LOUIS XI. 
 
 N HISTORICAL DRAMA, 
 
 IN THREE ACTS. 
 
 ADAPTED FROM CASIMER J)ELAVIGlfEj 
 
 BY 
 
 W. R. MARKWELL, 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 Imy Robsart," " The Spirits of the A'ight," " York Rosa," 
 " Faust and Margaret," " 'Tis an III Wind that 
 Blows Nobody Good" 
 Sfc. Sfc. Sfc. 
 
 THOMAS HAILES LACY, 
 WELLINGTON STREET, STRAND. 
 
 LONDON.
 
 First Performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 
 Monday, February 14A, 1853. 
 
 CHARACTERS. 
 
 Loun XI 
 
 THE DAUPHIN 
 DUKE DE NEMOURS 
 PHILIP DE COMINE 
 COITIER (the King's Physician) 
 FRANCOIS DE PAULE . 
 OLIVER-LE-DAIME 
 TRISTAN, LE HBRMITE 
 COUNT DE Dm.; x 
 CHAUFORD .... 
 
 MARCEL ") 
 
 RICHARD > (Peasants) 
 
 DIDIER } 
 
 OFFICER 
 
 Mr. DAVENPORT. 
 
 Miss EMMA FIBST. 
 
 Mr. EDWARD STIRLING. 
 
 Mr. LICKFOLD. 
 
 Mr. HENRY WALLACE. 
 
 Mr. H. LEE. 
 
 Mr. TARNOLD. 
 
 Mr. CHARLES SELBY. 
 
 Mr. FORTESCUE. 
 
 Mr. COOKE. 
 
 Mr. CLIFFORD. 
 Mr. HAROLD. 
 Mr. KINO. 
 
 Mr. JONES. 
 
 Pages, Heralds, Standard Bearers, Soldiers, Peasants, 
 Courtiers, and Knights. 
 
 MARIE DE COMINE 
 
 MARTHA 
 
 JULIE 
 
 . Miss FANNY VINING. 
 . Mrs. GRIFFITHS. 
 . Miss FLORENCE. 
 Female Peasants. 
 
 SCENE. The Castle of Plessis lei Tours.
 
 COSTUMES. 
 
 LOUIS. Maroon velvet short robe, edged with fur down the front 
 and neck ; black shoes ; caul cap of maroon velvet ; gold collar ; 
 small leaden images with chain round a hat of black velvet ; dagger- 
 2nd Dress Blue circular regal mantle embroidered with fleur- 
 de-lys, enveloping the whole figure fastened on right shoulder. 
 
 DAUPHIN. Surcoat of damask; grey legs and arms; hat and 
 feather ; belt, sword, and dagger. 
 
 NEMOURS. Suit of armour and surcoat, embroidered with red lion. 
 2nd Dress Plain suit of the period. 
 
 COMINE. Dark under-dress and plain arm-hole robe ; black shoes. 
 OLIVER and DE DREUX. The same shape, but varying in colour 
 and material. 
 
 TRISTAN. A black velvet embroidered suit; short tight fitting 
 shirt, with long hanging sleeves ; turban cap. 
 
 CRAUFORD. Suit of armour of the time. 
 
 FRANCOIS DE PAULE. Monk's gown and cowl; staff. 
 
 PEASANTS. Cloth pantaloons, fastened to the jerkin by strings 
 tied in bows ; some in short frocks, black ankle shoes, caps. 
 
 MARIE. A parti-coloured dress of the period. 2nd Dress. Plain 
 white and mantle. 
 
 PEASANTS. Bodies laced in front ; short full sleeves ; short full 
 skirts, of any colour. 
 
 NOTE. The peculiarities in the dress of this reign render any brief description 
 (without illustrations) indefinite and unsatisfactory : but fortunately a particular 
 and dependable authority exists, which may be referred to with confidence, as 
 Sir Walter Scott, in Quentin Durward, describes the dress and appearance of 
 most of the individuals introduced in this play. " Herbe's Costumes Franeais," 
 4to., and " Costumes Civil et Militaires de la Monarchic Franeais," 4to., will 
 also convey every information. 
 
 Time in Performance, Two Hours.
 
 LOUIS XL 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. A Landscape The Chateau of Plessii-les- Tours at 
 back Drawbridge raised, Sfc, Some scattered Cottages, R. 
 Night. 
 
 Two SENTINELS discovered Pause SCOTCH GUARDS enter 
 and relieve GUARD Enter TRISTAN, L. with four SOL- 
 DIERS, meeting RICHARD, R. 
 
 THIS, (to RICHARD) Your name? 
 
 RICH. The herdsman, Richard. 
 
 THIS. Out after nightfall ? 'tis against the King's command. 
 
 RICH. I know it, bat 
 
 TRIS. Back, I say ! 
 
 RICH. My eon ig 
 
 TRI. Away ! 
 
 RICH. Is dying. 
 
 TRIS. (to his GUARDS) String me up that fellow upon yonder oak. 
 
 RICH, (terrified) Tristan ! 
 
 Exit, running, L.H. 
 
 OFFICER, (from platform) Who goes there ? 
 TRIS. Grand Provost. 
 OFFICER. Guards, alert ! 
 
 TRISTAN'S GUARDS go into Cottages, L.H. 
 Enter OFFICER and SOLDIERS over Bridgt from Chateau. 
 
 OFFICER. The watch-word ? 
 TRIS. (in an under tone) Faithful. 
 
 GUARDS go off, R.H.U.B. 
 OFFICER, (in the same) France. 
 
 Exeunt ALL to Chateau Day breaks. 
 
 Enter COMINE, holding a parchment roll He seats himself at 
 the foot of an oak, R.H. 2 E. 
 
 COM. This work of mine requires deep thought and quietude of 
 oul. Blest calm ! No sound is wafted to mine ear, save chirping 
 birds awaking to the morn, or the hoarse challenge of yon Scotch
 
 SCENE 1.] LOUIS XI. 5 
 
 sentinel who walks the battlements. I'm now alone here let me read. 
 Memoirs of Comine ! Ah! could Louis read this manuscript 
 mayhap in after times destined to live wherein, day after day, is 
 writ the chronicle of France's shame and glory he would shudder 
 to behold the gloomy annals of his strange career. Of vice and virtue 
 what a motley group ! Here, cowardice heroic valour, there here, 
 mercy there, ensanguined butchery humble and proud how dif- 
 ferent by turns courting the mass o'erbearing to the great ; miser, 
 and spendthrift, jealous all at will. ( passes to the end of his MS.) 
 Ah me ! the picture makes me shudder as I gaze ! See, how the rising 
 sun gilds the tower of yonder castle Louis's living tomb where, 
 self-immured, he struggles with inexorable death ! 
 
 Enter CoiTiER/rowi Chateau, R.H. 
 
 COIT. Ha! (crosses, and comes down from L.H. gate) Good 
 morrow, Sieur Comine. (tapping COMINE on the shoulder) 
 
 COM. (R.) Ah, Coitier ! how came you here ? You should be be- 
 side the King, our master. You are angry ! 
 
 COIT. A crime of foulest die has been committed. This peasant's 
 son, who lies there dying, was shot down by one of the Archer Guard, 
 to try his newarquebuss upon him. 
 
 COM. Let him complain. 
 
 COIT To whom ? The King ! Let lambs complain to wolves : 
 you complained once, and prayed and knelt do you forget 
 Nemours ? 
 
 COM. Xemours was guilty ! 
 
 COIT. You are so to say it. 
 
 COM. Coitier 
 
 COIT. I was au humble vassal, fed by the bounty of Memours. 
 His home was mine he thought that heaven had given me brains 
 wits and so he fostered them ; his bounty sent me to the colleges 
 of Paris. My studies prospered I became renowned. Hebrought 
 me to Court my rude ways and manners ill suited with the place 
 men thought me mad ; but finding my skill, they called me singular. 
 The Kiag at length made me his surgeon, and by that title I rule him 
 who rules you all. To Nemours I owe every thing ; yet, leagued with 
 you, we could not stem the fury of the King, when he had doomed 
 Nemours to death. All ! all his family fell before the tiger all but 
 one ! by your assistance he was saved. 
 
 COM. Coitier! 
 
 COIT. By yours! 
 
 COM. For heav'ns sake speak lower ! 
 
 COIT. Pity then, but do not reproach Nemours. 
 
 COM. Listen Nemours is now with Charles of Burgundy. When 
 the King dies, and Charles the Dauphin ascends the throne, l.e will 
 be pardoned. 
 
 COIT. (sarcastically) By virtue of your daughter's influence with 
 the Prince ? 
 COM. Marie ! 
 
 COIT. (sarcastically) Of course you do not see he love her?
 
 6 LOUIS XI. [ACT I. 
 
 Con. Impossible she is betrothed to Neinours. From child- 
 hood they have loved each other. 
 
 Con. Would you be convinced ? Here she comes ask her. 
 Enter MARIE, R.H. 
 
 .MARIE, (croising to c.) Good morning, father dear good day 
 Master Coitier what news? how fares the King? 
 
 COIT. Your smiles prove sweeter physic than my drugs, and he likes 
 'em better in which he is not singular. 
 
 MARIE. You're a perfect courtier, Sieur Coitier. 
 
 COIT. Well, you have seen this pious man Franqois de Paule, 
 with whose renown all France is filled he is coming, it seems, to 
 cure my patient to work a miracle to re-animate the King: I'd 
 like to see him. 
 
 MARIE. What ! do you doubt his miraculous power ? 
 
 COIT. (sneering) Oh, no ! but I'd rather see than believe it. 
 
 MARIE. How simple is his mien ! He wears no mitre, gemmed 
 with pearls before him there is borne no haughty crozier but sim- 
 ply leaning on a staff, clad in the coarsest robe, he is crowned by the 
 blessings of the poor, and followed by the prayers of a million simple, 
 but loving, souls. 
 
 COIT. And how did this anchorite meet the Dauphin and the 
 Court, who went forth to welcome him ? 
 
 MARIE. All, from their steeds alighting, walked on foot beside 
 him, while the Dauphin led the way to Plessis : next, feudal lord* 
 dismounted, attended by their pages, rein in hand : next, damsels 
 came mingling their gayer summer hue, which floated on the breeze 
 o'er hill and plain. The cross, too, lifted in the sunbeam, shone ; 
 and Louis' banners with their fleur-de-lys in gold and azure painted. 
 Then, in front, young children censers bore, and strewed fresh 
 flowers on his path, while crowds thronged round to beg his blessing 
 From Amboise hither, all the road along, increasing hosts of followers 
 -welled his train. Yonder I left them, and hurried on to tell you of 
 his coming. 
 
 COM. Then let us hasten to the King. 
 
 MARIE. Father, a word. 
 
 COIT. I leave you, then. Farewell. 
 
 Exit to Castle. 
 
 COM. Xow we're alone, what news? I see you have a happy secret. 
 
 MAKIK. Guess. 
 
 COM. 1 cannot. 
 
 ' MARIK. The Envoy of Burgundy is here his heralds and retinue 
 fill our village. 
 
 COM. His name? 
 
 MA HIE. The Count de Rethel. 
 
 COM. Count de Rethel ! That house has left no heirs to later times. 
 
 MARIE. Mayhap he brings some tidings of an exiled friend. 
 
 COM. Nemours? 
 
 MARIE. Ah! think you so? who knows? Absence often tem- 
 pers love. 
 
 COM. Marie!
 
 SCENE 1.] LOUIS XI. 7 
 
 MARIE. His love is, can be, never such as mine. Oft I have tried 
 to cheer his sinking soul; but he would smile most bitterly, as if con- 
 sumed by some deep grief. Finding, too, in my artless sympathy 
 some comfort, soon he learnt to speak his love, responsive to my own. 
 Time lingered on but gloomy, still, he fled society, the Court, its 
 pleasures, and gay tournaments. But the name of Louis would raise 
 his fury, his hand would clutch his poignard, and words of death fester 
 on his lips. The Dauphin, surely, would forgive. 
 
 COM. I know the Dauphin loves thy company seeks it too much. 
 
 MARIE. He is but a boy. 
 
 COM. A boy that must, one day, be King of France. 
 
 MARIE. But, father, 'tis a foolish child. 
 
 COM. Enough, avoid him, check his freedom there is danger in it. 
 
 MARIE. I obey. 
 
 MURMURS and distant TRUMPET, R.H. 
 
 COM. Hark! do you hear the crowd? (looking back) They fill 
 the wood they come the cavalcade descends the hill. 
 
 Exeunt, L.H. 
 
 Music. Enter FRANCOIS DB PAULE, the DAUPHIN, 
 RICHARD, MARCEL, MARTHA, DIDIER, PRIESTS, 
 and FRENCH KNIGHTS, LADIES, and PEASANTS 
 Music ceases. 
 
 FRAN. (R.C.) Prince, let me speak to these poor peasants, for nay 
 cares are due to high and low alike. 
 
