Ere anger bursteth forth in quenchless flame.

[DUNOIS looks fixedly at the KING, and appears to await an answer.

CHARLES.
Our way lies over the Loire. Duchatel,
See all our equipage embarked.

DUNOIS (quickly to SOREL).
Farewell.

[He turns quickly round, and goes out. The SENATORS follow.

SOREL (wringing her hands in despair).
Oh, if he goes, we are forsaken quite!
Follow, La Hire! Oh, seek to soften him!

[LA HIRE goes out.



SCENE VI.

CHARLES, SOREL, DUCHATEL.

CHARLES.
Is, then, the sceptre such a peerless treasure?
Is it so hard to loose it from our grasp?
Believe me, 'tis more galling to endure
The domineering rule of these proud vassals.