risk.
KING
Indeed, Miss, I've already noticed more than once that you keep pretty much to yourself and not your toilette -- you are not a coquette and for me that's a great quality.
LOUISE
Sire, don't make me better than I am and say simply "You cannot be a coquette."
KING
Why's that?
LOUISE
Why because I am not rich.
KING
Then you admit you like beautiful things?
LOUISE
It's kept away from me as being forbidden to me.
KING
And as for me, Miss -- I don't find that you are on the footing you ought to be in my court. They certainly haven't spoken to me enough of your family's services -- the fortune of your house was cruelly neglected by my uncle.
LOUISE
Sire, His Royal Highness Milord Duke of Orleans has always been perfectly good to Mr. de Saint-Runny -- my father-in-law. The services were humble and we have been paid according to our works. Not everyone has the luck to find the opportunity to serve his King with distinction.
KING
Well, Miss, it's up to the King to rectify luck -- and I take it upon myself joyously as quickly as possible on your behalf the wrongs of fortune.
LOUISE
They did all I desire, Sire, when they granted me the honor of becoming part of Madame's household.
KING
But, if you refuse for yourself, accept, at least for your family.
LOUISE
Sire, your intention is so generous it dazzles and frightens me, by doing for my family what your kindness urges you to do -- Your Highness will make people envious of us -- and create enemies.
KING
Ah -- that's very disinterested language, Miss -- but the rain is increasing -- allow me --
(he places his hat over Louise's head)
LOUISE
Oh!
KING
What sad thought can come over your heart when I've made a rampart of mine over it?
LOUISE
A rampart of your heart, Sire?
KING
Yes, of my heart -- for all that I see -- all that I hear -- penetrates it with esteem and admiration, and why should I be afraid to say it -- of tenderness and --
LOUISE
(interrupting him)
Oh, Sire -- there, I think the storm is calming and the rain stopping -- and I'm going.
(clap of thunder)
(frightened)
Oh -- Sire! Do you hear?
KING
(holding her in his arms)
Yes, you see clearly the storm hasn't passed.
LOUISE
It's a warning -- it's the voice of God which threatens.
KING
Well, I accept the clap of thunder as a warning and even a threat -- if it renews with such force and equal violence, but if it's nothing -- allow me to think that the storm is the storm and nothing else.
(the King raises his head to question heaven; the good weather return)
The sky's clearing -- see! Well, my Miss -- are you threatening me again with celestial wrath? You are, you see, the divinity who makes the storm flee, the goddess who brings fine weather back.
LOUISE
Sire, doubtless they are looking for you -- the Queen must be worried - and Madame, oh, Madame.
KING
Madame, you said?
LOUISE
Yes, Madame -- Madame --
KING
Finish.
LOUISE
Oh, Sire -- I don't dare.
KING
Oh, Miss -- will you be one of those who think that Madame, Madame the wife of my brother, has the right to be jealous if me?
LOUISE
Sire, it's not for me to penetrate Your Majesty's secrets.
KING
Oh -- you believe it like the others do --
LOUISE
I think that Madame is jealous -- yes.
KING
Miss -- get this straight, Madame has no right over me -- I love her and I respect her as a brother ought to love and respect this sister.
LOUISE
Sire, they are coming.
KING
Well, Miss -- let them come -- who dares find anything amiss that I was keeping company with Miss de la Valliere?
LOUISE
Sire, mercy -- they will find it strange that you remained so long here that you sacrificed yourself for me.
KING
I am only doing my duty as a gentleman and ill luck to whoever does not do his by criticizing the conduct of his King.
(Everyone enters.)
LOUISE
(terrified)
Madame.
MADAME
(to Vardes -- pointing to the King and Louise)
The King with Miss de la Valliere -- what's that mean, Mr. de Vardes?
DE VARDES
(low)
We're going to find out, Madame.
(curtain)
The Governor's office at the Bastille.
D'ARTAGNAN
Mr. de Montlequn, governor of the Bastille?
LACKEY
He's making his afternoon rounds who shall I announce to him?
D'ARTAGNAN
The Chevalier d'Artagnan, captain-general of the King's Musketeers.
(the lackey leaves)
My word since I have the title -- might as well use it, since I probably won't have as long as I've waited for it.
BASIEMAUX
(in the wings)
Mr. D'Artagnan - Captain General of the Musketeers of the King -- ? Mr. D'Artagnan takes the trouble of coming himself?
(Entering.)
D'ARTAGNAN
To visit an old friend -- what's surprising in all that?
BASIEMAUX
But still, how does it happen that at the very moment I have the greatest need to see you, you arrive just in time?
D'ARTAGNAN
You know that's always the say I arrive. But so you won't think it's enchantment, I'm going to tell you what it's about.
BASIEMAUX
Sit down there.
D'ARTAGNAN
In returning to Plauchet's I learned Mr. Basiemaux did me the honor of coming to get news of me three times -- once yesterday, twice today. So, I said to myself, "When the governor of the Bastille bothers himself to come to see a simple individual -- for it's evident that you thought I was a simple individual -- right? -- the situation must be grave. Then instead of washing my bed with sugar as Plauchet offered me, I said to myself, "I'm going to take a walk on foot all the way to the Bastille -- that'll rest me from the horse."
BASIEMAUX
And you've come, admirable man!
D'ARTAGNAN
And I've come like you say.
BASIEMAUX
A thousand thanks for your courtesy, Chevalier.
D'ARTAGNAN
Say -- my curiosity, do you remember that axiom -- 'To be curious sometimes injuries others never oneself." I am listening to you. Speak.
BASIEMAUX
Well, it's true, I went by your place today for the third time. I thought to have a little imprisonment to do -- and I returned to the Louvre in this hope: nope! The King had given a counter-order.
(sighing)
Ah, it's you who have a beautiful position, my dear Mr. D'Artagnan -- Captain-General of the King's Musketeers.
D'ARTAGNAN
And what about you? Governor of the Bastille -- the greatest person in the state of France.
BASIEMAUX
I know quite well there are folks who envy my position.
D'ARTAGNAN
You say that like a penitent, Damn! I'll change my perquisites against yours if you like.
BASIEMAUX
Don't speak to me of my perquisites. Chevalier -- alas, you are breaking my heart.
D'ARTAGNAN
Come, draw your sword -- spell it, Montlezun, spill it.
BASIEMAUX
It will take a while if I were to tell you hall I have to tell you.
D'ARTAGNAN
At least start -- if it's too long, I will act as if you were an attorney and I was a judge -- I'll go to sleep.
BASIEMAUX
First -- let me give an order.
(pulls a bell)
D'ARTAGNAN
Give it --
BASIEMAUX
(to a lackey who enters)
When the person I am expecting presents himself -- you'll take him through the secret corridor and you will warn me.
LACKEY
Yes, governor.
BASIEMAUX
Immediately.
LACKEY
The very instant.
(He leaves.)
BASIEMAUX
(to D'Artagnan who is counting on his fingers)
What are you counting?
D'ARTAGNAN
I was calculating what you could make -- in a good year; a bad year; dear Mr. Montlequn; I bet it exceeds 50,000 pounds.
BASIEMAUX
And when will it increase to sixty?
D'ARTAGNAN
You astonish me, Basiemaux, you behave like a grieved man -- but damn it, look at you! I'm going to escort you to a mirror -- you will see that you are plump, flourishing, fat and round like a cheese -- that you have eyes like burning coals, and without this villainous frown that you affect to furrow your face, you would have the air of a perfect apple. Add to all that, 60,000 pounds of perquisites -- you just admitted -- and compose my commission to yours.
BASIEMAUX
You are forgetting a detail, dear Mr. D'Artagnan.
BASIEMAUX
That you received from the King's hands your captaincy.
D'ARTAGNAN
Not for long -- this very day!
BASIEMAUX
While, as for me, I bought mine from the governor of the Bastille.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's true -- from Louviere and Trumblay and they weren't men to give it to you for nothing.
BASIEMAUX
75,000 pounds to each of them, dear Mr. D'Artagnan -- more, three years of revenue as a bribe.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's exorbitant.
BASIEMAUX
That's not all.
D'ARTAGNAN
What else?
BASIEMAUX
Failure of a single payment of 50,000 pounds at maturity and these gentlemen retake their commission.
D'ARTAGNAN
But how -- reduced to your own resources were you able to undertake such conditions? For you, too -- you were a simple Musketeer.
BASIEMAUX
I found a lender.
D'ARTAGNAN
Who's that?
BASIEMAUX
One of your friends.
D'ARTAGNAN
What is it?
BASIEMAUX
Mr. de Herblay -- he offered to answer for me --
D'ARTAGNAN
Aramis! Truly, you stupefy me -- Aramis consigned for you?
BASIEMAUX
As a gallant man.
D'ARTAGNAN
And he kept his word?
BASIEMAUX
Every 31st of May before noon I've had my 5,000 pistoles to distribute to my crocodiles.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then you owe 150,000 pounds to Aramis?
BASIEMAUX
Eh! There's what I despair of, it's that I ow him only 100,000.
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't understand.
BASIEMAUX
Two years, he came on the 31st of May before noon -- but here we are on the 31st of May at six in the evening -- and he hasn't come yet -- at least --
(he rings -- then to lackey)
No one?
LACKEY
(entering)
No one.
BASIEMAUX
Go -- ! So that tomorrow, if; according to the terms of the contract, I haven't paid these gentlemen in the afternoon, they will retake their commission and 250,000 pounds will have been given for nothing, Mr. D'Artagnan, given for absolutely nothing.
D'ARTAGNAN
Now, that is irritating.
BASIEMAUX
Do you grasp now why I have a frown on my face?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, my word --
BASIEMAUX
Do you grasp that despite this cheese-like roundness, this apple freshness, that I've reached the point of fearing I'll have neither cheese nor one apple to eat.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's desolating.
BASIEMAUX
That's why I passed by your place once yesterday, twice today. You alone could relieve me of pain.
D'ARTAGNAN
How's that?
BASIEMAUX
Mr. Aramis d'Herblay was your friend.
D'ARTAGNAN
He still is.
BASIEMAUX
Tell me his address then?
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah. I don't know it.
BASIEMAUX
Then I am ruined.
D'ARTAGNAN
When are you going?
BASIEMAUX
I'm going to throw myself --
D'ARTAGNAN
Not into the revats of the Bastille, I hope?
BASIEMAUX
No --at the king's feet.
D'ARTAGNAN
That might be almost the same thing! Do you have word of honor, Basiemaux.
BASIEMAUX
You know me?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, well, give me your word that you won't open your mouth to anyone and especially to Aramis of the advice I am going to give you.
BASIEMAUX
Not to anyone.
D'ARTAGNAN
You want to put your hand on him, right?
BASIEMAUX
Yes --
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, go find Mr. Fouquet.
BASIEMAUX
What's the connection?
D'ARTAGNAN
Aramis belongs to Fouquet, body and soul.
BASIEMAUX
You've opened my eyes.
D'ARTAGNAN
But -- word of honor?
BASIEMAUX
Oh -- sacred!
(rings, then to lackey who appears)
No one?
LACKEY
No one.
BASIEMAUX
Hitch up the horses to the carriage. I'll take your back, Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Good -- so I can be seen in your carriage -- famous way to keep a secret.
BASIEMAUX
You are right. I'm losing my head. But how will you go?
D'ARTAGNAN
By God -- on foot -- as I came. Consciousness of having rendered you a service will make the way seem short and the journey light.
BASIEMAUX
Ah yes -- a service -- you can boast of having rendered me a service.
D'ARTAGNAN
Good luck, Montlezun!
BASIEMAUX
Let me put you outside; without that they won't let you leave.
D'ARTAGNAN
Plague! And what will the King say tomorrow at his lever when he doesn't find the Captain-General of the Musketeers? It's true I have 24 hours leave.
BASIEMAUX
(escorting D'Artagnan out)
Let out Mr. D'Artagnan, the Captain-General of the Musketeers.
ANOTHER VOICE
(in the wings)
Let out Mr. D'Artagnan -- Captain-General of the Musketeers.
ANOTHER VOICE
(still further off)
Order of the governor.
(Meanwhile Aramis enters through a secret door.)
ARAMIS
(to himself)
D'Artagnan -- Captain-General of the Musketeers, has he the joined the King's partisans? The Devil!
BASIEMAUX
Are the horses on the carriage?
LACKEY
Yes, sir, governor.
BASIEMAUX
(turning to take his hat)
I'm ready.
ARAMIS
(seated in an armchair)
Are you leaving, governor?
BASIEMAUX
Mr. d'Herblay! Where'd you come from?
ARAMIS
I came by way of the corridor I usually enter by.
BASIEMAUX
Ah, my god, I'm going to be ill.
ARAMIS
From fear? My presence produces that result?
BASIEMAUX
No, sir -- from joy.
ARAMIS
Isn't today the 31st of May?
BASIEMAUX
Ah, I hadn't forgotten.
ARAMIS
Weren't you expecting me?
BASIEMAUX
Actually, I was no longer expecting you.
ARAMIS
It's that tomorrow you owe your term -- before noon; there's no time to lose.
BASIEMAUX
You are the most faithful man of your word.
ARAMIS
Ah, indeed! Tell me how are your affairs at the Bastille.
BASIEMAUX
(makes a spitting sound)
ARAMIS
Does the prisoner give?
BASIEMAUX
Stingingly.
ARAMIS
The devil -- could we have made a bad investment?
BASIEMAUX
Cardinal Mazarin wasn't tough enough.
ARAMIS
Yes -- you need our old Cardinal.
BASIEMAUX
Ah! Under that one everything went well -- the brother of his Gray Eminence made his fortune at it.
ARAMIS
Things will improve, believe me, my dear governor -- a young king is much more valuable than an old Cardinal -- if old age has its grudges, its fears, its prudence, youth has its rages, its passions, its suspicions. Have you paid your three years of Berg______ to Louviere and Trumblay?
BASIEMAUX
Ah, my God, yes --
ARAMIS
So that all that remains to give them is the 50,000 pounds I'm bringing.
BASIEMAUX
Yes -- only that.
ARAMIS
But no savings?
BASIEMAUX
Ah, Chevalier!
ARAMIS
How many prisoners have you?
BASIEMAUX
Sixteen.
ARAMIS
Why that seems to me to be a round enough figure.
BASIEMAUX
In the time of the other Cardinal there would not have been almost 200, before there were princes of the blood -- and from princes of the blood, egad -- the governor had 50,000 pounds a year.
ARAMIS
So that -- today -- no princes of the blood?
BASIEMAUX
No, thank God -- that is to say unfortunately.
ARAMIS
And from a Marshall of France, how much does the governor have?
BASIEMAUX
Thirty-six pounds.
