L'Aiglon Part 11

And then we're proud of having for our Colonel The son of--

METTERNICH.

That'll do.

THE SERGEANT.

He took the ditch So cool and calm! As pretty as a picture!

 

So then a sort of lump came in our throats, Pride and affection--I don't know--we shouted "Long live--!

METTERNICH.

Enough, enough! It's just as easy To shout "Long live the Duke of Reichstadt," idiot!

THE SERGEANT.

Well--

METTERNICH.

What?

THE SERGEANT.

"Long live the Duke of Reichstadt"

Isn't so easy as "Long live--"

METTERNICH.

Be off.

Don't shout at all!

TIBURTIUS.

[_To the_ SERGEANT _as he pa.s.ses him to go out._]

You fool!

MARIA LOUISA.

[_To the ladies who surround her._]

I'm better, thank you.

THERESA.

The Empress!

MARIA LOUISA.

[_To_ DIETRICHSTEIN, _pointing to_ THERESA.]

Baron Dietrichstein, this is My new companion-reader.

[_To_ THERESA, _presenting_ DIETRICHSTEIN.]

My son's tutor.

And, by the way, I've never thought of asking-- Do you read well?

TIBURTIUS.

Oh, very!

THERESA.

I don't know.

MARIA LOUISA.

Take one of Franz's books from yonder table, Open it anywhere.

THERESA.

[_Taking a book and reading the t.i.tle._]

"Andromache"--

[_She reads._]

"What is this fear, my lord, which strikes the heart?

Has any Trojan hero slipped his chains?

Their hate of Hector is not yet appeased: They dread his son! fit object of their dread!

A hapless child, who is not yet aware His master's Pyrrhus and his father Hector."

[_General embarra.s.sment._]

I--

GENTZ.

Charming voice.

MARIA LOUISA.

Select another pa.s.sage.

THERESA.

"Alas the day, when, prompted by his valor, To seek Achilles and to meet his doom, He called his son and wrapped him to his heart: 'Dear wife,' quoth he, and brushed away a tear, 'I know not what the fates may have in store.