has oppressed me long enough; it had become an infirmity. Now I shall recover my health.
Lady Seymour. I must say that you bear the blow cheerfully.
Rinaldi. One does not lose a throne every day.
Etelvina. [To Prince Michael] We must reply at once. Do not delay our congratulations. Our best wishes for the prosperity of the empire.
Prince Florencio. Nobody will believe that they are sincere. People always misunderstand me. The Empress suggested an absence from court because she was afraid that I might be in too great haste to wear the crown. Now that the future of my august cousin will be so closely bound up with mine, there is less reason than ever why I should return to Suavia. Responsibility for my own life will suffice me.
Etelvina. If one may judge by the little care that you take of it.
Prince Florencio. Since it is my own and belongs entirely to me, perhaps I shall finish by valuing it. I am free!—no longer the heir apparent, the centre of so many hopes, so much ambition, and so much hatred. I am sorry for my cousins, the seven little princesses, who have been dreaming all these years of becoming imperial consorts at my expense, as the Salic law of the empire does not permit them to inherit themselves. It will not matter to them now whether or not I behave.
Etelvina. You have no right to talk like that. Always this flippant tone!
Duke. Highness, many of us had placed great faith in you. We watched you from the cradle; we fought beside your father. The heir is a mere babe and the Emperor already old. The state of the empire is perturbed.
