L'Aiglon - BestLightNovel.com
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Freedom again!
THE DUKE.
Upon my father's side I am related closely, Sire, to Freedom.
METTERNICH.
Yes, the Duke's grandsire was the eighteenth Brumaire!
THE DUKE.
Yes, and the Revolution was my granddam!
THE EMPEROR.
Silence!
METTERNICH.
The Emperor a republican!
Utopia!--Play the Ma.r.s.eillaise in A On trumpets, while the sentimental flute Sighs "G.o.d preserve the Empire" in E flat.
THE DUKE.
The two go very well together, sir, And make a tune that frightens Kings away!
THE EMPEROR.
This to my face? How dare you, sir? How dare you?
THE DUKE.
Ah, now I know what is expected of me!
THE EMPEROR.
What does it mean? What is the matter with him?
THE DUKE.
I am to be an Austrian Archduke On a French throne!
THE EMPEROR.
What has he read or seen?
THE DUKE.
I have seen egg-cups, handkerchiefs, and pipes!
THE EMPEROR.
He's mad! The words he utters are a madman's!
THE DUKE.
Mad to have thought you'd help me to my own.
METTERNICH.
'Tis you alone obstruct your going home.
THE DUKE.
Yes, in a gig instead of on a gun!
THE EMPEROR.
You shall not go at all!
THE DUKE.
A cage?
THE EMPEROR.
We'll see!
THE DUKE.
For all your cages I am still the Eaglet!
THE EMPEROR.
The eagle on my flag has many eaglets: You're one of them: that's all.
THE DUKE.
Oh, gloomy eagle!
Sad, double-headed fowl, with heavy eye: Eagle of Austria, cruel bird of night!
A glorious eagle of the dawn has pa.s.sed Athwart thine eyrie, and with ruffled feathers, Raging and terror-stricken, thou beholdest One of thine eaglets sprouting golden plumage!
THE EMPEROR.
My heart was softening: I regret my tears.
These books and weapons shall be taken from you.
Dietrichstein!
