Good night, then! Let me kiss your neck, poor fool, Before they cut it off. [_Embraces L'Angely._ L'ANGELY (_aside_). He's in dead earnest! THE KING (_after a pause_). For never does a worthy king oppose The course of justice. But you claim too much, Lord Cardinal--two falconers and my fool! All for one duel! [_Greatly agitated, he walks up and down with his hand on his forehead. Then he turns to L'Angely, who is most anxious._ Go! console yourself! Life is but bitterness, the tomb means rest. Man is a breath ephemeral. L'ANGELY (_aside_). The devil! [_The King continues to pace the floor and appears violently agitated._ THE KING. And so, you think you'll have to hang, poor fool! L'ANGELY (_aside_). He means it! God! I feel cold perspiration Starting upon my brow. [_Aloud._] Unless a word From you-- THE KING. Whom shall I have to make me laugh? If you should rise from out the tomb, come back And tell me all about it. 'Tis a chance! L'ANGELY. The errand is a pleasant one! [_The King continues to walk rapidly, speaking to L'Angely now and then._ THE KING. What triumph For my lord cardinal--my fool! [_Folding his arms._ Think you I could be master if I wished to be? L'ANGELY. Montaigne would say, "Who knows?" And Rabelais, "Perhaps." THE KING (_with gesture of determination_). Give me a parchment, fool. [_L'Angely eagerly hands a parchment which he finds on the table near the writing-desk. The King hastily writes a few words, then gives the parchment back to L'Angely._ Behold! I pardon all. L'ANGELY. All three? THE KING. Yes. L'ANGELY (_running to Marion_). Come, madame, Come, kneel, and thank the King. MARION (_falling on her knees_). We have the pardon? L'ANGELY. Yes! It was I-- MARION. Whose knees must I embrace-- His Majesty's or yours? THE KING (_astonished, examining Marion: aside_). What does this mean? Is this a trap? L'ANGELY (_giving parchment to Marion_). Here is the pardon. Take it! [_Marion kisses it, and puts it in her bosom._ THE KING (_aside_). Have I been duped? [_To Marion._] One instant! Give it back! MARION. Good God! [_To The King, with courage, touching her breast._ Come here and take it, and tear out My heart as well! [_The King stops and steps backward, much embarrassed._ L'ANGELY (_low to Marion_). Good! Keep it, and be firm! His Majesty won't take it, there! THE KING (_to Marion_). Give it To me! MARION. Take it, my sire! THE KING (_casting down his eyes_). Who is this siren? L'ANGELY (_low to Marion_).