Chapter 7
Why, yes; why, yes, my friend. And in my scarf-- For 'tis a thing looks well upon a lover-- I'll wear a dainty eaglet for a pin. There's music!--Now, O Cæsar's son, you're but Mozart's Don Juan! Nay, not even Mozart's! Strauss's! I'll waltz; for now I must become Charming and useless: Austrian fancy-goods! My aunt?--Why--!
PROKESCH.
Oh, not that!
THE DUKE.
I want to see--
[PROKESCH _goes out_.]
THE DUKE.
How deep the linden's perfume is to-night.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
Notice my salver. I'm so proud of it.
THE DUKE.
You represent?
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
The "Chocolate-girl," the famous Picture in Dresden.
THE DUKE.
[_Affectedly._] Cha'ming. But your chocolate Must be a nuisance.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
No.
THE DUKE.
Do put it down.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
Well, Franz? A little bit in love with life?
THE DUKE.
Glad to be nephew of a pretty aunt.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
And I am glad to have so big a nephew.
THE DUKE.
Too pretty.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
And too big.
THE DUKE.
For such a game.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
What game?
THE DUKE.
The game of tender intimacy.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
I fear your eyes to-night--!
THE DUKE.
But I love yours!
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
Ah, now I see! As all the court is masked, Even friendship wears the domino of love.
THE DUKE.
Oh friendship--auntie with a cousin's eyes-- Friendship and love are always much too near 'Twixt aunts and nephews, god-sons and god-mothers-- Oh! do but smell the fragrance of the lindens!-- 'Twixt pretty chocolate-girls and officers, And frontier incidents are bound to happen.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
Our friendship's lost its bloom.
THE DUKE.
I dearly love This sentiment one cannot understand, Where all's confused and mingled--
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
No, let be.
[_She moves away._]
THE DUKE.
Oh, if you put on airs of an Archduchess--!
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
Farewell; you've pained me deeply, Franz.
[_She goes._]
THE DUKE.
Ah, bah! Into our friendship I let fall a drop, And friendship turns to troubled love. I'll wait.
[_He sees_ THERESA.]
Why! What is this? How comes it you are here? So you're not hastening toward the skies of Parma? And all this grass? What are you?
THERESA.
"Little Brooklet."
THE DUKE.
Ah, yes, I know. An exile on his rock, My father had a brooklet for his friend To drown the gaoler's voice, and that is why At Schönbrunn, which is my Saint Helena, My soul must not be left deprived of comfort. Having the gaoler I've the brooklet too.
THERESA.
But you will never stoop to look at me.
THE DUKE.
Because I dreamed of flying from my rock; But that's all over.
THERESA.
How?
THE DUKE.
All hope is gone. I wake from dreams.
THERESA.
You suffer?
THE DUKE.
Little Brooklet Must give her murmuring freshness.
THERESA.
Here it is.
THE DUKE.
What if I trouble its waters?
THERESA.
Trouble them.
THE DUKE.
Come to the little house among the trees-- My hunting lodge--to-night!
THERESA.
I am to come--!
THE DUKE.
Say neither yes nor no.--I'll wait--
THERESA.
Alas!
THE DUKE.
Think how unhappy I shall henceforth be! I've lost all hope of playing a great part; I can but weep; I need a heart to weep on. Away!
A MASK.
[_Seeing a stout lady dressed as a shepherdess._]
That shepherdess has eaten her flock!
THE BEAR.
If you'll but love me--
THE CHINESE WOMAN.
You will sell your skin?
A DOMINO.
[_Passing on_ GENTZ'S _arm_.]
The Viscount's here as Doge in grand dalmatic.
GENTZ.
Then is the Baroness the Adriatic.
THE DUKE.
[_Who has scribbled a note; to a_ LACKEY.]
This for my lackeys. I shall not come in. I'm sleeping at the hunting-lodge. Make haste! Let me have word they've read and understood.
THE LACKEY.
Nought else, my Lord?
THE DUKE.
To-morrow the bay mare.
