The Youth of the Musketeers
Drama in Five Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1849
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 Presbytery -- A low salon -- door to the left and at rear. Window to the right, large chimney -- stairway to first floor.
(Grimaud is around waiting. Charlotte descends the stairway.)
CHARLOTTE
It's well to always prepare the linen and clothes so that the carriage man can take it all in a single trip; didn't you tell me the house must be free today?
CLAUDETTE
(from her chamber door)
Yes, Mademoiselle.
CHARLOTTE
(seeing Grimaud)
Ah, it's you, Grimaud.
GRIMAUD
I'm bringing a letter from the Vicomte, the door was open. I didn't wish to call for fear of upsetting you, Miss, so I came in and I waited.
CHARLOTTE
The Vicomte usually passes by the Presbytery on his way to the hunt -- why haven't I had the honor of seeing him this morning?
GRIMAUD
It's from caution! Without doubt, the Vicomte would otherwise come.
CHARLOTTE
From caution?
GRIMAUD
Yes! Yesterday the Vicomte quarreled with his father.
CHARLOTTE
With his father? The Vicomte quarrelled with his father whom he respects so much -- about what?
GRIMAUD
The old lord wished to present the Vicomte to Miss de La Lussaire.
CHARLOTTE
Oh -- to the beautiful orphan whom they say is the richest heiress in the country.
GRIMAUD
Exactly.
CHARLOTTE
Well?
GRIMAUD
Well! The Vicomte refused outright this presentation under the pretext that he felt no vocation for marriage. So that, not going to la Lussaire and coming here -- you understand.
CHARLOTTE
Well, well -- Thanks Grimaud, let's see what the Vicomte has to say --
(Grimaud backs away, Charlotte nods)
"Miss, the new Cure who has come to replace your brother, whose lengthy absence is regarded as a renunciation of the cureship at Vitray; he will arrive today." Today, the new Cure arrives -- today!
GRIMAUD
Damn! Miss, it's six months since your brother left -- that's a long time for Christians -- six months without a mass.
CHARLOTTE
(continuing)
"But since you are staying in this house that you lived in with your brother -- to leave the house today is your decision -- and I advise the new Cure be lodged in another presbytery. Therefore, I will install him in a pavilion of the Chateau -- stay where you are without trouble or uneasiness. Believe me -- very tenderly -- Miss -- Your devoted servant, Vicomte de la Fere."
GRIMAUD
Does Miss have a reply to give me?
CHARLOTTE
The day won't pass without my seeing the Vicomte.
GRIMAUD
Oh -- very certain.
CHARLOTTE
I will wait for him then -- and give my thanks viva voce.
(Grimaud leaves by the rear.)
CHARLOTTE
(alone)
Just in time; if I'd found it necessary to leave this house to pay for a new -- to increase my expenses -- in a month, I'd have been at the end of my resources. Thus, now this house belongs to me, poor domain. Yes, it is only a vestibule -- the Chateau is down there -- a county and a barony for three hundred years. It's almost a cruelty to have placed the window of this house in sight of the magnificent Chateau. There's proverb which says, "To see is to have." Lying proverb. Claudette, leave things alone. It's useless -- we aren't going anymore.
CLAUDETTE
(on the pallet with linens, etc.)
We aren't going anymore!
CHARLOTTE
No, it's possible that in returning from the hunt, the Count will pass by here and be in need of refreshment -- just wine and some fruits on the table.
(The old woman obeys and places fruits and a jug on the table.)
CHARLOTTE
Ah, it seems to me that crossing the woods I see a chevalier coming -- oh, let him hurry, let him rush -- there's a gallop which draws the cottage a little closer to the Chateau! The Count's Presbytery -- it is well! Claudette, I don't need you anymore -- go!
(Claudette leaves.)
(The Vicomte enters.)
VICOMTE
I saw you from the distance at your window, Charlotte. Why did you come in on my approach?
CHARLOTTE
As you see -- to be here before you.
VICOMTE
True? Thanks.
(He kisses her hand.)
CHARLOTTE
You have been very late today.
VICOMTE
I wrote to you -- didn't Grimaud bring you my letter?
CHARLOTTE
Indeed -- you are in good time, Mr. Vicomte, very good. I know what I say -- and I answer according to my thoughts in saying that you are very good, Vicomte to offer -- but excuse me, I cannot accept it.
VICOMTE
You cannot accept it! You blush to receive something from me.
CHARLOTTE
Oh, not at all, but I am leaving the country, Mr. de la Fere. It must be done. I must do it.
VICOMTE
You must refuse this house! It's necessary for you to leave the country. I don't understand you, Charlotte. Explain yourself. Why flee this country? Why run away from me?
CHARLOTTE
Because a young, obscure girl, poor and without a future -- cannot be an obstacle to the glory, to the fortune of a gentleman of your name and merit.
VICOMTE
What are you saying to me, Charlotte?
CHARLOTTE
Doesn't the Count intend to make you marry Miss de la Lussaire, who is young, pretty, noble -- and whose fortune will double your estate?
VICOMTE
If you know this, Charlotte, you know also that I refuse, right?
CHARLOTTE
Yes, and that's what I cannot bear -- by withdrawing, I spare you the unhappiness of disobeying your father -- I spare you the remorse of thwarting your fortune.
VICOMTE
Listen to me, miss.
CHARLOTTE
Vicomte.
VICOMTE
(approaching Charlotte)
Listen to me, I beg you. Here, soon after the fourteen months since you came to stay at Vitray with your brother, the year 1620 began when you arrived; I had left with the nobility of the country to enlarge the army that King Louis XIII sent to the siege of Angers against the Queen-mother. For three months you stayed in this house -- after I returned to the Chateau, after the peace was signed by the priest of Lucon. People spoke here with interest of this tender union of brother and sister.
(Charlotte gestures)
A union of all devotion on your part for the Cure Georges Backson, your brother was of a somber humor and loved solitude. He separated you from the world in which your youth, your spirit, your beauty fixed a place for you. Fraternal sacrifice on your part for -- admit it -- you are not happy.
CHARLOTTE
Not always.
VICOMTE
I saw you -- I loved you.
CHARLOTTE
(rising.)
Vicomte.
VICOMTE
Let me continue. The most chaste virgin, the most pure young girl -- can hear almost everything else I wish to say to you. You know it. For five months, you and your brother tried to withstand the advances I made to you. Silent and severe, the Abbe fled the chapel where my father and I called for him in vain. Proud and invisible, you seemed to reproach as a crime the look your eyes gave me by chance -- and yet, you cannot hate me -- I haven't told you that I loved you!
CHARLOTTE
Sir!
VICOMTE
Suddenly an unexpected change operates in your existence. One night this house, customarily so full of calm and of mystery, resounded with an unexpected noise -- the inhabitants of the village believed they heard the hoofs of several horses. The next day, your brother vanished.
CHARLOTTE
Oh no, Vicomte -- believe!
VICOMTE
I don't ask you, Charlotte. I need only tell you what I am saying to you to get where I want you to go. Since then you've been alone -- abandoned. I presented myself on your doorstep -- for I loved you more since your misfortune. Indeed, you wanted to receive me -- that was six months ago. Well - speak, it's six months since -- your misfortune -- you wanted to receive me. It's six months since then -- well speak -- for the last six months -- although you've treated me with kindness and I am grateful to you for that -- speak Charlotte -- have I once held your hand without thanking you as for a Grace? Have I spoken to you a single time of love, without at the same time having sought my pardon in your eyes? Now have I ever once questioned you as to who you are: where you come from -- and why your brother disappeared?
CHARLOTTE
No sir, and you've been for me as you are for all those who know you -- that is to say the most loyal and generous gentleman in the Kingdom.
VICOMTE
Thanks! You understand then that it is not a vain curiosity which makes me say to you: Charlotte Backson speak to me today with an open heart -- can you do it?
CHARLOTTE
(aside)
What's he getting at?
VICOMTE
Some words about you -- about your brother -- about your family! A confidence to a friend, that if you wish it, I will keep at the bottom of my heart, like a personal secret. Do you wish it? And I repeat, can you do it?
CHARLOTTE
(passing to the left and taking some parchments from an armoire)
About me and on my family? Here are documents that answer for me. Read, Vicomte, they will prove to you that Charlotte Backson is of a generous blood -- if not illustrious. As for my brother -- his secrets are not mine.
VICOMTE
That's fine, Charlotte. Let's not speak any more of your brother -- and if we see him again --
CHARLOTTE
We will never see him again, sir.
VICOMTE
"William Backson, gentleman from Galicia--"
CHARLOTTE
My father.
VICOMTE
Anne de Breuil--
CHARLOTTE
My mother -- an older brother, from her first marriage inherited all the fortune we had. My brother -- the one you knew was vowed to the priesthood -- and took me with him -- I had lost my father and mother a long time ago.
VICOMTE
Yes -- your father in 1612, your mother in 1615. Poor child.
(giving her back the papers)
CHARLOTTE
Now, you know all, sir.
VICOMTE
Then you are alone, Charlotte?
CHARLOTTE
Alone in the world.
VICOMTE
No one has rights to you?
CHARLOTTE
No one!
VICOMTE
Your heart is free.
CHARLOTTE
I thought you knew that I loved you.
VICOMTE
Repeat it to me, boldly, frankly, loyally.
CHARLOTTE
Vicomte, I love you.
VICOMTE
Charlotte Backson, will you be my wife?
CHARLOTTE
What are you saying?
VICOMTE
A very simple thing Charlotte -- since I love you and you love me.
CHARLOTTE
But your father...
VICOMTE
Listen, Charlotte -- here's the sacrifice that I ask of you confidently -- a public marriage would disturb the last days of my father. You wouldn't demand that of me -- would you? You will accept a secret marriage?
CHARLOTTE
I am your servant, Vicomte.
VICOMTE
The day I call myself the Comte de la Fere, you will be my honored Countess. You know that my father is old, ill, suffering -- you won't have log to wait, Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE
Oh!
VICOMTE
Fine. Till then we will be happy in silence and obscurity. Listen, the new pastor is coming to the Chateau this morning. He's one of my childhood friends. He knows of my love for you. He consents to bless our union -- in an hour you will go to the church -- a chapel will be lit up -- I will offer you my hand, you will lend yours to it -- you will swear an eternal love to me in this modest village church. Perhaps God will hear us more favorably than the oaths of kings in splendid cathedrals.
(giving her his hand)
CHARLOTTE
My lord, my husband.
(giving her hand)
VICOMTE
Here are presents from your fiance, Charlotte -- diamonds from my mother who would bless me for choosing you -- pure and noble like herself. Don't refuse me, Charlotte. As for this sapphire -- it's the ring she had on her finger when giving me her eternal adieu.
CHARLOTTE
(taking the jewel box)
Your wife thanks you, Olivier!
VICOMTE
In an hour I will await you in the chapel; the clock will give you the signal. Come alone. Come as you are without more finery than you are wearing. And on my return, after I've been to greet my father as is my custom each night, the doorway of this house will become for me the most veritable palace. The lover will beg you to let your spouse in -- Au revoir, Charlotte, au revoir!
(kissing her hand and leaving)
CHARLOTTE
(alone -- she seats herself and opens the jewel box)
Countess de la Fere! -- in a hour!
(she rises)
Is it possible? Charlotte! Charlotte in your most ardent dreams of ambition, had you hoped to arrive here? Oh, I said it before -- this house was only the vestibule to the Chateau. Claudette bring a lamp.
(Claudette executes the order)
Good -- go -- Oh! in truth, if I can't see these diamonds -- if I didn't feel the sapphire ring, which presses my finger, I wouldn't believe what had just come to pass.
(she tries the diamond band)
Oh! Luminous stars of the earth, constellations which shine on the faces of queens, orbs on which you raise all the splendors of this world -- my hand extended for such a long while now touches you.
(A man appears at the door.)
Who is there? And what do you want from me?
(he enters)
CHARLOTTE
Who are you, sir -- what do you want?
UNKNOWN
Are you Miss Charlotte Backson?
CHARLOTTE
I am -- and so?
UNKNOWN
You are alone?
CHARLOTTE
So you see.
UNKNOWN
A man who wanted to tell you something of importance could speak to you for a quarter of an hour without interference?
CHARLOTTE
Without doubt.
UNKNOWN
(indicating the door to the spectator's left)
This closed bolted door, doesn't it go into the room of the one you call your brother?
CHARLOTTE
Yes, sir.
UNKNOWN
(going to the left and opening the door)
Come in, fear nothing Georges, I will watch outside.
(he goes out the back, Georges enters)
GEORGES
(taking off his hat and cloak)
Charlotte, my treasure, my love, my life!
CHARLOTTE
(aside)
Him, I never thought I'd see him again!
GEORGES
Charlotte, it's me -- Charlotte -- answer me -- don't you recognize me anymore?
CHARLOTTE
You here!
(she sits down)
GEORGES
Yes --
(on his knees)
It is strange isn't it? It's unhoped for, unheard of! Oh, I return to find you more beautiful than when I left you.
CHARLOTTE
Why have you come back?
GEORGES
(rising and leading her back to the scene)
Oh -- don't ask me any questions. I don't know. I have forgotten. I see you, I speak to you. I find you again after having lost you for six months. Oh, those six months -- those six months of torture -- you will make me forget them, won't you?
CHARLOTTE
Poor Georges!
GEORGES
Oh! Don't pity me; if you still love me, there isn't a happier man than me in the whole world.
CHARLOTTE
Poor Georges!
GEORGES
What do you say?
CHARLOTTE
I say that you cannot stay here; that you are lost if anyone sees you.
GEORGES
Oh, I am not here for long -- I run and I leave again.
CHARLOTTE
(with joy)
You're leaving again?
GEORGES
Yes -- listen and be happy. I am free, you see it. I have some money -- five hundred pistoles. We will reach the sea -- we embark, in five weeks we can be in Quebec. Once there, no one will come to ask us to account for our past. We won't dissimulate any more, we will fear nothing anymore -- our whole life will begin over again. Oh -- the life of joy -- Oh delights. You are strong, you are courageous. We are going to leave. Come, my love, come! come!
CHARLOTTE
Impossible, Georges.
GEORGES
Why impossible?
CHARLOTTE
Five hundred pistoles -- that's misery. Quebec is exile.
GEORGES
Five hundred pistoles is more than we need to found a fortune -- and as for exile -- exile doesn't exist when one is in love.
CHARLOTTE
Yes, when one is in love.
GEORGES
My God! Charlotte, don't you love me any more? Those oaths that we exchanged?
CHARLOTTE
Many misfortunes have been caused by those oaths, Georges, which proves to us that they were impious.
GEORGES
But, recall, Charlotte, how we are tied to each other -- our love -- our sorrows -- our crime.
CHARLOTTE
Georges -- you deceive yourself. Everything separates us -- to the contrary -- we are living remorse for each other and we ought never to see each other anymore.
GEORGES
Charlotte, in the name of our love.
CHARLOTTE
(passing near the table where the diamonds are -- she sits down)
Senseless love of two isolated children -- lost, abandoned by God and men, and it would be to tempt heaven to think of this love again.
GEORGES
Charlotte! Charlotte!
(pointing to the jewel box)
What are these, diamonds?
CHARLOTTE
Leave, Georges -- you are free -- I am happy to see you free. Don't ask any more of me.
GEORGES
You are in love with another, Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE
In a half hour I'll be married.
GEORGES
Then these diamonds?
CHARLOTTE
They are the gift of my fiance.
GEORGES
The one you are going to marry is then rich?
CHARLOTTE
Rich and noble.
GEORGES
Oh -- misfortune on me! But also misfortune on him! Name him, Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE
(rising and pointing to the Chateau).
He's called the Comte de la Fere -- he lives in the Chateau. You can go find him and tell him everything, but that would be the action of a coward.
GEORGES
Is it really Charlotte talking? This terrible cold blood which freezes me to the depths of my heart -- is it indeed the young girl I loved?
CHARLOTTE
No, it's the woman who had suffered.
GEORGES
(taking Charlotte in his arms)
Charlotte, will you follow me into some corner of the world where I offer to lead you where I can freely call you my wife instead of lying, as here, where I call you my sister?
CHARLOTTE
If you raise your voice like that, they will hear you -- Georges, and that will be the same as if you denounced me.
GEORGES
(taking her hand and holding it to the heart)
Oh, her hand is cold. Her heart doesn't beat. You are not a woman, Charlotte. You are a marble statue -- and you are right -- it is madness for me to love a statue.
CHARLOTTE
Let's finish Georges -- what have you decided?
GEORGES
Yes, the hour is passing isn't it?
CHARLOTTE
For you as for me.
GEORGES
Oh, for me, my resolution is taken -- my future fixed. Don't worry about me, Charlotte! Oh! now --
(at her feet)
My god -- if there remained in you a heart, a single ember of your old love -- if I could rekindle it under my breath -- we are young -- we could be happy.
CHARLOTTE
Yes -- happy on your side, happy on mine. Not happy together.
(The clock strikes.)
GEORGES
What is that?
CHARLOTTE
The dark calls me -- decide my destiny, Georges, I am in your hands.
GEORGES
Go Charlotte! You are free.
CHARLOTTE
Thanks --
GEORGES
On your return, you will not find me here.
(he falls on a chair)
CHARLOTTE
Thanks and adieu!
(she gives him her hand; he recoils)
GEORGES
Adieu -- Madam - La Comtesse.
(Charlotte leaves.)
GEORGES
Oh! My God! My God!
(The unknown enters from the back.)
UNKNOWN
Well brother?
GEORGES
It's time! You told me so.
UNKNOWN
And now you see this woman has no soul, right?
GEORGES
I see it.
UNKNOWN
And you scorn her as the vilest of creatures.
GEORGES
I scorn her.
UNKNOWN
Good! Take your cloak -- we have all night to walk. Tomorrow you will be free of all fear.
GEORGES
I will be free of it before tomorrow, brother.
UNKNOWN
What do you mean to say?
GEORGES
I scorn her, but I love her.
UNKNOWN
Georges!
GEORGES
I scorn her, but I cannot live without her.
UNKNOWN
My God!
GEORGES
I scorn her but I wil die.
UNKNOWN
To die! That's a grave idea -- and serious, think of it!
GEORGES
Oh! Since I am separated from her, I've been thinking of it. "Prisoner" I said to myself, "If I can escape it will be to return to her--" Free, thanks to you, brother. I told you, "Life to me is nothing without her." On the sill of her door, before going in to see her, I told you, "If she no longer loves me, I will die."
UNKNOWN
The love of a woman is a very frivolous thing in the life of a man, Georges.
GEORGES
The love of a woman is a frivolous thing for one who, besides love, has joy, riches and a future. But for one who has only this love, the love of a woman is all! Brother, you know me, I am tired of life.
(sitting near the table)
...of a life which weighs on me and on others. At the moment, the judgment which condemned me was pronounced, you made me put in my cell one of these pistols. I didn't use it -- give it to me and I will use it.
UNKNOWN
Is it an unchangeable resolution?
GEORGES
Immutable!
UNKNOWN
(giving him a pistol)
Here brother, and embrace me!
GEORGES
(the two brothers throw themselves in each other's arms -- then after stifling sighs -- Georges hurls himself out of the room crying)
Goodbye brother. Goodbye!
(leaving by the door on the left)
UNKNOWN
Very well. And now, Georges, the heartless woman will die like you or will be condemned like you.
(he puts an iron on the fire and lights a lamp, then he goes to stand against the wall -- and when Charlotte enters, he closes the door after her.)
CHARLOTTE
(entering by the center, looks around her)
He's gone?
UNKNOWN
Yes, but I am here.
CHARLOTTE
Who are you?
UNKNOWN
You knew me a while ago.
CHARLOTTE
Oh! Don't come near me or I'll scream.
UNKNOWN
(silence)
CHARLOTTE
Georges, Georges, help me!
UNKNOWN
Ah! You call him now?
CHARLOTTE
Where has he gone?
UNKNOWN
I am going to tell you -- but first you must know from where he came --
CHARLOTTE
My God!
UNKNOWN
Georges had a good and noble heart, vowed to be a priest, he had lived for the health of the church and for others, if the demon, disguised as a young woman had not come to tempt him.
CHARLOTTE
Ah.
UNKNOWN
A first sin committed, it was necessary to submit to the consequences. Their liaison couldn't last a long time without destroying both of them. The young girl got Georges to promise they would leave the country. But to leave the country, to flee, to reach another part of France -- where they could live peacefully -- that required money, which neither of them had. The priest stole the sacred vessels and sold them.
CHARLOTTE
God!
UNKNOWN
With the money, they fled, reached Berry and buried themselves in a village. But God, outraged, watched and his justice reached them or rather reached the least guilty of the two -- Georges was recognized and taken to prison in Bethune and there, he took the entire fault on himself -- and he wouldn't speak the name of his accomplice -- he was condemned and condemned alone -- to the galleys and branding.
CHARLOTTE
Condemned!
UNKNOWN
There was something terrible in all that -- a thing which you are unaware of, a thing that Georges never told you -- it is that his brother was the executioner, executioner of Bethune -- that is to say in the village in which Georges came to be condemned -- and by consequence -- it was the brother who branded brother. Oh, you are unaware of that circumstance are you not? The executioner gave Georges pistols so he could blow his brains out -- but the poor fool preferred to live; he loved -- he lived then -- was exposed -- branded and sent to the galleys.
CHARLOTTE
Horror!
UNKNOWN
Since then, the brother of poor Georges, had only one thought to free the condemned -- but once free -- instead of fleeing, he wished to see the one he loved, the one who had seduced him. He came to offer her his whole life, as he had given her all his honor -- she refused -- but the brother remained -- he had taken an oath.
CHARLOTTE
To do what?
UNKNOWN
It was that the crime should have a penalty -- that the true guilty would be punished -- that the accomplice of Georges, the woman whose heart killed him would be branded like him.
CHARLOTTE
But he isn't dead.
(They hear a pistol shot.)
UNKNOWN
Did you understand?
(he draws a dagger)
CHARLOTTE
(on her knees)
Oh, please, please life.
UNKNOWN
You prefer to live? So be it!
(He quickly takes the iron in the fire and brands her shoulder.)
CHARLOTTE
Ah!
UNKNOWN
And now, do you want to know who I am. I am George's brother -- the executioner of Bethune.
(they hear a knock on the door. He hurls himself through the window).
CHARLOTTE
(back leaning on the wall)
Ah!
VICOMTE
(at the door)
Open! It's me.
CHARLOTTE
Ah.
VICOMTE
Open it's me! It's your spouse.
CHARLOTTE
(going to the door after throwing over her shoulders a cloak which she placed on the chair when entering)
Enter, Mr. le Vicomte -- your wife is waiting for you.
(curtain)
The quarters of Mr. de Treville. At night, the antechamber. The office at left. Door on the right in the antechamber leading to the Cardinal -- a Musketeer on guard before the door of Mr. de Treville. A guard of the Cardinal before the door of the Cardinal. Day coming on.
JUSSAC
(speaking to a guard at the door of the Cardinal)
Biscarat, you have the countersign. Now, remember that his Eminence loves peace.
BISCARAT
Yes, sir Lieutenant.
JUSSAC
(looking at Aramis)
Which means that the Cardinal's guards must live in peace even with the King's musketeers.
BISCARAT
Yes, sir, Lieutenant.
JUSSAC
Keep your post. Mr. de Rochefort is going to relieve you.
(he leaves)
ARAMIS
You are not a lieutenant, Mr. de Biscarat, and one can speak to you under arms.
BISCARAT
Speak, Mr. Aramis, speak.
ARAMIS
I find impertinent this phrase -- "even the Musketeers of the King" -- and you, Mr. Biscarat?
BISCARAT
I, Mr. Aramis -- I am a guard of the Cardinal and the word does not shock me.
ARAMIS
Can one hear a bit of an explanation after guard duty Mr. de Biscarat?
BISCARAT
That can be done, Mr. Aramis.
ARAMIS
That's all I have to say to you, Mr. Guard.
BISCARAT
I am indeed your servant, Mr. Musketeer.
(They return to walking their posts.)
(Madame Bonacieux, entering from the office of Mr. de Treville, opens the door and raps on Aramis' shoulder.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Hush! Aunis and Anjous. Stay as you are: in front of me so the guard cannot see me.
ARAMIS
Like this?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes -- take this handkerchief -- notice the monogram and if someone presents you with the like -- have confidence in this person.
ARAMIS
But when and in what manner will this handkerchief be presented to me?
MADAME BONACIEUX
At your house, Rue de Vaugirard. They will knock at the shutter. Warn the person who hides in your house.
ARAMIS
How do you know?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Suffice that I know -- but that is all for the moment -- the rest will come later -- take your post -- Adieu!
(She goes back into the office and disappears.)
(Milady and de Rochefort leave the Cardinal's office.)
ROCHEFORT
Nothing is simpler, Milady -- you will take this handkerchief -- notice the monogram.
MILADY
I see it -- a "C" and a "B".
ROCHEFORT
You will go, soon to Rue de Vaugirard -- across from the carriage stop, you will knock at the shutter of a house covered with ivy, you will show this handkerchief to a person who opens the door, then you will ask the address, and as this handkerchief is the sign of recognition agreed between you -- they will give you the address.
MILADY
Nothing more than that, the address?
ROCHEFORT
And you won't forget it -- and you will bring it to me right away.
MILADY
A last instruction: If I am asked the name of the master of this house.
ROCHEFORT
It is a musketeer called Aramis.
MILADY
Aramis! Fine!
ROCHEFORT
Now -- no sign of affection -- I am going to relieve the guards.
MILADY
I am going home.
(They separate.)
ROCHEFORT
Gentlemen -- seven o'clock strikes. You are free.
(Seven o'clock strikes -- Milady leaves after having put a mask on her face. They relieve Aramis. A trumpet sounds. Musketeers begin to enter the antechamber -- the doors open.)
PORTHOS
Eh! Yes, gentlemen, I got cold that night and as I was afraid of shivers, my word, I took my cloak.
BOISTRACY
Oh, but that's not a baldric you have there on your breast, Porthos, it's a sun.
(All exclaim in admiration.)
PORTHOS
(negligently)
It's enough, isn't it?
ARAMIS
Hello, Porthos.
PORTHOS
Eh! Hello, Aramis.
ARAMIS
In honor, you shine -- come to the shadow -- how's your sick friend?
PORTHOS
He suffers -- the blow was made -- the sword penetrated his shoulder right into his breast.
ARAMIS
Poor Athos -- is he in bed?
PORTHOS
(very loud)
With a horse's fever -- happily no one knows anything - and I am not going to tell Mr. de Treville --
(D'Artagnan appears behind the group of Musketeers.)
ARAMIS
Hush! By God, Porthos, take care you have a voice like your baldric.
PORTHOS
That's true -- there are some strangers here.
(D'Artagnan insinuates himself into the group, hat in hand.)
ARAMIS
Who's that there? See there, Boistracy?
BOISTRACY
He must be a Gascon freshly arrived -- wait.
(going near to D'Artagnan)
Sir! Pardon.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sir.
BOISTRACY
Could I be of service to you?
D'ARTAGNAN
If you please, Mr. de Treville, the Captain of the Musketeers.
BOISTRACY
Sir, his valet de chambre is there.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sir, I thank you very humbly --
(to Valet)
Would you, if you please, inform Mr. de Treville, that the Chevalier D'Artagnan asks him for a moment of audience.
VALET
Later. Mr. de Treville is not yet here.
MUSKETEER
Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Here's the captain of the Musketeers.
ALL
Ah.
MUSKETEER
He's in a ferocious mood.
