QUEEN MARGOT
Drama in 5 Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1831
Translated and adapted by Frank J. Morlock
Translation is Copyright © 2000 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.
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Table of Contents
Characters
ACT I
Scene i
A square in Paris. To the right, the hostel of LaHurriere with rooms opening on the street level, and on the first floor. To the left, the hotel of Admiral Coligny with a balcony. In the center, the dwelling of Moncey. On each side of this dwelling a street facing the audience and losing itself in the distance.
LA HURRIERE
(at his door, seeing Maureval who enters from the left)
Ah! Come here, Lord Maureval, come here.
MAUREVAL
I am here!
LA HURRIERE
Do you know who is there opposite us?
MAUREVAL
At the Admiral's home?
LA HURRIERE
Yes, at the Admiral's -- King Charles IX.
MAUREVAL
What of it?
LA HURRIERE
What's he doing at the home of this anti-Christ?
MAUREVAL
By God! To give him the kiss of Judas. It is important that he suspect nothing. He is the God of those damned Huguenots and today he controls 10,000 swords, perhaps.
LA HURRIERE
Then nothing is changed, despite this visit?
MAUREVAL
Nothing.
LA HURRIERE
And is it still for tonight?
MAUREVAL
Without fail!
LA HURRIERE
At what time?
MAUREVAL
No one knows yet; but a signal will be given us.
LA HURRIERE
What will it be?
MAUREVAL
The tocsin will sound from Saint Germain.
LA HURRIERE
The rallying sign?
MAUREVAL
The cross of Lorraine.
LA HURRIERE
And the password?
MAUREVAL
Suise and Calais.
LA HURRIERE
That's good; we'll prepare for the feast.
MAUREVAL
Quiet! Here's a tourist who's just come.
LA HURRIERE
Pass this way.
MAUREVAL
Goodbye.
(La Hurriere shows him through the house. Maureval can be seen leaving by a door which gives on another street. Coconnas enters on horseback, his eyes are fixed on a sign which represents a roast chicken and which bears the legend -- To the Beautiful Tower.)
COCONNAS
By God! There's an inn which knows how to advertise itself, and the host must be, on my word, an ingenious chap. Besides, it's situated near the Louvre and that's where I'm going.
LA MOLE
(arriving on horseback by another street)
On my soul, that's a pretty sign -- then the hostel is near the Louvre; this will be my accommodation.
COCONNAS
(to La Mole)
By God! sir. I believe you and I both have the same feelings for this inn -- I congratulate myself for its flattering to my signory. Are you decided?
LA MOLE
As you see, sir -- not yet, I am considering.
COCONNAS
Not yet? The house is still gratifying.
LA MOLE
Yes, doubtless -- this is a dainty painting, but that is exactly what makes me doubt the reality. Paris is full of cheats, I am told, and they can cheat with a sign just as well as with anything else.
COCONNAS
Oh! That doesn't worry me. I mock cheats. If our host furnishes me with a bird less well roasted than that on his sign, I will skewer him -- and I won't stop until he's well done -- that ought to reassure you, sir.
(he dismounts)
Let's go in.
LA MOLE
(dismounting in his turn)
You've finished by deciding me, sir. Sir -- show the way, I beg you.
COCONNAS
Ah! On my soul, I can't, for I am your humble servant, the Count Hannibal Coconnas.
LA MOLE
And I, sir, am your devoted Count Joseph de Levac de la Mole -- completely at your service.
COCONNAS
In that case, sir, let's lock arms and enter together. Say there, Mr. Host of the Beautiful Tower, Mr. Bumpkin, Mr. Clown.
LA HURRIERE
Ah, excuse me, sir, I didn't see you.
COCONNAS
You must see us -- it's your business.
LA HURRIERE
Well, what do you want, gentlemen?
COCONNAS
(to La Mole)
He's better already, isn't he? Well, attracted here by your sign, we expected to find a supper and a bed in your hostel.
LA HURRIERE
Gentlemen, I am in despair. There's only one free room in the hostel. And I fear you wouldn't like it.
LA MOLE
Ah! My word, so much the better. We will go elsewhere.
COCONNAS
Not at all. Do as you please, Mr. La Mole, but I am staying. My horse is worn out -- and I take the room -- since you don't want it -- besides, they positively told me about this hostel.
LA HURRIERE
Ah! That's another matter. If you are alone -- I cannot lodge you at all.
COCONNAS
By God, on my soul, a pleasant creature! Just now we were two too many. Now we are not enough for one. Look here, you don't want us to stay, comedian?
LA HURRIERE
My word, since you take this tone, I will tell you frankly, I would much prefer not to experience the honor.
LA MOLE
And why?
LA HURRIERE
I have my reasons.
COCONNAS
Doesn't it seem to you we are going to massacre this character?
LA MOLE
It's likely.
LA HURRIERE
(sneering)
One can see these gentlemen have come from the provinces.
COCONNAS
And why's that?
LA HURRIERE
Because in Paris, it's no longer in fashion to massacre innkeepers who refuse to rent their rooms. It's the great Lords who are massacred and not the bourgeois. Witness the Admiral, who yesterday received such a famous volley. And if you yell too loud, I am going to call the neighbors, and you will be beaten -- treatment unworthy of two gentlemen.
COCONNAS
But this wise guy is mocking us, it seems to me.
LA HURRIERE
Gregory -- my arquebus.
COCONNAS
(drawing his sword)
Damn! Aren't you boiling, Mr. La Mole?
LA MOLE
Not at all! For while we are boiling, our supper is freezing --
(to La Hurriere)
My friend, for how much do you ordinarily rent your room?
LA HURRIERE
A half crown a day.
LA MOLE
Here are eight crowns for eight days. Have you anything else to say?
LA HURRIERE
My word, no -- and with such manners. Come in, gentlemen, come in.
(La Mole passes first, followed by Coconnas.)
COCONNAS
Even so! I have real trouble in putting my sword back in its scabbard before assuring myself that is has pricked the fat of this clown!
LA MOLE
Patience, my dear companion! All the inns are full of gentlemen drawn to Paris by the marriage festivities and by the next war with Flanders. We probably couldn't find another room.
COCONNAS
By God! You've got cool blood, Mr. de La Mole. But let that rascal take care of himself! If his cuisine is bad -- if his bed is hard -- if his wine isn't three years old -- if his valet is not supple like a reed -- it will be my affair.
LA HURRIERE
(putting away a large knife)
There, there, sir, you are in the land of Cocaine. Calm down.
(aside)
He's some Huguenot. These traitors are so insolent since the marriage of their Bernese with Princess Margot.
(smiling)
It would be funny if two Huguenots came to me today -- St. Bartholemew's day --
COCONNAS
So, Count, tell me, while they are preparing our room for us, do you find Paris a gay city?
LA MOLE
My word, no. It seems to me to have only frightening and surly faces -- perhaps the Parisians are also afraid of the storm. See how black the heavens are -- and how heavy the air.
COCONNAS
You will be going to the Louvre, right? After doing me the honor of conversing with me.
LA MOLE
Yes.
COCONNAS
Well, if you like, while waiting for supper, we can find it together.
LA MOLE
We could dine first?
COCONNAS
Not me! My orders are precise, to be in Paris on Sunday the 24th of August and go directly to the Louvre.
LA MOLE
Let's go -- so be it. It is well, says Plutach, to accustom one's soul to sadness and one's stomach to hunger --
COCONNAS
You know Greek?
LA MOLE
My word, yes. My preceptor taught me.
COCONNAS
By God, Count, your fortune is assured. You will compose verses with King Charles IX and you will speak Greek with Queen Marguerite.
LA MOLE
Not to mention that I can still speak Gascon with the King of Navarre -- are you coming?
COCONNAS
I'm with you.
(to La Hurriere)
Finish up, here, master -- what's your name?
LA HURRIERE
La Hurriere.
COCONNAS
Well, Master La Hurriere, tell us the quickest way to get to the Louvre.
LA HURRIERE
Oh! My God -- it's very easy -- you follow the street to the church of Saint Germain -- l'Axerrois -- at the church you take a right and you are facing the Louvre.
LA MOLE
Thanks.
(Coconnas and La Mole exit.)
LA HURRIERE
(alone)
Hum! Now there are two gentlemen who seem to me to have the air of frightful freethinkers, I will recommend them to M. de Maureval -- or rather since they are here -- I will do my business myself.
(The Admiral's door opens.)
DE NANCY
(calling)
The King's litter!
LA HURRIERE
Ah -- King Charles, the Ninth. He's leaving the Admiral's. O Great King, go. May God give you the prudence of the Basilisk and the strength of a lion.
THE KING
(leaning on the Admiral's shoulder)
Be easy, father, what the devil, when I give my only sister, Margot, to my cousin, Henry, I give her to all the Huguenots in the Kingdom. The Huguenots are all my brother's now.
ADMIRAL
(his arm in a sling)
Ah, sire, I don't doubt your intentions, but Queen Catherine --
THE KING
Coligny, I don't say this to anyone but you, but I can tell you, my mother is a mischief maker. With her, no peace is possible. These Italian Catholics only know how to exterminate each other. As for me, on the contrary, not only do I wish for peace, but I even wish to give power to those of the religion. The others are very dissolute, father. In truth, they scandalize me with their loves and misbehavior. Come, do you want me to speak frankly? I scorn all those who surround me -- except for you and my brother-in-law from Navarre, this good little Henry, your student. I don't say your son for I am your son and I don't want you to have any other son but me.
(Enter the litter in which Catherine is hidden.)
ADMIRAL
Yet, sir, you have around you some brave captains and prudent counsellors.
THE KING
No, God pardon me, you see, there's only you, father, only you who are brave like Julius Caesar, and wise like Plato. So, at the moment having war in Flanders, I truly don't know what to do -- to keep you here as a counsellor -- or to send you there as a general. So, advise me -- and who shall command? If you command -- who shall advise me?
ADMIRAL
Sire, you must conquer first. Advice will come after the victory.
THE KING
Is that your opinion, father? Well, it will be according to your opinion. Tomorrow, you will part for Flanders and I will part for Amboise.
ADMIRAL
Your Majesty is leaving Paris?
THE KING
Yes, I am fatigued by all this noise and all these feasts. I am not a man of action -- I am a dreamer -- I wasn't born to be King, I was born to be a poet. The title of poet is the only one for which I am ambitious. So, I have already written to Ronsard to come join me in Amboise -- and there, the two of us -- far from noise, far from the world, far from bad men, under our great trees beside the river, to the murmur of brooks, we will speak of things of God -- the only compensation there is in this world, for the things of man.
ADMIRAL
Sire, I can only applaud such a resolution, but Your Majesty will permit me, before your departure, to solicit an act of justice which is at the same time politic?
THE KING
Speak father, speak.
ADMIRAL
An act which will give a new security to the reformed religion.
