The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 151

Another glorious time among the many we've had since eighty-nine.

We have put our armour on none too soon. The Bourbons for ever!

[He leaves, followed by first and second servants.]

FOURTH SERVANT

My faith, I think I'll turn Englishman in my older years, where there's not these trying changes in the Const.i.tution!

[Follows the others. The Allies military march waxes louder as the scene shuts.]

SCENE IV

FONTAINEBLEAU. A ROOM IN THE PALACE

[NAPOLEON is discovered walking impatiently up and down, and glancing at the clock every few minutes. Enter NEY.]

NAPOLEON [without a greeting]

Well--the result? Ah, but your looks display A leaden dawning to the light you bring!

What--not a regency? What--not the Empress To hold it in trusteeship for my son?

NEY

Sire, things like revolutions turn back, But go straight on. Imperial governance Is coffined for your family and yourself!

It is declared that military repose, And France's well-doing, demand of you Your abdication--unconditioned, sheer.

This verdict of the sovereigns cannot change, And I have pushed on hot to let you know.

NAPOLEON [with repression]

I am obliged to you. You have told me promptly!-- This was to be expected. I had learnt Of Marmont's late defection, and the Sixth's; The consequence I easily inferred.

NEY

The Paris folk are flaked with white c.o.c.kades; Tricolors choke the kennels. Rapturously They clamour for the Bourbons and for peace.

NAPOLEON [tartly]

I can draw inferences without a.s.sistance!

NEY [persisting]

They see the brooks of blood that have flowed forth; They feel their own bereavements; so their mood Asked no deep reasoning for its geniture.

NAPOLEON

I have no remarks to make on that just now.

I'll think the matter over. You shall know By noon to-morrow my definitive.

NEY [turning to go]

I trust my saying what had to be said Has not affronted you?

NAPOLEON [bitterly]

No; but your haste In doing it has galled me, and has shown me A heart that heaves no longer in my cause!

The skilled coquetting of the Government Has nearly won you from old fellowship!...

Well; till to-morrow, marshal, then Adieu.

[Ney goes. Enter CAULAINCOURT and MACDONALD.]

Ney has got here before you; and, I deem, Has truly told me all?

CAULAINCOURT

We thought at first We should have had success. But fate said No; And abdication, making no reserves, Is, sire, we are convinced, with all respect, The only road, if you care not to risk The Empress; loss of every dignity, And magnified misfortunes thrown on France.

NAPOLEON

I have heard it all; and don't agree with you.

My a.s.sets are not quite so beggarly That I must close in such a shameful bond!

What--do you rate as naught that I am yet Full fifty thousand strong, with Augereau, And Soult, and Suchet true, and many more?

I still may know to play the Imperial game As well as Alexander and his friends!

So--you will see. Where are my maps?--eh, where?

I'll trace campaigns to come! Where's my paper, ink, To schedule all my generals and my means!

CAULAINCOURT

Sire, you have not the generals you suppose.

MACDONALD

And if you had, the mere anatomy Of a real army, sire, that's left to you, Must yield the war. A bad example tells.