THE DYNASTS
—So here you are still, though your loving lord Disports him at Vienna ?
MADAME METTERNICH
Paris, true,
Still holds me; though in quiet, save to-night, When I have been expressly prayed come hither, Or I had not left home.
NAPOLEON
I sped that prayer!— I have a wish to put a case to you, Wherein a woman's judgment, such as yours, May be of signal service. (He lapses into reverie.)
MADAME METTERNICH
Well ? The case—
NAPOLEON Is marriage—mine.
MADAME METTERNICH
It is beyond me, sire!
NAPOLEON
You glean that I have decided to dissolve (Pursuant to monitions murmured long) My union with the present Empress—formed Without the Church's due authority ?
MADAME METTERNICH
Vaguely. And that light tentatives have winged Betwixt your Majesty and .Russia's court, To moot that one of their Grand-Duchesses Should be your Empress-wife. Nought else I know.
320
ACT V