NAPOLEON [shrieking, staggering, and covering his eyes] No. Stop. Hide your face again. [Shutting his eyes and distractedly clutching at his throat and heart] Let me go. Help! I am dying.
THE ORACLE. Do you still wish to consult an older person?
NAPOLEON. No, no. The veil, the veil, I beg you.
THE ORACLE [replacing the veil] So.
NAPOLEON. Ouf! One cannot always be at one's best. Twice before in my life I have lost my nerve and behaved like a poltroon. But I warn you not to judge my quality by these involuntary moments.
THE ORACLE. I have no occasion to judge of your quality. You want my advice. Speak quickly; or I shall go about my business.
NAPOLEON [After a moment's hesitation, sinks respectfully on one knee] I—
THE ORACLE. Oh, rise, rise. Are you so foolish as to offer me this mummery which even you despise?
NAPOLEON [rising] I knelt in spite of myself. I compliment you on your impressiveness, madam.
THE ORACLE [impatiently] Time! time! time! time!