Inhaltsangabe
Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1906. Excerpt: ... ACT FIFTH SCENE I PARIS. A BALLROOM IN THE HOUSE OF CAMBACERES The many-candled saloon at the Arch-chancellor's is visible through a draped archway, and a crowd of masked dancers in fantastic costumes revolve, sway, and intermingle to the music that proceeds from an alcove at the farther end of the same apartment. The front of the scene is a withdrawing-room of smaller size, now vacant, save for the presence of one sombre figure, that of Napoleon, seated, and apparently watching the moving masquerade. Spirit Of The Pities Napolion even now unbraces not From stress of state affairs, which hold him grave Through revels that might win the King of Spleen To toe a measure! I would speak with him. Spirit Of The Years Speak if thou wilt whose speech nor mars nor mends! Spirit Of The Pities (into Napoleon's ear) Why thus and thus Napoleon? Can it be That Wagram with its glories, shocks, and shames, Still leaves athirst the palate of thy pride? Napoleon (answering as in soliloquy) The trustless, timorous lease of human life Warns me to hedge in my diplomacy. The sooner, then, the safer! Ay, this eve, This very night, will I take steps to rid My morrows of the weird contingencies That vision round and make one hollow- eyed. . . . The unexpected, lurid death of Lannes-- Rigid as iron, reaped down like a straw-- Tiptoed Assassination haunting round In unthought thoroughfares, the near success Of Staps the madman, argue to forbid The riskful blood of my previsioned line And potence for dynastic empery To linger vialled in my veins alone. Perhaps within this very house and hour, Under an innocent mask of Love or Hope, Some enemy queues my ways to coffin me. . . . When at the first clash of the late campaign, A bold belief in Austria's star prevailed, There pulsed quick pants of expectation round ...
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