_The_ DUKE'S _bedroom at Schönbrunn. The walls are covered with Gobelin tapestry. Through folding-doors on the left there is a glimpse of the china-cabinet. There are also folding-doors on the right and in the centre. Empire furniture. A little camp-bedstead stands almost in the middle of the room. Many bunches of violets are scattered about._ _The_ DUKE _is discovered buried in a deep arm-chair, his fingers idly toying with a large bunch 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 ordinary Mass; you see This Sacrament is not-- THE DUKE. The last. 'Tis true. THE ARCHDUCHESS. Well? Are you coming? Hark! The Mass begins! THE DUKE.