SCENE in PART SECOND
SCENE III
PARIS. THE TUILERIES
The anteroom to the EMPRESS MARIE LOUISE'S bed-chamber, in which are discovered NAPOLEON in his dressing-gown, the DUCHESS OF MONTEBELLO, and other ladies-in-waiting, CORVISART the first physician, and the second physician BOURDIER.
The time is before dawn. The EMPEROR walks up and down, throws himself on a sofa, or stands at the window. A cry of anguish comes occasionally from within.
NAPOLEON opens the door and speaks into the bed-chamber.
NAPOLEON How now, Dubois ?
VOICE OF DUBOIS THE ACCOUCHEUR (nervously)
Less well, sire, than I hoped; I fear no skill can save them both.
NAPOLEON (agitated)
Good God! Exit CORVISART into the bed-room. Enter DUBOIS.
DUBOIS (with hesitation)
Which life is to be saved ? The Empress, sire, Lies in great jeopardy. I have not known In my long years of many-featured practice An instance in a thousand fall out so.
NAPOLEON
Then save the mother, pray! Think but of her ; It is her privilege, and my command.—
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