THE KING
Speak -- or rather you wish my full powers to accomplish this act?
ADMIRAL
No, sire, the example will be greater coming from you.
THE KING
Then tell me what is to be done?
ADMIRAL
(making a sign to a young man who steps forward from the crowd)
Allow me, sire, to present to you Monsieur de Mouy de Saint Phale.
DE MOUY
(a knee on the ground)
Sire, justice.
THE KING
Ah -- you are the son of Captain de Mouy?
DE MOUY
Yes, sire.
THE KING
Who was traitorously killed by Francois Louviers de Maureval?
DE MOUY
Yes, sire.
THE KING
Rise then, sir. Justice will be done.
(The King gives him his hand to kiss.)
DE MOUY
Oh, sire.
ASSISTANTS
Long live the King!
ADMIRAL
Hear them, Sire!
THE KING
Thanks, brave people, thanks. But don't cry 'Long live the King' rather shout, Long live the Admiral'.
SEVERAL VOICES
Long live the Admiral!
THE KING
Goodbye, father -- parting as we do, we belong to each other -- body and soul.
(he embraces him)
Goodbye!
ADMIRAL
(wishing to conduct the King to his litter)
Sire, allow me --
THE KING
Not at all.
ADMIRAL
Sire.
THE KING
I wish it.
(The King gets into his litter. As the litter turns toward the audience, Catherine can be seen within, watching, listening attentively.)
THE KING
(low to his mother)
Are you pleased with me, mother? Have I played my role well?
CATHERINE
Yes, my son!
(The pages, the guards and the people leave with great acclamations.)
(The litter goes out.)
ADMIRAL
(discharging his gentlemen)
Well, de Mouy -- you are satisfied, I hope?
DE MOUY
Yes -- he seems to me in good faith.
ADMIRAL
Oh, I will answer for him as for myself.
DE MOUY
In any case, father, now that we can live in Paris in peace, if he doesn't do justice on the assassin for me, I will do it myself. Now, a brief word on another subject which touches me very closely and for me is no less important.
ADMIRAL
Speak.
DE MOUY
You persist in sponsoring Henry to us as the King of Navarre.
ADMIRAL
The throne belongs to him by right.
DE MOUY
Doubtless. But is he worthy of it?
ADMIRAL
Henry is worthy of all thrones, de Mouy.
DE MOUY
I can still attach myself to him.
ADMIRAL
As the ivy to an oak.
DE MOUY
But, you know, my attachment means absolute devotion.
ADMIRAL
Devote yourself frankly and completely then, for in devoting yourself to Henry, you are devoting yourself not only to a man, but to a cause -- and this cause is the cause of the Lord.
DE MOUY
Then, in your opinion, he's the leader who can make the Huguenots strong and free, and the reformed religion great and strong?
ADMIRAL
He's the King who can do it, in the realm he governs, the first realm in the world.
DE MOUY
Then it's agreed, father. From today, he will dispose of me, as you would dispose of yourself. Goodbye.
ADMIRAL
Good and excellent young man.
(He follows him with his eyes and then reenters his hotel.)
(La Hurriere arrives from the street. Coconnas is behind him.)
LA HURRIERE
How they conspire. These Huguenots, for I am positive they conspire. Happily they won't be allowed to get away with it, for they would go very far indeed, but it is time to stop them. You are right, Mr. de Maureval, it is time.
COCONNAS
(tapping him on the shoulder)
Well, friend -- supper?
LA HURRIERE
By God -- I had forgotten you, sir!
COCONNAS
What, you had forgotten me? And You admit it, clown?
LA HURRIERE
My word, when you know why -- and for whom --
COCONNAS
Why and for whom?
LA HURRIERE
It was for His Majesty, Charles the IX, who just left --
COCONNAS
The King? By God! I am annoyed not to have seen him. The King went by -- in the street?
LA HURRIERE
Yes, coming from the Admiral's house.
COCONNAS
What! The King went to visit that pagan?
LA HURRIERE
(low)
Good! He's one of ours.
(aloud)
Gregory -- quickly serve this gentleman. Serve! Serve!
COCONNAS
Well, it appears that he's humanizing -- What's all this?
LA HURRIERE
An omelette with bacon, so you won't have to wait, Your Lordship.
COCONNAS
Bravo!
(He sits down to eat.)
LA MOLE
(entering by the other door)
Count, not only does Plutach say in an aside, that one must harden one's soul to the sorrows of the stomach, but he also says further in another place, that he who has, must share with he who has not. For the love of Plutach, will you share your omelette with me?
COCONNAS
Didn't you get to dine with the King of Navarre as you expected?
(offering him a seat)
LA HURRIERE
Ah! It appears this one is a Huguenot.
LA MOLE
No -- the King of Navarre was not at the Louvre. But in exchange --
COCONNAS
Well -- in exchange?
LA MOLE
Oh -- count -- the adorable vision I have seen.
COCONNAS
A vision?
LA MOLE
Try to imagine that through the offices of a young captain of the Reformed Religion, I was ushered into a large gallery, where, to my profound astonishment, there was no one about. There, my companion left me alone to discover for himself what was going on when suddenly a door opened and I found myself face to face with a woman so noble, so gracious, so resplendent, that at first I thought she was the ghost of the beautiful Diane de Poitiers who returns, they say -- to the Louvre.
COCONNAS
And she was -- ?
LA MOLE
She was quite simply the living Madame Marguerite, Queen of Navarre.
COCONNAS
My word, you are not unlucky -- I prefer the living to ghosts.
LA MOLE
You are right.
COCONNAS
And what did you say to this beautiful Queen?
LA MOLE
Not a word. I was in ecstasy. I drew forth the letter I was carrying and gave it to her -- and with the prettiest hand in the world, with the most slender fingers I have ever seen, and she slid the letter, still hot from my breast -- into her satin corset.
COCONNAS
Oh -- Oh -- my companion how vividly you describe things.
LA MOLE
I speak as I feel -- and you, did you achieve your ends?
COCONNAS
By God -- not everyone is favored like you by Gods and Goddesses. I luckily met a German -- very agreeable for a German -- we had nothing to say! But recognizing in me a good Catholic, he escorted me to Mr. de Guise -- with whom I have some business.
(to Hurriere who is entranced)
Well, what are you up to there? Are you listening to us?
LA HURRIERE
(hat in hand)
Yes, gentlemen, I am listening -- but to serve you. What can I do for you, sirs?
COCONNAS
Ah! Ah! The name of Guise is magic -- as it appears, for from being insolent, you have become servile -- Do you think my hand is less heavy than Mr. Guise, which has the privilege of making you so polite?
LA HURRIERE
No, Count, but it is less long -- besides -- you must be told that the Great Henry is our idol -- of Parisians like me.
LA MOLE
Which Henry, if you please?
LA HURRIERE
I only know of one.
LA MOLE
Ah -- but I, I know several. And there is one I invite you to your particular attention, my friend -- not to speak ill of.
LA HURRIERE
Which one?
LA MOLE
His Majesty, King Henry of Navarre.
LA HURRIERE
I don't know him.
(He makes a sign to Coconnas.)
LA MOLE
Clown!
(He rises.)
COCONNAS
Now -- what are you doing?
LA MOLE
I am leaving the table, no longer being hungry.
COCONNAS
I am truly annoyed by that. I counted on waiting in your honorable company until the moment for returning to the Louvre.
LA MOLE
You are returning to the Louvre?
COCONNAS
Yes, sir.
LA MOLE
And I, too.
COCONNAS
At what time?
LA MOLE
I have a rendezvous just about now.
COCONNAS
I, too.
LA MOLE
Is that so! But do you know there is a strange link between our destinies? Where you come, I come; where you go, I go.
COCONNAS
In that case, listen -- one cannot eat when one is no longer hungry but one can still drink when you're no longer thirsty. Let's drink until the time! And we will go to the Louvre together.
LA MOLE
I ask your pardon -- in agreeing to your invitation, I fear I might bring to the Louvre ideas not as clear as those expected of me. But who is our host talking with?
(La Hurriere is seen on the street, very hot to speak with Maureval.)
COCONNAS
He's talking -- the devil take me -- he's talking with the same individual --
LA MOLE
Huh? The same individual.
COCONNAS
Yes -- with the same person he was already talking with when we arrived -- the man in the German cloak. Oh, oh, what fire he puts into it. Hey, say, Master La Hurriere are you playing politics by chance?
LA HURRIERE
(with a terrible gesture)
Ah -- rogue!
COCONNAS
(rising and going to him)
What's wrong with you, my friend? Are you possessed?
LA HURRIERE
(seizing the hand of Coconnas)
Silence! Wretch! Silence on your life!
COCONNAS
Oh! Oh!
LA HURRIERE
Get rid of your friend, without losing a minute; we have to speak to you, this gentleman and I.
MAUREVAL
It must be done, do you understand?
COCONNAS
By God! It seems this is serious.
MAUREVAL
It cannot be more serious.
LA MOLE
(from the house)
Well -- what are you deciding?
COCONNAS
I think you are right, and it would be better for each of us to guard his own head.
(he reenters)
So -- a last cup of wine. To your fortune.
LA MOLE
To yours, sir.
COCONNAS
Are you retiring?
LA MOLE
Yes, I am fatigued. It is only eleven o'clock -- I have a rendezvous at the Louvre at midnight -- and I wouldn't be sorry to throw myself on my bed for an hour. Master La Hurriere.
LA HURRIERE
Count?
LA MOLE
Escort me to my room, I beg you. Awake me at midnight. I will be completely dressed and ready quickly.
COCONNAS
Fine! Same as me. I am going to make all my preparations. Master La Hurriere, give me some blank paper and scissors so I can cut off my seal.
LA HURRIERE
But, wretch, you have still sworn?
(aloud)
Gregory, this gentleman asks for some blank paper and some scissors to trim the envelope! Come, Mons. de la Mole, come.
(He goes up the staircase, lighting La Mole.)
COCONNAS
(aside)
Decidedly, something extraordinary is happening here.
LA MOLE
(going up)
Good evening, Monsieur de Coconnas. And good luck at the Louvre!
(La Mole and La Hurriere go out. Maureval is at the far door.)
COCONNAS
Ah, -- what have I just done?
MAUREVAL
What have you done, sir? You failed to reveal, just now, a secret on which depends the fate of the realm. That's what you've done. From good fortune, God has willed that your mouth be closed in time by our worthy host. A word more and you would be dead. Now -- we are lone, hear me.
COCONNAS
Just a moment, sir. Who are you, if you please, to speak to me with such a tone of command?
MAUREVAL
By chance, have you heard the name of the Sire Louviers de Maureval?
COCONNAS
The murderer of Captain de Mouy? Yes, doubtless.
MAUREVAL
Well, I am he.
COCONNAS
Oh! Oh!
MAUREVAL
Hear me carefully.
