Slothful monarch, most like the pitiful king of the chess-board Shut in by the castle, guarded by pawns, and assaulted by the knight. You are the man of the present hour, but already that hour is over. Your right, I do not know what it is. But as for me, despised by all, I have sworn in my misfortune and in my solitude By the air and by the earth, That I would rise above the will of others. And as for what my right is, listen all! I did not gain that victory, but a beggar, a man unknown, I enter here and claim the book and crown! Out of my way, old man! THE KING: I will not let you pass. TÊTE-D'OR: Out of my way, old man! For your hour is over and the night is past and another day is born. Out, for there cannot be two kings in the hive! One of the two must vanish. THE KING: I will not let you pass. TÊTE-D'OR: You will not stand aside? _(The KING shakes his head._ Then die! _(He draws his sword and kills him._ _(Stir of horror in the crowd and tremendous confusion, spreading and increasing to the furthest recesses of the hall and to the lower story. Then a sort of silence._ _(A great noise, the uproar commencing below and spreading to the back of the hall. The spectators of the front rows are very pale and stand as if fascinated, staring with an expression of horror and curiosity at the blood, which pours forth on the floor in a great stream, TÊTE-D'OR laughs._ A VOICE (_at the back of the hall_): Death to him! FIVE OR SIX VOICES (_at the back_): Kill him! Seize him! _(They surge forward._ TÊTE-D'OR: Back! Vile scum, who of you will venture to defy me and confront me face to face! Here is your King! And as for this contract, if there is anyone who putting his hand upon you has made you convey yourselves to this ancient shadow, I tear it to pieces and throw the bits in your face, as I throw you This! _(With a violent movement he tears of his sword and throws it into the midst of the crowd._ Listen to me, you that are gathered here! _(Murmur in the hall. Tremendous uproar below._ Listen to me, you that are under my feet! _(He stamps his foot violently. He casts his eyes about the hall with a savage glare, then bringing them back to the king, who is stretched at his feet, he laughs, and, raising his hand to his face, smears it with blood._ O King! You asked me what right I had to reign. Will you deny the right of blood? Look, with this I emblazon the title upon my face, like a light! You have watered me with your blood and I am covered with it like one who sacrifices, And I glory in that purple. _(He goes up to the throne and kicks it over._ Thus I overthrow you, throne of a day! For I shall stand and not be seated. CRIES (_in the crowd_): Kill him! Seize him! TÊTE-D'OR: Now the moment has come between you and me When either you must kill me or I must become your master. Look, I am alone and unarmed! _(Pause._