What does that matter? All men are alike about that. I don't want him to die. Listen, my lord--I mean Sir Bailiff. Good God! you confuse my mind so much that I can't even tell whom I am talking to. Oh, I know all that you want to say to me! I know he is a vile, degraded, contemptible man. I know it as well as you, and I blush for it. But I love him! What do you want me to do about it? I would probably love a better man less. Moreover, who are you--all of you--great as you may be? Are you any better than he? You will tell me that he is a favorite, and the English nation detests favorites! Don't I know that you only want to overthrow him to put the Earl of Kildare--that fool, that Irishman--in his place, that he may have twenty heads a day cut off? What does that matter to you? Don't talk to me about your Prince of Spain; you make light enough of him. Don't talk to me about the anger of M. de Noailles, the French embassador! M. de Noailles is an idiot, and I will tell him so to his face. As for me, I am a woman; I want things, and then I don't want them. I am not made all in one piece. That man's life is necessary to my life. Oh, I beg of you, don't put on that air of virginal sincerity and good faith. I know all your intrigues. Between us two, you know as well as I that he didn't commit the crime for which he is condemned. Well, it is settled. I don't want Fabiani to die. Am I the mistress, or am I not? Come, Sir Bailiff, let us talk about something else, will you? SIMON RENARD. I withdraw, madame. All your nobles have spoken to you through my voice. THE QUEEN. What do I care for my nobles! SIMON RENARD (_aside_). Suppose we try the people! [_He goes out with respectful salutation._ THE QUEEN (_alone_). He went out with a singular expression. That man is capable of arousing a rebellion. I must hurry off to the City Hall. What ho! Some one! [_Master Eneas and Joshua appear._ SCENE V _The same, without Simon Renard. Master Eneas, Joshua_ THE QUEEN. Is it you, Master Eneas? This man and you, you must attend to it that the Earl of Clanbrassil makes his escape at once. MASTER ENEAS. Madame-- THE QUEEN. Very well! I won't trust you; I remember you are one of his enemies. Are there none but enemies of the man I love, around me? I will wager that this turnkey, whom I don't even know, he hates him too. JOSHUA. You are right, madame. THE QUEEN. My God! My God! This Simon Renard is more a king than I am a queen! What! not one person to trust? No one to whom I can give power to plan his escape? JANE (_coming out from behind the pillar_). Yes, madame, I! JOSHUA (_aside_). Jane! THE QUEEN.