And meet him as he loved me best.

(Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea)

To-day!
This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him!

(Drops flowers in trance of happiness)

Mar. Sweet Empress--

Car. Empress? No! To-day I am
His little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers.
O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless!

(Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them)

You see this flower?

Mar. 'Tis very beautiful.
What is it?

Car. I've seen it only in our wood.
Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (Sings)

In a young, sweet hour of Spring
I sat 'neath an old tree to sing
Of love, only love!
The little brook took up my tune
And to his soft green banks did croon,
The green grass rippled to the tree
And every leaf shook melody
Of love, only love!
And then the birds that flitted by
Told it the clouds that told the sky,
And all the world to song did start
With what I sang but to my heart!
Ay, all the world sang back to me
A little maiden 'neath a tree
Of love, only love!

(Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria)

Ah, cousin, do you think he'll be delayed?

Mar. Dear madam, I fear me so.

Car. These ships! these ships!
How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones!
The wandering treasures of our empty arms!
The western waters must have sirens too,
And will not let him pass.

Mar. Indeed they would not,
Did they but know what majesty is in him.

Car. (Embracing her)
O help me love him, dear. My heart's too small.

(Enter Count Charles)

Char. A message.

Car. Oh! a message! I do not want
A message.

Char. The admiral of the port has word
The Emperor's ship's delayed.

Car. Why, we'll not weep....