It is not in the daytime that the favorites of queens are made and unmade; it is at night. LORD CHANDOS. This night is dark and frightful. SIMON RENARD. I find it good for what I wish to do. LORD CHANDOS. What do you mean to do? SIMON RENARD. You shall see. My Lord Chandos, when a woman reigns, caprice reigns. Politics are no longer a matter of calculation then, but of chance. You can count upon nothing. To-day does not logically bring to-morrow. Public affairs are no longer like a game of chess, but a game of cards. LORD CLINTON. That is all very well; but let us come to the point. When will you deliver us from the favorite? Time is pressing. To-morrow Tyrconnel will be beheaded. SIMON RENARD. If I find the man I am looking for, to-night, Tyrconnel will sup with you to-morrow. LORD CLINTON. What do you mean? What will have become of Fabiani? SIMON RENARD. Have you good eyes, my lord? LORD CLINTON. Yes, although I am old and the night is dark. SIMON RENARD. Do you see London on the other side of the water? LORD CLINTON. Yes. Why? SIMON RENARD. Look well! From here you can see the height and the depth of every favorite's fortune--Westminster and the Tower of London. LORD CLINTON. Well? SIMON RENARD. If God is with me, there is a man who at this moment is yet there [_pointing to Westminster_], and who to-morrow, at the same time, will be here [_pointing to the Tower_]. LORD CLINTON. Pray God be with you! LORD MONTAGUE. The people hate him no less than we do. What a festival will his fall make in London! LORD CHANDOS. We have placed ourselves in your hands, Sir Bailiff. Dispose of us. What must we do? SIMON RENARD (_indicating a house, near to the water_). You all see that house. It is the house of Gilbert the engraver. Do not lose sight of it. Now go away with your people, but don't go too far. Above all, do nothing without me. LORD CHANDOS. It is agreed. [_They all exit at different sides._ SIMON RENARD (_alone_). The man I need is not easy to find. [_He exits. Jane and Gilbert enter, arm in arm; they go toward the house. Joshua Farnaby, enveloped in a long cloak, accompanies them._ SCENE II Jane, Gilbert, Joshua Farnaby JOSHUA. I must leave you here, my good friends. It is midnight, and I must go back to my post of turnkey of the Tower of London. I am not as free as you are, you see! A turnkey is only another kind of prisoner! Good-by, Jane! Good-by, Gilbert. Ah, my friends, how glad I am to see you happy! When is the wedding, Gilbert? GILBERT. In one week, isn't it, Jane? JOSHUA. Faith! day after to-morrow is Christmas. This is the day of good wishes and presents. But I have nothing to wish you. It would be impossible to wish more beauty to the bride or more love to the bridegroom. You are fortunate. GILBERT. Good Joshua! And you, are you not happy? JOSHUA.