ROR
ALEXANDER, the KING OF PRUSSIA--still in the mourning he has
never abandoned since the death of QUEEN LUISA,--the KING
OF BAVARIA and his son, METTERNICH, TALLEYRAND, WELLINGTON,
NESSELRODE, HARDENBERG; and minor princes, ministers, and
officials of all nations.]

COUNTESS OF BRIGNOLE [suddenly from he grille]

Something has happened--so it seems, madame!
The Tableau gains no heed from them, and all
Turn murmuring together.

MARIE LOUISE

What may be?

[She rises with languid curiosity, and COUNT NEIPPERG adroitly
takes her hand and leads her forward. All three look down through
the grille.]

NEIPPERG

some strange news, certainly, your Majesty,
Is being discussed.--I'll run down and inquire.

MARIE LOUISE [playfully]

Nay--stay here. We shall learn soon enough.

NEIPPERG

Look at their faces now. Count Metternich
Stares at Prince Talleyrand--no muscle moving.
The King of Prussia blinks bewilderedly
Upon Lord Wellington.

MARIE LOUISE [concerned]

Yes; so it seems....
They are thunderstruck. See, though the music beats,
The ladies of the Tableau leave their place,
And mingle with the rest, and quite forget
That they are in masquerade. The sovereigns show
By far the gravest mien.... I wonder, now,
If it has aught to do with me or mine?
Disasters mostly have to do with me!

COUNTESS OF BRIGNOLE

Those rude diplomists from England there,
At your Imperial father's consternation,
And Russia's, and the King of Prussia's gloom,
Shake shoulders with hid laughter! That they call
The English sense of humour, I infer,--
To see a jest in other people's troubles!

MARIE LOUISE [hiding her presages]

They ever take things thus phlegmatically:
The safe sea minimizes Continental scare
In their regard. I wish it did in mine!
But Wellington laughs not, as I discern.

NEIPPERG

Perhaps, though fun for the other English here,
It means new work for him. Ah--notice now
The music makes no more pretence to play!
Sovereigns and ministers have moved apart,
And talk, and leave the ladies quite aloof--
Even the Grand Duchesses and Empress, all--
Such mighty cogitations trance their minds!

MARIE LOUISE [with more anxiety]

Poor ladies; yea, they draw into the rear,
And whisper ominous words among themselves!
Count Neipperg--I must as