Better a jumping-jack in a king's hands Than in a priest's, my sire.

[_Silence._

THE KING (_thinking, growing more and more sad_).

You speak the truth, Although you laugh. He is a fearful man!

Has Satan made himself a cardinal?

What if 'twere Satan who possessed my soul!

What say you?

L'ANGELY.

I have often had that thought Myself!

THE KING.

We must not speak thus. 'Tis a sin!

Behold, how dire misfortune follows me!

I had some Spanish cormorants. I come To this place--not a drop of water here For fishing! In the country! Not a pond In this accursed Chambord large enough To drown a flesh-worm! When I wish to hunt-- The sea! And when I wish to fish--the fields!

Am I unfortunate enough?

L'ANGELY.

Your life Is full of woe.

THE KING.

How will you comfort me?

L'ANGELY.

Another grief! You hold in high esteem, And justly too, the art of training hawks For hunting partridges. A good huntsman-- You're one--ought to respect the falconer.

THE KING.

The falconer! A G.o.d!

L'ANGELY.

Well! there are two Who are at point of death!

THE KING.

Two falconers?

L'ANGELY.

Yes!

THE KING.

Who are they?

L'ANGELY.

Two famous ones!

THE KING.

But who?

L'ANGELY.

Those two young men whose lives were begged of you!

THE KING.

Gaspard and Didier?

L'ANGELY.

Yes; they are the last.

THE KING.

What a calamity! Two falconers!

Now that the art is very nearly lost.

Unhappy duel! When I'm dead, this art Will go from earth, as all things go at last!

Why did they fight this duel?

L'ANGELY.

One declared That hawks upon the wing were not as swift As falcons.

THE KING.

He was wrong. But yet that seems Scarcely a hanging matter-- [_Silence._ And my right Of pardon is inviolable--though I am too lenient, says the Cardinal! [_Silence._ [_To L'Angely._] The Cardinal desires their death?

L'ANGELY.

He does!

THE KING (_after pausing and reflecting_).

Then they shall die!

L'ANGELY.

They shall!