"Yea, verily, I
forgot the queen. I did not think of this charming Geraldine! But
you are right, Douglas; we must think of her and occupy ourselves a
little with her! Did you not say that a second coach was ready?
Well, then, we will not hinder Geraldine from accompanying her
beloved. She shall be where he is--in the Tower, and on the
scaffold! We will therefore wake this sentimental lady and show her
the last duty of a cavalier by conducting her to her carriage!"
He was about to approach the figure of the queen lying on the floor.
Earl Douglas held him back.
"Sire," said he, "it is my duty--as your faithful subject, who loves
you and trembles for your welfare--it is my duty to implore you to
spare yourself and preserve your precious and adored person from the
venomous sting of anger and grief. I conjure you, therefore, do not
deign to look again on this woman, who has so deeply injured you.
Give me your orders--what am I to do with her--and allow me first of
all to accompany you to your apartments."
"You are right," said the king, "she is not worthy of having my eyes
rest on her again; and she is even too contemptible for my anger! We
will call the soldiers that they may conduct this traitoress and
adulteress to the tower, as they have done her paramour."
"Yet for that there is needed still a formality. The queen will not
be admitted into the Tower without the king's written and sealed
order."
"Then I will draw up that order.
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