 DAU. As you will, good father, (crosses to L.) We go to announce 
 your coming to the King, (to his SUITE) Follow, Sirs. 
 
 Exeunt DAUPHIN and SUITE to Chateau R.U.E. 
 
 RICH, (crossing to BRANCOIS) Pray entei- 'neath my roof, most 
 rev'rend Priest, and give my son his sight. 
 
 FRAN. I am but a man, like you and your's ; besides, my body's 
 bent with years, my hair's all blanch'd ; and seeing this, you'll 
 judge how little I can do for you. As man, I sympathise with human 
 woes, and old myself, I pity age's ills. Learn how to ondure them, 
 there's the antidote. Leave me, my friends, and soon my prayers 
 shall mingle with yonr own. 
 
 RICH, (to MARCEL.) Had I been a count or duke he would 
 have healed my son. 
 
 MARCEL, (to RICHARD) Aye, brought him back to life. He'll 
 cure the King. 
 
 RICH. Aye, by to-morrow, too. 
 
 MARCEL. But peasants are not worth a miracle. 
 
 Exeunt LADIES and PEASANTS, L.H. 1 H. 
 TRUMPET Enter NEMOURS and BURGUNDIAN KNIGHTS. 
 
 NEM. (to his SUITE) Gentlemen, I pray you precede me to the 
 castle. 
 
 Exeunt BURGUNDIAN KNIGHT'S to Chateau K.U.E.
 
 LOUIS XI. [Act I. 
 
 FRAN. Approach tny son. 
 
 NEM. Are we alone? 
 
 FRAN. Secret from all, but heaven ! 
 
 NEM. Father thou hast the ear of heaven. 
 
 FRAN. It is open to all. 
 
 NEM. Pray for me. 
 
 FRAX. For what? thy life ? Thou art still young. 
 
 NEM. But death is everywhere. 
 
 FRAN. Youth deems it distant it is full of hope. 
 
 NEM. And full of daring too so ftill more need for fear. 
 
 FRAN. Thy purpose? 
 
 NEM. Martyrdom. 
 
 FRAN. Speak ! 
 
 NEM. I may not. 
 
 FRAN. You contemplate some fatal plan ? 
 
 NEM. I but obey. 
 
 FRAN. Whose bidding ? 
 
 NEM. That of heaven, crying for vengeance, and for blood. 
 
 FRAN. Blood! 
 
 N EM . Will heaven be, complice of unshriven crimes ? 
 
 FRAN. His goodness waits, but still the reckoning comes though 
 late, yet sure. 
 
 NEM. Curse the assassin who must die the death. 
 
 FRAN. Servant of Him who died to pardon man, 1 know not 
 how to curse. 
 
 NEM. (kneels) Then bless me. 
 
 FRAN. Bless thee, my son ! my prayers go with thee, and may 
 they guide thee well we shall meet again hereafter farewell. 
 
 Exit I-.H. 2 E. 
 
 \KM. (rises) Aye, I shall precede thee thf re. Co, shrive the King, 
 <lo thine office his body perish, that's my care look to his soul, 
 that is thine. Now to beard this French wolf in his lair ! 
 
 Exit over Bridge. 
 
 SCENE II. A Room in the Chateau of Plessis-les- Tours. 
 MARIE alone, near a table, arranging flowers taken from a vase. 
 
 MAKIK. First, sacred box, then oak leaves I'll entwine; then these 
 ^wild roses, lilies, briars, too, of fragrant scent. Here's ivy from the 
 
 tombs No, that will scarcely suit a sick man's taste, for 'twonlrl 
 
 remind him of his coining death : some Sower of happier omen I 
 must find to place near France's royal fleur-de-lys. 
 
 Enter the DACPHIN, L.H. 1 E. 
 
 DAT. At length, Marie, we meet again. 
 MARIE. ( passing him) Pardon, my lord. 
 DAU. What! leave roe? 
 
 MARIE. The King has sent me to the chapel of our Lady, in the 
 wood, to give the order for a festival to-night.
 
 SCENE 2.] LOUIS XI. 9 
 
 DAU. Let's go together. 
 
 MARIE. Alone, I'll make more speed. An offering to our Lady of 
 Embrun, I bear with me to deck her festival ; and thither, on a 
 similar errand bent, our King himself repairs to ask her aid. 
 
 DAU. Now mark how fickle-minded is the King; this morn he 
 meant to have started in the park his favourite hounds, that he himself 
 has trained. He purposed too, to-morrow, to go forth and fly his 
 golden falcon, watch it pounce upon its quarry ; then, by torchlight, 
 chase the moping owls among our battlements; all useless tasks to 
 cheer his solitude : I pity him when mine's so easily amused. My 
 joys are everywhere ; in dreams at night, at cock-crow early, and 
 at dusky eve ; in every field I view, in the air I breathe, in thine 
 eyes too, Marie, that smile on me. 
 
 MARIE. My lord, at seventeen, all things give delight; older men 
 dread the future, not so, you. All things are bright to youth ; but 
 I must haste, for this fine day, and flowers, and village dance, will 
 cheer him on his holy pilgrimage. 
 
 DAU Alas ! note, dear Marie, did you but know it, I'm so unhappy. 
 
 MARIE. You? 
 
 DAU. And cause enough to be so. The love I bear my father he 
 rejects. 
 
 MARIE. What thoughts ! 
 
 DAU. Why, then, did he let my childhood pine away in yonder 
 dismal castle of Amboiso ? Uncared for, untaught, I scarce can 
 read : you know I can't and all I do know, you taught me. 
 
 MARIE. Hush ! 
 
 DAU. (taking a book from his bosom) But look what I have here. 
 
 MARIE. Heavens ! a book ? 
 
 DAU . Yes, of battles, tournaments : let's read it now. Do you cor- 
 rect me, if I make mistakes. 
 
 MARIE. Well, I'll stay awhile, (teuting hertelf near the table) 
 Now, begin. 
 
 DAU. (putting his book on her lap, arid sitting on an Ottoman at 
 her feet, reading as MARIE keeps her finger on the page) " The 
 Chronicles of France, written in the year " 
 
 MARIE. " The year of grace." Well. 
 
 DAU. ( puzzled) Figures these I'll skip. 
 
 MARIE. And good cause why. 
 
 DAU. " Accounts of tournaments and high exploits" " and how 
 a shepherd's daughter saved the land of France, and expelled the 
 enemy." I know : 'twas Joan of Arc. 
 
 MARIE. You've heard of her? 
 
 DAU. The King bestowed upon her honours, rank for Kings, you 
 know, can give whate'er they please ; while's I, poor child of France, 
 have nought to give. This ring alone is mine : take it. 
 
 MARIE. No, no. 
 
 DAU. And should I e'er be King by this pledge I give my royal 
 word there's not a title, treasure, in my gift, which I'll refuse you. 
 
 MARIE. Did I ask an exile's pardon ? 
 
 DAU. An exile you love him ! Give back the ring. 
 
 MARIE. I obey.
 
 10 LOUIS XI. [ACT I. 
 
 DAU. Keep it 'tis given: yes, 'tis thine. The Dauphin's word 
 the King will not forget. 
 
 Enter COMINE, L.H. 1 E. 
 
 COM. Your Highness, the King, commands your presence instantly. 
 
 DAU. The King (crosses to L.H.) I tremble in every limb what 
 can he want ? ' What have I done ? 
 
 COM. Courage, my Prince no need to fear to-day. Duke 
 Charles's envoy has to Plessis come, with all due pomp of heraldry 
 and Knights ; and Louis, bent on honoring his guest, requests your 
 Highness to present the Duke. 
 
 DAU. Aniaz'd I tremble like some guilty thing. Good heav'ns, 
 that son should need to fear his sire ! When I eee mine, I'm motion- 
 less and dumb ; I scarce endure the task: and when I sec his eyes 
 fixed on me through their half shut lids, as if to scrutinize and freeze 
 my soul, each kind affection shrinks abashed, and though I love, I 
 shuddering, kiss his hand. 
 
 COM. Dear Prince, let him not wait ? 
 
 DAU. I fly I would but overcome my terror, (to MARIE) Fare- 
 well to my minister of State ! 
 
 Exit L.H. 1 B. 
 
 COM. Marie, I'd be alone go wait me in the King's chamber. 
 MAKIB. On my finger see the pardon of Nemours ! 
 
 Exit R.H. 
 
 COM . The Count de Rethel must be bought. The King has by the 
 royal purse won more than by his sword. I am despatched to find 
 this Envoy's price, and in what coin it must be paid gold titles 
 lands ! 
 
 Enter OFFICER, L.H. 1 B. 
 
 OFFICER. The Count de Rethel. 
 
 Exit L.H. 1 E. 
 Enter NEMOURS, L. 
 
 COM. He i.> here ! Ah, Nemours ! 
 
 V EM. la this his living tomb ? 
 
 COM. Hush: here echo turns informer; walls have eyes. 
 
 .\ KM . Fit dungeon for a King ! Hard by, I've seen the bloody 
 trace of Tristan's work. There's not a tree but he has made a gibbe't 
 of it, and bows their branches down with carrion fruit. 
 
 COM. And you have crossed the threshold ? 
 
 NEM. Aye ! my secret's known to you and Coitier, and which of 
 you two will betray me ? 
 
 Con. Neither! 
 
 \EM. Could Louis recognise me ? No ! But once he saw me; 
 'twas on that fatal day, when, butcher-like, my brothers and myself he 
 forced beneath the scaffold reeking with our father's blood. 
 
 COM. Why sek then one so fatal to thy race ? 
 
 NEM. To board the dying tyrant ! 
 
 COM. Nemours!
 
 SCENES.] LOUIS XI. 11 
 
 NEM. I'm charged with words that shall whiten his cheek, and 
 make him quail. 
 
 COM. Beware ! 
 
 NEM. Let him beware. I'll make the regal monster pale, as he 
 made me, once. 
 
 COM. Hast thou forgotten Marie ? 
 
 NEM. Marie ! 
 
 COM. Listen, Nemours 'tis in your power to reconcile two princes 
 and their States, and end a civil war ; which act, too, would at once 
 restore you to your friends, your country all ! Yield, my son, the King 
 will pardon thee, forget 
 
 NEM. Forget ? What forget his crime ? The scaffold victim 
 what, forget that horrid scene ? Three prostrate children 'neath the 
 ensanguined block their parent's altar! Aye, there we were con- 
 ducted by his order there a I stood with face uplifted, as I heard 
 my father's falt'ring words, his last expiring pray'r, I felt what seemed 
 to be his tears that fell upon my brow no, no these eyes shed tears 
 no more ; no tears. 
 
 COM. Nemours ! 
 
 NEM. Twas blood, a cherished father's blood. Forget; he may 
 forget, aye, if he can, but I oh, never ! 
 
 COM. Hark, 'tis he away ! 
 
 NEM. Now to confront him then. 
 
 COM. Your grave is measured. 
 
 NEM. Be it so. Then see to it, I'll have no tears shed for me 
 none ! But such as my father wept, and those I'll make to flow. 
 Farewell. 
 
 Exit I,.H. 
 
 COM. He is lost. 
 
 Exit R.H. 
 
 SCENE III. The Throne Room. 
 
 The COURT discovered Enter Louis, preceded by the COUNT DK 
 DREUX, and followed by COITIER, OLIVER, KJUGHTS, and 
 CITIZENS. 
 
 Louis, (to DREUX.) Pacque Dieu ! look up ! Beware, fount, 
 or by the rood, if one more murmur or complaint I hear, I'll huvr> 
 my hand upon you ; then look to your soul, Heaven soilzie it, as 
 for your body, I'll provide for that. 
 
 DREUX. (R.) But I humbly beg 
 
 Louis. (L.) Deny it not lookup. Instead of two hundred golden 
 crowns, you've raised two thousand from these good folks. ( pointing 
 to the CITIZENS) You have robbed and plundered them and me by 
 no means the least of your crimes. Look at this dead King von so 
 despise : is he alive or not ? 
 
 DREUX. I pray you, Sire 
 
 Louis. I'm not so ill as men would make me out to be : some fire 
 stillgleams, when angry, in mine eye I live the ailing one's less pale 
 than thou ; though old, too, noble Sir. I'll outlive you and others 
 too I'm man enough for that. Whoe'w desire* to play a game like
 
 12 LOUIS XI. [Act I. 
 
 your's, his heart had better fail him, ere he try. Mine is the right 
 divine by heritage ; to me alone, unshared, it still belongs. You'll 
 find to touch that right is dangerous, and has been fatal to much 
 loftier men than thou proud vassals whom I forced to bow. Oliver, 
 you have seen those troublous times. 
 