COCONNAS
By god, I believe I do! I am listening attentively.
MAUREVAL
Hush! Wait!
(He indicates a noise above his head. At the same moment, the room on the first floor lights up. La Mole enters with La Hurriere.)
COCONNAS
It's nothing; it's my companion who's setting in.
LA HURRIERE
(above)
Here's your room.
LA MOLE
(above)
Marvelous! Don't forget to waken me at midnight.
LA HURRIERE
Be easy!
MAUREVAL
Listen, the hour is striking -- listen.
(The clock strikes, they count.)
COCONNAS
Eleven o'clock.
MAUREVAL
Fine! La Hurriere is shutting the door. He's coming down. Come, master, come!
LA HURRIERE
(returning)
We are alone. Let's have a seat.
MAUREVAL
Everything is carefully shut up?
LA HURRIERE
Yes -- and Gregory is standing guard outside. Are you there, Gregory?
GREGORY
(in the street)
Yes, master.
LA HURRIERE
(to Coconnas)
Sir, are you a good Catholic?
COCONNAS
By God, since the day of my baptism, I have boasted so.
MAUREVAL
Sir, are you devoted to the King?
COCONNAS
Body and soul.
MAUREVAL
Then you are going to follow us.
COCONNAS
So be it! But, I warn you that at midnight, I have business at the Louvre.
MAUREVAL
That's exactly where we are going.
COCONNAS
I have a meeting with the Duke de Guise.
MAUREVAL
We do, too.
COCONNAS
I have a password.
MAUREVAL
We do, too.
COCONNAS
A personal sign of recognition.
MAUREVAL
We do, too. And wait, this will spare you the trouble of making a cross on paper.
(He pulls from his pocket 3 white crosses, giving one to La Hurriere, the other to Coconnas and keeping the 3rd for himself.)
COCONNAS
Oh, oh -- this rendezvous, this word of the day -- this rallying sign -- is it for everybody?
MAUREVAL
Yes, sir -- that is to say -- for all good Catholics.
COCONNAS
There's a feast at the Louvre then.
LA HURRIERE
Yes, and that's why I polish my helmet, I sharpen my sword and my knives -- Gregory -- come help me.
COCONNAS
(eyes starting)
Wait a moment! This feast it -- is -- ?
MAUREVAL
You've been quite a while to figure it out, sir, and it's to be seen that you are not as tired as we are of the insolence of these heretics.
COCONNAS
But doubtless you have large numbers and powerful allies?
MAUREVAL
(escorting him to the window)
Do you see that troop passing silently in the shadow?
COCONNAS
Yes.
MAUREVAL
Well, the men who form that troop have you can see, like La Hurriere, you and I, a cross on their hats.
COCONNAS
Well?
MAUREVAL
Well -- those men are Swiss from the smaller countries -- loyal friends of the King. You see that other troop.
COCONNAS
The horsemen?
MAUREVAL
Do you recognize their leader?
COCONNAS
How can you expect me to do that? I've only been in town since five o'clock this afternoon.
MAUREVAL
Well, he's the one you have a meeting with at midnight at the Louvre. See, he's going there to wait for you.
COCONNAS
Duke de Guise.
MAUREVAL
Himself.
COCONNAS
But what are those other men doing who are going silently from door to door?
MAUREVAL
They are placing a red cross on the homes of the Huguenots and a white cross on those of the Catholics. In other times, we leave it to God to recognize his own, today we are more farsighted and we will spare him the trouble.
COCONNAS
But they are going to kill them all then?
MAUREVAL
All.
COCONNAS
By order of the King.
MAUREVAL
By order of the King and the Duke de Guise.
COCONNAS
When?
MAUREVAL
When you hear the first clock, striking from Saint Germain l'Auxerrois.
COCONNAS
(explosively)
Ah! That will be very funny.
MAUREVAL
Silence! Now, it is useless to tell you, if you have some particular enemy -- if he's not already a convert to the Huguenots -- he will pass in the number.
(La Hurriere during this conversation has armed himself from head to foot.)
MAUREVAL
Let's get going now.
LA HURRIERE
Wait! Before putting ourselves on campaign status, let's assure ourselves of our own lodgers -- as they say in wartime. I don't want my wife and children strangled while I am out. There's a Huguenot here.
COCONNAS
De la Mole?
LA HURRIERE
Yes, that's the freethinker. He's already in the wolf's mouth.
COCONNAS
What! You are going to attack your guest?
LA HURRIERE
It was with him in mind that I sharpened my rapier.
COCONNAS
While he's sleeping?
COCONNAS
Oh! Oh!
LA HURRIERE
You are saying!
COCONNAS
I say it's hard. de La Mole supped with me, and I don't know if I ought.
MAUREVAL
Yes, but de La Mole is a heretic, he is condemned and if we don't kill him, others will kill him.
COCONNAS
That's true, but it doesn't seem to me to be a satisfactory reason.
MAUREVAL
Come, come, hurry up, gentleman, hurry up. A shot, a hammer blow, rapier thrust, a hit with a fire iron, however you wish -- but let's finish it.
LA HURRIERE
I'll go to his room and in a twinkle.
COCONNAS
Wait! I'll go with you.
LA HURRIERE
What for?
COCONNAS
By God, I'm curious to see it done.
(He goes upstairs behind La Hurriere.)
MAUREVAL
And I will wait for you. I also have something to do in the meanwhile.
(he goes to the Admiral's door and marks it with a 2nd cross)
For this one here, better to put two crosses than one.
LA MOLE
(rising)
What's that noise.
(He takes a pistol from the table.)
LA HURRIERE
(listening at the door)
Eh! I think he woke up.
COCONNAS
It seems that way to me.
LA HURRIERE
He's going to defend himself then.
COCONNAS
He's capable of it. Say, Master La Hurriere, if he were to kill you -- it would be funny.
LA HURRIERE
Him! Him!
COCONNAS
I think you are drawing back.
LA HURRIERE
Me? Get out! Drawing back? Never!
(He kicks on the door. He finds himself face to face with La Mole entrenched behind his bed with a pistol in each hand.)
COCONNAS
Now this is getting interesting.
LA MOLE
Ah -- he intends to murder me, so it appears! And is it you, wretch?
LA HURRIERE
Monsieur de Coconnas you are witness that he has insulted me.
(La Hurriere aims his arquebus and fires. The ball brushes by his head. La Mole aims.)
LA MOLE
Help, Monsieur de Coconnas, help me!
COCONNAS
My word, de La Mole, the best I can do in this affair is not to put myself against you. Get out of it as best you can.
LA MOLE
Ah -- double traitors -- since that's the way it is.
(He fires both pistols. Coconnas is struck in the left shoulder.)
COCONNAS
By God! I'm hit. Well then against us both since that's what you wish. Ah, I came with good intentions and you reward me with a ball in my shoulder -- wait! wait!
(drawing his sword)
LA MOLE
(reaching an open window)
Murderer! Murderer!
(jumping out the window)
LA HURRIERE
By God! He's getting away.
COCONNAS
Him! Wait.
LA MOLE
(fleeing, pistol in hand)
Get the assassin!
COCONNAS
(pursuing him)
Get the Huguenot.
SEVERAL VOICES
Get the Huguenots! Kill! Kill!
(Several shots ring out.)
MAUREVAL
(to La Hurriere)
Quickly -- this will give the alarm to the Louvre -- to the Louvre.
(Armed men run by. The tocsin sounds. Shots, shouting. Several wounded fall in the street.)
(curtain)
Scene ii
Marguerite's room. Doors in the rear to the right and left. A window with shut curtains giving on a balcony -- in the stage area a door to an office.
MARGUERITE
Well, who told you Madame de Nevers?
GILONNE
Doubtless, the Duchess didn't wish to confide her secrets to me for she sent this little note to Your Majesty.
MARGUERITE
Let me have it!
(opening the letter and reading)
"My dear Queen, I had said, as you know, that this Kinglet of Navarre would be the happiest prince on Earth in becoming possessor of the most beautiful pearl in the crown of France. It appears I was wrong -- Master Henry, as your brother King Charles calls him, has promised Madame de Sauve, that, if she would forgive his forced infidelity to sacrifice to her his first wedding night. Goodbye, dear Marguerite. Your mad but ever affectionate Henriette." -- This is delightful.
(During the reading of the letter, the Duke D'Alencon has quietly come behind Marguerite. Gilonne wants to warn her mistress but the Prince forestalls her with a gesture and dismisses her.)
MARGUERITE
Impossible!
DUKE
And why's that? Henry's love for Madame De Sauve is not a secret, I think.
MARGUERITE
Ah, it is you, my brother?
DUKE
Yes.
MARGUERITE
You were eavesdropping on me?
DUKE
Yes.
MARGUERITE
(mysteriously)
On your own behalf or on that of our mother?
DUKE
On mine.
MARGUERITE
What did you want to know?
DUKE
If Henry was or was not my brother-in-law.
MARGUERITE
And where does that lead you?
DUKE
Who knows? Perhaps to learn if he will be King of Navarre -- or not?
MARGUERITE
And what does it matter to you who are destined to become King of France?
DUKE
Yes, after the death of my brother, Charles. While waiting what do you expect? I am interested in the fate of this little Kingdom.
MARGUERITE
Well -- are you satisfied? You see that the King won't come.
DUKE
I know it.
MARGUERITE
Then, since you've learned what you wanted to know -- get out!
GILONNE
(reentering)
Madame -- the King of Navarre is leaving his apartment and coming here.
MARGUERITE
The King of Navarre, you say?
DUKE
It appears we were mistaken.
MARGUERITE
Are you sure?
GILONNE
I saw him in the corridor preceded by two pages carrying torches.
DUKE
I congratulate you, sister.
(He goes toward the office door on the right.)
MARGUERITE
Now what are you up to?
DUKE
I am going to continue to inform myself.
MARGUERITE
You are going to listen to what will be said in this room?
DUKE
Yes.
MARGUERITE
Francois, I forbid you to do it.
DUKE
(threatening)
Take care, Marguerite! This time I am not just listening for myself.
MARGUERITE
And on whose behalf are you listening?
DUKE
On behalf of Queen Catherine.
MARGUERITE
(in consternation)
Ah.
DUKE
I knew quite well you were too submissive a daughter to oppose the will of our good mother.
(He goes into the office.)
MARGUERITE
(alone)
What is being plotted then, and what is going to happen? All day men with sinister faces have circulated in the Louvre. Could it be true, as rumor has said, there's to be a general proscription?
GILONNE
His Majesty, the King of Navarre.
(Henry enters with two pages carrying gold candelabra with red wax candles.)
HENRY
Well, Madame, my presence seems to surprise you. Weren't you expecting me?
MARGUERITE
Say rather, I no longer expected you!
HENRY
You were no longer expecting me?