FANNY ELSSLER.
His uniform beneath a--
THE DUKE.
[_Turning._]
Violet cloak. Prokesch! I said your note was from a woman!
FANNY.
[_Pointing to the_ ATTACHÉ, _who has followed her._]
Let me get rid of this importunate mask. And I'll come back.
THE DUKE.
I'll wait. 'Tis fate. I yield. I'll love, with stormy April in my heart. I'll love--like these--like all!
BOMBELLES.
[_Who has come in with_ MARIA LOUISA. _She sits on the stone bench._]
Was he in love?
MARIA LOUISA.
What! must you still be harping on him?
BOMBELLES.
Yes.
THE DUKE.
My mother and Bombelles--!
BOMBELLES.
Speak!
MARIA LOUISA.
I don't know. He was intimidated in my presence. Even on his throne, beneath his golden laurels, He felt his inequality of birth; And then, to keep a countenance, he'd call me His "Good Louisa." Yes! such shocking taste! For I love sentiment. I am a woman.
BOMBELLES.
And queen of all!
MARIA LOUISA.
A little thing I said When Saint Aulaire came to my room at Blois With news of his disasters, made them furious. I was in bed. My naked foot peeped out, And, lying on the polished wood, as if Thomire had carved it, seemed at once to turn The Medicean bed into an Empire bed. And seeing the Envoy furtively look down, I smiled and said, "You're looking at my foot." And so he was. In spite of all misfortunes, Indeed the man was looking at my foot. Was this coquettish? Well, what of it? Heavens! Where was the crime if I remained a woman? For, after all, amid the crash of France, The beauty of my foot had _some_ importance!
THE DUKE.
Would I could fly! but I am glued to the spot!
BOMBELLES.
What's the grey pebble in your bracelet?
MARIA LOUISA.
That? Ah, I can never see it without tears. That is a fragment--
BOMBELLES.
Of the Pyramids?
MARIA LOUISA.
What nonsense! 'Tis a fragment of the tomb Where Juliet sleeps beside her Romeo-- I had this souvenir--
BOMBELLES.
For pity's sake Don't mention Neipperg!
MARIA LOUISA.
If he irritates you, Why speak about the first?
BOMBELLES.
That's different, But did you love him?
MARIA LOUISA.
Whom?
BOMBELLES.
The--first.
MARIA LOUISA.
Again?
BOMBELLES.
So great a man! You must--
MARIA LOUISA.
Oh, as for that, No man is ever loved because he's great. Let's talk of him no more: let's talk of us. Will you like Parma?
BOMBELLES.
Tell me, was he jealous?
MARIA LOUISA.
So much so that he drove away Leroy, Because the poor man-milliner cried out With admiration when he saw my shoulders, While trying on a peplum.
BOMBELLES.
Then Napoleon--
MARIA LOUISA.
Oh, hush!
BOMBELLES.
Would not have liked to hear me say How fair they are? Would not have liked--
MARIA LOUISA.
Bombelles!
BOMBELLES.
To hear me whisper to your Majesty--
THE DUKE.
Father, forgive me for the things I hear!
BOMBELLES.
That you are like our own Arlesian maids But, ah! how much more beautiful!--
MARIA LOUISA.
Oh, Charles!
BOMBELLES.
Would not have liked to see me bend and press---
THE DUKE.
[_Breaking in upon them._]
Not that! I will not have it! I forbid you!-- Thank God, I'm saved!
MARIA LOUISA.
Franz!
THE DUKE.
For this cry, this movement Were not my own. Within me still remains A reverence for my mother and her freedom! 'Twas he--'Twas he by whom my soul's possessed, Who sprang upon you with this tragic force! Thank God! I'm saved! The Corsican leapt out!
BOMBELLES.
Sir--!
THE DUKE.
Nothing, sir!
[_To_ MARIA LOUISA.]
My humble duty, Madam! Return to Sala, spend your days in peace. The castle has two wings, as I am told: One is a theatre and one a chapel. Thus dwelling in the middle, you shall feel Evenly balanced 'twixt the world and God. My humble duty!