BOISTRACY
Does he already know of yesterday's little escapade?
(Enter Mr. de Treville. All the Musketeers salute him.)
TREVILLE
Good day, gentlemen, good day -- eh, well, what is the news?
BOISTRACY
Nothing, Captain, nothing.
TREVILLE
The reports -- the duty log.
(going into his office)
D'ARTAGNAN
He doesn't cast glances -- they are pistol shots.
PORTHOS
Things are going badly.
ARAMIS
Badly!
(Porthos goes to talk to a group; Aramis stays with another in the foreground.)
D'ARTAGNAN
How glorious, the Musketeers, all the people here have faces which please me. I sense a sympathy. Wait -- here's one who is losing his handkerchief.
(to Aramis, who has noticed it and put his food down.)
Sir, I believe that you were about to lose this handkerchief.
ARAMIS
(brutally)
Thanks!
D'ARTAGNAN
He isn't very friendly!
BOISTRACY
(taking the handkerchief in his hands)
Ah! Ah! Discreet, Aramis, do you still say you are on the outs with my cousin, Miss Boistracy. She is ready to loan you her handkerchiefs; see, gentlemen the initials "C.B."
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, wonderful. I've taken a great step forward!
ARAMIS
(regarding D'Artagnan with a ferocious air)
You deceive yourself, sir. This handkerchief is not mine and I don't know why the gentlemen had the fantasy to give it to me, rather than to you -- and the proof of what I say is that I have my handkerchief here in my pocket.
BOISTRACY
You deny it! That's fine for had you not, for the honor of my cousin I had been forced --
TREVILLE
(striking his fist on the table)
It's an indignity, 'S'blood!
BOISTRACY
There's the Captain who's getting angry.
D'ARTAGNAN
(to Aramis)
Sir, I am in despair.
ARAMIS
Sir, I will settle this account.
D'ARTAGNAN
Eh! If you take it that way, go to the devil.
TREVILLE
A fine report. A fine stir this will cause. 'S'blood!
PORTHOS
Heating up.
TREVILLE
We will see right now -- first remove the strangers so we can discuss this business en famille.
(to Valet)
Who is there?
VALET
The commissary officers.
TREVILLE
Much later.
VALET
A secretary from Mr. de Treville.
TREVILLE
Tomorrow.
VALET
And then the signatures.
TREVILLE
Give them quickly.
(he signs some papers)
BOISTRACY
God be praised -- the Captain is calm -- open your cloak Porthos, so we can admire your baldric -- the King doesn't have one to equal it.
ARAMIS
I venture that this embroidery is worth ten pistoles the measure.
PORTHOS
Twelve -- and it was three quarters of a measure.
BOISTRACY
Sumptuous! The embroidery is it also fine in the back?
PORTHOS
(surrounded by the curious, envelops himself in his cloak)
Even finer.
TREVILLE
So -- ? Is that all?
VALET
Oh, sir -- I forgot -- a gentleman from Gascony -- Mr. D'Artagnan.
TREVILLE
D'Artagnan -- the father -- my old friend, D'Artagnan?
VALET
No -- sir -- a young man.
D'ARTAGNAN
The son then -- call him, call him.
VALET
Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Here!
(He rushes and knocks against Porthos, they sway together. D'Artagnan becomes entangled in Porthos' cloak, tears it - one can see that the baldric has only a front.)
PORTHOS
Imbecile!
BOISTRACY
Ah! Ah! Ah! The baldric has only a front --
(Roars of laughter.)
(He tries to pass. Porthos holds him.)
PORTHOS
You will pay me for that, Mr. Gascon.
D'ARTAGNAN
So be it -- but let me pass.
PORTHOS
Oh! I will wait for you here.
TREVILLE
Well -- this Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Here! Here.
(He enters -- the laughter continues around Porthos.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Mr. Captain, excuse me, I've been very wrong to come here to you, but I have only more joy in seeing you.
TREVILLE
Thanks -- a moment young man.
(speaking low to his valet)
PORTHOS
(to the Musketeers who mock him)
It was a joke -- a wager.
ARAMIS
Everything passes in pleasantry today.
TREVILLE
(continuing to read the report)
I cannot hold back any longer. Athos! Porthos! Aramis!
D'ARTAGNAN
What kind of names are these?
PORTHOS
Aye.
ALL
Aye.
TREVILLE
Athos, Porthos, Aramis.
(Porthos and Aramis enter Treville's office. The other Musketeers remain outside and listen.)
PORTHOS and ARAMIS
We are here, Captain.
TREVILLE
Do you know what the King said to me, gentleman, yesterday morning?
PORTHOS
No, sir.
ARAMIS
But I hope you will do us the honor to tell us.
TREVILLE
The King told me that henceforth he will recruit his Musketeers from the Cardinal's guards.
ALL
Oh! Oh!
PORTHOS
And why is that, sir?
TREVILLE
Because poor wine has need to be freshened up by good wine. Yes, His Majesty is right. The Musketeers make a sad face at the court, and His Eminence, the Cardinal told me yesterday how these damned Musketeers, the braggarts, these hellraisers, loitering in the Rue de Ferou in a cabaret, a patrol of his guards, had been forced to arrest the disturbers. By God, to arrest Musketeers! Speak then, you were there. They recognized you! They named you.
PORTHOS and ARAMIS
Sir!
TREVILLE
Oh -- it is indeed my fault! This will teach me to choose my men better. Let's see -- you, Mr. Aramis, why did you ask the cassock of a Musketeer from me when you were so well off under a priest's robe? And you, Sir Porthos -- what good does a baldric like this serve you -- to hang a straw sword on it! God -- and Athos, I don't see him -- where is he?
ARAMIS
Sir, Athos is ill.
TREVILLE
Ill? Of what illness?
PORTHOS
They fear it may be small pox.
TREVILLE
Here's a pretty story you create for me. He isn't sick. He was wounded, killed perhaps. If I knew it -- Damnation!
MUSKETEERS
(outside)
The devil! The devil!
(they consult between them, two of them detach and leave)
TREVILLE
God's blood! Gentlemen Musketeers, I didn't know that they haunted bad places that, not ashamed of bad connections, they played with swords at the street corners. I don't wish to help the Cardinal's guards to a laugh, they are brave gentlemen --
(murmurs)
-- adroit gentlemen --
(murmurs)
-- men who don't put themselves in a position to be arrested and who, if they put themselves in that position, would never let themselves be arrested, I am sure. They prefer to die on the spot than to retreat! To escape, to flee, that's good for Musketeers.
(Stamping, rage outside. Porthos and Aramis gnaw their fingers.)
TREVILLE
Ah, six guards of His Excellence arresting six guards of the King! Damnation! I have taken my role. I am going to the Louvre and I will get my dismissal as Captain of the King's guards for a lieutenancy in the Cardinal's guards. And if they refuse me, I will become an Abbe -- I prefer that you will be my Swiss, Porthos -- you will be my Beadle, Aramis.
(Explosion of murmurs outside; D'Artagnan hides behind the table.)
PORTHOS
Eh, well, my captain, it's true we were six against six, but we were taken treacherously and we hadn't taken our swords in our hands when two of us were killed and Athos grievously wounded.
TREVILLE
Ah, wounded.
PORTHOS
You know Athos, well, he tried to get up twice. And twice he fell. We didn't surrender, they overcome us.
ARAMIS
And I, I have the honor to assure you, sir, that I killed a guard with his own sword for they had stolen mine from its scabbard -- killed or stabbed, sir, as you please.
TREVILLE
They didn't tell me that, gentlemen -- and Athos?
ARAMIS
Grace, Captain, don't say that Athos is wounded -- he will be in despair if that comes to the ears of the King. And as his wound is most grave he keeps to his bed -- I fear --
(Athos enters, sustained by two Musketeers. He is pale as death -- he opens the door and enters.
Athos.
TREVILLE
Athos. This is not prudent.
ATHOS
You asked for me is what I was told -- and I hurried to obey your orders -- what do you wish of me?
TREVILLE
I was just telling these gentlemen that I forbid my Musketeers to expose their lives without necessity. Brave men are dear to the King -- and the Musketeers are the bravest men in the world -- your hand, Athos.
(Shouts of "Bravo!" and universal joy)
ATHOS
(fainting)
Pardon, sir.
TREVILLE
What's wrong with you?
ATHOS
Pardon, sir.
TREVILLE
What's the matter?
ARAMIS
He's losing consciousness -- the pain, sir -- you've shaken his hand.
TREVILLE
A surgeon! Mine or better, the King's. A surgeon! or God's blood, my brave Athos is dead.
(Everybody runs about in confusion crying "A surgeon!")
TREVILLE
Put him in this chamber here. Be careful!
ARAMIS
It will be all right. He is strong.
BOISTRACY
Eminence of the Devil.
PORTHOS
Oh! The guards of His Eminence, they are not so well behaved.
TREVILLE
Come, come, gentlemen a little space in here if you please.
(They leave and group in the antechamber.)
TREVILLE
Let's see -- where was I?
D'ARTAGNAN
(timidly leaving his corner.)
Sir.
TREVILLE
Ah -- that's right -- Mr. D'Artagnan, well what do you want from me? I will be very happy to do something for you in memory of your father.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sir, just now I came to ask you the cassock of a Musketeer, but after what I have just seen, here I understand that such a favor would be enormous and that I don't merit it.
TREVILLE
It's good to be modest, especially when you're a Gascon. No, I cannot give you a cassock -- one doesn't enter into the Musketeers except after two years on campaign or for unusual services. But there's a way to begin. Our Bearnaise cadets are not rich and you probably are not rolling in money.
D'ARTAGNAN
(irritated)
Sir.
TREVILLE
Yes, yes, I know those arms -- I am from the country. When I arrived in Paris, I had four shillings in my pocket and I fought twice with men who pretended I was not in a condition to buy the Louvre.
D'ARTAGNAN
Four shillings. I have eight.
TREVILLE
Decide -- I can give you a letter to the Director of the Academy -- you will be admitted without tuition -- the gentlemen there learn to manage a horse -- fencing and dancing.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, Sir, I know how to ride a horse. I have had my sword in the hand often enough -- as for dancing --
TREVILLE
Well, you are an accomplished boy -- you need nothing -- come to see me from time to time to tell me of your affairs.
D'ARTAGNAN
(aside)
I'm getting my dismissal.
(aloud)
Ah, sir -- I don't know how to speak to you. You disturb me and I lose my head. Why don't I have my father's letter? His recommendation was much needed today.
TREVILLE
In fact -- why is it you came here without his letter of recommendation?
D'ARTAGNAN
Eh! I had one, Sir, a fine one, but it was perfidiously stolen from me.
TREVILLE
Stolen?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Sir, at Meung -- in a hostel -- I was riding a yellow horse.
TREVILLE
You were riding a yellow horse.
D'ARTAGNAN
Button of Gold -- a gentlemen there pretended that the creature belonged to the realm of vegetables rather than the kingdom of animals. We put swords in our hands. But the host came in and his servants cowardly fell on me with blows from a stick. They wounded me, Sir, wounded me despite the threats I made invoking your name.
TREVILLE
My name! You spoke aloud of me?
D'ARTAGNAN
What do you expect! A name like yours ought to serve me as a shield -- All the length of my journey I announced myself as the protege of Mr. de Treville, but fate declared against me. My adversary left me prisoner of the valets.
TREVILLE
A gentleman? That's bad.
D'ARTAGNAN
He had a sort of excuse. He was waiting on a lady -- a beautiful lady who came, in fact with whom he had a long conversation -- but it wasn't a reason to question the Host about me, to search my pockets after they had undressed me -- apparently to dress my wound, but in reality to steal my father's letter for without any doubt, it was he who robbed me.
TREVILLE
For what motive?
D'ARTAGNAN
Eh! Jealousy, I suppose.
(Reentry of Aramis and Porthos.)
TREVILLE
Hum! You say this happened at Meung?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, sir.
TREVILLE
When was that?
D'ARTAGNAN
Eight days ago.
TREVILLE
And that this gentleman was waiting on a lady?
D'ARTAGNAN
A very beautiful woman.
TREVILLE
Was this man high-waisted?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
TREVILLE
Tanned complexion -- black mustache?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, that's him.
TREVILLE
A scar on his face?
D'ARTAGNAN
Exactly. But how is it you know this man? Ah, if I ever find him. Ah, Sir, find him for me, I beg you.
TREVILLE
What did this woman say to him? Do you know?
D'ARTAGNAN
She told him, "Run, announce down there that he will be in Paris in eight days."
TREVILLE
And did he reply?
D'ARTAGNAN
He replied -- "Yes, Milady".
TREVILLE
It's him, it's him -- the two of them. Ah! Your Eminence the Cardinal -- Let's see young man, let's think of you.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sir, you have just said that you know this man -- well I absolve you of all your promises, I release you of your kindness -- tell me only his name -- his name! I intend to be avenged. I am burning.
TREVILLE
Protect yourself! If you see him come one side of the street, cross to the other. Don't strike against the rock, you will break like glass! Let's see, be calm, Gascon that you are, while I go to write to the Director of the Academy.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's good. That's good. Just let me find him again! Rock or sponge -- if he falls into my hands --
(he looks out the door)
Ah!
TREVILLE
Well, what?
D'ARTAGNAN
Eh -- but it's him!
TREVILLE
Who?
(Rochefort, leaving the Cardinal crosses the stage.)
D'ARTAGNAN
My traitor, my thief.
TREVILLE
Stop! Ah, my word, go to the devil!
D'ARTAGNAN
(rushing)
Wait! Wait!
(D'Artagnan leaving, bumps into Athos.)
ATHOS
'S'blood!
(He puts his hand on his shoulder)
D'ARTAGNAN
Pardon! I'm in a rush.
ATHOS
You are in a rush?
(stopping D'Artagnan)
And that pretext suffices for you?
D'ARTAGNAN
The wounded Musketeer. Yet another stupidity! Excuse me, sir -- I --
ATHOS
A moment! You are not Mr. de Treville to treat Musketeers cavalierly.
D'ARTAGNAN
My word, sir. I did not mean to bump into you and I said "excuse me". I find that should suffice -- I am in a rush, word of honor!
ATHOS
I understand that you may be in a hurry.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh! It's not to escape - I am running after someone.
ATHOS
Well, Mr. Man-in-a-hurry -- you will find me without running -- do you hear?
D'ARTAGNAN
Where's that, if you please?
ATHOS
Near Carmes fields.
D'ARTAGNAN
At what time?
ATHOS
At noon -- and try not to make me wait, for at 12:15 I will be running after you and will slice off your ears.
D'ARTAGNAN
I will be there at ten minutes to noon.
(Athos releases him -- he starts to run.)
PORTHOS
(in a group)
Mr. Gascon.
D'ARTAGNAN
The man with the baldric -- Hell!
PORTHOS
Do you know the Luxembourg?
D'ARTAGNAN
I will make its acquaintance.
PORTHOS
At noon.
D'ARTAGNAN
Not at all. At one o'clock if you please.
PORTHOS
So be it!
D'ARTAGNAN
And so two! By running fast I may yet catch my thief.
(He starts running again.)
ARAMIS
(near the door)
Sir!
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah fine! The man with the mustache!
ARAMIS
You know that I will be waiting for -- at noon, Rue du Chasse Midi.
D'ARTAGNAN
No, sir, at two o'clock, if it's the same to you.
ARAMIS
Two o'clock! So be it!
D'ARTAGNAN
Well -- here I am sure of my business. Three chances to be killed today -- yes -- but I will be killed by a Musketeer. That will be pretty. Still, if I can kill my thief before noon! Bah -- let's try.
(He goes running and disappears.)
AN USHER
(in Treville's apartment)
The King.
THE KING
(entering)
Good day Treville, are you reconciled with the Cardinal? I am going to him.
TREVILLE
Reconciled with the Cardinal? Me?
THE KING
Certainly, you must be. His guards beat our Musketeers.
TREVILLE
Oh!
THE KING
Goodbye, Treville.
TREVILLE
The King, gentlemen.
(Drums. Guards on duty present arms, the others line up. The King leaves.)
The entrance to the Carmes fields; an arid meadow, old bastions without windows -- on one side the background is empty of houses.
ATHOS
(seated on a milestone)
Nobody! My Gascon won't be coming? Let's wait.
D'ARTAGNAN
(arriving all out of breath)
Ah, Sir, you are the first at our rendezvous. Excuse me -- it's because I've been running so much and couldn't find anything. Oahf! Whoo!
ATHOS
It's not yet noon, sir, you're not yet late.
D'ARTAGNAN
There's noon sounding.
ATHOS
Sir, I have advised my two friends who will serve me as seconds -- but these two friends are not yet come, at the same time I don't see yours.
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't have any, sir -- arrived only yesterday at Paris, I don't know anyone except Mr de Treville and besides --
ATHOS
You don't know anyone? Ah, but then if I kill you -- what a misfortune -- I will seem to be devourer of children.
D'ARTAGNAN
Not at all, sir, since you are at a disadvantage since you do me the honor of drawing a sword against me with a wound which must inconvenience you very much.
ATHOS
Very inconvenienced, on my oath! You made me a devilish misfortune -- but as I am very tired on my right-hand side -- I will use my left -- it's my custom on such occasions -- Oh, I'm not giving you any grace -- I use either hand equally well and the advantage is perhaps mine -- a south paw is very irritating to those who are not used to one.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, sir, don't worry about me, I beg you. I'm not worth the trouble -- let's talk about you.
ATHOS
You confuse me -- but these gentlemen are not coming. Oh God's Blood -- how you hurt me! My shoulder is burning.
D'ARTAGNAN
If you would permit me, sir -- I have a miraculous balm which comes from my mother -- I would give you some, and I am sure in three days this balm would cure you.
ATHOS
Really?
D'ARTAGNAN
Really -- in about three days, when you are cured, it would be a great honor to me to be your man.
ATHOS
By the Lord -- there's a proposal that pleases me -- it shows a man of heart. Thanks, but three days from now, you see, the Cardinal or his men will know that we must fight each other and they will oppose our conduct -- ah, but these loafers haven't come yet.
D'ARTAGNAN
If you are in a hurry, sir, and it pleases you to expedite things with me right now, don't upset yourself.
ATHOS
There's another thing I find agreeable, he isn't a man without a brain. Sir, I love people of your mettle and if we don't kill each other today -- I believe that later, I will have a real pleasure in your conversation. Ah -- here's one of my men.
D'ARTAGNAN
What Mr. Porthos?
ATHOS
Does that annoy you?
D'ARTAGNAN
Not at all.
PORTHOS
Ah, what do I see?
ATHOS
It's with this gentleman that I am fighting.
PORTHOS
And I, too.
ATHOS
You, too?
D'ARTAGNAN
At one o'clock.
ARAMIS
(arriving)
And I, too -- I am fighting with this gentleman.
D'ARTAGNAN
At two o'clock.
ARAMIS
That's true -- but why are you fighting, Athos?
ATHOS
My word, I don't know. He hurt my shoulder and you, Porthos -- why are you fighting with this young man?
PORTHOS
I am fighting because -- I am fighting.
D'ARTAGNAN
A discussion over toiletry.
ATHOS
But you, Aramis -- what's your quarrel with him?
ARAMIS
A point of courtesy.
(to D'Artagnan)
Sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
About Saint Augustine, yes.
ATHOS
(aside)
This a boy with spirit -- decidedly.
PORTHOS
Then let's take our turn.
D'ARTAGNAN
One moment, gentlemen, at present you are reunited -- permit me to make my excuses --
ALL
Oh -- oh.
D'ARTAGNAN
You don't understand me -- I excuse myself for only one thing -- and that's for not being able to pay my debt to all three of you. In fact, Mr. Athos has the right to kill me first which much devalues the worth of your claim, Mr. Porthos, and renders yours almost null, Mr. Aramis. I will become a bankrupt by one of you or perhaps two. That's what I would excuse, nothing more -- Now, gentlemen, whenever you wish.
ATHOS
Right now.
D'ARTAGNAN
I will die! But -- even if a hundred Musketeers came on together, I won't retreat a step.
(They draw their swords.)
ATHOS
You've taken a bad position. You have the sun in your eyes.
D'ARTAGNAN
Bah! I knew it -- I am from the Midi.
(They begin to duel.)
(Enter Jussac, Biscarat, De Winter, Cahusac and guards.)
JUSSAC
Oh! Oh! Musketeers; are they fighting here? And the edicts that we made?
ATHOS
Jussac.
PORTHOS
The Cardinal's men.
ARAMIS
Sheath your sword.
JUSSAC
It is too late.
ATHOS
Eh! Gentlemen -- why are you meddling? If we saw you fighting, killing yourselves, I tell you, we wouldn't prevent you.
BISCARAT
Always agreeable. The lessons didn't profit you, it appears?
ARAMIS
Ah, Mr. Biscarat, you remind us that we have an intimate game.
JUSSAC
More provocations! We are on duty, gentlemen, put up your swords and follow us.
ARAMIS
Impossible to obey your gracious invitation. Mr. de Treville has forbidden us --
JUSSAC
Is it like that?
ATHOS
Yes, indeed, it's like that.
JUSSAC
Well -- if you won't obey us --
ATHOS
What?
JUSSAC
You're going to see. Look here, the rest of you! Mr. de Winter, you are not one of the Cardinal's men, you are English, if you wish to absent yourself --
DE WINTER
No, gentlemen, I am not one of the Cardinal's men but my sister, Lady de Winter, is one of the friends of His Eminence. I am English, it is true, but more reason for me to show some French men that one fights as well in England as in France, and as my walk has brought me here, what you do, I will do.
ATHOS
(to his friends)
They are five -- we are three, we will still fight and if necessary, we will die here. For, I tell you I will never again appear defeated before the Captain.
PORTHOS
Nor I.
ARAMIS
Nor I --
D'ARTAGNAN
(in a corner)
Here's the moment of decision. If I don't deceive myself it's one of those events which decide the life of a man. It's a question of choosing between the King and the Cardinal. No sadder friend than the King, no ruder enemy than the Cardinal -- Oh! Bah! I have the heart of a Musketeer. So much the worse. Pardon, gentlemen.
ATHOS
What?
D'ARTAGNAN
You just made a mistake in saying you were only three.
ARAMIS
But no.
PORTHOS
We are three!
JUSSAC
The devil -- are they taking reinforcements? Come on you others. Sword in hand, on a line. You, handsome Gascon, decamp -- we have given you the key to the field -- save your skin!
BISCARAT
You will do wisely for there's going to be a shower of sword blows.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well -- it can rain for all the world -- I'm staying.
ATHOS
You side with us against them? You -- our enemy? That's handsome but --
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes -- I see -- you wonder if I'm worthy of my man. Try, always try -- I will do well enough to die properly.
ATHOS
Come on, you're a pretty fellow. What's your name?
D'ARTAGNAN
D'Artagnan.
ATHOS
Well -- Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan, charge.
JUSSAC
Ah, is that what you intend. Well -- you others, charge, charge.
ALL
Charge.
(General fighting.)
D'ARTAGNAN
(after having crossed swords with Jussac, to de Winter)
If you want, there's a place for everybody.
DEWINTER
No -- I will replace the first one who is wounded.
PORTHOS
(to Cahusac)
Didn't I just hear 12:30 sound, Mr. de Cahusac?
CAHUSAC
Braggart!
PORTHOS
You have a pretty blade, my dear boy.
ARAMIS
(to Biscarat)
Biscarat, I owe you this.
(he kills him)
Some one else.
JUSSAC
That's a provincial way you have there.
D'ARTAGNAN
A Gascon trick, yes, sir.
(he wounds him)
ATHOS
(to Aramis)
He does well, this D'Artagnan.
ARAMIS
And you, Athos?
ATHOS
Me -- I -- I -- suffer -- but I'm healing up.
D'ARTAGNAN
Wait on me a little.
JUSSAC
He's charming -- that one.
D'ARTAGNAN
Aren't I? Come --
(he overthrows Jussac)
That's a thrust from Mr. D'Artagnan senior -- Mr. de Winter, I am at your orders.
ATHOS
Leave him to me. It's he who wounded me yesterday.
(Athos disarms one of the guards.)
PORTHOS
(touching his man)
Three to four.
ATHOS
(to the guard he has just disarmed)
Surrender!
D'ARTAGNAN
I will kill you.
(to De Winter)
DE WINTER
Kill!
D'ARTAGNAN
My word, no -- you show me a brave Englishman, you will live.
DE WINTER
Thanks! Your name, sir? Your address.
D'ARTAGNAN
If it's the start over again, I am here -- let's start right now.
DE WINTER
No, sir -- it's to thank you -- it's to present to my sister a gallant man to whom I owe my life -- thus -- I ask your name and your address.
D'ARTAGNAN
The Chevalier D'Artagnan, Rue des Fossoyeurs.
DE WINTER
Sir, receive all my compliments. Till we meet again.
PORTHOS
Ah! Ah! There's a return match.
D'ARTAGNAN
(seeing the Musketeers leaving without him)
And me?
ATHOS
You? You? Embrace me -- and don't hurt my shoulder.
(Aramis and Porthos embrace D'Artagnan.)
D'ARTAGNAN
We are then friends?
ATHOS
For life -- till death!
ALL
For life -- till death!
ATHOS
Only you're going to have trouble with the Cardinal.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, bah! If I am accepted as an apprentice Musketeer. The Cardinal isn't my uncle.
(curtain)
At Milady's
(Rochefort enters before Kitty.)
KITTY
No, sir, you cannot enter. No one comes into Madame's apartment.
ROCHEFORT
(crossing the stage)
Then my pretty child, you who can enter -- announce Mr. de Rochefort -- go at once.
KITTY
I -- I cannot enter any more than you -- when Madame is dressing.
ROCHEFORT
Ah, that's right -- an Englishwoman. But how does one speak to an English lady when one is in a hurry?
KITTY
I am going to ring Madame.
(she rings)
ROCHEFORT
The other way around in France.
KITTY
But here it's like this.
ROCHEFORT
Oh -- that this doesn't last long!
KITTY
The gentleman is in a rush?
ROCHEFORT
Very much in a rush.
(Kitty rings again and leaves at the back. Enter Milady.)
MILADY
Ah, it's you Rochefort -- well, do you bring me news of Lord de Winter?
ROCHEFORT
Of Lord de Winter? No -- why?
MILADY
It seems he was in a fight between the Cardinal's guards and some Musketeers.
ROCHEFORT
Well -- what do you see there so frightening? There's one almost every day.
MILADY
Without doubt, but my brother -- Lord de Winter is not always mixed up in these fights.
ROCHEFORT
And they fought today?
MILADY
Here's what happened -- Lord de Winter was walking with the guards -- they met some of Treville's Musketeers -- and then blood was shed! -- my brother was perhaps killed!
ROCHEFORT
Oh, my God -- but how do you know this, Milady?
MILADY
My brother's valet saw them engage from a distance -- he ran here totally frightened, poor boy.
ROCHEFORT
You sent him to warn the Cardinal?
MILADY
No, I lost my head. I don't know what I did.
ROCHEFORT
Oh, you were wrong to despair - the baron is not your brother.
MILADY
He's only the brother of the old Lord de Winter, my husband, but it doesn't matter. I love him a lot.
ROCHEFORT
This poor baron! I don't know why but something tells me he's suffered a misfortune.
MILADY
You think so?
ROCHEFORT
These devilish Musketeers have such happy or rather such unfortunate hands -- after this -- there's a single consolation.
MILADY
Which is?
ROCHEFORT
If the baron is killed his fortune won't be lost.
MILADY
Why?
