[_To the Executioner._] Approach! I am glad to see you! You are a faithful servant. You are old; you have already witnessed three reigns. It is customary for the sovereigns of this kingdom to make you as costly a gift as possible, upon their ascension. My father, Henry VIII., gave you the diamond clasp of his cloak. My brother, Edward VI., gave you a goblet of chased gold. It is my turn now; I have not given you anything yet. I must give you a present. Come nearer! [_Indicating Fabiani._] Do you see that head--that young, adorable head; that head, which, up to this morning, was the dearest, the most precious thing to me, in all my kingdom? Well! that head--look at it well--I give it to you! _THIRD DAY_ PART I WHICH OF THE TWO? Scene.--_Hall in the interior of the Tower of London. Pointed arch upheld by large pillars. To the right and to the left two low doors to two cells. To the right a dormer-window, which is supposed to overlook the Thames. To the left a dormer-window, which is supposed to overlook the streets. On each side a door concealed in the wall. In the background, a gallery with a sort of balcony shut in by glass and overlooking the exterior courts of the Tower_ SCENE I Gilbert, Joshua GILBERT. Well? JOSHUA. Alas! GILBERT. No more hope? JOSHUA. No more hope. [_Gilbert goes to the window._ You won't see anything from the window. GILBERT. You inquired, didn't you? JOSHUA. I am only too sure. GILBERT. It is for Fabiani? JOSHUA. It is for Fabiani. GILBERT. How fortunate that man is! Maledictions on me! JOSHUA. Poor Gilbert! Your turn will come! To-day, it is he; to-morrow it will be you! GILBERT. What do you say? We are not thinking of the same thing. What are you talking about? JOSHUA. About the scaffold which they are building. GILBERT. And I--I am speaking of Jane! JOSHUA. Of Jane? GILBERT. Yes, of Jane! Only of Jane. What does the rest matter to me? You have forgotten, have you? You don't remember that for one whole month, glued to the bars of my cell, from which I can look into the street, I have watched her, pale and sad, wandering around the base of this tower, which holds two men, Fabiani and me. You have forgotten all about my anguish, have you, and my doubts, my misgivings? For which of us does she come? Poor wretch, I ask myself this question day and night. I asked you, Joshua; and last night you promised to try to see her, and speak to her. Oh, tell me! Did you learn anything! Is it for me she comes, or is it for Fabiani? JOSHUA. I learned that Fabiani is certainly to be beheaded to-day, and you to-morrow, and from that moment I confess I lost my head, Gilbert. The scaffold drove Jane entirely out of my thoughts. Your death-- GILBERT.