Scene VII
Didier, Saverny
SAVERNY (turning toward Didier).
This gentleman?
Tell me— ’Tis strange how hard he looks at me!
Upon my soul, ’tis he! My man! [Loud to Didier.] If you
Were not in prison, I should say that you
Resemble a—
Didier.
And if you were not dead, I’d say
That you had the exact appearance of—
His blood be on his head!—a man whom two
Short words of mine put in a tomb.
SAVERNY.
Hush! You
Are Didier!
Didier.
Marquis Gaspard, you!
SAVERNY.
’Twas you
Who were somewhere, a certain night! ’Tis you
To whom I owe my life!
[He opens his arms. Didier draws back.
Didier.
Excuse surprise!
I felt so sure I took it back.
SAVERNY.
Not so!
You saved me—did not kill me! Let me know
What I can do for you. Do you desire
A second—brother—a lieutenant? Speak!
What will you have—my blood, my wealth, my soul?
Didier.
Not any of those things. That portrait there!
[Saverny gives him the portrait; he looks at it, speaking with bitterness.
Yes, there’s her brow, her black eyes, her white neck;
Above all, there’s her candid glance! How like!
SAVERNY.
You think so?
Didier.
This was made for you, you say?
SAVERNY (bowing, and making an affirmative sign).
It was! But now ’tis you whom she prefers,
You whom she loves and chooses ’mongst us all.
You are a happy man.
DIDIER (with loud and mocking laugh).
Yes! Am I not?
SAVERNY.
Accept my compliments; she’s a good girl,
And loves no one but men of family.
Of such a mistress one can well be proud!
It’s honorable, and it gives one style.
’Tis in good taste. If men ask who you are
They say, “Beloved of Marion de Lorme.”
[Didier gives him back the portrait; he refuses it.
No, keep the portrait; since the lady’s yours,
It should belong to you. Keep it, I pray.
Didier.
I thank you! [Puts it in his breast.
SAVERNY.
She is charming in that dress.
So you are my successor! One might say,
As King Louis succeeded Pharamond.
The Brissacs, both of them, supplanted me.
[Laughing.] Then, yes, the Cardinal himself came next,
Then little D’Effiat, then the three Sainte-Mesmes,
The four Argenteans! In her heart you’ll find
The best society. [Laughing.] A little numerous.
DIDIER (aside).
My God!
SAVERNY.
Tell me about it some time. Now,
To be quite frank with you, I pass for dead,
And in the morning shall be buried. You
Must have escaped police and seneschals.
Your Marion can manage everything!
You joined a strolling company by chance;
What a delightful history!
Didier.
Yes, true
It is a history!
SAVERNY.
To get you out
She probably made love to all the jailers.
DIDIER (in a voice of thunder).
Do you think that?
SAVERNY.
You are not jealous—what?
Oh, joke incredible!—of Marion!
A man jealous of Marion! The poor child!
Don’t go and scold her!
Didier.
Have no fear. [Aside.] The angel—
It was a demon! Oh, my God!
[Enter Laffemas and Gracieux. Didier goes out; Saverny follows him.