I shall do what I say!... I don't know what-- What SHALL I do! [She bursts into tears and rushes into her bedroom, followed by the young KING and some of her ladies. There is a painful silence, broken by sobbings and expostulations within. Re-enter one of the ladies.] LADY She's sorely overthrown; She flings herself upon the bed distraught. She says, “My God, let them make up their minds To one or other of these harrowing ills, And force to't, and end my agony!” [An official enters at the main door.] OFFICIAL I am sent here by the Minister of War To her Imperial Majesty the Empress. [Re-enter MARIE LOUISE and the KING OF ROME.] Your Majesty, my mission is to say Imperious need dictates your instant flight. A vanward regiment of the Prussian packs Has gained the shadow of the city walls. MENEVAL They are armed Europe's scouts! [Enter CAMBACERES the Arch-Chancellor, COUNT BEAUHARNAIS, CORVISART the physician, DE BAUSSET, DE CANISY the equerry, and others.] CAMBACERES Your Majesty, There's not a trice to lose. The force well-nigh Of all compacted Europe crowds on us, And clamours at the walls! BEAUHARNAIS If you stay longer, You stay to fall into the Cossacks hands. The people, too, are waxing masterful: They think the lingering of your Majesty Makes Paris more a peril for themselves Than a defence for you. To fight is fruitless, And wanton waste of life. You have nought to do But go; and I, and all the Councillors, Will follow you. MARIE LOUISE Then I was right to say That I would go! Now go I surely will, And let none try to hinder me again! [She prepares to leave.] KING OF ROME [crying] I will not go! I like to live here best! Don't go to Rambouillet, mamma; please don't. It is a nasty place! Let us stay here. O Mamma 'Quiou, stay with me here; pray stay! MARIE LOUISE [to the Equerry] Bring him down. [Exit MARIE LOUISE in tears, followed by ladies-in-waiting and others.] DE CANISY Come now, Monseigneur, come. [He catches up the boy in his arms and prepares to follow the Empress.] KING OF ROME [kicking] No, no, no! I don't want to go away from my house--I don't want to! Now papa is away I am the master! [He clings to the door as the equerry is bearing him through it.] DE CANISY But you must go. [The child's fingers are pulled away. Exit DE CANISY with the King OF ROME, who is heard screaming as he is carried down the staircase.] MADAME DE MONTESQUIOU I feel the child is right! A premonition has enlightened him. She ought to stay. But, ah, the die is cast! [MADAME DE MONTESQUIOU and the remainder of the party follow, and the room is left empty. Enter servants hastily.] FIRST SERVANT