ARAMIS
And no more Marshals of France than Princes of the blood?
BASIEMAUX
Alas, no -- it's true that Lieutenant Generals and Brigadeers are 24 pounds and I've got two.
ARAMIS
Ha! Ha!
BASIEMAUX
After that, there are parliamentary councillors -- who bring 15 pounds --
ARAMIS
And you have --
BASIEMAUX
Four --
ARAMIS
I didn't know that councillors bring such a good revenue.
BASIEMAUX
Yes, but from 15 pounds, I fall to 10.
ARAMIS
To 10?
BASIEMAUX
Ten for an ordinary judge -- for an attorney or a priest I get seven.
ARAMIS
Good business.
BASIEMAUX
Bad business -- on the contrary.
ARAMIS
Why's that?
BASIEMAUX
Because -- I have, despite myself, mercy for them and I treat them like councillors.
ARAMIS
But then, the lowest prisoners -- how much for them?
BASIEMAUX
Three pounds per day -- the small bourgeois -- the ushers and clerks -- the poets.
ARAMIS
Ah! The 3 pound per day prisoners must be very wretched.
BASIEMAUX
On the contrary -- they think they are the kings of creation.
ARAMIS
Explain that to me.
BASIEMAUX
You grasp that I cannot be of use to the Lieutenant Generals, the Marshals of France and Princes of the blood -- sine I don't have them.
ARAMIS
Logical.
BASIEMAUX
While I serve the 3 pound prisoners, the remains of the 24 pounds -- to 15 and 15: so that they nibble on dishes they've only seen in dreams. Ah -- those there bless me -- they regret the prison when they leave it -- would you believe --
ARAMIS
What?
BASIEMAUX
Certain prisoners -- hardly released get themselves reincarcerated to get the Bastille's cuisine -- you don't believe it --
ARAMIS
I admit it.
BASIEMAUX
We have names brought in 2 or 3 times in the space of 2 years.
ARAMIS
I'll have to see that to believe it.
BASIEMAUX
They can show you --
ARAMIS
Where?
BASIEMAUX
On the registers.
ARAMIS
I thought you were forbidden to communicate the register to strangers.
BASIEMAUX
It's true -- but you are not a stranger.
ARAMIS
That's right; show me that my dear Mr. de Montlezun.
BASIEMAUX
Choose a letter at random.
ARAMIS
Whatever you like: The letter M for instance.
BASIEMAUX
The letter M -- so be it -- here, I open -- M -- Martiner January 1659, Martiner, June 1660; Martiner, March 1661 -- pamphlets, libels against Mazarin, etc., etc." You understand it was only a pretext; he wasn't imprisoned for the libels; the wise guy denounced himself so he'd be sent back to eat my cuisine.
ARAMIS
And his neighbor? Here the name I saw there -- Marchiali.
BASIEMAUX
Hush!
ARAMIS
Is he also a poet?
BASIEMAUX
Hush!
ARAMIS
Why hush?
BASIEMAUX
I thought you'd already heard of this Marchiali.
ARAMIS
No -- this is the first time I've heard his name mentioned.
BASIEMAUX
It's possible; I would have spoken to you without mentioning his name.
ARAMIS
And his crime is so great?
BASIEMAUX
Unpardonable!
ARAMIS
He murdered?
BASIEMAUX
Bah!
ARAMIS
Arsonist --
BASIEMAUX
That would be nothing.
ARAMIS
Slandered?
BASIEMAUX
No -- it's that he --
ARAMIS
He -- ?
BASIEMAUX
He allows himself to resemble the King.
ARAMIS
(to himself)
Finally, I"m there.
(aloud)
Indeed, dear Mr. Basiemaux -- you may have said a few words to me about it last year -- but in the crime appears to me so light --
BASIEMAUX
Light?
ARAMIS
Or rather so involuntary. Anyway, I'd forgotten him, because I told myself thais resemblance was probably imaginary.
BASIEMAUX
Ah! Imaginary -- ! Whoever sees the prisoner --
ARAMIS
Whoever sees the prisoners?
BASIEMAUX
(lowering his voice)
-- Sees the King.
ARAMIS
(shaking his head)
I think that's all simply a figment of your imagination, my dear governor --
BASIEMAUX
No, on my oath -- ! I know indeed that there are resemblances and resemblances -- but this one is striking and if you were to see him.
ARAMIS
Well?
BASIEMAUX
You would yourself agree. Unfortunately, it's forbidden to introduce strangers into the prisoner's rooms.
ARAMIS
You said just now I was not a stranger.
BASIEMAUX
To me, yes -- but not to the turnkey, who would see you enter the room.
ARAMIS
Indeed -- there's a misfortune -- as you say -- I confess I am not anxious but I would really give something to see this -- what do you call him?
BASIEMAUX
Marchiali.
ARAMIS
Marchiali.
BASIEMAUX
Hold on!
ARAMIS
What?
BASIEMAUX
An idea.
ARAMIS
You are invention personified.
BASIEMAUX
The fact is I'd throw myself in the fire to be agreeable to you.
ARAMIS
I would never demand that of you -- don't worry -- you were saying?
BASIEMAUX
I was saying that, if you cannot go into a prisoner's room, no rule forbids me from having a prisoner come to my room.
ARAMIS
Doubtless you could make him come here.
BASIEMAUX
Marchiali.
(urgency)
Tell the chief of the jailers to have the 2nd Berthandiere come to me.
ARAMIS
My dear governor, excuse me, but you speak a language that requires a certain apprenticeship.
BASIEMAUX
That's true, pardon - the 2nd Berthandiere, you see means whoever is occupying the second floor of the Towers of la Berthandiere. Once in the Bastille -- you no longer have a name -- you become a number.
ARAMIS
I'm going to see some wretch -- dying -- almost a shade, some ghost?
BASIEMAUX
Not at all: A young man -- a strapping lad -- healthy as the Pont Neuf.
(solid as the Pont Neuf)
ARAMIS
And how much is this one?
BASIEMAUX
He's a fifteen pounder.
ARAMIS
Ah! Ah! A fifteen pounder! And why such magnificence.
BASIEMAUX
That's where you see the King's bounty shine.
ARAMIS
The Kings?
BASIEMAUX
I mean that of the Cardinal, "This wretch," said Marazin, "is destined to remain in prison forever."
ARAMIS
Why forever --
BASIEMAUX
It seems to me that the crime, being eternal -- the punishment must be eternal also.
ARAMIS
Eternal.
BASIEMAUX
Doubtless, for without having the good fortune to catch one small pox -- which isn't likely in the Bastille, since the air here is excellent --
ARAMIS
So this wretch must suffer without respite -- without end?
BASIEMAUX
Suffer -- at 15 pounds on day one doesn't suffer!
ARAMIS
Hush -- I hear a step.
BASIEMAUX
It's him they are bringing --
(to Aramis who rises and removes his hat)
Well -- what are you doing?
ARAMIS
That's right.
(the jailers enter with Marchiali)
(to himself)
I'm giving myself away.
(looking attentively at Marchiali)
My God! My God!
BASIEMAUX
Leave me alone with the prisoner -- I have some questions to put to him.
(jailers leave. To Marchiali)
It's a long while since I've seen you, sir.
MARCHIALI
It's true.
BASIEMAUX
You look fine. It seems to me you are well.
MARCHIALI
Very well, sir.
BASIEMAUX
(to Aramis)
What do you say to that?
ARAMIS
Incredible -- can I speak to him? Put some questions to him?
BASIEMAUX
No doubt.
ARAMIS
You are not bored -- sir?
MARCHIALI
Never.
ARAMIS
(to Basiemaux)
Can I ask him if he knows why he is here?
BASIEMAUX
You heard, Marchiali; the gentleman charges me to ask you if you know the reason for your detention?
MARCHIALI
No, sir -- I don't know it.
ARAMIS
Impossible! If you knew the cause of your detention, you would be furious.
MARCHIALI
I was at first.
ARAMIS
Why aren't you any longer?
MARCHIALI
Because I considered.
ARAMIS
What?
MARCHIALI
I considered that -- having committed no crime God couldn't punish me.
ARAMIS
To hear you, sir, to see your resignation one would be tempted to believe that you love prison.
MARCHIALI
I bear it.
ARAMIS
In the certitude of being free some day?
MARCHIALI
I don't have certitude -- I have hope -- that's all -- only each day this hope diminishes.
ARAMIS
But anyway -- why won't you be free again -- since you were already once -- ?
MARCHIALI
It's precisely because I was once free that I despair of becoming so again. Why would they have imprisoned me if they'd had the intention of making me free later on?
BASIEMAUX
(who listens -- as he writes)
You see -- logical --
ARAMIS
How old are you?
MARCHIALI
I don't know.
ARAMIS
What name did you bear formerly?
MARCHIALI
I've forgotten it.
ARAMIS
You often recall your relatives?
MARCHIALI
I never knew them.
ARAMIS
But those who raised you?
MARCHIALI
They never called me their son.
ARAMIS
Did you love someone before coming here?
MARCHIALI
I loved my ______, my flowers, my birds.
ARAMIS
Is that all?
MARCHIALI
I also loved my valet.
ARAMIS
You regret this nurse and valet much?
MARCHIALI
I cried a lot when they died.
ARAMIS
Did they die after you came here?
MARCHIALI
They died the morning of the day they carried me off.
ARAMIS
Both -- the same day?
MARCHIALI
Both -- the same day.
ARAMIS
And how did they carry you off?
MARCHIALI
A man came to fetch me -- made me get in a locked carriage and brought me here.
ARAMIS
Would you recognize this man?
MARCHIALI
He had a mask.
BASIEMAUX
(to Aramis)
Isn't this story very extraordinary?
ARAMIS
It couldn't be more so.
BASIEMAUX
But what's still more extraordinary is that he's never spoken to anyone but you.
ARAMIS
Perhaps that's because you've never questioned him.
BASIEMAUX
It's possible. I am not curious.
ARAMIS
(to Marchiali)
Don't you recall having been visited by some stranger or some foreigner?
MARCHIALI
Three times a lady stopped a carriage at the gate and entered covered with a veil -- which she did not raise when we were alone.
ARAMIS
You remember this lady?
MARCHIALI
Yes.
ARAMIS
What did she say to you?
MARCHIALI
She asked me what you are asking of me -- if I was happy -- and if I was bored.
ARAMIS
And when she came or left?
MARCHIALI
She embraced me -- she pressed me against her heart and held me in her arms.
ARAMIS
And you recall the features of her face?
MARCHIALI
Yes.
ARAMIS
And you would recognize her if chance brought her to you or led you to her?
MARCHIALI
I would recognize her.
BASIEMAUX
(to Aramis)
Well -- have you seen all you wanted to see?
ARAMIS
Everything.
BASIEMAUX
Did I exaggerate the resemblance?
ARAMIS
You understated the reality.
BASIEMAUX
Next time will you believe me?
ARAMIS
On your word.
(to Marchiali)
Now, sir, it remains for the governor and I to apologize for having disturbed you.
BASIEMAUX
Come now!
MARCHIALI
You haven't disturbed me, sir -- and it pleased me greatly to walk across the courtyard. The air is so nice.
(he sighs)
BASIEMAUX
(going to open the door)
Take the prisoner back.
(the jailers enter and retake Marchiali who bows. Basiemaux lightly returns his bow -- Aramis on the contrary bows deeply)
BASIEMAUX
Well -- what do you say to all that?
ARAMIS
I say it's extraordinary and incomprehensible! Now, my dear governor let's return to our little arrangements. Here's your last 50,000 pounds.
BASIEMAUX
A hundred thanks, Mr. d'Herblay. What terms do you give me for reimbursement? Fix it yourself.
ARAMIS
Eh, my God -- don't take any term; just a recognition pure and simple of 150,000 pounds.
BASIEMAUX
On demand.
ARAMIS
At my will; but you understand I will only want it when you do.
BASIEMAUX
(writing)
I've given you two receipts.
ARAMIS
Here they are. I am tearing them up.
(he reads over Basiemaux's shoulder)
BASIEMAUX
Good enough? Read!
ARAMIS
Come on! Read after you!
(he puts the obligation in his pocket -- aside)
It was indispensable to have the governor of the Bastille as a debtor and to oblige him.
(aloud)
By the way -- you must have a young prisoner here -- I was forgetting that poor devil.
BASIEMAUX
A young prisoner!
ARAMIS
Yes, around the age of Marchiali.
BASIEMAUX
You call him?
ARAMIS
Seldom.
BASIEMAUX
Ah, yes, a poet. He's here for having composed two poems against I don't know who --
ARAMIS
He's been recommended to me; you won't wish me ill -- if one day, I obtain his pardon and carry him off from you?
BASIEMAUX
A three pounder? Ah, by God, you are indeed the master. That sort, I told you you cost me more than they bring to me.
ARAMIS
Anyway, I don't know if I will succeed.
BASIEMAUX
Oh -- you have a long -- arm and a large hand. Goodbye!
ARAMIS
Goodbye, my dear governor --
(aside)
Go! Madame de Chevreuse told me the truth. This won't happen to him very often; Marchiali is the brother of the King.
(curtain)
A room in the Palace of Fontainbleau.
ARAMIS
So, my dear Superintendent -- you are going to present me to the King?
FOUQUET
The audience, I've asked His Majesty for this morning has no other object -- but where is Porthos? For I intend to present him to the King as well. It was I believe, his dream to be presented -- and since he's one of us -- but I don't see him.
ARAMIS
He's finishing his toilette. The toilette of Porthos is quite an affair.
FOUQUET
Aramis! Porthos! With friends like that, what couldn't we undertake? Ah, if we had D'Artagnan and Athos with us.
ARAMIS
Yes, we could begin all over again the great battles of former times -- but we lack D'Artagnan -- he's for the King -- as for Athos are unusual circumstances will perhaps give us his son.
FOUQUET
What do you mean?
ARAMIS
Here it is: As you know, Athos has asked the King for the hand of Miss de la Valliere on behalf of the Vicomte de Brazellone. The king refused his consent to this marriage or rather postponed it -- this isn't all -- some time ago, the King gave Mr. de Brazellone a message for His Majesty Charles II. Mr. de Brazellone left for England -- this voyage coupled with certain attentions the King seems to have for la Valliere is significant. Then, if Athos and his son begin to suspect something, who knows what will become of their sentiments of fidelity and devotion to the King? By the way, have you sent Miss de la Valliere the letter I advised you to write to her.
FOUQUET
To Miss de la Valliere?
ARAMIS
Yes -- did you declare yourself her zealous servant -- what shall I say -- her worshipper?
FOUQUET
Right! I remember now you advised me on this subject -- but really, were you serious?
ARAMIS
Very serious.