MARIA LOUISA.
Franz!
THE DUKE.
Why, truly, Madam, It's your prerogative to be mere woman. Go, be a woman in the Sala palace; But tell yourself, Ah! tell yourself--and this Shall be your sad atonement for his glory, Widow who cast aside her widow's weeds!-- Tell yourself this: Men only gaze upon you For the immortal fame he robed you in, And only whisper praises of your beauty Because of old he conquered all the world!
MARIA LOUISA.
I'll hear no more! Bombelles, let us begone!
THE DUKE.
Return to Sala. I am saved. Thank God!
MARIA LOUISA.
Farewell!
THE DUKE.
O hands, cold hands within the tomb, Sad hands because the Imperial ring slipped from you, Hands that have held her brow who years ago Shed bitter tears that I was not her son, Hands laid in blessing on my orphaned soul, Weeping I kiss you, hands of Josephine!
MARIA LOUISA.
The Creole! Do you think at Malmaison--?
THE DUKE.
Silence! If it be true, all the more reason! All the more reason why I should be faithful!
[MARIA LOUISA _and_ BOMBELLES _go out_.] [_Enter_ METTERNICH _and_ SEDLINZKY.]
METTERNICH.
[_To_ SEDLINZKY.]
Yes, yes; I humbled that rebellious child!
[_He sees the_ DUKE.]
You here? And in this uniform? What means?
THE DUKE.
Were we not asked to come here in--disguise?
SEDLINZKY.
The pride your Excellency broke last night Even in its fragments keeps its insolence.
[_To the_ DUKE.]
What are you dreaming of, far from the ball, My little Colonel?
THE DUKE.
Of my Little Corporal!
METTERNICH.
[_On the point of breaking out._]
Oh, I--
[_Mastering himself._]
But I must go to my despatches. 'Tis all to do again!
[_He and_ SEDLINZKY _go out._] [_Enter_ FANNY ELSSLER.]
FANNY.
Prince!
THE DUKE.
No! that woman! I will not--!
FANNY.
[_Unmasking._]
Fly?
THE DUKE.
[_Recognising her._]
Fanny!
FANNY.
The plot!
THE DUKE.
What's that?
FANNY.
I'm in it. Let me tell you--
THE DUKE.
Ah!
FANNY.
Look innocent. Sit down. Pretend you're very much in love. You on the rock. I on the Neptune's head.
[_Speaking to the stone head_.]
May I sit down, good Neptune?
THE STONE HEAD.
If you like. Only I warn you, it's all over ants.
FANNY.
Lord! Neptune's talking!
THE DUKE.
[_Understanding and remembering._]
Ah! beneath the ivy!
FLAMBEAU.
The entrance to my cavern through an ant-heap.
THE DUKE.
You! Flambeau!
FLAMBEAU.
In the cave of Rob--
MASKS.
Ho hi!
FANNY.
Hush! Masks!
MASKS.
Oh, very funny!
[_They pass out._]
FLAMBEAU.
--inson Crusoe!
THE DUKE.
What! Since last night?
FLAMBEAU.
Oh, yes; I smoke my pipe--
THE DUKE.
There in the hole?
FLAMBEAU.
You copied from the beggar Who first invented bearskins, so they say, And had a funny Mameluke called Friday.
THE DUKE.
I cannot find the spot.
FLAMBEAU.
It's on the right. Here, where I blow a cloud out of my pipe.
FANNY.
The small Vesuvius!
THE DUKE.
You must be--
FLAMBEAU.
Uncomfortable. But then--I said you'd find me at the ball.
FANNY.
If they should catch us talking to a smoke!
FLAMBEAU.
Ouch!
THE DUKE.
What's the matter?
FLAMBEAU.
An attack of ants. Since yesterday we've had the bloodiest battles.
FANNY.
But--
FLAMBEAU.
They outnumber me, but I've tobacco, I blow a blast--
THE DUKE.
You bring your heavy guns?
