The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 163

MARIE LOUISE [pale]

O G.o.d, How terrible!... What shall---[she begins weeping.]

KING OF ROME

Is it papa They want to hurt like that, dear Mamma 'Quiou?

Then 'twas no good my praying for him so; And I can see that I am not going to be A King much longer!

COUNTESS OF MONTESQUIOU [retiring with the child]

Pray for him, Monseigneur, Morning and evening just the same! They plan To take you off from me. But don't forget-- Do as I say!

KING OF ROME

Yes, Mamma 'Quiou, I will!-- But why have I no pages now? And why Does my mamma the Empress weep so much?

COUNTESS OF MONTESQUIOU

We'll talk elsewhere.

[MONTESQUIOU and the KING OF ROME withdraw to back.]

FRANCIS

At least, then, you agree Not to attempt to follow Paris-ward Your conscience-lacking husband, and create More troubles in the State?--Remember this, I sacrifice my every man and horse Ere he Rule France again.

MARIE LOUISE

I am pledged already To hold by the Allies; let that suffice!

METTERNICH

For the clear good of all, your Majesty, And for your safety and the King of Rome's, It most befits that your Imperial father Should have sole charge of the young king henceforth, While these convulsions rage. That this is so You will see, I think, in view of being installed As Parma's d.u.c.h.ess, and take steps therefor.

MARIE LOUISE [coldly]

I understand the terms to be as follows: Parma is mine--my very own possession,-- And as a counterquit, the guardianship Is ceded to my father of my son, And I keep out of France.

METTERNICH

And likewise this: All missives that your Majesty receives Under Napoleon's hand, you tender straight The Austrian Cabinet, the seals unbroke; With those received already.

FRANCIS

You discern How vastly to the welfare of your son This course must tend? d.u.c.h.ess of Parma throned You shine a wealthy woman, to endow Your son with fortune and large landed fee.

MARIE LOUISE [bitterly]

I must have Parma: and those being the terms Perforce accept! I weary of the strain Of statecraft and political embroil: I long for private quiet!... And now wish To say no more at all.

[MENEVAL, who has heard her latter remarks, turns sadly away.]

FRANCIS

There's nought to say; All is in train to work straightforwardly.

[FRANCIS and METTERNICH depart. MARIE LOUISE retires towards the child and the COUNTESS OF MONTESQUIOU at the back of the parterre, where they are joined by NEIPPERG.

Enter in front DE MONTROND, a secret emissary of NAPOLEON, disguised as a florist examining the gardens. MENEVAL recognizes him and comes forward.]

MENEVAL

Why are you here, de Montrond? All is hopeless!

DE MONTROND

Wherefore? The offer of the Regency I come empowered to make, and will conduct her Safely to Stra.s.sburg with her little son, If she shrink not to breech her as a man, And tiptoe from a postern unperceived?

MENEVAL

Though such quaint gear would mould her to a youth Fair as Adonis on a hunting morn, Yet she'll refuse! A German prudery Sits on her still; more, kneaded by her arts There's no will left to her. I conjured her To hold aloof, sign nothing. But in vain.

DE MONTROND [looking towards Marie Louise]

I fain would put it to her privately!

MENEVAL

A thing impossible. No word to her Without a word to him you see with her, Neipperg to wit. She grows indifferent To dreams as Regent; visioning a future Wherein her son and self are two of three But where the third is not Napoleon.