Your life! What do you want me to do with your life then? I didn't want it except to use for vengeance on this man--this Fabiano. You can't understand anything at all, can you? Well! I can't understand you, either. You talked about vengeance! That is the way you avenge yourself, is it? These men of the people are stupid! And after all, do you suppose I believe your ridiculous story about an heiress of Talbot? The papers! You show me papers! I won't look at them. Oh, a woman wrongs you, and you play the magnanimous. Well, do it if it suits you! I am not magnanimous! No! My heart is full of rage and hate. I will avenge myself and you shall help me! Oh, but this man is mad, mad, mad! My God! why do I need him? It is exasperating to have to deal with people like this, at such a serious time. GILBERT. I have your word, as Catholic Queen. Lord Clanbrassil has seduced Jane; he shall marry her! THE QUEEN. And if he refuses to marry her? GILBERT. You will force him to do it. JANE. Oh, no! Have pity upon me, Gilbert! GILBERT. Well, then, if this infamous wretch refuses, your Majesty can do what she pleases with him and with me! THE QUEEN (_with joy_). Ah, that is all I ask! GILBERT. In that case, I will do everything the Queen commands, provided the crown of the Countess of Waterford is solemnly replaced by the Queen on the sacred and inviolable head of Jane, who stands here! THE QUEEN. Everything? GILBERT. Everything! Even a crime, if it is a crime you want. I will not stop at treachery, which is more than a crime; nor at infamy, which is more than treachery. THE QUEEN. You will say what I want you to say? You will die the death that I want you to die? GILBERT. The death that you want me to die! JANE. Oh, my God! THE QUEEN. You swear it? GILBERT. I swear it! THE QUEEN. Then it is settled. It is enough! I have your word, you have mine! It is agreed. [_She seems to reflect a moment._ [_To Jane._] You are not needed here: go out. I will send for you. JANE. Oh, Gilbert, what is this you have done? Oh, Gilbert, I am a wretched creature, and I don't dare to raise my eyes to you. Oh, Gilbert, you are more than an angel, for you have the virtues of an angel and a man's passions at the same time. [_She goes out._ SCENE V _The Queen, Gilbert, afterward Simon Renard, Lord Chandos, and the Guards_ THE QUEEN (_to Gilbert_). Have you a weapon about you? A knife, a dagger, anything! GILBERT (_drawing from his breast Lord Clanbrassil's dagger_). A dagger? Yes, madame. THE QUEEN. Good! Hold it in your hand! [_She seizes his arm quickly._ Sir bailiff D'Amont! Lord Chandos! [_Enter Simon Renard, Lord Chandos, and Guards._ Seize this man! He has threatened my life, with his dagger! I seized his arm as he was about to strike me. He is an assassin! GILBERT. Madame! THE QUEEN (_low to Gilbert_).