[_Enter_ GOUROC _in background_.]
The evidence of the man to whom you gave the warrant, commanding him
to take it to the Guard.
PAUL.
There's no such man alive--or dead!
DUKE.
Potin, advance.
[POTIN _comes forward sullenly_.]
Repeat what you swore in court.--From whom did you receive the warrant
for my arrest?
POTIN.
[_After a struggle_.]
I received it from--
[_Hesitates_.
GOUROC.
[_Aside to_ POTIN.]
Take care!--If I denounce--you die!
DUKE.
Well, sir, we are waiting.
POTIN.
[_Desperately_.]
I received it--[_Pointing at_ PAUL.] from him.
[PAUL _recoils with horror_. DIANE, _with cry of agony, hides her face
upon her father's breast_.
PAUL.
[_Crossing to_ POTIN.]
Potin, look at me.--On your word hangs the honour of your old and
steadfast friend! Look in my eyes, and, in the name of your own
salvation, speak nothing but the truth.
DUKE.
[_Sternly_.]
'Tis useless to intimidate the witness. He will not prove himself
a perjurer, and condemn himself to death, even to please so dear a
friend as you.
PAUL.
My God!--There is some wicked plot!
DUKE.
Yes--and you're the plotter.
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