THE DYNASTS ACT iv
JELLACHICH I favour marching out—the Tyrol way.
RIESC Bohemia best! The route thereto is open.
ARCHDUKE
My course is chosen. O this black campaign, Which Pitt's alarmed dispatches pricked us to, All unforeseeing! Any risk for me Rather than court humiliation here!
MACK has risen during the latter remarks, walked to the window, and looked out at the rain. He returns with an air of embarrassment
MACK (to Archduke)
It is my privilege firmly to submit That your Imperial Highness undertake No venturous vaulting into risks unknown.— Assume that you, Sire, as you have proposed, With your light regiments and the cavalry, Detach yourself from us, to scoop a way By circuits northwards through the Rauhe Alps And Herdenheim, into Bohemia: Reports all point that you will be attacked, Enveloped, borne on to capitulate. What worse can happen here ?— Remember, Sire, the Emperor deputes me, Should such a clash arise as has arisen, To exercise supreme authority. The honour of our arms, our race, demands That none of your Imperial Highness' line Be pounded prisoner by this vulgar foe, Who is not France, but an adventurer Imposing on that country for his gain.
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