DON SALLUST (_whispering to_ RUY BLAS): I am working in your interests. (_Aloud to_ THE QUEEN) Now listen, madam. I have found you here, Alone with Cesar, in his room, at night. This conduct--in a queen--would lead the Pope-- Were the fact published--to annul your marriage. Why not avoid the scandal? [_Taking a parchment from his pocket, he presents it to_ THE QUEEN. Sign this deed Admitting everything, and we can keep All the proceedings secret. I have put Plenty of money in the coach that waits Outside the door. Ride off in it and take Cesar with you, to France or Portugal. No one will stop you. But if you refuse Everything shall be published. Here's a pen. [_He leads the terrified_ QUEEN _to a writing-table, and puts a pen in her hand._ RUY BLAS _stands in a corner, motionless and bewildered._ THE QUEEN: Oh, I am lost! Lost, and yet innocent! DON SALLUST: You lose a crown; but think of what you gain-- A life of love and peace and happiness. Don Cesar loves you, and is worthy of you. A man of noble race; almost a prince. [THE QUEEN _is about to sign, but_ RUY BLAS _snatches the pen from her hand, and tears up the parchment._ RUY BLAS: You must not sign it! This man lies to you. I am Ruy Blas, a common serving-man. [_Turning fiercely on_ DON SALLUST. No more of it, I say! I'll have no more! You mean, contemptible scoundrel! Tell the truth! DON SALLUST: This creature is, in fact, my serving-man, Only he has blabbed too soon. THE QUEEN: Great Heavens! DON SALLUST: No matter. My revenge is good enough. What do you think of it? Madrid will laugh! You exiled me, my lady; brought me down Into the dust. I'll drag you from the throne And hold you up--the laughing-stock of Spain! [_While he is speaking_ RUY BLAS _silently bolts the door; then, creeping behind_ DON SALLUST, _he snatches his sword from the scabbard._ RUY BLAS: Insult the queen again, you wretch, and I Will kill you where you stand. You foul, black snake, Crawl in the further room and say your prayers. [DON SALLUST _rushes towards the outer door;_ RUY BLAS _pushes him back at the sword's point._ THE QUEEN: You are not going to slay him? RUY BLAS: This affair Must be now settled once for all. Go in! [_This to_ DON SALLUST, _whom he has now almost driven into the further room._ DON SALLUST: Give me a sword, and let us fight it out. RUY BLAS: Surely a nobleman would never stoop To fight a duel with his serving-man? No! I am going to kill you like a dog! THE QUEEN: Spare him! DON SALLUST: Help! Murder! Help!