THE DYNASTS ACT i
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SPIRIT OF THE YEARS
Of her we view
The enterprise is that of scores of men, The strength but half-a-one*s.
SPIRIT OF THE PITIES
Would fate had ruled The valour had been his, hers but the charm !
SPIRIT OF RUMOUR
But he has nothing orit, and she has all. The shameless satires of the bulletins Dispatched to Paris, thence the wide world through, Disturb the dreams of her by those who love her, And thus her brave adventures for the realm Have blurred her picture, soiled her gentleness, And wrought her credit harm.
FIRST CITIZEN (vociferously)
Yes, by God : send an ultimatum to Paris forthwith ; that's what we'll do, by God. This Confederation of the Rhine was the evil thought of an evil man bent on ruining us t
SECOND CITIZEN
This country double-faced and double-tongued, This France, or rather say, indeed, this Man— (Peoples are honest dealers in the mass)— «• This man, to sign a stealthy scroll with Russia That shuts us off from all indemnities, While swearing faithful friendship with our King, And, still professing our safe wardenry, To fatten other kingdoms at our cost, Insults "us grossly, and makes Europe clang With^echoes of our wrongs. The little states Of this antique and homely German land Are severed from their blood-allies and kin— 194