ROCHEFORT
He had a one hundred thousand shillings of revenue -- right?
MILADY
A bit less.
ROCHEFORT
Well -- doesn't your son, his nephew, inherit from him?
MILADY
Oh, Count, this isn't what you came to tell me is it?
ROCHEFORT
Pardon -- you know how practical I am -- but let's leave Lord de Winter's inheritance -- no, it's not for that I came to speak to you.
MILADY
Speak then.
ROCHEFORT
I came to explain to you all our plans for the kidnapping of Lord Buckingham!
MILADY
Let's see.
ROCHEFORT
After showing the handkerchief in the Rue de Vanguard, the address was given to you, right.
MILADY
Yes -- then?
ROCHEFORT
The address discovered, you will indicate a rendezvous to the Duke.
MILADY
Quite right. At what place?
ROCHEFORT
At the home of this little Bonacieux, the confidante of the Queen, the Duke will give himself up without suspecting.
MILADY
Evidently.
ROCHEFORT
And we have established a mousetrap at the home of this little Bonacieux.
MILADY
A mousetrap?
ROCHEFORT
Yes -- we in Paris call a mousetrap the place where the mice always enter but from which they never leave.
MILADY
I understand.
ROCHEFORT
You will see that the Duke is taken and taken at the home of Bonacieux, the confidante of the Queen. That's what must be demonstrated as they say in geometry.
MILADY
That's understood -- till this evening -- now let me inform myself.
ROCHEFORT
Ah, yes -- of the succession -- pardon, of the situation of Lord de Winter.
KITTY
(entering)
Lord de Winter, Milady.
MILADY
Ah -- wounded?
ROCHEFORT
Mortally?
(Enter de Winter.)
DE WINTER
Good day, Milady, good day sister.
MILADY
Ah! Sir, I was in such an anxiety.
ROCHEFORT
I witnessed it, dear Count, Madame thought you were dead.
DE WINTER
I would have been Mr de Rochefort but for the generosity of my adversary who nobly gave me my life.
ROCHEFORT
A handsome trait, isn't it Madame, a handsome trait.
MILADY
Oh -- magnificent.
DE WINTER
So handsome, that I begged this cavalier to come with me that I might present him to you, my sister.
MILADY
And he came?
DE WINTER
He is below -- do you permit me to show him up?
MILADY
Without doubt -- I will be charmed -- who is this cavalier?
DE WINTER
A gentleman from Bearn, the Chevalier D'Artagnan.
MILADY
My Gascon!
ROCHEFORT
My Gascon. He mustn't find me here -- Milady -- Milady -- pardon Count -- Milady don't you have here somewhere a hidden door?
MILADY
There it is.
(pointing to a door on the side)
ROCHEFORT
Fine -- permit me to disappear.
(aside leaving)
I was sure she had a secret door.
MILADY
What's wrong with him? Well, I am waiting for your conqueror, my brother.
DE WINTER
Chevalier! Chevalier! Enter, I beg you.
(He comes in very suspicious, constantly looking behind him.)
D'ARTAGNAN
(aside)
I just saw a man who crossed the Court -- a man! It's singular, I sense my thief.
(Having looked out the window he returns to the corridor.)
DE WINTER
You see, Madame, the gentlemen who preserved to you a brother -- thank him then -- if you have some friendship for me.
MILADY
(aside)
Cursed Gascon.
(aloud)
Be welcome, sir. Today you have acquired eternal rights to my recognition - but what's the matter then?
D'ARTAGNAN
Pardon, Madame -- it's that I always think -- ah -- Milady.
DE WINTER
Well, what?
MILADY
Singular manner of presenting oneself!
D'ARTAGNAN
Excuse my distraction, Madame -- and you too, Milord, Madame is so beautiful.
MILADY
One excuses all, even without compliment on the part of a man as brave and as generous as you are, Mr. D'Artagnan. I love warlike prowess very much and if you wish to satisfy me completely -- you will recount your combat to me.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, Madame -- and modesty?
DE WINTER
I will speak then, since you are modest -- but first here's some Cyprian wine and some glasses -- you're going to do me right -- aren't you, Milady?
MILADY
Certainly.
(De Winter pours some wine.)
D'ARTAGNAN
It's singular -- I would have thought his so-tender sister would have jumped at my throat, and devoured me with caresses -- and not at all -- one would say she was looking at me sideways -- oh what eyes!
DE WINTER
To your health, Chevalier -- my sister.
D'ARTAGNAN
What a shame that such pretty eyes are so naughty.
(he drinks)
DE WINTER
Sit, my friend, sit, I beg you -- now, sister, I am ready for my recital. Ah -- it was a rough combat, nine well-sharpened swords were interlaced, twisted like snakes to the sun.
KITTY
Milord -- a little lackey is waiting for you in the vestibule. His mistress, he says, is very uneasy about Your Honor.
DE WINTER
Ah, it's true, poor woman. Permit me, my sister, permit me, Mr. D'Artagnan. I leave you in each other's good company -- without goodbye, Chevalier -- come Kitty.
D'ARTAGNAN
Devil of an Englishman! To leave me alone with this woman! So much for doing dsomeone a good turn!
MILADY
Well, sir, don't you talk?
D'ARTAGNAN
But Madame, truly, I am so afraid of being indiscreet.
MILADY
Why, then, Mr. D'Artagnan? You are timid?
D'ARTAGNAN
My word, Madame, more than timid. I am embarrassed.
MILADY
And you admit it?
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- if I admitted nothing to you -- you would perceive everything. I prefer to admit it -- that makes me speak and emboldens me a little.
MILADY
Mr. D'Artagnan, it's wrong for you to be timid. It will injure you very much.
D'ARTAGNAN
In what way, Madame?
MILADY
Valiant, young, brave -- soon you will have a reputation -- with a reputation, successes --
D'ARTAGNAN
You believe so?
MILADY
It's inevitable -- at least if you're not of an amorous humor.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, Madame -- much to the contrary.
MILADY
Ah! You are --
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Milady -- yes, and if I found --
MILADY
What?
D'ARTAGNAN
(trying to take her hand)
If I found a little indulgence.
MILADY
Pardon, Mr. D'Artagnan -- aren't you trying to find service to take in Paris?
D'ARTAGNAN
She's changing the conversation -- it's a shame, I was starting out --
(aloud)
Service in Paris?
MILADY
Without doubt; you have some friends.
D'ARTAGNAN
I have three -- three Musketeers.
MILADY
But you cannot join the Musketeers -- it's very difficult. Don't you have a bit of ambition?
D'ARTAGNAN
That can be seen.
MILADY
What about a very high service, very brilliant -- the service of His Eminence for example.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, I cannot, Madame -- my three friends are embroiled with the Cardinal -- and I myself -- because of this fight --
MILADY
I understand, oh, His Eminence has so much to _____ -- oh, indeed -- but I don't propose you for the service of the Cardinal, Mr. D'Artagnan, I was being very officious.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, it's not, Madame, that I disdain the service of the Cardinal -- I have great admiration for His Eminence -- but it's been brought home to me that the office of the Louvre and the Palace of the Cardinal are often picking a fight with each other -- and in my position and in that of my friends -- who can foresee if His Majesty and even Mr. de Treville -- one day -- well, never mind, I am wading into politics -- I much prefer the first conversation, Milady.
MILADY
Mr. D'Artagnan!
D'ARTAGNAN
Milady, I was by way of saying just now that if I found an indulgent soul, I would force myself to be neither to indiscreet nor too timid.
MILADY
(aside)
He's the one who changes the conversation this time -- not bad, in truth -- I will speak of this clown to the Cardinal.
D'ARTAGNAN
You don't reply, Madame?
MILADY
In truth, sir, what can I reply to you -- you make me a point-blank declaration.
D'ARTAGNAN
A declaration? Well, Madame, resist it.
MILADY
You are very dangerous, Chevalier.
(aside)
He's just cost me a hundred thousand pounds rent and he pays court to me -- oh, I will watch him.
(aloud)
Mr. D'Artagnan, a garrison so vigorously beseiged has only one resource.
D'ARTAGNAN
Which is?
MILADY
To make a sortie.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, Madame, you are leaving me? You're angry with me?
MILADY
I am not angry with you, but I am going to hide. Goodbye, Chevalier.
(Exit Milady.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, I hope that here's an arrival in Paris which promises something! Down there, victory sword in hand -- here it seems to me for a first interview, I have pushed the affair very vigorously, and I saw distinctly in the eye of Milady that it was time for her to begin a retreat. She's locked herself in. It's not your door, Madame, which prevents me from entering, but Lord de Winter would return. My friends are waiting for me at the Pine Cone Inn to celebrate our victory -- I don't wish to make them wait.
(Kitty enters softly on the last words of D'Artagnan and sighs.)
KITTY
Oh.
D'ARTAGNAN
What's wrong?
(he turns back)
KITTY
Ah, what a shame.
D'ARTAGNAN
Huh? What shame?
KITTY
Such a handsome boy.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well?
KITTY
Such a handsome face.
D'ARTAGNAN
Is it me you're talking about, my pretty child?
KITTY
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
Why are you pitying me?
KITTY
I mean to tell you that you deserve it.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well -- speak up -- speak up.
KITTY
No -- no -- leave me.
D'ARTAGNAN
I want you to explain, I want you to say why you pity me -- and what I deserve.
KITTY
If Milady heard me, my God -- ah, leave me.
D'ARTAGNAN
You are afraid of Milady?
KITTY
Oh!
D'ARTAGNAN
She's bad, isn't she?
KITTY
Shut up -- shut up.
D'ARTAGNAN
I won't leave until you have told me --
KITTY
Never.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, it's bad.
KITTY
Yet -- it would be bad for you to ruin yourself this way.
D'ARTAGNAN
Me -- lose myself?
KITTY
Enough! Enough! I have said too much -- Goodbye, Chevalier.
D'ARTAGNAN
Let's see here a single word.
KITTY
Well, well, try not to love my Milady anymore.
D'ARTAGNAN
(holding her)
But why?
(Someone rings.)
KITTY
Because she will never love you.
D'ARTAGNAN
She won't love me?
KITTY
She's already in love with another -- here.
(she shows him a letter)
D'ARTAGNAN
(reading)
"To Baron de Vardes." A rival!
(taking the letter)
KITTY
Ah, my God -- give me that letter -- give it to me.
D'ARTAGNAN
Adieu, Kitty.
KITTY
My letter.
D'ARTAGNAN
If you want it, come get it at my house.
KITTY
Where's that?
D'ARTAGNAN
Rue des Fossoyeurs, at Mr. Bonacieux's, spice merchant.
(curtain)
D'Artagnan's rooms.
D'ARTAGNAN
(rummaging in the armoire)
Some empty bottles and some plates. That's what's called a well-kept household -- Planchet!
PLANCHET
(entering)
Sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
I want lunch.
PLANCHET
The gentelman wishes lunch?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, what have you to give me?
PLANCHET
Me? Nothing!
D'ARTAGNAN
What do you mean, nothing? Clown!
PLANCHET
Absolutely nothing.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, but do you forget Mr. Planchet that I dined poorly yesterday?
PLANCHET
It's true, the Chevalier dined very poorly.
D'ARTAGNAN
And that I have hardly had lunch?
PLANCHET
The gentleman has hardly had lunch, it's true.
D'ARTAGNAN
And you believe that I will content myself with this treatment?
PLANCHET
It's true that for some time the mess has been sad.
D'ARTAGNAN
Fine -- give me my sword.
PLANCHET
(aside)
His sword -- what?
D'ARTAGNAN
I am going to lunch with Aramis. I am sure that his lackey is more careful than you, Mr. Planchet. Ah, if I had Bazin in my service instead of having you --
(seeing Planchet who presents him with a letter)
Well -- what's this?
PLANCHET
A letter from Mr. Aramis.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- ah -- what does he say?
(reading)
"My dear Chevalier, my rogue of a librarian, not having brought me yesterday, as he had promised me, the price of my poem and this miserable Bazin, not having been able to promise credit in the quarter, I am going to ask you to dine, this noon. You know how sober I am -- a cup of chocolate -- some preserves and pastry will suffice. Aramis."
PLANCHET
The fact is one cannot be less exacting.
D'ARTAGNAN
You will tell Aramis that I had gone out when his letter arrived. I am going to lunch with Porthos -- what's this again?
PLANCHET
A letter from Mr. Porthos.
D'ARTAGNAN
Give it here.
(reading)
"My dear D'Artagnan, last night in an infamous gambling den I lost a quarter of my salary."
(aside)
What the devil's he going to do there?
(he reads)
"Yesterday, all day, I lived on very hard crusts."
(aside)
So much the better.
(reading)
"I will partake today of your lunch -- try to make it copious for I'm hungry."
D'ARTAGNAN
He's absolutely as I am -- ah, I have one last resource.
PLANCHET
What, sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
My hat -- I have no time to lose.
PLANCHET
To do what?
D'ARTAGNAN
To escape. You will tell Porthos that his letter arrived too late -- and that I am dining with Athos.
PLANCHET
(presenting a third letter)
Sir, a letter from Mr. Athos.
D'ARTAGNAN
Perhaps it's an invitation.
(reading)
"My dear Chevalier, I emptied my last bottle of Spanish wine yesterday -- "
(speaking)
Truly, Mr. Planchet, I cannot qualify your conduct toward me. Still, Mr. Bonacieux, our landlord has a crowd of good things in his shop -- liquors, preserves, little salt foods.
PLANCHET
Yes, sir -- but we had promised to pay the first two weeks in advance.
D'ARTAGNAN
And --
PLANCHET
We forgot to do it.
D'ARTAGNAN
(reading)
"But you know I can forego eating."
(speaking)
He's very fortunate.
(reading)
"But not drinking -- so bring out your best Madeira, Port or Sherry from your cellar."
(speaking)
I told you to pay your court to that little fruit girl.
PLANCHET
Sir, she gave me my discharge the day before yesterday -- and yesterday she replaced me with a lackey of Mr. de la Tremouille.
D'ARTAGNAN
You let yourself be supplanted. Cowardice!
(continuing to read his letter)
"And if your cellar by chance finds itself empty -- send to the hotel Pine Cone -- that's where one finds the best."
PLANCHET
As if it were the only hotel! But the innkeeper declared he wouldn't furnish anything more except against cash.
D'ARTAGNAN
(looking at Planchet)
Mr. Planchet, I've noticed that in our moments of distress -- and these moments occur several times during the month, Mr. Planchet -- I've noticed that your temper never suffers any alteration.
PLANCHET
It's true, sir -- I've a charming disposition.
D'ARTAGNAN
Mr. Planchet, I've noticed besides that you withstand hunger without your physique suffering.
PLANCHET
It's true. I've a good stomach, sir.
PLANCHET
Mr. Planchet, you have unknown resources.
PLANCHET
Me, sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
Behold, in the very moment I am speaking to you, you are not hungry.
PLANCHET
Oh, sir, if one could speak of it! Here, look at my teeth.
D'ARTAGNAN
(with doubt)
Hum!
PLANCHET
The gentleman is leaving?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
PLANCHET
And if the gentleman's friends come?
D'ARTAGNAN
Have them wait.
PLANCHET
The gentleman has no other orders to give me?
D'ARTAGNAN
(striding toward Planchet)
Only that you carry out carefully all the orders that they give you, dolt, clown, scoundrel!
(He tightens his sword belt and leaves.)
PLANCHET
(alone)
He's hungry! But it's unheard of, these Musketeers, instead of living by order and economy, or of thinking of times of want, in times of abundance -- they gamble, they drink, they eat -- and when the money is gone -- they must tighten their stomachs. I'm not hungry for it. How unjust these masters are! Meaning, on the contrary, I am dying of hunger -- I am only waiting for him to leave before eating.
(he pulls from one of his pockets a roast chicken wrapped in paper and from another pocket a bottle of wine)
Ah, here are the only good moments I have in the day.
D'ARTAGNAN
(who made a false show of leaving and who watched Planchet make his arrangements)
Psst!
(Planchet turns frightened.)
D'ARTAGNAN
To your health. Mr. Planchet.
PLANCHET
Ouff!
(he hides his bottle and his roast chicken with his body)
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, but what are you doing there then?
PLANCHET
Sir, I was drinking a glass of water while breaking a crust.
D'ARTAGNAN
A glass of water?
(he takes the glass from the hands of Planchet, watches him, pours some drops of wine on his hand)
PLANCHET
Red water, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
Mr. Planchet, do you smell poultry.
PLANCHET
It's true -- I have a little bite of a turkey thigh.
D'ARTAGNAN
(pulling Planchet who is obliged to reveal the table)
Ah! Ah! Master Planchet, we are making a banquet or so it appears -- there, let's see how the lackey eats the poultry and drinks the wine -- while the master is reduced to tightening his belt.
(Planchet separates himself and reaches the door)
Stop and reply.
PLANCHET
Well, the Chevalier has guessed correctly -- I have unknown resources.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! Ah!
PLANCHET
A particular industry.
D'ARTAGNAN
Let's see -- your industry, Mr. Planchet -- I won't be sorry to know it.
PLANCHET
The gentleman knows that his chamber is situated just above the spicery store of Mr. Bonacieux?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, I know that. Go on.
PLANCHET
Well, I have discovered an ancient Judas.
D'ARTAGNAN
What, an old Judas?
PLANCHET
It seems this chamber belonged to Mr. Bonacieux, and so as to be able to see from here into his store, he made a trap.
D'ARTAGNAN
Wretch! I hope you haven't been descending by this trap to get your provisions?
PLANCHET
Fie, sir! Descend, me? That would be stealing. No, sir, it's our provisions which come up.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- they come up?
PLANCHET
Yes, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
And how do they come up? Explain that to me.
PLANCHET
You want to know it?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
PLANCHET
(opening the Judas)
The gentleman wishes to do me the honor of bending over and observing?
D'ARTAGNAN
But is there someone in the store?
PLANCHET
Oh! No, sir -- at this hour there is never anybody.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, I see.
PLANCHET
And see what, sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
I see some bread on a hutch -- bottles of liquor and smoked ham.
PLANCHET
Sir, really sees all that?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, yes.
PLANCHET
Well, wait a little, sir.
(taking a halebard in a corner)
I am going to have the honor of offering the gentleman a tender bread and a roast leg.
(He pushes the halebard through the Judas.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh! Oh! There he is, there he is. The Devil! Could it be that up till now one has been deceived as to the proper use of halebards?
PLANCHET
(who has plucked bread and a leg)
You have seen, sir, the sole manner of their service.
D'ARTAGNAN
Good! Here's the bread and the leg of lamb -- but the wine, sir, the wine!
PLANCHET
Sir, chance has caused me to know well a Spaniard who voyaged in the new world.
D'ARTAGNAN
What connection can the new world have with the wine that you drank to your health when I entered Mr. Planchet?
PLANCHET
In Mexico the natives of the country hunt the tiger and the bull with simple flowing knots that they cast over the throats of those terrible animals.
D'ARTAGNAN
Mr. Planchet, I don't see at present.
PLANCHET
The gentleman is going to see. At first, I couldn't believe that one could arrive at that degree of dexterity to throw at twenty or thirty feet a rope when one wished, but as my friend placed a bottle at thirty feet and each time took the neck in the knot, I worked at this trick and today I can throw a lasso almost as well as a man from the new world. Would the Chevalier like to judge?
(Drawing a rope from his pocket.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Why yes, I would be curious to assist at this exercise.
PLANCHET
Well --
(throwing the rope)
Here --
(a bottle comes up taken by the neck)
D'ARTAGNAN
But that's liquor and not wine.
PLANCHET
Chevalier, with a bottle of liquor which I will sell for two pounds, I will buy four bottles of burgundy at ten sous a piece. Now, sir, permit me to offer you the roast.
(he goes to take a line)
D'ARTAGNAN
You mean to say the fried food?
PLANCHET
No, sir, the roast.
D'ARTAGNAN
The fried food.
PLANCHET
If the Chevalier's window gave on a pond, on a lake, on a river, I would fish carps and trouts en brochette. But the window gives on a chicken coop, I fish chicken. The Chevalier is going to see how this works.
(he throws his line and brings back a chicken)
One need only take time to throw out the line. There --
D'ARTAGNAN
Mr. Planchet, you are a comedian!
PLANCHET
Sir!
D'ARTAGNAN
But seeing the urgency of the situation, I pardon you. Go pluck this chicken and roast him. Hold -- one knocks -- it's probably our friends.
PLANCHET
Yes, it's probably them.
D'ARTAGNAN
(aside)
This humorist is full of ingenious inventions. He's a treasure without parallel among lackeys.
PLANCHET
(recoiling, very upset)
Sir, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, what's wrong?
PLANCHET
Mr. Bonacieux, our landlord.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh! Oh! Were you seen throwing a lasso or fishing with the rope?
PLANCHET
I don't know, sir, but at all hazards, stuff this chicken in my pocket.
BONACIEUX
(in the antechamber)
Hum! Hum!
D'ARTAGNAN
My word, so much the worse -- let whatever happens, happen. Enter Mr. Bonacieux -- enter.
(Bonacieux enters -- Planchet leaves, furtively.)
BONACIEUX
Mr. Chevalier, I am indeed your servant.
D'ARTAGNAN
It is I who am yours, sir. Planchet -- an armchair -- well -- where is he now? Excuse me, sir -- I am served by a clown who deserves the galley.
(He brings an armchair.)
BONACIEUX
Don't trouble yourself, sir -- I have heard you spoken of as a Chevalier both very honest and brave.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sir --
BONACIEUX
And it is this last quality which has decided me to address you.
D'ARTAGNAN
To do what?
BONACIEUX
To confide a secret to you.
D'ARTAGNAN
A secret? Speak, sir, speak.
BONACIEUX
It's about my wife.
D'ARTAGNAN
You have a wife?
BONACIEUX
Who is linen maid to the Queen, yes, sir -- and who neither lacks youth nor beauty. They made me marry her almost three years ago, even though she had almost nothing -- because Mr. de la Porte, the tailor to the Queen, is her god father and protects her.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, sir?
BONACIEUX
Well, sir, my wife was kidnapped yesterday as she left her work room.
D'ARTAGNAN
She, your wife, has been kidnapped? And by whom?
BONACIEUX
I cannot say for sure, sir, but in any case, I am convinced there is less for this kidnapping of love than of politics.
D'ARTAGNAN
Less of love than politics -- but what do you suspect?
BONACIEUX
I don't know if I ought to tell you what I suspect.
D'ARTAGNAN
Sir, I will observe that I've asked you nothing; it is you who have come; it is you who have told me you have a secret to confide -- do so in your humor.
(rising)
It is time for you to retire, again.
BONACIEUX
No, sir, I have confidence in you -- I believe then that it isn't because of her love affaris that my wife has been arrested.
D'ARTAGNAN
So much the worse for you.
BONACIEUX
But because of a much greater lady than she --
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, bah! Would it be because of the loves affairs of Miss de Combalet?
BONACIEUX
Much higher, sir, much higher.
D'ARTAGNAN
Of Madame de Chevreuse?
BONACIEUX
Much higher -- sir, very much higher.
D'ARTAGNAN
Of the -- ?
BONACIEUX
Yes, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
And with whom?
BONACIEUX
With whom if not the Duke of Buck -- ?
D'ARTAGNAN
With the Duke of -- ?
BONACIEUX
Exactly.
D'ARTAGNAN
But how do you of all people know this?
BONACIEUX
Ah -- how do I know it -- well --
D'ARTAGNAN
No half confidences --
(rising)
-- or you understand.
BONACIEUX
I know it from my wife, sir -- from my wife herself.
D'ARTAGNAN
How's that?
BONACIEUX
My wife came four days ago; she confided to me that the Queen, at that moment was in great fear for the Queen believed --
D'ARTAGNAN
What did the Queen believe?
BONACIEUX
She believed that someone had written to the Duke of Buckingham in her name.
D'ARTAGNAN
Bah!
BONACIEUX
Yes, to make him come to Paris -- and once in Paris, to snare him in some trap.
D'ARTAGNAN
But what has your wife to do with all this?
BONACIEUX
They know her devotion to the Queen and wanted to separate her from her mistress to get Her Majesty's secrets or to seduce her to serve her like a spy.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's likely, but the man who kidnapped her -- do you know him?
BONACIEUX
I don't know his name -- but my wife pointed him out to me one day -- he's a lord of haughty name -- white teeth -- a scar on his temple.
D'ARTAGNAN
But that's my man!
BONACIEUX
Your man?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, probably, and if he is my man -- I will have a double vengeance -- but where to meet this fellow?
BONACIEUX
I don't know.
D'ARTAGNAN
You have no other information?
BONACIEUX
In fact, only this letter.
D'ARTAGNAN
Give me.
(reading)
"Don't look for your wife -- she will be returned to you when there's no further need for her -- if you take a single step to find her, you are lost." Well -- it's positive but, after all, it's only a threat.
BONACIEUX
Yes, sir, but this threat frightens me; I am not a swordsman -- and I'm afraid of the Bastille.
D'ARTAGNAN
Hum! I don't care for the Bastille myself -- but still, it's only a question of a sword fight.
BONACIEUX
Now, sir, I had counted much on you in this matter?
D'ARTAGNAN
True?
BONACIEUX
Seeing you ceaselessly surrounded by Musketeers with a very proud air, and noticing that these Musketeers were those of Mr. de Treville and consequently enemies of the Cardinal, I had thought that you and your friends all in rendering service to our poor Queen, would be enchanted to play a trick on the Cardinal.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's indeed tempting, I know it.
BONACIEUX
And then I thought again -- that -- since you live with me -- distracted no doubt by your great preoccupations you had forgotten to pay my rent.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! There we are --
BONACIEUX
A delay for which I have never bothered you a single instant -- I had thought that you would have respect for my delicacy.
D'ARTAGNAN
Why indeed, dear sir, believe that I am full of gratitude for such a procedure.
BONACIEUX
Counting, moreover that you did me the honor of living in my hotel, never speaking to you of your future rent --
(D'Artagnan gestures.)
And adding that counting still, if against all probability, you were inconvenienced at the moment, to offer you fifty pistoles.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, never, sir, I could not accept --
(Bonacieux forces money into his pocket.)
D'ARTAGNAN
But to make me such an offer you must be rich?
BONACIEUX
Without being rich, I am at my ease. I have amassed two or three hundred thousand shillings of rent.
D'ARTAGNAN
Dear Mr. Bonacieux, I am totally at your service.
BONACIEUX
I believe someone is knocking on your door, Mr. Chevalier.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, by God, you fall in marvelously -- my friends are coming to ask dinner of me -- your business will be deliberated in council.
BONACIEUX
(to Planchet who is entering)
My dear Mr. Planchet, follow your master in his good disposition towards me, and we shall see things, Mr. Planchet, such things. That's all I can tell you. Gentlemen, your humble servant.
(Enter Porthos.)
D'ARTAGNAN
My dear Mr. Porthos, I present to you the pearl of Landlords -- Mr. Porthos, one of my best friends.
PORTHOS
(low)
He really looks bad, your landlord.
D'ARTAGNAN
(aside)
For a spice merchant, I don't find it so.
BONACIEUX
Sir, I don't need to tell you that my entire house is at your service.
(Bonacieux exits.)
PORTHOS
Mousqueton, take my cloak.
D'ARTAGNAN
(returning after having accompanied Bonacieux)
Ah! Ah! Your cold hasn't gotten worse, Porthos?
PORTHOS
Where were you then yesterday evening when we were looking all over for you? Here -- at the Cabaret and at Mr. Treville's -- without finding you?
