L'Aiglon Part 50

Haven't you ever seen the cross?

THE DUKE.

In shops.

FLAMBEAU.

My Lord, it must be seen upon a breast.

Here on the cloth, a gout of ardent blood, Which fell, and falling turned to burnished gold And to enamel with an edge of green; 'Twas like a jewel pouring from a wound.

THE DUKE.

It must have looked magnificent, my friend.

Here on your bosom.

FLAMBEAU.

I?--I never had it.

THE DUKE.

What! After all your modest heroism?

FLAMBEAU.

One had to do far greater deeds to win it.

THE DUKE.

You made no claim?

FLAMBEAU.

The Little Corporal Didn't bestow it; so I hadn't earned it.

THE DUKE.

Then I, who have no power, no throne, no t.i.tle, I, who am but a memory in a phantom, That Duke of Reichstadt who with helpless grief Can only wander under Austrian trees, Carving an N upon their mossy trunks, Wayfarer, only noticed when I cough; Who have no longer even the little piece Of watered silk so scarlet in my cradle; I, on whose woes they vainly lavish stars, Who only wear two crosses, not the One!

I, exiled, prisoner, sick, who may not ride Along the front of pompous regiments Scattering stars among my heroes; yet I hope--I think--the son of such a father-- Into whose hands a firmament was given-- I think, in spite of shadows and dead days, A little of the star clings to my fingers:-- John Seraph Peter Flambeau, I adorn you!

FLAMBEAU.

You!

THE DUKE.

Oh, this ribbon is not real.

FLAMBEAU.

The real Is that we weep in taking. I have wept.

MARMONT.

Besides, it must be legalized in Paris.

THE DUKE.

But how to get to Paris?

FLAMBEAU.

Pack your trunk.

THE DUKE.

Alas!

FLAMBEAU.

No more "Alas." To-day's the Ninth, And if you'd like to be on the Pont-Neuf The Thirtieth--you'll be there if you like-- Come to the ball to-morrow given by Nepomuk.

THE DUKE AND MARMONT.

By whom?

FLAMBEAU.

Prince Metternich (Clement Lothair Wenceslas Nepomuk). Come. No more "Alas!"

MARMONT.

You utter dangerous secrets in my presence!

FLAMBEAU.

You'll not betray a plot in which you share.

THE DUKE.

Not Marmont!

MARMONT.

Yes, I'm with you.

[_To_ FLAMBEAU.]

All the same You didn't use much flattery to win me; You gave me quite a warm reception.