THE DYNASTS ACT v
Equal magnificence will orb her round
In aftertime as now. A palace here,p
A palace in the country, wealth to match,
A rank in order next my future wife's,
And conference with me as my truest friend.
Now we will seek her—Eugene, you, and I—
And make the project clear.
[Exeunt NAPOLEON and HORTENSE. The scene darkens and shuts.
SCENE III
VIENNA. A PRIVATE APARTMENT IN THE IMPERIAL
PALACE
The EMPEROR FRANCIS discovered, paler than usual, and somewhat flurried.
Enter METTERNICH the Prime Minister—a thin-lipped, long-nosed man with inquisitive eyes.
FRANCIS
I have been expecting you some minutes here, The thing that fronts us brooking- brief delay.— Well, what say you by now on this strange offer ?^
METTERNICH
My views remain the same, your Majesty: The policy of peace that I have upheld, Both while in Paris and of late time here, Points to this step as heralding sweet balm And bandaged veins for our late crimsoned realm,
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