ARAMIS
(entering and having heard Porthos' question)
Porthos, my friend, you are of an incredible indiscretion. Where was he? At his affairs, without doubt -- when you head down the Rue aux Ours, would you like to have Mousqueton ask where you were going?
PORTHOS
Rue aux Ours -- when I go to the Rue aux Ours.
ARAMIS
You go where you wish and it's nobody's business.
(to Athos who comes in)
Right, Athos?
ATHOS
So long, at least, as he hasn't discovered our cellar full of everything -- in which case it would be a crime not to give shares to his friends. Have we wine, Planchet?
PLANCHET
Yes, sir -- and worthy of you, I hope.
ATHOS
Then all goes well.
PORTHOS
You really love wine, Athos.
ATHOS
It's not wine I love, it's drunkenness.
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't understand -- to dinner.
ATHOS
Grimaud, I give you leave.
PORTHOS
Go, Mousqueton.
ARAMIS
Leave, Bazin.
D'ARTAGNAN
Now, let's talk.
ATHOS
That's to say -- let's drink, you mean.
D'ARTAGNAN
Planchet, go down to my landlord, Mr. Bonacieux and beg him to send us five or six bottles of foreign wine, and particularly Spanish wine.
PORTHOS
Ah, so! You then have open credit with your landlord?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, counting from today -- and be easy -- if the wine is bad, we will see about fetching more.
ARAMIS
It must be used not abused, D'Artagnan.
ATHOS
I've always said that D'Artagnan had the best head of the four of us.
PORTHOS
But now, what's wrong?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's that Buckingham has come to Paris on a false letter from the Queen; that the Cardinal is by way of playing a bad role toward Her Majesty and that the wife of our landlord, god-daughter of Mr. de la Porte and confidante of the Queen, has been kidnapped.
ATHOS
Well?
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, Mr. Bonacieux wishes to get his wife back.
ATHOS
The fool!
ARAMIS
To me it seems the business isn't so bad -- and that one can extract from this brave man a hundred pistoles.
PORTHOS
A hundred pistoles! That's a pretty job -- Zounds!
ATHOS
Yes, now it's a question of knowing if a hundred pistoles is worth the trouble of risking our four heads.
D'ARTAGNAN
Hush!
PORTHOS
What?
ARAMIS
Silence!
BONACIEUX
(on the stairs)
Gentlemen! Gentlemen!
D'ARTAGNAN
Eh! It's my worthy landlord.
BONACIEUX
(entering)
Help me! Help! Help!
(All rise, except Athos.)
PORTHOS
What's wrong?
BONACIEUX
Gentlemen, they're going to arrest me -- four men -- down there. Save me! Save me!
PORTHOS
Zounds! Arrest a landlord who has such good wine!
D'ARTAGNAN
A moment gentlemen -- it's not courage we lack here, it's prudence.
PORTHOS
Now we are not going to let this brave man be arrested.
ATHOS
You will let D'Artagnan decide, Porthos.
(D'Artagnan causes the guards who have come to arrest Bonacieux to enter.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Come in, gentlemen, come in, you are here in my home, that is to say in the home of a faithful servant of the King and the Cardinal.
ADJUTANT
Then gentlemen, you will not oppose us in executing the order we have received.
D'ARTAGNAN
Quite the contrary and we will support you strongly if there is need.
PORTHOS
But what's he saying?
ATHOS
You are a naive, Porthos shut-up.
BONACIEUX
(low to D'Artagnan)
But you just promised me.
D'ARTAGNAN
Silence -- we cannot save you and remain free -- if we make a move to protect you they will arrest us with you.
BONACIEUX
But it seems to me that after --
D'ARTAGNAN
Gentlemen, I have no motive to protect the man you claim. I have seen him today for the first time and even on that occasion -- he will tell you himself, he came to touch on my rent -- Isn't that true, Mr. Bonacieux -- reply.
(low)
Answer.
BONACIEUX
Yes, gentlemen -- it's the pure truth -- but, sir, didn't you say --
D'ARTAGNAN
(low)
Silence! Silence about me and my friends! Silence above all about the Queen or you will ruin everybody without saving yourself.
(aloud)
Well -- what do you say? Speak up. You offered me some money -- you wish to corrupt me -- me to protect you? Me to oppose the execution of His Eminence's orders. You are still a strange rogue! Try corruption on Her Majesty's guards. Oh, take him gentlemen -- take him -- for in truth, he's a man who is losing his head.
ADJUTANT
Come, come, friend, come with us and no resistance.
D'ARTAGNAN
Mr. Adjutant, can I drink your health and you drink mine?
(He fills two glasses.)
ADJUTANT
It will be an honor for me, Mr. Guardsman.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then to your Master, sir.
ADJUTANT
And to yours and those of your friends'.
D'ARTAGNAN
And above all to the King and the Cardinal.
BONACIEUX
When one thinks this is with my wine!
ADJUTANT
Come on, forward march.
(returning)
Gentlemen, your very humble servant.
(The guards leave taking Bonacieux.)
PORTHOS
Why, what devilish species of villainy have you committed then, D'Artagnan! Fie! Four Musketeers to let an unfortunate who cries for help in their midst be arrested! A gentleman drink with a bailiff! I'm lost, my word of honor. What? you approve of what he's just done?
ATHOS
I trust him very much. Not only do I approve of you, D'Artagnan -- I congratulate you again.
D'ARTAGNAN
And now, gentlemen, we are hurled into an adventure in which we are either ruined or we'll make our fortune -- more than ever let us swear fidelity to our motto: "All for one -- one for all."
PORTHOS
Now, I wish I understood more clearly.
ATHOS
It's useless.
ARAMIS
Watch -- extend hands and swear, Porthos.
D'ARTAGNAN
All for one.
ALL TOGETHER
One for all.
D'ARTAGNAN
Now, gentlemen -- you know it -- complete freedom.
PORTHOS
I have a rendezvous with a certain great lady -- Planchet, adjust my collar -- my cloak.
ARAMIS
Me, I have some business with a celebrated theologian.
PORTHOS
And you, Athos?
ATHOS
Me -- as I am occupied neither with love nor with women -- I will remain.
ARAMIS and PORTHOS
(to D'Artagnan & Athos)
Well -- au revoir.
D'ARTAGNAN and ATHOS
Au revoir.
(Aramis & Porthos exit.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Bravo! Remain Athos -- besides -- there's still some wine in the bottles and it would be ungrateful of you to leave.
ATHOS
Come on, D'Artagnan -- face me -- at least like Athos haven't you some thesis to sustain or like Porthos some great lady to walk with.
D'ARTAGNAN
(sadly)
Ah -- my dear Athos -- !
ATHOS
A sigh -- drink D'Artagnan and take care of those sighs.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then what?
ATHOS
D'Artagnan be careful.
(he drinks)
D'ARTAGNAN
You were saying?
ATHOS
I say you are amorous --
D'ARTAGNAN
Imagine a woman.
ATHOS
An angel -- right.
D'ARTAGNAN
No -- a demon.
ATHOS
She's less to be feared.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, but it's useless.
ATHOS
What's useless?
D'ARTAGNAN
I wanted to ask your advice.
ATHOS
Well?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's already too late.
ATHOS
Because you believe that I am drunk, D'Artagnan -- but I never have clearer ideas than when I'm in my cups. Speak then, I'm all ears.
D'ARTAGNAN
No, it's not because you are drunk, my dear Athos, it's because, having never loved --
ATHOS
Ah, that's true, I've never loved.
(he drinks)
D'ARTAGNAN
You see -- heart of stone.
ATHOS
Tender heart, broken heart.
D'ARTAGNAN
What are you saying?
ATHOS
I say that love is a lottery where one wins -- wins -- death --- have you won or lost, D'Artagnan?
D'ARTAGNAN
I believe I have lost.
ATHOS
Then you are indeed happy -- believe me, D'Artagnan -- always lose.
D'ARTAGNAN
For a moment, I believed that she loved me.
ATHOS
And she loves another, right? Remember this well -- there's not a man who didn't believe himself loved by his mistress who wasn't deceived by his mistress.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- she wasn't my mistress.
ATHOS
She wasn't your mistress and you complain -- she wasn't your wife and you complain -- let's drink.
D'ARTAGNAN
But then, philosopher that you are -- instruct me, help me -- I need to know and be consoled.
ATHOS
Consoled about what?
D'ARTAGNAN
About my misfortune -- by God -- I loved and she didn't love me.
ATHOS
Your misfortune is laughable -- D'Artagnan and I am curious to know what you would say if I told you a love story.
D'ARTAGNAN
That happened to you?
ATHOS
Or to one of my friends -- what does it matter!
D'ARTAGNAN
Speak, Athos, speak.
ATHOS
Drink up and we'll be better.
D'ARTAGNAN
Drink up and speak up.
ATHOS
In fact, both of these things go marvelously well together. One of my friends -- one of my friends, you hear -- not me - but a Count from my province -- that is to say a Count de Berry -- noble like a Rohan or a Montmorency, became amorous at twenty-five years of age of a pretty girl of sixteen -- pretty as love itself -- she didn't place -- she intoxicated.
D'ARTAGNAN
She's like her!
ATHOS
Ah, there you go interrupting. She lived in an isolated house -- between the village and the Chateau -- with her brother who was a Cure, both were strangers. They came from no one knew where but in seeing her so beautiful and the brother so pious, no one thought to ask them where they came from -- as for the rest, they were said to be of good birth -- One day, the brother disappeared or pretended to disappear. My friend, who was the lord of the county, could have seduced her or taken her by force -- who would have come to the aid of a young girl -- ignorant -- unknown? Unfortunately, he was an honest man, he married her -- the fool -- the stupid idiot -- the imbecile.
D'ARTAGNAN
Since he loved her, it seems to me --
ATHOS
Pay attention. At the death of his father which happened six months later -- he brought her to the Chateau -- and made her the first lady of the province -- to do her justice, she held the rank perfectly. Drink up!
D'ARTAGNAN
Well --
ATHOS
Well, one day she went on a hunt with her husband. She fell from her horse and fainted -- the Count hurled himself to her aid and she was suffocating in her clothes. He cut them away with his dagger and exposed her shoulder --
(laughing loudly)
Guess what he had on her shoulder, D'Artagnan?
D'ARTAGNAN
How the devil should I know?
ATHOS
A fleur de lys! The angel was a demon, the poor girl had stolen sacred vessels from a church.
D'ARTAGNAN
Horrible! And what did your friend do?
ATHOS
The Count was a great lord. He had over his lands the right of justice high and low -- he finished by tearing the clothes from the Countess, he tied her hands behind her back and hung her from a tree.
D'ARTAGNAN
Heavens! A murder, Athos?
ATHOS
Not much better -- but we need some wine, it seems to me.
D'ARTAGNAN
No -- there's still a full bottle.
ATHOS
Fie! That cured me of beautiful women, poetic and amorous. God grant you as much.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then it was you?
ATHOS
Did I say it was me? Then to the devil, the secret!
D'ARTAGNAN
And she is dead?
ATHOS
By God.
D'ARTAGNAN
And her brother?
ATHOS
Her brother, I tried to learn to hang in his turn, but one could never find him. He was without doubt the first lover and accomplice of the beauty -- a worthy man who seemed to be to marry his mistress and give her a chance. He will have been quartered, I hope.
D'ARTAGNAN
(falling on the table)
Oh! My love! My God!
ATHOS
(looking at D'Artagnan)
Some wine, Planchet. Ah, men no longer know how to drink, and yet this one is one of the best.
(Planchet enters with two bottles of wine.)
(curtain)
The interior of Mr. Bonacieux's shop -- four men in black and an Adjutant talking. Everything is topsy in the house.
ADJUTANT
(reading)
"And search made in the entire house, we declare that we found no paper except as those attached in file 'C'. In Testimony of which we have signed."
(he signs)
ONE OF THE MEN IN BLACK
Is that all?
ADJUTANT
Relative to the writings, yes. Now it's a question of proceeding to the true object of our mission.
ANOTHER MAN IN BLACK
(rising before the table)
What is that?
ADJUTANT
Here it is -- as the aforesaid Bonacieux can and must have accomplices -- that it is nine o'clock in the afternoon. Which means nightfall and that especially at night, when accomplices meet -- the object of our mission is to stay in the house permanently of the aforesaid Bonacieux and to let enter all those who knock and not to let anyone leave until after confrontation and interrogation.
ONE OF THE MEN IN BLACK
And the women are involved in it?
ADJUTANT
Women especially, considering the great malefactor in all this is the wife, not the husband.
SECOND BLACK MAN
It seems to me someone's knocking on the door.
ADJUTANT
Lights out -- and each to his post.
(They extinguish the lamp -- complete obscurity.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
(after having knocked outside softly, pushes open the door)
Really, this is singular -- the door open and no one in the house.
ADJUTANT
Pss!
(One of the men glides behind Madame Bonacieux and goes to close the door.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Well! I think I heard -- Mr. Bonacieux -- Mr. Bonacieux.
(she turns around. The adjutant is hidden in the corner)
He must have left. Let's light things up -- happily there's some fire.
(She lights a candle at the fireplace and perceives the Adjutant.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Who are you? What do you want with me?
ADJUTANT
Silence.
MADAME BONACIEUX
What are you doing here? Help -- help.
ADJUTANT
To me, my friends! I believe we hold the one the world is looking for.
MADAME BONACIEUX
What do you want of me? I am the mistress of this house.
ADJUTANT
Exactly.
MADAME BONACIEUX
I am Madame Bonacieux.
ADJUTANT
Marvelous.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Pardon, gentlemen. Help! Help! Ah!
(At this moment, the trap door opens and the audience sees D'Artagnan descend -- legs first, then the body, then the head.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Hold tight! Here I am!
PLANCHET
(in the room)
But you are going to get killed.
D'ARTAGNAN
Shut up -- imbecile.
(D'Artagnan jumps into the middle of the room.)
ADJUTANT
What's this?
D'ARTAGNAN
What's this? I am going to tell you. It's a gentleman who does not permit a woman to be mistreated in front of him. Come, come, release this woman.
ADJUTANT
Sir, this is in the name of the king.
D'ARTAGNAN
Release this women.
ADJUTANT
(to his men)
Grab her -- take her!
(He pulls out his sword.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- swords, is it? So much the better. I'm better with a sword than a stick. Gentlemen, watch your feathers.
(Tumultuous combat. The five men end by taking flight. Some by the windows, others by the doors -- D'Artagnan closes the door behind them and returns to Madame Bonacieux.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Come, come, Madame, rest assured -- my God -- ! What, has she fainted? It's nothing -- they are gone, Madame. The Devil take me -- she is charming!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah!
D'ARTAGNAN
Really, that made her come to.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah, sir, it's you who saved me -- permit me to thank you. Oh! Pardon me, I will try to prove to you that I am not an ingrate. But, tell me what these men wished from me, who I took at first for thieves and why isn't Mr. Bonacieux here -- ?
D'ARTAGNAN
Those men were agents of the Cardinal. As for Mr. Bonacieux, he's in the Bastille.
MADAME BONACIEUX
My husband is in the Bastille? Oh, my God, poor dear man -- poor innocent man -- what has he done?
D'ARTAGNAN
His greatest crime, Madame, is, I believe to have the fortune and misfortune to be your husband.
MADAME BONACIEUX
But sir, you know then --
D'ARTAGNAN
I know you were kidnapped, Madame.
MADAME BONACIEUX
And by whom? Do you know?
D'ARTAGNAN
Wasn't it a man of between forty and forty-five years of age -- black hair -- with a scar on his left temple?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Hush -- don't say his name.
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't have to avoid it, I don't know it -- you might know it perchance?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Silence!
D'ARTAGNAN
But then?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Silence, in heaven's name! But tell me -- Has Mr. Bonacieux figured out why I was kidnapped?
D'ARTAGNAN
He attributed it to a political motive.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Then he didn't suspect me for a single instant?
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- far from it, Madame! He was very proud of your wisdom and especially of your love. But how did you escape -- you -- a prisoner?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I profited from a moment when I was left alone and I got out the window with the aid of my bed sheets.
D'ARTAGNAN
But you risked your life?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Would I had ten lives that I might risk them.
D'ARTAGNAN
Why have you risked coming here now you're free?
MADAME BONACIEUX
According to all probability, they won't know I've flown the coop until tomorrow.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! That's true.
MADAME BONACIEUX
And it was important that I see my husband this evening.
D'ARTAGNAN
To place yourself under his protection?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh, poor man! You have seen he is incapable of protecting me. No -- but he could serve me in another way.
D'ARTAGNAN
In what way?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh, it's not my secret and I cannot tell you.
D'ARTAGNAN
But what must your husband do?
MADAME BONACIEUX
(getting ready to leave)
I will do it myself.
D'ARTAGNAN
You are leaving here?
MADAME BONACIEUX
It must be done.
D'ARTAGNAN
And you go alone in the streets! And the thieves?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I haven't a penny on me.
D'ARTAGNAN
You forget this pretty blazoned handkerchief, which has fallen at your feet and which I put back in your pocket.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Be quiet! Be quiet! Do you want me to be lost?
D'ARTAGNAN
You see indeed there is still some danger for you since a single word makes you tremble. Hold -- cast away all fear -- rely on me -- read in my eyes all there is of devotion and in my heart all there is of sympathy.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh, I would indeed be ungrateful if I doubted you -- after the service you have rendered me. Ask my secrets, I will tell you them -- but those of others -- never.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, so be it! Free for you to try to hide them from me; but free for me to try and discover them.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh, by the gratitude that I owe you, protect yourself well, sir! Don't mix with anything regarding me; don't try to aid me in what I accomplish -- I ask you in the name of the interest I inspired in you -- in the name of the service you have rendered me and which I will never forget in my life. No, no, believe what I tell you -- don't bother with me -- let me not exist any more for you -- let it be as if you had never seen me.
D'ARTAGNAN
But is there such danger?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes, there is danger of prison; there is danger to life in knowing me.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then I will never leave you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Sir, in the name of heaven, in the name of military honor -- in the name of the courtesy of a gentleman, leave me.
There --it's 10:30 -- it's the house, they expect me or rather, I am already a half hour late.
D'ARTAGNAN
Madame, I don't know how to resist when you ask me this way. Be free -- I will retire.
MADAME BONACIEUX
No -- let me leave. You leave later -- and your oath?
D'ARTAGNAN
Well?
MADAME BONACIEUX
That you won't spy on me -- that you won't follow me.
D'ARTAGNAN
Word of a gentleman, Madame.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah, I know quite well you have a brave heart.
(giving him her hand)
D'ARTAGNAN
(kissing her hand)
When will I see you again?
MADAME BONACIEUX
You want to see me again?
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, very much.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Well -- leave it to me.
D'ARTAGNAN
I count on your word.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Count on it.
(She exits.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, I declare that whoever sees clearly in all this that's happening to me has sharp eyes -- Aramis, Madame Boistracy, the Queen, the Duke of Buckingham -- the Cardinal, Madame Bonacieux. How the devil do all these people find themselves mixed together? She's charming, this petite little Madame Bonacieux -- an air of a Princess -- a heart, courage, wit -- and wife of that frightful merchant. In fact, you must come to Paris to see this -- it never happens at Tarbes like this.
PLANCHET
(across the ceiling)
Sir, sir -- are you still there?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
PLANCHET
Sir, they're knocking at the door.
D'ARTAGNAN
Who?
PLANCHET
I think it's the guard.
D'ARTAGNAN
Bah!
PLANCHET
I hear the butts of muskets. Shall I open?
D'ARTAGNAN
Without doubt, since I am not there.
PLANCHET
Fine. Don't budge.
(The trap door closes.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, throw me my cloak and my hat! Plague! there's no danger for me to budge. Only it seems to me that as additional precaution, I ought to close the door.
(he goes to the door at back after having stifled the candle, but as he approaches, the door opens and Milady, dressed exactly as Madame Bonacieux appears)
Oh! Oh! What do I see?
MILADY
Isn't this the place and am I mistaken? Now -- here's the boutique, then the area behind the shop -- I am indeed at the home of Mr. Bonacieux, spice merchant -- I saw the name above the door.
(going to the window)
Count! Count!
(Rochefort appears.)
(D'Artagnan in the boutique stumbles against a cask.)
MILADY
(closing the window)
I am deceived -- there is someone.
D'ARTAGNAN
Already returned?
MILADY
Returned and from where?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's not her voice.
MILADY
Who are you?
D'ARTAGNAN
But I ask you the same question, Madame -- only if you refuse to reply --
(going to the chimney and lighting a candle)
ROCHEFORT
(at the window)
Do you have need of me?
MILADY
I don't know -- but hold yourself in readiness --
(recognizing D'Artagnan)
My Gascon!
(to Rochefort)
Don't worry about a thing.
D'ARTAGNAN
Milady.
MILADY
Well, they didn't deceive me?
D'ARTAGNAN
They didn't deceive you, Madame -- and what did they tell you?
MILADY
They told me that a certain Chevalier D'Artagnan, who paid court to Milady de Winter, was at the same time amorous of a little shop girl named Madame Bonacieux.
D'ARTAGNAN
Me -- amorous, Milady? I only saw her this evening for the first time.
MILADY
You saw her this evening?
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh - 'Sdeath, what have I said?
MILADY
I thought she was in a secure place.
D'ARTAGNAN
(aside)
She knows about her arrest.
(aloud)
That is to say -- no -- Madame -- and I am going to be frank -- I knew her for a long while and she is from my country, and this evening, seeing that after three days she hadn't returned, I came down to ask Mr. Bonacieux news about her, and having found the house empty, I was here -- I waited, I found it singular -- now you are come and I am happy.
MILADY
You found the house empty?
D'ARTAGNAN
Damnation -- look!
MILADY
What do you mean to say about it?
D'ARTAGNAN
And as I told you, Madame, I am happy -- very happy.
MILADY
Fine, Chevalier, I know what I wanted to know.
D'ARTAGNAN
And what did you want to know?
MILADY
I wanted to know how far to rely on the oaths of the love of the Chevalier D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Madame, in the name of heaven.
MILADY
I hope you will have the grace to believe that Milady de Winter has too much self-respect to enter into a competition with Madame Bonacieux. Await her return, Chevalier -- ah -- I don't need to tell you that it will be useless for you to present yourself henceforth at the Hotel at the Place Royale.
D'ARTAGNAN
Madame -- listen to me, please --
(He bars her passage.)
MILADY
Oh! I hope that entering here freely, I will leave freely.
ROCHEFORT
(opening the window)
Milady! Milady!
D'ARTAGNAN
(turning)
My man from Meung! Ah, this time you won't escape me, I hope.
(he jumps out the window and one hears his voice in the distance)
Ah -- coward! Ah -- wretch -- ah -- false gentleman!
ROCHEFORT
(returning and striding over the window)
He recognized you?
MILADY
Yes, but I have given a reason for my presence.
ROCHEFORT
There's no fear that he will question the motive that brings us here?
MILADY
Not the least. And you?
ROCHEFORT
Didn't you see? He jumped over my head -- and he's capable of running all the way to the river -- he's enraged.
MILADY
But --
ROCHEFORT
But -- let's get out of here. It seems the blow is misdirected -- right?
MILADY
There is still this damned Gascon who's mixing in our affairs.
ROCHEFORT
Be easy, he will pay for everything -- ! Come! Come!
(At the moment they leave the back room, one sees the legs of Planchet appear.)
PLANCHET
(while crossing the ceiling)
Mr. D'Artagnan! Mr. D'Artagnan, where are you Mr. D'Artagnan? Ah, my God! My God! May he not have gone to deliver himself up.
D'ARTAGNAN
(reentering)
You haven't seen him?
PLANCHET
Yes, sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
Him, this demon incarnate who appears to me without cease and whom I can never meet.
PLANCHET
Listen to me. The guard came. They found Mr. Athos who was in your room and carried him off.
D'ARTAGNAN
Horrors -- and he let them do it?
PLANCHET
They took him for you.
D'ARTAGNAN
And he didn't explain?
PLANCHET
Much to the contrary -- I was going to speak -- but he put his finger on his mouth -- then I understood.
D'ARTAGNAN
O brave Athos! I recognize you well in that.
(The back door opens. Enter Madame Bonacieux.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Chevalier! Chevalier! Are you still here?
D'ARTAGNAN
Madame Bonacieux!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
My God -- what's wrong with you? Planchet! Planchet!
MADAME BONACIEUX
No, no -- don't bother about me.
D'ARTAGNAN
What has happened?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I lost a half hour.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I got there too late. A woman dressed like me with a similar handkerchief to this presented herself at the house on the Rue Vaugirard and gave him the address.
D'ARTAGNAN
A woman dressed like you -- she came from here.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Did you see her? You have spoken to her?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
MADAME BONACIEUX
What became of her?
D'ARTAGNAN
A demon I've pursued for three weeks and that I will pursue all my life, if necessary, appeared at this window. I ran after him. During this time, I don't know what became of her. And wait, this man -- it's the same man who kidnapped you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
My God!
D'ARTAGNAN
And additionally, they came to arrest me.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Where?
D'ARTAGNAN
Upstairs where I live.
MADAME BONACIEUX
They didn't find you?
D'ARTAGNAN
No, but they found one of my friends, who let himself be taken in my place.
MADAME BONACIEUX
So that they think they've got you?
D'ARTAGNAN
Exactly.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Mr. D'Artagnan -- there's not a moment to lose.
D'ARTAGNAN
Give your orders!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Tell your lackey to explore the neighborhood.
D'ARTAGNAN
Planchet -- you understand.
PLANCHET
I am running, sir.
MADAME BONACIEUX
You are going to accompany me?
D'ARTAGNAN
Where to?
MADAME BONACIEUX
To the place he's hiding. My God! My God! Let us arrive in time.
D'ARTAGNAN
Let's hurry.
PLANCHET
(at the back door)
One cannot come in. When one says you can't come in.
(Enter a man wrapped in his cloak.)
MAN
Yes, but I am coming in.
(He pushes Planchet and enters.)
PLANCHET
Sir, sir -- help!
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- here's somebody who's going to pay the score for all.
MAN
Dare you indeed, comedian?
D'ARTAGNAN
(drawing his sword)
They told you you couldn't come in, sir.
MAN
And I replied by coming in.
D'ARTAGNAN
Who are you?
MAN
And who are you?
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- 'S'death you're going to find out.
MAN
You think so?
(casting off his cloak)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Fine.
(she puts herself between them and seizes the swords)
Milord! Milord!
D'ARTAGNAN
(taking three steps back)
Sir -- you must be?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Milord, Duke of Buckingham.
(to D'Artagnan)
And now, you can destroy us all.
D'ARTAGNAN
You here, Milord.
(to Madame Bonacieux)
What's he doing here?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh -- I don't know -- it is only my Lord who can tell you.
BUCKINGHAM
It's very simple. On presenting myself at the Rue de la Harpe, they showed me the handkerchief and told me I was expected at Rue de Fossoyeurs, near the Luxembourg -- at a merchant's named Bonacieux, as the name was known to me, I didn't hesitate and here I am.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's because they think the house is occupied by the Adjutant and his men and they want to make you fall into a trap, Milord. Milord, pardon me for having drawn a sword against you and tell me in what manner I can serve Your Grace.
BUCKINGHAM
Thanks, you're a brave chap. You offer me your services and I accept them. Walk behind us at twenty paces -- accompany as to the Louvre -- and you know whose interests are concerned -- and if someone spies on us -- kill them.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's excellent! Milord -- go forward, I am with you.
BUCKINGHAM
Come, Madame.
D'ARTAGNAN
Planchet! Warn Porthos and Aramis that they cannot sleep tonight.