MARGUERITE
Doubtless -- didn't you yourself tell me that our union was a political pact, an alliance and not a marriage.
HENRY
All the more reason for me to come, if not to speak of love at least to speak of politics.
Gilonne, close the door and leave us.
MARGUERITE
Gilonne.
HENRY
You wish to keep Gilonne, Madame? So be it, and if she is not enough to reassure you, I can call your other women who are, without doubt behind that door.
(He takes a step toward the office.)
MARGUERITE
(hurrying forward)
No, it's not necessary and I am ready to listen to you, sir.
(low)
Gilonne leave us, but stay in the next room so I can call you if I need you.
HENRY
(aside, looking at the office)
There's someone there.
(aloud to Marguerite)
The door is indeed locked, right?
MARGUERITE
Yes, sir.
HENRY
We are quite alone?
MARGUERITE
Yes.
HENRY
Then let's have a talk.
(He points her to an armchair.)
MARGUERITE
As it pleases, Your Majesty.
HENRY
Madame, whatever people say of our marriage, I think it a good marriage. I am entirely yours and you belong to me.
MARGUERITE
I do not understand you, sir.
HENRY
Listen and you are going to understand me. Our marriage is a good marriage, we must consequently behave to each other as good allies, since we have sworn allegiance before God. Isn't that your opinion?
MARGUERITE
Doubtless, sir.
HENRY
I know, Madame, that you have a great penetration. I know how the terrain of the court is strewn with abysses. But, I am young, and although I have never done harm to anyone, I have a good number of enemies. In what camp should I place the woman who bears my name and who has sworn affection to me at the altar?
MARGUERITE
Oh, sir, could you think -- ?
HENRY
I think nothing, Madame, I hope, and I wish to be sure my hope is well founded. It is certain, for you as for me, isn't it, that our marriage was only a pretext? Some are even more distant and they say that it was only a trick.
(Marguerite shivers)
Which of the two? The King hates me, the Duke of Alencon hates me, and Queen Catherine loathes my mother too much not to hate me a little.
MARGUERITE
Ah, sir, what are you saying?
HENRY
My most profound thoughts which I would hide if we were not alone. Didn't you tell me we were alone?
MARGUERITE
Yes, sir, I told you so.
HENRY
And that's exactly why I let down my guard, Madame, what makes me dare to tell you, I am not fooled --
(looking searchingly in her eyes)
Neither the caresses of King Charles, nor those of the queen mother, nor the Duke D'Alencon.
MARGUERITE
(excitedly)
Oh, sire!
HENRY
(aside)
It's the Duke D'Alencon. Very well.
MARGUERITE
Sir!
HENRY
Well? What's the matter?
MARGUERITE
It's that such talk is very dangerous.
HENRY
Not when a husband addresses his wife. Not when they are alone, and even if they were not alone, if he was speaking low enough so they could not be heard. I tell you indeed that I was threatened on all sides; threatened by the King, threatened by the Queen Mother, by the Duke D'Alencon, by the whole world. You know -- one feels instinctively -- danger shivers in the air, grazing you as it passes, and makes you shudder. It's what is called a presentment. Well, against all the threats which may become outright attacks, I can defend myself with your help -- for you are beloved precisely by all those persons who detest me.
MARGUERITE
Sir.
HENRY
Well, what's surprising about everybody loving you? Those I've just mentioned are your brothers and relatives. To love ones relatives and brothers is acting in accordance with God's heart.
MARGUERITE
But, still, what are you getting at? I am listening.
HENRY
At what I just told you. That if you are not my lover but my ally, I can brave everything, however, on the contrary if you are my enemy, Madame, then I admit to you in all humility, I am lost.
MARGUERITE
Me, your enemy? Never sir!
HENRY
But not my friend either, right?
MARGUERITE
Perhaps.
HENRY
And my ally?
MARGUERITE
Ah -- your ally? Certainly!
HENRY
Your hand!
MARGUERITE
Here it is -- and with an open heart.
HENRY
(kissing it and holding it in his)
Well, I believe, you Madame, and accept you as an ally. Then -- let's understand each other fully -- we were married without knowing each other -- without loving each other -- they married us without consulting us -- we must become like husband and wife -- you see, Madame, that I am going beyond your vows. But if, after this forced alliance we were to go freely, without anyone constraining us if we were to go like two loyal hearts who owe each other confidence and mutual protection -- do you see it this way, Madame?
MARGUERITE
Yes, sir.
HENRY
And it's a free alliance you promise me.
MARGUERITE
Yes, I swear to you!
HENRY
(casing a glance at the office)
Well, as the first proof of a loyal alliance and an absolute confidence -- I am going to tell you the plan I have formed to combat, first off, the enmity of the Queen Mother, then that of King Charles, then that of the Duke D'Alencon.
MARGUERITE
Sir, I conjure you.
HENRY
What's wrong with you?
MARGUERITE
Nothing.
HENRY
I am going then --
MARGUERITE
Sir, let me breathe. It's so hot this evening -- and this window -- which is shut.
HENRY
Oh -- you only meant that, Madame?
(aside)
I made no mistake. It's the Duke.
(going to the windows and opening it)
MARGUERITE
(following him)
Silence, sire -- for pity on yourself.
HENRY
Didn't you assure me we were alone?
MARGUERITE
Eh, sir, who can answer for that when there are two doors to an apartment -- or even when there's only one.
HENRY
Fine, Madame -- you don't love me, it's true, but you keep your word.
MARGUERITE
What did you mean, sir?
HENRY
(low)
I mean if you were capable of betraying me, you would have let me continue since I was betraying myself alone.
(aloud)
Well, Madame, are you breathing more easily now?
MARGUERITE
Oh, yes, sire, much better.
HENRY
In that case, I won't bother you any longer. I owe you my respects, and some advances of good friendship. Please accept them as I offer them -- with all my heart, go to sleep then -- and good night.
MARGUERITE
So, it's agreed?
HENRY
(in the doorway)
Yes -- a political alliance -- frank and loyal.
MARGUERITE
Frank and loyal.
HENRY
(going, escorting Marguerite back)
Thanks, Marguerite, thanks -- you are a true daughter of France. I part at ease, in place of your love, your friendship remains to me -- I am counting on you as by your side, you may count on me -- goodbye, Madame.
(Henry exits. As Marguerite returns, the Duke leaves the office.)
DUKE
Marguerite is neutral today. In eight hours, Marguerite will be hostile.
MARGUERITE
Did you understand?
DUKE
Me? Absolutely nothing. But who told you I needed to understand?
MARGUERITE
Brother, put off for a minute, I beg you, this cold and somber mask, which prevents looks from penetrating your thoughts, and tell me, tell me what's going on tonight?
DUKE
Tonight? Ask that of Rene?
MARGUERITE
What do you mean of Rene?
DUKE
Doubtless. He's a sorcerer, he will tell you. Good night, Marguerite.
(He heads toward the door.)
MARGUERITE
Good night.
DUKE
(returning)
Ah -- a bit of advice.
MARGUERITE
What?
DUKE
Before you go to bed, bolt each of your doors, and if you hear some noise -- put two bolts on.
(He leaves by the secret corridor.)
MARGUERITE
(alone)
What a wedding night!
MARGUERITE
Did Henry speak truly and our marriage is only a trick? If I hear some noise, as Duke D'Alencon's somber face said, put in a second bolt -- I hear no noise. All is tranquill -- no light on the horizon. The step of some late scholar -- that's all.
THE VOICE OF A STUDENT
(singing in the street)
Why --
When I want to rustle your pretty hair
Or kiss your lovely mouth
Or touch your beautiful breast --
Do you hide away as if you were shut in a nunnery?
Why do you hide your eyes --
Your beautiful breast
Your face, your lips?
Do you want to save them for Pluto
Down in Hell, after Charon
Has taken his fare.
(The voice fades out.)
MARGUERITE
Everyone loves someone or something. I'm the only one who loves no one, and am loved by no one. He is right that I am queen.
(shutting the window)
Come Gilonne and get me ready to go to bed.
GILONNE
Madame.
MARGUERITE
What?
GILONNE
I can hear steps in the secret passage.
MARGUERITE
These steps cannot be those of my brother, Charles, or of the Duke D'Alencon or of my mother, Madame Catherine or of one of her women. Open and see.
GILONNE
Madame de Sauve!
MARGUERITE
Madame de Sauve.
MADAME DE SAUVE
Alas, yes, myself.
MARGUERITE
Have you come to find your lover even here, Madame? You know very well he's no longer here.
MADAME DE SAUVE
(on her knees)
Forgive me, Madame -- oh, my God, I know to what degree I am guilty towards you -- but injurious necessity -- fear, terror, made me profit by this passage which was open to me as a lady of honor to the Queen Mother.
MARGUERITE
Get up, Madame, and as I don't think you came in the hope of justifying yourself to me, tell me why you have come.
MADAME DE SAUVE
Madame, hear me, in the name of heaven -- and you may forgive me or scorn me later. Madame it's a question of life and death.
MARGUERITE
Of life and death?
MADAME DE SAUVE
Eh! Look at me, if it was a question of ordinary danger would I be so pale, so trembling, so lost? Would I even come to you?
MARGUERITE
What's going on then?
MADAME DE SAUVE
They are slaughtering the Huguenots -- and the King of Navarre is the leader of the Huguenots.
MARGUERITE
Oh, my God. So that's the explanation of all these vague warnings -- the realization of all these somber presentments -- but he -- he is a king.
MADAME DE SAUVE
He runs more dangers than the others, Madame, for Queen Catherine has sworn his death.
MARGUERITE
His death? Why?
MADAME DE SAUVE
The predictions, they say, assure him the French Throne.
MARGUERITE
Oh --
MADAME DE SAUVE
All this has been done against the King of Navarre, everything was done to bring him to Paris -- your marriage was only a snare.
MARGUERITE
And your love?
MADAME DE SAUVE
In a way. My love was ordered by the Queen mother. Alas, she hoped that her orders were in agreement with my heart.
MARGUERITE
But to what end did she order you to love him?
MADAME DE SAUVE
So that he won't be your spouse, so that he will remain stranger to the King, and that the King, not having to struggle with your tears, can kill him. And that -- on the night of your wedding he'd not be in your apartment for, in your arms, before your eyes, they wouldn't dare.
MARGUERITE
Ah, I understand, I understand what D'Alencon wanted to know. Where is he -- where is he? The King of Navarre.
MADAME DE SAUVE
I don't know. I came to ask you. Where is he?
MARGUERITE
He left here just now. Oh, if I had known.
MADAME DE SAUVE
My God, what are we going to do? Pardon me, Madame. What are you going to do?
MARGUERITE
I am going to find Queen Catherine. The King of Navarre is under my protection. I promised him an alliance. I will be faithful to my promise.
MADAME DE SAUVE
But if you cannot reach the Queen Mother?
MARGUERITE
I will turn to my brother, Charles.
