of violets. The_ ARCHDUCHESS _is offering him
a glass of milk._ DOCTOR MALFATTI _is seated at the back of the room._

THE DUKE.

Again? Well, there, then.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

No, you've left a little.

THE DUKE.

You?--Why, I thought you ill!

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

They've let me come.
Thank heaven!--And you?

THE DUKE.

Why, if you leave your sick-bed
I must be worse indeed.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

Come, now, that's nonsense!
You know you're better.

[_She examines the cup the_ DUKE _hands her._]

There, that's finished.

_She calls the_ DOCTOR, _who has been seated at the
back of the room._]

His Highness drank his milk.

THE DOCTOR.

I'm very glad.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

How good it was of him!

THE DOCTOR.

How good!

THE DUKE.

How hard--
When I had dreamed of history's reward,
And when ambition seared my soul--How hard,
To be content with praise for drinking milk!

[_To the violets on his pillow._]

Oh, ball of freshness laid upon my fever.
Dear flowers that bring the Spring into my room--!

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

All bring you violets now?

THE DUKE.

Ah, yes! Already.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

Hush! As an act of gratitude to God
For saving us--since both of us are better--
I am to take the Sacrament this morning,
I think--I hope--Franz, will you not come, too?

THE DUKE.

[_After a long look at her._]

Ah, now I see the pious trick you'd play me!
This is the end!

[_He rises._]

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

I knew you'd say so!

[_With forced playfulness._]

Think!
The etiquette--!

THE DUKE.

The--etiquette?

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

You know
You cannot be deceived. When Austrian Princes
Receive the--

THE DUKE.

Last--?

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

Oh! not that mournful word!--
All the Imperial Family must be present.

THE DUKE.

That's true.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

But we're alone! I've had an altar
Placed in that cabinet; and look about you:
No sign of an Archduke or an Archduchess.
The Prelate says the Mass for you and me;
'Tis but the ordinar