Messieurs, mesdames, ‘tis with regret I take my leave of this fair company! My part of Dorimène—it must be played By some more able, not more willing, one; For me—I’m bidden to a wider stage. Adieu! Adieu! Adieu! THE PRISONERS La belle Marquise! [_Exit_ THE MARQUISE. DE VARDES _crosses to the window_. DE L’ORIENT _gives him place, and he stands upon the bench and watches the square without_. COUNT LOUIS There are three names that most of all they hate: De Vardes and Château-Gui and Blanchefôret! GRÉGOIRE Pasquier, Harlebeque, and Damazan. [_There is heard from the street without a confused sound of execration and triumph. The now small company of prisoners exchange glances._ DE VARDES (_at the window_) Grand Dieu! DE L’ORIENT (_beside him_) They dare not!—Ah! [_The sound without grows to a roar._ COUNT LOUIS What seest thou? DE L’ORIENT Malediction! [_A cry without._ DE VARDES, _at the window, raises his voice_. DE VARDES Clarice! Clarice! [_There is a faint answering cry, followed by a roar from the mob, then silence._ MLLE. DE CHÂTEAU-GUI O Ciel! THE ACTRESS Miséricorde! DE VARDES ‘Tis done—‘tis past—she’s dead. O God who makest man, forbear, forbear! [_He covers his face with his hands. There is a silence._ GRÉGOIRE _folds his papers_. COUNT LOUIS (_with a shaking voice_) ‘Tis well with her at last; we need not weep. We all must die, for so the play goes on! Her father was a lord of Gascony; A golden spur he wore, and loved the chase! Her mother was more fair than Montespan. A thousand times we’ve hunted with the King, De Miramand and I; a thousand times We’ve watched the moon, that first Clarice and I! GRÉGOIRE To-morrow, at this hour, another list! Meantime, Citoyens, you and you and you, And you, Citoyennes, who petitioned so, Your prayer is heard. Lalain is merciful! You shall not sleep on these cold stones to-night, Another gaol’s provided. Follow me! MLLE. DE CHÂTEAU-GUI O welcome change! COUNT LOUIS The stones were very cold! THE ACTRESS And can we have our play there just the same?