You give me pleasure when you talk like this! [_A silence._ L'ANGELY. Once in the tomb, think you one e'er gets out? THE KING (_whose sadness has increased with the Fool's words_). We'll know that later. I wish I were there! [_Silence._ Fool, I'm unhappy! Do you comprehend? L'ANGELY. I see it in your face so thin and worn, And in your mourning-- THE KING. Ah, why should I laugh? Your tricks are lost on me! What use is life To you? The fine profession! Jester to the King! Bell out of tune, a jumping-jack to play with, Whose half-cracked laugh is but a poor grimace! What is there in the world for you, poor toy? Why do you live? L'ANGELY. For curiosity. But you--why should you live? I pity you! I'd sooner be a woman than a king Like you. I'm but a jumping-jack whose string You hold; but underneath your royal coat There's hid a tauter string, a strong arm holds. Better a jumping-jack in a king's hands Than in a priest's, my sire. [_Silence._ THE KING (_thinking, growing more and more sad_). You speak the truth, Although you laugh. He is a fearful man! Has Satan made himself a cardinal? What if 'twere Satan who possessed my soul! What say you? L'ANGELY. I have often had that thought Myself! THE KING. We must not speak thus. 'Tis a sin! Behold, how dire misfortune follows me! I had some Spanish cormorants. I come To this place--not a drop of water here For fishing! In the country! Not a pond In this accursed Chambord large enough To drown a flesh-worm! When I wish to hunt-- The sea! And when I wish to fish--the fields! Am I unfortunate enough? L'ANGELY. Your life Is full of woe. THE KING. How will you comfort me? L'ANGELY. Another grief! You hold in high esteem, And justly too, the art of training hawks For hunting partridges. A good huntsman-- You're one--ought to respect the falconer. THE KING. The falconer! A god! L'ANGELY. Well! there are two Who are at point of death! THE KING. Two falconers? L'ANGELY. Yes! THE KING. Who are they? L'ANGELY. Two famous ones! THE KING. But who? L'ANGELY. Those two young men whose lives were begged of you! THE KING. Gaspard and Didier? L'ANGELY. Yes; they are the last. THE KING. What a calamity! Two falconers! Now that the art is very nearly lost. Unhappy duel! When I'm dead, this art Will go from earth, as all things go at last! Why did they fight this duel? L'ANGELY. One declared That hawks upon the wing were not as swift As falcons. THE KING.