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!

GORDON (rushes out).
Oh, 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.

[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: