L'Aiglon Part 56

[_To the_ PEt.i.tIONERS.]

Begone!

[_All go._]

What's this?

THE DUKE.

It seems if I were only A mountain shepherd or a forester, With nothing to attract your notice, Sire, Save a c.o.c.k's feather in my huntsman's hat, You would have drawn me to your melting heart.

THE EMPEROR.

But Franz--!

THE DUKE.

Ah, now I know why all your subjects, All those who are unhappy, call themselves Your sons as much as we; but is it just, Sire, is it just, that I, when I'm unhappy, Have less of kins.h.i.+p than the least of these?

THE EMPEROR.

But why just now--for I must scold you, sir-- When I was busy with these wretched people-- Why come to me just now, and not in private?

THE DUKE.

I wished to find you when your heart was open.

THE EMPEROR.

My heart--my heart!--You're somewhat over-bold!

THE DUKE.

I know that you can do the thing I ask, That I am wretched almost past endurance, And that you are my Grandfather--that's all.

THE EMPEROR.

But there is Europe--England--above all, There's Metternich.

THE DUKE.

You are my Grandfather.

THE EMPEROR.

You don't know half the difficulties.

THE DUKE.

But I am the grandson of your Majesty.

THE EMPEROR.

But--

THE DUKE.

Sire, in whom alone I place my trust, Be Grandfather a little while!

THE EMPEROR.

But I--

THE DUKE.

Just for a moment drop the Emperor.

THE EMPEROR.

Ah, what a coaxing way you always had.

THE DUKE.

You know I cannot bear you when you look Like the great portrait hanging in the throne-room, With the ermine cloak and Golden Fleece upon you; But here, like this, I like you very much.

With the dear silver of your floating hair, Your kindly eyes, your simple coat and waistcoat; For now you're just a dear old gentleman, By whom a grandchild might be petted.

THE EMPEROR.

Petted!

THE DUKE.

Are you not bored to see the heavy jowls Of Louis-Philip on the coins of France?

THE EMPEROR.

Hus.h.!.+ hus.h.!.+

THE DUKE.

Do you adore these podgy Bourbons?

THE EMPEROR.

You are not like your cousins the Archdukes.

THE DUKE.

Indeed?