FOUQUET
What advantage do you see in my occupying myself with Miss de la Valliere?
ARAMIS
What advantage? A very great one! Believe me -- make yourself a friend of Miss de la Valliere; for you --it's a very easy thing -- your signature at the bottom of a tender letter -- worth a million.
FOUQUET
Money! Again!
ARAMIS
Are you going to be worried for a million -- more or less?
FOUQUET
But think how it pinches me there! I became powerful through money and it's with money they are trying to beat me down. If yo knew what it cost me to procure the most recent sums. I poured into the King's treasury!
ARAMIS
It's necessary now that you resist to the very end. Again, some sacrifices -- and you will be rewarded beyond your most mad or demanding dreams.
FOUQUET
Indeed, my dear Mr. d'Herblay, your confidence frightens me even more than the hate of my enemies!
ARAMIS
Bah!
FOUQUET
Ah, indeed! Who are you?
ARAMIS
You know me -- it seems to me?
FOUQUET
My mistake -- rather -- what do you want?
ARAMIS
What do I want? I want a King on the throne of France who will be devoted to Mr. Fouquet and I want Mr. Fouquet to be devoted to me.
FOUQUET
Oh, as for belonging to you -- I indeed belong to you, but believe me my dear d'Herblay -- you are deluding yourself.
ARAMIS
In what?
FOUQUET
The King will never be devoted to me.
ARAMIS
I never said the King would be devoted to you.
FOUQUET
Why, on the contrary, you just said it.
ARAMIS
I never said the King -- I said a king.
FOUQUET
Isn't that the same thing?
ARAMIS
It's very different.
FOUQUET
I don't get it.
ARAMIS
Suppose that the King were a man other than Louis XIV.
FOUQUET
Another man?
ARAMIS
Yes, who owed everything to you.
FOUQUET
Impossible.
ARAMIS
Even this throne.
FOUQUET
Oh -- you are mad! There is no other man than King Louis XIV who could sit on the throne of France. I don't see a single one.
ARAMIS
As for me, I see one!
FOUQUET
At least it cannot be Monsieur -- why Monsieur.
ARAMIS
It' snot Monsieur.
FOUQUET
Then how would you want a prince who wouldn't be of the race -- how would you want a prince who would no right.
ARAMIS
(interrupting him)
Don't worry -- my King -- mine -- or rather your king -- will be all that he ought to be --
FOUQUET
Take care, take care, Aramis! You're giving me the shivers, you're giving me vertigo.
ARAMIS
You get the shivers and vertigo rather easily --
FOUQUET
One more time, you terrify me -- you are laughing.
ARAMIS
The day will come when you'll laugh like me -- now I must be the only one to laugh.
FOUQUET
But explain yourself -- !
ARAMIS
Much later -- while waiting, fear nothing. Write your letter and get it to a la Valliere very quickly -- do you have someone trusty for that?
FOUQUET
I have Toby, my confidential valet.
(some lords enter)
ARAMIS
Fine.
USHER
The King.
FOUQUET
The King! And Porthos -- where is Porthos?
D'ARTAGNAN
(entering)
He's here -- I'll bring him to you.
ARAMIS
(shaking his hand)
D'Artagnan.
PORTHOS
(entering breathless)
Excuse me! It seems that I am late -- but you understand -- my toilette!
ARAMIS
You are handsome like the sun -
KING
(entering)
(to Fouquet)
Ah, it's you, Mr. Fouquet, be welcome.
FOUQUET
Your Majesty overwhelms me -- and since he is so good allow me to allow me to remind him of our audience he promised me.
KING
Yes, for two of your friends, I recall.
FOUQUET
Perhaps the time is ill chosen, Sire.
KING
Not at all! Not at all! Where are your friends?
FOUQUET
Here, Sire!
KING
Let them approach.
(Aramis approaches -- bows and waits. Porthos comes behind him)
FOUQUET
(presenting Aramis)
Mr. d'Herblay, Sire!
KING
You wanted to be presented to me, sir?
ARAMIS
I would never have had the ambition for such an honor if I had no been encouraged by my protector, Mr. Fouquet.
(aside, watching the King, while the King goes to Porthos)
That's it, it's impossible to doubt it.
FOUQUET
(presenting Porthos)
Monsieur, the Baron de Vallon --
PORTHOS
(low to Fouquet)
De Bracieux de Pierrefonds!
FOUQUET
I would have requested the honor of presenting him long ago, but some men resemble the stars, they don't go except with the company of their friends -- the _____ never separate. That's why I am lucky to find the right moment to present Mr. du Vallon and Mr. d'Herblay to you -- the moment when Mr. D'Artagnan is close to Your Majesty.
KING
(looking at D'Artagnan)
These gentlemen are your friends?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sire!
(taking their hands)
My companions, as Musketeers, Mr. d'Herblay and Mr. du Vallon who, with Mr. de la Fere and myself for 20 years formed that quartet of which much was said under the late King and during the Regency.
KING
Well, gentlemen what can I do for you? I love to reward the servants of my father the King.
PORTHOS
Sire -- Sire -- Sire.
KING
(to Aramis)
Let's see Mr. d'Herblay.
ARAMIS
Sire, nothing remains for me to desire, nothing to ask, now that I've had the honor to be presented to Your Majesty.
(aside)
And to confirm this perfect resemblance to Marchiali.
KING
(to Porthos)
And you, Mr. du Vallon?
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire, this brave gentleman is dumbstruck by the dignity of your person. He would brave the fire of 1,000 enemies cannot sustain your glance -- but I know what he thinks, and as for me, more accustomed to gaze at the sun than he, I am going to tell you his thoughts -- Sire -- he desires nothing wants nothing -- except to contemplate Your Majesty this evening.
KING
You with me, gentlemen. Mr. Fouquet, you, too.
ALL
Sire.
PORTHOS
(to D'Artagnan)
You'd place yourself near me at table, D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, my friend.
PORTHOS
By the way -- does the King like to eat a lot?
D'ARTAGNAN
That's flattering him, dear Porthos -- for he possesses a royal appetite.
PORTHOS
You enchant me -- I'll be very hungry tonight.
(The King accompanied by Farragut passes before the groups of gentlemen who entered with him or followed him.)
ARAMIS
(to D'Artagnan)
This dear D'Artagnan! Do you know you are a unique man to praise your friends.
D'ARTAGNAN
My friends -- you lean on that word in a singular manner.
ARAMIS
You still love me, my dear D'Artagnan?
D'ARTAGNAN
Surely.
ARAMIS
Well then, let's talk as in the good old days.
D'ARTAGNAN
I'm listening.
ARAMIS
Would you like to become Marshall of France, Duke, Peer, have a million?
D'ARTAGNAN
To obtain all that, what must be done -- let's see.
ARAMIS
Be Mr. Fouquet's man, my friend.
D'ARTAGNAN
Impossible -- I am the King's man --
ARAMIS
Not exclusively?
D'ARTAGNAN
There's only one D'Artagnan.
ARAMIS
But you have ambition, great heart that you are?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
ARAMIS
Well?
D'ARTAGNAN
I want to be Marshall: the King will name me Marshall -- I desire to be Duke and Peer -- the King will make all that. Isn't the King the Master?
ARAMIS
No one contests that. But Louis XIII was the master under Richlieu.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, but Louis XIII didn't have D'Artagnan as his Captain-General of the Musketeers.
ARAMIS
Around the King, there are lots of stumbling blocks --
D'ARTAGNAN
Look, Aramis, I see everyone here thinks of himself and no one of this young Prince -- I will support myself by supporting him.
ARAMIS
Fine -- and ingratitude.
D'ARTAGNAN
Only the weak fear it.
ARAMIS
But if the King no longer needs you?
D'ARTAGNAN
On the contrary, my friend, in a short while from now he will have more need of me than ever -- if another Vendome, a new Conde have to be arrested -- who will arrest him.
(slapping his sword)
This one!
ARAMIS
You're right. Your hand, D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Here it is.
ARAMIS
I shake it with all my heart, for it's an inflexible hand -- but honest to his friends and his enemies.
USHER
The table of the King.
ARAMIS
God protect you -- Mr. Captain-General of the Musketeers.
D'ARTAGNAN
God protect you -- Mr. Chevalier d'Herblay --
ARAMIS
(aside)
Come, D'Artagnan is not for us -- but happily Athos remains for us -- and Marchiali!
D'ARTAGNAN
There the situation is plainly stated.
KING
Gentlemen, take places - hats, gentlemen!
(everyone puts on his hat -- the King alone remains uncovered)
PORTHOS
Why hats?
D'ARTAGNAN
That's the rule -- at table, the King alone remains uncovered.
PORTHOS
(to D'Artagnan)
It seems to me, you can go to it, and that His Majesty encourages it?
D'ARTAGNAN
By Jove! Only marriage things so that if by chance the King speaks to you, he won't find you with your mouth full.
PORTHOS
Why?
D'ARTAGNAN
Because that would be disgraceful.
PORTHOS
The best way then -- is not to dine at all; still, I'm hungry and all these delicious odors, which write at once my appetite and sense of smell.
D'ARTAGNAN
Don't advise yourself not to eat; you will make the King angry -- the King doesn't lies it that you be picky at dinner.
PORTHOS
But how to avoid having a full mouth when one is eating.
D'ARTAGNAN
IT's simply a question of swallowing when the King addresses you.
PORTHOS
Oh -- if it's only a question of swallowing.
KING
Mr. du Vallon.
PORTHOS
(swallowing)
Sire?
KING
Let someone pass the slices of lamb to Mr. du Vallon. Do you like dark meat, Mr. du Vallon?
PORTHOS
Sire, I like all.
D'ARTAGNAN
(whispering to him)
All that Your Majesty sends me.
PORTHOS
(repeating)
All that Your Majesty sends me.
(he slides a quarter of lamb on his plate)
KING
Well?
PORTHOS
Exquisite, Sire.
KING
Do they also have fine lambs in your province, Mr. du Vallon?
PORTHOS
Sire, I think that, in my province as everywhere, the best first go to the King, but then I don't eat lamb in the same way as Your Majesty.
KING
And how do you eat it?
PORTHOS
Ordinarily, Sire, I can accommodate a lamb in its entirety.
KING
Ha! Ha! In its entirety.
PORTHOS
Yes, Sire.
KING
And in what manner?
PORTHOS
Lies this -- my cook -- the wise guy is a German, Sire -- my cook crams the lamb in question in little sauces which he gets from a town in Alsace called Strasbourg, ____________ gets from Troyes, truffles from Resiged and larks from Pithiviers, then he cleans the lamb as he would poultry leaving it the skin which he carefully removed the wool from and which made a brown crust around the body -- with the result that when it's cut into nice slices as if one all inside juice that is both agreeable to the eye and exquisite to the palate.
KING
And you eat it?
PORTHOS
In its entirety, yes, Sire.
KING
Pass these partridges to Mr. du Vallon -- he's an amateur; Mr. du Vallon, I shall never forget your lamb -- and it's not too fat?
PORTHOS
No, Sire, the fat falls off at the same time as the juice -- it's true but float off and then my squire cuts them off with a gold ladle which I had made just for this.
KING
You have a fine appetite and you make a fine table companion, Mr. du Vallon.
PORTHOS
Ah, by my word, Sire, if Your Majesty ever comes to Pierrefords, we shall each eat our lamb for you show me you have on your part, a nice appetite.
D'ARTAGNAN
(low to Porthos)
Porthos! Porthos!
PORTHOS
Well -- what?
D'ARTAGNAN
Nothing, my friend.
KING
Will you taste these creams, Mr. du Vallon?
PORTHOS
Sire, Your Majesty, treats me very well though I didn't tell him the truth in its entirety.
KING
Speak, Mr. du Vallon, speak --
PORTHOS
Well, Sire, in making sweets, I only know pates and yet they have to be very solid -- all these mouses inflate my stomach and fill a place that is very precious for me to be so ill occupied.
KING
(pointing to Porthos and signing)
Ah, gentlemen, look and admire! There's a true model of gastronomy -- thus ate our fathers who knew how to eat -- we no longer eat we peck at our food. Give some of my wine to Mr. du Vallon.
D'ARTAGNAN
My friend the King do you the greatest honor he can do you -- he's sending you his wine.
PORTHOS
And as for me, I only receive it to drink the health of the King.
(rising)
KING
(to the guests who wait)
Come gentlemen, I accept the toast.
Porthos, D'Artagnan, Aramis, Fouguet to the King.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Porthos if you can only swallow the half of this boar's head. I will see you duke and peer within the year.
PORTHOS
Now, I'll set myself work for it.
KING
(in a low voice)
Gentlemen, it's impossible that a gentlemen who dines so well and with such fine teeth not be the most honest man in my kingdom.
D'ARTAGNAN
You hear, Porthos?
PORTHOS
Yes, I think I have a little favor.
D'ARTAGNAN
A little favor -- you are sailing before the wind, my friend.
KING
Mr. Fouquet!
FOUQUET
Sire!
KING
Mr. du Vallon by inviting me just now so graciously to come share a lamb with him at Pierrefords, awakened in me a desire I've always had.
FOUQUET
What's that, Sire?
KING
To receive an invitation to you next party at Vaux.
FOUQUET
For my next party?
KING
They say that every month you give magnificent parties? Why have you never spoken to me of them?
FOUQUET
Sire, how could I hope that Your Majesty would descend from the high regions where he lives to the point of honoring my dwelling with His Royal presence?
PORTHOS
(to D'Artagnan)
I'm at the boars head.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well -- attack!
KING
Excuses, Mr. Fouquet, excuses!
FOUQUET
I never spoke to His Majesty of my parties because I feared a refusal.
KING
And what made you fear this refusal?
FOUQUET
The boundless desire I had to seek the King accept.
KING
Well, Mr. Fouquet, I intend to give public evidence of my favor -- I not only accept an invitation -- I invite myself.
FOUQUET
Thanks, my King.
KING
They tell marvels of your Chateau at Vaux. It must make you proud, Mr. Fouquet that the King be jealous of you?
FOUQUET
Proud and happy, Sire, since the day when the King is jealous of my Chateau, I will have something worthy to offer him.
KING
Well -- Mr. Fouquet, prepare your party -- and open all the doors of your Chateau.
(shakes Mr. Fouquet's hand)
PORTHOS
Say, D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
What?
PORTHOS
It seems to me that His Majesty is no longer paying attention to me?
D'ARTAGNAN
What do you want, my friend, sic transit gloria mundi?
PORTHOS
Then I shall continue for myself alone.
FOUQUET
(to Aramis)
My dear d'Herblay -- this party will be my ruin.
ARAMIS
No, since I am here -- and don't I have behind me a rich and powerful party interested in keeping you when you are? Fear nothing, and don't forget your letter to la Valliere.
