A WORKMAN: If they would hang the two young gentlemen Outside the wall, the cardinal could see The execution without breaking down The ramparts in this way. HIS MATE: Could he not come Through the great gate? A WORKMAN: What! In a litter borne By four-and twenty men? No! Richelieu Travels in greater state than any king. He enters, like a conqueror, through the breach Made in the castles of our noblemen. He means to kill them all, they say. HIS MATE: And now He comes in his great litter through this wall, To see these poor boys hanged? What cruelty! A WORKMAN: Now come and see the gallows we have built. [_As they depart,_ MARION _arrives at the castle gate. She knocks, but before the door opens,_ LAFFEMAS, RICHELIEU'S _agent, gallops up._ MARION: An order from the king. THE GATEKEEPER: You cannot pass. LAFFEMAS: An order from the cardinal. THE GATEKEEPER: Pass in. MARION: I have a pardon for two prisoners! LAFFEMAS: And I the document revoking it! The cardinal is coming here to-night To see the execution. It is fixed For nine o'clock. MARION: Then there is no more hope! Oh, God! Oh, God! My Didier must die! Nothing can save him! LAFFEMAS: You can, Marion. Yes, you can still! I will let Didier escape If, Marion, you will---- MARION: No! LAFFEMAS: Then he dies! MARION: And if he lives, I lose him. (_A long silence._) He shall live. [_She goes into the castle with_ LAFFEMAS. DIDIER _and_ SAVERNY _appear, guarded by the jailer and his men. It is now night._ THE JAILER (_in a whisper to_ SAVERNY): You can escape. The Marquis of Nangis Has made all preparations for the flight. SAVERNY: For both of us? THE JAILER: No; only you. And that May cost me my own life. SAVERNY: Well, save my friend. THE JAILER: I cannot. SAVERNY: Then I must remain with him. (_To_ DIDIER) They will hang us, friend, to-night. * * * * * DIDIER: Are you sure, Saverny, she is Marion de Lorme? On your honour, are you sure? SAVERNY: Yes, I am. I cannot understand you, Didier. Are you not proud to think that you have made So great a conquest? DIDIER: And I thought she was As innocent as she was beautiful! SAVERNY: She loves you. You should be content with that. You will not die while Marion de Lorme Lives. And I hope that she will not forget I am your friend, but come and save me, too. [_It grows darker_ SAVERNY _falls asleep._ MARION _comes out of the gate carrying a bundle, and accompanied by_ DIDIER. MARION: Put on these clothes. Richelieu has arrived; Can you not hear the guns announcing him?