(Silence. Napoleon groans)
It. It can’t be true!
Bel. ’T is false! I ’ll not believe it!
Prus. Grieve not, your Majesty. This is a mock
Dispatch.
Aus. A noble archduke! Bound by ties
Of blood and love to every court of Europe!
Believe this not, my lord!
Sec. Your Majesty,
This second message from America
Confirms the other.
Lou. ’T is true! My God, ’t is true!
It. Carlotta! Who will tell her?
Lou. None shall do it!
She must not know.
Rus. Pardon me, sire, she must.