I have seen nothing. FRANCIS Please you read it, Prince. METTERNICH [taking out a paper] “The Powers assembled at the Congress here Owe it to their own troths and dignities, And to the furtherance of social order, To make a solemn Declaration, thus: By breaking the convention as to Elba, Napoleon Bonaparte forthwith destroys His only legal title to exist, And as a consequence has hurled himself Beyond the pale of civil intercourse. Disturber of the tranquillity of the world, There can be neither peace nor truce with him, And public vengeance is his self-sought doom.-- Signed by the Plenipotentiaries.” MARIE LOUISE [pale] O God, How terrible!... What shall---[she begins weeping.] KING OF ROME Is it papa They want to hurt like that, dear Mamma 'Quiou? Then 'twas no good my praying for him so; And I can see that I am not going to be A King much longer! COUNTESS OF MONTESQUIOU [retiring with the child] Pray for him, Monseigneur, Morning and evening just the same! They plan To take you off from me. But don't forget-- Do as I say! KING OF ROME Yes, Mamma 'Quiou, I will!-- But why have I no pages now? And why Does my mamma the Empress weep so much? COUNTESS OF MONTESQUIOU We'll talk elsewhere. [MONTESQUIOU and the KING OF ROME withdraw to back.] FRANCIS At least, then, you agree Not to attempt to follow Paris-ward Your conscience-lacking husband, and create More troubles in the State?--Remember this, I sacrifice my every man and horse Ere he Rule France again. MARIE LOUISE I am pledged already To hold by the Allies; let that suffice! METTERNICH For the clear good of all, your Majesty, And for your safety and the King of Rome's, It most befits that your Imperial father Should have sole charge of the young king henceforth, While these convulsions rage. That this is so You will see, I think, in view of being installed As Parma's Duchess, and take steps therefor. MARIE LOUISE [coldly] I understand the terms to be as follows: Parma is mine--my very own possession,-- And as a counterquit, the guardianship Is ceded to my father of my son, And I keep out of France. METTERNICH And likewise this: All missives that your Majesty receives Under Napoleon's hand, you tender straight The Austrian Cabinet, the seals unbroke; With those received already. FRANCIS You discern How vastly to the welfare of your son This course must tend? Duchess of Parma throned You shine a wealthy woman, to endow Your son with fortune and large landed fee. MARIE LOUISE [bitterly] I must have Parma: and those being the terms Perforce accept! I weary of the strain Of statecraft and political embroil: I long for private quiet!... And now wish To say no more at all.