FLAMBEAU.
May I lift up my rock a bit?
THE DUKE.
Yes.
FLAMBEAU.
[_Seeing_ MASKS _approaching._]
Nuns!
THE DUKE AND FANNY.
Hush!
FLAMBEAU.
Now I look as if I took the air On the tomb's balcony.
THE DUKE.
And in the moon Beside the urn, uplifting thus the stone, You're rising to the ghostly night-review.
FLAMBEAU.
I'm very hungry.
FANNY.
Hush!
THE DUKE.
[_To some_ SERVANTS _who enter bearing dishes._]
What's that you carry?
[_The_ SERVANTS _stop. The_ DUKE _takes a little of everything_.]
Thank you.
FANNY.
[_Stopping them._]
One moment.
[_She takes what is left. The_ SERVANTS _pass out._]
THE DUKE.
[_Giving_ FLAMBEAU _the cakes._]
Take them.
FLAMBEAU.
Enough. My strength returns.
[_To_ FANNY.]
Explain. We've little time.
FANNY.
[_Nervously._]
Well, then--the Countess--she is here--the Countess-- That's how my nerve goes when I have to dance-- She wears beneath a russet cloak your uniform, With which the Eaglet's turned into a sea-mew. She was already like you in the face, But since she's dyed her sable tresses fair Your glass could not distinguish you from her. So, while they play their "Michel and Christine," You'll change your mantle quickly with your cousin--
THE DUKE.
Put on a mask--!
FANNY.
And disappear like magic!
THE DUKE.
My double takes my place--
FANNY.
And openly Leaves the assembly--
THE DUKE.
Sets me free of spies--
FANNY.
Goes home to Schönbrunn--
THE DUKE.
Locks the door with care--
FANNY.
Forgets to wake--
THE DUKE.
Till I am miles away. Only--
FANNY.
What "only" is there?
THE DUKE.
Quite a big one. Suppose the false Duke's spoken to?
FANNY.
Impossible. It's all stage-managed like a ballet. Ladies Will flutter round him, keep intruders off, And as a ball from racket flies to racket Hell pass from hand to hand until he's safe.
MASKS.
[_Running across at the back._]
Who is the wolf? Wow! Wow! Who is the bear? There! There!
FANNY.
You leave the Gardens--
THE DUKE.
By the Hietzing gate--
FANNY.
No.
THE DUKE.
Where, then?
FANNY.
Listeners. I fan myself. Glance at your humble servant's pretty fan.
THE DUKE.
What for?
FANNY.
I've drawn a sketch-map of the park. Observe the road; it's red; it makes a bend; Do you see? The little squares of white are statues; The little dots of apple-green are trees; Thus you elude the evil-minded spies; Turn to the left; pass by the pheasantry--
THE DUKE.
What are the scratches?
FANNY.
Where the hill goes up. Then you go down again; pass by the Triton And come out Emperor at this little gate. All clearly understood?--I shut my fan.
THE DUKE.
Emperor!
FLAMBEAU.
That's right. Get out your robes and crown! Don't go so fast!
THE DUKE.
What's at the gate?
FANNY.
A cab.
THE DUKE.
A cab?
FANNY.
With spanking horses; have no fear.
THE DUKE.
Where does it take me?
FANNY.
To the rendezvous.
THE DUKE.
Where's that?
FANNY.
Out of your way, but so the Countess Would have it:--Wagram.
THE DUKE.
What a Bonaparte!
FANNY.
Well? Are you pleased?
THE DUKE.
Dear little Tanagra, I'll recompense your zeal--
FANNY.
Ungrateful monster!
THE DUKE.
And Prokesch?
FANNY.
He'll be waiting for you there.
THE DUKE.
The only man whose eye we had to fear-- Prince Metternich--has left. All will go well.
FLAMBEAU.
Metternich gone! You never said a word!
THE DUKE.
Well--
FLAMBEAU.
And you let me catch my death, beneath This beastly urn--!
FANNY.
Masks coming!
MASKS.
