Freedom again!

THE DUKE.

Upon my father's side I am related closely, Sire, to Freedom.

METTERNICH.

Yes, the Duke's grandsire was the eighteenth Brumaire!

THE DUKE.

Yes, and the Revolution was my granddam!

THE EMPEROR.

Silence!

METTERNICH.

The Emperor a republican!

Utopia!--Play the Ma.r.s.eillaise in A On trumpets, while the sentimental flute Sighs "G.o.d preserve the Empire" in E flat.

THE DUKE.

The two go very well together, sir, And make a tune that frightens Kings away!

THE EMPEROR.

This to my face? How dare you, sir? How dare you?

THE DUKE.

Ah, now I know what is expected of me!

THE EMPEROR.

What does it mean? What is the matter with him?

THE DUKE.

I am to be an Austrian Archduke On a French throne!

THE EMPEROR.

What has he read or seen?

THE DUKE.

I have seen egg-cups, handkerchiefs, and pipes!

THE EMPEROR.

He's mad! The words he utters are a madman's!

THE DUKE.

Mad to have thought you'd help me to my own.

METTERNICH.

'Tis you alone obstruct your going home.

THE DUKE.

Yes, in a gig instead of on a gun!

THE EMPEROR.

You shall not go at all!

THE DUKE.

A cage?

THE EMPEROR.

We'll see!

THE DUKE.

For all your cages I am still the Eaglet!

THE EMPEROR.

The eagle on my flag has many eaglets: You're one of them: that's all.

THE DUKE.

Oh, gloomy eagle!

Sad, double-headed fowl, with heavy eye: Eagle of Austria, cruel bird of night!

A glorious eagle of the dawn has pa.s.sed Athwart thine eyrie, and with ruffled feathers, Raging and terror-stricken, thou beholdest One of thine eaglets sprouting golden plumage!

THE EMPEROR.

My heart was softening: I regret my tears.

These books and weapons shall be taken from you.

Dietrichstein!