L'Aiglon Part 5

The Envoy Of General Belliard. Welcome, sir.

[_Hands him papers._] The papers.

We accept in principle King Louis Philip; But don't let's have too much of '99, Or we might crack a little egg-sh.e.l.l!

THE ATTACHe.

Sir, Are you alluding to Prince Francis Charles?

 

METTERNICH.

The Duke of Reichstadt? Oh, sir, as for me, I don't admit his father reigned.

THE ATTACHe.

[_Generously._]

I do.

METTERNICH.

So I'll do nothing for the Duke. Yet--

THE ATTACHe.

Yet?

METTERNICH.

Yet, should you give too loose a reign to freedom, Permit yourself the slightest propaganda, Let Monsieur Royer-Collard come too often And bare his bosom to your king; in short, If your new kingdom's too republican, We might--our temper's not angelical-- We might remember Francis is our grandson.

THE ATTACHe.

Our lilies never shall turn red.

METTERNICH.

And while They keep their whiteness bees shall not approach them.

THE ATTACHe.

'Tis feared in spite of you the Duke may hope.

METTERNICH.

No.

THE ATTACHe.

Things are happening.

METTERNICH.

But we filter them.

THE ATTACHe.

Doesn't he know that France has changed her king?

METTERNICH.

Yes; but the detail he does not yet know Is that his father's flag, the tricolor, Is re-established. 'Twill be time enough--

THE ATTACHe.

He would be drunk with hope!

METTERNICH.

We'll keep him sober.

THE ATTACHe.

He's not so strictly guarded here at Baden.

METTERNICH.

Oh, here there's nought to fear. He's with his mother.

THE ATTACHe.

Well, sir?

METTERNICH.

What spy could have such interest In watching him? For any plot would trouble Her lovely calm.

THE ATTACHe.

Is not that calmness feigned?

She cannot have a thought but for her eaglet!

MARIA LOUISA.

[_Entering hurriedly._

My parrot!

THE ATTACHe.

[_Starting._]