Keep up your spirits, madame! I have been through it myself and I assure you there is no danger to you. It is going on all right, and I am holding you. VOICE OF NAPOLEON [within] Heaven above! Why did you not deep those cursed sugar-tongs out of her sight? How is she going to get through it if you frighten her like this? VOICE OF DUBOIS [within] If you will pardon me, your Majesty, I must implore you not to interfere! I'll not be scapegoat for the consequence If, sire, you do! Better for her sake far Would you withdraw. The sight of your concern But agitates and weakens her endurance. I will inform you all, and call you back If things should worsen here. [Re-enter NAPOLEON from the bed-chamber. He half shuts the door, and remains close to it listening, pale and nervous.] BOURDIER I ask you, sire, To harass yourself less with this event, Which may amend anon: I much regret The honoured mother of your Majesty, And sister too, should both have left ere now, Whose solace would have bridged these anxious hours. NAPOLEON [absently] As we were not expecting it so soon I begged they would sit up no longer here.... She ought to get along; she has help enough With that half-dozen of them at hand within-- Skilled Madame Blaise the nurse, and two besides, Madame de Montesquiou and Madame Ballant--- DUBOIS [speaking through the doorway] Past is the question, sire, of which to save! The child is dead; the while her Majesty Is getting through it well. NAPOLEON Praise Heaven for that! I'll not grieve overmuch about the child.... Never shall She go through this strain again To lay down a dynastic line for me. DUCHESS OF MONTEBELLO [aside to the second lady] He only says that now. In cold blood it would be far otherwise. That's how men are. VOICE OF MADAME BLAISE [within] Doctor, the child's alive! [The cry of an infant is heard.] VOICE OF DUBOIS [calling from within] Sire, both are saved. [NAPOLEON rushes into the chamber, and is heard kissing MARIE LOUISE.] VOICE OF MADAME BLAISE [within] A vigorous boy, your Imperial Majesty. The brandy and hot napkins brought him to. DUCHESS OF MONTEBELLO It is as I expected. A healthy young woman of her build had every chance of doing well, despite the doctors. [An interval.] NAPOLEON [re-entering radiantly] We have achieved a healthy heir, good dames, And in the feat the Empress was most brave, Although she suffered much--so much, indeed, That I would sooner father no more sons Than have so fair a fruit-tree undergo Another wrenching of such magnitude.