MADAME DE SAUVE
Go, Madame, go.
MARGUERITE
I am going.
MADAME DE SAUVE
Wait.
MARGUERITE
What?
MADAME DE SAUVE
The tocsin -- the tocsin.
MARGUERITE
What does it mean?
MADAME DE SAUVE
It's the signal. Shouting.
MARGUERITE
Will they cut throats in the Louvre?
MADAME DE SAUVE
Eh! My God yes.
VOICE OF LA MOLE
(in the corridor)
Navarre! Navarre! Help!
MARGUERITE
Open, open, Gilonne!
MADAME DE SAUVE
It's not his voice.
(She leaves. La Mole enters without his cloak, or hat, his doublet is torn.)
LA MOLE
Madame -- they are killing -- they are butchering my brothers - they want to cut my throat, too. You are the Queen -- save me!
(Falling on his knees before the Queen.)
MARGUERITE
My God! Who are you? What are you asking? Help? Help?
LA MOLE
Madame, don't call. If they hear you, I am lost. The assassins are climbing the stairs behind me. I hear them -- they are here!
(Coconnas, La Hurriere, and a group of armed men.)
COCONNAS
Ah, by God -- we have got him now.
LA MOLE
(rising)
A weapon, a sword -- a dagger let me defend myself.
COCONNAS
Here!
(He stitches him another blow.)
LA MOLE
(pulling away)
Ah!
MARGUERITE
Wretches! Are you also going to murder a daughter of France.
LA HURRIERE
Madame Marguerite!
COCONNAS
The Queen of Navarre! Madame, excuse us, but we are involved in the pursuit of a heretic.
MARGUERITE
Churches and royal castles are places of asylum. The Louvre is a royal palace. I order you to leave.
LA HURRIERE
(to Coconnas)
Come! Come! We won't lack a good supply of others.
COCONNAS
Madame, it is the woman not the queen that I obey. Ah, cursed Provincial -- if I ever get you again.
(He backs out slowly -- still threatening.)
MARGUERITE
(after having heard the noise of steps going off)
They are gone! Where is this unfortunate?
GILONNE
Here.
MARGUERITE
Dead.
GILONNE
No -- only fainted.
MARGUERITE
My God.
MARGUERITE
This is the young man who came to me earlier with a letter for the King. It's Mr. de La Mole.
LA MOLE
(opening his eyes)
And you, you are the Queen. Ah, how beautiful you are, Madame!
MARGUERITE
Where to put him? In your room -- Gilonne, in your room.
GILONNE
Wherever you wish, Madame.
MARGUERITE
Wait, -- someone's calling --
MADAME DE NEVERS
(outside)
Your Majesty, Madame Marguerite!
MARGUERITE
It's Madame de Nevers -- it's Henriette. a last effort, sir -- go in this office.
(running to the door)
This way, this way Henriette.
(turning)
Is he there? Yes -- good.
(Gilonne lead la Mole into the office. Madame de Nevers followed by Halabardiers.)
MARGUERITE
Ah! You are not alone.
MADAME DE NEVERS
No -- my brother-in-law the Duke de Guise has given me a dozen guards to escort me back to my hotel. I am leaving you six. For tonight, you may have need of guards from the Duke of Guise --
(to guards)
Install yourselves in this antechamber and obey Madame Marguerite as you would me.
MARGUERITE
Oh! What a terrible night.
MADAME DE NEVERS
I don't find it so. I am a good Catholic.
MARGUERITE
Ah -- if you knew, if you knew.
MADAME DE NEVERS
(reaching the other door)
Oh well -- you can tell me all about it later.
(to her six guards)
Come.
(to Marguerite)
Goodbye.
(She leaves.)
MARGUERITE
How is he?
GILONNE
A little better.
MADAME DE NEVERS
(once again opening the door)
Madame.
MARGUERITE
What is it now?
MADAME DE SAUVE
They've just arrested him. They are taking him to the King.
MARGUERITE
I'm on my way.
MADAME DE SAUVE
Ah! You will never get to him. The orders are given.
MARGUERITE
Rest easy. I will find some way. Gilonne, I recommend this unfortunate to you -- come, Madame, come.
MADAME DE SAUVE
Ah! May God protect Your Majesty.
(curtain)
Scene iii
The arms room of the King. To the left, a large window with a balcony which can be used; from this window one can see the other bank of the Seine, the Tower de Nesle. Two doors to the right and left.
THE KING
(entering)
Where is Henry?
NURSE
(coming from her room)
Charles, my Charles, is it true what they say?
THE KING
And what do they say, nurse?
NURSE
They say they are massacring the Huguenots.
THE KING
Well -- what difference does it make to you?
NURSE
But I am of the religion --
THE KING
Then hide yourself in some corner and pray to the God of the Huguenots that my mother doesn't find you.
NURSE
Charles!
THE KING
Enough. Call Mr. de Nancy.
(calling his dog)
Acteon! Come Acteon.
NURSE
Oh! My God! My God!
THE KING
Well -- what did I say?
NURSE
(obeying)
Come, de Nancy, the King wishes to speak to you.
THE KING
Where is Henry?
DE NANCY
Arrested, sire, according to Your Majesty's orders.
THE KING
Where has he been taken?
DE NANCY
In the next room.
THE KING
Bring him in. Ah -- now the hour has come -- God will tell me one day if it has struck for my damnation or my salvation.
(Henry is brought in by de Nancy)
DE NANCY
Come in, My Lord.
(He brings Henry in and then retires.)
HENRY
(looking around him)
He is alone!
THE KING
Ah, it's you?
HENRY
Yes, sir.
THE KING
(drying his face)
By God -- you are pleased to find yourself near me, aren't you, Little Henry?
HENRY
Doubtless, sire, for I always am pleased to find myself near Your Majesty.
THE KING
More pleased than to be down there, huh?
HENRY
Where's that, sire?
THE KING
On the street.
HENRY
Sire, I don't understand.
THE KING
Look and you will understand.
(He opens the window and shows him the quays lit by torches and gunfire.)
HENRY
But, in the name of heaven, what's going on tonight?
THE KING
Tonight, sir, they are relieving me of all the Huguenots. You see that smoke and flame down there, above the Hotel de Bourbon? That's the smoke and flame of the Admiral's house -- which is on fire. Do you see the body that good Catholics are dragging on a torn mattress? It's the body of the Admiral's son-in-law -- of your friend, Teligny.
HENRY
(seeing his sword)
And disarmed! Disarmed!
THE KING
Looking for your sword? And what would you do with your sword?
HENRY
I don't know, sire, but I'd like to have it.
THE KING
Senseless! Haven't you understood what I said?
HENRY
No.
THE KING
I said I no longer wish Huguenots around me. Do you understand, Henry? I said -- I no longer want them. Am I the King? Am I the master?
HENRY
But Your Majesty.
THE KING
My Majesty kills and massacres at this moment all who are not Catholic. It's my pleasure. Are you Catholic or Huguenot?
HENRY
Sire, recall your own words, "What does it matter the religion of those who serve me well?"
THE KING
Ah! Ah! Ah! Let me recall my words! Verba volent, as my sister Margot says. Yes, yes, they serve me well, the Huguenots, very well even. They slip and slide everywhere in all ranks, in all employments in finances, in shipping -- in war -- just as one, more bold than the others slides into my throne. But tomorrow, there won't be any more Huguenots. You hear, Henry? Tomorrow there won't be a single one left.
HENRY
Yes, sire, I hear.
THE KING
But do you understand?
HENRY
Marvelously.
THE KING
And you don't respond.
HENRY
In fact, Sire, I am responding.
THE KING
Well, and what do you respond?
HENRY
In that case, I don't see why the King of Navarre would do what those unlucky gentlemen who, to remain free of perjury, did not do ---- for they are unlucky --- having to die because, having had proposed to them what is being proposed to me, they refused as I refuse.
THE KING
(grasping his arm)
Ah -- yes indeed, you think I have taken the trouble to offer the mass to those whose throats are being cut down there?
HENRY
Sire, won't you die in the religion of your fathers?
THE KING
Yes, by God! And you?
HENRY
(tranquilly)
And I too, sire.
THE KING
Ah! So it's like that?
(grabbing his arquebus)
Do you want the mass, Little Henry?
(Henry keeps silent.)
THE KING
Death, mass or Bastille. Choose! Death -- mass or Bastille. Are you Catholic or Huguenot?
HENRY
I am your brother, sire!
THE KING
Damnation. This cannot pass -- I have to kill someone.
(He runs to the window, aims at a man fleeing on the quay and fires. The man falls.)
HENRY
Oh -- my God! My God.
CATHERINE
(raising the tapestry)
Well, is it accomplished?
THE KING
No -- a thousands devils -- no! The blockhead refuses.
(Catherine, looking around her, sees Henry leaning against the tapestry.)
CATHERINE
Then -- why is he alive?
THE KING
He's alive -- he's alive -- because he is my brother.
HENRY
Madame -- all this proceeds from you and not from King Charles. I see that now. It's you who determined this fatal union! It's you who had the idea of bringing me into a trap -- me and my companions! It's you who conceived of making your daughter the bait in the trap to destroy us all. It's you who just now, separated me from my wife so that she wouldn't have the burden of seeing me perish before her eyes.
(Marguerite enters through the nurse's door.)
MARGUERITE
Yes -- but it won't happen. They won't kill the husband before his wife's eyes, I hope.
HENRY
Marguerite.
THE KING
Margot.
CATHERINE
My daughter.
MARGUERITE
Sir, your last words accuse me and you are at once both right and wrong. Right, for I am, in effect, the instrument which has served to destroy you all -- wrong for I was unaware that you marched to your perdition. But, since I have learned of your danger, I remember my duty and I hurried here and thanks to the good nurse of my brother, I got in -- so here I am -- and the duty of a wife is to partake in the fortune of her husband -- if you are exiled, sir, I follow you in exile -- if you are imprisoned, I am a captive, if you are killed -- I die.
THE KING
Ah -- my poor Margot, you would do better to tell him to become a Catholic.
MARGUERITE
Sire, believe me, for your own sake - don't ask such a cowardly thing from a prince of your house. Think of it -- you have made him my spouse.
THE KING
In fact, Madame, Margot's right and Little Henry is my brother-in-law.
MARGUERITE
Yes, brother-in-law! Yes. You spoke rightly. Charles. Give the husband to the wife. You won't make me a widow on the day of my marriage? Give me his life! I demand the life of Henry -- on my knees.
THE KING
Well -- take him away.
MARGUERITE
Thanks, brother. Thanks.
(to Henry)
Come quickly, come.
HENRY
But I too must thank.
THE KING
(low)
You can thank me later. Go! Don't you feel the boards trembling under your feet? Go!
(Shouts can be heard and fleeing Protestants can be seen. The King closes the window and falls into a chair. Henry and Margot leave.)
