L'Aiglon Part 15

[_To_ SCARAMPI.]

We'll wait. I count on the effect--

SCARAMPI.

Ah, yes!--Of our surprise.

GENTZ.

 

[_Who has approached the_ DUKE.]

A sweetmeat?

THE DUKE.

[_Taking one and tasting it._]

Perfect.

A flavor of verbena and of pear, And something else--wait--yes--

GENTZ.

It's not worth while--

THE DUKE.

What's not worth while?

GENTZ.

To feign an interest.

I'm not so blind as Metternich.

[_He offers him another sweetmeat._]

A chocolate?

THE DUKE.

What do you see?

GENTZ.

I see a youth who suffers, Rather than live a favored prince's life.

Your soul is still alive, but here at court They'll lull it fast asleep with love and music.

I had a soul once, like the rest of the world; But--! And I wither, decently obscene-- Till some day, in the cause of liberty, One of those rash young fools of the University Amid my sweetmeats, perfumes, and dishonor Slays me as Kotzebue was slain by Sand.

Yes, I'm afraid--do try a sugared raisin-- That I shall perish at his hand.

THE DUKE.

You will.

GENTZ.

What?--How?

THE DUKE.

A youth will slay you.

GENTZ.

But--

THE DUKE.

A youth of your acquaintance.

GENTZ.

Sir--?

THE DUKE.

His name Is Frederick. 'Tis the youth you were yourself.

For now he's risen again in you; and since He whispers in your ear like dull remorse, All's over with you: he will show no mercy.

GENTZ.

'Tis true, my youth cuts like a knife within me.

Ah, well I knew that gaze had not deceived me!

'Tis that of one who ponders upon Empire.

THE DUKE.

I do not understand, sir, what you mean.

[_He moves away._]

METTERNICH.

[_To_ GENTZ.]

You've had a chat with--?

GENTZ.

Yes.