FOUQUET
(calling)
Toby.
TOBY
(appearing)
Sir?
FOUQUET
Come, I have to confide a message of importance to you.
USHER
(announcing)
Her Royal Highness, Madame.
(Madame Henriette enters accompanied by de Vardes)
DE VARDES
Madame, following your instructions the Count de le Fere is waiting for the moment to present himself before His Majesty.
MADAME
You will go find Mr. de la Fere when my plan was succeeded.
KING
(low to Saint-Aignan)
Oh, Saint-Aignan, see how charming Miss de la Valliere is.
SAINT-AIGNAN
Sire, pay attention to Madame!
MADAME
(to his ladies of honor)
Ladies -- don't forget that we are agreed on the subject of the incident at the royal oak -- His Majesty is persuaded no one knows of His P______.
LOUISE
Ah, Madame -- I swear to you it's true!
MADAME
So be it -- but I pretend, I pretend do you clearly understand? Let His Majesty return to this thought -- and for that, he must do what I demand. He must support boldly what you all three know perfectly well the presence of the King and that of Mr. Saint-Aignan behind the oak --
LOUISE
But Madame -- that's to toy with the King -- to lie --
MADAME
If Miss de Brazellone le Blanca de la Valliere -- doesn't wish to lie, she'll approve of my sending her to her vales of Turaine or Blaisons -- down there, quite at her ease, she can give in to sentiments and pastorals --
(aside)
And thanks to the measures I've taken that won't be long delayed.
(to the King who returns from the back)
With the permission of Your Majesty we have a surprise with which we wish to entertain the King.
KING
A surprise.
MADAME
Yes, Sire, a tale. Oh, it will be short and interesting.
KING
Let's see the tale.
MADAME
It's a question of a little maid I had the occasion to listen to quite recently in the forest, not far from an oak -- that's called, I think, the King's oak -- right Mr. Saint-Aignan.
SAINT-AIGNAN
But Madame --
DE VARDES
(low)
Good, Madame, good --
MADAME
"Imagine, princess," the Naiad told me, "The shores of my stream have just been witness to one of the most amusing spectacles, two shepherds -- curious to the point of indiscretion, made themselves a hoax in a way to delight three nymphs or three shepherds.
KING
(aside, angrily)
Hoaxing!
SAINT-AIGNAN
(aside)
Ah, my God!
MADAME
The two shepherds, pursuing my pretty naiad, laughing all the while, followed the tracks of the ladies -- but the shepherdesses having seen Tyrus and Anyntas slip into the woods, and the moon helping -- they recognized them through the trees.
KING
(aside)
They recognized me!
SAINT-AIGNAN
Ah! My God! Ah! My God!
DE VARDES
(low)
Courage, Madame.
MADAME
The shepherdesses -- seeing the indiscretion of the shepherds went to sit at the foot of the royal oak, and then, __________ their ears, so as not to lose a word of what was being said, they addressed them innocently, the most innocent way in the world -- an incendiary declaration whose vanity natural to all men seemed to the two auditors like rays of honey.
KING
(rising)
Ah! There, on my word is a charming joke, and told by you Madame in a way no less charming -- but really, really indeed, do you understand the language of the naiads?
MADAME
Sire, as I reared, indeed, to have misunderstood, I made Miss de Montilars, Miss de Tonnay Chacente and Miss de la Valliere, come pray to my naiads to retell her tale. She obeyed and I affirm to you that there's no doubt remaining -- right ladies, didn't the naiad speak absolutely as I am telling and that in no way have I fallen short of the truth? Miss de Tonnay -- ______ is it true?
ATHENAIS
The precise truth.
MADAME
Is it true, Miss de Montalair?
AURE
Oh, absolutely, Madame.
MADAME
And you, la Valliere?
LOUISE
Yes.
KING
(aside)
She stood! She doesn't love me! This was an unworthy comedy!
DE VARDES
(low to Madame)
You triumph!
MADAME
Mr. de Vardes go find the Comte de la Fere.
(de Vardes leaves)
The story of my naiad has pleased the King?
KING
Surely, Madame -- and even better, it was all the more vicious and no one -- no one can contest her proof.
MADAME
Now, Sire, is it permitted for me to solicit a few minutes of audience for the Counte de la Fere?
KING
An audience -- at this moment?
MADAME
It's a matter of something which concerns the highest degree of happiness to one of your best gentlemen -- and to which I myself take great interest in. Here's Mr. de la Fere --
ATHOS
(presented by Mr. Vardes)
Sire.
KING
(impatiently)
Well, Mr. de la Fere -- what's wrong?
ATHOS
The King recalls doubtless that at the Louvre, I had the honor of addressing to His Majesty a request concerning the marriage of my son with Miss de la Valliere.
KING
(hesitating)
Ah -- indeed, sir, I think I recall.
ATHOS
Your Majesty, that he was delaying this marriage for the good of Mr. de Brazellone. Today my son is so wretched that I was unable to defer any longer requesting a solution. I am coming from London with my son. Madame who had knowledge of our arrival deigned to order me near her and promised me her assistance. It's to the kindness that I owe the power to speak at this moment to Your Majesty -- excuse my importunity, Sire -- and deign to pronounce a judgment favorable to my son --
KING
I have no judgment to pronounce. Miss de la Valliere is not part of my house -- if Madame, if Miss de la Valliere desire it --
ATHOS
Your Majesty is not opposed? The King consents?
KING
I have no opposition to make nor consent to give.
ATHOS
Then Your Majesty will look on this marriage without displeasure?
KING
Yes, sir -- goodbye, Count --
ATHOS
(bowing)
Sire!
(The King leaves -- looking at Miss de la Valliere, who remains -- annihilated.)
MADAME
(to Athos -- after the King has moved away)
Well, Mr. de la Fere -- are you satisfied?
ATHOS
Madame, I'm off to instruct my son of the happiness he owes to you and I'll return with him to place at the feet of Your Royal Highness our respect and our gratitude.
MADAME
Go -- Mr. de la Fere --
DE VARDES
(low to Madame)
Well played, Madame!
LOUISE
(supported by Aure and Athenias)
Oh, I think I'm going to die!
(curtain)
The apartment of the maids of honor in the palace at Fontainbleau.
QUEEN
Let's stop, Mr. Colbert.
COLBERT
Are you ill, Madame?
QUEEN
Yes, indeed.
COLBERT
Would you like me to inform Mr. Vallot -- ? He's in Madame's apartment.
QUEEN
No need, Mr. Colbert -- I feel better -- anyway, it's not Mr. de Vallot who must come cure me. They told me of a woman from Bruges who effects miraculous cures and I ordered this woman to Fontainbleau. I'm expected her -- but let's get back to our affairs -- Now, Mr. Colbert, I won't hide from you that the King appears to me to have the best intentions with regard to Mr. Fouquet and I think you will do well -- faced with such an example to depart a little from your feelings of hate.
COLBERT
Madame, it's note hate which animates me, but a conviction.
QUEEN
A conviction?
COLBERT
Yes, Madame; I am convicted that Mr. Fouquet not content to attract money to himself as Cardinal Mazarin did -- and to thus deprive the King of a share of his power -- still wants to win all the friends of the easy life and life of pleasure -- I am convinced that Mr. Fouquet infringes on the royal prerogative and is trying to relegate His Majesty among the weak and obscure -- and it's because I am convinced of that that I am fighting this colossus of pride! In acting thus, I have in view, not the satisfaction of a personal hate, but only service to the good of the state and moreover the glory and honor of the royal authority.
QUEEN
Solely -- I want to believe you, Mr. Colbert.
COLBERT
But you yourself, Madame?
QUEEN
Oh, sir, I too, I admit that I have been the enemy of the superintendent, but it was when my son found himself, in guardianship without resources, without authority; as a mother, I suffered as queen, I was humiliated -- the future seemed to me -- forbidding worrisome. Today, my son no longer takes advice that is the say the orders of Mazarin! He is master, he is King! I no longer tremble; I no longer suffer; my pride, my legitimate pride has recovered and I can see shine beneath the royal splendor of Louis XIV, the magnificence of Superintendent Fouquet.
COLBERT
(aside)
No matter! Let a proof come, a weapon against Mr. Fouquet and I won't allow either the weapon or the evidence to escape.
A SERVANT (woman) of the Queen
Madame, the Lady from Bruges is here, she's awaiting the good pleasure of Your Majesty.
QUEEN
Have her come.
(she moves toward the rear, meanwhile Toby enters by a side door)
TOBY
(to Colbert)
Milord, I was looking for you. This letter they entrusted me with. Take it! Take it!
COLBERT
(looking at the letter)
From the Superintendent to Miss de la Valliere! Ah, thanks Toby -- I won't forget it -- The evidence that I was waiting for -- here it is! Mr. Fouquet you are ruined!
(A masked lady enters.)
QUEEN
Approach. Who are you?
LADY
A wise woman from Bruges and I bring the remedy that must cure Your Majesty.
QUEEN
You don't know that one doesn't speak to royal personages with a mask on your face.
LADY
Deign to excuse me, Madame.
QUEEN
I cannot excuse you. I cannot pardon you unless you remove this mask.
LADY
It's a vow I took, Madame -- to come to the aid of persons afflicted or suffering without their ever seeing my face.
QUEEN
Ah! Well, speak --
LADY
When we are alone --
(at a sign from the Queen the company moves away)
QUEEN
Now, speak, Madame -- and may you be able as you just said to bring ease to my body.
LADY
Question, first of all. What disaster happened to Your Majesty 23 years ago?
QUEEN
Why -- great misfortune! Didn't I lose the King?
LADY
I wasn't speaking of that sort of misfortune. I meant to ask you -- if, after the birth of the King?
QUEEN
I don't comprehend you.
LADY
I am going to make myself understood. Your Majesty recalls that the King was born on the 5th of September 1638 at 11:15.
QUEEN
Everyone knows that as well as you and me --
LADY
I'm getting, Madame, to what few persons know since the secret was assured by the death of the principal participants.
QUEEN
(attentive)
Continue --
LADY
It was 8 o'clock; the King sighed with a full heart; there was only joy around him. Suddenly, Your Majesty let out a piercing shriek and the midwife Pevonne reappeared at her beside. The doctors were dining in a far off room -- the palace, deserted by being invaded, had neither orders nor guards; the midwife after having examined Your Majesty's condition, exclaimed and taking you in her arms -- in tears -- sent La Porte to inform the King that Her Majesty, the Queen, wished to see him in her chamber; the King arrived at the minute Dame Pevonne handed him a second prince, handsome and strong as the first -- saying, "Sire, God didn't want the Kingdom of France to be ruled by women." The King had at first made a movement of joy, then he reflected that two sons, in equal rights, equal in pretentions -- would be civil war, anarchy -- and then --
QUEEN
(agitated)
And then?
LADY
Then, needing only the first born, they hid the second from France -- they had him from the whole world.
QUEEN
You know much -- since you touch on secrets of State. As for the friends who share this secret with you -- they are cowards and false friends. Now -- down with the mask or I'll have you arrested by my captain of the guards -- oh -- that secret doesn't frighten me! You will reveal it to me -- it will freeze in your breast! Neither this secret nor your life belong to you -- from this moment.
LADY
Madame, learn to know the discretion of your abandoned friends.
QUEEN
Madame de Chevreuse.
LADY
The sole confidant of Your Majesty's secret.
QUEEN
Ah, pardon -- Duchess. Alas, it's to kill one's friends to play with their mortal shame.
DUCHESS
You are weeping! How young you are still!
QUEEN
So you've come -- you! you!
DUCHESS
Yes, Madame, I come despite the order that condemned me to exile, I come because I am growing old, because I feel ill, and because I wanted, before dying to deliver to Your Majesty a certain dangerous paper -- for her --
QUEEN
A dangerous paper?
DUCHESS
Yes, it's a letter dated Tuesday, August 2nd, 1644 whereby you request me to go to Noisy-le-See -- to see this dear, unfortunate child -- it was in your handwriting, Madame, "This dear, unfortunate child."
QUEEN
Yes, unfortunate -- really unfortunate what a life to terminate in such a cruel end.
DUCHESS
Think you think he's dead?
QUEEN
Alas, yes! Dead of consumption -- dead at Noisy-le-See in the arms of the governor poor honest servant -- who didn't live long afterwards.
DUCHESS
Well, no, Madame, no, your child didn't die at Noisy-le See.
QUEEN
What are you saying?
DUCHESS
I'm saying that you were deceived. He's been carried off, hidden, moved away -- but all that I've learned gives me the conviction that he exists.
QUEEN
He exists?
DUCHESS
Yes, Madame, I believe so -- I am sure of it.
QUEEN
Then -- where is he?
DUCHESS
I don't know -- I've never learned.
QUEEN
Well, as for me, I will search, I will find him -- yes, he must exist, poor child! Ah, you didn't think I would willingly let him vegetate far from the throne? You didn't think I could be a bad mother? You know -- how many tears I shed, you were able to count the ardent kisses I gave to the poor creature in exchange for the life of misery and opprobrium to which the reason State condemned him. But if he's still in the world, Lord, my God be blessed! What I will do for him, I don't know, but I will love him -- I -- Oh -- he exists -- he exists -- poor child! Now, duchess, your arm -- escort me to my apartment and tell me what I can do for you.
DUCHESS
A single thing, Madame, speak to the King in my favor -- beg him to end my exile.
QUEEN
What you wish for me to do, I will attempt. My God -- how upset I am -- come -- I can refuse nothing to she who put in my heart this hope that my poor child still lives -- come -- come!
(They leave.)
(The King appears at another door on the left.)
KING
(to Miss de Montelair)
Miss de la Valliere?
AURE
She's here, Sire.
(She leaves, Louise appears immediately.)
KING
You wrote me, Miss? What do you want?
LOUISE
Sire, pardon me!
KING
Eh, Miss -- why do you want me to pardon you?
LOUISE
Sire, I've committed a great fault, more than a great fault -- a great crime.
KING
You?
LOUISE
I've offended Your Majesty.
KING
Not the least in the world.
LOUISE
Sire, I beg you, don't keep vis-a-vis me this terrible gravity which betrays the very legitimate wrath of the King, I feel that I have offended you, but I need to explain to you, Sire, I didn't offend you of my own will.
KING
And, first of all, Miss -- in what could you have offended me? I don't see it. It's a joke by a young girl? A very innocent joke! You scoffed at a credulous man. That's very natural. All other women in your place would have done as you did.
LOUISE
Your Majesty annihilates me with those words.
KING
In what way?
LOUISE
Because if the joke came from me, it would not have been innocent.
KING
Finally, is this all you had to say to me in asking for this audience?
