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 Duchess, 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 Napoléon’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? Duchess 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.
[MÉNEVAL, 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 NAPOLÉON, disguised
as a florist examining the gardens. MÉNEVAL recognizes him and
comes forward.]