 OLIV. (L.C.) Yes, Sire, and e'en this day you're still the same. 
 Louis. More numerous aye, and haughtier, too, than he. The 
 game was bloody, and the quarry high j my scythe mowed down the 
 thorns so near the root, 'twere vain to search which way it swept 
 along : it cut down Nemours sharply, it may be for an example ; 
 and, perhaps, again may do the like, (to DREUX) Hast thou got 
 brats like him ? Advance ! 
 
 DREUX. (terrified) Sire! (aside to COITIBR) For pity's sake 
 
 COIT. (L.H.) Sire, passion is dangerous. 
 Louis. True, but I am better since I saw that holy man. 
 COIT. Have faith in him then only. Is that eye of fury, and your 
 passion-bloated lip, of hia prescribing ? 
 Louis. Coitier ! 
 
 COIT. Oh, don't rail at me you're wrong. 
 Louis. Coitier ! ! 
 
 COIT. Yes, wrong, and I am right. Hold ! the mischiefs done 
 your colour's changed ! 
 Lnuis. What? 
 COIT. Aye ! 
 
 Louia. Well, I'll be calm ! 
 
 COIT. No suffer on ; aye, die, if such be your will ! 
 Louis, (to COITIER, aside) Peace ! (to DREUX) As for you, 
 what you have ta'en, give back within three days, as ransom for your 
 head; or else, convinced you little value it, I'll have the same cut 
 off, and (looking brick at COITIER) not in rage, for rage isdang'rous. 
 DEEUX. I submit 1 
 
 Louis. Well! Just such a game cost dear to Sieur Melun ! 
 he was a Count too same pride same fate; have a care 
 Tristan watches you ; and what I've said to one, I'll do to all. Now, 
 go. (DREUX retires up) 
 
 OLIV. Sire, the Envoys from the Helvetic Cantons wait. 
 Louis. Pacque Dieu! Begone with them! 
 OLIV. Not see them ? 
 Louis. No; I hate republics. 
 
 COM. (comes down R.H.) Sire, I venture to observe, you've re- 
 cognised their charter'd rights and liberty. 
 
 Louis. I know it. Freedom, ah ! an old word ! hated sound ; I 
 like it not. Liberty nick name for tyranny ! Free ! rustics, 
 peasants, chemois hunters, boors ! 
 
 COM. Their rights they know how bravely to defend. 
 I.i > i; is. What ! Would they have me take purt with them, against 
 my beloved cousin Burgundy, whose ambassador is here? No, no. 
 (aside to OLIVER) Treat with them. 
 OLIV. (aside, L.C.) How? 
 
 Louis, (aside) Give what you must, and promise them the rest. 
 OLIV. (aside) Enough.
 
 SCBWE 3.] LOUIS XL 13 
 
 Louis, (aloud) Banquet them and let me go. (aside) With our 
 French wine you may do much they are Swiss, and drink hard go 
 (to COITIEK, who is going up L.) Where goest thou ? 
 
 COIT. In yon banquet, Sire, I meant to take my part. 
 
 Louis. Sit at the head, Coitier; but pray be watchful o'er yonr 
 health. 
 
 COIT. Answer for yourself, I will do the like. 
 
 Louis. Indulgent to themselves heedless of others' ills ; such 
 are physicians. 
 
 COIT. Yes, and many more of whom your Majesty takes great ac- 
 count who preach, but do not practice, abstinence. 
 
 Louis. Go, scoffer! 
 
 Exit COITIER, R.U.E. 
 
 Well, Comine, whnt says yon Count ? 
 
 COM. He's incorruptible. 
 
 Louis. That cannot be. 
 
 COM. He spurned your gifts. 
 
 Louis. Because you didn't offer him enough. I'll treat with 
 him myeelf : admit him ! 
 
 COM. Sire, believe me, 'tis in vain do not receive him. 
 
 Enter MARIE R.U.E. 
 Louis. Begone ! 
 
 Exit COMINK R.U.B. 
 
 Well, Marie, hast thou been harvesting among the flowers? 
 
 MABIE. (R.) I call the neighbouring bushes to attest I have not 
 spared a bud. 
 
 Louis. What of yon holy man ? Hast seen his miracles ? 
 
 MARIE. Not one. 
 
 Louis. Ay, he reserves his power for me alone but go, my pretty 
 child, here come affairs of state. 
 
 Enter DAUPHIN R.U.E 
 
 DAU. (B.C.) Sire, the Envoy from Duke Charles, the Count de 
 Rethel, awaits an audience. 
 
 TRUMPETS. The KING ascends his Throne L.C. Enter 
 NEMOURS, COMINE, GOLDEN FLEECE, KING-AT-ARMS, 
 TRISTAN, and SUITE, a.u.B. 
 
 MARIE, (recognising NEMOURS) Ah! 
 
 Louis, (aside) Pacque Dieu ! Marie knows him. (to MARIE) 
 Go, child. 
 
 Exit MARIE R.U.B. 
 
 NEM. (R.) (aside) My body trembles with convuUive dread : 'tis 
 he, the murderer of my sire ! 
 
 Louis, (after reading the credentials presented by a kneeling 
 HERALD) Why thus confused, Sir Count ? Compose yourself. 
 
 NEM. (R.) Anger, as well as fear, will blanch the cheek. 
 
 Louie. Anger? for what?
 
 14 LOUIS XI. 
 
 [ACT I. 
 
 NEM. You shall learn. Know, Sire, that the High Lojd, Duke 
 Charles of Burgundy, first peer of France, and Sov'reign prince. 
 
 Louis. I know the States, of which I'm paramount to the 
 point ! 
 
 NEM. He charges you, then, King of France, with breach of faith. 
 You have espoused the quarrel of the Swiss, aided and succoured their 
 rebellion ; and while those rebels, Sire, defy our arms, you here receive 
 their chiefs within your walls. 
 
 Louis. I have not seen, and will not see them, Count. What 
 more? 
 
 NEM. The Lords of Brancas and Chabanne have, lance in hand, 
 surprised our citadels. 
 
 LODIS. The wrong be on their heads they both have acted 'gainst 
 my will. 
 
 \EM. The proof. 
 
 Louis. You shall have it. 
 
 NEM. Aye, Sire, 1 must, and more. 
 
 Louis. What? 
 
 NEM. Their punishment. 
 
 Louis. You exact too much I ought to hear their plea, ere I 
 'condemn. 
 
 NEM. (passionately) Your axe has, for a less crime, caused many 
 a nobler head to fall. 
 
 Louis, (rising} Whose mean you ? 
 
 NEM. At the last assize above your outraged judge will ihow 
 you whose I mean ! 
 
 Louis. Charles the Bold has an outspoken Envoy. His " nom- 
 de-guerre" was never more deserved. 'Tis well oh, very well : 
 proceed, proceed ! 
 
 NEM. I will. Know then, Louis ofValois, King of France, that 
 Charles, for the grievances this paper cites, demands full justice, 
 which denied, through me, he threatens in the name of France's 
 weal, the lions bold of Burgundy to loose. For every duchy, county, 
 fief, or right of which he's seized, as vassal to your crown, now he 
 acquits himself abjures his fealty, and declares himself the champion 
 of those saluted souls, whose blood thy ruthless hand has shed. 
 Those martyrs he invokes to aid his cause ; and now, as knight, as peer, 
 as prince, to single combat, dares thee to the field. So God defend the 
 right ! (throws down a glow) There's his gage, who lifts it ? 
 
 DAU. (starts forward from L., and picks up the glove) I, for 
 Valois and the lilies. 
 
 TABLEAU. 
 
 Louis. Stand back! give place! (advances) 'Tis well, Charles! 
 By the mass, a true son of France ! 
 
 DAU. (iiffecter) Father! 
 
 Louis, (coldly pushing away the DAUPHIN) Give place! Take 
 up the gauntlet, Golden Fleece : tte grasp of that young hand hath 
 honored it. (to CAVALIERS) Look you, gentlemen, the King is 
 outraged here, and you shall see how, as a King. I can repay, (to 
 NEMOURS) Count, take back this menace, and praise my clemency,
 
 SCEME3.] LOUIS XI. 15 
 
 which, for your fierce fidelity to him you serve, forgives your boldness : 
 Charles has a treasure in you ! I'll keep this writing we'll read it 
 lovingly as peacemakers should do. After our pilgrimage there to 
 the woodland chapel, let us meet as friends as Christian friends ; 
 forgetting trespass, and full of charity. 
 
 NEM. We meet, Sire, as King and Envoy ; my duty is obedience : 
 I shall be there. 
 
 FLODRISH. Exit NEMOURS and SUITE, R.U.E. Louis 
 signs to ALL to retire, and TRISTAN to remain at back of 
 Stage Exit DAUPHIN, GUARDS, and PAGES, L.H. 
 
 Louis. Good Comine, stay. 
 
 COM. (R.) Had you taken my advice, Sire, you would never have 
 admitted him. 
 
 Louis I rather love those who are rous'd to rage; better and 
 sooner I can read their minds. Burgundy I must calm by signing 
 this. His rashness, ere long, will prove his ruin. The worthy Campo 
 Basso, whom he loves, would sell him at a pinch, and sell himself; 
 for he's without his peer at treachery. My cousin's pride is sure to 
 make him fall ; to stop him on his way were impious, (after a 
 pause) My son an early age to be BO bold ! 
 
 COM. Worthy young ecion of his Sire : how quick he flew to un- 
 dertake so good a cause ! 
 
 Louis, (thoughtfully) Dangerous he would prove, should he 
 rebel. 
 
 COM. What, Sire ? 
 
 Louis. Too well, I know't ; for I, myself, know what a Dauphin 
 once did 'gainst his King. 
 
 COM. He's a good Prince. 
 
 Louis. Comine this Count de Rethel knows thy daughter? 
 
 COM. (astonished) He ! 
 
 Louis. Answer. 
 
 COM. I learned while she was at the Court of Burgundy, and I was 
 in France, he saw her, and and 
 
 Louis. He saw and loved her ? 
 
 COM. I think so, Sire. 
 
 Louis. He loves her, yet he's proof to bribery. Go go to my 
 chamber, (aside) I'll gather more from her. 
 
 Exit COMIHB, whom Louis locks in his closet. 
 
 Louis, (to TRISTAN, who it at back, K.H.) Hither ! 
 TRIS. I'm here. 
 Louis. Yet nearer nearer still. 
 TRIS. I'll listen with mine eyes speak low. 
 Louis. Well, I've forgiven this Chanticleer. 
 TRIS. So you said. 
 Louis. 'Tis true. 
 THIS. No doubt. 
 
 Louis. But if Heaven should decree some overthrow to Burgundy, 
 would it be right to let the Count bear off the treaty ? 
 TRIS. Both are in your power.
 
 16 LOUIS XI. 
 
 [ACT II. 
 
 LODIS. What d'ye mean ? violence ? to an ambassador ? Not 
 for my kingdom ! No, not here. 
 
 THIS. How then ? 
 
 Locis. An escort will attend him, when he leaves. 
 
 TRIS. To do him honour? 
 
 Louis. Aye, to do him honour. 
 
 TRIS. Who will command it ? 
 
 LODIS. Thou. 
 
 TRIS. Ah ! and bow shall I compose the troop ? 
 
 Louis. Of men, you know, right trusty men. 
 
 TRIS. Numerous? 
 
 Louis. More so than his. 
 
 TRIS. Of course to do him honour ! 
 
 Louis. And then, who knows but on the road Hark ! 
 
 BELL tolls. 
 
 What's that ? the Angelus ? (takes off his cap, and stands as if 
 in reverence TRISTAN imitates him BELL ceases he replaces 
 his cap) 
 
 Louis. Who knows but on the road He's proud. 
 
 TRIS. Most arrogant. 
 
 Louis. 'Twixt the two bands, a quarrel might ensue. 
 
 TRIS. It might. 
 
 Louis. It should. 
 
 TRIS. It shall. 
 
 Louis. Defend yourself. 
 
 TRIS. Trust me for that, 
 
 Louis. And so get back the treaty. 
 
 TRIS. But the Count ? 
 
 Louis. Not understand me yet? 
 
 TRIS. We must 
 
 Louis. ( patting him on the chin playfully) A smile! Ha, ha, 
 ha ! d'ye see me now ? eh, gossip eh ? 
 
 TRIS. I understand. 
 
 They go up towards R.U.E. and 
 
 END OF ACT THE FIRST. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE. A Forest At L.. the Chapel of our Lady vf the 
 Woods, with projecting and covered doorway, and steps leading up 
 to it On the H. side, a Rustic Seat at the foot of an old oak. 
 
 Music As the Curtain rises, RICHARD, MARCEL, DIDIER, 
 MARTHA, JULIE, and TRADESPEOPLE are discovered 
 The VILLAGERS are seen dancing in circle After dance, 
 they separate into various groups, R. and L., converging.
 
 ACT n.j LOUIS xr. 17 
 
 MAKTHA. (approaching MARCEL) Is the King better ? 
 
 MARCEL. So 'tis said who knows? 
 
