L'Aiglon - BestLightNovel.com
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[_To the_ PEt.i.tIONERS.]
Begone!
[_All go._]
What's this?
THE DUKE.
It seems if I were only A mountain shepherd or a forester, With nothing to attract your notice, Sire, Save a c.o.c.k's feather in my huntsman's hat, You would have drawn me to your melting heart.
THE EMPEROR.
But Franz--!
THE DUKE.
Ah, now I know why all your subjects, All those who are unhappy, call themselves Your sons as much as we; but is it just, Sire, is it just, that I, when I'm unhappy, Have less of kins.h.i.+p than the least of these?
THE EMPEROR.
But why just now--for I must scold you, sir-- When I was busy with these wretched people-- Why come to me just now, and not in private?
THE DUKE.
I wished to find you when your heart was open.
THE EMPEROR.
My heart--my heart!--You're somewhat over-bold!
THE DUKE.
I know that you can do the thing I ask, That I am wretched almost past endurance, And that you are my Grandfather--that's all.
THE EMPEROR.
But there is Europe--England--above all, There's Metternich.
THE DUKE.
You are my Grandfather.
THE EMPEROR.
You don't know half the difficulties.
THE DUKE.
But I am the grandson of your Majesty.
THE EMPEROR.
But--
THE DUKE.
Sire, in whom alone I place my trust, Be Grandfather a little while!
THE EMPEROR.
But I--
THE DUKE.
Just for a moment drop the Emperor.
THE EMPEROR.
Ah, what a coaxing way you always had.
THE DUKE.
You know I cannot bear you when you look Like the great portrait hanging in the throne-room, With the ermine cloak and Golden Fleece upon you; But here, like this, I like you very much.
With the dear silver of your floating hair, Your kindly eyes, your simple coat and waistcoat; For now you're just a dear old gentleman, By whom a grandchild might be petted.
THE EMPEROR.
Petted!
THE DUKE.
Are you not bored to see the heavy jowls Of Louis-Philip on the coins of France?
THE EMPEROR.
Hus.h.!.+ hus.h.!.+
THE DUKE.
Do you adore these podgy Bourbons?
THE EMPEROR.
You are not like your cousins the Archdukes.
THE DUKE.
Indeed?