LOUISE
Your Majesty understood everything?
KING
Everything -- what?
LOUISE
Everything said by me under the Royal Oak?
KING
I didn't miss a single word, Miss.
LOUISE
And Your Majesty doesn't suspect that a poor girl like me may sometimes be forced to submit to the will of others?
KING
Pardon, but I will never understand how a will seemingly so freely expressed under the Royal Oak, allows itself to be influenced to this degree by the will of others.
LOUISE
Oh, but threats, Sire.
KING
Threats! Who threatened you -- who dared threaten you?
LOUISE
Those who have the right to do so, Sire.
KING
I don't consider anyone has the right to make threats in my court.
LOUISE
Pardon me, Sire, there are near Your Majesty persons sufficiently highly placed to have, or think they have the right to ruin a young girl without a future, without a fortune -- who has only her reputation.
KING
And how would she be ruined?
LOUISE
By inflicting on her a shameful expulsion.
KING
(bitterly)
Ah, Miss, I really like people who exculpate themselves without incriminating others.
LOUISE
Sire!
KING
Yes, and it's my fault, I admit it, to see an easy justification, as yours could be -- coming to complicate things for me with a veil of reproaches and accusations.
LOUISE
To whom don't you give credit, then?
(the King remains silent)
Oh! Say it!
KING
I regret admitting it to you.
LOUISE
Then you don't believe me?
(silence)
So you imagine that I -- I -- I hatched this ridiculous, this infamous conspiracy to make me behave so impudently before Your Majesty?
KING
Eh! My God! It's not ridiculous, it's not infamous -- it's note even a conspiracy! It's a joke -- more or less pleasant, that's all.
LOUISE
(desperate)
Oh! The King doesn't believe me! The King doesn't want to believe me.
KING
No indeed, I don't want to, I cannot believe you.
LOUISE
My God! My God!
KING
What could be more natural, indeed? You said to yourself, "The King follows me, listens to me, lies in wait for me; the King perhaps wants to amuse himself at my expense -- let's amuse ourselves at his -- and as the King is a ____ of heart let's use the way of the heart. Let's make up this fable -- that I love him, and that I singled him out. The King is so naive and so proud at the same time, that he'll believe me and then we'll go tell about this naivety of the King -- and we'll laugh!"
LOUISE
Ah, to think like that is terrible.
KING
"And that's not all ; if this proud prince comes to take this joke seriously, if he's so imprudent as to publicly show some thing -- like joy -- well before the whole court the King will be humiliated for this one day will be a charming tale to tell my lover -- a share of the dowry I will bring my husband -- this adventure of a King mocked by a malicious young girl.
LOUISE
Sire, I beg you -- can't you see you are killing me?
KING
Oh -- joking.
LOUISE
(falling on her knees and joining her hands)
Sire, I prefer shame to treason.
KING
What are you doing?
LOUISE
Sire, when I've sacrificed my honor and my reason to you, perhaps you'll believe in my honesty. The tale was made up at Madame's and by Madame -- and it is a lie -- and what I told you under the great oak --
KING
Well -- ?
LOUISE
That alone -- is the truth.
KING
Miss.
LOUISE
Sire, so I must die of shame on this spot, I will repeat to you until my voice fails me, I told you that I love you -- well, I love you!
KING
You?
LOUISE
I love you, Sire, since the day I saw you -- when at Blois -- your royal glance fell on me, I love you, Sire! It's a crime of lese majesty, I know, for a poor girl like me to love her King and to tell him so. Punish me for this audacity, scorn me for this imprudence, but don't ever say, don't even believe that I mocked you, that I betrayed you. I come from blood, loyal to royalty, Sire -- and I love -- I love my King! Ah! I am dying.
(she faints)
KING
Help! Someone! She's going to die.
(to Aure and Saint-Aignan who come up running)
AURE
Louise! Louise!
LOUISE
Ah! Sire! Your Majesty has pardoned me then?
(getting up)
Now, Sire, now -- allow me to retire to a convent! I shall bless my King all my life -- and I will die loving God, who gave me a day of happiness.
KING
No, no, you will live here, blessing God on the contrary but loving Louis who will give you a happy life; Louis who lives you with all the strength God has put in him. Louis who will give his life smiling if you ask if of him.
(he takes her in his arms)
LOUISE
Oh, Sire, don't make me repent of having been so honest -- for that would prove to me that Your Majesty scorns me still.
KING
Miss -- I honor and love nothing in this world more than you -- and no other woman at my court -- I swear to God -- will be as esteemed as you will be henceforth -- I ask your pardon for my distraction -- it comes from an excess of love.
(bowing to her and taking her hand)
Miss will you do me the honor of consenting to the kiss that I place on your hand?
(he kisses her hand)
From this moment, you are under my protection, don't speak to anyone of the wrong I did you; forgive what others did to you. In the future you will be so far above them, far from inspiring fear in you, they will only make you pity them the more.
(to Saint-Aignan)
Count, I hope Miss will willingly grant you a bit of her friendship -- in return for that I've vowed to her forever --
SAINT-AIGNAN
(bending his knee to La Valliere)
What joy for me, if Miss will do me such an honor --
KING
(seeing Aure who has come forward)
Miss de Montelais.
LOUISE
Sire -- a friend who's been faithful to me -- always.
KING
I won't forget her.
AURE
Sire!
KING
(to Louise)
Miss -- goodbye or rather au revoir! Do me the kindness of not forgetting me in your heart --
LOUISE
Sire, you are with God in my heart.
AURE
(aside)
Well, this is an ending Madame Henriette didn't foresee.
(Louise goes to the rear accompanying the King -- she casts a glance at the side door and lets out an exclamation.)
KING
What's the matter --
(seeing Athos)
Mr. de la Fere!
ATHOS
Sire, excuse me; I am authorized to enter the apartment of the ladies of honor -- while my son is still with Madame, I was coming to announce to Miss de la Valliere the visit of her fiance --
KING
Her fiance?
KING
My God!
ATHOS
What's wrong with you, Miss? This news seems to produce of strange reaction in you. Your intentions are no longer the same as at Blois? Must I recall your plans, your oaths? As for my -- he hasn't forgotten them -- what's going on -- am I wrong to bring these flattering promises to Raoul?
LOUISE
Count.
(she looks to the King beseechingly)
KING
Promises, sir -- say hopes --
ATHOS
(looking at the King)
Still it seems to me that in the presence of Madame, Your Majesty said.
KING
(excitedly)
Me -- I didn't say a thing --
ATHOS
Madame just now affirmed to me --
KING
(excitedly)
Madame -- Madame --
(aside)
Now I understand -- Louise was right, Madame planned it all -- it's a conspiracy -- I will thwart it --
ATHOS
(looking alternatively to the King and Louise)
Finally, Sire, pardon me for addressing Your Majesty -- has some obstacle suddenly arisen?
KING
Perhaps --
ATHOS
And this obstacle is -- ?
KING
It's -- it's my will --
ATHOS
The will of the King? But this morning when I solicited Your Majesty to reveal your will to me, the King informed me he had none.
KING
This morning -- yes -- Now --
ATHOS
Now what does the King want? Does he deign to consent -- the King hesitates --
KING
I don't hesitate -- I refuse.
LOUISE
(joyfully)
Ah!
ATHOS
Sire --
KING
You still have something to say to me, Count?
ATHOS
Yes, Sire.
KING
(to Louise)
Go, Miss --
(Louise leaves, giving the King a sign of gratitude.)
KING
Well, sir, I'm waiting.
ATHOS
Sire, may I be permitted to humbly ask Your Majesty this reason for his refusal.
KING
The reason -- a question.
ATHOS
I demand, Sire
KING
You've forgotten the custom the court, Mr. de la Fere -- in they court, no one questions the King.
FOUQUET
That's true, Sire -- but if no one questions him -- they conjecture.
ATHOS
They conjecture - what's that mean?
ATHOS
Sire, instead of having a response from Your Majesty on the sudden change that's just taken place -- I am forced to reply to myself.
KING
Sir, I've given you all the free time I have.
ATHOS
Sire, I haven't had the time to tell the King what I have to tell him -- which bursts from my heart.
KING
You were making conjectures -- you are going to pass to offenses?
ATHOS
Oh, Sire, offend the King -- me? Never -- never would I believe that my King, when he gave me his word, would conceal an ulterior motive with his word.
KING
What's that mean -- an ulterior motive?
ATHOS
That by refusing my son the hand of Miss de la Valliere, Your Majesty had some other end than his happiness and his future.
KING
You see clearly, sir, you are offending me.
ATHOS
That, finally in asking a delay, Your Majesty only wanted to separate the fiance form Miss de la Valliere --
KING
Sir --
ATHOS
That's what I've heard said everyone, Sire -- everywhere they talk of the love of Your Majesty from Miss de la Valliere - and what happened just now is the proof of it.
KING
Ill luck to those who meddle in my affairs -- I've taken a role -- I will destroy all obstacles.
ATHOS
What obstacles?
KING
I love Miss de la Valliere --
ATHOS
Well, sacrifice your love, Sire. The sacrifice is worthy of a King -- it is deserved by my services and my devotion. The King by renouncing his love will prove at the same time his generosity, his gratitude and his political sagacity.
KING
Eh! Well, Miss de la Valliere doesn't love Mr. de Brazellone.
ATHOS
The King knows that?
KING
I know it.
ATHOS
For a short while then -- without that, if the King knew that at my first request, His Majesty would have taken the trouble to tell me?
KING
For a short while.
ATHOS
I don't understand then why the King knowing of it sent Mr. de Brazellone to London: that exile, rightfully surprises those who love the honor of the King.
KING
Who speaks of the honor of the King, sir?
ATHOS
The honor of the King, sir, is made form the honor of all his nobility -- when the King offends one of his gentlemen, that is to say when he takes a scrap of his honor -- it's he himself, that's int eh King whose share of honor is stolen.
KING
Mr. de la Fere!
ATHOS
Sire, I am old and I cling to all was truly great and truly strong in the realm. I poured out my blood for your father and for you without asking anything of you or your father -- I've never done wrong to anyone and I've obliged Kings! You shall listen to me! Today, before the entire court, you gave to my son's consent. So be it -- but on behalf of the consent -- so be it -- but on behalf of the King, that was enough. Now you've withdrawn this consent to serve your love -- your weakness -- that's bad. I know these words irritate Your Majesty, but the facts kill us -- I know that you are seeking some punishment to subdue my frankness -- but I know the punishment I shall ask God to inflict on you when I tell him your sin and the wrong to my son. Goodbye, Sire.
(Athos leaves.)
KING
(calling in anger)
Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
(entering)
Here I am.
KING
I just left Mr. de la Fere -- who is an insolent fellow.
D'ARTAGNAN
An insolent fellow?
KING
If you are loath to arrest him yourself, send someone other officer.
D'ARTAGNAN
There is no need for another office, since I am on duty.
KING
The Count is your friend.
D'ARTAGNAN
If he were my father, I would still be on duty.
KING
What are you waiting for?
D'ARTAGNAN
The signed order.
KING
(writing hurriedly)
Here it is.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire -- have you really considered?
KING
Sir -- are you going to brave me, too?
D'ARTAGNAN
I am counting on that, indeed, Sire, for once you've taken that fine action, you wouldn't even dare to look me in the face again.
(The King tosses his pen away violently.)
KING
Get out!
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, not at all, Sire -- if it pleases Your Majesty.
KING
What do you mean, not at all?
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire, I came to speak softly to the King -- the King is distracted -- that's unfortunate, but I won't say less to the King that what I have to tell him.
KING
Your resignation, sir, your resignation?
D'ARTAGNAN
Sire you know that my discharge isn't dear to my heart, since that day at Blois, when Your Majesty refused to King Charles the II the million which the Count, my friend gave him -- I offered my resignation to the King.
KING
Well, then, make it quick.
D'ARTAGNAN
No, Sire, for it's not my resignation which is in question here; Your Majesty took up the pen to place me in the Bastille -- what's he changed his opinion?
KING
D'Artagnan, bull headed Gascon! Who is the King here -- you or me? Look!
D'ARTAGNAN
It's you, Sire, unfortunately!
KING
What do you mean, unfortunately?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sire, for if it was me --
KING
If it was you, you would approve the rebellion of Mr. D'Artagnan, right?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, surely --
KING
Honestly?
D'ARTAGNAN
And I would say to my Captain-General of the Musketeers -- I would tell him -- looking at him with kindly eyes -- I would say to him "Mr. D'Artagnan, I'd forgotten that I am the King, I descended from my throne to outrage a gentleman -- "
KING
Sir, do you think to excuse your friend by surpassing him in insolence?
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, Sire -- I will really go much farther than he -- I will tell you what he didn't tel you. Sire, you've sacrificed the Count de la Fere; he spoke to you in the name of honor, of religion and virtue -- you repulsed him, kicked him out, imprisoned him!
As for me, I will be more hard then he -- and I will way to you -- choose -- do you want people to serve you or do you want them to bend to you? Do you want them to love you or do you want them to fear you? If you prefer baseness, intrigue, cowardice, oh -- say so, Sire; we will leave, the rest of us -- those who remain -- I will tell you more -- the only models of valor in the past, we who served and perhaps surpassed in courage, in merit -- men already great to posterity -- choose, Sire, and hurry -- those of your great lords remaining -- keep them -- you will still have plenty of courtiers -- hurry and send me to the Bastille with my friend -- that's what I have to tell you -- pardon me, Sire, you were at fault to push me to do it.
(He draws his sword and respectfully approaches Louis XIV, places it on the table. The King with a ferocious gesture pushes it away -- and the sword falls on the floor and rolls to D'Artagnan's feet. The latter, after a moment of stupification takes it up with emotion.)
D'ARTAGNAN
A king can disgrace a soldier, he can exile him, he can condemn him to death, but were he a hundred times King, he has no right to insult him by dishonoring his sword. Sire a King of France has never repulsed with scorn the sword of a man like me. This soiled sword, think of it, Sire, it has no other scabbard now than my heart. May my blood fall back on your head!
(With a rapid gesture, leaning the hilt of the sword on the floor, he turns the point on his breast. The King rushes with an even more rapid movement than D'Artagnan's, throws his right hand on D'Artagnan's neck and his left seizes the middle of the blade of the sword and silently replaces it in the scabbard -- then softened, returns to the table and tears up the order.)
KING
Mr. D'Artagnan, your friend is free!
(D'Artagnan seizes the royal hand, kisses it and leaves without a word.)
(curtain)
The Bastille -- same as in the third scene.
BASIEMAUX
(at dinner with Aramis)
Come, Chevalier, to you health!
ARAMIS
(to a servant who enters)
Well, what is it?
VALET
A message that a courier just brought from Fontainbleau.
