him another sweetmeat._]

A chocolate?

THE DUKE.

What do you see?

GENTZ.

I see a youth who suffers,
Rather than live a favored prince's life.
Your soul is still alive, but here at court
They'll lull it fast asleep with love and music.
I had a soul once, like the rest of the world;
But--! And I wither, decently obscene--
Till some day, in the cause of liberty,
One of those rash young fools of the University
Amid my sweetmeats, perfumes, and dishonor
Slays me as Kotzebue was slain by Sand.
Yes, I'm afraid--do try a sugared raisin--
That I shall perish at his hand.

THE DUKE.

You will.

GENTZ.

What?--How?

THE DUKE.

A youth will slay you.

GENTZ.

But--

THE DUKE.

A youth of your acquaintance.

GENTZ.

Sir--?

THE DUKE.

His name
Is Frederick. 'Tis the youth you were yourself.
For now he's risen again in you; and since
He whispers in your ear like dull remorse,
All's over with you: he will show no mercy.

GENTZ.

'Tis true, my youth cuts like a knife within me.
Ah, well I knew that gaze had not deceived me!
'Tis that of one who ponders upon Empire.

THE DUKE.

I do not understand, sir, what you mean.

[_He moves away._]

METTERNICH.

[_To_ GENTZ.]

You've had a chat with--?

GENTZ.

Yes.

METTERNICH.

Delightful?

GENTZ.

Very.

METTERNICH.

He's in the hollow of my hand.

GENTZ.

Entirely.

THE DUKE.

[_Stopping before_ THERESA.]

Why did you weep?

THERESA.

Because, my Lord--

THE DUKE.

Ah, no!
I know. But do not weep.

METTERNICH.

[_Bowing to the_ DUKE.]

I take my leave.

[_He goes out with the_ ATTACHE.]

THE DUKE.

[_To_ MARIA LOUISA _and_ DIETRICHSTEIN, _who are turning
over some papers on his table._]

Examining my work?

DIETRICHSTEIN.

It's excellent.
But why on purpose make mistakes in German?
Pure mischief!

MARIA LOUISA.

Oh! and at your age, mischief!

THE DUKE.

How can I help it? I am not an eagle.

DIETRICHSTEIN.

You still make France a n