 MARTHA. How long these Kings, Marcel, do linger ! 
 
 MARCRL. His berth's so good he's loath to leave it, wife. 
 
 JUL. Health is worth its weight in gold; and his, they say, costs a 
 good round sura to the Treasury. 
 
 DID. Aye, we've proof of that in tax-gatherers who plunder us. 
 
 MARCEL. Duties on everything e'en on our merriment. Now, 
 fun I dearly love ; but fun that's forced 
 
 MARTHA. To dance for pleasure's well; but at command 
 
 JUL. To please another when half dead with fear 
 
 RICH. (L.) The worst of taxes were to be preferred. 
 
 MARCEL. They're coming now to your places, (he sings) 
 
 DID. (to MARCEL) Here come some Scotch Guards. 
 
 Enter Two OFFICERS and Two SCOTCH GUARDS, L.H. -2 E. 
 
 TRADESMAN, (to one of the GUARDS) Good Sir, for pity's sake 
 pay me 
 
 MARCEL. Here's one of them been making free with something. 
 
 1st GUARD (to TRADESMAN) Not a denier. Were I to pay a Jew, 
 what would my Confessor say ? Off, miscreant ! ( pushes him aside, 
 find crosses to R.c. to MARTHA) A word, my pretty lass. 
 
 MARCEL, (interfering) But she's my wife. Sir. 
 
 1st GUARD. What matter? I'm one of the family, and I'll have 
 a kiss, (kisses MARTHA, and crosses to R.H.) 
 
 MARCEL, (taking off his cap and bowing) You do me uncommon 
 honour. . 
 
 1** GUARD. Thou ow'st the King's people a toll for that pretty 
 wife of thine, and now I've taken it. To-morrow we'll pay thfi- 
 another call. 
 
 Exeunt laughing, L.H. 
 
 MARTHA. They might have spared me that detested kiss, (wiping 
 her chettk) Nothing is sacred from these libertines. 
 
 DID.- They plague us woi'se than wind, or hail, or forest laws. 
 
 MARCEL. Aye, work away, get in your yearly crops, aye, just to 
 let them from their swallows nests, come swarming down, and scatter 
 terror, shame, and misery, where'er their fury lights. Hush, here's 
 Sieur Oliver. 
 
 PEASANTS pretend gaiety, and resume dancing, SfC. enter 
 OLIVER, R.H.U.E. 
 
 OLIV. (R.H.) So dancing singing well done! 
 
 MARCEL. Yon see, Monsieur, how happy we are all ! (crosses to 
 centre) 
 
 OLIV. I came on purpose to judge for myself; but let the fete pro- 
 ceed laugh, dance, and sing all heartily. You know I am the people's 
 friend. 
 
 MARCEL, (aside) Not long ago he was our village barber. 
 
 MARTHA. We took good care to do so ; for the Grand-Provost 
 has given us notice ; that, as noon struck, we were to be making
 
 18 LOUIS XI. [ACT II. 
 
 merry, and good Sieur Tristan hears of no excuse when he would 
 have us happy only look at us 
 
 OLIV. Tis bravely done ! Maybe the King will venture hither n 
 so fine a day. 
 
 DID. The King ! 
 
 MARTHA. Among us! 
 
 OLIV. Yes, surely ! Why, what ails the man ? 
 
 MARC. 'Tis joy, joy, Sir; and and the sudden shock the King. 
 
 OLIV. Well, fool ! hark you must try to amuse him, and gladden 
 his heart, by some song or story. Tell him he looks vastly well. 
 Eh ! Tell him all you think. 
 
 MARC. What, all? 
 
 OLIV. Why not ? 
 
 MARC. Well ; I'll complain o' th' people about the King. 
 
 MARTHA. Of the Scotch Guards I ! 
 
 DID. I, of the forest laws. 
 
 VILLAGER. And I 
 
 OLIV. Hold hard this boldness is too much. 
 
 MARC. Excuse me, Monseigneur, we think 
 
 OLIV. Good people think the King desires their good ! Say you 
 love him. 
 
 MARC. So we do. 
 
 OLIV. As sons should love a father. 
 
 MAKC. Just so. 
 
 OLIV. Well tell him so, when he comes : hush he is here. 
 
 ALL. Where ? (they tumble over each other in fright ALL 
 cross to L.H.) 
 
 OLIV. Thei-e, ( points) coming from the hermitage. 
 
 MARCEL. Eh ? what ? That pale, infirm old man the King ? 
 
 OLIV. Sing, dance quick ! But mind you do not recognise him. 
 
 The dance it resumed. 
 Enter Locis and TRISTAN, R.H.D.E. 
 
 During this and the following scenes, TRISTAN 'appears, 
 from time to time, as if on guard over the King. 
 
 Louis, (coming slowly forward, and falling exliausted on a 
 rustic neat, R.H.) The sunlight dazzles, and the mid-day heat 
 oppresses me. The air was lighter, purer, once. Climates have 
 changed. f 
 
 OLIV. (R., pointing to peasants) Sire, mingle with their sport. 
 You are not known here. Address them, (to PEASANTS) Approach. 
 
 Louis, (to MARTHA) Are you the farmer's wife ? 
 
 MARTHA. So I am, Sir, please ye. 
 
 Louis, (a* he contemplates her) Bounteous Nature ! How do 
 you contrive to keep such health, such blooming cheeks ? 
 
 MARTHA, (after a pause) I know not. We have it as Heaven wills. 
 'Tis natural, and visits us, methinks, as grass clothes fields, and 
 acorns grow in woods. Up at cock-crow, we commence our farming 
 toil, husband goes a-field wife at home, the work goes on, and
 
 ACT II.] LOUIS XI. 19 
 
 makes a frugal meal taste like a banquet. No bed is hard to those 
 who rise at dawn. Hard work, good appetite, good conscience too, 
 and sleep enough, such are our guides to health. 
 
 Louis. What! never sad? 
 
 MARTHA. Yes when bread is dear ! Still, in my chimney corner, I 
 can gaily sing, spite all my cares; for they who suffer gaily have 
 less grief; and there is none so poor, but that a poorer still is jealous 
 of his luck. 
 
 Louis, (to OLIVER) These humble folks find joy in everything. 
 Have you no ailments that require the doctors ? 
 
 MARCEL, (crossing to him) Not we! Doctors? No, no! 
 
 Louis. How's that? 
 
 MARCEL. I'm no such fool. They take your coin, and do no 
 good. Better to buy a cask of wine, mellow with age ; that's the 
 best medicine" and very fond I am of it. As for those doctors, they 
 only give you hopes ; and on one goes a-hoping, until some fine day 
 crack good bye we're gone ! 
 
 Louis, (rising) Thou fearest not death ? 
 
 MARCEL. I never give it thought, but think of vineyards, and of 
 harvest dream ; and, lacking comfort, whisper to myself, " Our little 
 Marcel is a fine, brave boy his mother's, father's pet. He grows 
 each year. I've had my time, and he'll have his, dear lad. We'll 
 save up well, that he may never want never regret our loss ; for 
 anyhow, sooner or later, sons their sires succeed." 
 
 Louis. The later, sure, the better. 
 
 MARCEL. Ves, of course. 
 
 OLIV. (aside to MARCEL, and over Louis' shoulder) Fool ! 
 
 MARCBL. Am I wrong? 
 
 OLIV. Phjsicians huve vast skill. 
 
 MARCEL. Twas of our village barber that I spoke ; (meaningly) 
 and all the world knows what these barbers are. 
 
 Louis, (laughing, and slapping OLIVER'S back) Here's one who 
 knows the secret of the trade better far than thee. 
 
 OLIV. (angrily to MARCEL) Why laugh'st thou, man? 
 
 MARCEL. What! I? Monseigneur just made a remark that I 
 thought funny, that was why I smiled. 
 
 Loo is. You call him Master Oliver le Diablo ! Is't not so ? 
 
 MARCEL. No. 
 
 Louis. You do. 
 
 MARTHA, (to MARCEL) 'Tis dangerous to say too much. Be 
 mum ! (crosses to R.) 
 
 Louis. Come; we're close friends. Pray tell me. 
 
 MARTHA. Wind and storm we may abuse, for neither doth one jot 
 our railing heed ; but with great men 'tis quite another thing; and we 
 must whisper close our lightest words, all's said is sure to reach 
 them ; and mayhap at morn we'll rue the laugh we had at night. 
 
 Louis, (to MARCEL) And in all truth, fearest thou not death ? 
 
 MARCEL. Why should I ? Yet I have feared it. Yes! I remem- 
 ber how rny heart failed me when I once beheld a bad man's funeral, 
 its priestly pomp the service and the burial chant ! I fancied 
 demons in the darkness round, hovering in waiting for their prey,
 
 20 LOUIS XI. 
 
 [ACT II. 
 
 which not e'en all the gold he loved so well, and earned so ill, could 
 purchase back. 
 
 Louis. Oh, agony! despair! torture! (crosses to R.H.) 
 
 OLIV. (aside to MARCEL) Fool ! 
 
 MARCEL, (not heeding) I was, I own; and yet I could not help 
 it : he was a murderer ! 
 
 Louis, (violently) Begone! (to himself) Death ! hell! (to MAR- 
 CEL) Begone! No come, tell me, wretch who bid thee thus 
 address me ? 
 
 MARCEL, (falling on his knees) Nobody. 
 
 Louis, (violently) You've been bribed to do it by whom? whom? 
 
 MARCEL. No, no 
 
 OLIV. (R.H., aside to Louis) Sire, Sire, command yourself. 
 
 MAR. (crosses to him) There's no malice in his jests pardon him. 
 
 Louis, (laughs faintly) Ha, ha! 'twaa nothing I was but jesting 
 with the fool, (to MARTHA) Is he your husband? 
 
 MARTHA. Aye. 
 
 Louis, (unbending again] Well, I'll pardon him, if you will tell 
 me one thing trne ; with that pretty face, those rosy cheeks, those 
 eyes, you have lovers in the village who are they ? 
 
 MARCEL. Name them all, Martha don't mind me. 
 
 MARTHA, (smiling) Well then, I've only one. 
 
 Locis. Who's that? 
 
 MARTHA. Yourself. 
 
 Louis. ( putting his arm round her waist) Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 MARTHA. Ha, ha ! 
 
 Louie. What me? an aged man ? 
 
 MARTHA. No, not so very old. 
 
 Louis. No, ha, ha! 
 
 MARTHA. You've a bright eye. 
 
 OLIV. (aside to MARTHA) Bravo ! 
 
 MARTHA. Yes, quite a rougiah air. 
 
 Louis. Ah, chuck ! ha, ha ! 
 
 MARTHA. A girl with you might rue her trust j and might I have a 
 wish, it would be this that, like you in humour and in face, our King 
 may look as young and hale as you. 
 
 Louis. As me? 
 
 MARTHA. Then, Sire, we all should be without a care, for you will 
 surely live a century. 
 
 Louis. A century ! 
 
 Here OLIVER slips a purse into her hand, which she shows 
 behind to the other PEASANTS, then crosses behind to the 
 KING, R. 
 
 Louis, (affected, to OLIVER) Oliver, d'ye hear d'ye hear? (to 
 MARTHA) Pardieu, my child! that King you wish so well (taking 
 her round the waist and heartily kissing her), that King that looks 
 *o hale, now kisses thee. 
 
 MARTHA, (kneeling) The King! 
 
 ALL. (kneeling) Long live the King !
 
 ACT II.] LOUIS XI. 21 
 
 Louis. Good people ! their joy goes to my heart. 
 
 OLIV. Because it comes from theirs. 
 
 Louis. Thanks, in the name of France and of myself, (to MAR- 
 THA.) Ah ! live a century ! (gives her money) Here and here. 
 (scatters money) Go and rejoice drink to my hundred years. 
 
 MARCEL. Aye, ten times o'er. 
 
 MARTHA. Aye, do ; and I shall tell them that I will that I had 
 two big kisses from the King. 
 
 Exeunt MARCEL, RICHARD, DIDIEH, MARTHA, 
 PEASANTS, <tc. L.H. 
 
 Louis, (c., with emotion) How sweet to be so loved ! 
 
 OLIV. (R.) 'Tis true. 
 
 Louis. A century ! I dare not hope it ; yet my horoscope so bodes. 
 
 OLIV. Is't possible ? 
 
 Louis. Oh ! Let me but live to level in the dust yon tyrant lords 
 of France, to see my vassal princes forced to pawn their jewels, 
 barons penniless, and dukes without broad lands to boast of, ruined 
 all : and all their power conjoined in me, to form one kingdom 'neath 
 one law the law of France, where all shall be people all, all 
 BUT ME! 
 
 OLIV. Heaven grant it so. 
 
 Louis. My cousin Charles once dead, then the well-beloved Dukes 
 of Burgundy shall be extinct for ever. Hold; apropos. Where 
 is Marie ? 
 
