[_He coughs._]

DIETRICHSTEIN.

Oh, you're coughing! Water!

THE DUKE.

I've made good progress with my history?

DIETRICHSTEIN.

And yet no books come near you! That I'm sure of!

OBENAUS.

When Metternich discovers--

THE DUKE.

You won't tell him!

The blame would fall on you.

DIETRICHSTEIN.

We'd best keep still, And ask his mother to expostulate.

[_He knocks at_ MARIA LOUISA'S _door._]

The d.u.c.h.ess--?

SCARAMPI.

[_Appearing._]

She is ready. You may come.

[DIETRICHSTEIN _goes in._]

THE DUKE.

[_Mockingly to_ OBENAUS.]

Your course, _Ad usum_, sir, _Delphini_, sir, Is finished, sir!

OBENAUS.

I can't think how you learnt--!

[MARIA LOUISA _comes in in great agitation, in a superb ball-dress, and with her cloak on._ OBENAUS _and_ DIETRICHSTEIN _go out quietly._]

MARIA LOUISA.

Oh Heavens! what is't again? What must I hear?

Perhaps you will explain--

THE DUKE.

[_Showing her the open window._]

My mother, look, The day is hushed, but for belated birds.

Oh, with what tenderness the gloaming fades!

The trees--

MARIA LOUISA.

What, you! Can you feel nature's beauty?

THE DUKE.

Perhaps.

MARIA LOUISA.

Perhaps you will explain--

THE DUKE.

Oh, mother, Inhale the perfume. All the forest floats Into the chamber on its breath!

MARIA LOUISA.

Explain!

THE DUKE.

With every gust a branch is wafted in!

A fairer miracle than that which scared Macbeth; the forest is not walking only, Not like a mad thing walking; lo! on wings The scented evening sets the forest flying!

MARIA LOUISA.

What! You can be poetical!

THE DUKE.

At times.

[_Distant music is heard._]

Listen! A waltz. An ordinary waltz; Yet distance gives it dignity. Who knows?