Father Joseph savors the power which he possesses on the fate of Cinq-Mars (``Tu t'en vas''). He confronts Marie with the announcement of the execution of Cinq-Mars, for betraying the country by dealing independently with a foreign power. Further, he tells her, the Polish ambassador will return soon from a hunt with the King, and Father Joseph advises Marie to answer him favorably; in exchange, Cinq-Mars will be spared.
King
Father Joseph