How otherwise Could he have caught me in his trap? Think you My spur could not have crushed the spider's web Which he had made to catch a gnat? Henceforth I ask no other boon than death. This is No friendly gift from you, who owe me life! MARION. What does he say? You must live-- LAFFEMAS. All's not over. Is it certain that this is the Marquis? MARION. It is. LAFFEMAS. We must have proof of it at once. MARION (_indicating Marquis de Nangis, who is still holding Saverny in his arms_). Look at that old man, how he smiles and weeps! LAFFEMAS. Is that Gaspard de Saverny? MARION. What heart Can question such a close embrace? MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_turning around_). You ask If it is he--Gaspard, my son, my soul? [_To Marion._] Did he not ask if it was he, madame? LAFFEMAS (_to Marquis de Nangis_). Then you affirm that this man is your nephew? He is Gaspard de Saverny? MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_with intensity_). I do! LAFFEMAS. According to the law I do arrest Gaspard de Saverny, in the King's name. Your sword! [_Surprise and consternation among the characters._ MARQUIS DE NANGIS. My son! MARION. Oh, Heaven! DIDIER. Another head! Yes, two were needed. 'Tis the least, to bring This Roman Cæsar one head in each hand. MARQUIS DE NANGIS. Speak! By what right-- LAFFEMAS. Ask my lord cardinal. All who survive a duel fall beneath The ordinance. Give me your sword. DIDIER (_looking at Saverny_). Rash man! SAVERNY (_drawing his sword and presenting it to Laffemas_). 'Tis here! MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_stopping him_). A moment! None is master here Save me! I mete out justice high and low. Our sire the King would be no more than guest. [_To Saverny._] Give up your sword to none but me. [_Saverny hands him his sword, and clasps him in his arms._ LAFFEMAS. In truth, That is a feudal right quite out of date. The Cardinal might blame me for it, but I would not willingly annoy you-- DIDIER. Wretch! LAFFEMAS (_bowing to Marquis de Nangis_). So I consent. You can return the favor By loaning me your guard and prison, sir. MARQUIS DE NANGIS (_to his Guards_). Not so! Your sires were vassals to my sires. I forbid any one to stir a step. LAFFEMAS (_with voice of thunder_). My masters, hark to me: I am the judge Of the secret tribunal, Criminal- Lieutenant to the Cardinal. Conduct These men to prison. Four of you mount guard Before each door. You're all responsible. It would be rash to disobey when I command You to go here or there or do a deed. If any hesitate, it is because His head annoys him.