THE COUNTESS.

Ah, Madam--How--?

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Why don't you kiss my hand?

[_The_ COUNTESS _goes out._]

A MASK.

The Duke already gone?

ANOTHER.

He's whimsical.

THE DUKE.

[_Meaningly, to the_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.]

Your hand--as to the Duke?

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Yes, gentle mask.

GENTZ.

And now--

SEVERAL.

Again?

GENTZ.

One word---

VOICES.

Oh, go ahead!

GENTZ.

I wanted to complete my little toast, But while the Duke was here I couldn't name The proudest t.i.tle Metternich can boast of; But now we're rid of him, I have the honor:-- Ladies and gentlemen, here's the destroyer Of Bonaparte!

ALL.

Hurrah!--To the Destroyer!

THE DUKE.

[_To_ FLAMBEAU.]

What are you doing?

FLAMBEAU.

[_Who is pouring his wine into his gun-barrel_.]

Lest it might go off!

A MASK.

This Bonaparte--

SECOND MASK.

Wasn't marble.

THIRD MASK.

Stucco.

THE DUKE.

What!

FLAMBEAU.

Have a care! An Empire is at stake!

A MASK.

Much overpraised--

FLAMBEAU.

Take care!

TIBURTIUS.

A middling soldier, But then he rode a camel while in Egypt; What more do you want?

A MASK.

Gentz imitates him.