Dear lady, this is torture.

Car. Torture for you?--for him? Then what is it
For me, my lord?

Prus. Wouldst have his majesty
False to his country to be true to you?

Aus. The oath he took was, by the courtesy
Of nations, subject to the change that time
Visits on countries as on men.

Car. You'd win
His sword from me that you may use it! Sirs,
He plays you 'gainst each other as the eagle
Sets ospreys in contention over prey
That he may filch the prize!

Lou. Carlotta!

Car. Be warned!
He'll know no ease till in your capitals
He has re-crowned the great Napoleon!

Lou. Nay--

Car. Stop me not! Here you shall stand as bare
To these men's eyes as you do to my own!

Lou. My lords, you will not let her troubled mind
Weaken your trust in me?

Prus. Your majesty,
We know you noble.

Car. Noble! Napoleon,
This wondrous city is aflame with joy,
The blazing fires now dart aloft and write
In golden light your name upon the skies,
But in your heart will burn a torch of hell
Unquenchable, if you deny me aid!

Lou. Dear madam, pray believe that I am helpless.

Car. You are as strong as France, Eugenie, help me!
If e'er you held a dear head on your breast--
You have!--for you've both son and husband! Ah,
I have no child. My lord is all to me.
O put your two in one and you will know
What now I plead for! By the kisses dropped
Upon your baby's cheek, and by the hope
That you will see him grow up at your side,
Another self with heart-strings round your own,
I pray you, lady, soften that stone heart!
I kneel to you, an empress though my crown
Has fallen, as yours I pray will not,
And at your footstool beg my husband's life!

(Eugenie rises)

By your child's love, I beg you for one word!
Help me, Eugenie, or the day will come
When you will know a crown is but a band
Of metal cold, and one warm kiss more dear
Than