Part 87 (2/2)

[_A Councilor enters, preceded and followed by Halberdiers in black_

SCENE IV

_The same Councilor of the Great Chamber, in full dress, The Jailer, Guards_

THE JAILER (_announcing_)

The Councilor of the King!

COUNCILOR (_saluting Saverny and Didier in turn_)

My mission's painful and the law severe--

SAVERNY

I understand: there is no hope! Speak, sir!

COUNCILOR (_unfolds a parch of France and of Navarre, Reject appeals e the punishment And order them beheaded”

SAVERNY (_joyfully_)

God be praised!

COUNCILOR (_saluting them once more_)

You are to hold yourselves in readiness; It will take place to-day

[_He salutes and prepares to exit_

DIDIER (_who has rehtful attitude, to Saverny_)

As I was saying, After this death, although the corpse be h every lih arh the , awful flesh The soul shall rise, unstained, untouched, and pure

COUNCILOR (_co back, to Didier_)

'Tis well to occupy yourselves with such Great thoughts

DIDIER (_gently_)

Please do not interrupt allows!

DIDIER

Order of the fete is changed, I know The Cardinal travels with his headsman, And he must be employed; the ax will rust

SAVERNY

You're cool about it, yet the stake is great