THE KING
Mother -- there's a lot of blood being shed. Do you think God will forgive me?
CATHERINE
No -- for this blood will have been shed uselessly if Henry keeps the blood he has in his veins.
THE KING
So -- it was really against him alone that all this butchery was directed.
CATHERINE
Sire, you think yourself a great politician and you are only a child.
(She leaves.)
NURSE
Don't listen to her, Charles! You have done the right thing.
(She kneels on one side. The dog, Acteon comes to lick his hand on the other.)
THE KING
These are perhaps the only two creatures on earth who won't curse me tomorrow.
(curtain)
ACT II
Scene iv
Henry's apartment, simply furnished hangings in skins. Two doors in the rear.
HENRY
(alone)
Come on, come on, everything's calm. Three days have passed and I am still among the living. Again one must believe in miracles. It was indeed very lucky that they had the nice idea of killing me with iron or lead, instead of simply poisoning me -- as they did my poor mother with perfumed gloves -- and as they intended to do to de Conde with a sweetened apple. Decidedly, my brother, Charles, is not so bad a devil as Master Rene, and it's better to do business with the King of France then the Queen mother's perfumer. It's also necessary to say that Marguerite has faithfully kept her word to me and she came in time.
Without her, I don't know how it would have ended. If indeed it is finished. I look at myself, I pinch myself. I feel a little more sure I am alive. But tomorrow -- but tonight -- in one hour, could I say as much? Now, who is this man disguised as a Swiss Guard -- for he's not a soldier, who presented arms when I went by just now and said, "health to the King of Navarre." I turned. I didn't have time to see him -- only I heard him. Ah! Ah! It seems someone is in the corridor. I hear footsteps; they are coming from this side -- it's someone searching, hesitating -- they're knocking -- who is it?
A VOICE
(outside)
Milord it's a worker from the harness room who is bringing you the saddle you asked for.
HENRY
Me? I never asked for a saddle, my friend. You are mistaken.
VOICE
No, sire, I am not mistaken, I assure you.
HENRY
It seems to me I recognize that voice -- let's open up.
(opening the door)
What do you want, and who are you?
DE MOUY
A friend, sire.
HENRY
A friend in this outfit?
DE MOUY
Otherwise, I would not have been able to get near Your Majesty.
HENRY
But still --
DE MOUY
Do you recognize me?
HENRY
De Mouy.
(nervously)
Do you absolutely wish to speak to me?
DE MOUY
I must, sire.
HENRY
Come in then.
(closing the door)
DE MOUY
Oh -- fear nothing, sire, no one has recognized me and we are alone.
HENRY
No one has recognized you! Are you sure? We are alone! Can you answer for that?
DE MOUY
I answer for everything, sire.
HENRY
So you're still living my poor friend.
DE MOUY
Yes, and it's not the fault of this infamous Maureval.
HENRY
My friend, don't speak ill of friends of the Queen Mother.
DE MOUY
You don't want me to curse my father's assassin?
HENRY
(low)
Do I curse Rene, the poisoner of my mother?
DE MOUY
Sire, you are King and doubtless God makes you stronger and wiser than other men. But, look, sire, let's be brief for the time is short and let's be frank because circumstances press us.
HENRY
Well, since you absolutely wish to, speak my brave de Mouy.
DE MOUY
It is true that Your Majesty has abjured the Protestant Religion?
HENRY
It's true.
DE MOUY
With your lips or your heart?
HENRY
One is always thankful to God when he gives us life -- and God has visibly spared me in a cruel danger.
DE MOUY
Sir, let's confess one thing.
HENRY
What?
DE MOUY
It's that your abjuration is an affair of calculation, not of conviction. You abjured so the King would let you live -- and not just because God saved your life.
HENRY
Whatever may be the cause of my conversion, de Mouy, I am no less Catholic.
DE MOUY
Yes, but will you always remain so? At the first opportunity of regaining your liberty, won't your conscience return, too? Well, the occasion presents itself, La Rochelle is in revolt; La Roussillon and Bearn only wait a word to act, In Guyenne everyone is for war; Navarre awaits you. It's only a question of you getting to Navarre. Just tell me that your conversion was forced, sire, and I will answer for the future.
HENRY
No one can force a gentleman of my birth de Mouy -- what I've done, I've done freely.
DE MOUY
But, sire, think that in acting thus, you are abandoning us, betraying us.
(Henry remains impassive.)
DE MOUY
Yes, you betray us -- for more than 500 Huguenots instead of fleeing have remained in Paris with the object of freeing you and providing you an escort until we reach some safe place belonging to our brothers, and everything is ready, understand clearly, sire, to give you not only liberty, not only power, but a throne once more.
HENRY
(making an effort over himself)
De Mouy, I am safe, de Mouy, I am Catholic, de Mouy, I am the spouse of Marguerite, the brother of King Charles, the Duke of Anjou, and the Duke of D'Alencon -- I am the son-in-law of my mother-in-law Catherine. De Mouy in taking these diverse positions, I have calculated the chance and also the obligations.
DE MOUY
In whom can we believe then, sire? They told me your marriage with Madame Marguerite has not yet been consummated, they told me that you renounced through pressure, they told me the hate of Madame Catherine, already demonstrated against your mother, will never be satisfied until demonstrated on her son. They told me --
HENRY
Lies, lies, de Mouy! They have impudently deceived you. This dear Marguerite is indeed my wife, this Good Catherine is indeed my mother and my brother, King Charles, is indeed the master of my life and my heart.
DE MOUY
So this, sire, is the response I shall take to my friends? I will tell them that while they repress us, King Henry holds the hand and gives his heart to those who butcher us! I will tell them that the King of Navarre has become the flatterer of the Queen Mother and the friend of Maureval and Rene. For the first time in my life, I fear, truly, of not being believed.
HENRY
(to Gilonne who enters)
Ah -- Well, what's the matter, my good Gilonne?
GILONNE
A letter from Her Majesty, the Queen of Navarre.
HENRY
Oh, let me have it, let me have it, Gilonne. Thanks! Is there a reply?
GILONNE
I don't know.
HENRY
If there is a reply, I will bring it myself.
(Gilonne leaves.)
HENRY
You see de Mouy, on what terms we are with this dear Marguerite, when we cannot see each other, we write each other.
DE MOUY
Sire, at least make this sacrifice to your former popularity -- of not risking any public act which will prove to our brothers that you have abjured. Sire, this ought to be easy for you.
HENRY
(reading)
"Don't fail to come on a pilgrimage to the pine tree. It must be done." You've come at the wrong time, my poor de Mouy.
DE MOUY
How's that?
HENRY
Yes, you came to ask me for a proof of skepticism, at the very moment when God has just manifested himself by a miracle.
DE MOUY
What?
HENRY
In truth, don't you know yet? A pine tree in the cemetery of the Innocents which was bare since spring time, has bloomed since Saint Bartholemew's day. Such a thing has not been seen in the memory of man, and it's proof, at least they say so at the Louvre, that the Lord viewed with pleasure what happened on that day. A pilgrimage is to be made to the place of the pine tree. My brother, Charles, has asked me if I would go -- I haven't answered yet. You understand, I am too new a Catholic to fail in such an invitation. I recall just now that I did ask for this saddle from the harness shop. You were right to remove the emblem of the house of Bourbon, and to leave only the Fleur de lys of France. When one is not King, when one does not especially wish to be, it's better not to wear royal arms!
Goodbye, De Mouy -- you will tell this to the harness shop, right? As for me, I am going to Madame Marguerite -- adieu.
(Henry leaves.)
DE MOUY
(alone)
(watching stupefied as Henry leaves, wrenching his hat in his hands, then throwing it at his feet)
Oh, by death, I didn't come here to listen to such words. This is the man that Coligny answered to me for as for himself whom I gave my life and my honor! By my word as a gentleman, it's a wretch of a prince; and I really want to kill myself here to besmirch him forever with my blood.
(Duke of D'Alencon enters from the door at the rear.)
DUKE
Hush -- Mr. de Mouy; for someone besides myself might hear you.
DE MOUY
Monsieur D'Alencon! I am lost!
DUKE
On the contrary! Perhaps you've even found what you were looking for. Believe me, a blood as generous as yours can be better employed than reddening the sill of the King of Navarre.
DE MOUY
(astonished)
Milord, if I have understood correctly, Your Highness wishes to speak to me?
DUKE
Yes, de Mouy, but not in this room. They might hear us.
DE MOUY
Where do you want me to go, Milord?
DUKE
To my apartment. Leave by the other door and I will rejoin you in the corridor.
(curtain)
Scene v
The apartment of Madame de Nevers in the Hotel de Guise. Rich hangings, doors to the left, right and rear.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Your Majesty can enter in complete safety, here we are free.
MARGUERITE
First of all, and above everything else, My Majesty begs you to forget Her Majesty. You say then you are free, dear Henriette.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Oh! My God, yes: Neither brother-in-law nor husband, nobody! Free like the air, like a bird, like a cloud. I go, I come, I command. Ah! Poor queen! You are not free -- and you are sighing.
MARGUERITE
My dear friend, permit me to tell you, you are very gay for just being free.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Your Majesty forgets that she has promised me to broach some confidences.
MARGUERITE
Again, My Majesty! We are annoyed, Henriette. Have you forgotten what's agreed between us?
MADAME DE NEVERS
No: Your respectful servant before the world, your mad confidante when we are alone; right, Madam? Right Marguerite?
MARGUERITE
Yes, yes -- that's more like it.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Neither our family rivalries nor perfidies of love -- all open and frank, an alliance, offensive and defensive with the sole end of seizing in its flight, if we can catch it, this ephemeral thing called joy.
MARGUERITE
Right, my duchess, that's it.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Then what's new?
MARGUERITE
Isn't everything new for the last three days?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Oh, I am speaking of love, not politics. When we get to Lady Catherine, your mother's age -- then we will play politics. But we are twenty, my beautiful queen, let's talk of something else. Let's see, would you be married for all the world?
MARGUERITE
To whom?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Ah -- truly you reassure me. It hasn't happened yet.
MARGUERITE
Entirely to the contrary, my poor Henriette, I am less married than ever.
MADAME DE NEVERS
By God! As one of my friend's says, you are really happy.
MARGUERITE
You know someone who says 'My God'.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Yes.
MARGUERITE
And who is this person?
MADAME DE NEVERS
You always question me when you are the one who should speak -- finish and I will begin.
MARGUERITE
Well -- so be it, Henriette. I have a scruple.
MADAME DE NEVERS
A scruple about what?
MARGUERITE
Religious. Do you see a difference between the Huguenots and the Catholics.
MADAME DE NEVERS
In politics?
MARGUERITE
Yes.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Without a doubt.
MARGUERITE
But in love?