 OLIV. (pointing to the Chapel door, L.H.) There. 
 
 TRUMPET and CRIES of "Vive le Dauphin!" are heard. 
 Louis. What's that shouting ? 
 
 OLIVER crosses to L.H., and meets TRISTAN entering, who 
 informs him by action. 
 
 OLIV. Sire, the Dauphin now is passing through the hamlet, and 
 those shouts come from your loving people. 
 
 SHOUTS and CRIES repeated. 
 
 Louis. Still those shouts annoy mo : the Dauphin must bide his 
 time he's not king yet. Retire; he's here. 
 
 Exit OLIVER and TRISTAN into the Chapel, L.H. 
 
 Enter the DAUPHIN and Two PAGES, L.II. 
 
 Louis. What ails you ? why those tears? 
 
 DAU. All along my road the people greeted me with cries of welcome. 
 
 Loun. Splendid cause for happiness, these rustic shouts ! Be 
 advised, my son ; judge better of your late reception here 'twas I 
 that told them, paid them, to do this. 
 
 DA u. What, Sire, this joy ? was it at your commands ? 
 . Louis. At mine. Now profit by the lesson, Prince begone ! 
 To-morrow you return to Amboise.
 
 22 LOUIS xi. 
 
 [ACT II. 
 
 DAO. What have I done ? 
 
 Louis. You! what would you dare to do? what could you?Nothing. 
 
 DAU. Not even please you : but 
 
 Louis. Speak ! 
 
 DAU. It was a dream ! 
 
 Louis. Go on. 
 
 DAU. I dreamed, or hoped, that your arms, Sire, would open wide 
 to clasp me. I dreamed yon loved me ; but 
 
 Louis. Then you suppose I love you not ? I hate you eh ? 
 Ungrateful boy ! 
 
 DAU. Sire! 
 
 Louis. Thus men talk. Who told you so ? your uncle Orleans ? 
 (familiarly) Now, Charles, my son, be frank. In confidence tell 
 me their names. I will not punish them. I only wish to know. 
 
 DAU. Well, my uncle say 
 
 Louis. He says ? 
 
 DAU. That some day I shall reign o'er France, and ought to make 
 myself belovad. 
 
 Louis, (aside) The traitor ! (aloud) Does ha not say that, weak- 
 ened by disease, I must, ere long, but it's false In short, that 
 
 you have nought to do but seize the crown, which will ere long fall 
 of itself into your hands. The traitor lies ! lie lies ! Do I totter 
 'neath the load of all the fiefs of France ? 
 
 DAU. Oh, my father, how you wrong me ! Could I add my life 
 to yours, and so prolong your days, I'd give my life up willingly, 
 
 Louis, (taking away his hand, which the DAUPHIN hat taken 
 to kitt) Go ! 
 
 DAU. (about to go, returns, and weeping, buses the KING'S 
 hand) 
 
 LOUI.S. (affected, and aside) 'Tis a good boy ! Mayhap, though, 
 I'm deceived. 
 
 Louis, (crosses to R.H., and seats himself on bank). 
 
 Enter MARIE, from the Chapel, L.H. 
 
 DAD. (aside to MARIE) Adieu! and think of me. I leave to- 
 morrow, (he kisses her hand) Fare thee well ! 
 
 Exeunt DAUPHIN and PAGES, L.H. 
 
 MARIB. (looks compassionately after him) (seeing Louis) Par- 
 don, Sire. 
 
 Louis, (aside) 'Tis she! (aloud) Come hither,, child: how 
 beautiful thou art! here, sit near me. (shedoesso) So don't blush 
 were I a stripling now, I could say that would fetch a smile upon 
 your lip, but now what am I ? 
 
 MARIE. You are a great King, Sire. 
 
 Louis. Some brides and bridegrooms, whom I have made happy, 
 have told me so ; and now I think of it, I had all but made a match 
 for you myself. 
 
 MARIE. For me? 
 
 Louis. Aye, I had made out for you quite a long love-tale. Shall 
 I tell it you ?
 
 ACT II.] LOUIS Xi. 23 
 
 MARIE. Do, Sire, do. 
 
 LODIS. Listen, then. Once on a time, at the Court of Charles of 
 Burgundy, there lived a lovely maiden, who loved a young, noble, 
 and handsome cavalier. 
 
 MARIE, (anxiously) Proceed ? 
 
 Louis. You're interested ? 
 
 MARIE. Very. 
 
 Louis. Well, they were parted by an unhappy fate; but so fondly 
 did the young knight love hi* mistren, that he penetrated to the 
 
 Court of France, where she lived, in the disguise of What 
 
 think ye ? 
 
 MARIE. What, Sire ? 
 
 LOUIB. An envoy. Ha! 
 
 MARIE. An envoy, Sire ? You jest. 
 
 Louis. 'Tis but a tale let me go on. I did suspect his love, and 
 taxed him with it he nobly owned his passion. 
 
 MARIE. And you, Sire? 
 
 Louis. Consented to bestow the maiden's hand upon him. 
 
 MARIE. On him ! on him ! 
 
 Louis. On whom ? 'tis but a jest a tale : you're not in love. 
 
 MARIE, (frightened) Oh, Sir! who hat betrayed him ? 
 
 Louis. Who ! Your own father. 
 
 MARIE. He told you? 
 
 Louis. Yes all. 
 
 MARIE. He named him ? 
 
 Louis. Ay. 
 
 MARIE. You spare his life ? forgive ? 
 
 Louis. I do. 
 
 MARIE, (transported with joy) Nemours! (rise* and crosses toe.} 
 
 Louis, (ruing in triumph aside) It is Nemours ! So, to, so ! 
 
 MARIE. Oh, moment full of happiness, of triumph ! Let me set 
 him dry his tears, and share his pleasure. 
 
 LOUIB. No, no ; not yet. 
 
 M ARIE. Why not ? If chance should this way guide his steps 
 
 Louis, (shaking his finger playfully) Chance ? 
 
 MARIE. Well then No, I ought to tell you all. I'm pledged 
 
 to meet Nemours, here, now, at his desire. 
 
 Louis. Hush ! poor Nemours believes himself unknown : for 
 weighty reasons let him think so still. Mind, promise me, Marie, by 
 his life, which rests upon your silence. 
 
 MARIE. I will! I will ! 
 
 Louis, (crossing to L. aside) Nemours ! A word from me, he 
 dies Shall I speak that word ? Tristan ! 
 
 TRIS. (comes down L.H.) 
 
 Louis, (to MARIE) I'll leave you here, (kisset her) My child, 
 farewell ! ( pointing to the image of the Virgin) She watches you. 
 
 Exeunt Louis and TRISTAN info the Chapel, L.H. 
 
 MARIE. How sweet to me that kiss! 'tis mercy's pledge! But 
 ah ! this unexpected joy's too great. Let not my eyes play tell-tale 
 upon my heart. Oh, heaven! I tremble, smile, and weep at once with 
 vast excess of joy. He comes !
 
 24 LOUIS XI. [Acx II. 
 
 Enter NEMOURS, R.H. 2 E. 
 
 MARIE. Nemours ! 
 
 NEM. Marie! at last we meet ! 
 
 MARIE. In your own land, beneath the sky of France. 
 
 NEM. Which onca beheld my sufferings. 
 
 MARIE. Hope. 
 
 NEM. For death ? 
 
 MARIE. No, no ; an angel whispers me all will yet be well. 
 
 NEM. More beautiful than ever ! 
 
 MARIE. Absent, then, you still thought of me. 
 
 NEM. Sweet Marie ! 
 
 MARIE. When I was gathering in the dew the offering which 
 I have on the altar placed the flowers, which leaf by leaf my fingers 
 culled, told of your true love and faith for me, dear Nemours. 
 
 NEM. Your loving words fall strangely on my ear: their warm 
 affection daunts my very hate. 
 
 MARIE. Why hate, dear Nemours? it is so very sweet to love! 
 The King's not steelel against all sympathy ; all's possible, and in 
 my wondrous bliss I think all good ; I can nought foresee that does 
 not beam with hope. Thy good alone I can predict. Nemours, dost 
 thou remember that summer's evening when thy avowal told me of 
 thy love ? 
 
 NEM. It was beneath a solitary cross. 
 
 MARIE. My downcast eyes counted my rosary ; but yet I heard. 
 You recollect it all ? 
 
 NEM. Could I forget ? No, Marie ; once more I am beside thee, 
 but soon, too soon to part; for exile seems my doom. Lands I have 
 none, my heritage is gone, e'en from my father's roof perforce ex- 
 pelled, I'm foreigner in this my native land. As I came hither, I 
 passed those walls, the cradle of my infancy. Sad, seared at heart, I 
 heard the rippling brook murmur around those ivy'd battlements. 
 How oft beneath the beechen avenue, which shaded once my ancestors, 
 did I incline to hear the brawling of those rills ! The axe has felled 
 those well remembered woods the castle is in ruins the court-yard's 
 green with weeds ; and ivy, briar too, ti'ergrows its once so hospitable 
 door, which way-worn pilgrims now approach in vain. My father's 
 portrait from the wainscoat torn, lay in a corner, 'midst the rubbish 
 piled ; none of the servants knew their master's heir, no, none, but 
 the old house-dog on the hearth, and he raised up his head to lick 
 my hand. My home ! It rather seemed to be my tomb ! 
 
 MARIE. No, Nemours, no ; still in that princely manor-house your 
 numerous vassals may their mistress bless, kiss her white mantle, and 
 between them part the nuptial flowers fallen from her hair. Happy 
 we yet may be, if we, on bended knees before that shrine, by holy 
 benisons shall wedded be. 
 
 NEM. Thou art my guardian angel, beauteous Marie; and yet me- 
 thinks thy words are like a lover's tale traced on the sea shore 
 destined soon to be effaced by the coming tide. 
 
 MARIE. Oh ! could I, dare I speak ! 
 
 NEM. Marie!
 
 ACT II.] LOUIS XI. 25 
 
 MARIE. No, no, I may not; but silence is torture. Hush ! they 
 como ! they come ! (looking at the Church) I've nothing said. 
 
 Enter PEASANTS from behind Chapel, L. 3 E., and group 
 
 L.H. 1 E. BURGUXDIAN KNIGHTS, BANNERS, and 
 
 HERALDS enter, R.H. 3 E., and range down R.H. 
 FRENCH KNIGHTS, HERALDS, BANNERS, and ARCHERS 
 enter, L.H. 3 E., and range across the bach Louis, sup- 
 ported by OLIVER and TRISTAN, comes from Chapel, dou-n 
 steps towards c., followed by PAGES and NOBLES, and 
 range across L. of c. FRANCOIS DE PADLE stands on 
 fteps of Chapel, attended by CARDINAL and PRIESTS. 
 
 Louis. Here hatred dies, a King forgives : it is his dearest pri- 
 vilege. I love my people, and for their sake I have yielded, not to 
 the haughty menace of my foe. Here is tho treaty : let it be done 
 with all solemnity and worthy saintly presence, (gives parchment to 
 COMINE) 
 
 FRAN, (on the steps of the Chapel-porch between Two PRIESTS, 
 one holding a shrine, the other a cross) My son, I am but a simple 
 man, living apart from the world, from Courts; but oft in cottages 
 their humble mourning proves me this sad fact that kings gain less 
 by brilliant victories, than subjects lose by rapine and the sword. 
 King, 'tis your privilege, and duty, too, not to divide, but to unite 
 mankind I am most ready to record so blest a pledge. 
 
 NEM. (R.) For the Duke Charles that treaty signed, he asks no 
 more, but in oblivion buries all his wrongs. 
 
 Louis. To Charles of Burgundy I here engage my faith, and swear. 
 
 Enter the DAUPHIN, DUNOIS, DB LUDE, and TORCT, and ARMED 
 FOLLOWERS, L.H. 1 E. 
 
 DAU. (running to the KING) My father! 
 
 Louis. How ? 
 
 DAC. Sire, pardon me ; news has just arrived, Duke Charles, your 
 enemy 
 
 Louis. My enemy! what now? Charles, my ally my brother. 
 
 DAU. He's vanquished. 
 
 Louis. What, what, what, what? 
 
 DAU. His army is defeated. 
 
 NEM. Charles the Bold? 
 C.OUIS. Art sure of this? 
 
 DAU. The Sieurs De Torcy, Sire, Dunois, and De Lude, received 
 the news. One of his lieutenants has betrayed his cause, and all is lost . 
 
 NEM. False reports. The Duke of Burgundy 
 
 DAU. Is dead. 
 
 Louis. The proof? 
 
 DAU. 'Tis here, (giving ditpatches to the KING) 
 
 NEM. \Vhat! vanquished ? dead ? No, no; whatever they say, 
 I Count de Rethel, on my life maintain 'tis false ! 
 
 Louis. 'Tis true, Duke of Nemours. 
 
 DAU. Nemours !
 
