Now that he has gone, now that there is no further danger, I may tell you. But laugh, I say, let us both laugh at this infernal blood-drinking populace. Oh! 'tis delightful! Jane, you tremble for Fabiano? Never fear, but laugh with me, I say! Jane, the man they have in their clutches, the man who is going to die, the man they take for Fabiano, is not Fabiano.
[She laughs.
Jane.It is not Fabiano!
The Queen.No.
Jane.Who, then, in God's name?
The Queen.'Tis the other.
Jane.What other?
The Queen.You know, you know the man; that artisan, that man—But what matters it?
Jane [trembling from head to foot.]Gilbert?
The Queen.Yes, Gilbert. That is the name.
Jane.Your Majesty—oh, no! no! say that it is not true! Gilbert! that would be too frightful! He escaped.
The Queen.He was escaping when he was taken, 'tis true. He was put in Fabiano's place, 'neath the black veil. 'Tis a night execution. The people will see nothing. Have no fear.
Jane [with a terrifying shriek.]Ah! the man I love is Gilbert!
The Queen.How now! What say you? Are you losing your wits? Can it be that you deceived me—you, too? Ah! so 'tis Gilbert whom you love? Even so—what matters it to me?
Jane [utterly crushed, kneeling at The Queen's feet, sobbing, with clasped hands.
[Throughout the scene the great bell tolls.
In pity's name, your Majesty! In heaven's name!
