[_Breaks off._]
+Napoleon.+
Speak freely!
+The Queen.+
So, or not at all. They show
An--well, adventurer!
+Napoleon.+
And so I am!
+The Queen.+
Yet who to arrogance of conquest brings
The brow of Cæsar’s innate majesty!
+Napoleon.+
[_Aside._]
The Siren, would she Cleopatra me?
Best be on guard! Permit like compliment.
A queen? A goddess rather. Child of Zeus,
Athene. Aphrodite’s self!
+The Queen.+
Pray, Sire,
Spare mockery. In print for all to read
Have you set forth disparagement of me:
“Cheap intrigante,” and “would-be Joan-of-Arc,”
“A petticoated politician who
“The State embroils, sheds blood for pastime!” Worst,
My wifely fame have you not scorned to slur!
+Napoleon.+