L'Aiglon Part 119

Silence!

PROKESCH.

[_Who has just brought in the_ COUNTESS _and_ THERESA.]

They have permitted me to place you Behind the Imperial Family, and thus, Above the heads of Princes bent in prayer, O'er whom mysterious fate is hovering, And pallid children clasping pitiful hands, For the last time you'll see the dying Duke.

THERESA.

Oh, thank you, thank you, sir!

HARTMANN.

Let no one stir When the door opens!

MARIA LOUISA.

Ah! The sacring-bell!

A PRINCESS.

It is the Elevation!

[_All kneel._]

HARTMANN.

Gently!

THE COUNTESS CAMERATA.

[_To_ METTERNICH.]

Well, Prince? Is there nothing you regret?

METTERNICH.

No, nothing.

I did my duty. Madam--often suffered While doing it--for my country's weal, my master's, And in defence of ancient privilege.

THE COUNTESS.

You've no regrets?

METTERNICH.

No. None.

MARIA LOUISA.

The _Agnus Dei_.

[_To_ HARTMANN, _who very gently opens the door a very little way and peers through._]

Let not the door creak as you open it!

METTERNICH.

None. But he was a n.o.ble Prince. I kneel To-day not only to the Lamb of G.o.d!

HARTMANN.

The Prelate has uncovered the Ciborium!

ALL.

Oh!

HARTMANN.

Rigid silence! I'm about to open!

ALL.

[_With emotion._]

Oh!

HARTMANN.

I open!

[_He silently thrusts the wings of the folding-doors open. All the_ COURT _is prostrate. There is a vague glimpse of candle light. A moment's pause of profound emotion and silence_. THERESA _slowly rises to look across the kneeling forms; she looks and sees._]

THERESA.

[_Amid the sobs which overmaster her._]

Oh! to behold him thus!

[_Movement._ GENERAL HARTMANN _has swiftly closed the doors. Everybody has risen._]

HARTMANN.

Retire! He heard the sobbing!

[_All have hurried toward the door on the right, but the door on the left opens quickly; the_ DUKE _appears on the threshold and sees them all standing before him. After a long look which takes in the situation:_]

THE DUKE.