The Dynasts : Parts First And Second

THE DYNASTS ACT i
NAPOLEON (softly) Still weeping, dearest lady! Why is this ?
QUEEN (seizing his hand and pressing it)
Your speeches darn the tearings of your sword !—
Between us two, as man and woman now,
Is't even possible you question why!
O why did not the Greatest of the Age—
Of future ages—of the ages past,
This one time win a woman's worship—yea,
For all her little life!
NAPOLEON (gravely)
Know you, my Fair,
That I—ay, I—in this deserve your pity.— Some force within me, baffling mine intent, Harries me onward, whether I will or no. My star, my star is what's to blame—not L. It is unswervable!
QUEEN
Then now, alas!
My duty's done as mother, wife, and queen.— 111 say no more—but that my heart is broken !
[Exeunt NAPOLEON, QUEEN, and LADY-IN-WAITING,
SPIRIT OF THE YEARS
He spoke thus at the Bridge of Lodi. Strange, Hes of the few in Europe who discern The working of the Will.
SPIRIT OF THE PITIES
If that be so, Better for Europe lacked he such discerning !
NAPOLEON returns to the room and joins TALLEYRAND. 224