 26 LOUIS xi. 
 
 [ACT III. 
 
 Enter FRENCH and SCOTCH GUARDS, R.H., led by OFFICERS 
 They range down Stage R.c. 
 
 Louis. As true as that thou art a perjurer, impostor, spy ! guilty 
 of high treason to thy King, and falsehood. Ho ! arrest him ! 
 
 TRUMPET. 
 NEST, (drawing his sword) A Burgundy ! A Burgundy ! (to the 
 
 BURGUNDIAN KNIGHTS) 
 
 Louis. St. Denis for France ! (to FRENCH KNIGHTS) 
 
 BCRGUNDIANS form a semi-circle round NEMOURS, R.H., 
 with their backs to Audience, and weapons raised Louis 
 shields himself among his NOBLES, KNIGHTS, and PAGES, 
 i.e., who advance one step, swords drawn FRANCOIS 
 takes the Cross from the bands of one of the PRIESTS, 
 and advances c. between the opposing parties. This is a 
 simultaneous movement. TABLEAU. 
 
 FRAN. Hold! in the name of heaven, whom ye insult ! 
 
 NEM. (lowering his sword, as also do his FOLLOWERS) Back, 
 Gentlemen ! (they do to) If Charles should triumph still, the 
 terror of his name will be my guard, and better far than all your 
 trusty swords; if he's no more, I'd rather die alone, (throws his 
 sword at the KING'S feet to Louis) To reach thee, King, per- 
 force I did dissemble, and what I undertook I'll answer else- 
 where ; now, consign me to the headsman of my sire, as one prey 
 more to glut thy appetite. 
 
 Louis, (making a sign to TRISTAN to take away NEMOURS) 
 Grand Provost, let his trial be to-day, his doom to-morrow. 
 
 MARIE, (kneeling L.H.) Pardon, Sire, pardon ! 
 
 Louis. Away ! his doom is sealed ! 
 
 TRISTAN and SCOTCH GUARDS advance down Stage, R.c. 
 NEMOURS places himself prisoner between them, and is 
 conducted off", R.H. At the same time, BDRGUNDIANS 
 and their PAGES make a movement up, and exit R.U.E . 
 PEASANTS exit, L.H. 1 E. ; CARDINAL and PRIESTS, L.H. 
 
 FRAN. (R.H.) Oh, King, be merciful! 
 
 Louis. Had he done nought but outrage me, I might; but to come 
 here before thee, an impostor, to deal with sacred things and yet with 
 
 insult No, I will avenge thy outraged ministry, I will, as Jfm 
 
 the most Christian King. 
 
 FRAN. At least let me absolve him. 
 
 Locis. Do; the guiltier he is the more he needs thine aid yes, go. 
 
 FRAN. Wilt thou not think of thyself, my son ? 
 
 Exeunt FRANCOIS and Two PRIESTS, R.H. 
 
 Rf-enter FRENCH GUARDS and their OFFICER, R.H. They range 
 
 across the back of Stage. 
 
 Louis, (after watching FRANCOIS DE PACLE out, returns in a 
 transjtort of joy and triumph) Montjoie and St. Denis ! Dunois, the
 
 SCENB 1.] LOUIS XI. 27 
 
 trame is ours! Upon Peronne fly with six thousand lances! ToBurguu- 
 dy, Torcy ! Let the province of Artois become France in a month ! To 
 horse. Dammartiti ! down upon Flanders ; take it, rend, tear, and 
 share it among ye. To horse, I say, and ride for Burgundy ; take 
 my inheritance before the bold Charles has bequeathed it to me. (to 
 CARDINAL D'ALLY) In the night, Cardinal, let two state messages 
 be sent ; one with six thousand crowns and a letter to the Pope's 
 Legate, another with thirty thousand to the Pope himself: his Ho- 
 liness has but to consecrate my rights. Share we the spoils, Chevaliers ; 
 
 now, to horse But stay, (turning to the rest assembled) The 
 
 noble Duke is dead, Gentlemen he made me at Peronne pass three 
 such nights as I never shall forget he was my foe. (mildly) But all 
 resentment ends with death he was a great man, was our cousin. 
 (takes off his cap ALL do the same) The Court will wear full 
 mourning for a mouth. TABLEAU, and 
 
 END OF ACT THE SECOND. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. The King's Bedchamber. Two doors at the wings 
 A prie-dieu L.C., and above it a cross, hung up against the 
 wall A window, with bars across it, L.H. ; moonlight s:n 
 through Curtains half closed, concealing a bed in recess, c. 
 A chimney and a fire R.H.2 E. Table, covered with handsome 
 velvet cloth, U.H.U.E. Table R.C., on which is a night 
 lamp of crimson stained glass, hour glass, illuminated missal, 
 crucifix, jewelled dagger, rosaries, $c. Large arm-chair c. 
 Footstool, and 4 smaller chairs Lights r>ff Red mediums on. 
 Key in door H.H. 
 
 Enter NEMOURS and CoiTiER,/rom door L.C.E. 
 
 COIT. Come in. Here, for a moment, we may rest, (embraces 
 him) 
 
 XEM. (L.) GoodCoitier! 
 
 COIT. (R.) Let me look well upon you, dear Nemours child 01 
 my benefactor ! 
 
 NEM. Whose fate I shall share. 
 
 COIT. By heaven, thou shall not die ! No! 
 
 NEM. (pressing his hand, and looking round) How ran I escape 
 my doom ? See those bars and iron doors ! 
 
 COIT. 'Tis the King's chamber. 
 
 NEM. This dungeon !
 
 LOUIS XI. [ACT HI. 
 
 COIT. See ! a crucifix a missal, relics used by his hands, and 
 frantically kissed (shoics him a dagger) a weapon which he dares 
 not touch curtains behind which fear still seeks him out, in vain 
 he hides, a hideous arm draws them aside and presses on his heart. 
 He would speak with yon, and bade me bring you here. 
 
 NEM. See me 1 and here? What would he with me ? 
 
 COIT. He bade me sound you, and prepare you for this interview. 
 You may yet obtain a pardon. 
 
 NEM. How? 
 
 COIT. Be useful. 
 
 NEM. To him? 
 
 COIT. Burgundy is his aim. He covets it with the longing of one 
 pregnant with death, he yearns for it with all the petulance of 
 second childhood. So I declared you could win it for him. 
 
 NEM. You, Coitier you? 
 
 COIT. The people nobles army all love you ! You can secure 
 the votes of the assembled States, or at a castle's gate obtain the 
 keys. 
 
 NEM. What! shall I turn traitor to my benefactor ? For whom? 
 The butcher of my family ? 
 
 COIT. Nemours, for Coitier's sake for thine old servant save 
 thy dear life, Nemours ! 
 
 NEM. No, Coitier, I would sooner die than do thy will ! 
 
 COIT. You are resolved ? 
 
 NEM. I am. 
 
 COIT. See this dungeon ! this is my abode ; but all the gold the 
 King could give me would have failed to secure my services, had he 
 not granted me the privilege of freedom. I alone have right to go 
 and come, and pass the sentinels unquestioned. Here is the talisman 
 this master-key, take it (giving the key) it gave me liberty 
 it now gives liberty to thee. 
 
 NEM. But, Coitier, his rage will fall on you. 
 
 COIT. Perhaps. 
 
 NEM. Your head will answer it. 
 
 COIT. No, he's ill, and cannot do without me. Away ! Take 
 this dagger descend the vaulted stair ; at the foot you'll find a door 
 use that key, a passage leads beneath the moat, and then 
 liberty, my son liberty ! Away ! I fear the King's arrival ! Fly ! 
 I'll h.iSto below, and stop him, if I can. 
 
 Exit L.H.D. 
 
 NEM. (coming to the front, after shutting the door of COITIER'S 
 room, R.H. 1 B. raising the dagger) Now he's in my power! Oh, 
 Fate, this is thy work ! He's in my power ! the weapon in my 
 hand ! Assemble here, ye spectres of his victims ! Rise, ye headless 
 crew, and stand about ! my father first ! There ! yonder ! wait 
 around that bed, his bed of torture the altar of revenge and 
 justice! Hush! they come! Away! Hush! hush! (he hide* 
 behind the curtains) 
 
 Enter Louis, supported by COITIER and COMINE, MARIE, 
 TRISTAN, FODB SCOTCH GUARDS, and OFFICERS, L.H.
 
 SCENE 1.] LOUIS XI. 29 
 
 Louis. How dark the night is, and how cold ! I tremble ! 
 COIT. (leading him to thejire, R.H.) There warm yourself. 
 Louis, (joyfully) A fire ! But Nemours what said he ? 
 COIT. (making him sit) Sit there ! 
 Louis. The sun is not so sweet ! Fire ? 'tis life ! 
 
 Distant Organ and Chaunt. 
 What sounds are those ? 
 
 MARIE, (on his L.) Tis from the Chapel, where they are watch- 
 ing praying that heaven may show some mercy to your suffering 
 form, and the north wind abate ere morn arrives. 
 
 Louis, (looking at her) Thou dost mine eyes good ! Blooming 
 flower of youth, how beautiful thou art ! Come smile ! 
 
 COM. (c,, aside to MARIE) Obey, Marie ! 
 
 MARIE, (weeping) I would I could. 
 
 Louis. Tears ! Begone, or calm thy grief, I can save him yet. 
 
 COIT. Follow my advice, (going towards the bed, c.) To bed, Sire. 
 
 Louis. No, Coitier, not until I see Nemours, (to TRISTAN) Go, 
 fetch him, Tristan. 
 
 TRIS. He is not in my charge. Sentence once pronounced, I wished 
 to finish what I had begun. 
 
 MARIE, (to COMINE) Heaven ! 
 
 COM. (aside) Hush ! 
 
 Louis, (to COITIER) True, I forgot, I bade you bring him here. 
 
 COIT. I could not persuade him to come. 
 
 Louis. J could. 
 
 COIT. (coming down c.) No, I think not. 
 
 Louis. No? 
 
 COIT. He'd have defied you, and you'd have slain him. 
 
 Louis. Well. 
 
 COIT. So I've saved him. 
 
 Louis. Saved? And hast thou dared to brave me, wretch? (to 
 TRISTAN) And has he too escaped thy vigilance ? Which road did 
 he take ? Quick, Tristan ! 
 
 TRIS. (crosses to L.H.) 
 
 COIT. Save yourself the trouble, he's beyond your reach. 
 
 Louis, (rises) Begone ! dead or alive I'll have him away ! 
 
 Exit TRISTAN, L.H. 
 
 MARIE. For my sake, no for I revealed his name pardon, 
 pardon ! 
 
 Louis, (to COMINE) Away with her! 
 
 COM. (leading her off L.H. 1 E.) Come, come. 
 
 Louis. (R., pointing to COITIER) For him, that traitor, death 
 to-morrow. 
 
 COIT. (c.) Strike to-day ; but of your after sufferings have a care 
 I give you but a week to live. 
 
 Louis. Well then, I'll die and yet I will, (to the GUARDS) 
 
 Retire! (they retire L.D.U.E.) (to COITIER) Coitier, stay, (throws 
 himself into an arm-chair, c.) Oh! I'm a wretched man! 
 
 Exeunt ALL but COITIER and Louis-
 
 30 LOUIS XL [ACT III. 
 
 Think not to escape the destiny your due 'twill come I'll 
 crush you ! 
 
 COIT. (L.) So you have said already. 
 
 Louis. Your learning may deceive the vulgar crowd, not me your 
 art, your cares, I laugh at them. Of what avail are they to me? 
 I'll do without you and live just as long I will. Yes, traitor, yes; the 
 saint, whom I expect, can with a single word resuscitate my strength. 
 
 COIT. Indeed ! Speed him here. 
 
 Louis. While thou, deprived of light and air, confined within an 
 iron cage, shalt from between thy prison bars look out, and see my 
 new youth laughing at thy rage, (rises and crosses to R.H.) 
 
 COIT. Agreed ! 
 
 Louis. Ay, ay ! 
 
 COIT. It may be so. 
 
 LODIS. (melting) False friend! Ah, Coitier, ungrateful ! 
 
 COIT. Twas to avoid that charge I saved Nemours. I owed all to 
 his father, and should deem it base to forget all former kindness. 
 
 Louis. But my kindness, mine; that you have betrayed. Gold 
 I o'erload you with your hands are full what more did Nemours 
 to be so beloved ? 
 
 COIT. What did he ? why, he gave me all his heart : you, what 
 claim have you to love? Thank heaven we do but traffic. Let's 
 understand each other ; you give from fear, I take from interest I 
 sell, you purchase ; 'tis a contract ; and where heart's not, there's no 
 ingratitude. Kings think that gold can purchase everything ; you 
 pay a courtier or a servitor : friends, Sire, we love ; and, though their 
 salary were merely one kind look, one grateful word, one pressure of 
 the hand, one kind embrace, they feel they're paid, but do not sell 
 themselves. 
 
