I'm not the least bit in the world a prisoner, "But" I'm the second to unseal my letters.

Not at all prisoner, "but" at night they post A lackey at my door--look! there he goes.

I, Duke of Reichstadt, prisoner? Never! never!

I, prisoner? No! I'm not a prisoner--"but"--!

DIETRICHSTEIN.

I love to see this mirth--so rare--

THE DUKE.

Yes, devilish!

DIETRICHSTEIN.

[_Taking his leave._]

Your Highness--

THE DUKE.

Serenissimus!

DIETRICHSTEIN.

Eh!

THE DUKE.

--issimus!

That is my t.i.tle. My particular t.i.tle Kindly remember it another time!

DIETRICHSTEIN.

[_Bowing._]

I leave you--

[_He goes._]

THE DUKE.

[_To the_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.]

Serenissimus! how glorious!

[_Pointing to the alb.u.m._]

What's that?

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

The Emperor's herbarium.

THE DUKE.

Lord!

Grandpapa's botany!

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

He lent it me This morning, Franz.

THE DUKE.

[_Examining it._]

It's pretty.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

You know Latin, What is this withered black thing?

THE DUKE.

That's a rose.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Franz, there's been something wrong with you of late.

THE DUKE.

[_Reading._]

_Bengalensis._

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Of Bengal?

THE DUKE.

That's right.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

I find you nervous. What's the matter?

THE DUKE.