thing of it, that I may disappear and he never know what has become of me, nor what I did, nor what you have done with me. Alas! I know not if I make myself understood, but you must realize that I have a friend, a noble-hearted, generous friend,—poor Gilbert! yes, it is true, indeed!—who esteems me and believes me to be pure, and that I do not want him to hate and despise me.—You understand, do you not? That man's esteem is much more to me than life! And then it would cause him such terrible grief! It would surprise him so! He would not believe it at first. No, he would not believe it. O God! poor Gilbert! Have pity on him and on me, your Majesty. He has not injured you. Let him know nought of this, in Heaven's name! In Heaven's name! do not let him know that I am guilty; he would kill himself. Do not let him know that I am dead, or he would die.
The Queen.The man of whom you speak is here listening to you; he is judging you and he is about to punish you.
[Gilbert appears.
Jane.O Heaven! Gilbert!
Gilbert [to the Queen.]My life is yours, your Majesty.
The Queen.'Tis well. Have you any conditions to make?
Gilbert.Yes, your Majesty.
The Queen.What are they? We give you our royal word that we agree to them.
Gilbert.'Tis a simple matter. 'Tis a debt of gratitude that I discharge to a nobleman of your court who has given me much employment in my trade as a carver.
The Queen.Speak.