Sandor! Zichy! It's Thalberg!--Never!--Thalberg is a Turk! It's Cocica!--Not he!--He's fled!--Oh! catch him!
FLAMBEAU.
Gone?
THE DUKE AND FANNY.
Gone.
FLAMBEAU.
[_Emerging, dressed as in the previous act._]
Then--
THE DUKE AND FANNY.
Are you mad?
FLAMBEAU.
We'll shut the trap.
THE DUKE.
But if they see you--!
FANNY.
Vanish! This is frightful!
THE DUKE.
What will they say?
FLAMBEAU.
I'll tell you what they'll say--
MASKS.
[_Seeing_ FLAMBEAU.]
And this one! Oh! a veteran of the Empire!
FLAMBEAU.
[_To the_ DUKE.]
Well, there you are, you see! That's what they'll say.
MASKS.
Capital! Capital!
FLAMBEAU.
I take my ease.
A MASK.
[_To another._]
Come and admire the veteran!
THE OTHER.
First rate!
THIRD MASK.
Look at his earrings!
FOURTH MASK.
And his bushy eyebrows!
FLAMBEAU.
But how shall I get out without a cloak?
FANNY.
Here's Gentz's ticket: such a handsome mantle.
A MASK.
Hail, Veteran!
FLAMBEAU.
The honor's mine.
[_The_ USHER _enters, followed by_ SERVANTS _who push on orange-trees, the boxes laid as tables._]
THE USHER.
Make room!
THE LACKEY.
[_Who took the_ DUKE'S _note._]
They understand, my Lord. The hunting-lodge.
FANNY.
What's that?
THE DUKE.
I had forgotten. I gave orders-- I was to spend the night there. Warn the Countess. Run! Run and say 'tis thither she must go!
[FANNY _goes out quickly._]
A MASK.
[_To_ FLAMBEAU.]
Well, Sergeant? So you served--
FLAMBEAU.
The gr-reat--
SEVERAL MASKS.
[_Laughing._]
The gr-reat!
FLAMBEAU.
They didn't laugh when we were quartered on 'em!
EXCLAMATIONS.
A picture by Raffet!--Charlet!--Vernet!
SEVERAL MASKS.
How worn his coat is!--And how singed!--And dusty!-- Who's your costumier?--Tell us!
FLAMBEAU.
They are ladies:-- The ancient firm of War and Victory Sisters.
A MASK.
That's good.
FLAMBEAU.
It's not the firm you patronize.
FIRST MASK.
I'll swear it's Zichy.
_Offering his hand._]
Count, your hand.
FLAMBEAU.
[_Blowing a puff of smoke in his face._]
Get out.
FIRST MASK.
[_Going out, to the others._]
He's masked his language as he's masked his face.
FLAMBEAU.
[_Singing._]
When we marched to Krasnoï, Cold and hungry, too, were we!
A MASK.
He's really excellent. In Russia, old 'un, 'Twas pretty cold?
FLAMBEAU.
Yes; till we gave 'em hell.
[_Sings._]
By Jingo, but it keeps you warm Merely to see his uniform!
A MASK.
His uniform wants patching now, though; what?
FLAMBEAU.
So did your breeches when he'd kicked you; what?
SEVERAL.
Ha! Very funny!
FIRST MASK.
Natural.
SECOND MASK.
Exact.
THIRD MASK..
But doubtful taste.
THE USHER.
The comedy's begun!
FANNY.
[_To the_ DUKE.]
I'm back again. The Countess understands.
FLAMBEAU.
[_To_ THERESA.]
Will you accept a veteran's arm?
THERESA.
No.
FLAMBEAU.
Why?
THERESA.
I'm leaving, sir. Apart from that, I'm French, And see no humor in a parody Of heroes whom by chance you conquered.
FLAMBEAU.
You-- Ah! I adore you!
[_She runs away. Just as she is disappearing the_ DUKE _makes a movement toward her._]
THE DUKE.
Ah!--the tryst.
THERESA.
The tryst--?
