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 with us, for he knows that in the present condition of the state, there is nothing else to do!

Beauvalle.—Then what advantage do you think is to be gained, in this country which is trying to drive out the old dynasty, in power here for more than two centuries, and which overthrew the native house which ruled here before it?

Dejm.—And who represents the ruling dynasty? One woman, and a weak woman at that, who cannot hold the empire together or bring prosperity to the country which she rules. Marie Teresa holds the title of Empress handed down to her by Charles, but in truth she is only the Grand Duchess, Toskánskou.

Beauvalle.—Aj, not at all, not at all.

Dejm.—It is uncertain now, no one really knows,—Tomorrow may find her in that station.

Countess.—Marie Teresa cannot defend herself, and save a vestige of her inheritance.

Dejm.—And not the least power is this kingdom, in which four powers are now at war,—and in which we also exist. Or do you want to leave this country to the rapacity of a dozen princes, and should we not be seeking one such ruler who would be powerful enough to renew and hold the independence of this kingdom?

Beauvalle.—And do you think that Charles Albert is such a prince?

Dejm.—I am certain of it. For that reason we summoned him to Prague,—

Beauvalle.—You yourselves?

Dejm.—We ourselves. We called him here to accept the throne of Bohemia. Charles Albert is fiery, and an enterprising hero. He will meet our expectations. He will establish a new state in central Europe. Bohemia will be at the head, and besides our country there will be Moravia, half of Silesia and Bavaria.

Countess (With spirit to ).—Count, believe us, and permit yourself to be convinced. Marie Teresa will not be able to keep the autonomy of the state,—Charles Albert will restore our country to its former brilliant splendor, which it enjoyed under former reigns, while it was independent, were it under the house of the Přemyslovs, under the reign of the Lucembergs, or Hapsburg up to the reign of Matthias. Its greatest glory was witnessed by my house, and we shall see it again, newly restored. We shall step at the head of the group of surrounding countries. And as formerly, the entire German state was only her princely mantle, likewise it will now happen under Charles Albert. The