MADAME DE NEVERS
My dear friend, we women are such pagans that instead of joining sects, we admit all; instead of making gods -- we thank several.
MARGUERITE
There's only one, right?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Yes -- who has a quiver, a blindfold and wings. By God -- long live devotion.
MARGUERITE
You push it a little further than that.
MADAME DE NEVERS
How's that?
MARGUERITE
You throw stones at the heads of Huguenots.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Let's do well and leave talking. Is that the end of your confidences, Madam?
MARGUERITE
One moment. It's that, if the stone my brother Charles spoke of was historical.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Well?
MARGUERITE
Well, I would abstain --
MADAME DE NEVERS
Good! Now I understand your scruple. He's a Huguenot?
MARGUERITE
Who?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Who? Our gentleman.
MARGUERITE
You've understood it's a question of a gentleman?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Truly, how difficult it is.
MARGUERITE
Henriette, be persuaded of one thing -- it's that this gentleman is nothing to me and never will be anything.
MADAME DE NEVERS
No matter, he exists, right?
MARGUERITE
Yes, but he nearly failed to exist.
MADAME DE NEVERS
And how did you meet him?
MARGUERITE
In the midst of the massacre, having no other protector in Paris than the King of Navarre, he sought refuge in my apartment.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Where the King of Navarre didn't happen to be, of course.
MARGUERITE
You know it better than anyone.
MADAME DE NEVERS
And where he remains.
MARGUERITE
He was so grievously wounded, that I didn't dare to --
MADAME DE NEVERS
I understand that, but you know it's very worrisome, a wounded Huguenot in the times which we find ourselves? And what will you do with your wounded Huguenot, who is nothing to you and never will be anything?
MARGUERITE
I've made him a convalescent who lives in my office, and whom I intend to save, that's all.
MADAME DE NEVERS
He's handsome, he's young, he wounded, you are hiding him in your office, you wish to save him. This Huguenot would be a real ingrate if he's not very thankful to you.
MARGUERITE
He is already -- and I'm afraid more than I wish.
MADAME DE NEVERS
And he interests you, this poor young man?
MARGUERITE
Oh -- only for the sake of humanity.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Ah! Humanity, my poor Queen. It's always that virtue that destroys us women.
MARGUERITE
Yes, and you understand, as from one moment to the next, the King, D'Alencon, the Queen mother, my husband even, can come into my apartment.
MADAME DE NEVERS
You want to beg me to keep your little Huguenot so long as he's sick, on the condition that I return him when he gets better?
MARGUERITE
Comedian! No, I swear to that I am not preparing things so far in advance -- only if you could find a way to hide this poor boy, if you could protect the life I saved him. I confess to you that I would be very thankful to you. You are free in the Hotel de Guise, you said yourself, you have neither brother nor husband, to constrain you and what's more, I remember well, behind this room, you possess a large office like mine. Will you lend this office to me until my Huguenot is cured? -- which is an affair of five or six days at most. Then you will open the cage and the bird will fly off.
MADAME DE NEVERS
There's only one difficulty dear queen -- it's that the cage is occupied.
MARGUERITE
What! You've saved someone too?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Exactly and that's what I replied to your brother when I spoke so low that you couldn't hear.
MARGUERITE
Ah, yes, truly --
MADAME DE NEVERS
Listen, Marguerite, it's a wonderful story, no less beautiful, no less admirable than yours. After having left the Louvre, the evening of St. Bartholemew, I was returning to the Hotel de Guise, and I watched a house being burned and pillaged when suddenly, I heard women shouting and men swearing. I came out on the balcony and at first I saw a sword whose fire seemed to light the scene all by itself. I admired this furious blade. I love beautiful things, so naturally I looked for the arm that made it flash, then the body to which the arm was attached. Then in the midst of screams, in the midst of blows, I distinguished a man and I saw a hero, an Ajax! I became enthusiastic. I encouraged him by voice and gesture. I shook at every blow that threatened him. I breathed at each lunge that he made. It was, you see, my queen, the emotion of a quarter of an hour, that I'd never experienced, that I never believed to exist -- so I was there, breathless, suspended, mute, when suddenly my hero disappeared.
MARGUERITE
How's that?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Under a stone that an old woman had thrown at him. Then, like the son of Croesus, I got back my voice, I shouted for help. My guards came, took him, carried him off and then carried him to the office you are asking for your protege.
MARGUERITE
Alas, I understand the story so well, for it is almost mine.
MADAME DE NEVERS
With this difference, that serving my King and my religion I don't need to send away Mr. Hannibal Coconnas.
MARGUERITE
His name is Hannibal Coconnas.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Yes -- it's a terrible name, isn't it? Well -- he is worthy of his name.
MARGUERITE
Then my protege is refused at the Hotel de Guise? I am annoyed because it's the last place where anyone would look for a Huguenot.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Not at all. Bring him here -- he will sleep in this room. Each will have his own.
MARGUERITE
I confess to you, I had counted on you so much my dear Henriette, that I brought him in advance.
MADAME DE NEVERS
He's here?
MARGUERITE
Below, in my litter.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Let him come up! Let him come up. Master Ambrose Pare will treat them both at the same time.
MARGUERITE
Oh, no, not Master Ambrose Pare, my brother's surgeon! Are you thinking of such a thing? No, I found another doctor who has miraculously saved de Bussy from the last sword blow he received.
MADAME DE NEVERS
You have confidence in him?
MARGUERITE
A great deal; for I've observed him. In less than three days he's brought my poor injured person back from death to life.
MADAME DE NEVERS
What do you call him?
MARGUERITE
You don't need to know that, dear friend.
MADAME DE NEVERS
No matter! I may have need of him in my turn and not just for Mr. Hannibal Coconnas.
MARGUERITE
He's called Master Caboche, besides you can see him if you like, he knows his patient is being brought here. This evening he ought to come. See to it, I beg you that he's brought to la Mole.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Ah, our Huguenot is called la Mole?
MARGUERITE
Yes -- Lerac de la Mole from a great family in Provence.
MADAME DE NEVERS
You will see that in looking carefully, we will find some place that his ancestors reigned -- which will be a great joy.
MARGUERITE
Why's that?
MADAME DE NEVERS
So it won't be a misalliance.
MARGUERITE
Mad woman!
MADAME DE NEVERS
Then you accept, right?
MARGUERITE
Doubtless.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Well, bring the patient up.
MARGUERITE
Gilonne.
(Gilonne appears.)
MARGUERITE
My dear Gilonne, have la Mole step up.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Will you allow me to check on the health of my Catholic?
MARGUERITE
Of course, that's a good hostess.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Mica.
(Mica appears.)
MICA
Madame?
MADAME DE NEVERS
How is it with the Count?
MICA
Better and better, Madam.
MADAME DE NEVERS
What's he been doing in my absence?
MICA
He's been eating a wing of pheasant.
MARGUERITE
Ah, it appears his appetite is reviving -- that's a good sign.
MADAME DE NEVERS
And then?
MICA
He stretched out on his cushions and I think he's sleeping.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Marvelous!
GILONNE
(opening the door)
Madame!
MARGUERITE
Ah, fine, let him come in.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Wait, I will retire.
MARGUERITE
Why's that?
MADAME DE NEVERS
Oh, my God, at the moment of leaving you this poor young man -- perhaps he may have something to tell you -- Mica, a young man is going to stay in this room, wounded like the Count de Coconnas! I want you to take the same care of him as you do of the Count. Your Majesty will find me in my room. Come, Mica.
(She goes out.)
MARGUERITE
Crazy Henriette! But how she reads into the depths of one's heart with her madness! Let's see -- come in, sir!
LA MOLE
(enters, very pale)
Here I am, Madam.
MARGUERITE
The trip didn't tire you too much?
LA MOLE
No, Madame, and the good care you've taken of me has unfortunately born its fruit.
MARGUERITE
Unfortunately! Explain yourself, sir. I don't understand you.
LA MOLE
Oh, without doubt, if I hadn't miraculously gotten back my strength, you would not have, in seeing me so near to death, had the courage to exile me from your apartment.
MARGUERITE
My apartment was not a safe enough place to keep you --
LA MOLE
(ardently)
Oh -- who told you Madame, that I wouldn't prefer to die there than live elsewhere?
MARGUERITE
Clearly you're not so nearly over your convalescence as you think since this delirium takes you.
LA MOLE
You take me, you mean to say, Madame, for since I saw you at the Louvre, alas, I have had no other thought except to be received as one of your followers, able to see you always and to belong to you forever.
MARGUERITE
Sir, servants of your age are too dangerous, at least in the eyes of the world, for a Queen of my age. I will find some other position for you.
LA MOLE
So, Madame, I can hope that I will see you again? I have no need to fear that in leaving you, I will never see you again?
MARGUERITE
Hope, Monsieur de la Mole, I will take care not to deprive a poor injured man of hope. Hope is the best medicine that I know.
(after a moment of silence)
By the way -- you are at the home of my friend Mme. de Nevers. In the next room there is a gentleman wounded during the night of St. Bartholemew. If, by chance, this poor man was of a different father than yours -- which is possible -- for the entire time you live here, forget that you are a Huguenot.
LA MOLE
Madame, I promise that the memory of all your bounties will efface every other memory.
MARGUERITE
Good, thanks! But it's getting late and I still have a few words to say to Henriette! Goodbye, la Mole.
LA MOLE
Madame, Madame.
(falls to one knee)
Your hand.
MARGUERITE
There are two sorts of people one mustn't refuse anything -- children and patients. Here, sir!
(She gives him her hand to kiss and leaves.)
(During the last scene and this monologue night comes on, little by little.)
LA MOLE
(alone)
Oh, my beautiful queen! Ask for my blood, my life, my soul -- ask anything of me, except not to love you anymore. For if you ask that, devoted as I am, I would rebel.
(putting his sword on an armchair and stretching out on the cushions)
But no, she's thought of everything. So, in advance, she was occupied with me -- so while I did not dare to tell her that my life was attached to hers, she prepares for me this favor of seeing her always! Oh! Thanks, Madame, thanks! But I hear some noise, a door is opening -- someone is coming.
COCONNAS
(leaning on his scabbard)
My word, I'm very pleased to have a neighbor. He can keep me company in my hours of solitude; Madame de Nevers says he's a charming boy. Ugh, ugh. I think my shoulder is hurting me more than my head, if it's not my chest, which is hurting me more than my shoulder.
LA MOLE
This must be the gentleman the Queen spoke to me about.
COCONNAS
Sir.
LA MOLE
He's probably talking to me.
COCONNAS
Sir, are you in this room, if you please?
LA MOLE
Here I am!
COCONNAS
Ah! Ah! Did they warn you that you had me for a neighbor?
LA MOLE
Sir, I know I have the honor.
COCONNAS
Ah! So much the better. Enchanted to meet you.
LA MOLE
Sir, I am your servant.
COCONNAS
You are wounded, sir?
