Down with this Richelieu, who flatters, kills: Man of the red hand and the scarlet robe!

ROCHEBARON.

Of what use is the King?

BRICHANTEAU.

In darkness, we-- That is the people--march: eyes on a torch.

He is the torch: the King"s the lantern which In its bright gla.s.s protects the flame from wind.

BOUCHAVANNES.

Oh, could our swords blow such a wind some day As to extinguish this devouring fire!

ROCHEBARON.

If every one had the same mind as I!

BRICHANTEAU.

We would unite-- [_To Bouchavannes._] What do you think, Viscount?

BOUCHAVANNES.

We"d give him one perfidious, useful blow!

L"ANGELY (_rising, with gloomy tone_).

Conspiring! Young men! Think of Marillac!

[_All shudder: turn away, and are silent with terror; all fix their eyes on L"Angely, who silently resumes his seat._

VILLAC (_taking Montpesat aside_).

My lord, when we were talking of Corneille, You spoke in tones that irritated me.

In my turn I would like to say two words To you--

MONTPESAT.

With sword--

VILLAC.

Yes.

MONTPESAT.

Or with pistol?

VILLAC.

Both!

MONTPESAT (_taking his arm_).

Let"s go and find some corner in the town.

L"ANGELY (_rising_).

A duel, sirs? Remember Boutteville.

[_New consternation among the young men. Villac and Montpesat separate, keeping their eyes fixed on L"Angely._

ROCHEBARON.

Who is this man in black who frightens us?

L"ANGELY.

I"m L"Angely. I"m jester to the King.

BRICHANTEAU (_laughing_).

Then it"s no wonder that the King is sad.

BOUCHAVANNES (_laughing_).

Great fun he makes, this rabid cardinalist!

L"ANGELY (_standing_).

Be careful, gentlemen! This minister Is mighty. A great mower, he! He makes Great seas of blood, and then he covers them With his red cloak and nothing more is said. [_Silence._

Ga.s.se.

Good faith!

ROCHEBARON.

I"m blessed if I shall stir!

BRICHANTEAU.

Beside This jester Pluto was a funny man!

[_A crowd of people enter from the streets and houses, and spread over the Square. In the center appears The Town-Crier on horseback, with four Town-servants in livery, one of whom blows the trumpet, while the other beats the drum._

Ga.s.se.