THE DYNASTS ACT vi
U NDER- S ECRETARY
Your speech is dark.
PERCEVAL
Well, a new war in Europe. Before the year is out there may arise A red campaign outscaling any seen. Russia and France the parties to the strife— Ay, to the death!
UNDERSECRETARY
By Heaven, sir, do you say sp^?
Enter CASTLEREAGH, a tall, handsome man with a Roman nose, who, seeing them, approaches.
PERCEVAL
Ha, Castlereagh. Till now I have missed you here* This news is startling for us all, I say!
CASTLEREAGH
My mind is blank on it! Since I left office I know no more what villainy's afoot, Or virtue either, than an anchoret Who mortifies the flesh in some lone cave.
PERCEVAL
Well, happily that may not last for long. But this grave pother that's just now agog May reach such radius in its consequence As to outspan our lives! Yes, Bonaparte And Alexander—late such bosom-friends— Are closing to a mutual murder-bout • At which the lips of Europe will wax wan.
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