[_Laffemas enters; all the Courtiers vie with each other in paying court to him and surrounding him. Duke de Bellegarde watches them with vexation._ DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to_ L'Angely). Fool, who's that man Who wears the ermine cloak? L'ANGELY. Whom every one Is paying court to? DUKE DE BELLEGARDE. Yes. I know him not. Is he a follower of Monsieur d'Orleans? L'ANGELY. They would not fawn on him so much. DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_watching Laffemas, who struts about_). What airs! As if he were grandee of Spain! L'ANGELY (_low_). It is Sir Laffemas, intendant of Champagne, Lieutenant-Criminal-- DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_low_). Infernal, say! He's called the Cardinal's executioner? L'ANGELY (_still low_). The same. DUKE DE BELLEGARDE. That man at Court! L'ANGELY. Why not? One extra Tiger-cat in the menagerie! Shall I present him? DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_haughtily_). Peace, you fool! L'ANGELY. I think I'd cultivate him if I were a lord. Be friendly! Unto each man comes his day. If he takes not your hand, he may your head. [_He seeks Laffemas, presents him to Duke de Bellegarde, who bows with ill-concealed displeasure._ LAFFEMAS (_bowing_). Sir Duke! DUKE DE BELLEGARDE. Sir, I am charmed-- [_Aside._] Upon my life, We're fallen low, Monsieur de Richelieu! [_Laffemas walks away._ VISCOUNT DE ROHAN (_bursting into laughter among a group of Courtiers in the back of the hall_). Delightful! L'ANGELY. What? VISCOUNT DE ROHAN. That Marion is here. L'ANGELY. Here--Marion? VISCOUNT DE ROHAN. We were just saying this: "Chaste Louis's guest is Marion." How rich! L'ANGELY. A charming piece of wit, indeed, my lord! DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to Count de Charnacé_). Sir wolf-hunter, have you found any prey? Is hunting good? COUNT DE CHARNACÉ There's nothing! Yesterday I had great expectations, for three peasants Had been devoured by wolves. At first I thought We would find several at Chambord. I beat The woods, but not a wolf, nor trace of one! [_To L'Angely._] Fool, know you anything that's gay? L'ANGELY. Nothing, My lord, except two men will soon be hanged At Beaugency for dueling. ABBÉ DE GONDI. So little, Bah! [_The small gilt door is opened._ AN USHER. The King! [_The King enters; he is in black, his eyes are cast down. The order of the Holy Ghost is on his doublet and his cloak. Hat on his head. The Courtiers all uncover and range themselves, silently, in two rows. The Guards lower their pikes and present muskets._ SCENE VI