SCENE m PART SECOND
METTERNICH (nettled)
Well—that's a point of view.
MARIA LOUISA
But, Chancellor, think what things I have said of him! Can women marry where they have taunted so ?
METTERNICH
Things ? Nothing inexpungeable, I deem, By time and true good humour.
MARIA LOUISA
O I have!
Horrible things. Why—ay, a hundred times— I have said I wished him dead! At that strained
hour
When the first voicings of the late war came, Thrilling out how the French were smitten sore And Bonaparte retreating, I clapped hands And answered that I hoped he'd lose his head As well as lose the battle!
METTERNICH
Words. But words!
Born like the bubbles of a spring that come Of zfist for springing—aimless in theft shape*
MARIA LOUISA
It seems indecent, mean, to wed a man Whom one has held such fierce opinions of!
METTERNICH
My much beloved Archduchess, and revered,
339