LA MOLE
Very grievously, but they told me of an accident which befell you.
COCONNAS
Meaning I escaped being murdered.
(looking around him)
Where the devil will I find an armchair. The earth is shaking.
LA MOLE
Sir, I am on an excellent cushion, if you care to share it with me.
COCONNAS
With the greatest of pleasure.
(sitting and throwing his sword behind the cushions)
There -- fine! I am not yet very firm on my feet and when I stand up a long time, everything about me spins, it seems to me the earth is shaking. Cursed old woman! Do you understand it? She threw a 20 pound pot of flowers on me from the third floor. Right on my head -- fortunately, I've got a thick skull. I already had a scratch on my shoulder and a stab in the breast, but that was nothing in comparison. And you, sir, when were you wounded?
LA MOLE
I, sir, I received a word cut in the breast and dagger's blow across my arm.
COCONNAS
And, being so badly accommodated you are already up. In truth, it as a miracle.
LA MOLE
My word, yes, sir, and it's a homage to my doctor. I think I fell into Asclepias' bed, although the clown has more the bearing of a bohemian than a God. With several drops of a very agreeable tasting elixir, my word -- with some massaging of my wounds -- all is rather as you see, or rather as you don't see -- but as you will see when someone brings us in a light.
COCONNAS
He's a clever rogue, your bohemian -- or so it seems to me. And what's his name, if you please? It's good to know such a man in the times we live in.
LA MOLE
He's called Master Caboche.
COCONNAS
And he lives --
LA MOLE
Near the Innocents, I think. But he tells me that if I had need of him, he's very well known in Les Halls and I have only to pronounce his name and they will show me his dwelling.
COCONNAS
Master Caboche near the pillory -- very fine. As for me, I have been treated by a stupid donkey.
LA MOLE
What's his name?
COCONNAS
Master Ambrose Pare.
LA MOLE
But he's the King's doctor.
COCONNAS
I pity the King -- can you imagine as I told you just now, that I cannot get up because it always seems to me I am wearing this devilish pot of flowers on my head, so that at each instant I faint.
LA MOLE
Well, sir, I, on the contrary am doing wonderfully, and I already feel strong enough to take on the fellow who assassinated me.
COCONNAS
And that would be just. Ah, sir, when you meet him, when you hold him under your hand disembowel him for me in the best fashion -- you see I promised the fellow who injured me, I'd send him a little ball.
(touching his shoulder)
But how did this happen to you?
LA MOLE
My word, sir, I had back luck. I was abominably betrayed by a man who, from his appearance, I judged to be a good companion.
COCONNAS
You see the rogue! Ah, you interest me, sir! For your story is like mine. And this traitor wounded you.
LA MOLE
You will see. I arrived in Paris on St. Bartholemew's day.
COCONNAS
Right! Just like me.
LA MOLE
I had, that evening, business at the Louvre.
COCONNAS
Again like me.
LA MOLE
I tried to get lodgings nearby.
COCONNAS
Always like me -- ah, sir, what sympathy!
LA MOLE
I stopped in a nearby street before a sign of the most appetizing appearance, a sign as deceptive as the greeting of the host.
COCONNAS
I see this. He shunned you?
LA MOLE
My word, little less. You will judge. At the same time another gentleman arrived.
COCONNAS
At the same time as you?
LA MOLE
Yes.
COCONNAS
At this inn?
LA MOLE
Yes -- a big clown - striding figure, real hair; red mustaches who flashed agreeable white teeth and with whom I supped because of his appearance.
COCONNAS
(recoiling)
Indeed!
LA MOLE
Who, forcing friendship upon me, invited me to retire to my room. He had his plans, the wretch!
COCONNAS
You think so? And what were the wretch's plans?
LA MOLE
By God -- that's easy to figure out. He was the host's accomplice.
COCONNAS
What was your host's name?
LA MOLE
His name is La Hurriere. I will never forget his name, I promise you. This devil of a host shot at me, happily I had my pistols.
COCONNAS
Then, you fired on this devil of a host and instead of shooting him, like the clumsy fool you are, you shot his companion, right?
LA MOLE
(rising)
Eh! Eh! What do you mean about this?
COCONNAS
It means, my dear little heretic, that you are the Count Lerac de la Mole, right?
LA MOLE
And that you are the Count Hannibal de Coconnas, I believe.
COCONNAS
Who wanted to save your life and who you wanted to disembowel. Wait! Wait!
LA MOLE
My sword -- my sword! Ah, since I've met you once more.
(He runs to his sword.)
COCONNAS
Ah, since I've found you again.
(He runs for his.)
LA MOLE
(his sword in his hand)
You haven't got your good Arquebus carrying La Hurriere nor your dagger carrying Maureval.
COCONNAS
(his sword in his hand)
And you, we are going to see if you always have such fine legs as you had the other night, running to the Louvre. Where are you, if you please, Monsieur Comte de la Mole?
LA MOLE
Over here, Monsieur Comte de Coconnas. Well, I am waiting for you.
COCONNAS
Ah! Ah!
(They fence.)
(Mica enters with Caboche, carrying a torch.)
MICA
This way, master, this way. Oh my God -- Madame la Duchesse, Madame la Duchesse.
(She runs out calling.)
COCONNAS
Here, parry this.
LA MOLE
This is for you, Monsieur le Comte.
CABOCHE
Good! It seems I arrived in time.
(Marguerite and Madame de Nevers run in.)
MARGUERITE
Gentlemen.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Gentlemen.
COCONNAS
Good -- the Duchess.
(lowering his sword)
LA MOLE
Madame Marguerite.
(lowering his sword)
COCONNAS
It's delightful -- we will meet again.
MADAME DE NEVERS
(to Coconnas)
Not at all, if you please, Count.
MARGUERITE
(to la Mole)
De la Mole, what is this violence?
LA MOLE
Don't you recognize him yet, Madame? It's the same one who at the head of a gang of assassins followed me right into the Louvre.
MARGUERITE
(to Coconnas)
Count, this is not the first time we have seen each other.
COCONNAS
It's true, Madame, I've had the honor.
MARGUERITE
Count, perhaps you owe me some apologies for the manner in which you presented yourself three days ago at the apartment of a queen.
COCONNAS
The fact is, Madame, if I had known I was entering your apartment --
MARGUERITE
Yes, you will have put your sword in its scabbard as la Mole has already done and as you are going to do.
COCONNAS
Madame.
MADAME DE NEVERS
Obey, Hannibal.
COCONNAS
I obey.
MARGUERITE
Now, sirs, listen carefully -- you, Count Coconnas, you owe your life to Madame de Nevers.
COCONNAS
That's true.
MARGUERITE
You, la Mole.
LA MOLE
Oh, without Your Majesty, I would be dead!
MARGUERITE
Then you have no right to refuse the first demand we make on you.
COCONNAS
Doubtless.
LA MOLE
Oh, Madame, order! You know quite well I await your orders on my knees.
MARGUERITE
Your hand, Count Coconnas.
COCONNAS
Hum! Hum!
MARGUERITE
Your hand, Monsieur de la Mole.
LA MOLE
(touching Marguerite's hand)
Oh with joy, Madame.
MARGUERITE
(to Coconnas)
Do you refuse me, Count?
COCONNAS
No, no -- but -- the flower pot -- I eh -- by God I feel ill, that's all.
(bending and falling on his knees)
MADAME DE NEVERS
Yes, indeed. Help! Help! Weak as he still is, he's not able to stand up so long.
LA MOLE
(excitedly)
Master Caboche, don't you still have that excellent elixir which you had me drink and which had such a good effect.
CABOCHE
I always have some on me.
LA MOLE
Then let me have it.
CABOCHE
Here.
LA MOLE
(to Mme. de Nevers)
Permit me, Madame --
(taking Coconnas in his arm he puts the flask to his mouth)
Count Coconnas -- come to yourself.
COCONNAS
(sighing)
Ah.
MADAME DE NEVERS
He's reopening his eyes.
MARGUERITE
Good la Mole!
COCONNAS
What have you given me! It's as if someone made me drink life.
(recognizing la Mole)
And it's you who have done me this service. Again.
(he takes 2 or 3 drops)
By God! la Mole, if I get better, on my oath, you will be my friend.
LA MOLE
With all my heart.
MARGUERITE
(breathing)
Ah!
MADAME DE NEVERS
Well, Master, what do you think of our two wounded?
CABOCHE
That in a week, they'll be better than they ever were.
MADAME DE NEVERS
You see then, dear queen, everything's going to be fine!
(curtain)
Scene vi
The Cemetery of the Innocents to the right, in the foreground, a large pine tree in flower. To the left, the door of a gothic edifice. Under the arch, several doors to dwellings.
(La Hurriere, Master Caboche, Friguet and a crowd shouting "Noel".)
CABOCHE
(approaching and breaking a branch)
Yes, Master La Hurriere, it's the truth of God -- a pine in flower at the end of August -- it's a miracle!
LA HURRIERE
It was for this doubtless that this very morning King Charles and all the court came in procession to the Cemetery of the Innocents. Also, I left the Inn of the Beautiful Star to see once again this good King Charles who relieved us forever of the Huguenots.
CABOCHE
And you greatly aided in this rude work -- Master La Hurriere. I saw you, arms in hand.
LA HURRIERE
Well, do you begrudge me that? I spared you the trouble, that's all.
FRIGUET
Tell us, Master Caboche, is it true what they say?
CABOCHE
What are they saying, my child?
FRIGUET
That you have ointments to cure all sorts of wounds, and that, for example, if you wanted to you could have reattached the head of Admiral Coligny, which he would bear like you and me, instead of being hung from the gibbet of Mont Faucon.
CABOCHE
Do you want to try it on yourself?
FRIGUET
Not at all, Master Caboche, not at all.
CABOCHE
(pulling his ear)
Not even the ear?
FRIGUET
No, no -- I believe in confidence -- let me go, Master Caboche, let me go.
(He goes toward the one rear followed by the group of the people. La Hurriere laughs and applauds following them with his eyes.)
(Coconnas and La Mole enter from the rear.)
COCONNAS
The Quarter of the Halls -- the Cemetery of the Innocents -- this has the appearance of being what we see -- it is every attractive.
LA MOLE
My word -- on my side, I think I see one that is not less extraordinary.
COCONNAS
Who?
LA MOLE
(pointing to La Hurriere)
See!
COCONNAS
First of all, it's not a thing -- it's a man.
LA MOLE
Yes, but what man?
COCONNAS
Master La Hurriere.
(La Mole and Coconnas each place a hand on his shoulder)
Good day master!
LA HURRIERE
(looking to the right)
Ah, Count Coconnas.
(looking to his left)
Ah, Count la Mole.
COCONNAS
You are not dead?
LA HURRIERE
You are still alive?
COCONNAS
I saw you fall there, I heard the noise of the shot