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DUNOIS.
Up! forth to meet him!
[Exit with LA HIRE and CHATILLON.
CHARLES (to SOREL).
My Agnes! thou dost weep! Even my strength Doth almost fail me at this interview.
How many victims have been doomed to fall Ere we could meet in peace and reconcilement!
But every storm at length suspends its rage, Day follows on the murkiest night; and still When comes the hour, the latest fruits mature!
ARCHBISHOP (at the window).
The thronging crowds impede the duke's advance; He scarce can free himself. They lift him now From off his horse; they kiss his spurs, his mantle.
CHARLES.
They're a good people, in whom love flames forth As suddenly as wrath. In how brief s.p.a.ce They do forget that 'tis this very duke Who slew, in fight, their fathers and their sons; The moment swallows up the whole of life!
Be tranquil, Sorel. E'en thy pa.s.sionate joy Perchance might to his conscience prove a thorn.
Nothing should either shame or grieve him here.
SCENE III.
The DUKE OF BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, LA HIRE, CHATILLON, and two other knights of the DUKE'S train. The DUKE remains standing at the door; the KING inclines towards him; BURGUNDY immediately advances, and in the moment when he is about to throw himself upon his knees, the KING receives him in his arms.
CHARLES.
You have surprised us; it was our intent To fetch you hither, but your steeds are fleet.
BURGUNDY.
They bore me to my duty.
[He embraces SOREL, and kisses her brow.
With your leave!
At Arras, niece, it is our privilege, And no fair damsel may exemption claim.
CHARLES.
Rumor doth speak your court the seat of love, The mart where all that's beautiful must tarry.
BURGUNDY.
We are a traffic-loving people, sire; Whate'er of costly earth's wide realms produce, For show and for enjoyment, is displayed Upon our mart at Bruges; but above all There woman's beauty is pre-eminent.
SOREL.
More precious far is woman's truth; but it Appeareth not upon the public mart.
CHARLES.
Kinsman, 'tis rumored to your prejudice That woman's fairest virtue you despise.
BURGUNDY.
The heresy inflicteth on itself The heaviest penalty. 'Tis well for you, From your own heart, my king, you learned betimes What a wild life hath late revealed to me.
[He perceives the ARCHBISHOP, and extends his hand.
Most reverend minister of G.o.d! your blessing!
You still are to be found on duty's path, Where those must walk who would encounter you.
ARCHBISHOP.
Now let my Master call me when he will; My heart is full, I can with joy depart, Since that mine eyes have seen this day!
BURGUNDY (to SOREL).
'Tis said That of your precious stones you robbed yourself, Therefrom to forge 'gainst me the tools of war!
Bear you a soul so martial? Were you then So resolute to work my overthrow?
Well, now our strife is over; what was lost Will in due season all be found again.
Even your jewels have returned to you.
Against me to make war they were designed; Receive them from me as a pledge of peace.
[He receives a casket from one of the attendants, and presents it to her to open. SOREL, embarra.s.sed, looks at the KING.
CHARLES.
Receive this present; 'tis a twofold pledge Of reconcilement and of fairest love.
BURGUNDY (placing a diamond rose in her hair).
Why, is it not the diadem of France?
With full as glad a spirit I would place The golden circle on this lovely brow.
[Taking her hand significantly.
And count on me if, at some future time You should require a friend.
[AGNES SOREL bursts into tears, and steps aside.
THE KING struggles with his feelings. The bystanders contemplate the two princes with emotion.
BURGUNDY (after gazing round the circle, throws himself into the KING'S arms).
Oh, my king!
[At the same moment the three Burgundian knights hasten to DUNOIS, LA HIRE, and the ARCHBISHOP. They embrace each other. The two PRINCES remain for a time speechless in each other's arms.
I could renounce you! I could bear your hate!
CHARLES.
Hush! hush! No further!
BURGUNDY.
I this English king Could crown! Swear fealty to this foreigner!
And you, my sovereign, into ruin plunge!
CHARLES.
Forget it! Everything's forgiven now!
This single moment doth obliterate all.
'Twas a malignant star! A destiny!
BURGUNDY (grasps his hand).
