I like that "but," I hope you feel its value! Good Lord, I'm not a prisoner, "but"--that's all! "But"--not a prisoner, "but"--that is the word, The formula! A prisoner? Oh, not a moment! "But" there are always people at my heels. A prisoner? Not I! You know I'm not; "But" if I risk a stroll across the park A hidden eye blossoms behind each leaf. Of course not prisoner, "but" let anyone Seek private speech with me, beneath each hedge Up springs the mushroom ear. I'm truly not A prisoner, "but" when I ride, I feel The delicate attention of an escort. I'm not the least bit in the world a prisoner, "But" I'm the second to unseal my letters. Not at all prisoner, "but" at night they post A lackey at my door--look! there he goes. I, Duke of Reichstadt, prisoner? Never! never! I, prisoner? No! I'm not a prisoner--"but"--! DIETRICHSTEIN. I love to see this mirth--so rare-- THE DUKE. Yes, devilish! DIETRICHSTEIN. [_Taking his leave._] Your Highness-- THE DUKE. Serenissimus! DIETRICHSTEIN. Eh! THE DUKE. --issimus! That is my title. My particular title Kindly remember it another time! DIETRICHSTEIN. [_Bowing._] I leave you-- [_He goes._] THE DUKE. [_To the_ ARCHDUCHESS.] Serenissimus! how glorious! [_Pointing to the album._] What's that? THE ARCHDUCHESS. The Emperor's herbarium. THE DUKE. Lord! Grandpapa's botany! THE ARCHDUCHESS. He lent it me This morning, Franz. THE DUKE. [_Examining it._] It's pretty. THE ARCHDUCHESS. You know Latin, What is this withered black thing? THE DUKE. That's a rose. THE ARCHDUCHESS. Franz, there's been something wrong with you of late. THE DUKE. [_Reading._] _Bengalensis._ THE ARCHDUCHESS. Of Bengal? THE DUKE. That's right. THE ARCHDUCHESS. I find you nervous. What's the matter? THE DUKE. Nothing. THE ARCHDUCHESS. Yes, but I know, your bosom-friend Prokesch, The confidant of hopes they think too vast, They've sent him far away. THE DUKE. But in exchange They give me Marshal Marmont as a friend. Despised in France, he crawls to Austria To gather praise for treason to my Father. THE ARCHDUCHESS. Hush! THE DUKE. And a man like that is here to set The son against the Father!--Oh!-- [_Reading._] _Volubilis._ THE ARCHDUCHESS. Franz, when you promise do you keep your word? THE DUKE. You've been so good to me, I could not break it. THE ARCHDUCHESS. Besides, you liked my birthday present, Franz. THE DUKE. Ah, yes! These relics from the archducal trophy!