 Louis, (caressingly) Good Coitier, I will love thee aye, I do. 
 
 COIT. Yes, for yourself. 
 
 Louis. No, not from, selfishness my suffering is extreme, I do 
 admit, but Francois may to-morrow give me health but as a simple 
 friend I here extend my hand. 
 
 Enter OLIVER, L.H.D. 2 E. 
 
 OLIV. Francois de Paule, Sire, waits an audience. 
 Louis. Admit him. 
 
 Enter FRANCOIS DB PAULE, L.H. 
 
 (to FRANCOIS, showing COITIER) See, my father, he has braved 
 his king, yet I pardon him. (to COITIER) Retire ! (conducting him 
 to his room, R. 1 E.) On a friend's faith sleep thou in quietude, (aside, 
 R.H., after shutting his door) Ah, traitor ! shouldst thou useless e'er 
 become ! (signs to OLIVER to retire) 
 
 Exit OLIVER, L.H.D. 
 We are alone. 
 
 FRAN. Alone? 
 
 Louis, (prostrating himself) I tremble at thy feet with hope 
 and tear.
 
 SCENE 1.1 LOUIS XI. 31 
 
 J 
 
 FRAN. Rise up, my son. 
 
 Louis. No, let me kneel ; and, bowing thus my head unto the 
 ground, kiss e'en the spot thy holy feet have trod. 
 
 FRAN. Arise, I say. 
 
 Louis. The gift I ask for is so great, I can't enough humiliate 
 myself to beg it. 
 
 FRAN. What would you ? 
 
 Louis. All's possible to thee men's ailments vanish at thy sove- 
 reign will hear my prayer. See this aged, tottering frame ; restore 
 my health, efface the lines of age, extend thine hand, and bid me 
 live again. 
 
 FRAN. You rave ! 
 
 Louis. Ten years at least, my father grant ten years, and I'll 
 heap on thee honours twenty-fold. See, I have relics of the saints. 
 I'll give them to thee for these twenty years ; aye, twenty say. 
 Rome, which has power to multiply the saints, would canonize and 
 
 rank thee 'mongst the blest, amongst What do I say ? above 
 
 them all. In thy name great cathedrals will I found 
 
 FRAN. King, heaven permits not this feeble worm even to know, 
 much less to change, the laws of Nature, and to assume such power 
 is blasphemy. 
 
 Louis. I'm growing tired of this : come, do thy duty, monk exert 
 for me thy supernatural powers or, if need be, I'll have resort to 
 force. I'm king the holy oil has touched my brow. 
 
 FRAN. I fear me, King, that in your heart remorse is like a burn- 
 ing wound kept fresh by crime, and dragging slow your body to its 
 grave. 
 
 Louis. Priests have absolved me. 
 
 FRAN. Vain hope ! True penitence alone can wash your stain 
 away. 
 
 Louis. Shall I find grace ? 
 
 FRAN. Heaven grant you may. 
 
 Louis. You promise it if I confess? Listen then, and to thee I'll 
 tell that which has never reached the oar of man. 
 
 FRANCOIS seats himself in large chair c., and the KING 
 stands with his hands joined. 
 
 FRAN. WLat hast thou done 1 
 
 Louis. It was rumoured that the fear the Dauphin caused the 
 late King hastened him to heaven. 
 
 FRAN. A son abridge his aged father's life! 
 
 Louis. I was that Dauphin ! 
 
 FRAN. You? 
 
 Louis. But his weak rule would have ruined France, State in- 
 t crests. 
 
 NEMOURS is seen to open the bed curtains and look forth 
 occationally, at intervals, during this scene. 
 
 FRAN. Confess, bad son. Do not excuse thy faults. 
 Louis. I had a brother, who by poison died !
 
 32 LOUIS XL 
 
 [ACT III. 
 
 FRAN. By your order ? 
 
 Louis. Some suspected so. 
 
 FRAN. Heaven! 
 
 Louis. If those who said it was my deed had fallen in by 
 power 
 
 FRAN. 'Tis true ? 
 
 Louis. His ghost, from out his coffin walking forth, could alone 
 with impunity betray me. 
 
 FRAN. 'Tis true, then? 
 
 Louis. But he was a traitor, and deserved it. 
 
 FRAN. Murderer fratricide tremble ! 
 
 Louis, (falling on his knees) I do ! 
 
 FRAN. Repent! 
 
 Louis, (dragging himself toward! FRANCOIS, and clutching his 
 clothes) Be merciful ! See, kneeling, I deplore another crime ! 
 Nemours he had conspired, his crime, at least, was proved ; but 
 at his death, beneath the scaffold his three weeping sons were placed. 
 
 FRAN. Barbarian ! 
 
 Louis. Victims unnumbered I hare put to death. Captives e'en 
 now far, far below these floors groan out forgotten lives. 
 
 FRAN. Since these are wrongs which thou canst still repair, come. 
 
 Louis. Whither? 
 
 FRAN. To release them. Haste haste and save thy soul ? 
 
 Louis. And risk my crown as king ? I cannot ! No. It is 
 enough that I repent. The Church has pardons which a king can 
 buy. 
 
 FRAN. Ood sells not his, it must be merited. 
 
 Louis. I am bewildered, I can say no more ! 
 
 FRAN. Unhappy man, appease the torture of thy guilty soul ! An 
 act of mercy may give back thy sleep and some, at least, will bless 
 thy waking hours. 
 
 Louis. I'll see about it. ( peevishly) 
 
 FRAN. Heaven will not wait. 
 
 Louis. To-morrow ! 
 
 FRAJJ. Ere to-morrow, death may seize, this night this instant ! 
 
 Louis. No, I am too well enclosed, and too well defended. 
 
 FRAN. Adieu, then, murderer f (going) 
 
 Louis. Father, stay ! 
 
 FRAN. Weep pray and not with words, pray with your deeds ! 
 Atone the past ! Farewell ! 
 
 Exit, having lingered for a moment, L.H. 1 B. 
 
 Louis. He's gone! Yes! Who will extend a helping hand to 
 me, for rescue from the abyss in which I'm plunged ? I'll pray, 
 he bade me ; weep, too, if I can ! (kneels on his prie-dieu K.C., 
 places his hat before him, and prays to a small image of the Virgin 
 hanging to his coat) 
 
 XBM. (opening the curtains c., and standing still, with dagger 
 in hi* hand, watching Louis) No shriving time my father he 
 allowed !
 
 SCENE 1.] LOUIS XI. 33 
 
 Hautboit heard in the distance, playing the tune to which 
 the Peasants had danced. 
 
 Louis, (rising) What do I hear ? (approaches window L.H. 
 MOONLIGHT) Their merry dancing o'er, the village peasants travel 
 home. Ah ! happy mortals ! Gentle sleep is theirs. They slumber 
 onj but I (turns from window advances to chair c, teet 
 
 \EMOURS) Ha ! 
 
 NUM. (R.) Silence ! 
 
 Louis. I'm dumb! 
 
 NEM. Not a cry! 
 
 Louis. No ! 
 
 NEM. Thy guards defend thee well. 
 
 Louis. Nemours, what would'st thou ? 
 
 NEM. Vengeance ! 
 
 Louis. Judge not in passion. 
 
 NEM. I am not thy judge ! 
 
 Louis. And who is, then ? 
 
 NEM. My father! 
 
 Louis. Thou, Nemours ? 
 
 NEM. M/ father! 
 
 Louis. Thou alone ! 
 
 NEM. My father! 
 
 Louis. He would slay me. 
 
 NEM. Thon'st judged thyself. 
 
 Louis. Be merciful. 
 
 NEM. Wertthou? 
 
 Louis. Oh, hear my prayer. 
 
 NEM; Do'st recollect his prayer to thee this last appeal ? 'tis 
 here, (showing him a scroll tied with silk, taken from his breast) 
 
 Louis. I ne'er received. 
 
 NEM. Which was by thee rejected. 
 
 Louis. Not by me, Nemours. 
 
 NBM. And which, when dead, we found upon his heart , my only 
 heritage : behold it, King ! it is thy death warrant. Impostor, 
 see : behold and read ! 
 
 Louis. Forgive. 
 
 NBM. Beneath this dagger, read to whet thy memory. 
 
 Louis. I cannot. 
 
 NBM. 'Neath the axe he well could write ; read, ai he wrote. 
 
 Louis. I cannot : no, I die. This dagger, which I shun, and 
 which thy hand directs against me, dazzles, blinds me ; no, I 
 cannot, no ! 
 
 NEM. Listen ! 
 
 Louis. Mercy! 
 
 NEM. (reads from the paper) " My very dear, and sovereign lord, 
 as much and as humbly as 1 can, I recommend myself to your pity 
 and mercy." Well : 
 
 Louis. I was severe, and cruel, but I'll make amends. I'll make 
 full atonement, put me to the proof; and by my deeds I'll show my 
 penitence.
 
 34 LOUIS XI. [ACT III. 
 
 NEM. Listen again, (continues reading) " 1 will serve you so 
 well and so loyally, that you shall know I am truly penitent. Have 
 pity on me, and on my poor children. Let me not die for my trans- 
 gressions to their shame, that they may survive me in dishonour and 
 in beggary . For God's sake, Sire, have pity upon me and my poor 
 children !" Look read read ! 
 
 Louis. Where? 
 
 NEM. ( pointing to the place with the dagger) There ! 
 
 Louis. " Your poor friend, Jacques d'Armagnac !" 
 
 NEM. And there his blood ! 
 
 Louis. Nemours ! 
 
 NEM. His blood. Oh, what punishment can meet thy crimes ? 
 How make it equal to thy matchless guilt ? 
 
 Louis, (falling at NBMOURs's/eef) Mercy, Nemours! 
 
 NEM. There's but one torture can suffice. 
 
 Louis, (sinking in terror) It is my death ! (falls insensible) 
 
 NEM. (raising the dagger, and then throwing it from him) No, 
 'tis thy life ! What, I free thee ? No, live on, or rather, living die ; 
 die slowly, too, that all thy cruel schemes may add accumulated 
 woes, and foretaste give of thine eternity. Aye, wait till death both 
 just and pitiless, shall seize that soul which never mercy felt, loaded 
 with crime so high that even Heaven's mercy has no measure for 
 thee ; live, live, if it is thy wish thy prayers. Heaven grant it, then ; 
 prolong his damned life, until his crimes reach Babel-like to 
 Heaven to bring its judgment down. 
 
 Exit .R.H. 1 E. 
 
 Louis, (utters some inarticulate sounds as he recovers) Help ! 
 Tristan ! An assassin ! Murder ! Help ! Bring torches ! Run ! 
 He seeks to take my life he lifts his dagger ! 
 
 Enter TRISTAN, SCOTCH GUARDS, and OFFICERS, L. 2 E. with 
 torches. 
 
 Tear it from his hands ! Kill him ! There there he lies concealed ! 
 (pointing to COITIER'S room, R.H.) 
 
 TRISTAN, four GUARDS, and OFFICER go off R.H.D. with 
 torches OFFICER and four GUARDS range behind, near 
 bed, icith torches. 
 
 Assassins! There I see them everywhere! (to GUARDS) Sur- 
 round me ! (the GUARD make one step forward) No, no ! I'm 
 afraid of all ! Look behind the curtains. 
 
 The OFFICERS go behind curtains and return. 
 
 I heard a voice pronounce my name, I saw one traitor creep beneath 
 my bed. 
 
 TRISTAN and GUARD return from R.H.D. 
 What, can you not find 'em ? I see them, though : the room is
 
 SCENE 2.] LOUIS XI. 35 
 
 full of them. There there there! (falls in convulsions into 
 TRISTAN'S arms, L.C. TABLEAU, and closed in by 
 
 SCENE II. ,4 Room in the Castle. 
 Enter TRISTAN and COMINE. 
 
 THIS. Hush! There is a stir in the King's chamber some one 
 comes out 'tis Oliver. 
 COM. Thank Heaven ! 
 
 Enter OLIVER, D.F. 
 
 What news how is the King ? 
 
 OLIV. He breathes again. 
 
 THIS. Will he recover ? 
 
 OLIV. 'Tis doubtful, should he but relapse his life is gone another 
 fit will surely be his last, he asks for Coitier. 
 
 TRIS. What answer gave you ? 
 
 OLIV. None 'twas needless ; for scarce has he expressed a wish, 
 but 'tis forgotten His brain wanders. He speaks at random, words, 
 not thoughts. He does not dream how far it is gone with him. He 
 said, but now, that he would hold a Council ; commanded me 
 to place the crown upon his head, the weight of it sunk his chin 
 upon his breast. There he sits, gibbering his orders out, wrapped in 
 his royal mantle, that fits him like a shroud. 
 
 COM: Does he speak of Nemours ? 
 