THE DUKE.
No--nothing.
[THERESA _passes on._]
She must keep it. She must show Whether she would have been sublimely weak, And given herself unthinking--without hope-- Only because she saw me sad to-night.
FANNY.
[_To_ FLAMBEAU.]
Watch where they've got to in the comedy.
[FLAMBEAU _goes to the entrance of the theatre._]
[_To the_ DUKE.]
The time has come.
FLAMBEAU.
All eyes are running over With grief for Stanislas, the mournful Pole.
FANNY.
Here is the Countess, Duke.
THE DUKE.
My very image! I'm coming toward myself as in a glass.
[_The_ COUNTESS CAMERATA _enters, dressed exactly like the_ DUKE, _with the exception of her cloak, which is brown._]
THE COUNTESS.
Well met, Napoleon!
THE DUKE.
And Napoleone!
THE COUNTESS.
I'm very calm--and you?
THE DUKE.
I see the risks You'll run for my sake.
THE COUNTESS.
Not for your sake.
THE DUKE.
Ah?
THE COUNTESS.
No! For the name, the glory, and our blood!
THE DUKE.
You bravely clash your arms, fair Amazon!
THE COUNTESS.
The deed were nothing, were it done for love.
THE DUKE.
Speaking of love, if, when you've taken my place In yonder hunting-lodge, by any chance A woman came--
THE COUNTESS.
Ah! I felt sure of it!
THE DUKE.
Tell her about my flight--and swear to me--
FLAMBEAU.
[_At the entrance to the theatre, describing the play._]
The soldier holds his tongue!
THE COUNTESS.
Good.
FLAMBEAU.
Doesn't murmur.
THE DUKE.
Swear you will tell me later if she comes.
THE COUNTESS.
Thinking of hearts, when Empire is at hand!
THE DUKE.
It is because I mount a throne to-morrow I lay such value on a heart to-night. O God! to feel respect in every kiss, Snares in avowals, in embraces dread, And in fair eyes, more dazzled than in love, See laurel-wreaths about me as on coins! I was to pluck my last real love to-night!
FLAMBEAU.
[_As before._]
He's telling them about his pocket-book.
THE DUKE.
I would she kept this white and spotless tryst, She who has not yet studied to dissemble; 'Twere well she came, for nevermore, perchance, Whatever later trysts I yet may keep, Shall I be waiting with such eager love, As at the tryst to-night I may not keep.
THE COUNTESS.
I find your Highness very deeply stirred.
THE DUKE.
Less than I shall be if you say "She came."
FLAMBEAU.
[_As before._]
We must make haste, for with his eyes turned up, He's singing something to his colonel.
THE COUNTESS.
Change!
FLAMBEAU.
Wait for the signal. Have no fear; I'm watching. Attention! By the magic of my wand!
THE COUNTESS.
Think well! Perhaps you turn him into Cæsar!
FLAMBEAU.
That's why my wand is fashioned of a ramrod.
[_Noise of people leaving the theatre._]
They're coming! Now!
[_The_ DUKE _and the_ COUNTESS _exchange cloaks._]
MASKS AND DOMINOS.
[_Entering._]
They've dressed the orange-trees!
ALL.
Oh!
FANNY.
[_To the_ DUKE, _pointing to the_ COUNTESS.]
There's our swarm of women buzzing round him.
LADIES.
[_Around the false_ DUKE.]
Prince!--Duke--! My Lord--! Your Highness--!
GENTZ.
No one else Has any chance to-night!
CRIES.
[_From the tables._]
Sandor! Zichy! Mina!
THE DOMINO CALLED MINA.
How did you know me?
A MASK.
By your opal necklace.
ANOTHER MASK.
We'll gather oranges for our dessert.
A LADY.
[_To the false_ DUKE.]
Duke--
MASKS.
Danube sterlets! Caviar from the Volga!
[_All are seated._]
GENTZ.
[_Rising, glass in hand._]
Ladies and gentlemen--
ALL.
Hear! Hear!
