The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 10

[A fashionable crowd is present at an evening party, which includes the DUKES of BEAUFORT and RUTLAND, LORDS MALMESBURY, HARROWBY, ELDON, GRENVILLE, CASTLEREAGH, SIDMOUTH, and MULGRAVE, with their ladies; also CANNING, PERCEVAL, TOWNSHEND, LADY ANNE HAMILTON, MRS. DAMER, LADY CAROLINE LAMB, and many other notables.]

A GENTLEMAN [offering his snuff-box]

So, then, the Treaty anxiously concerted Between ourselves and frosty Muscovy Is duly signed?

A CABINET MINISTER

Was signed a few days back, And is in force. And we do firmly hope The loud pretensions and the stunning dins Now daily heard, these laudable exertions May keep in curb; that ere our greening land Darken its leaves beneath the Dogday suns, The independence of the Continent May be a.s.sured, and all the rumpled flags Of famous dynasties so foully mauled, Extend their honoured hues as heretofore.

GENTLEMAN

So be it. Yet this man is a volcano; And proven 'tis, by G.o.d, volcanos choked Have ere now turned to earthquakes!

LADY

What the news?-- The chequerboard of diplomatic moves Is London, all the world knows: here are born All inspirations of the Continent-- So tell!

GENTLEMAN

Ay. Inspirations now abound!

LADY

Nay, but your looks are grave! That measured speech Betokened matter that will waken us.-- Is it some piquant cruelty of his?

Or other tickling horror from abroad The packet has brought in?

GENTLEMAN

The treaty's signed!

MINISTER

Whereby the parties mutually agree To knit in union and in general league All outraged Europe.

LADY

So to knit sounds well; But how ensure its not unravelling?

MINISTER

Well; by the terms. There are among them these: Five hundred thousand active men in arms Shall strike [supported by the Britannic aid In vessels, men, and money subsidies]

To free North Germany and Hanover From trampling foes; deliver Switzerland, Unbind the galled republic of the Dutch, Rethrone in Piedmont the Sardinian King, Make Naples sword-proof, un-French Italy From sh.o.r.e to sh.o.r.e; and thoroughly guarantee A settled order to the divers states; Thus rearing breachless barriers in each realm Against the thrust of his usurping hand.

SPIRIT OF THE YEARS

They trow not what is shaping otherwhere The while they talk this stoutly!

SPIRIT OF RUMOUR

Bid me go And join them, and all blandly kindle them By bringing, ere material transit can, A new surprise!

SPIRIT OF THE YEARS

Yea, for a moment, wouldst.

[The Spirit of Rumour enters the apartment in the form of a personage of fashion, newly arrived. He advances and addresses the group.]

SPIRIT

The Treaty moves all tongues to-night.--Ha, well-- So much on paper!

GENTLEMAN

What on land and sea?

You look, old friend, full primed with latest thence.

SPIRIT

Yea, this. The Italy our mighty pact Delivers from the French and Bonaparte Makes haste to crown him!--Turning from Boulogne He speeds toward Milan, there to glory him In second coronation by the Pope, And set upon his irrepressible brow Lombardy's iron crown.

[The Spirit of Rumour mingles with the throng, moves away, and disappears.]

LADY

Fair Italy, Alas, alas!

LORD

Yet thereby English folk Are freed him.--Faith, as ancient people say, It's an ill wind that blows good luck to none!