(Planchet exits through the window.)
(curtain)
Queen's chamber -- the Louvre.
ANNE
Well, La Porte -- the Duke?
LA PORTE
The Duke?
ANNE
You have no news of him?
LA PORTE
None can be had except from Madame Bonacieux and from the moment the Cardinal had her abducted, we fell into uncertainty.
ANNE
La Porte!
LA PORTE
Madame.
ANNE
It seems to me I hear someone walking in the secret corridor -- see who it can be.
MADAME BONACIEUX
(opening the hidden door)
Silence!
ANNE
Ah, it's you, Constance!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes, Madame. Yes, Your Majesty, it's me.
ANNE
They set you at liberty?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I escaped.
ANNE
And you came here?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I have been where my presence was necessary.
ANNE
You have seen him?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Your Majesty.
ANNE
Reply quickly -- you have seen him? No mischance has befallen him?
MADAME BONACIEUX
He is here.
ANNE
Here? Who?
MADAME BONACIEUX
The Duke.
ANNE
The Duke of Buckingham?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Himself.
ANNE
In the Louvre -- near the King -- near the Cardinal!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Madame, he said that since he had come, he was not going to return to London without seeing you -- that he knew he had been drawn into a trap but that he thanked his enemies for putting him in this position.
ANNE
What madness! Return where you have left him -- beg -- implore, order in my name.
(The Duke appears.)
Tell him that he must leave -- that I will not see him -- that I do not wish to see him -- if necessary, I will tell everything to the King.
BUCKINGHAM
Oh -- you haven't the courage, Madame.
ANNE
The Duke -- La Porte, watch that side -- Constance, the corridor --
(the Buckingham)
Oh sir -- what have you done?
(The two servants distance themselves, the Queen and Buckingham remain alone.)
BUCKINGHAM
(going to one knee)
I came to kneel before you and say -- Georges de Villiers, Duke of Buckingham is always the most humble and most obedient of your worshippers.
ANNE
Georges, you know it was not I who wrote you -- right?
BUCKINGHAM
Yes, I know that I was made to believe that the snow would melt, that the marble grow warm -- but what do you want? When one loves, one believes easily in love, besides I haven't lost by this voyage, since I see you.
ANNE
You forget, Milord, that in seeing me you run the risk of your life and you make me run a risk -- a risk to my honor. You see me to hear me tell you that everything separates us -- the depths of the sea -- the hostility of our two realms -- the sanctity of oaths; it is a sacrilege to struggle against such things, Milord. You see me now to hear me tell you we can never see each other again.
BUCKINGHAM
Speak, Madame, speak Queen, the softness of your voice covers the hardness of your words. You speak of sacrilege. But the sacrilege is in the separation of hearts that God made for each other.
ANNE
Milord, I've never said that I love you.
BUCKINGHAM
But you've never said that you don't love me either.
ANNE
Milord!
BUCKINGHAM
And this will be a cruelty that you won't commit, for tell me -- Queen -- where will you find a love like mine? A love that neither time nor absence, nor despair, can extinguish -- a love which contents itself with a ribbon, which cheers itself on a lost look, on an escaped word? It was three years ago that I saw you for the first time, Madame, and it's been three years since I loved you.
ANNE
Duke!
BUCKINGHAM
Do you want me to say how you were dressed the first time I saw you? Do you want me to list each ornament of your toilette? I still see you with this robe of satin embroidered with gold whose hanging sleeves are attached to your arms by strings of diamonds. Oh, yes, wait -- I close my eyes and I see you as you were then -- I open them and see you as you are -- that's to say -- a hundred times more beautiful.
ANNE
What madness to nourish such a hopeless passion with such memories!
BUCKINGHAM
And how do you expect me to live? I have only memories -- they are my joy, my treasure, my hope. Each time that I see you it is one more diamond that I enclose in the casket of my heart. This is the fourth that you've allowed to fall and I picked up; for in three years, Madame, I've only seen you four times. The first as I've just told you, the second at the home of Madame de Chevreuse, the third in the gardens of Amiens.
ANNE
Don't speak of that night, Milord.
BUCKINGHAM
It's the most happy and radiant evening in my life. You recall what a beautiful night it was? How the air was soft and perfumed; how the heavens were blue and enamelled with stars. Oh, that time, like today, I was alone with you -- that time you were ready to tell me everything, your isolation in life, your heart's cares -- the widowing of your soul -- you were drawn to my arm -- wait, this one -- I felt, while inclining my head to your side, your beautiful hair stroking my face, and at each stroke, I trembled from head to foot. Oh, Queen, Queen, you don't know all the joy there is in such a moment. Take my wealth, my fortune, my glory -- all that remains to me of days to live for such a night -- for that night -- oh -- that night, Madame -- you loved me!
ANNE
(rising)
But slander rose and spread from that night. The King, excited by the Cardinal, made a terrible uproar -- Madame de Vernet was kicked out; Patange exiled; Madame de Chevreuse fell in disfavor -- and when you wished to return as ambassador to France, the King himself opposed your return.
BUCKINGHAM
Yes, and France is going to pay with a war for that refusal by its King.
ANNE
Why's that?
BUCKINGHAM
I have no hope of entering Paris except in the hands of an army -- no -- without doubt but this war can lead to a peace -- the peace will need a negotiator -- and I will be the negotiator -- I will return to Paris, and I will see you again!
ANNE
Milord! But stop and think -- all these proofs of love you wish to give me -- they're crimes.
BUCKINGHAM
Ah, because you don't love me! Madame de Chevreuse of whom you spoke just now was less cold than you. Holland loves her and she has responded to his love.
ANNE
Alas, Madame de Chevreuse is not Queen.
BUCKINGHAM
Then you would love me if you weren't Queen, Madame? Oh, thanks for those soft words, O, my beautiful Majesty -- a hundred thanks!
ANNE
Oh -- you have twisted what I said.
BUCKINGHAM
I am happy in my error -- so be it! Don't have the cruelty to take it from me. This letter from you; you said to yourself -- they tried to trap me in a snare -- I will let them have my life perhaps -- for -- wait -- it's strange -- for a long time -- I've had a premonition I am going to die.
ANNE
Ah -- my God!
BUCKINGHAM
I don't say this to frighten you -- Madame -- believe me, I don't preoccupy myself with such dreams -- but this word you just said -- this hope you have already given me -- it must be paid for -- perhaps with my life.
ANNE
Well, I too, Duke, I have premonitions, too, I had a dream -- and in my dream I saw you in bed -- bloody -- wounded.
BUCKINGHAM
On the left side -- with a knife -- correct?
ANNE
Yes, that's it, Milord. Ah, my God -- who told you that I had this dream? I have only spoken of it to God and only in my prayers.
(rising)
BUCKINGHAM
I can ask no more.
(on his knees)
You love me, Madame -- all is well.
ANNE
I love you -- me?
BUCKINGHAM
Yes, you! Would God send us the same dreams if you didn't love me? Would we have the same premonitions if our two beings weren't joined by the heart? You love me, Queen -- and you cry for me.
ANNE
Oh, my God, you see this is more than I can bear. Wait, Duke, in the name of Heaven, leave -- retire. I don't know if I love you or not -- but what I do know is that if you were struck in France, that if you died in France, that if I thought your love for me was the cause of your death -- I know I could never forgive myself -- I know I would become mad! Leave, then leave, I beg you!
BUCKINGHAM
Oh, how beautiful you are this way -- and how I love you -- how I love you --
ANNE
Leave, leave and return later -- return as ambassador, return as minister, surrounded by guards -- who will defend you -- with servants who will watch over you -- and then, then -- I won't fear for your life and I will be happy to see you.
BUCKINGHAM
Well -- a proof of your indulgence -- an object which will call me to you -- and which will remind me that I haven't been dreaming, something you have worn and something that I can wear in my turn -- a jewel -- a collar -- a necklace.
ANNE
And you will go? You will go, if I give you what you ask of me?
BUCKINGHAM
Yes.
ANNE
Right away?
BUCKINGHAM
Yes.
ANNE
You will leave France? You will return to England?
BUCKINGHAM
Yes, I swear it to you. I swear it to you.
ANNE
Wait, Milord, wait ---
(She hurtles out of the room, Buckingham waits, immobile, arms folded. Anne reappears holding a box of rosewood.)
ANNE
Hold, Milord -- hold -- take this in memory of me -- these are the diamonds that I wore the first time you saw me -- and which the King gave me.
BUCKINGHAM
(falling on his knees)
Is it really true, Madame?
ANNE
You have promised me to leave.
BUCKINGHAM
And I am keeping my word -- Your hand, Madame, your hand. And I am leaving.
(Anne gives him her hand, which he kisses, transported.)
Before these months are over, I, Madame -- I will be dead or I shall have seen you again, even if to do so I had to turn the world upside down.
MADAME BONACIEUX
(entering)
Madame! Madame!
ANNE
What's wrong?
MADAME BONACIEUX
The Duke was followed, his description taken, the password has been changed.
ANNE
You hear this, Duke?
BUCKINGHAM
My God -- what is to be done!
D'ARTAGNAN
(entering quickly)
Put on this cap and hat, Milord, and yours there.
BUCKINGHAM
But the new password?
D'ARTAGNAN
Rochefort and La Rochelle, now don't forget that you are in the company of Mr. de Treville.
BUCKINGHAM
Madame.
ANNE
Leave, Duke, leave! In the name of heaven -- leave.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Leave.
D'ARTAGNAN
Leave.
(The Duke leaves.)
ANNE
(listening)
Silence.
VOICE
Who goes there?
BUCKINGHAM
(outside)
From Mr. de Treville's company -- Rochefort or La Rochelle.
VOICE
Pass.
ANNE
(falling in an armchair)
He is saved!
(curtain)
The Cardinal's office
(A Court Clerk -- the Cardinal behind a doorway.)
COURT CLERK
My Lord can hear?
VOICE
(behind the tapestry)
Yes.
COURT CLERK
Bring in the prisoner.
(Bonacieux is brought in by two guards.)
COURT CLERK
Name, first name -- age and domicile?
BONACIEUX
Jacques Michel Bonacieux -- age forty-one -- spice merchant -- Rue de Fossoyeurs.
COURT CLERK
You know, without doubt, why you are in the Bastille?
BONACIEUX
Because they brought me here, sir, without that, I swear I never myself --
COURT CLERK
You mistake my question or you pretend to mistake my question -- I ask you if you are disposed to admit the crime for which you were brought to the Bastille.
BONACIEUX
A crime, sir! I -- I have committed a crime?
COURT CLERK
You are accused most gravely of all -- of the crime of high treason.
BONACIEUX
Of high treason? Eh, sir -- how do you think a poor shopkeeper -- who detests the Huguenots and abhors the Spanish can be accused of high treason?
COURT CLERK
Mr. Bonacieux, you have a wife?
BONACIEUX
Ah! Yes, sir -- that is to say I had one.
COURT CLERK
What -- you had one? What have you done so you no longer have one?
BONACIEUX
They kidnapped her from me, sir.
COURT CLERK
And do you know who the man is who committed this rape?
BONACIEUX
Hum! I suspect a lord of high waist, black eyes -- black hair and a scar on his temple.
COURT CLERK
(turning towards the screen)
Ah! Ah! And his name?
BONACIEUX
Oh -- as to his name, I am ignorant of it -- but if I ever meet him, I promise you I will recognize him even among a thousand people.
COURT CLERK
You would recognize him in a thousand, you say?
BONACIEUX
Pardon -- I mean --
COURT CLERK
You answered you would recognize him -- that's all.
BONACIEUX
Sir, I have not said I was sure. I said I believed so.
(During this, a man enters and whispers in the ear of the Clerk.)
COURT CLERK
Ah! Ah!
BONACIEUX
Let's see -- is something still wrong?
COURT CLERK
It's that your affair is so complicated.
BONACIEUX
My affair?
COURT CLERK
What were you doing at Mr. D'Artagnan's, your neighbor -- with whom you had a conference during the day?
BONACIEUX
Ah, yes, as to that, that's true, I was at Mr. D'Artagnan's.
COURT CLERK
What was the purpose of that visit?
BONACIEUX
To beg him to help me get my wife back -- I believed I had the right to reclaim her -- I deceived myself, sir.
COURT CLERK
And what reply did Mr. D'Artagnan make?
BONACIEUX
At first he promised me his help -- but I soon saw that he betraying me.
COURT CLERK
You lie, sir! Mr. D'Artagnan made a pact with you. He put to flight the police who had arrested your wife and he kept her from all attempts to retake her.
BONACIEUX
Mr. D'Artagnan has rescued my wife? Who told you that?
COURT CLERK
Happily Mr. D'Artagnan is in our hands -- and you are going to be confronted with him.
BONACIEUX
Ah, my word, I ask for nothing better. I won't be afraid to see a known face.
COURT CLERK
Bring in Mr. D'Artagnan.
BONACIEUX
Ah -- now!
(Two guards lead in Athos.)
COURT CLERK
Mr. D'Artagnan, declare what took place between you and this gentleman.
BONACIEUX
But this is not Mr. D'Artagnan, you are showing me.
COURT CLERK
What do you mean it isn't Mr. D'Artagnan?
BONACIEUX
Not the least in the world.
COURT CLERK
You dare to maintain?
BONACIEUX
Ah! Indeed, for goodness sake!
COURT CLERK
What do you call him if you don't call him D'Artagnan?
BONACIEUX
But I don't know his name -- ask him -- himself.
COURT CLERK
What is your name?
ATHOS
Athos.
COURT CLERK
That's not the name of a man -- that's the name of a mountain.
ATHOS
It's my name.
COURT CLERK
Now you said you were named D'Artagnan.
ATHOS
Me?
COURT CLERK
Yes, you.
ATHOS
Oh, you mean when they said -- "You are Mr. D'Artagnan!" and I said, "You think so?" My guards said they were sure -- I didn't wish to contradict them, besides I might have deceived myself -- I was drunk.
COURT CLERK
Sir, you insult the majesty of the law.
ATHOS
Not at all.
COURT CLERK
You are Mr. D'Artagnan.
ATHOS
You see, you said so again.
BONACIEUX
But I tell you, Mr. Commissioner, there is not a moment of doubt, Mr. D'Artagnan is my tenant -- he hasn't paid me -- and I ought to recognize him.
COURT CLERK
Well, that's a reason.
(to a messenger who gives him a letter)
What?
MESSENGER
Read!
COURT CLERK
(after having read it)
Oh, the poor wretched woman.
BONACIEUX
What are you saying? Of whom are you speaking -- it isn't my wife, I hope?
COURT CLERK
On the contrary -- it is about her -- your affair is all right -- go.
BONACIEUX
(exasperated)
Ah, indeed, sir! Do me the pleasure of telling me in what way my affair can get worse than that of that of my wife while I am in prison.
COURT CLERK
Because what she does is the result of a plan concocted between you -- infernal plan.
BONACIEUX
I swear to you, Mr. Commissioner, that you are in the most profound error -- I haven't the least idea in the world what my wife ought to do -- and I am a complete stranger to what she has done -- and if she has committed follies, I renounce her, I disown her, I curse her.
ATHOS
Ah then -- if you have no further need of me, send me somewhere. He is very boring, your Mr. Bonacieux.
COURT CLERK
Take the prisoners back to their cells.
ATHOS
Now -- if it's Mr. D'Artagnan you need to hold under lock and key, I don't see why you put me in prison.
COURT CLERK
(to guards)
Do what I told you.
THE CARDINAL
One moment.
ALL
Monsignor.
ATHOS
(bowing)
Monsignor.
THE CARDINAL
You are free, Mr. Athos --
(to Bonacieux)
You stay --
(to guards)
leave us --
(Athos bows, all leave with marks of the most profound respect.)
BONACIEUX
Who is this gentleman who remains?
THE CARDINAL
You have conspired.
BONACIEUX
That's what they've already told me, Milord, but I swear to you that I know nothing.
THE CARDINAL
You have conspired with your wife, with Madame de Chevreuse with Milord the Duke of Buckingham.
BONACIEUX
Ah -- in fact yes, Monsignor, yes -- I have heard their names pronounced.
THE CARDINAL
By whom?
BONACIEUX
By Madame Bonacieux.
THE CARDINAL
On what occasion?
BONACIEUX
She said that the Cardinal Richlieu had lured the Duke of Buckingham to Paris where he would be ruined and the Queen ruined with him.
THE CARDINAL
She said that?
BONACIEUX
Yes, Monsignor, but I told her that she was wrong to maintain such a proposition and that His Eminence was incapable --
THE CARDINAL
Shut up -- you are an imbecile.
BONACIEUX
That's exactly what my wife replied, Monsignor.
THE CARDINAL
Do you know who has kidnapped your wife?
BONACIEUX
No, Monsignor.
THE CARDINAL
You have some suspicions, though?
BONACIEUX
Yes, Monsignor -- but my suspicious appears to irritate the Commissioner and I no longer have them.
THE CARDINAL
When you went to search for your wife at the Louvre, did she return directly home?
BONACIEUX
For the last time, no -- she had already some business with one of the silk merchants.
THE CARDINAL
And where do they live, these merchants of silk?
BONACIEUX
There's one in the Rue Vaugirard and the other in the Rue de la Harpe.
THE CARDINAL
Did you go inside these houses with her?
BONACIEUX
Never, Monsignor. I waited at the door.
THE CARDINAL
And what pretext did she give you for going in alone?
BONACIEUX
She didn't give any -- she told me to wait and I waited.
THE CARDINAL
You're a compliant husband, my dear Mr. Bonacieux.
BONACIEUX
He calls me his dear Mister -- that means things are going well.
THE CARDINAL
Would you recognize the doors of these houses?
BONACIEUX
Yes.
THE CARDINAL
Fine -- someone --
(an officer enters)
Go fetch Rochefort -- and the instant he's here, bring him in.
OFFICER
The Count is here, and asks to speak instantly to Your Eminence.
BONACIEUX
(aside, stupefied)
Eminence? Your Eminence, His Eminence.
CARDINAL
Let him come.
BONACIEUX
Oh, my God! You are the Cardinal, in person -- Monsignor the Great Cardinal.
(he falls to his knees)
And I --
(He beats the floor with his head.)
CARDINAL
Come in, Rochefort.
ROCHEFORT
Monsignor.
BONACIEUX
It's him!
CARDINAL
Who -- him?
BONACIEUX
The one who kidnapped my wife.
CARDINAL
(to Officer)
Put this man in the hands of the Guards.
BONACIEUX
No, Monsignor, no -- it wasn't him -- I was deceived -- the gentleman doesn't resemble him at all. The gentleman is an honest man.
CARDINAL
Take this fool away!
(The take Bonacieux off who makes gestures of despair.)
ROCHEFORT
They were seen.
CARDINAL
The Queen and the Duke?
ROCHEFORT
Yes.
CARDINAL
Where?
ROCHEFORT
At the Louvre.
CARDINAL
Who told you this?
ROCHEFORT
Madame de Lannoy.
CARDINAL
Can she be counted on?
ROCHEFORT
She is entirely for Your Eminence.
CARDINAL
Very well -- we are defeated -- let's try to make our retreat.
ROCHEFORT
I will aid you with all my soul, Monsignor.
CARDINAL
What happened?
ROCHEFORT
At eleven o'clock the Queen was with her woman. She went into her boudoir and said "Wait for me."
CARDINAL
And it was in the boudoir he was seen.
ROCHEFORT
Yes.
CARDINAL
Who brought him in?
ROCHEFORT
Madame Bonacieux.
CARDINAL
How much time did they remain together?
ROCHEFORT
A half hour -- a little less.
CARDINAL
After that, the Queen returned?
ROCHEFORT
To take a box of rosewood and then she went out again soon.
CARDINAL
And when she came back -- much later -- did she bring back this box?
ROCHEFORT
No.
CARDINAL
Does Madame Lannoy know what was in the box?
ROCHEFORT
Strings of diamonds that the King gave to the Queen.
CARDINAL
Then she must have given them to the Duke?
ROCHEFORT
She gave them to him.
CARDINAL
You are quite sure, Rochefort?
ROCHEFORT
Perfectly sure.
CARDINAL
Fine, fine! All is not lost perhaps -- and perhaps even it is for the best.
Now do you know where Madame de Chevreuse and the Duke of Buckingham are?
ROCHEFORT
She's in the Rue de Vaugirard -- he's at the Rue de la Harpe.
CARDINAL
That's excellent!
ROCHEFORT
Your Eminence wants me to arrest them?
CARDINAL
Oh - they're already gone.
ROCHEFORT
No matter -- they can be caught.
CARDINAL
I have sent Vitrary with ten men -- watch for his return and keep me up to date on all he's done.
ROCHEFORT
Be tranquil, Monsignor.
(He leaves.)
CARDINAL
Bring in the prisoner again.
(Bonacieux comes in.)
CARDINAL
You have deceived me.
BONACIEUX
Me -- Monsignor -- deceive Your Eminence?
CARDINAL
When your wife was going to the Rue de Vanguard and the Rue de la Harpe she wasn't going to silk merchants.
BONACIEUX
And where was she going then, by God?
CARDINAL
She was going to the Duchess de Chevreuse and to the Duke of Buckingham -- the two mortal enemies of the King.
BONACIEUX
Yes, yes, that's it, Your Eminence is right -- I told my wife many times that it was astonishing that silk merchants were living in houses without any sign -- and each time my wife set herself to laughing -- ah Monsignor, ah! That you are indeed the Cardinal, the Great Cardinal -- the man of genius that Europe admires and who --
(throwing himself at the Cardinal's feet)
CARDINAL
(after having reflected)
Rise, my friend! You are a brave man.
(Bonacieux gets up.)
BONACIEUX
The Cardinal has touched my hand -- I have touched the hand of a great man -- the great man has called me his friend.
CARDINAL
Yes, my friend and as I suspected you unjustly, we must give you an indemnity. Here, take these hundred pistoles and pardon me.
BONACIEUX
How can I pardon you, Monsignor? But you were fully free to have me arrested -- fully free to have me tortured -- fully free to have me hanged. Pardon you, sir -- come now, don't mention it.
CARDINAL
Goodbye then or rather till we meet again for we will see each other again, I hope.
BONACIEUX
Oh -- as much as Monsignor wishes.
(He leaves.)
CARDINAL
Till we meet again, Mr. Bonacieux, till we meet again. There's a man who will, from this day forward, be ready to kill himself for me. Ah -- it's you Rochefort -- well?
ROCHEFORT
Well -- no one. They're gone!
CARDINAL
Yes -- one surely on to Tours, the other on the way to Boulogne -- it's at London we will rejoin the Duke of Buckingham.
ROCHEFORT
Your orders, sir?
CARDINAL
Not a word of what has happened. Let the Queen remain in perfect security -- let her believe that we were investigating the political conspiracy.
ROCHEFORT
Is that all?
CARDINAL
You will go to Milady -- you will give her a rendezvous for the day after tomorrow at eleven o'clock in the evening at the Cabaret of Colombier Rouge where we've already seen each other twice -- she will wait for me in her usual room and she will be prepared to take a trip. A chair will wait for her at the door.
ROCHEFORT
Yes, sir -- and as for this man?
CARDINAL
What man?
ROCHEFORT
The imbecile they call Bonacieux -- what's to be done with him, Your Eminence? I saw him leaving, radiant, and purse in hand counting gold.
CARDINAL
I have done all that can be done with him. I've made him a spy on his wife.
ROCHEFORT
And if Madame de Chevreuse returns to Paris?
THE KING
(entering)
What do you mean, if Madame de Chevreuse returns to Paris -- she's already been here.
CARDINAL
Your Majesty has heard --
(to Rochefort)
Leave us - but don't go far.
THE KING
Yes, Cardinal, I have heard. Ah! Madame de Chevreuse.
CARDINAL
For the last five days, sire, I am forced to admit it.
THE KING
Cardinal, there are some things that I cannot suffer.
CARDINAL
Sire, I attached little importance to this voyage until I learned --
THE KING
What have you learned, Cardinal?
CARDINAL
That Madame de Chevreuse had seen the Queen.
THE KING
They've seen each other?
ROCHEFORT
Yes, sir.
THE KING
Ah! Cardinal, there's a conspiracy.
CARDINAL
Yes, sire, and I would hold all the strings to this plot except that --
THE KING
Except what?
CARDINAL
But, as there's no more respect in France for the laws -- as the sword settles all questions -- as the service to Your Majesty is the pretext which covers up all violence, all criminal complicity.
THE KING
Cardinal, in what manner does my service shackle the laws? What's wrong?
CARDINAL
Just now, Sire, since you force me to speak -- it happened that just as I was about to make an arrest sure of the fact, in flagrante delicto -- possessed of all proofs -- the emissary of Madame de Chevreuse and the Queen, when a musketeer -- a guard -- I don't know why -- a solider -- intervened and dared to violently intercept the course of justice by falling, sword in hand, on the honest men of the police charged with examining the affair impartially and placing it before Your Majesty's eye.
THE KING
Truly -- have they got accomplices among my servants?
CARDINAL
Sire -- be calm.
THE KING
I will be calm when I know everything -- ah -- they have recourse to my Musketeers! Ah -- they use my guards against me -- against my honor -- we will see about that!
(He makes towards the Queen's apartment.)
CARDINAL
Pardon -- but where is Your Majesty going?
THE KING
Where am I going -- 'S'death -- I'm gong to see the Queen.
CARDINAL
I still have some words to put to Your Majesty.
THE KING
Speak quickly.
CARDINAL
At the same time Madame de Chevreuse was here -- the Duke was in Paris.
THE KING
What duke?
CARDINAL
The Duke of Buckingham.
THE KING
The Duke of Buckingham -- what did he come here for?
CARDINAL
He came, without doubt to conspire with the Spanish and the Huguenots -- to prepare this formidable expedition against La Rochelle.
THE KING
No -- to conspire against my honor.
CARDINAL
Your Majesty tells me this after the reports of Madame Lannoy.
THE KING
What reports?
CARDINAL
Madame Lannoy must have told Your Majesty that the Queen woke very late and this morning cried much while writing by herself.
THE KING
She cried -- she wrote -- but these letters -- these letters that she wrote have already been sent perhaps?
CARDINAL
It doesn't seem so, Sire -- Madame Lannoy would have told me.
THE KING
These letters -- they must be had.
CARDINAL
Oh! Sire!
THE KING
And as for this Englishman -- as for this infamous Duke of Buckingham why haven't you had him arrested?
CARDINAL
To arrest the Duke -- to arrest the Prime Minister of King Charles -- what are you thinking of, sir?
THE KING
Well -- instead of arresting him -- let him be exposed like a spy -- we must --
CARDINAL
We must -- ?
THE KING
Nothing -- nothing -- but what's he doing?
CARDINAL
He's gone, Sire -- he left Paris last night.
THE KING
Are you sure they didn't meet?
CARDINAL
Oh -- I believe the Queen is very much attached to Your Majesty.
THE KING
While awaiting, they corresponded -- she wrote -- wrote while crying -- Cardinal -- I repeat to you I must have those letters -- I want them!
CARDINAL
Such a mission, Sire, will embarrass all Your Majesty's subjects, for if the King says 'I want them' the Queen can say -- 'I don't want to give them up!'
THE KING
We are going to see if she will disobey me.
(He rings -- an usher presents himself.)
THE KING
Tell the Queen that I beg her to come here.
(The usher leaves.)
CARDINAL
I will retire.
THE KING
Don't you go far. Ah, Chancellor is working my large office -- send him to me.
(The Cardinal leaves, bowing to the Queen.)
