L'Aiglon Part 36

[_To the_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.]

Nothing. A choking. So I left parade.

I had been shouting.

[_To the_ DOCTOR, _who is feeling his pulse._]

Doctor, you're a nuisance!

[_To_ SEDLINZKY, _who is sidling toward the door._]

'Twas very kind of you to sort my papers.

You're spoiling me. Indeed you are. You've chosen Even my lackeys from among your friends.

SEDLINZKY.

Your Highness does not think--!

THE DUKE.

I shouldn't mind If only they performed their duties better.

But I am villainously groomed. My stock Rides up. In short, since this is your department, I wish you'd black my boots a little better.

[_A_ LACKEY _brings a tray with refreshments, which the_ DOCTOR _takes._]

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

[_Anxious to help the_ DUKE _from the tray._]

Franz--

THE DUKE.

[_To_ SEDLINZKY, _who is again making for the door._]

You take nothing--?

SEDLINZKY.

I have taken--

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

A Tartar!

THE DUKE.

Orders, Foresti!

FORESTI.

Colonel!

THE DUKE.

We'll manoeuvre At early dawn the day after to-morrow; a.s.semble at Grosshofen.

FORESTI.

Good, my Colonel!

THE DUKE.

[_To the_ OFFICERS.]

I'll not detain you, gentlemen. Good-day.

[FORESTI _and the_ OFFICERS _go out._]

THE DUKE.

[_To_ SEDLINZKY, _taking a letter out of his pocket, and tossing it toward him._]

Dear Count, here is another you've not read.

[SEDLINZKY _and the_ DOCTOR _go out._]

DIETRICHSTEIN.

[_Who came in a moment ago._]

I think you treat him rather harshly, Highness.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Is not the Duke at perfect liberty?

DIETRICHSTEIN.

Of course the Duke is not a prisoner, but--

THE DUKE.

I like that "but," I hope you feel its value!

Good Lord, I'm not a prisoner, "but"--that's all!

"But"--not a prisoner, "but"--that is the word, The formula! A prisoner? Oh, not a moment!

"But" there are always people at my heels.

A prisoner? Not I! You know I'm not; "But" if I risk a stroll across the park A hidden eye blossoms behind each leaf.

Of course not prisoner, "but" let anyone Seek private speech with me, beneath each hedge Up springs the mushroom ear. I'm truly not A prisoner, "but" when I ride, I feel The delicate attention of an escort.