Bourbon returns, and the second act opens with his interview with Renée, (or Margaret,) the daughter of the Queen Mother, and sister of Francis I., for whom he really entertains an affection.

In the second scene the Queen Mother declares her passion to Bourbon, who, at first supposes he is to be tempted by Margaret's hand, but finding the Queen herself to be the lure, he indignantly rejects her.

The character of Bourbon in this scene is admirably brought out.

I would have you know, De Bourbon storms, and does not steal his honours

BOURBON (aside.) Amazement!

BOURBON (starting up.)

(The Queen remains clasping her hands to her temples, while De Bourbon walks hastily up and down; after a long pause the Queen speaks.) (The Queen summons her Confessor.)

Sir, we have business with this holy father; You may retire. BOURBON.

Confusion! QUEEN. Are we obeyed? BOURBON (aside.)

Where be the plans of those possessions Of Bourbon's house?see that thou find them straight: His mother was my kinswoman, and I Could aptly once trace characters like those She used to writeenoughGuienneAuvergne And all Provence that lies beneath his claim, That claim disprov'd, of right belong to me.

The Queen goads the high-minded Bourbon nigh unto madness, and at length breaks out into open insult.

Lautrec the brother of Françoise, and despised by Bourbon, is named the governor.

Why, how now!how is this!my lord of Bourbon!

BOURBON (starting up.)

What hoa guard within thereCharles of Bourbon, I do arrest thee, traitor to the crown.

[Bourbon is forced out.

Bourbon is immovable; and in revenge upon the Court, he falls in with a private scheme of Gonzales, which is to accept of his liberty, and set off to the Court of Spain.

Nay, never start, and look upon my cowl You love not priests, De Bourbon, more than I. Off, vile denial of my manhood's pride; Off, off to hell!

The interest now reverts to the fate of Françoise, and Bourbon is lost sight of; a transition which, both in acting and reading, endangers the drama.

In the fifth De Bourbon reappears.

" This disadvantage is greater on the stage, since the audience neither see nor hear more of Bourbon, and only four acts of the piece are performed.

In the closet it will not be so obvious, as Bourbon returns in the fifth act.

LA LAIDEUR DU PRINCE DE CONDÉ Un prince de la maison de Condé, branche collatérale de celle de Bourbon, était bossu et laid.

BOURBON, famille princière française.

CONDÉ, branche collatérale de la maison de Bourbon.