THE DYNASTS ACT i SPIRIT SINISTER And we may as well give all attention thereto, for the evils at work in other continents are not worth eyesight by comparison. The ceremonial in the Cathedral continues. NAPOLEON goes to the front of the altar, ascends the steps, and, taking up the crown of Lombardy, places it on his head. NAPOLEON Tis God has given it to me. So be it. Let any who shall touch it now beware! (Reverberations of applause.) The Sacrament of the Mass. NAPOLEON reads the Coronation Oath in a loud voice. HERALDS Give ear! Napoleon, Emperor of the French And King of Italy, is crowned and throned! CONGREGATION Long live the Emperor and Xing'. Huzza ! Music. The Te Deum. SPIRIT OF THE PITIES That vulgar stroke of vauntery he displayed In planting on his brow the Lombard crown, Means sheer erasure of the Luneville pacts, And lets confusion loose on Europe speace For many an undawned year ! From t his ^rash hour Austria but waits her opportunity By secret swellings of her armaments To link her to his foes.—Fll speak to him. He throws a whisper into NAPOLEON'S ear. Lieutenant Bonaparte, Would it not seemlier be to shut thy heart 48