 OLIV. No ; he has forgotten all that dreadful scene which plunged 
 him into this frenzy. He asks for Coitier, though, and seems to 
 miss him. 
 
 TRIS. What shall I do ? I have the King's strict order far his 
 arrest. He is now in the dungeon next Nemours ; and if I receive 
 no respite for them, they die to-morrow. 
 
 OLIV. Nemours was sentenced for this morning. 
 
 THIS. The Dauphin bade me stay the execution. Sieur Oliver, 
 let's not forget ourselves. 
 
 OLIV. We'll not, good Tristan, but make common cause. 
 
 COM. Sirs, as you list ; but take a friend's advice. The Court will 
 o'er you keep the strictest watch, and punish too, at need. 
 
 OLIV. (to TRISTAN) 'Tis but the truth, Sieur d'Argeuton has 
 told. 
 
 TRIS. To thee as well methinks. 
 
 OLIV. Thy hand, good Tristan, was too prompt, you'll have to 
 answer many a bloody deed. 
 
 TRIS. Pry thee, who were the accomplices therein ? 
 
 OLIV. I executed not. 
 
 TRIS. Nor I advised. But come remember this is a common 
 cause ; therefore, let us look to ourselves. 
 
 Exeunt L.H.D.
 
 LOUIS XI. [ACT III. 
 
 SCENE III. Grand Hall of Audience Large folding windows 
 to open, c., Scaffold erected beyond Throne, L., Couch, R.C. 
 The Court assembled Louis totters on R.U.E., supported, he 
 wears the Crown, and is enveloped in large robe. 
 
 TRI*. Yon ghost the King ? My reign is ended, then ! 
 
 Louis, (slowly advancing, then suddenly stopping) These who 
 are they ? 
 
 OLIV. Oliver, Sire. 
 
 Louis. Ha ! thou Oliver ay my faithful 
 
 OLIV. Here is Comine, and Tristan. 
 
 Louis. I see them aye, and recognise them too (leans on chair) 
 Welcome, friends! (peevishly to his ATTENDANTS) Leave me, 
 I need you not. Begone, I say ! 
 
 ATTENDANTS retire L.H. 2 E. 
 
 OLIV. Repose awhile. 
 
 LODIS. Why d'ye think 1 cannot stand? (seats himself on sofa) 
 
 Coif. Oh, Sire, as well as I ; but do not overtax your strength. 
 
 Louis, (turns to TRISTAN) Why does he look at me with that 
 unmoved and melancholy gaze ? Does he think me changed ? Who 
 told thee so, old friend ? 
 
 TRIS. Who ? me ? I think I never saw you looking better. 
 (aside) He has not an hour's life in him ! 
 
 Louis. So I am. So, to work to business ! Introduce the 
 Court. We will hold a levee now. (gradually falls asleep) 
 
 OLIV. (in an under tone) He sleeps ! 
 
 COM. 'Twere well to warn him of his coming death. 
 
 TBIS. Warn him ? and why ? 
 
 Coal. E'en now his feeble will might exercise itself in generous 
 deeds. 
 
 TRIS. Aye, he might have some legacy to leave us. 
 
 OLIV. You tell him, then. 
 
 TRIS. It needs one whom he loves, who knows the art to allay the 
 bitter news, just guch a one as you. 
 
 OLIV. Me? 
 
 COM. ") 
 and \ Yes you. 
 
 TRIS. J 
 
 OLIV. My tender love for him my strong emotion would spoil 
 all. It needs a man of strong resolves. Comine, now, has just the 
 tongue for such a task. 
 
 COM. Me ? why so ? Twere better out at once, boldly, as Tristan 
 would, and end it. 
 
 TRIS. Come confess, between ourselves, 'tis no such pleasant 
 thing. 
 
 Louis, (rousing himself) Why do you whisper thus ? Where's 
 Coitier? Go, tell him I am here. 
 
 THIS. But, Sire, yon know
 
 SCENES.] LOUIS XL 37 
 
 Louis. I know he is not here, (sternly) Obey ! 
 
 
 
 Exit TRISTAN, R.H. Louis walks to front, supported by 
 COMINK and OLIVER. 
 
 I feel this morning strong enough to try that Barbary steed I had 
 from Spain. Go, Oliver, bid my equerry prepare it. 
 
 OLIV. (R., astonished) What, Sire ? 
 
 Louis. I'll take a gallop through the forest announce the King 
 is starting for the cliase. 
 
 OLIV. Must I ? 
 
 Louis. I'll too try the falcon Crooked-back Richard has from 
 England sent. What ! not yet gone ? 
 
 Exit OLIVER, R.H 
 
 This pomp sits heavy on me j why have they buried me in these 
 robes? take off my crown. (CosiiNE takes off hia crown) There, 
 it oppresses me ! There ! place it near me there ! No ! beneath 
 my eyes my hand that I may grasp it ! 
 
 COM. Believe me, none wonld dare to touch it, Sire. 
 
 Louis. No death would be their doom, that they know. 
 
 Enter COITIER, led by TRISTAN, K. 
 
 COIT. (to TRISTAN) Fear not, the King shall bear it from my- 
 self. I'll tell him. 
 
 Louis. Ha ! 'tis thou, good Coitier ! Whence comest thou ? 
 
 CofT. Whence ? On my soul, it no small patience needs to an- 
 swer calmly to this raillery ! Whence come I ? 
 
 Louis. Tell me! 
 
 COIT. See this wounded hand bruised, mangled, by your gaoler's 
 chains ! 
 
 Louis. I know not what you mean ! 
 
 COIT. Whence come I ? From your dungeon ! 
 
 Louis. Thou ? Who sent thee thither ? 
 
 COIT. (aside) Who? (aloud) Thyself! 
 
 Louis, (anxiously approaching COITIER) Whence where for 
 what ? 
 
 COIT. (indignantly) To charge me with so base a plot ! Could I 
 have perpetrated a crime like this, -what could have hindered me ? 
 No one interfered. Unarmed, I could have done the deed, and left 
 no trace. What ! hide a man behind your bed ? 
 
 Louis, (taking COITIER'S hand) Hold, good Coitier, hold ! 
 
 COIT. Conceal him ? 
 
 Louis. Hist! A frightful dream! I remember a man behind 
 those curtains to murder me ! Aye a dagger ! Ha ! it was 
 Nemours Nemours ! No mercy for him none ! 
 
 COM. (aside to COITIER) What hast thou done? He had for- 
 gotten him. 
 
 COIT. Forgotten !
 
 38 LOUIS XI. [ACT III. 
 
 Louis. It was Nemours. I do remember all ; but he was taken. 
 (to TRISTAN, R.) -Is he dead ? 
 
 TRIS. (R.) I waited, Sire 
 
 Louis, (furious) What, traitor, not dead yet ? 
 
 TRIS. (trembling) The Dauphin, Sire, in pity for his fate, bid me 
 suspend' 
 
 Louis. An order from his King. How now how now ! What's 
 happened? Did I hear aright? Am I dead what's this? My 
 son my son ; beware, who reigns too soon, may chance not reign 
 at all. 
 
 COIT. (L.C. coming down) Dismiss at once all notions of revenge. 
 Repent, your death's at hand. 
 
 Louis, (staggers back) Eh ! what ? 
 
 COIT. This very day is all that's left thee ; make good use of it. 
 
 Louis. This day my last. No, no ! Coitier, 'tis false ! (sinte 
 upon sofa) 
 
 COIT. By yon sun which shines above us, 'tis true ; therefore 
 weigh well what you do. One murder more will add fresh torture:- 
 to your dying soul. You'll answer for't. 
 
 Louis, (conscience stricken, then rushes to TRISTAN, R.H./wnous) 
 Tristan, away, and execute my will ! His head within the hour, or 
 yours shall answer it. Away, away ! 
 
 Exit TRISTAN. 
 
 (staggers back towards couch, R.C., then falls on it) Come, Coitier, 
 tell me true, confess you only meant to frighten me. Is't not so, say ? 
 
 COIT. I have spoken the simple truth. 
 
 Louis. Your words freeze up my soul. My life's blood thickens. 
 Yes, 'tis true. I'm choked ! Oh, agony ! this is not death, good 
 Coitier. No, 'tis weakness this. Say it is but weakness, but not 
 death. It is not death. Comine Coitier. 
 
 COIT. Go go fesch the Dauphin. 
 
 Exit COMINE hastily, L.H. 
 
 Louis. Save me, good Coitier ; you can you can^-eave' '(falls 
 swooning on the. couch) 
 
 COIT. (silently gazing at side of couch) I'm free at last. The tyrant 
 is no more. His marble hands, his lips, his fixed eyes. Ah ! his 
 heart still beats he may recover yet. Shall I restore him ? (hears 
 the bell toll) No ! Nature deal with him as thou wilt ; by his death 
 lives Nemours the headsman's labour spared. But here's the Pri nee 
 
 Enter DAUPHIN, and COMINE, L.H. 2 E. 
 
 DAU. (crossing to Louis, on couch, R.H.) My father, speak but 
 one word, (to COITIER) What, too late! Has he then ceased to 
 live, and left me here to mourn awhile alone ? (DAUPHIN kneels by 
 tide of bed) Father, liege, Sovereign. Alas, those eyes look not severely 
 on me now, sealed close by death ; this hand I now may clasp, and 
 that I may bedew it with my tears, I had to wait until 'twas lifeless. 
 And now 'tis death, no tenderness of thine allows these lips to press it. 
 (takes up the crown from table, R.H.) Oh, cruel power! Must J 
 accept thee now pomps and baubles, what's their real worth ? Fare-
 
 SCENES.] LOUIS XI. 39 
 
 well all peace to him that wears a crown ! Must it then, now, en- 
 circle my young brow, and make me old before my time ? Yet, 
 when it's mine of right, oh,may I prove a king whom France can 
 love, love France myself, defend the oppressed, uphold all honest 
 rights, make justice supreme, and love my subjects as myself. A 
 good king can never groan beneath a crown. 
 
 Enter MARIE, breathless, L.H. 
 
 Marie! 
 
 MARIE. The ring 'tis not too late ! (shows the ring) Your pro- 
 mise, Prince, (bell tolls) Quick ! Hark, yonder bell proclaims his 
 instant death. For pity, save Nemours!) 
 
 Louis, (faintly recovers, stretches out his hand to feel for the 
 crown, rises unseen by the DAUPHIN or MARIE) 
 
 DAU. Nemours! I ordered Tristan to delay his punishment. 
 
 MARIE. They lead him to the scaffold now. 
 
 DAC. Marie, I do redeem my pledge. Nemours is 
 
 Louis, advancing, places his hand on the DAUPHIN'S 
 shoulder, who utters a cry and falls on his knee and offers 
 back the crown Louis staggers back, and falls on couch, 
 R.C. 
 
 Enter FRANCOIS DE PAULS and COMINE, L.H. OLIVER, R., and 
 all the Court MARIE faints, and is lifted up by COMINE 
 OFFICEB. and ARCHER GUARD, R.H. 
 
 Louis. No, no! Keep keep it it is thine. Absolve me, Father, 
 haste, I hear my call. Pray for the safety of my deathless soul. 
 Save it. I repent of all. I'm humble all earthly power I now 
 despise. 
 
 COIT. Nemours, Sire, spare Nemours ! 
 
 FRAN. As you would be spared above, show mercy now ! 
 
 Louis. Be it so, then ! I spare I spare ! 
 
 COM. Away if yet he lives ! Speed speed ! 
 
 COMINE and COURTIERS hurry offL.u.B. BELL. 
 
 Louis. That bell ! Oh, cease that bell it tolls for me ! Pray 
 for me, father ! I do repent me ! I cast aside my pomp, I have 
 done with it I do despise it utterly ! Ha ! the fell tyrant has me 
 his grip is on my heart ! Where shall I find peace ? 
 
 Centre windows are thrown open and discover the Scene of 
 Execution GUARDS surround the place Platform raised 
 EXECUTIONER, with axe, near block covered with black 
 NEMOURS PRIESTS GUARDS with torches MALE 
 nnd FEMALE PEASANTS HERALDS OFFICERS, $c. 
 COMINE and Two NOBLES are seen bringing NEMOURS 
 front the block ; they descend clown steps.
 
 40 LOUIS XI. 
 
 
 
 Enter NEMODKS, who embraces MARIE. 
 
 COIT. There, Sire, in your first act of mercy, see your only hope ! 
 
 Louis. Hope hope? Aye, speak of that ! Life life! Sustain 
 me, Coitier ! you all pray for me pray ! (they all kneel except 
 FRANCOIS DE PAULE) Pray, I entreat! pray, I command! (falls 
 dead on couch) 
 
 TRUMPETS wail SOFT Music NOBLES, PAGES, %c.,form 
 a TABLEAU of interest. 
 
 Curtain. 
 
 ERRATUM. 
 
 In Title-page, for ''CAsiwEn" read " Casimir."
 
 University of California 
 
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