FRANÇOIS I., _King of France_ TRIBOULET, _his jester_ BLANCHE, _Triboulet's daughter_ SALTABADIL, _an assassin_ MAGUELONNE, _his sister_ DAME BERARDE _A woman; a man; a crowd of people_ ACT I SCENE.--TRIBOULET, _the ugly little hunchback jester to_ KING FRANÇOIS, _has stolen from the Louvre to a secluded house in a remote part of Paris. He takes out the key to open the door, then stops and glances round uneasily._ TRIBOULET: I thought I heard a footstep. Blanche must go Back to the country. In this wild, rough town My little lonely girl may come to harm. I was a fool to bring her here. A fool! Ah, if she learns what a vile part I play In this vile city--sees her father dressed In patchwork, using his deformities To make sport for a proud, vain, wicked king. Oh, how I hate the man who laughs at me! When I am sick and miserable, and creep Into some corner to bewail my lot, He kicks me out into the light, and cries, "Amuse me, fool!" Some day I shall go mad, And kill---- [SALTABADIL, _who has been following him, comes forward and bows._ SALTABADIL: Your servant, sir! TRIBOULET (_startled_): What! Who are you? SALTABADIL: Excuse me. I have watched you for a week Come to this house at evening. Every time You seem afraid some foe is following you. TRIBOULET (_still more startled_): What do you want? Who are you? Go away! SALTABADIL: I want to help you. Do you need a sword? I am an honest man, and at a price I'll rid you of your enemy. TRIBOULET (_relieved by the bravo's air_): What price? SALTABADIL: According to the job. If he is armed 'Tis best to get my sister, Maguelonne, To help me. She will lure him to our house-- TRIBOULET: I understand. SALTABADIL (_confidentially_): No noise, you see; no risk. Give me your custom, sir, and you will find I do the work better than any man In Paris. TRIBOULET: But at present I've no need-- SALTABADIL: Well, think about it. I am Saltabadil. I wait for clients every day at noon By the Hôtel du Maine. TRIBOULET: Good-night to you. SALTABADIL: Believe me, I am honest. Times are bad; I have four children, and at least my trade Is better than mere beggary. TRIBOULET: Of course. One must bring up one's children. SALTABADIL: Thanks. Good-night. [_He departs._ TRIBOULET _then opens the door leading into a courtyard, and knocks at an inner entrance. This is opened by a charming young girl, who throws herself into the jester's arms._ TRIBOULET: My daughter! When I see your sweet, bright face My grief and trouble vanish. Kiss me, Blanche; I am in need of love. Have you been out?