(The Queen enters.)
ANNE
(aside)
The Cardinal, my God!
(aloud)
Your Majesty has done me the honor of asking for me?
THE KING
Yes, Madame.
ANNE
I await Your Majesty's orders.
THE KING
Less respect Madame and more frankness -- why is Madame de Chevreuse in Paris?
ANNE
Heavens! Madame de Chevreuse! I don't know, Sire.
THE KING
Why -- last night were you up so late?
ANNE
(aside)
I feel I'm dying.
THE KING
Why were you crying? Why were you writing?
ANNE
I assure you --
THE KING
You were writing! To whom -- Madame?
ANNE
Sire.
THE KING
That letter -- you haven't sent it to its addressee -- where is it? I want it!
ANNE
Your Majesty didn't marry a princess of my name to make her a slave.
THE KING
Yes, go ahead -- rebel! I prefer that to your hypocritical respect -- that letter --
ANNE
What I write -- is mine.
THE KING
What you write -- is your King's -- your master's -- do you intend to give this letter?
ANNE
Reflect, Sire.
(Enters the Chancellor.)
THE KING
Ah -- enter Chancellor.
(to the Queen)
Madame -- you refuse.
ANNE
Yes.
THE KING
For the last time, that letter!
ANNE
Never.
THE KING
Chancellor, you are the first magistrate of my realm -- you know the crimes of treason and lise-mageste - you will enter into Madame's apartment -- the Queen's apartment and make an exact investigation of all her papers which you will bring here to me.
ANNE
Infamy!
THE KING
Your keys, Madame.
ANNE
The Chancellor shall command -- and Dona Estefana -- my chamber maid will give the keys to my tables and secretaries.
THE KING
Go, sir.
(The Chancellor leaves.)
THE KING
Oh -- you are very calm, Madame, very proud, you know the Chancellor will find nothing -- in fact it's not to a drawer of furniture that one confides the type of letter you have written.
ANNE
What do you mean to say, sir?
THE KING
When I punished this traitor -- this rebel they called the Marshall d'Ancre killed him -- they found the proofs of his crimes at the home of his wife -- she hadn't confided them to her drawers or tables -- but in searching her --
ANNE
The Marshall d'Ancre -- a Florentine adventurer that's all -- but the spouse of Your Majesty is called Anne of Austria. She is the daughter of a King -- the most important princess in the world.
THE KING
And as such, Anne of Austria is only more guilty -- one cannot treat guilty people nicely.
(he takes a step)
That letter.
ANNE
I will call my brother!
THE KING
I have armies to reply to him -- this letter.
ANNE
I will call on the honor of the French gentleman.
THE KING
Think first of mine! This letter, I tell you -- you are hiding it -- you are hiding it on your person. Give it to me!
ANNE
Sire!
THE KING
Give it to me! Or I will take it.
ANNE
I will spare you that shame, Sire, I will spare myself this affront -- well yes, I wrote a letter.
THE KING
Ah -- you admit it?
ANNE
This letter -- Your Chancellor will not find it. I have it on me -- as you said; you wish it?
THE KING
I wish it.
ANNE
Here it is!
(She falls into an armchair.)
THE KING
(opening the letter cautiously)
"My Brother."
(speaking)
She's writing to the King of Spain.
(reading)
"Complaints against the Cardinal -- a league of Spain and Austria with the end of overthrowing my minister."
(Enter the Cardinal.)
CARDINAL
Some politics -- right, sire?
THE KING
Yes, Cardinal -- nothing but politics; not a word about what I thought -- God be praised -- hold.
CARDINAL
(reading)
"I was quite sure I told Your Majesty so --"
THE KING
Never mind! It was a conspiracy against you and the Queen didn't deserve my wrath any less.
CARDINAL
Oh! Sire! The Queen is my enemy -- but isn't she a submissive, irreproachable spouse? Let me intercede for her.
ANNE
What's he say?
THE KING
Well -- let her return to me first.
CARDINAL
On the contrary, Sire, give her an example -- you were wrong first -- since you suspected the Queen -- and because you provoked a scandal.
THE KING
Well -- what's to be done?
CARDINAL
Something which must be agreeable to Her Majesty, the Queen, something which must be a distraction and a reparation at the same time. Give a ball -- or rather the Aldermen of the city of Paris are giving a ball in a few days -- it would be a great honor for them to receive Your Majesties.
THE KING
When is it?
CARDINAL
In four days -- I believe, Sire. It will be, I tell you, a great joy for the city and it will be an occasion for Her Majesty, the Queen, to wear those beautiful diamonds that the King gave her.
ANNE
Oh, my God!
THE KING
You're right, Cardinal -- you're right -- this -- Madame -- you accept, right?
CARDINAL
(low to King)
Your Majesty will insist that the Queen appears in the diamonds.
(Cardinal exits.)
THE KING
What's he mean? Is he preparing one of those terrible surprises for me that he knows how to make?
(to the Queen)
You haven't said that you accept, Madame -- are you listening?
ANNE
Yes, Sire, I'm listening.
THE KING
You will appear at this ball which takes place in four days?
ANNE
Yes.
THE KING
With diamonds?
ANNE
Yes.
THE KING
Fine, I'm counting on it. Counting on it. Goodbye, Madame.
(He leaves.)
ANNE
(aside)
I'm lost.
(Enter Madame Bonacieux.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Can I do nothing for my Queen?
ANNE
You! You!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh, I am with you body and soul -- and however far I am from Your Majesty, I will find a way to save her.
ANNE
Me -- betrayed on all sides, sold, ruined?
MADAME BONACIEUX
These diamonds which the King demands.
ANNE
You know?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I heard everything. These diamonds were in the little rosewood box?
ANNE
Yes!
MADAME BONACIEUX
That box -- Milord Buckingham -- didn't he take it away with him yesterday?
ANNE
Silence! Silence!
MADAME BONACIEUX
It's necessary to get them back.
ANNE
But how?
MADAME BONACIEUX
We must send someone to the Duke.
ANNE
Why, my God! Who?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Have you faith in me, Madame? If you do me this honor, my Queen -- I have found the messenger!
ANNE
Do it! -- and you save my life and my honor.
MADAME BONACIEUX
But the Duke will not give up those diamonds without a word from your hand.
ANNE
A word from my hand? If that is discovered -- for me it's divorce -- the convent, exile.
MADAME BONACIEUX
And for me it's death.
(Anne runs to the table and writes while Madame Bonacieux watches the doors.)
ANNE
Here!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Good, Madame.
ANNE
But your messenger -- they will arrest him -- they will attack him -- he will never arrive on time.
MADAME BONACIEUX
The one I am sending, Madame, when they arrest him, he'll pass through, if they attack him, he'll kill them -- Oh -- you will see -- goodbye, Madame -- goodbye.
(curtain)
D'Artagnan's Room
(Planchet, flat on his face, drawing a bottle from the trapdoor. Athos enters and takes the bottle which Planchet places by him.)
ATHOS
Thanks, Planchet, a glass.
PLANCHET
Ah, Mr. Athos -- truly is it you? My God, how happy I am to see you. A glass -- two if you like -- you are then released from the Bastille?
ATHOS
You see it's quite so, since I am here.
PLANCHET
I thought I had locked the door with a key.
ATHOS
You know that we each have a key to our respective apartments.
PLANCHET
Ah -- that's true.
ATHOS
And your master -- where is he?
PLANCHET
Ah, sir -- I am not uneasy.
ATHOS
Ah -- you're not uneasy.
PLANCHET
No -- The Chevalier is in good fortune -- everything's been patched up.
ATHOS
Patched up? With who?
PLANCHET
With this naughty woman, you know?
ATHOS
Which one?
PLANCHET
The one called Milady; the woman of the Palace Royale.
ATHOS
Did he say something to you in parting?
PLANCHET
He said that if he didn't return tomorrow morning by nine o'clock -- I should advise you, Mr. Porthos and Mr. Aramis and that you would take counsel.
ATHOS
Ah, the devil!
PLANCHET
Hush! Listen!
ATHOS
What?
PLANCHET
It seems to me I hear a noise on the stairs.
ATHOS
Sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
(outside and pushing the door)
Planchet -- 'Sdeath, Planchet -- will you open, you clown?
PLANCHET
Something's going on -- it's him -- it's the Chevalier.
ATHOS
Oh! Oh! What's the matter with him?
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, a thousand demons.
PLANCHET
Are you being pursued?
D'ARTAGNAN
(entering all upset)
I don't know, but lock the door.
ATHOS
Well, D'Artagnan?
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos -- you, my friend? You are then free from their clutches?
ATHOS
Yes, and I came to pay you my first visit.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's God who inspired you. I was going to run to you.
ATHOS
What's happened then?
D'ARTAGNAN
What has happened? Planchet, guard the stairway and don't let a living soul enter.
PLANCHET
Except the ladies.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ladies, less than anyone, 'Sdeath.
ATHOS
Ah! It appears that our loves have turned out badly?
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos; don't laugh -- on, no for by Heaven don't laugh -- for -- on my soul -- there's nothing to laugh about.
ATHOS
In fact, you're very pale -- were you injured?
D'ARTAGNAN
No, thank God!
ATHOS
What's wrong then?
D'ARTAGNAN
I was afraid --
ATHOS
You, D'Artagnan -- D'Artagnan afraid? What happened then?
D'ARTAGNAN
A terrible thing, Athos!
ATHOS
Explain yourself -- what is it?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's that Milady is branded with a fleur de lys on her shoulder.
ATHOS
Ah! Milady branded -- who told you that?
D'ARTAGNAN
Look here, answer me! Are you sure the other one is dead?
ATHOS
The other one?
D'ARTAGNAN
The one you told me about the other day -- here -- in this place -- the woman from Berry.
ATHOS
(passing his hand before his face)
Who is Milady? Her age -- her figure -- her appearance?
D'ARTAGNAN
Twenty-five to twenty-six years of age, small rather than large -- silky brown hair -- eyebrows very marked -- eye somber and full of sparks.
ATHOS
Pale?
D'ARTAGNAN
Pale -- magnificent shoulders and on the left a red fleur de lys and somewhat effaced -- under layers of makeup.
ATHOS
You said she's English.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well -- yours -- what was she?
ATHOS
That's true -- Charlotte Backson. How did you know her?
D'ARTAGNAN
The woman saw she pleased me. She's a coquette, she made me advances. I accepted them -- suddenly -- the chambermaid took a pretty passion for my person and warned me that her mistress was mocking me. I am from the Midi -- rage went to my head -- I demanded proofs and she proved to me that Milady was giving a rendez-vous to a Mr. de Vardes at her home. "I will avenge myself in a terrible way," I shouted. The chambermaid would refuse me nothing and I ordered her to place me in her mistress' apartment. It was easy -- Milady was waiting for her lover and the chamber was without light.
ATHOS
Without light?
D'ARTAGNAN
Naturally -- because of the fleur de lys, by God! Well -- I entered and my business was proceeding marvelously, when suddenly the maid, jealous and fearing that my vengeance was much softer than I had announced, pretended to have been called and appeared with a light in her hand -- Milady recognized me -- she wanted to make me leave -- I refused, and in the struggle, her peignoir was torn.
ATHOS
Ah -- and you saw her shoulder?
D'ARTAGNAN
My friend -- shut me in with an enraged panther -- with a furious lioness -- with a rattlesnake -- I will consent to it -- but with this woman who followed me, dagger in hand -- Athos, I've told you all in two words, here even beside you, just thinking of her I'm afraid.
ATHOS
Wait -- what have you there on your finger?
D'ARTAGNAN
A ring that she put there thinking I was Vardes.
ATHOS
This ring?
D'ARTAGNAN
I haven't even looked at it.
ATHOS
I know it -- it's the one I gave her the evening of our wedding -- D'Artagnan -- it is she!
D'ARTAGNAN
In that case, my dear Athos, I'm afraid of having drawn a terrible vengeance on both of us.
ATHOS
What matter to me?
D'ARTAGNAN
What do you mean -- what's it matter to you?
ATHOS
On my soul, D'Artagnan, I would give my life for a hair. But you alarm yourself needlessly on my account. She believes me dead as I believed her to be.
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos, there's a horrible mystery of some sort in all this. She's ready to take a trip -- wait, I don't know why but I am convinced this woman is a spy for the Cardinal.
ATHOS
(taking his cloak)
That's perfect.
D'ARTAGNAN
You are leaving me.
ATHOS
She lives in the Palace Royale, doesn't she?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, on the corner at the left bank.
ATHOS
Marvelous.
D'ARTAGNAN
A last word -- while you're going, send Porthos to me -- and Aramis -- we may perhaps need all our forces in the face of the enemy.
ATHOS
Fine.
D'ARTAGNAN
Go.
(Exit Athos.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Ouf - here are adventures! Without counting that I don't know the end of it.
A VOICE
Mr. D'Artagnan, Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Didn't I just hear my name.
(Knocking under D'Artagnan's feet.)
VOICE
Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
(opening the trap door)
Who's calling me?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Me, Madame Bonacieux. Are you alone?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, do you want me to come down?
MADAME BONACIEUX
No -- I'll come up to you -- can you receive me?
D'ARTAGNAN
By God!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Close the trap-door then.
(He closes the trap door.)
D'ARTAGNAN
If I can receive her! I think so, the adorable creature -- let her come -- 'Sdeath.
(going to the door)
Let her pass, Planchet.
(Enter Madame Bonacieux.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah, my God -- I am dying.
PLANCHET
Sir, must I still do guard duty?
D'ARTAGNAN
More so than ever, Planchet.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Mr. D'Artagnan -- ah -- what a joy to meet you again.
D'ARTAGNAN
Here I am, Madame.
MADAME BONACIEUX
You have offered me your services.
D'ARTAGNAN
And I offer them to you again.
MADAME BONACIEUX
So much the better for I have answered for you.
D'ARTAGNAN
To whom?
MADAME BONACIEUX
To the Queen.
D'ARTAGNAN
You have done well -- I am at her orders and yours.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Sir, I hardly know you -- but I have complete confidence in you -- why? I don't know.
D'ARTAGNAN
I now it and why. It's because I love you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
You tell me so. Listen to me. I swear before God, that if you betray me and my enemies spare me, which I doubt, I swear, I swear that I will kill myself and accuse you of my death.
D'ARTAGNAN
And as for me, before God, I too swear, Madame, that if I am taken in carrying out the orders you give me -- that I will die before doing or saying anything that might compromise someone I respect or love.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Well -- it's a question of leaving this instant without losing a second.
D'ARTAGNAN
For what country?
MADAME BONACIEUX
For London -- and to take this letter.
D'ARTAGNAN
To whom?
MADAME BONACIEUX
To the Duke of Buckingham.
D'ARTAGNAN
But I must have leave from Mr. de Treville.
MADAME BONACIEUX
I stopped by him -- in a quarter of an hour, your leave will be here.
D'ARTAGNAN
I will leave -- but -- on my return!
MADAME BONACIEUX
On your return?
D'ARTAGNAN
What will Madame Bonacieux do for the man who risks his life for her?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Silence!
D'ARTAGNAN
What?
MADAME BONACIEUX
The voice of my husband.
D'ARTAGNAN
Be easy. Planchet is guarding the door. What will you do? Speak.
MADAME BONACIEUX
I don't know -- but come to meet her wherever she may be and we will see.
D'ARTAGNAN
But where will she be?
MADAME BONACIEUX
You will ask her of the Queen -- and the Queen will tell you; this will be your reward.
BONACIEUX
(on the other side of the door)
But when I tell you that it is not to Mr. D'Artagnan that I wish to speak, but to my wife --
MADAME BONACIEUX
Save yourself -- I will stay here.
D'ARTAGNAN
(opening the Judas)
Through here?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Have you money?
D'ARTAGNAN
I have enough.
(They embrace.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Well, what are you doing now?
D'ARTAGNAN
I am taking some earnest money for my trip.
MADAME BONACIEUX
But you haven't left yet.
(D'Artagnan descends by the Judas.)
PLANCHET
(outside)
What do you mean, to your wife?
BONACIEUX
(outside, too)
Yes, I know my wife is with Mr. D'Artagnan and I wish to speak to her -- what the Devil! I have the right to speak to my wife -- Ah, Mr. Planchet -- Mr. Planchet -- I warn you if you don't open, I am going to fetch the police.
MADAME BONACIEUX
(opening the door)
But let him enter, Mr. Planchet, since my husband wishes to speak to me, let him speak.
BONACIEUX
This is very fortunate! What are you doing here, Madame?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I am awaiting Mr. D'Artagnan.
BONACIEUX
Mr. D'Artagnan, you are waiting for Mr. D'Artagnan. Hum! Hum!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Without doubt, you can see he isn't here.
BONACIEUX
Ah -- he isn't here.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Damnation, it seems so to me.
BONACIEUX
It's true. But why are you waiting for Mr. D'Artagnan?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah -- Mr. Bonacieux, it's a matter that doesn't concern you.
BONACIEUX
What do you mean this doesn't concern me? And who does it concern, I ask you?
MADAME BONACIEUX
It concerns people you don't know and with whom you have no business.
BONACIEUX
(crossing his arms)
Yes -- doesn't this concern Madame de Chevreuse and Mr. le Duke of Buckingham?
MADAME BONACIEUX
What are you talking about, my God!
BONACIEUX
Ah, Madame, you didn't know I knew about your conspiracy.
MADAME BONACIEUX
What names you're using -- and who told you -- ?
BONACIEUX
Intrigues -- isn't it always intrigues? But I am on my guard now against your intrigues and the Cardinal has enlightened me about them.
MADAME BONACIEUX
The Cardinal -- you have seen the Cardinal?
BONACIEUX
(importantly)
He called me, Madame.
MADAME BONACIEUX
And you responded to his invitation -- imprudent fool that you are.
BONACIEUX
I must say I had no choice about responding or not responding attended as I was by two guards.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Then he mistreated you -- he threatened you.
BONACIEUX
He gave me his hand and called me his friend -- do you grasp, Madame, that I am the friend of the great Cardinal.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Of the Great Cardinal! There are powers greater than he.
BONACIEUX
I am angry, Madame, but I don't know of any power greater than those of that great man I have the honor to serve.
MADAME BONACIEUX
You serve the Cardinal? It only lacked for you to serve the party of those who mistreat your wife and who insult your Queen.
(During the last lines of this scene Porthos and Aramis with their lackey are quietly admitted by Planchet.)
BONACIEUX
Madame, the Queen is a perfidious Spaniard and what the Cardinal does is well done.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah, sir, I knew you were cowardly, avaricious, imbecile, but I never knew you were infamous.
BONACIEUX
Huh? What are you saying there?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I say the only thing lacking is for you to follow me and spy on me.
BONACIEUX
That's exactly what I have done. That's exactly what I am going to do.
MADAME BONACIEUX
What -- you're going to report to the Cardinal?
BONACIEUX
That I found you at Mr. D'Artagnan's and that you wouldn't tell me your reason for being here and that I can only think you are conspiring with him.
MADAME BONACIEUX
You are gong to do that? Oh, no -- impossible.
BONACIEUX
With this foot, Madame, with this foot, I am going there.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh -- there's a justice and God will not permit it --
BONACIEUX
Ah! -- God, the Cardinal is in touch with him and he will make it his business.
PORTHOS and ARAMIS
Excuse us, brave man, but no one can leave.
BONACIEUX
What -- one cannot pass?
ARAMIS
It's orders, you know, sir -- the Musketeers are slaves of their orders.
BONACIEUX
And who has given you this order?
PORTHOS
Our friend, D'Artagnan.
BONACIEUX
And he isn't here, your friend, D'Artagnan?
D'ARTAGNAN
(pushing his body up the trap)
Pardon, my dear, Bonacieux, you are wrong -- here I am.
BONACIEUX
Mr. D'Artagnan -- half in his place, half in mine.
PORTHOS
What's to be done, Brigadier?
D'ARTAGNAN
Take the greatest care of Mr. Bonacieux -- don't let him want anything -- but lock him in the cellar -- and don't let him leave until my return -- Planchet, Bazin and Mousqueton will watch him -- that's the order.
BONACIEUX
As for your return -- and when are you coming back?
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't know -- adieu.
MADAME BONACIEUX
This will teach you, sir, to play spy for the Cardinal.
(curtain)
The Inn of the Colombier Rouge. Street floor and second floor.
(Milady is writing -- Athos is with the host on the first floor.)
ATHOS
But it seems to me there is nothing very extraordinary in what I told you there -- I am waiting for two of my friends -- we wish to get drunk together -- we are afraid we will be disturbed in this respectable operation and we wish to rent this room.
HOST
No, that isn't what I understood -- I thought you wanted to rent the whole house -- understand that as the second floor is already occupied --
ATHOS
Well yes, by a woman -- you have told me. We are very gallant to disturb ladies -- what the devil -- let this lady stay where she is -- and since only we can dispose of this room --
HOST
Very good -- in this way, everything will arrange itself, my God! And in return for pistoles --
ATHOS
Here -- bring us wine.
HOST
How many bottles?
ATHOS
As many as you like.
HOST
(aside)
Famous way of doing things!
(He leaves.)
ATHOS
She's here -- I saw her go in -- I hear her walk above me.
MILADY
(going to the window)
The Cardinal said "at 10:30".
(Ten o'clock sounds)
Come on, it's not he who is late -- it's I who am ahead of my time.
PORTHOS
(arriving outside to Athos)
Hush!
ATHOS
Well?
PORTHOS
Aramis gave the signal.
ATHOS
Then they are coming?
PORTHOS
Yes.
ATHOS
So be it.
PORTHOS
Now -- can't you tell me -- ?
ATHOS
Useless. I want to know only one thing.
PORTHOS
Which is?
ATHOS
It's how I can hear what is said upstairs.
HOST
(entering)
Here's the wine.
ATHOS
Thanks. We are comfy and nobody will disturb us?
HOST
No -- ah, only one piece of advice.
ATHOS
Which is?
HOST
Not to make a fire in the stove.
ATHOS
Why's that?
HOST
You are going to understand. I am a smart fellow -- I've killed two birds with one stone -- with the stove I'm heating the ground floor, with the chimney, the place above -- but yesterday the chimney collapsed, yes, in a row, in a dispute, in a fire -- so that if you light a fire you'll smoke her out.
ATHOS
Who?
HOST
The little lady on the second floor -- who took the chamber above for herself alone.
ATHOS
For her all by herself?
HOST
Yes and for a cavalier who must soon join her.
ATHOS
Hush -- that's not our concern.
HOST
Bravo! Here's your wine. If you don't have enough, ask for more!
(He leaves -- at the door he meets Rochefort.)
(Rochefort enters at the back door.)
ROCHEFORT
Here friend!
HOST
What's wrong?
ROCHEFORT
This inn -- is this the Colombier Rouge.
HOST
You can see for yourself.
ROCHEFORT
You have on the second floor a lady who is waiting?
HOST
Are you the person?
ROCHEFORT
No.
HOST
Well then?
ROCHEFORT
Silence!
(goes to the back and addresses the Cardinal who waits outside enveloped in a cloak and escorted by two guards)
Come Monsignor.
CARDINAL
She's come?
ROCHEFORT
She's waiting for Your Eminence.
CARDINAL
Show me the way.
HOST
Oh, you cannot miss it. Take this staircase -- follow the outside balcony -- first door to the left.
CARDINAL
Thanks.
(He goes up.)
ROCHEFORT
(to the host)
Now, my friend go about your business.
HOST
About my business?
ROCHEFORT
Yes, you must have some, go.
MILADY
(at the window)
Come, Monsignor, this way!
(Athos listens at the door. Aramis knocks at the side window.)
ATHOS
See who's knocking at the window, Porthos.
ARAMIS
(outside)
It's me, Aramis.
ATHOS
Porthos -- open it.
(Aramis enters through the window.)
PORTHOS
Why did you come in through the window?
ARAMIS
Because it would be dangerous to come in through the door.
ATHOS
(to Aramis)
Have you seen the leader of the gang?
ARAMIS
Yes, by the rays of the moon he opened his cloak a single instant but that sufficed.
ATHOS
It's the Cardinal, right?
ARAMIS
It's the Cardinal.
PORTHOS
The Cardinal? Oh!
ATHOS
And the others?
ARAMIS
The Count de Rochefort and two guards of His Eminence -- and as they are there, I came in through the window -- so as not to be seen by them.
PORTHOS
I understand! And when I think I had no idea.
ATHOS
He's above -- Porthos -- lift the stove and put it somewhere.
PORTHOS
The stove?
ATHOS
Do it, I beg you.
(Porthos moves the stove.)
MILADY
Oh -- now we are quite alone, Monsignor -- fear nothing.
CARDINAL
No matter -- we cannot take too many precautions.
ATHOS
(listening by the chimney)
A veritable listening tube.
ARAMIS
You can hear what they are saying.
ATHOS
I won't lose a word of it.
PORTHOS
Ah, I understand -- that's why you told me --
ATHOS
Porthos drink this wine or empty the bottles out the window.
PORTHOS
Empty the bottles?
ATHOS
We must appear to have consumed the wine.
PORTHOS
Yes, yes, yes.
CARDINAL
Let's sit down, Milady, and discuss these matters.
ATHOS
Hush.
MILADY
I'm listening, Your Eminence.
ATHOS
Oh -- that voice.
CARDINAL
You know the importance of the mission that has been confided to you?
MILADY
Yes, but deign to give me my instructions clearly, Monsignor -- I want to justify your confidence.
ATHOS
Lock the door, Aramis.
CARDINAL
You are going to leave for London.
MILADY
If you are sending me to the Duke of Buckingham, Monsignor, be careful. I am the one who presented him with the handkerchief in the Rue de la Harpe, that letter Madame Bonacieux was to present -- he can easily recognize me.
CARDINAL
Little importance -- it wouldn't even be bad if he knew you were in my employ.
MILADY
Then it's an open negotiation that I undertake and I can present myself openly and honestly to him.
CARDINAL
Yes, open and honestly -- as always.
MILADY
Speak, Monsignor -- I will follow to the letter the order of Your Eminence.
ARAMIS
(to Porthos who has uncorked a bottle)
Hush, Porthos.
PORTHOS
But Athos told me to empty the bottles and I am emptying them.
CARDINAL
You are going to find Buckingham for me -- you will tell him that I know all the preparations he's made but that I am not uneasy -- waiting for his first movement, I will destroy the Queen.
MILADY
Will he believe Your Eminence can carry out this threat?
CARDINAL
You will tell him that I have some proofs and when he learns that this war he's undertaking can cost the honor and the liberty of the lady of his thoughts, I tell you he'll think twice about it.
MILADY
And yet -- if he persists?
CARDINAL
It's not probable.
MILADY
It's possible.
CARDINAL
If he persists? Well, I shall put my faith in one of those events that change the face of States.
MILADY
Your Eminence means to say Ravaillac's knife thrust?
CARDINAL
Exactly.
MILADY
But, Your Eminence doesn't fear that the fate of Ravaillac won't frighten those who for a moment have the intention of imitating him?
CARDINAL
There are, in all times and in all countries, especially in countries divided in religion -- like England for example -- there are I say -- some fanatics who ask nothing better than the opportunity to make martyrs of themselves.
MILADY
Ah -- you believe one can find such men?
CARDINAL
Right -- exactly -- the ship you are going to take at Boulogne to go to London is a merchant sloop commanded by a man of this type.
MILADY
You know him to be an enemy of Milord?
CARDINAL
Oh -- of long standing.
MILADY
What's his name?
CARDINAL
Felton.