BASIEMAUX
(after having torn open the envelope)
A release order. Did you ever? Nice news to disturb us with.
ARAMIS
Admit at least, that it's good for the one concerned.
BASIEMAUX
At 9:30 in the evening!
ARAMIS
Come -- some charity!
BASIEMAUX
From charity, I wish him well -- but it's for this comedian who's bored not for me who amuse myself.
ARAMIS
Is it a loss that you are going to have --
BASIEMAUX
Ah, indeed yes, a three pound note, but still since the detainee interests you --
ARAMIS
As for me, I don't know him, but like the poet Terrence, "I am a man and nothing human is foreign to me."
(opening the paper and reading)
BASIEMAUX
Tomorrow, at daybreak, he shall leave.
ARAMIS
Why not tonight? At the top of the letter is the word "expedite."
BASIEMAUX
Yes, but tonight we are dining and we are in a hurry, too.
ARAMIS
Dear Montlezun, charity is a duty more imperious than hungry and thirst -- how long has this wretch been a prisoner?
BASIEMAUX
For 10 years.
ARAMIS
Ten years, that's long! Shorten his suffering by a dozen hours -- a nice moment awaits him -- give it to him quickly.
BASIEMAUX
You wish it.
ARAMIS
I beg you --
BASIEMAUX
Like that -- ruining dinner?
ARAMIS
I beseech you --
BASIEMAUX
Then let it be as you wish -- Francois! Francois! Well -- the comedian doesn't come!
(he rises to go to the door and call Francois, Aramis replaces the order with a similar one, Francois appears)
Francois let them bring the Major with his turnkeys from la Berthandiere.
ARAMIS
If you make them open his prison right away -- we'll announce this news ourselves to the poor devil.
BASIEMAUX
Francois, the Major will open the prison of Mr. Seldon, #3 la Berthandiere.
ARAMIS
Seldon, you said Seldon, I think?
BASIEMAUX
I said Seldon -- that's the name of the one to be released.
ARAMIS
You mean Marchiali?
BASIEMAUX
Marchiali -- ah, indeed, yes! So -- Seldon.
ARAMIS
I think you are making an error, my dear Montlezun.
BASIEMAUX
I read the order.
ARAMIS
I, too.
BASIEMAUX
And I saw Seldon in big letters like this.
(points with his finger)
ARAMIS
(also pointing)
And, I, Marchiali in large characters like this.
BASIEMAUX
Let's clarify this -- it's quite easy. There's the paper -- let's read.
ARAMIS
(unfolding the paper)
I read "Marchiali".
BASIEMAUX
(reading)
"Marchiali" yes, indeed it is Marchiali.
ARAMIS
You see?
BASIEMAUX
(astonished)
Why the one they fear so much -- the one they commended to me so carefully.
ARAMIS
(insisting)
It's Marchiali then?
BASIEMAUX
I have to admit that's phenomenal. I saw the order and the name Seldon. I see it and I even recall it under the name -- there was a blot of ink.
ARAMIS
Still, although you have seen it, dear Mr. de Montlezun, the order is signed to deliver Marchiali with or without a blot and there's the order. You are going to free this prisoner. If your heart tells you to free Seldon at the same time, do it; I declare to you I am not opposed in any manner since as you recall Seldon was recommended to me.
BASIEMAUX
I will free the prisoner Marchiali after I've recalled the courier who brought the ______ and interrogated him so I will be _____ --
ARAMIS
(interrupting him)
The order was sealed and the courier ignorant of the contents; of what can you assure yourself -- ? Speak.
BASIEMAUX
If necessary, I will send to the ministry and Mr. de Lionne to redo the order or confirm it.
ARAMIS
What's the good of that?
BASIEMAUX
To assure myself I am obeying -- not indeed some false order, but indeed the order of my superiors.
ARAMIS
And your superiors are?
BASIEMAUX
Mr. de Lionne, first of all --
ARAMIS
And above Mr. de Lionne?
BASIEMAUX
The King.
ARAMIS
Isn't there yet another whom you ought to obey?
BASIEMAUX
(terrified)
Sir! Sir!
ARAMIS
Don't you belong to a mysterious organization? Say yet -- say no -- but say one is the other -- we have no time to lose.
BASIEMAUX
Pardon, sir -- but --
ARAMIS
Drink a glass of this excellent Muscatel, Montlezun -- you seem terrified my friend.
FRANCOIS
Governor, here's a number 3 from Berthandiere, they are bringing --
ARAMIS
(coldly)
Tell them it's a mistake and it's not him -- we are not explained about the question I am putting to you -- when you've answered yes or no, well -- you will decide --
BASIEMAUX
Take the prisoner back to his room and wait for new orders.
ARAMIS
Very well!
(Francois leaves)
BASIEMAUX
My God!
ARAMIS
(insisting)
Ah -- then you belong to this organization?
BASIEMAUX
Me?
ARAMIS
You admitted that a moment ago by sending the prisoner Seldon to his room -- you obeyed the order that the organization gave you by way of my mouth. Well, you know one thing, dear Mr. de Montlezun -- it's that you can't be linked to an organization to enjoy the advantages it produces for it's members as for example paying 150,000 for him without being compelled oneself to some little services.
BASIEMAUX
In those circumstances, still -- sir --
ARAMIS
Then there is an engagement taken by all governors and captains of affiliated fortresses to obey all orders -- verbal or written --
BASIEMAUX
Yes -- but you don't have that order.
ARAMIS
Here it is! Ah, yes, it's true the seal is missing --
(he takes some wax -- plans a seal on it with his ring, then shows it to the stupefied Basiemaux)
Come, come, don't make me believe Mr. de Montlezun that the presence of the Chief is terrible like that of God and that one dies having seen him.
(with severity)
It's true one might die and certainly would die for not having obeyed him -- get up then and obey!
BASIEMAUX
Oh -- I'll never recover from such a blow! I who joked with you -- I who dared treat you on a footing of equality --
ARAMIS
Recall francois.
BASIEMAUX
And --
ARAMIS
And obey the order of the King countersigned by de Lionne.
BASIEMAUX
(going to the door, to Francois who enters)
Bring here #2 Berthandiere.
ARAMIS
Marvelous, my dear Montlezun. Well, you see it wasn't as difficult as all that.
BASIEMAUX
Yes, but the consequences.
ARAMIS
You are naive, Mr. de Montlezun -- don't bother reflecting when others take the trouble to think for you. Anyway who knows what this order will accomplish?
BASIEMAUX
What do you mean?
ARAMIS
Yes -- everything's going to depend on my conversation with this young man. After 10 minutes of conversation, perhaps you will say - "This order is false. Take this prisoner back to his room."
BASIEMAUX
(joyous)
Oh!
ARAMIS
But then again, after these 10 minutes of conversation, perhaps I shall tell you, "This order is good. Release the prisoner."
BASIEMAUX
And me, during this time?
ARAMIS
You wills tay by this door -- you will guard us or you and you will make sure no one hears us.
BASIEMAUX
Here's the prisoner.
(Marchiali enters.)
ARAMIS
Withdraw and leave us alone.
ARAMIS
(after giving Marchiali a sign to sit down)
Sir, you received, yesterday, a letter in your bread?
MARCHIALI
Yes, sir --
ARAMIS
That letter announced to you then was going to be a great change in your destiny?
MARCHIALI
Yes, sir --
ARAMIS
That a man would come to the Bastille who would have an important revelation to make you.
MARCHIALI
Yes, sir.
ARAMIS
I am that man.
MARCHIALI
I am listening.
ARAMIS
The last time that I had the honor of seeing you, a third was there who of necessity stopped in my lips and on yours complete confidence ready to leave, all secrets ready to escape.
MARCHIALI
I don't have any secret to keep nor confidence to make, there was no constraint on my part.
ARAMIS
The first time I had the honor to see you, I asked you what was the crime you committed that placed you in the Bastille and you evaded replying -- permit me to renew to you the same question.
MARCHIALI
And why do you think that I should have more confidence in you today than a week ago?
ARAMIS
Because we are alone and you received a letter that informed you of my visit.
MARCHIALI
That letter was not signed; as for you -- I don't know you --
ARAMIS
So you refuse to confess to me the crime you committed.
MARCHIALI
If you want me to tell you what crime I committed, explain to me what a crime is as far as I feel nothing in me to reproach myself with -- I tell myself that I am not a criminal.
ARAMIS
Sometimes one is a criminal in the eyes of the great of the Earth, not only for having committed a crime but because you know that a crime has been committed.
MARCHIALI
You are right, sir -- and it would be in this that I become quality in the eyes of the greats of the Earth.
ARAMIS
Ah -- you know something?
MARCHIALI
No -- I know nothing -- but I think sometimes and I tell myself --
ARAMIS
What do you say to yourself?
MARCHIALI
That if I wanted to examine my thoughts or if I became insane or --
ARAMIS
Or -- ?
MARCHIALI
Or I could divine things --
ARAMIS
Well -- then -- ?
MARCHIALI
Then I stop -- terrified of going too far.
ARAMIS
You don't have confidence in God?
MARCHIALI
Indeed, but I fear men.
ARAMIS
Isn't God in everything?
MARCHIALI
Say at the end of all things, sir --
ARAMIS
(shivering)
So be it!
(to himself)
I am not dealing with any ordinary man -- so much the better.
(aloud)
Are you ambitious.
MARCHIALI
What's ambition?
ARAMIS
It's a feeling that pushes a man to want more than he has.
MARCHIALI
I've said I was satisfied, sir, but it is possible I was mistaken. See -- open my mind -- I ask nothing better, sir.
ARAMIS
An ambitious man is one who lusts above his status.
MARCHIALI
I am ignorant of who I am; I cannot lust above my status.
ARAMIS
The last time that I saw you, you lied to me.
MARCHIALI
(excitedly)
Lied, me? You told me, sir, I believe, that I lied.
ARAMIS
I meant to say, sir, that you concealed from me what you know of your childhood.
MARCHIALI
A man's secrets are his own and not for the first comer -- one doesn't let by being quiet.
ARAMIS
Oh, if I dared I would take your hand and kiss it.
MARCHIALI
Kiss the hand of a prisoner -- and why?
ARAMIS
You make me despair -- if you knew all I've dreamed for you.
MARCHIALI
I make you despair?
ARAMIS
Yes, for sometimes I think I have the man I'm looking for in front of my eyes -- and then suddenly.
MARCHIALI
And suddenly -- this man disappears?
ARAMIS
Decidedly, I have nothing to say to one who distrusts me to the degree you do.
MARCHIALI
Nor I -- who doesn't understand that a prisoner ought to be distrustful over everyone.
ARAMIS
Even of his old friends?
MARCHIALI
You are one of my old friends? You are -- ?
ARAMIS
Look -- don't you ever recall having seen once, in the village where you spend your first childhood --
MARCHIALI
First of all -- what was the name of the village?
ARAMIS
Noisy-le-See.
MARCHIALI
Continue, sir.
ARAMIS
Don't you recall having seen at Noisy-le-See 15 or 18 years ago -- a cavalier who came -- accompanying a lady usually dressed in a black dress with ribbons the color of fire in her hair?
MARCHIALI
Yes, once I asked the name of that Cavalier and they told me his name was the Chevalier d'Herblay.
ARAMIS
I am the Chevalier d'Herblay.
MARCHIALI
I know it; I recognized you.
ARAMIS
Well -- if you know that, then I must inform you of something -- it's that if the presence of the Chevalier d'Herblay here was known to the King this evening -- tomorrow the Chevalier d'Herblay would see the axe of an executioner shine from the depths of a cell more somber and forlorn than yours; you can have confidence in me run a risk that cannot reach Your Royal Highness.
MARCHIALI
But, sir, if you know who I am, why try to make me admit it?
ARAMIS
I wanted to know if you knew yourself.
MARCHIALI
I know myself.
ARAMIS
You know then that you are the twin brother of Louis the XIV -- perhaps his elder and consequently the throne of france belongs as much to you, perhaps even more to you -- than Louis XIV.
MARCHIALI
I know it.
ARAMIS
In that case, you are indeed the one I seek.
(on his knees)
Your hand, Sire.
MARCHIALI
What are you doing?
ARAMIS
I am swearing devotion and fidelity to my King and I hope that he will never forget that I am the first who took this oath to him and offered his life to him in the depths of his prison.
MARCHIALI
Sir, sir, what's the use of tempting me? You said it yourself, I am in the depths of prison.
ARAMIS
Here is the order that will get you out.
MARCHIALI
Who obtained this order?
ARAMIS
I did.
MARCHIALI
My brother consented?
ARAMIS
What does it matter in what way this order got here, since it is here, since the governor is not refusing to obey it -- What! You don't accept? You are not rushing to leave prison -- you see a throne in view and yo don't hurl yourself towards that throne?
MARCHIALI
You tell me of a throne, sir, as if I had not put my foot on its first steps. But that throne is occupied -- and how will you restore it to me with the rank, the right, the power, they took from me? Ah, sir, don't speak of this throne -- but throw me tomorrow in some deep valley, in the depths of some deep wood, in the midst of some savage desert -- give me that joy so I can hear freely the noise of the wind in the trees, the murmur of the stream over rocks, the song of the birds in the grass or foliage -- to see the azure firmament or the stormy heaven -- and that's enough -- don't promise me more -- for you cannot give me more, and it would be a crime to deceive me since you say you are my friend.
ARAMIS
Milord, I admire your feeling -- so proper so delicate -- which dictates your words -- and I am happy to have divined my King.
MARCHIALI
From mercy -- don't abuse it. As for me, I tell you, I have no need of a throne to be happy.
ARAMIS
So be it, but as for me, I need you to be King for humanity to be happy.
MARCHIALI
What does humanity have to reproach my brother with?
ARAMIS
Isn't your captivity ____ -- isn't it a crime?
MARCHIALI
OH, yes, for he could himself come to his prison to take me by the hand and say to me, "My brother, God created us to love each other and not to fight each other, I am coming to you. A savage prejudice condemned you to perish obscurely in the depths of a cell, far from all men deprived of all joys. Well, I want to attach you to the side of our father's sword will you profit from my generosity to choke me; to constrain me?" Oh no -- I would have replied to him, I regard you as my savior -- and will respect you as my master. You will give me, indeed, more than has given me in giving me life, since through you I have the right to love and be loved in this world.
ARAMIS
And you would have kept your word, Milord?
MARCHIALI
On my life.
ARAMIS
While now -- ?
MARCHIALI
Now, I feel I have to punish the guilty.
ARAMIS
There come -- don't waste time.
MARCHIALI
One word more.
ARAMIS
Speak, but let it be the last-time as running out.
MARCHIALI
When will it be noticed that the King of France is no longer Louis XIV?
