I would do anything. I can do nothing.
GOUROC.
You are mistaken. If you choose, before you die, you can place in her
hands 10,000 francs.
MARDOCHE.
How?
GOUROC.
By helping me to save another man's life.
MARDOCHE.
I do not understand.
GOUROC.
The Due de Beaumont has been discovered, and is about to be condemned.
For reasons of my own, I wish to save his life. There is but one way.
You, who are destined to die soon, must be disguised as the Duke,
answer to his name, and go to the scaffold in his stead. Consent to
do this--and you shall place in your sister's hands 10,000 francs in
gold.
MARDOCHE.
What! That Jacobin of Jacobins, Gouroc, asks a cobbler to save a
Duke--?
GOUROC.
Why not? The Republic is poor, the Duke is rich. He has been condemned
for our glory. But if his secret escape will bring us gold, why
not crown the Republic with riches as well as fame? Is not this
Patriotism?
MARDOCHE.
Yes, Patriotism to-day! Yesterday and to-morrow--Jesuitism.
GOUROC.
Well, your answer. Will you save the Duke?
MARDOCHE.
[_After a pause_.]
I will.
GOUROC.
Good! In your cell you'll find everything for your disguise.
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