out, in the midst of tumult, followed by the Duke d’Aigueville and two gentlemen. “So, gentlemen, according to you, my father was a rustic—but I am noble by mother. In my turn, draw your swords.” In a moment, I gave two lessons. The third, I received.
ADELAIDE
You are wounded?
MARQUIS
It’s nothing. Just a scratch.
COUNTESS (rising)
You are wounded?
MARQUIS
Yes, Auntie—wounded in the hand. I reproached them for their infamy, reminded them of the friendship they had for my dinners—my parties. Their tenderness after an orgy—the equality of a cabaret. “The equality of a cabaret,” responded the most frank of my three adversaries. I should have remembered that the cabaret was very far from Versailles. I will take note. Oh, I’ll avenge myself on them.
COUNTESS
You will fall under their blows.
MARQUIS
No more duels! There are three to say that I am not a coward.—I want a different art of war. They reject me—these men that I wanted to love. I will find virtues to choke their vices. I wanted to regenerate them—I renounce them. The people blind in their love as in their hate still regard them as demi-gods. I will destroy this cult by showing them up close. It’s painful if they are scorned by the valet who penetrates the depths of their boudoirs—he who sees only the remains of their excesses. The dregs of their clothes—There are other people who don’t know them—those of the public square—because these noble lords never go on foot.—Well, it’s there I will install the Marquis de Brunoy, advisor, secretary of the King—
COUNTESS
Nephew, you are going to make me die!
ADELAIDE
Cousin, calm down.
FAT JOHN
Appease yourself, my little milk-brother.
MARQUIS
Come closer, Fat Jean
(offers him his hand)
I’ve just soiled myself with courtiers, I need to shake the hand of a man. You will never leave me anymore.
COUNTESS
What’s he say?
MARQUIS (to servants)
Sell all my furniture in Paris for a cheap price. Whatever you can get. Pictures, glasses, tapestry to whoever wants them. What cannot be sold—destroy.—Bring my carriage around.
COUNTESS
My friend, my nephew, what are you going to do?
MARQUIS
Auntie, don’t try to restrain me. My decision is unchanged. Fat John, come with me.
FAT JOHN
Right away. Where are we going?
MARQUIS
To Brunoy.
FAT JOHN
To Brunoy—what!
CHORUS
Calm, calm this vengeful mind. I hope to do it. All these new plans will never obtain success.
(A servant assists the Marquis to put on his cloak. Fat Jean and The Marquis leave.)
C U R T A I N
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