ARAMIS
The King of France will still be called Louis XIV.
MARCHIALI
When will it be seen that my brother no longer reigns?
ARAMIS
Who will see it?
MARCHIALI
Why -- my mother Monsieur d'Orleans, the great dignitaries of the realm, the royal household -- the people -- the whole world.
ARAMIS
Oh, my God -- Is it possible that you don't know?
MARCHIALI
What?
ARAMIS
The true course of your detention?
MARCHIALI
I told you already that I know it, sir --
ARAMIS
Have you ever seen a portrait of the King, your brother?
MARCHIALI
No never.
ARAMIS
(presenting him with a medallion)
Well -- hold on -- here's one.
MARCHIALI
Ah -- this here is my brother.
ARAMIS
Yes and you?
MARCHIALI
Me? What do you mean?
ARAMIS
Have you sometimes looked closely in a mirror.
MARCHIALI
In the depths of a cell?
ARAMIS
(taking down a mirror and placing it before his eyes)
Then look at yourself.
MARCHIALI
(comparing the portrait with his own image)
Just God! What a resemblance.
ARAMIS
Well.
MARCHIALI
I understand everything now -- oh, my brother! My brother!
ARAMIS
To you his seat on the throne. To him your place in this prison.
MARCHIALI
Sir, if you can restore to me the place God destined for me in the sun of fortune and glory, and if, thanks to you I can live in the memory of men and do honor to my race by some illustrious deeds or some services rendered to my people -- if form the rank where I languished, I am elevated to the height of honors, supported by your generous and protective hand -- well, to you that I bless and thank to you the half of my power and my glory, you will still be too little paid for never will I succeed in sharing with you all the happiness you will have given me.
ARAMIS
Milord -- your nobility of heart fills me with ____ and admiration. Now -- be calm -- you won't be King until you've passed through the last gate of the Bastille.
MARCHIALI
I am calm: see.
ARAMIS
You will be a great King, Sire -- for you are already a great heart. Basiemaux.
(Basiemaux enters.)
ARAMIS
My dear governor, announce yourself to this gentlemen. He is free --
BASIEMAUX
(to Marchiali)
First of all swear -- it's part of the regulation that you will never reveal anything you've heard in the Bastille.
MARCHIALI
I swear it.
BASIEMAUX
You are free, then.
MARCHIALI
May God keep you in health and dignity, sir.
ARAMIS
(to Basiemaux)
Wait, Montlezun -- your discharge.
(leave with the Prince)
(blackout)
The Gardens of the Chateau at Vaux.
A party given the King by Fouquet.
Ballet of Amazons
After the divertisement the carriages of the King and Queen Mother are brought forward. Their Majesties get in the carriages, as does Madame and leave for the Hung -- preceded by a detachment of Musketeers and surrounded by the cavalcade of ladies and gentleman.
(curtain)
The Chateaux de Vaux -- the room of Morph____.
ARAMIS
(opening a great oval window above the alcove which occupies the back of the room)
Observe, Milord.
MARCHIALI
What is this room?
ARAMIS
It's the room the King sleeps in.
MARCHIALI
And the one we are in?
ARAMIS
It's the blue room that I always occupy at the Chateau of Vaux -- as you see it -- it is above that of the King and I chose it on purpose.
MARCHIALI
You can choose them?
ARAMIS
Am I not the friend of Mr. Fouquet? Don't I dispose of everything at Vaux in his absence and act as Superintendent?
In a word, didn't I organize the party? Carpenters, painters, locksmiths, mechanics, all obey my orders and you will soon see the particular way in which I've arranged the King's bed.
MARCHIALI
The King's bed.
ARAMIS
By the way -- am I permitted to address a question to Your Royal Highness.
MARCHIALI
Do so.
ARAMIS
I sent to Your Highness a man of mine entrusted with delivering a notebook written carefully which will permit Your Highness to know in detail all the persons who compose and will compose his court.
MARCHIALI
I've read all those notes.
ARAMIS
Attentively.
MARCHIALI
I know them by heart.
(seeing D'Artagnan cross the room)
I recognize him from the portrait you gave me of him.
ARAMIS
Yes, Sire, Mr. D'Artagnan, your Captain-General of the Musketeers, faithful as a dog, biting sometimes if D'Artagnan doesn't recognize you before the other has vanished -- count on D'Artagnan in any extremity for then having seen nothing he will keep loyal -- if he sees it too late, he's a Gascon and will never admit he was deceived.
MARCHIALI
Ah!
ARAMIS
What's wrong?
MARCHIALI
Heavens! My mother -- oh -- how she made me suffer. No matter -- she's my mother.
ARAMIS
Sire -- no imprudence!
(he reshuts the oval window. The ladies of the court enter -- preceding the Queen)
QUEEN
Look, Mr. D'Artagnan, tell me what has happened -- tell me what's causing my son's fury.
D'ARTAGNAN
Madame, I suspect Mr. Colbert of having greatly antagonized the King against Mr. Fouquet.
QUEEN
Against Mr. Fouquet?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Madame. They are talking about a letter from the Superintendent to Miss de la Valliere -- this letter supervised by Mr. Colbert, has by him been delivered to the King. That, without doubt is why His Majesty has ordered me to come here to await an arrest order.
QUEEN
An arrest order! Against Mr. Fouquet.
KING
(entering, to D'Artagnan)
Keep an eye on Mr. Fouquet until I've made a decision.
D'ARTAGNAN
And when will the King make his decision?
KING
This very night. And now let me be left alone.
QUEEN
Alone?
KING
I have no need of anyone.
QUEEN
Not even me?
KING
No, mother, no -- I thank you.
QUEEN
A final word, my son -- shall I discharge the persons gathered in the gallery --
KING
(bitterly)
No -- no -- let them remain -- let them rejoice over the marvels of Mr. Fouquet, while awaiting the surprise I am preparing for them.
(to Saint-Aignan)
Did you warn Miss de la Valliere? Did you tell her to come here -- I want to see her -- I want -- ah -- I am in pain.
(Everyone leaves.)
SAINT-AIGNAN
Sire -- here's Miss de la Valliere.
(he leaves)
LOUISE
Sire, what's wrong with you?
KING
(with rage)
I'm suffering from humiliation.
LOUISE
From humiliation! Oh -- what do you mean, Sire?
KING
I say that -- here, where I am, no other should be the master. Well, see if I am not eclipsed, me, the King of france by the King of this domain. Oh, when I think this King is an unfaithful servant who waxes proud with my stolen wealth! Also, I am going to change his party to a wake, of which the nymph of Vaux as the poets say of this impudent minister will long preserve the memory.
LOUISE
Ah, Your Majesty.
KING
Well, Miss, are you going to take the part of Mr. Fouquet?
LOUISE
No, Sire -- I will only ask of you if you are well-informed, Your Majesty has learned the value of accusations of the court --
KING
Accusations? Oh, this time I know how things stand and Mr. D'Artagnan will have terrible orders.
LOUISE
Terrible orders?
KING
Eh, yes, by God! I will him to arrest this titan of pride, who, faithful to his devil, threatens to scale my heaven.
LOUISE
Arrest Mr. Fouquet, who at this moment is ruing himself to do honor to his King?
KING
How you defend him!
LOUISE
Sire, it's not Mr. Fouquet I am defending, it's you yourself.
KING
Myself? You are defending me? Truly, Miss -- you put a strange passion in what you say.
LOUISE
I put passion -- not into what I say, Sire, but into serving Your Majesty, I'd put if need be, my life and that with the same passion, Sire, when the King acts well -- if the King wrongs me or mine, I am silent, but the King serves me, me or those I love -- if the King acts badly -- I will tell him, I dare to tell him because I love him.
KING
Eh! Miss -- it seems to me that Mr. Colbert, who instructed me, who revealed everything to me -- it seems to me that Mr. Colbert also loves his King.
LOUISE
Yes, we both love him, each in his way. Only as for me, I love him so strongly that all the world knows it, so ______ that the King himself doesn't doubt my love -- but whatever touches his honor touches my life -- so, I repent those who wish to dishonor the King are those who counsel him to arrest Mr. Fouquet in his home.
KING
Miss, take care I would only have to say a word.
LOUISE
Sire, don't say it; that word would be a word of wrath! Mr. Fouquet has committed enemies, I know -- because the King said it, and the moment the King says it, believe. I don't require any this mouth to affirm it. But were Mr. Fouquet the last of men, where his house a den of counterfitters -- his house is _____, his castle is invisible, since his wife and his king are lodging here! It's a place of asylum that executioners would not violate.
KING
Well, Miss, if I am angry at Mr. Fouquet it's not because he stole my finances, it's not because with my gold, he corrupts my secretaries, generals, friends, artists -- it's because he doesn't even respect my most cherished affections -- it's because he dares to raise his eyes to you -- actually, it's because he wrote you.
LOUISE
Wrote me?
KING
Wrote you! Do you recognize this letter?
LOUISE
This letter! How should I recognize this letter since I never received it?
KING
You never received this letter?
LOUISE
Never!
KING
Never?
LOUISE
I swear it.
KING
You swear it?
LOUISE
Before God! Do you believe me, Sire?
KING
(aside)
Her look is so pure, so shining in frankness -- and love! How to suspect?
(aloud)
Louise, I believe you --yes I believe you -- this letter never reached you. It never soiled your hand or your eyes -- but still -- this man wrote you -- I will avenge myself.
LOUISE
Oh, Sire, no vengeance. Don't cost anyone tears or sorrows --
KING
Not even --
LOUISE
Not even the author of this letter.
KING
You are the best, the sweetest of women. No one will ever have the empire over me that you do. You order me to be calm, I am calm. You want me to reign through kindness -- through clemency -- I will be kind and clement; you are my life -- you are my soul.
LOUISE
This is really true -- you love me?
KING
Yes, I love you on both knees -- with all the strength God has put in my heart.
LOUISE
There I have nothing more to wish for, for your love, Sire -- is all my happiness in this world.
(An usher enters.)
KING
What's wrong?
USHER
Sire, Her Highness Madame requires the services of Miss de la Valliere.
LOUISE
I am leaving my King and wish him a night full of all the feelings I myself bear away. Goodbye, Sire, goodbye.
KING
Louise -- I love you -- ! I love you !
LaValliere offers her face -- the King places a kiss on it as she flees)
(alone)
I promised her -- I will pardon, Mr. Fouquet -- yes, but will he pardon Colbert? Oh, I am broken -- it's too much emotion.
(throwing himself on the bed)
What I am testing is how annihilating it is. It seems to me I am sleeping awake -- that the light is disappearing little by little -- that the objects are insensibly disappearing -- and that this bed itself -- ah --
(his voice is snuffed out and the bed disappears under ground)
ARAMIS
(reopening the oval window and leaning out)
Porthos -- are you there?
PORTHOS
(from below)
Yes.
ARAMIS
Well --
(there is a choked scream)
PORTHOS
It's done!
ARAMIS
(to Marchiali)
Now, Sire, deign to take your place in the royal bed.
MARCHIALI
I abandon myself to you --
(The oval window shuts. A bed exactly like the one that disappeared is lowered slowly from the ceiling. Marchiali is stretched out on it. Aramis is standing at the foot of the bed.)
ARAMIS
A royal tomb has just opened and shut; a new reign begins. Sire, your first minister -- can he act now.
(an affirmative sign from Marchiali)
First of all, the superintendent.
(opening the door to the left)
Let someone go find Mr. Fouquet -- King's order.
(returning to the desk and making the King sign a paper)
Let them have notice Mr. Baron du Vallen, candlebearer at the King's bedding -- ! Poor Porthos -- is he going to be happy and proud!
(shouts outside)
The King! The King.
It's the people asking for Your Majesty! Go, Sire, go -- everything depends on you now; you are face-to-face with your destiny -- Go boldly to it!
(new shouts of Long Live the King!)
(Marchiali hesitates for a moment, then rushes through the door to the right. Aramis follows him. After a moment, the Usher, D'Artagnan and Fouquet enter.)
USHER
Enter, gentlemen and wait.
FOUQUET
(with astonishment)
The King asks to see me after having me arrested? What's it mean? Never mind -- I feel I am ruined.
D'ARTAGNAN
What's happened seems to me to auger well -- and yet you are sad, sir.
FOUQUET
You are mistaken, sir, I am only pensive.
D'ARTAGNAN
Your eyes follow some invisible idea.
FOUQUET
Not an idea, a phantom.
D'ARTAGNAN
And this phantom?
FOUQUET
It's my greatest enemy -- solitude -- solitude that I foresee around my disgrace. I've never lived alone, my captain, I am nothing at all alone. I've employed my life to make some friends from whom I hoped one day to receive support. Poverty, I don't fear, I've often foreseen it in the midst of all my triumphs. I will never be poor with friends like La Fontaine, Pelisson, Moliere -- but on top of poverty, there will be solitude, exile, prison. Oh, if you knew how alone I am in this moment, sir -- and how to me you who will soon separate me from all I love -- seem the image of solitude, nothingness -- death!
D'ARTAGNAN
Good! You are exaggerating things; at bottom the King loves you.
FOUQUET
Yes -- cruelly.
D'ARTAGNAN
Only one day or another he will ruin you.
FOUQUET
I defy him to do that -- I'm already ruined.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, I see with pleasure that you take the thing in good part. You belong to posterity Mr. Fouquet -- having played a great role in the history of your times, and you don't have the right to lessen it. Here, look at me I who seem to exercise superiority over you because I arrested you. Fate which distributes their roles to actors in this world has given me a less beautiful a less agreeable role to play them yours was. You've abused money, you've commanded, you've played all things; as for me, I've dragged my reins, I've obeyed, I've suffered. Well, little as I approved you, sir, the memory of the little I've done, spurs me like a goal and prevents me from bending my old head too soon. I will be atop a good cavalry horse and I will fall rigid still living after having indeed chosen my role.
Do like me, Mr. Fouquet, you will find myself less ill -- this only happens once to men like you -- to fall -- for the fall from so high that they are destroyed by the flow -- the thing is too close one's role as I told you when it happens. There's a later proverb whose words I've forgotten but whose since I recall for my whole life I've mediated on it. "The end crowns the work."
FOUQUET
That's a fine sermon!
D'ARTAGNAN
A Musketeer's sermon, Milord.
FOUQUET
You love me then, you tell me all this?
D'ARTAGNAN
Perhaps.
(one hears shouts outside: long live the King)
Here's the King without doubt -- what do I see ? Mr. d'Herblay at the King's side?
(Aramis, entering, paper in hand.)
FOUQUET
Aramis.
ARAMIS
(to Fouquet)
Yes, me, Milord -- I who bring you liberty!
