THE DUKE.

What's the matter?

FLAMBEAU.

An attack of ants.

Since yesterday we've had the bloodiest battles.

f.a.n.n.y.

But--

FLAMBEAU.

They outnumber me, but I've tobacco, I blow a blast--

THE DUKE.

You bring your heavy guns?

FLAMBEAU.

May I lift up my rock a bit?

THE DUKE.

Yes.

FLAMBEAU.

[_Seeing_ MASKS _approaching._]

Nuns!

THE DUKE AND f.a.n.n.y.

Hush!

FLAMBEAU.

Now I look as if I took the air On the tomb's balcony.

THE DUKE.

And in the moon Beside the urn, uplifting thus the stone, You're rising to the ghostly night-review.

FLAMBEAU.

I'm very hungry.

f.a.n.n.y.

Hush!

THE DUKE.

[_To some_ SERVANTS _who enter bearing dishes._]

What's that you carry?

[_The_ SERVANTS _stop. The_ DUKE _takes a little of everything_.]

Thank you.

f.a.n.n.y.

[_Stopping them._]

One moment.

[_She takes what is left. The_ SERVANTS _pa.s.s out._]

THE DUKE.

[_Giving_ FLAMBEAU _the cakes._]

Take them.

FLAMBEAU.

Enough.

My strength returns.

[_To_ f.a.n.n.y.]

Explain. We've little time.

f.a.n.n.y.

[_Nervously._]

Well, then--the Countess--she is here--the Countess-- That's how my nerve goes when I have to dance-- She wears beneath a russet cloak your uniform, With which the Eaglet's turned into a sea-mew.

She was already like you in the face, But since she's dyed her sable tresses fair Your gla.s.s could not distinguish you from her.

So, while they play their "Michel and Christine,"

You'll change your mantle quickly with your cousin--

THE DUKE.