L'Aiglon Part 92

THE COUNTESS.

Not for your sake.

THE DUKE.

Ah?

THE COUNTESS.

No! For the name, the glory, and our blood!

THE DUKE.

You bravely clash your arms, fair Amazon!

THE COUNTESS.

The deed were nothing, were it done for love.

THE DUKE.

Speaking of love, if, when you've taken my place In yonder hunting-lodge, by any chance A woman came--

THE COUNTESS.

Ah! I felt sure of it!

THE DUKE.

Tell her about my flight--and swear to me--

FLAMBEAU.

[_At the entrance to the theatre, describing the play._]

The soldier holds his tongue!

THE COUNTESS.

Good.

FLAMBEAU.

Doesn't murmur.

THE DUKE.

Swear you will tell me later if she comes.

THE COUNTESS.

Thinking of hearts, when Empire is at hand!

THE DUKE.

It is because I mount a throne to-morrow I lay such value on a heart to-night.

O G.o.d! to feel respect in every kiss, Snares in avowals, in embraces dread, And in fair eyes, more dazzled than in love, See laurel-wreaths about me as on coins!

I was to pluck my last real love to-night!

FLAMBEAU.

[_As before._]

He's telling them about his pocket-book.

THE DUKE.

I would she kept this white and spotless tryst, She who has not yet studied to dissemble; 'Twere well she came, for nevermore, perchance, Whatever later trysts I yet may keep, Shall I be waiting with such eager love, As at the tryst to-night I may not keep.

THE COUNTESS.

I find your Highness very deeply stirred.

THE DUKE.

Less than I shall be if you say "She came."

FLAMBEAU.

[_As before._]

We must make haste, for with his eyes turned up, He's singing something to his colonel.

THE COUNTESS.

Change!

FLAMBEAU.

Wait for the signal. Have no fear; I'm watching.

Attention! By the magic of my wand!

THE COUNTESS.

Think well! Perhaps you turn him into Caesar!

FLAMBEAU.

That's why my wand is fas.h.i.+oned of a ramrod.