THE DUKE.
Now comes The trying moment.
GENTZ.
I have filled this bumper In honor--
THE DUKE.
She is going--
GENTZ.
Of our friend, Who, having organized the feast, has left us Amid the music, flowers, delicious ices, To toil till dawn dictating his despatches.
FANNY.
How well she imitates your careless stride!
GENTZ.
To the Prince-chancellor, Counsellor, Chamberlain, Ladies and gentlemen, drain brimming glasses! Metternich, Austrian Prince, Grandee of Spain, Duke of Portella, Lord of Daruvar--
FANNY.
She's coming forward! Look how calm she is!
GENTZ.
Knight of Saint Ann--
FANNY.
He helps us with his chatter, And doesn't know it.
GENTZ.
Knight o' the Swedish Seraphs, The Danish Elephant, the Golden Fleece--
FLAMBEAU.
If Nepomuk has one or two more titles--
GENTZ.
Curator of the Fine Arts, Czechish Magnate--
THE DUKE.
She's overdoing it: I move more quickly.
GENTZ.
Bailiff of Malta--
THE DUKE.
Ha! She stops!
GENTZ.
Grand Cross Of Charles the Third, the Falcon, Bear, and Lion-- Phew--!
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
[_To the_ LADY _seated next to_ GENTZ.]
He's fainting! Fan him quickly, someone!
GENTZ.
Fellow of all the Academies on earth--!
ALL.
Hurrah!
FLAMBEAU.
And while they clash their glasses, Prince, She's starting--she has started--
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
[_To the false_ DUKE.]
Franz! Not going?
THE DUKE.
All's lost!
FLAMBEAU.
Damnation!
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
[_To the false_ DUKE.]
Wait!
THE DUKE.
The Archduchess Knew nothing of the plot--
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
You grieved me, Franz; Just now you--
[_She recognises the_ COUNTESS.]
Ah!
THE DUKE.
All's lost.
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
But--
[_Offering her hand to the_ COUNTESS.]
Well, good-night.
THE COUNTESS.
Ah, Madam--How--?
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
Why don't you kiss my hand?
[_The_ COUNTESS _goes out._]
A MASK.
The Duke already gone?
ANOTHER.
He's whimsical.
THE DUKE.
[_Meaningly, to the_ ARCHDUCHESS.]
Your hand--as to the Duke?
THE ARCHDUCHESS.
Yes, gentle mask.
GENTZ.
And now--
SEVERAL.
Again?
GENTZ.
One word---
VOICES.
Oh, go ahead!
GENTZ.
I wanted to complete my little toast, But while the Duke was here I couldn't name The proudest title Metternich can boast of; But now we're rid of him, I have the honor:-- Ladies and gentlemen, here's the destroyer Of Bonaparte!
ALL.
Hurrah!--To the Destroyer!
THE DUKE.
[_To_ FLAMBEAU.]
What are you doing?
FLAMBEAU.
[_Who is pouring his wine into his gun-barrel_.]
Lest it might go off!
A MASK.
This Bonaparte--
SECOND MASK.
Wasn't marble.
THIRD MASK.
Stucco.
THE DUKE.
What!
FLAMBEAU.
Have a care! An Empire is at stake!
A MASK.
Much overpraised--
FLAMBEAU.
Take care!
TIBURTIUS.
A middling soldier, But then he rode a camel while in Egypt; What more do you want?
A MASK.
Gentz imitates him.
FLAMBEAU.
Lord!
ANOTHER MASK.
Do it!
FLAMBEAU.
[_To the_ DUKE.]
Remember, you're not here at all!
GENTZ.
[_Arranging his hair, and striking the conventional attitude._]
Curl--eye--hand--There!
FLAMBEAU.
Old fool!
THE DUKE.
He mocks him, yet Even the mockery's great, for it evokes him.
TIBURTIUS.
You know he used to tumble off his horse?
FLAMBEAU.
That's what the Ultras always said about him.
A MASK.
His talk was poor.
FLAMBEAU.
Go on!