MILADY
Ah --
CARDINAL
This Felton, under his mask of Puritanism, hides a soul on fire; it would only take a woman -- young, beautiful -- adroit -- to turn the head of such a man.
MILADY
Yes -- and this woman can be found?
CARDINAL
Well -- such a woman -- who would put the dagger of a Jacques Clement or of a Ravaillac in the hands of this fanatic -- this woman would save France.
MILADY
Yes, but she would be the accomplice of an assassin.
CARDINAL
What would it take to reassure her?
MILADY
I believe that it would be necessary for her to have a decree that ratified in advance whatever measures she believed necessary to take for the good of France.
CARDINAL
The thing is to find this woman.
MILADY
I will find her.
CARDINAL
These things will go marvelously if this man is found by me and this woman by you.
MILADY
Yes -- there only remains a decree.
CARDINAL
I decree like this.
(he writes a decree)
MILADY
Yes and now that I have received Monsignor's instructions concerning his enemies, I mean the enemies of France -- His Eminence will permit me to tell him two words of mine?
CARDINAL
You have some enemies then?
MILADY
Yes, Monsignor -- and some enemies against whom you ought to lend me your aid, for I made them in serving Your Eminence.
CARDINAL
Name them to me.
MILADY
There's this little intriguing Madame Bonacieux.
CARDINAL
Ah -- ah -- the Queen suspects something on that subject -- for she sent her tonight to the convent of Bethune -- the Carmelites.
MILADY
The Carmelites of Bethune.
CARDINAL
You know the country?
MILADY
I'd lived there -- the other enemy.
CARDINAL
Ah -- there are two -- ?
MILADY
The other -- Your Eminence - knows him well -- he's our bad genius -- the one who in the meeting with Your Eminence's guards so cruelly wounded Mr. de Jussac. He's the one who, when all was prepared to capture the Duke in the house in the Rue des Fossoyeurs came and put to flight Your Eminence's agents and caused us to fail.
CARDINAL
Ah -- I know of whom you mean to speak.
MILADY
I wish to speak of this wretched D'Artagnan.
CARDINAL
He's a bold companion!
MILADY
Only the more to be feared --
CARDINAL
But I need proof of his communications with Buckingham.
MILADY
Some proof? I will have ten.
CARDINAL
Oh -- but then the thing is very simple -- give me some proof and I will send him to the Bastille.
MILADY
What follows?
CARDINAL
When one is in the Bastille nothing follows.
MILADY
Monsignor, swap for swap, existence for existence, man for man, give me D'Artagnan and I will give you Buckingham.
CARDINAL
I don't know what you mean, Milady -- but as I have the desire to be agreeable to you, here's the paper you've asked of me.
MILADY
Thanks, Monsignor.
PORTHOS
Have you heard?
ARAMIS
Oh, the atrocious creature.
ATHOS
Fine -- don't budge.
PORTHOS
What?
ATHOS
The rest concerns me.
ARAMIS
You are leaving?
ATHOS
Yes, but stay here.
PORTHOS
You undertake then?
ATHOS
I'm responsible for everything.
ARAMIS
Ought we to listen further?
ATHOS
Yes, if it can interest you.
(Leaving by the window.)
CARDINAL
(who has taken his cloak)
Well -- it's agreed then, Madame.
MILADY
It's agreed, Monsignor.
CARDINAL
You have a post chaise.
MILADY
A hundred feet from here.
CARDINAL
Relays are ready on the entire length of the route -- the sloop of Captain Felton is waiting for you -- if you have a good wind you can reach London by tomorrow evening.
MILADY
I will be there.
CARDINAL
As soon as you arrive, you will send me news and tell me what you've done on the way.
MILADY
By whom?
CARDINAL
Don't worry about that -- at the moment you need a messenger -- a messenger will present himself.
MILADY
How will I recognize him.
CARDINAL
He'll say to you "La Rochelle".
MILADY
And I will reply?
CARDINAL
Portsmouth, you can give him your letter.
MILADY
That's fine, goodbye, Monsignor.
CARDINAL
Au revoir, Madame.
(Milady in her turn makes her preparations and she reads the decree.)
MILADY
"It is by my decree and for the benefit of the state that the bearer has done whatever has been done -- Richlieu -- "
(speaking)
No date -- marvelous. With this, vengeance is sure and not dangerous.
(During this time, Richlieu has come down and rejoined his companions who leave with him -- Aramis and Porthos stay on the first floor.)
(Athos enters on the second floor and shuts the door after him.)
MILADY
Who are you and what do you want?
ATHOS
To be together.
(He lets his cloak fall and raises his hat. Milady takes a step backwards.)
MILADY
The Count de la Fere.
ATHOS
Yes, Milady, the Count de la Fere in person -- who returns, express from the other world to have the pleasure of seeing you again. Let's sit down, Madame and have a talk as the Cardinal said.
MILADY
(falling in an armchair)
Oh -- My God!
ATHOS
You are then a demon on the earth? Happily, with the aid of God, men have sometimes vanquished the demon -- you were already discovered on my way and I thought you were defeated, Madame, but I was deceived or Hell has resuscitated you.
MILADY
Ah.
(She envelops herself in her scarf.)
ATHOS
Yes, Hell has revived you. Hell has made you -- Hell has given you another name -- Hell has even given you another face. But it has not effaced the stain on your soul nor the brand on your body.
MILADY
Sir!
(She rises; Athos remains seated.)
ATHOS
You thought I was dead, didn't you?
MILADY
But now, who brings you back to me? What do you want?
ATHOS
I mean to tell you that while remaining invisible to your eyes -- I haven't lost sight of you.
MILADY
You know what I have done?
ATHOS
Not only what you have done but what you intend to do.
MILADY
Oh.
ATHOS
You don't believe it? Well -- listen up -- you went to England -- in leaving France you married Lord de Winter, Baron de Clarick -- in about two years he died -- of a singular malady which left blue spots all over his body -- by his death you became the guardian of your son and the heir of Lord de Winter -- then you returned to France and took up service with the Cardinal -- it was you who brought to London the famous letter from the Queen which brought Lord Buckingham to Paris -- it's you who brought the handkerchief to the Rue de la Harpe that was designed to cause the Duke to fall into a trap -- it's you who, thinking to receive in your chamber the Count de Vardes, actually received the Chevalier D'Artagnan whom you wish ill, less for having surprised your terrible secret, than for not having killed Lord de Winter, your brother-in-law, of whom your son is the heir. It's you who now come to this room, seated in the same armchair in which you are now seated -- it's you who has just taken -- from the Cardinal the job of assassinating the Duke of Buckingham in return for the promise he gave you of permitting you the assassinate D'Artagnan.
MILADY
Then you are really Satan?
ATHOS
Perhaps -- but in any case, listen carefully to this -- to assassinate or not to assassinate the Duke of Buckingham is a matter of small importance. I don't know him, and besides he's English -- but don't touch with the end of your finger a single hair of D'Artagnan who is a faithful friend, whom I love and whom I will protect -- don't touch someone belonging to him or I swear it to you on the memory of my father, the crime you attempt to commit or shall have committed will be your last.
MILADY
Mr. D'Artagnan has cruelly offended me -- Mr. D'Artagnan will die.
D'ARTAGNAN
Don't repeat that threat, Madame.
MILADY
He will die! He first -- then she will follow.
ATHOS
Oh take care -- see the vertigo is overcoming me.
(he draws a pistol from his belt and coldly then icily)
Madame, you are going this instant to give back to me this paper you have signed by the Cardinal or -- on my soul, I am going to blow your brains out.
MILADY
No!
(Aiming his pistol.)
ATHOS
You have one second to decide.
(Milady draws the paper from her bosom and lets it fall -- grinding her teeth)
ATHOS
(picking it up and reading it)
"It is by my decree and for the good to the State that the bearer has done what has been done. Richlieu"
(taking his cloak and his hat)
And now that I have pulled your teeth, viper -- die if you can.
MILADY
(twisted by rage)
Ah!
(Athos leaves the chamber.)
ARAMIS
What the devil can this woman be to Athos?
PORTHOS
I believe she's his aunt.
(curtain)
The port of Portsmouth. On one side, Buckingham's tent -- on the other a type of masonry which can be used as a tavern by seamen. In between this masonry and the tent a useable space. Milady writes in the tavern.
DE WINTER
(backing out of the tent)
Yes, Milord, it will be as Your Grace desires.
(calling)
Commandant of the Port.
CAPTAIN
(coming from a barge which is waiting with oarsmen)
Your Honor?
DE WINTER
His Grace, Lord Buckingham, will receive the officers of the Fleet this morning -- then towards noon, he will go to the Admiral's flagship; this evening -- we cast anchor.
CAPTAIN
Fine, Your Honor.
DE WINTER
What news?
CAPTAIN
A sloop arrived during the night.
DE WINTER
What nationality?
CAPTAIN
English.
DE WINTER
Commercial or war vessel?
CAPTAIN
Commercial.
DE WINTER
Captain?
CAPTAIN
Felton.
DE WINTER
Wait a minute -- this Felton -- isn't he an old officer of the Royal Navy?
CAPTAIN
Yes, Your Honor -- discharged by Milord of Buckingham for insubordination.
DE WINTER
Did he bring passengers?
CAPTAIN
A woman -- as to the rest, I shall have the honor to put under Milord's eyes Captain Felton's log, which must be taken to and signed at the registry.
DE WINTER
Show me this registry.
CAPTAIN
I will bring it to Your Honor unless Your Honor wishes to come to my ship?
DE WINTER
I will go with you.
(They leave.)
(Milady, reading what she has written.)
MILADY
"Monsignor Cardinal, all has happened as Your Eminence has foreseen. The Captain of the sloop which has brought me to England is not only a brave sailor who made the transit in nine hours -- but also an exalted Puritan, who prays to God each night to spare him from committing a crime and not to let him meet the Duke face to face. Felton during the crossing took pity on my sufferings -- I told him without naming him that an English Lord had seduced me and cowardly abandoned me -- and that the thirst for a terrible vengeance brought me to England -- Felton cried with me and I've sung psalms with him. We call each other brother and sister -- Cecily and Felton."
"Today the 23rd of August 1624 the Duke who's set up his tent in the port and hopes to get his ship in shape to set sail for France. I have arrived in time to tell Your Eminence that I believe he cannot get ready and I send this news hurriedly, to Your Eminence in our usual cipher. I wait in the mean time for Mr. Felton who, at nine in the morning must come to retrieve his register from the Port Commandant. It is 3:45 -- I have not yet seen the messenger that Your Eminence has promised me."
A MAN
(approaching her)
La Rochelle.
MILADY
Portsmouth.
MAN
I wait.
MILADY
You are leaving for France?
MAN
I go to whatever country you wish.
MILADY
You have means of transport?
MAN
A barque here -- relays there -- but you, Madame?
MILADY
It's as necessary for me as for you -- a barque which on first order takes me from this port and can conduct me to the first fishing boat with which I can come to an understanding. There's the dispatch then -- go -- What are you doing?
MAN
(pointing to another individual who accompanies him)
This man leaves in my place.
MILADY
You have confidence in him?
MAN
As in myself.
MILADY
That's good then.
MAN
I remain at the order of Milady.
MILADY
Hang around the Duke's tent and try to understand me on a signal and to obey me on a word.
DE WINTER
(has returned to knock at a second compartment - to Buckingham who appears)
Your Grace was shut in.
BUCKINGHAM
(laughing)
Yes, I was saying my prayers --
DE WINTER
I didn't think Milord so devout.
BUCKINGHAM
Oh -- I didn't say to what saint.
DE WINTER
Or virgin.
BUCKINGHAM
Hush! Let's not speak of the sins of our youth. Oh, the magnificent sea, the beautiful sky -- my dear Lord.
MILADY
There he is.
BUCKINGHAM
You don't know how happy I am! I leave with a child's joy.
(At the appearance of the Duke the trumpets sound and the drums beat.)
DE WINTER
Do you hear, Milord, the sentinels who watch your tent made a signal and they're beating up the camp.
BUCKINGHAM
But that's a royal honor -- de Winter.
DE WINTER
Eh! Aren't you the true King?
MILADY
Did he leave, by chance?
(she goes to the door)
And Felton, who never comes!
DE WINTER
Would you be pleased, Milord, to approach the end of the dock to see the fleet?
BUCKINGHAM
Yes -- give me your arm, Milord.
CRIES
Long live Buckingham.
DE WINTER
You see this forest of masts, sir -- you see this swarm?
CRIES
Long live the Duke of Buckingham, long live Milord Duke.
DE WINTER
Do you hear? Do you hear?
BUCKINGHAM
Thanks, my friends, thanks.
DE WINTER
Does Milord still have need of me?
BUCKINGHAM
No, my dear de Winter -- give orders for the reception of my officers -- and for the departure tonight, then return.
DE WINTER
In a half hour, I will be back.
(leaving)
BUCKINGHAM
(to Sentinels)
Don't keep anyone back -- these brave people want to see me -- is it a crime? Tonight, I am leaving for France. Let them know at least for whom they pray, and who may perhaps be going to his death for them.
CRIES
Long live Buckingham -- long live Georges de Villiers -- long live Milord Duke.
BUCKINGHAM
Thanks, friends, thanks! David -- prepare my signatures -- Patrick.
(Patrick approaches; the Duke speaks in a whisper to him.)
PATRICK
Fine, sir.
MILADY
(who is watching from her window)
Ah -- what do I see down there? That black costume -- that walk -- slow and grave -- it's him! He's very late coming -- but there he is.
(low)
Felton! Felton!
FELTON
Someone call me?
MILADY
Yes -- here -- come --
FELTON
You, Cecily!
MILADY
I myself.
FELTON
What are you doing along here? Why this pallor, this sparking look -- this open knife?
MILADY
(drawing him to the window)
Come here!
FELTON
Here I am.
MILADY
Look.
FELTON
That tent -- I see it.
MILADY
Do you know the arms above it?
FELTON
Those of Georges de Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.
MILADY
I told you I had come to find an enemy in England.
FELTON
Yes.
MILADY
A man who stole everything from me -- honor, future, fortune.
FELTON
This man -- it was he?
MILADY
Can't you understand?
FELTON
Oh, the same who from me also has stolen everything: fortune, future, honor.
MILADY
Do I need to tell you again what I came here to do -- and why this knife?
FELTON
No, I understand, I understand.
(taking the knife)
MILADY
What are you doing?
FELTON
In your turn -- can't you understand?
MILADY
Felton! Felton! This man belongs to me.
FELTON
You are mistaken, for he offended me before you knew him.
MILADY
He is mine.
FELTON
He is ours -- not a word! The Lord has brought me here by the hand. Praise be the Lord! I have the arm of a man, an offended man -- and the dagger is better placed in my hand than in yours. Go back to the bridge and embark. And like the first sea bird that flies toward France you will bring the news of the death of the Duke of Buckingham.
MILADY
Oh no -- to each his task. If I let you accomplish mine, Felton, it will not be to abandon you in your peril. I will not leave England without my friend -- without my brother -- without my hero -- your sloop is under sail and awaits you. It brought us here -- it will take us back.
FELTON
But, if God delivers me to the Philistines?
MILADY
Your sister is with you for eternity.
FELTON
Thanks -- I am going to invoke the Lord -- Sister, leave me alone in his redoubtable presence.
MILADY
Au revoir, my brother.
(she stops center back)
FELTON
Lord, you have judged the judge -- you have condemned the tyrant, the number of his days is complete. Give me the strength to execute the sentence.
BUCKINGHAM
(kneeling)
My God, you have willed it that I must love uniquely in this world -- the one whose image is here. Make me live, my God, so she will love me as I love her -- make me die if I must to be deprived of her love.
(Noise behind the tend, Milady comes in quickly.)
FELTON
Well, what's going on?
MILADY
A runaway horse. A man has just come in by the side -- I don't know -- but a Musketeer! I fear being recognized.
FELTON
Recognized?
MILADY
No -- noticed.
(More noise.)
SENTINEL
I tell you, no one can pass --
D'ARTAGNAN
I tell you, I will pass, 'Sdeath, I intend to speak to the -- step aside or if not --
FELTON
Do you hear?
MILADY
Yes, it seems I know that voice.
BUCKINGHAM
(on the sill)
What's wrong?
D'ARTAGNAN
Tell him it is a French gentleman who has killed three horses from Dover to Portsmouth -- tell him my name if need be -- Mr. D'Artagnan.
MILADY
D'Artagnan.
BUCKINGHAM
A French gentleman? Mr. D'Artagnan?
(leaving)
Here I am.
D'ARTAGNAN
Milord! Milord! Help --
BUCKINGHAM
Let him through. Let him through. Didn't I say that today all the world was free to come to me? You here, sir -- I hope nothing bad has happened to the Queen?
D'ARTAGNAN
I believe not, Milord -- only I know she runs a great peril from which only your Grace can save her.
BUCKINGHAM
Me? From the other side of the sea -- I would be happy enough to be of some use to her -- ah, speak, speak.
D'ARTAGNAN
Take this letter.
BUCKINGHAM
This letter -- who is it from?
D'ARTAGNAN
From her.
BUCKINGHAM
From the Queen -- my God.
(He staggers.)
D'ARTAGNAN
What's wrong, Milord?
BUCKINGHAM
(falling into a chair)
Oh, I hadn't expected such joy. Oh -- I'll never see her again.
(reading)
"These diamonds or I am lost. These diamonds for love of her for which you have suffered so much -- Anne."
(speaking)
Let's see my brave gentleman -- what more do you know?
D'ARTAGNAN
Nothing -- absolutely.
BUCKINGHAM
They're persecuting her?
D'ARTAGNAN
I think so.
BUCKINGHAM
But then you know?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, Milord, I know that it's twenty-five leagues to go from here to Paris -- and that I have only twenty-five hours to make it.
BUCKINGHAM
In an hour you will return.
D'ARTAGNAN
Milord.
BUCKINGHAM
Oh -- you must give me at least time to add a line to this box -- David, warn the admiral that I am putting the best sailing ship in the squadron -- the Britannia at the disposition of this gentleman -- rest for an hour Mr. D'Artagnan -- for the love of your Queen -- one hour.
D'ARTAGNAN
There remain only twenty-three -- Milord -- take care!
BUCKINGHAM
Patrick, let them wait on this gentleman as if on myself.
PATRICK
Yes, milord.
BUCKINGHAM
(leading D'Artagnan to the back takes the box from his Prayer Stool)
Here they are -- these precious diamonds which ought to follow me to the tomb -- during eternity -- and that I've possessed. She gave them to me, she takes them back -- her will, like that of God -- be done in all things.
PATRICK
His Honor is served.
BUCKINGHAM
Go, my dear Chevalier -- while you drink a glass of French wine, I will write her.
D'ARTAGNAN
Milord, I don't need to tell you I'd prefer you to give me my leave a little sooner.
BUCKINGHAM
You've granted me an hour.
D'ARTAGNAN
So be it, Milord.
(to Patrick)
This way.
PATRICK
Yes.
(Leaving with D'Artagnan.)
BUCKINGHAM
Oh, my beautiful Majesty -- to us both.
MILADY
He's alone now -- he's writing.
FELTON
It's the hour -- chosen.
MILADY
Go Felton -- go, savior of England.
(Felton descends and enters the tent.)
BUCKINGHAM
Who are you, and what do you want?
FELTON
Do you recognize me, Milord?
BUCKINGHAM
Ah, you are the young sailor I dismissed from the Royal Navy.
FELTON
The fault was light and the punishment heavy, Milord.
BUCKINGHAM
That's true -- you come to reclaim -- you come in at the right time, Felton, I am in a day of happiness. Your name will be reestablished in the cadres of the Navy -- the second in command of the Neptune broke his leg yesterday -- you will replace him, if you come about that -- go.
FELTON
I didn't come about that.
BUCKINGHAM
And why did you come?
FELTON
To tell you, Milord, that you are about to undertake an impious war.
BUCKINGHAM
Beg your pardon?
FELTON
To tell you that it is neither the King nor England that you are protecting this time, but it is only your adulterous liaisons that you are serving.
BUCKINGHAM
Wretch!
FELTON
To tell you that the Lord wishes for you to renounce instantly -- this fatal war, which is the ruin of England and -- then -- then I will forgive your past faults and in my name and those of my fellow citizens.
BUCKINGHAM
This man is mad.
FELTON
It's not a madman -- it's only the matter of an insensate one who pretends not to understand me.
BUCKINGHAM
Oh -- withdraw, sir, or I'll call -- and put you in a madhouse.
FELTON
You won't call.
BUCKINGHAM
Hey! Patrick, Sentinel.
(Felton strikes him)
Ah, traitor -- you have murdered me.
PATRICK
Milord is calling me.
BUCKINGHAM
Help! Help!
PATRICK
Ah -- murder.
FELTON
(escaping)
Step aside for the avenger of England -- give way!
CRIES
(in the distance)
Ah -- murder -- after the assassin -- run! Run -- It's him, him, him!
MILADY
The boat, the boat -- bring the boat forward.
D'ARTAGNAN
Milord! Milord!
BUCKINGHAM
Come, come, D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Help, a doctor.
BUCKINGHAM
Useless -- useless -- before the doctor arrives, I will be dead. Leave us -- leave us -- wait -- wait -- this box -- here it is -- it's all that I have from her -- with the letter -- the letter -- where is it? Ah, let me kiss it once more, before my mouth freezes -- that I may re-read it before my eyes close -- D'Artagnan you will give her this box.
D'ARTAGNAN
Milord! My God -- if this murder were an enemy of the Queen -- if he tried to assassinate me -- I fear nothing for myself but I am taking this letter and this box.
BUCKINGHAM
Yes, yes, you are right -- David -- write -- order to shut the port -- not to let any boat leave not even a skiff -- for three days -- except the Britannica which will conduct Mr. D'Artagnan -- give me, give me so I can sign.
(he signs)
David, this order to Lord de Winter, go! Go!
D'ARTAGNAN
My dear Lord.
BUCKINGHAM
And now -- quickly -- quickly the box -- my letter half written -- Good -- you will take this box to Her Majesty and as souvenir.
(he shows him the knife)
Ah!
(falling)
No, no, leave me where I am -- go -- go, D'Artagnan and tell her that my last word was to pronounce her name -- even my last sigh -- ah, ah -- her portrait.
(to David who reenters)
Well -- the order?
DAVID
I took it to Lord de Winter himself.
BUCKINGHAM
Her portrait -- thanks -- thank -- leave D'Artagnan.
SERVANTS
Dead!
GUARDS
(leading Felton)
Come, wretch, come.
FELTON
Dead.
MILADY
Dead -- now -- to France.
(a cannon shot)
What is that?
CAPTAIN OF THE BARK
Milady, the port is closed - the bark has been taken over by the Navy guard. Impossible to leave.
D'ARTAGNAN
Step aside! Give way!
MILADY
D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- I quite suspected that this monster wouldn't be far away.
MILADY
Oh -- at least he too will remain in England.
CAPTAIN
Mr. D'Artagnan the Britannica is under sail and only waiting for you.
MILADY
You are leaving, D'Artagnan? Au revoir!
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, Milady, oh cowardly assassin -- yes be calm. Au revoir, au revoir.
(curtain)
A room in a hotel in Paris, in the back a gallery separated from the room by a large hanging. Aldermen -- ladies -- people of the court in the gallery.
TREVILLE
A Musketeer at this door.
(a Musketeer goes to take his post)
A French guard here.
(a guard takes his post)
JUSSAC
And now -- a guard of His Majesty at this door.
TREVILLE
Excuse me? Sir? What are you doing?
JUSSAC
Sir, I am placing one of my guards here.
TREVILLE
Pardon -- where are we, sir, if you please?
JUSSAC
Why, in the hotel, sir.
TREVILLE
And here to do what?
JUSSAC
We are coming to a ball, sir -- a very beautiful ball that the Aldermen give to the King.
TREVILLE
And the King will be there, right?
JUSSAC
Surely, yes, milord since the ball is being given for him.
TREVILLE
Well, sir -- especially as the King is coming -- the King is at home -- there can be no other guard than his guard -- that is to say Musketeers, French guards and Swiss guards -- a Swiss guard at the third door.
(a Swiss guard takes his place)
JUSSAC
Sir, I will complain to His Eminence.
TREVILLE
As you please, Mr. Jussac.
(Enter Rochefort.)
ROCHEFORT
(to Jussac)
And His Eminence will consider. You are wrong, sir, since Mr. de Treville is right.
(to Treville)
Sir, I am your humble servant.
TREVILLE
And I am yours, Mr. Rochefort.
ROCHEFORT
Beautiful party, Captain -- beautiful assembly. How many flowers, how much gold and buffets! They're right to say Paris is the grand city -- ah, it's a city of preserves.
TREVILLE
Who's this beautiful lady to whom they give a royal entrance?
ROCHEFORT
Madame President, sir, the mistress of the house. She who will do honor to Her Majesty, the Queen.
TREVILLE
The Cardinal will come, I suppose?
ROCHEFORT
His Eminence is invited, sir.
(Noises in the distance.)
ATHOS
(to Treville)
Pardon, sir -- the password.
TREVILLE
Don't let anyone into this hall except the King, the Queen, the Cardinal and the great officers --
(pointing to a side door)
And into this room where the Queen will dress -- no one except the Queen and her ladies.
ATHOS
Fine!
TREVILLE
Gentlemen, guards -- gentlemen -- Musketeers -- ! The King is coming.
(distant drums, music, acclamations)
(King entering from the back -- the Cardinal by a side entrance)
ROCHEFORT
(to Cardinal)
Come this way, Monsignor.
CARDINAL
And they will dress here?
ROCHEFORT
The King in his cabinet at end of the gallery, the Queen in this room, facing Your Eminence.
AN USHER
The King.
THE KING
(center back)
Gentlemen, aldermen of my good city of Paris -- I've come a bit late, excuse me, it's the fault of the Cardinal who detained me.
CARDINAL
(aside to Rochefort)
It's always my fault.
ROCHEFORT
Not this time, I believe.
THE KING
(uneasy)
Hasn't the Cardinal arrived?
CARDINAL
Sire, I was waiting for the moment to present my respects to Your Majesty.
THE KING
Ah, Cardinal, I blamed you to excuse myself. The fact is, gentlemen, that His Eminence prefers work to the ball -- at what time will the ball begin, gentlemen?
ALDERMAN
As soon as Her Majesty, the Queen arrives, Sire, and after Your Majesty gives his order.
THE KING
My order! Oh, you are in your own home here -- gentlemen -- the Queen must be on her way.
CARDINAL
Her Majesty, the Queen is better, Sire?
THE KING
The Queen is always sick when one believes her to be in good health, in good health when one believes her sick.
CARDINAL
But Her Majesty is coming to the ball?
THE KING
I'm expecting her to.
CARDINAL
She won't come.
(Noise -- acclamation.)
THE KING
That must be the Queen.
USHER
The Queen.
(Enter Anne.)
ANNE
Good day, gentlemen.
(looking around her)
Nothing! Nothing! No one -- No more hope. The Cardinal!
THE KING
Madame, I am excused by my work -- but you, what excuse have you to be late?
CARDINAL
Madame.
(bowing, aside)
She doesn't have the diamonds.
(aloud)
Madame can give you a quite natural excuse -- her beauty -- the care of her toilet, the time taken to lace the sleeves with diamonds.
ANNE
Implacable as Hell!
THE KING
Why no! They're not there! Madame, why, if you please, haven't you your diamonds when you knew it would have been agreeable for me to see you with them?
ANNE
Sire --
THE KING
It's I who gave you the gift, Madame -- I counted on seeing you appear in them -- you've done wrong --
CARDINAL
They can be sent for -- where are they?