FOUQUET
I am free.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- oh -- what's that?
ARAMIS
(to D'Artagnan)
Order of the King -- indeed!
FOUQUET
To whom do I owe this sudden reversal?
D'ARTAGNAN
And inexplicable.
ARAMIS
To me.
FOUQUET
To you?
D'ARTAGNAN
How's it happen you've become the favorite of the King -- you who've never spoken two words to him in your life?
ARAMIS
My friends, you think I've seen the King only twice, while I've seen him often -- very often -- only we hid it -- that's all.
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't understand.
ARAMIS
My dear D'Artagnan -- go to the King -- here -- There he is in the gallery; ask him if this order is indeed real.
D'ARTAGNAN
But --
ARAMIS
Go, go! What the devil! Don't you see His Majesty -- ?
D'ARTAGNAN
Indeed -- in person -- I'm going there. I'm going there. This is fine -- but the devil take me if I understand any of it.
(returns Fouquet his sword and leaves)
FOUQUET
My word, my dear d'Herblay, I confess to you that me neither -- I absolutely understand nothing of what's happening? Will you explain it to me, finally?
ARAMIS
Yes -- in short. You were just arrested as a betrayer of your office, you were going to be judged by the parliament as an embezzler -- as a thief, you would have been condemned to exile, prison, perhaps to death.
FOUQUET
Well?
ARAMIS
Well -- now you are free.
FOUQUET
But how?
ARAMIS
Mr. Colbert was growing great, the King hated you; Mr. Colbert is now only a clerk and the King loves you.
FOUQUET
Speak clearly or I'll go mad.
ARAMIS
Do you recall the birth of Louis XIV?
FOUQUET
Like yesterday.
ARAMIS
Didn't you hear anything said about this birth?
FOUQUET
Nothing, except that he really might not be the son of Louis XIII.
ARAMIS
That's not it; didn't you hear it said that the queen gave birth to twins?
FOUQUET
Never!
ARAMIS
It was so.
FOUQUET
And so -- ?
ARAMIS
They suppressed one of the two twins; they put him in the Bastille.
FOUQUET
And the other?
ARAMIS
The other one they put on the throne. The two twins resembled each other to such a degree that their mother would be deceived -- and is being deceived at this moment.
FOUQUET
Fine! Fine! You were counting on me to help you repair the wrong done to the poor brother of Louis XII? You really thought I would help you; thanks d'Herblay, thanks!
ARAMIS
That's not it at all.
FOUQUET
Then you went to find the King when you learned the news of my arrest, you begged him, he refused to hear you -- you threatened to reveal the secret and Louis XIV overwhelmed, granted to this treat what he refused your generous intercession. I understand -- I understand -- you hold the King.
ARAMIS
You don't understand the least in the world.
FOUQUET
Then what do you mean?
ARAMIS
What do I mean? I mean the King who was ruining you, the King who hates the King who was having you arrested who was going to deliver you to exile, to prison -- perhaps to death -- that one has vanished into the depths of the deepest cells of the Chateau de Vaux and tomorrow will disappear even more profoundly still -- for he will return to the Bastille under the name of Marchiali -- that is to say his brother.
FOUQUET
While his brother -- ?
ARAMIS
Well, why you see him, it's he who just ordered your liberty -- it's he who instead of _______ you is going to enrich you -- instead of degrading you is going to cover you with honors -- make you great among the great, duke, prince -- whatever you like finally.
FOUQUET
Just heaven -- and who has managed this horrible mechanization.
ARAMIS
Me.
FOUQUET
You have dethroned the King? You've imprisoned him?
ARAMIS
Yes.
FOUQUET
And the action took place here?
ARAMIS
Yes, right here -- in this room.
FOUQUET
At Vaux -- in my home?
ARAMIS
At Vaux -- in your home -- for Vaux is especially yours since Mr. Colbert can no longer steal it from you.
FOUQUET
In my home, this crime?
ARAMIS
This crime?
FOUQUET
This abominable crime! This crime more execrable than a murder -- this crime which forever dishonors my name and dooms me to the horror of posterity.
ARAMIS
You are delirious, sir -- you are speaking too loud, take care.
FOUQUET
I will shout so loud that the universe will hear me.
ARAMIS
Mr. Fouquet! Be careful!
FOUQUET
Yes, you have dishonored me by committing this treason -- this attempt against one who was reposing peacefully under my roof. Oh! Misfortune to you!
ARAMIS
Misfortune to the one who under your roof, mediated the ruin of your fortune -- of your life!
FOUQUET
He was my quest -- he was my King.
ARAMIS
Am I dealing with an idiot?
FOUQUET
You are dealing with an honest man!
ARAMIS
Fool!
FOUQUET
A man who prefers to kill you than let you consummate his dishonor.
(drawing his sword)
ARAMIS
Fool!
(The superintendent hurls the sword.)
FOUQUET
Sir, it would be nicer for me to die here so as not to survive to my shame. If you still have some friendship for me, I beg you -- give me death. You say nothing?
ARAMIS
Consider all that awaits us, this justice being done, the King still lives, and his imprisonment saves your life.
FOUQUET
You really tried to act in my interest -- so be it -- but I cannot accept your service. Still, I don't wish to ruin you; you are going to leave this house -- I am responsible for all, you will not be sacrificed any more than he whose ruin you plotted.
ARAMIS
You will be ruined -- you -- you will be ruined!
FOUQUET
I accept the prophecy -- but nothing will stop me. You are going to leave Vaux, you are going to leave France. I give you four hours to put yourself beyond the King's reach.
ARAMIS
Four hours?
FOUQUET
It's more than enough for you to embark and reach Belle-Isle that I gave you for refuge.
ARAMIS
Ah!
FOUQUET
Belle Isle will be for you as Vaux is for the King -- so long as I live not a single hair on your head will fall. Go!
ARAMIS
Oh -- misfortune!
FOUQUET
Get going! Let's both run -- you to save your life -- me to save my honor!
ARAMIS
(falling annihilated into an armchair)
Ah! Fouquet, your honesty destroys me -- your generosity kills me.
(Fouquet leaves precipitously -- Porthos appears a few moments later.)
ARAMIS
Porthos -- you were there? You heard? Ah?
PORTHOS
So here we are embroiled with Louis XIV and I who thought I was serving the true King.
ARAMIS
Pardon, Porthos, I deceived you, but I will take it all on myself.
PORTHOS
What are you saying, friend?
ARAMIS
No, no, I pray you -- let me do it. No untimely devotion! You know nothing of my plans -- you did nothing by yourself. As for me, it's different. I alone am the author of the plot. I had need of my inseparable companion; I called you and you came to me -- remembering our old slogan "All for one, one for all". My crime, dear Porthos was that of being an egoist.
PORTHOS
There's a word I like -- since you acted only for yourself it will be impossible for me to bear you a grudge for it -- it's so natural.
ARAMIS
Ah! Porthos, in the presence of your naive grandeur -- how small I find myself -- but what to do? How to decide?
PORTHOS
Let's go to Belle Isle and we will entrench ourselves in the grotto of Loemana with a barrel of gun powder. IF they come after us -- we'll light it and will make a sepulchre of broken rocks -- of fallen mountains. This will be a splendid funeral. The funeral of giants. Come, Aramis, come.
(They leave by the left.)
(The Queen enters with Colbert and ladies of the Court.)
QUEEN
Truly, Mr. Colbert, I don't understand anything that's going on. Mr. Fouquet returned to favor and Mr. d'Herblay became Prime Minster and Miss de la Valliere, the favorite of yesterday banished abruptly from the court -- I'm lost!
COLBERT
Let's wait, Madame; the explanation of all these mysteries won't be long delayed.
LOUISE
(entering)
My word! Where are all these rumors coming from?
(stopping)
Ah! The Queen.
QUEEN
What gives you the boldness to present yourself here, Madame? Moreover, you arrive marvelously to learn the role His Majesty intends to take regarding you.
LOUISE
Madame -- pardon -- what do you mean?
QUEEN
I mean you are gong to be returned to your family, the order is formal.
QUEEN
You are saying, Madame, that the King --
QUEEN
Well, yes, it's the King --
LOUISE
(joining her hands)
Oh! My God! Why it's impossible --
QUEEN
Eh! Miss -- it's very useless to join your hands -- but as submissive as you seem to the King of Heaven, it becomes you to do so to the will of earthly princes! So, I repeat to you -- obey the order which enjoins you to retire to Blois.
LOUISE
What after all that happened right here -- after all he told me? This is a terrible dream! No -- I really heard! But -- then he doesn't love me, he never loved me -- what am I saying? He scorns me to the point of abandoning me to a shameful expulsion. Oh, Louis! Louis!
(to the Queen)
Madame, I obey -- only be so kind as to tell the King, your son that I have a broken heart -- that I cannot understand -- that I am really suffering -- but that I pardon him the wrong he is doing me -- tell him that after sacrificing myself to a King who abandons me and forgets me -- I am going to consecrate myself to He who never abandons those who never forget him --
D'ARTAGNAN
(coming from the right and announcing)
The King.
(Enter Marchiali.)
FOUQUET
(coming from the left and announcing the King)
(Enter Louis XIV.
QUEEN
(looking to the right and the left and uttering a scream)
Ah!
(Marchiali recoils in terror.)
KING
It seems that all the world has forgotten his King.
(pointing to Marchiali)
Captain D'Artagnan -- do your duty!
QUEEN
(going to the King, begging)
Louis! Louis!
D'ARTAGNAN
(going to Marchiali)
Sir, you are my prisoner!
(blackout)
The Grotto of Locmaria.
ARAMIS
You recognize it, Porthos?
PORTHOS
By my word. We are in the grotto of Locmaria.
ARAMIS
Yes, foreseeing the disastrous issue of the battle that we just received at the hands of the King's men. I had a bank prepared and gave a rendezvous to three men.
PORTHOS
Aramis, I think we ought to have gotten ourselves killed on the rampart.
ARAMIS
And what use would our death have been?
PORTHOS
So as not to flee, so as not be obliged to hide ourselves like foxes in his hole.
(he staggers)
ARAMIS
What's wrong, Porthos?
PORTHOS
My friend -- a weakness is taking me.
ARAMIS
Well, set down on this log I am going to give our men the agreed signal, and help them put the punt in the sea.
PORTHOS
Go, dear Aramis, you are all wisdom and all prudence.
(Aramis makes the sound of an owl -- and is responded to with the cry of screech owl)
ARAMIS
(on the side opposite Porthos)
You are there Jonathos?
JONATHOS
Eight muskets, 5000 rounds and a barrel of gunpowder -- yes, Milord.
ARAMIS
Fine -- let's begin by pulling the canoe. Came from this grotto -- then we'll put it in the water.
(Exit Aramis.)
PORTHOS
(alone)
Decidedly, I think I was right to make my will -- I feel -- and for the first time on my family there's a tradition on this subject -- when our legs fail as our death is near --
(trying to stand)
As for me -- today is unusual -- I can hardly remain standing.
(the baying of hounds and trumpets can be heard)
ARAMIS
Porthos!
PORTHOS
What?
ARAMIS
Listen.
(you can hear voices -- tally ho! tally ho! tally ho!)
PORTHOS
You'd say huntsmen.
ARAMIS
Have you seen passing like a shadow.
PORTHOS
What shadow?
ARAMIS
A fox!
PORTHOS
By God! Nothing surprising you recall, Aramis when you were hunting, the criminal always come to hole up in this grotto.
ARAMIS
(seizing Porthos arm)
Porthos!
PORTHOS
Well?
ARAMIS
Do you see them?
PORTHOS
Oh -- ho -- huntsmen.
ARAMIS
No, by god! But King's guards, who in beating the land, raised a fox, followed it into the grotto, and are trying to figure out how it got in. Porthos if they enter, they will discover us -- we are cursed then! For we are lost.
PORTHOS
They're approaching -- I see them -- good -- only a dozen.
ARAMIS
(giving an iron bar to Porthos)
Porthos -- quickly to the canoes - pull it to the sea -- we will lie in ambush here -- will defend; the entrance to the grotto until you've floated the bark --
PORTHOS
Saving your opinion, Aramis, I think it would be better for me to remain here with his crowbar -- as they enter, I'll let my iron bar fall on this skulls. It's a way of killing them me after another, discretely and without noise -- what do you say of the plan? You smile?
ARAMIS
Excellent, dear friend.
PORTHOS
And then, because they have only a ________ the thing can be done in two or three minutes.
(Confused voices outside.)
PORTHOS
(low)
Aramis, they're coming in.
ARAMIS
Well, strike.
(He goes off. Music during which ones hears the heavy blows of the bar striking the skulls and the choked cries of those who fall.)
A VOICE
Treason! Get back -- get back -- Comrades -- now fire.
(shots)
PORTHOS
Not touched. Ha! Ha!
ARAMIS
(returning with a barrel of powder)
Well?
PORTHOS
Look --
ARAMIS
(consulting)
Ah -- they've beaten a retreat; they are consulting in the distance.
PORTHOS
Let 'e come. I'm waiting for them.
ARAMIS
Porthos, take this barrel to which I've attached a wire. Wait till our enemies are only a few feet from you and hurl it in their midst. Can you do it?
PORTHOS
(lifting the barrel with one hand)
By God -- it hardly weighs a hundred pounds.
ARAMIS
You've clearly understood.
PORTHOS
Fine! When you explain to me, I always understand. Give me the tinder.
ARAMIS
Here -- here it is -- Hurl the tinder my Jupiter and we will rejoin you.
(Exit Aramis.)
PORTHOS
Don't worry!
(The trumpet and drum can be heard.)
PORTHOS
Good, there they are.
(he hurls the barrel)
(The drums cease to beat. The clarion sounds -- shouts can be heard. "Cut the fuse. Cut the fuse!")
ARAMIS
(from afar)
Come -- come Porthos!
PORTHOS
(trying in vain to flee)
Yes -- yes -- there's my fatigue taking me again -- I can no longer walk -- what's to be said.
ARAMIS
(in the distance)
Quick! Quick! Porthos.
PORTHOS
Go, go -- I'm coming -- impossible, I am a dead man!
ARAMIS
(from afar)
The barrel is going to explode -- in the name of heaven -- come.
VOICES
(off)
Bear up, Milord.
(the barrel explodes. The rocks fall on Porthos)
PORTHOS
(after having tried for a moment to raise the rocks, falls back crushed under their weight)
Ah -- too heavy.
(after he's crushed, Aramis can be seen rowing away.
D'ARTAGNAN
(arriving on the scene followed by some Musketeers)
Mercy! Mercy! In the name of the King! Porthos! Porthos! Bad luck -- he is no more -- the giant sleeps the eternal sleep in the sepulchre that God made for his body.
(curtain)