The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 22

Yes, I recognize you. My lords, I recognize this man. Since it is with him I have to deal, I have nothing more to say.

THE QUEEN.

He confesses!

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (_to Gilbert_).

According to Norman law and Statute 25, Henry VIII., in a case of high treason of the first degree, a confession does not save the accomplice. Do not forget, it is a case wherein the Queen has not the right of mercy, and you will die upon the scaffold as well as the man you accuse. Therefore reflect! Do you confirm all you have said?

GILBERT.

I know that I shall die, and I confirm it.

JANE (_aside_).

My G.o.d! if this is a dream, it is very horrible.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (_to Gilbert_).

Are you willing to repeat your statements with your hand upon the gospel?

[_He presents the gospel to Gilbert, who puts his hand upon it._

GILBERT.

With my hand upon the gospel, and my approaching death before my eyes, I swear that this man is an a.s.sa.s.sin; that this dagger, which is his, was used for the crime; that this purse, which is his, was given to me in payment for the crime. May G.o.d help me! It is the truth!

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (_to Fabiani_).

My lord, what have you to say?

FABIANI.

Nothing! I am lost.

SIMON RENARD (_low to The Queen_).

Your Majesty sent for the executioner. He is there!

THE QUEEN.

Good! Let him come in!

[_The row of n.o.blemen divides and the Executioner appears; he is dressed in red and black, and on his shoulder bears a long sword in its scabbard._

SCENE IX

_The same._ Executioner

THE QUEEN.

My lord Duke of Somerset, these two men to the Tower! My Lord Gardiner, our chancellor, let their trial before the twelve peers of the Star Chamber commence to-morrow, and may G.o.d keep watch over England. We expect them to be judged, both of them, before we leave for Exford, where we are to open Parliament, and for Windsor, where we are to spend Easter.

[_To the Executioner._] Approach! I am glad to see you! You are a faithful servant. You are old; you have already witnessed three reigns. It is customary for the sovereigns of this kingdom to make you as costly a gift as possible, upon their ascension. My father, Henry VIII., gave you the diamond clasp of his cloak. My brother, Edward VI., gave you a goblet of chased gold. It is my turn now; I have not given you anything yet. I must give you a present. Come nearer! [_Indicating Fabiani._] Do you see that head--that young, adorable head; that head, which, up to this morning, was the dearest, the most precious thing to me, in all my kingdom? Well! that head--look at it well--I give it to you!

_THIRD DAY_

PART I

WHICH OF THE TWO?

Scene.--_Hall in the interior of the Tower of London. Pointed arch upheld by large pillars. To the right and to the left two low doors to two cells. To the right a dormer-window, which is supposed to overlook the Thames. To the left a dormer-window, which is supposed to overlook the streets. On each side a door concealed in the wall.

In the background, a gallery with a sort of balcony shut in by gla.s.s and overlooking the exterior courts of the Tower_

SCENE I

Gilbert, Joshua

GILBERT.

Well?

JOSHUA.

Alas!

GILBERT.

No more hope?

JOSHUA.

No more hope. [_Gilbert goes to the window._

You won't see anything from the window.

GILBERT.

You inquired, didn't you?

JOSHUA.

I am only too sure.