L'Aiglon - LightNovelsOnl.com
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[_He coughs._]
DIETRICHSTEIN.
Oh, you're coughing! Water!
THE DUKE.
I've made good progress with my history?
DIETRICHSTEIN.
And yet no books come near you! That I'm sure of!
OBENAUS.
When Metternich discovers--
THE DUKE.
You won't tell him!
The blame would fall on you.
DIETRICHSTEIN.
We'd best keep still, And ask his mother to expostulate.
[_He knocks at_ MARIA LOUISA'S _door._]
The d.u.c.h.ess--?
SCARAMPI.
[_Appearing._]
She is ready. You may come.
[DIETRICHSTEIN _goes in._]
THE DUKE.
[_Mockingly to_ OBENAUS.]
Your course, _Ad usum_, sir, _Delphini_, sir, Is finished, sir!
OBENAUS.
I can't think how you learnt--!
[MARIA LOUISA _comes in in great agitation, in a superb ball-dress, and with her cloak on._ OBENAUS _and_ DIETRICHSTEIN _go out quietly._]
MARIA LOUISA.
Oh Heavens! what is't again? What must I hear?
Perhaps you will explain--
THE DUKE.
[_Showing her the open window._]
My mother, look, The day is hushed, but for belated birds.
Oh, with what tenderness the gloaming fades!
The trees--
MARIA LOUISA.
What, you! Can you feel nature's beauty?
THE DUKE.
Perhaps.
MARIA LOUISA.
Perhaps you will explain--
THE DUKE.
Oh, mother, Inhale the perfume. All the forest floats Into the chamber on its breath!
MARIA LOUISA.
Explain!
THE DUKE.
With every gust a branch is wafted in!
A fairer miracle than that which scared Macbeth; the forest is not walking only, Not like a mad thing walking; lo! on wings The scented evening sets the forest flying!
MARIA LOUISA.
What! You can be poetical!
THE DUKE.
At times.
[_Distant music is heard._]
Listen! A waltz. An ordinary waltz; Yet distance gives it dignity. Who knows?
