Come on!... Yet no, by your leave! So that they may believe the incredible about me, I will arrange the thing in naturalistic fashion. (_He draws his sword_.) Is the door locked? (_He walks to the door at the centre, and points his sword at the keyhole_.) Eyes away! I am going to thrust! (_A scream is uttered in the antechamber_.) And now look out! I am going to mark horrid pools of spilt blood! (_He mixes colours on the palette, and hands the_ Marshal _his sword_.) Hold it, I beg you. (_He smears the sword blade with his brush_.)
Without doubt! _Merci_. (_Takes back his sword_.) Just one tap upon the breast. Yet in case you wish that I spare the waistcoat?
By no means! That would be too much loss of blood!
Just as you please. (_He moves the easel and table to one side. Softly_.) And make no mistake, the door will open at the first clash of blades.
Yet at painting I do better.... Is any one listening?
They are huddled together in a confused group.
Be careful of the throne, or you will get a bump if you fall! (_He lunges at_ The Marshal, _far under the armpit_. The Marshal _falls_. The Marquises _who are pressing in at the half-open door, draw back in horror_.)
THE SAME. THE MARQUIS IN PINK. THE MARQUIS IN PALE BLUE. THE OTHER MARQUISES.
Listen to me, gentlemen! What are you about in there? Stay and bear witness to what you saw.
The Marquis In Pink (_approaching timidly_).
We stand benumbed at such a glorious deed.
And we are almost beside ourself with admiration.
Oh, dear man, how could you think it? I wished only to afford myself the rapture of seeing whether you had altogether freed us.
Yes, indeed, freed! For even although you hated him, you can never imagine how, in the chambers of this castle, he has trodden on our dignity.
He stalked about, puffed up with self-conceit, and when we were rising in the esteem of his or her majesty----
Then came this man with a couple of new triumphs.
If you please, sir, how we have laughed when his dear name rang through all the streets after some brand-new fight! As the clever man is aware, fools advertise fools. And without going too near him, I will----
(All The Marquises _starting With fear_.)
THE SAME. THE VALET DE CHAMBRE. THE QUEEN. THE DEAF MAID OF HONOUR. THE SLEEPY MAID OF HONOUR.