I was comrade to Henry! Your father and our father! I was there When he--that monster--struck the fatal blow. 'Til night I watched beside my royal dead: It was my duty. I have seen my father And my six brothers fall 'neath rival factions; I have lost the wife who loved me. Now The old man standing here is like a victim Whom a hard executioner, for sport, Has bound unto the wheel the whole long day. My master, God has broken every limb With His great iron rod! 'Tis night-time now, And I've received the final blow! Farewell, My king! God keep you! [_He makes a profound obeisance, and exits. Marion lifts herself with difficulty, and, staggering, falls on the threshold of the gilt door of The King's private room._ THE KING (_to Duke de Bellegarde, wiping his eyes and watching the retreating figure of Marquis de Nangis_). A sad interview! Ah, not to weaken, kings must watch themselves! To do right is not easy. I was touched. [_Reflects for a moment, then interrupts himself suddenly._ No pardoning to-day, for yesterday I sinned too much! [_Approaching Duke de Bellegarde._ Before he came, my lord, You said bold things, which may be bad for you When I report to my lord cardinal The conversation we have had. I'm sorry For you, Duke. In the future, have more care! I slept so wretchedly, my poor Bellegarde. [_With a gesture dismissing Courtiers and Guards._ Pray leave us, gentlemen! [_To L'Angely._] Stay, you! [_All go out except Marion, whom The King does not see. Duke de Bellegarde sees her crouching on the threshold of the door and goes to her._ DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_low to Marion_). My child, You can't remain here, crouching by this door; What are you doing like a statue there? Get up and go away! MARION. I'm waiting here For them to kill me! L'ANGELY (_low to Duke de Bellegarde_). Leave her there, my lord! [_Low to Marion._] Remain! [_He returns to The King, who is seated in the great armchair and is in a profound reverie._ SCENE VIII The King, L'Angely THE KING (_sighing deeply_). Ah! L'Angely, my heart is sick. 'Tis full of bitterness. I cannot smile. You, only, have the power to cheer me. Come! You stand in no awe of my majesty. Come, throw a glint of pleasure in my soul. [_A pause._ L'ANGELY. Life is a bitter thing, your Majesty. THE KING. Alas! L'ANGELY. Man is a breath ephemeral! THE KING. A breath, and nothing more! L'ANGELY. Unfortunate Is any one who is both man and king. Is it not true? THE KING. A double burden--yes. L'ANGELY. And better far than life, sire, is the tomb, If but its gloom is deep enough! THE KING. I've thought That always! L'ANGELY. To be dead or unborn is The only happiness. Yes, man's condemned! THE KING.