SCENE m PART SECOND
SHADE OF THE EARTH
Jvwn thereto. When France and Austria wed My echoes are men's groans, my dews are red; So I have reason for a passing dread !
METTERNICH
Right nobly phrased, Archduchess ; wisely too. I will acquaint your sire the Emperor With these your views. He waits them anxiously.
(Going.)
MARIA LOUISA
Let me go first. It much confuses me
To think—But I would fain let thinking be !
[She goes out trembling. Enter FRANCIS by another door
METTERNICH
I was about to seek your Majesty. The good Archduchess luminously holds That in this weighty question you regard The Empire. Best for it is best for her.
FRANCIS (moved)
My Slaughter's views thereon do not surprise me. She is too staunch to pit a private whim Against the fortunes of a commonwealth. During your speech with her I have taken thought To shape decision sagely. An assent Would yield the Empire many years of peace, And leave me scope to heal those still green sores Which linger from our late unhappy moils. Therefore, my daughter not being disinclined, I know no basis for a negative.