THE KING
Yes -- where are they?
ANNE
But at the Louvre --
(aside)
A little time, a little time, my God --
(aloud)
Your Majesty wishes.
THE KING
Yes, I wish it -- for the ballet is going to begin as soon as the dancers are dressed, as soon as you yourself are ready.
CARDINAL
(aside)
Now from this point on she'll pretend a malaise -- a fainting.
THE KING
Are you sending to the Louvre, Madame?
ANNE
I am going to send, yes -- Sire.
CARDINAL
And I, too.
(he bows and leaves)
ANNE
You haven't had pity for me -- my God! I am lost.
TREVILLE
If I can do something for the services of Your Majesty?
ANNE
You can do nothing, sir, nothing.
TREVILLE
Ah! Madame.
ANNE
Wait -- do you know a guardsman -- a young man.
TREVILLE
A young man?
ANNE
Who's called D'Artagnan?
TREVILLE
Who asked me for leave?
ANNE
You haven't seen him -- he hasn't returned?
TREVILLE
No, Madame. Athos, you haven't seen Mr. D'Artagnan?
ATHOS
Mr. D'Artagnan? No.
ANNE
Then it's finished. It's over.
CHAMBERMAID
The service for Her Majesty.
(Queen is directed to her right -- the ladies follow)
ROCHEFORT
(in the near center)
Gentlemen, gentlemen, a man has just come up by the little stairway -- he forced the sentry post and overthrew the functionaries. They yelled to stop him but he pressured his way -- Alarm! Alarm!
TREVILLE
A man?
ATHOS
A man? Let us see him.
D'ARTAGNAN
(enters covered with mud and dust -- low to a guardsman)
Comrade -- comrade -- your musket.
ATHOS
D'Artagnan.
TREVILLE
D'Artagnan.
ANNE
(stopping in the doorway)
D'Artagnan! My God! My God!
ROCHEFORT
My Gascon -- ah, it's you who overthrow the sentinels?
D'ARTAGNAN
My Thief! Me -- what sentinels? I haven't overthrown anyone.
ROCHEFORT
Then what are you doing here?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's my turn of duty -- I am taking my post.
ROCHEFORT
In this state -- dusty -- running with sweat? We are going to see if this is a --
ANNE
(low to Treville)
Oh -- Mr. de Treville.
TREVILLE
(to Rochefort)
Sir -- why are you meddling in this? Is Mr. D'Artagnan one of yours?
ROCHEFORT
No -- but.
TREVILLE
It pleases me that a guard of His Majesty is covered with mud and sweat when he has run for the King -- I believe that it is I who command here!
ROCHEFORT
That's so, sir, that's so --
(aside)
Oh, cursed Gascon!
(looking at D'Artagnan)
ATHOS
(to Rochefort)
Well, then?
D'ARTAGNAN
Let it alone, Athos -- I have an open score with the gentleman.
TREVILLE
Your post is here, D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
(low to Treville)
He's going to tell the Cardinal.
TREVILLE
I am going to accompany you, Mr. Rochefort.
(He leads him off.)
ANNE
Well?
D'ARTAGNAN
Here's the box, Madame.
ANNE
Ah -- I am saved -- my diamonds. Thanks! thanks! A dagger -- Heavens, there's blood on this dagger.
D'ARTAGNAN
The blood of Georges de Villiers, Duke of Buckingham -- who told me as he lay dying to tell you --
ANNE
He is dead?
D'ARTAGNAN
In saying the name of Your Majesty.
ANNE
Georges! How costly it is to love a Queen.
USHER
(in the corridor)
The King.
ANNE
The diamonds -- quickly -- Estefana -- protect this box.
THE KING
Well, Madame, have they returned from the Louvre?
CARDINAL
They haven't even been there.
THE KING
You are ready, Madame?
ANNE
At the orders of Your Majesty.
CARDINAL
(stupefied)
The Diamonds.
THE KING
Ah -- you have the diamonds? Thanks. What were you telling me then, Cardinal on the subject of these diamonds?
CARDINAL
Nothing, Sire, nothing --
(aside)
How did they get back?
ROCHEFORT
Look at the dust which covers the uniform of this guard behind me -- Monsignor.
CARDINAL
Ah -- that's fine -- come.
THE KING
(to Treville)
The Cardinal is very pale -- do you know why?
TREVILLE
I believe I do sir; it's a trick of the Queen -- Your Majesty wishes to know it?
THE KING
Ah, speak.
ANNE
(to D'Artagnan)
How can I thank you for saving me -- my hero -- my friend?
D'ARTAGNAN
Not a single word, Madame -- Constance has disappeared -- where is Constance?
ANNE
To protect her from the vengeance of the Cardinal, I sent her to the Carmelites at Bethune.
D'ARTAGNAN
Thanks -- I am paid.
ANNE
Ah -- not yet.
THE KING
(to Treville)
So that the Cardinal has been tricked and he's enraged? That's very comforting.
(to the Queen)
I hope you will pardon me for the joke about the diamonds -- won't you?
ANNE
(aside)
The joke!
(aloud)
Yes, Sire.
THE KING
You are coming, Madame? The ballet is starting -- the music is lovely --
ANNE
(putting her hand on her heart)
Very lovely, Sire --
(She stifles a cry and gives her hand to the King.)
D'ARTAGNAN
The dead are happier!
(curtain)
A room in the convent of the Carmelites of Bethune
SUPERIOR
You came to see the Superior of the convent of the Carmelites, sir -- here I am.
ROCHEFORT
In fact, Madame, I have to ask of you some information.
SUPERIOR
Do so, sir.
ROCHEFORT
A women of twenty-four or twenty-five years coming on the route from Boulogne -- didn't she stop in your convent?
SUPERIOR
But, sir, I don't know if I should reply to such a question.
ROCHEFORT
(pulling a paper from his pocket)
Order of the Cardinal.
SUPERIOR
I obey -- ask, sir.
ROCHEFORT
Have you received, yes or no, Madame, at the convent of the Carmelites of Bethune -- a woman of twenty-four or twenty-five years -- coming on the route from Boulogne.
SUPERIOR
Yes, sir.
ROCHEFORT
When was this?
SUPERIOR
Yesterday.
ROCHEFORT
Inform her that a messenger from His Eminence is coming to speak with her.
SUPERIOR
She will be ready to see you in an instant, sir.
ROCHEFORT
Thanks.
(Exit Superior.)
ROCHEFORT
What the devil's her purpose in shutting herself up in a convent in Bethune? Doubtless to be near the frontier. A prudent woman like Milady de Winter.
(Enter Milady.)
MILADY
Ah - is it you, Count? Well -- what has the Cardinal said about the death of Buckingham?
ROCHEFORT
Oh -- he's in despair as a Christian -- it's true that as a politician he can't prevent himself from saying it's a wonderful good fortune.
MILADY
And what has he ordered regarding me?
ROCHEFORT
He approves your project and sends me to you thinking you will have many things to tell me that you wouldn't want to confide to paper.
MILADY
He's right.
ROCHEFORT
Well -- speak.
MILADY
The first is that while I'm waiting, I've found in this convent the little Madame Bonacieux.
ROCHEFORT
I suppose you've been careful not to show yourself to her.
MILADY
She doesn't know me.
ROCHEFORT
In that case, you must by now be her best friend.
MILADY
Precisely.
ROCHEFORT
And how are you taken here?
MILADY
I presented myself as a victim of the Cardinal.
ROCHEFORT
And the conformity and the position?
MILADY
You understand.
ROCHEFORT
If I understand, I approve.
MILADY
As to the rest, your visit is going to do wonders.
ROCHEFORT
How so?
MILADY
In that you are going to say you have discovered my retreat and that they are coming to look for me tomorrow or the day after -- I have reasons for not remaining at Bethune.
ROCHEFORT
Devil! But where will I find you if I need you?
MILADY
Wait -- at Armentieres.
ROCHEFORT
Fine. You haven't anything else to say to the Cardinal?
MILADY
Tell him that our conversation at the Colombier Rouge was overhead by three Musketeers of the King -- that after his departure, one of these three men, named Athos, came up to me, and tore up the safe conduct he had given me; that these Musketeers must be feared, since they know our secret and that they must be gotten rid of.
ROCHEFORT
These three men are not the friends of our Gascon?
MILADY
The inseparables.
ROCHEFORT
Then they are the ones I met about three leagues from here -- stopping at an inn.
MILADY
What do they want hereabouts?
ROCHEFORT
Didn't you say that one of them is the lover of little Madame Bonacieux?
MILADY
It's D'Artagnan.
ROCHEFORT
Well -- without doubt, they are coming to find her.
MILADY
To find her?
ROCHEFORT
Yes, after the service that D'Artagnan has rendered the Queen -- the Queen cannot have refused her to him.
MILADY
You're right, Rochefort -- it's not to Paris that you must return -- it's at Lille you must await me.
ROCHEFORT
Await you?
MILADY
Do you think the Cardinal wouldn't be very happy to have little Madame Bonacieux under his control?
ROCHEFORT
Yes, but the Carmelites of Bethune are under the protection of the Queen.
MILADY
And if I bring her to Lille?
ROCHEFORT
Oh -- that's another matter.
MILADY
Then it won't be tomorrow or the day after tomorrow that I leave -- it's today.
ROCHEFORT
In fact, our men could arrive from one moment to the next.
MILADY
You have a post chaise and a servant?
ROCHEFORT
Yes.
MILADY
Put them at my disposition.
ROCHEFORT
And I?
MILADY
You will go on horseback by way of preceding me to the hotel -- Black Bear.
ROCHEFORT
That's where I must wait for you?
MILADY
Yes.
ROCHEFORT
At Lille -- at the hotel Black Bear?
MILADY
At Lille -- at the hotel Black Bear.
(Rochefort leaves.)
MILADY
Is it for her or is it against me that these four men are in the country? I don't know but, in any case, they won't find either her or me. Let's see -- go to her and let's try to play our role of persecuted woman -- ah -- here she is.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Well, what you feared has happened, Madame? This evening, perhaps sooner -- the Cardinal is sending to take you?
MILADY
Who told you that, my dear and pretty child?
MADAME BONACIEUX
But I heard it from the mouth of the same messenger.
MILADY
Come sit down, here near me.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Here I am.
MILADY
Wait while I make sure no one can hear us.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Why all these precautions?
MILADY
You are going to know.
(returning to her seat)
Then he played his role well.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Who's that?
MILADY
The one who presented himself to the Superior in the name of the Cardinal.
MADAME BONACIEUX
What -- then this man wasn't --
MILADY
That man was my brother.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Your brother?
MILADY
Hush! Only you know the secret, my child, don't confide it to anyone in the world, or I will be lost and you, too perhaps.
MADAME BONACIEUX
My God!
MILADY
Listen, here's what happened, my brother who knows that I was exposed to the Cardinal's vengeance came here to help me protect myself, when he must hav met an emissary of the Cardinal who came here to look for me -- he followed him -- took his sword in his hand to force the messenger to give him the papers he was carrying -- the messenger tried to defend himself and my brother killed him.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh!
MILADY
Then my brother took the papers, presented himself here as the Cardinal's envoy and in an hour, a carriage will come to take me, sent by His Majesty.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Then you are going to leave us?
MILADY
Wait -- it remains for me to learn from you news which will answer that question.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Which is?
MILADY
My brother has, moreover, discovered a conspiracy against you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Against me.
MILADY
Yes, the Cardinal intends to take you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh -- in a convent, placed under the immediate protection of the Queen, he wouldn't dare to employ violence.
MILADY
No -- but by trick.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Trick?
MILADY
Four emissaries of the Cardinal are en route intended for you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
What are you saying?
MILADY
Disguised like Musketeers.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Like Musketeers?
MILADY
While you were in the Queen's service -- didn't you know a young guard or a young Musketeer, Mr. D'Artagnan?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes -- without doubt. Well?
MILADY
They were going to come to the convent door in the name of Mr. D'Artagnan and ask for you -- and when you crossed the threshold they were going to kidnap you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh! What do you advise me to do?
MILADY
There's a very simple way.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Which is?
MILADY
It would be to hide you in the neighborhood and thus make certain of any men who come to search for you.
MADAME BONACIEUX
But I have received a sure order from the Queen and they won't let me leave.
MILADY
Oh -- a great difficulty!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Why?
MILADY
The carriage is at the door -- you said goodbye to me -- you stand on the stoop to hold me one last time in your arms -- the servant of my brother who comes to take me is forewarned. He makes a sign to the postilion and we leave at a gallop.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes, yes, you are right. That way everything will go fine -- all is for the best -- but we mustn't leave here.
MILADY
Yes, I understand.
MADAME BONACIEUX
If it was really D'Artagnan and his friends by chance.
MILADY
Poor little one.
(going to a service table)
You excuse me.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh -- I beg you.
MILADY
You understand the carriage may arrive any minute.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh -- how I tremble.
MILADY
(dipping a biscuit in a cup of Spanish wine)
Mad woman -- ! Oh! Do you hear!
MADAME BONACIEUX
What?
MILADY
It's the post chaise that my brother has sent for me.
MADAME BONACIEUX
They are ringing at the door of the convent.
MILADY
Go to your room -- do you have some jewels you want to bring with you?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I have two letters from him.
MILADY
Well, go find them and come back to me.
MADAME BONACIEUX
My heart suffocates, I cannot walk.
MILADY
You love this Mr. D'Artagnan?
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh -- with all my soul.
MILADY
Well -- think that in fleeing you are preserving yourself for him.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah -- you give me back my courage.
(the door opens and a servant enters)
Who's that?
MILADY
Fear nothing -- it's my brother's valet de chambre.
MADAME BONACIEUX
I am going.
(Exit Madame Bonacieux.)
SERVANT
Milady's orders?
MILADY
As soon as this young woman who just left gets near me in the carriage, you will leave at a gallop in the direction of Lille.
SERVANT
Is that all?
MILADY
Well, if during our preparations for departure you see three or four cavaliers appear, whip the horses -- make the carriage turn around the convent and wait for us at the garden door. That's all -- go.
(at the window)
It seems to me -- no -- nothing.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Here I am.
MILADY
Well, everything is ready, dear child -- the Superior doesn't question anything -- this man is going to give the last orders. Would you like to do as I am doing, do eat a biscuit and drink some wine.
MADAME BONACIEUX
No thanks, I need nothing.
MILADY
Then let's not lose an instant. Let's leave.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes, let's leave.
MILADY
You see -- everything assists us -- see, night's coming on.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Oh -- what is that noise?
MILADY
Indeed.
MADAME BONACIEUX
It's the gallop of several horses.
MILADY
It's those or our friends or our enemies. Stay where you are. I will go speak to him.
MADAME BONACIEUX
(staggering)
Oh -- my God! My God!
MILADY
It's the uniform of the Cardinal guards. Not an instant to lose -- let us flee! Flee!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Yes. Yes.
MILADY
Come on then -- but come on --
(one hears the carriage leave)
MADAME BONACIEUX
It's too late.
(One hears the cries -- stop! stop! then two or thee shots.)
MILADY
No, we can flee by the garden gate.
(Madame Bonacieux falls to her knees.)
Oh, she will cause me to be ruined.
(she goes to the table, empties the contents of her purse in a glass and takes it, returning to Madame Bonacieux)
Drink -- this will give you strength -- drink.
(Madame Bonacieux drinks mechanically, Milady aside.)
This isn't the way I wanted to avenge myself -- but one does what one can do.
(She runs from the room.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
(rising)
Wait here I am.
D'ARTAGNAN
(in the street)
Queen's order.
MADAME BONACIEUX
(quickly)
His voice -- it's his voice.
(running to the door)
D'Artagnan! D'Artagnan! This way -- where are you, my God!
D'ARTAGNAN
Constance! Constance! Where are you?
(Enter D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis.)
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah! D'Artagnan, I no longer hoped -- it's you then!
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, yes -- it's me!
MADAME BONACIEUX
Ah -- how well I did not to flee with her.
D'ARTAGNAN
With her?
ATHOS
Who?
MADAME BONACIEUX
But this woman, who from attachment to me, wanted to take me away, and who took you for guards of the Cardinal and who has just fled.
D'ARTAGNAN
The one who just fled! What are you saying? My God -- a woman who's just fled?
MADAME BONACIEUX
What have I done? My head is troubled -- I cannot see anymore.
D'ARTAGNAN
Help! Her hand are cold -- she feels sick! My God -- she's losing consciousness.
ATHOS
(examining glass into which Milady emptied her purse)
Oh, no! It's impossible. God will not permit such a crime.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Some water.
D'ARTAGNAN
Water! Water!
PORTHOS and ARAMIS
Water! A doctor!
ATHOS
Ah, poor woman! Poor woman!
D'ARTAGNAN
Now, she's coming to herself.
ATHOS
Madame in the name of heaven, who's been drinking from this glass?
MADAME BONACIEUX
I have.
ATHOS
But who has poured the wine which was there in it?
MADAME BONACIEUX
She did.
ATHOS
The Comtesse de Winter, right?
ALL
Oh.
D'ARTAGNAN
(seizing Athos' hand)
What -- you think?
ATHOS
She learned the retreat of this woman from the Cardinal and she came.
MADAME BONACIEUX
D'Artagnan! D'Artagnan! Don't leave me -- you see quite well I am dying.
D'ARTAGNAN
In the name of heaven, run, call -- ask for help.
ATHOS
Useless, for this poison there is no antidote.
MADAME BONACIEUX
Help!
(stiffening)
Ah --
(throwing herself on the neck of D'Artagnan)
I love you!
(she dies -- Porthos weeps)
D'ARTAGNAN
Dead! Dead!
ARAMIS
Vengeance!
ATHOS
My God take pity on us.
D'ARTAGNAN
(falling near her)
Dead! Dead!
(Enter Lord de Winter.)
DE WINTER
I wasn't mistaken -- there's Mr. D'Artagnan and his three friends.
ALL (except D'Artagnan)
Who is this man?
DE WINTER
Gentlemen -- you are like me, in pursuit of a woman -- aren't you?
ATHOS
Yes.
DE WINTER
Of a woman who has passed by here seeing there's a dead body.
ATHOS
Who are you?
DE WINTER
I am Lord de Winter the brother-in-law of this woman.
ATHOS
Ah, it's true, I recognize you now -- you are welcome, Milord -- one of us -- but how?
DE WINTER
I departed five hours after she left Portsmouth. I arrived three hours after she went to Boulogne -- I missed her by five minutes at Saint Omer, then at Lille I lost track of her -- I went by chance, informing myself about the entire world when I saw you pass at a gallop. I wanted to follow you but my horse was too worn out to keep up with yours -- and now despite your diligence -- you have arrived too late.
ATHOS
(to the Superior)
Madame, we abandon to your pious care the body of this unfortunate woman -- she was an angel on Earth before becoming an angel in Heaven -- treat her like one of your sisters -- we will return one day to cry at her tomb.
D'ARTAGNAN
(kissing her face)
Constance! Constance!
ATHOS
Cry! Cry! Heart full of love, of youth and of life -- I wish indeed to cry like you.
D'ARTAGNAN
Now look -- can't we pursue that woman?
ATHOS
Yes -- right away -- I have one last precaution to take.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- she will escape us Athos and it will be your fault.
ATHOS
I will answer for her.
DE WINTER
But, it seems to me, gentlemen -- if some measures are to be taken against the Countess de Winter that concerns me.
ATHOS
Why?
DE WINTER
She's my sister-in-law.
ATHOS
And I, gentlemen, she's my wife.
ALL (except D'Artagnan)
His wife?
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- from the moment that you admit she is your wife, then it's certain she will die -- thanks!
ATHOS
Be ready to follow me -- in ten minutes I am here.
D'ARTAGNAN
And we shall leave.
ATHOS
Yes, but we need a companion for the way and I am going to find him.
(A masked man appears at the door.)
MAN
A murder? She was here?
ATHOS
What do you wish?
MAN
I am looking for a woman who must have arrived here yesterday and whom I believed I recognized as she passed by my horse.
ATHOS
That woman is gone.
MAN
(make a movement to leave)
That's well.
(Porthos and Aramis are before the door.)
ATHOS
What do you want with her?
MAN
That's my concern alone.
ATHOS
Pardon, sir, but as this woman has just committed a crime -- it's proper that we assure ourselves about those, whom she knows and who know her; you know her?
MAN
Yes.
ATHOS
Then you will tell me who you are?
MAN
You wish it?
ATHOS
Absolutely.
MAN
So be it. Approach me.
(whispers in his ear)
ATHOS
Ah -- then be welcome.
MAN
How's that?
ATHOS
You are going to accompany us.
MAN
Impossible.
ATHOS
And why?
MAN
I cannot leave the town without a leave or an order.
ATHOS
Well -- here's an order.
MAN
Signed Richlieu.
ATHOS
Yes.
MAN
Command, I obey.
ATHOS
(to D'Artagnan)
Friend, be a man, women cry for the dead. Men avenge them. Come!
D'ARTAGNAN
And this companion for the road you lacked?
ATHOS
I've found him.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then -- nothing more prevents us from pursuing this woman?
ATHOS
Nothing.
D'ARTAGNAN
(giving D'Artagnan a last hug)
Then let's leave!
(curtain)
A valley on the river Lys. Cabin to the right. Night.
MILADY
(alone in the cabin, looking at her watch)
Midnight soon -- it's a league from here to Armentiers -- the master of the house has been gone only three quarters of an hour -- the horses even with the greatest diligence cannot be here in less than twenty minutes. Patience, let's wait --
PLANCHET
(who is hidden facing the door)
Pssst!
MOUSEQUETON
(appearing behind the house)
What?
PLANCHET
I heard her stir.
MOUSEQUETON
No, she's waiting.
PLANCHET
To our posts then.
(They retake their posts.)
MILADY
I seem to hear voices in the rustling of the wind, threats in the rolls of thunder.
(Grimaud rises on the height at the back and waves his handkerchief.)
(Athos appears followed by Porthos and Aramis, de Winter and by the masked man.)
ATHOS
Then you have tracked her down?
GRIMAUD
Yes.
ATHOS
Where is she?
GRIMAUD
There.
ATHOS
But she may have left this house; she may have taken flight?
GRIMAUD
There's only one door and one window -- Planchet guards the door and Mousequeton the window.
ATHOS
(returning)
Come.
MILADY
It seems to me I hear some steps.
ATHOS
The owners of this house -- where are they?
PLANCHET
This house was occupied by a butcher -- overwhelmed by fatigue she was unable to go further -- she sent the butcher to find post horses to Armentiers.
ATHOS
And where is this man?
PLANCHET
We arrested him. Bazin is guarding him five hundred feet from here.
ATHOS
Porthos, to this door -- Me, to the window.
(to the others)
You where you are.
PLANCHET
I am here.
MILADY
(trembling)
Huh! This time I heard some steps on this side.
(she looks at the window and perceives Athos)
Oh -- this is a vision, I hope.
(she intends to flee by the door)
PLANCHET
(raising his pistol)
Stop!
(Meanwhile, Athos has broken the window by a blow of his fist and entered into the cabin.)
ATHOS
Lower your pistol, Porthos -- let this woman be judged and not assassinated -- approach, gentleman.
MILADY
(falling into a chair)
What do you want?
ATHOS
We want Charlotte Backson who is called the Countess de la Fere, then Lady de Winter, Baroness de Clarick.
MILADY
You know very well that is me!
ATHOS
Fine -- I wanted to hear this admission from your own mouth.
MILADY
What do you intend to do to me?
ATHOS
We intend to judge you, according to your crimes; you are free in your defense -- justify yourself if you can. Chevalier D'Artagnan, to you goes the honor of being first accuser!
D'ARTAGNAN
(appearing on the sill of the door)
Before God and men, I accuse this woman of having poisoned Constance Bonacieux who died within two hours in my arms at the convent of the Carmelites of Bethune.
ATHOS
Madame de Winter -- your turn.
MILADY
Milord de Winter!
DE WINTER
(on the sill of the door)
Before God and men, I accuse this woman of having corrupted an officer of the Navy -- named Felton and making him kill the Duke of Buckingham, a murder that at this moment Felton is paying for with his head. Assassin of Buckingham, assassin of Felton, assassin of my brother -- I demand justice of you -- and declare that if I don't receive it, I will do it myself.
ATHOS
My turn! I married this woman when she was seventeen years old -- I married her despite my father. I gave her my wealth. I gave her my name. One day I perceived she was branded. This woman had a fleur de lys on her left shoulder.
MASKED MAN
(at the door)
I witness that.
MILADY
Who said "I witness that?"
MAN
I -- !
MILADY
You! I defy you to find the tribunal which rendered this infamous sentence -- I defy you to find the man who executed it.
MAN
(lifting his mask)
Here he is!
MILADY
(falling on her knees)
Who is this man?
MAN
Ah -- you know me well.
MILADY
Ah --
ALL
You are --
MAN
I am the brother of the man she loved -- whom she destroyed and who killed himself for her. I am the brother of Georges.
ATHOS
Chevalier D'Artagnan, what is the penalty you demand against the woman?
D'ARTAGNAN
The penalty of death!
ATHOS
Milord de Winter, what is the penalty you demand against this woman?
DE WINTER
The penalty of death.
MILADY
Oh! gentlemen! gentlemen!
ATHOS
Charlotte Backson, Countess de la Fere, Milady de Winter, Baroness de Clarick -- your crimes have wearied men on Earth and God in heaven -- if you know some prayer -- say it -- for you are condemned and you are going to die. Executioner -- this woman is yours.
MILADY
You are cowards! You are assassins! You require six to assassinate one woman -- take care!
ATHOS
You are not a woman -- you don't belong to the human species; you are a demon escaped from hell -- and we are going to send you back there.
MILADY
Assassins! Assassins! Assassins!
MAN
The hangman can kill without being for all that, on assassin -- Madame -- he's the last judge, that's all.
MILADY
Yes -- but for him not to be an assassin there must be an order.
MAN
The order? Here it is? "It's by my decree and for the good for the state that the bearer of this has done what he's done. Richlieu."
MILADY
Oh -- I am lost!
ATHOS
Executioner, do your duty.
MILADY
(dragged by the Executioner)
Help! Help!
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! I cannot see this frightful spectacle -- I cannot consent that this woman be murdered thus.
MILADY
Oh! D'Artagnan -- save me!
ATHOS
(between D'Artagnan and Milady)
If you take one more step, we will cross swords.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh!
ATHOS
All you have the right to ask, Madame, is to die with our pardon -- I pardon you the evil that you've done me -- ! I pardon you for my ruined future -- my lost honor -- my health forever compromised by the despair in which you have thrown me. Die in peace!
DE WINTER
I pardon you for the poisoning of my brother, the assassination of Lord Buckingham, the death of Felton. Die in peace!
D'ARTAGNAN
And I -- pardon me, Madame, for having by an act unworthy of a gentleman provoked your rage and in exchange I pardon you the murder of my poor friend -- I pardon you -- and I cry for you. Die in peace.
MILADY
Oh -- last hope!
(to executioner)
Let's go.
(to Musketeers)
Beware! If am not rescued I will be avenged.
(The Executioner drags her off.)
ATHOS
On your knees, gentlemen, and let's pray for a guilty creature who though pardoned is going to die.
EXECUTIONER
Come!
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos! Athos! Athos!
(One hears a scream cut off in mid-cry. The Executioner returns center back, naked bloody sword in hand.)
EXECUTIONER
Let the justice of God be done!
D'ARTAGNAN
(agitated)
All is finished. Pardon us, Lord!
(curtain)