Chapter 95

_To these enter MACDONALD and DEVEREUX, with the_ Halberdiers.

_Gordon (throwing himself between him and them)._ No, monster! First over my dead body thou shalt tread. I will not live to see the accursed deed!

_Butler (forcing him out of the way)._ Weak-hearted dotard!

[_Trumpets are heard in the distance._

_Devereux and Macdonald._ Hark! The Swedish trumpets! The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten! 5

_Gordon (rushes out)._ O, God of Mercy!

_Butler (calling after him)._ Governor, to your post!

_Groom of the Chamber (hurries in)._ Who dares make larum here? Hush! The Duke sleeps.

_Devereux (with loud harsh voice)._ Friend, it is time now to make larum.

_Groom of the Chamber._ Help! Murder!

_Butler._ Down with him!

_Groom of the Chamber (run through the body by Devereux, falls at the entrance of the gallery)._ Jesus Maria!

_Butler._ Burst the doors open! 10

[_They rush over the body into the gallery--two doors are heard to crash one after the other--Voices deadened by the distance--Clash of arms--then all at once a profound silence._