The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 43

AN AUSTRIAN OFFICER

O strangest scene of an eventful life, This junction that I witness here to-day!

An Emperor--in whose majestic veins Aeneas and the proud Caesarian line Claim yet to live; and, those scarce less renowned, The dauntless Hawks'-Hold Counts, of gallantry So great in fame one thousand years ago-- To bend with deference and manners mild In talk with this adventuring campaigner, Raised but by pikes above the common herd!

ANOTHER AUSTRIAN OFFICER

Ay! There be Satschan swamps and Pratzen heights In royal lines, as here at Austerlitz.

[The Emperors again draw near.]

FRANCIS

Then, to this armistice, which shall be called Immediately at all points, I agree; And pledge my word that my august ally Accept it likewise, and withdraw his force By daily measured march to his own realm.

NAPOLEON

For him I take your word. And pray believe That rank ambitions are your own, not mine; That though I have postured as your enemy, And likewise Alexander's, we are one In interests, have in all things common cause.

One country sows these mischiefs Europe through By her insidious c.h.i.n.k of luring ore-- False-featured England, who, to aggrandize Her name, her influence, and her revenues, Schemes to impropriate the whole world's trade, And starves and bleeds the folk of other lands.

Her rock-rimmed situation walls her off Like a slim selfish mollusk in its sh.e.l.l From the wide views and fair fraternities Which on the mainland we reciprocate, And quicks her quest for profit in our woes!

FRANCIS

I am not competent, your Majesty, To estimate that country's conscience now, Nor engage on my ally's behalf That English ships be shut from Russian trade.

But joyful am I that in all things else My promise can be made; and that this day Our conference ends in friendship and esteem.

NAPOLEON

I will send Savary at to-morrow's blink And make all lucid to the Emperor.

For us, I wholly can avow as mine The cordial spirit of your Majesty.

[They retire towards the carriage of FRANCIS. BERTHIER, SAVARY, LICHTENSTEIN, and the suite of officers advance from the background, and with mutual gestures of courtesy and amicable leave-takings the two Emperors part company.]

CHORUS OF THE PITIES [aerial music]

Each for himself, his family, his heirs; For the wan weltering nations who concerns, who cares?

CHORUS OF IRONIC SPIRITS

A pertinent query, in truth!-- But spoil not the sport by your ruth: 'Tis enough to make half Yonder zodiac laugh When rulers begin to allude To their lack of ambition, And strong opposition To all but the general good!

SPIRIT OF THE YEARS

Hush levities. Events press: turn ye westward.

[A nebulous curtain draws slowly across.]

SCENE VI

SHOCKERWICK HOUSE, NEAR BATH

[The interior of the Picture Gallery. Enter WILTSHIRE, the owner, and Pitt, who looks emaciated and walks feebly.]

WILTSHIRE [pointing to a portrait]

Now here you have the lady we discussed: A fine example of his manner, sir?

PITT

It is a fine example, sir, indeed,-- With that transparency amid the shades, And those thin blue-green-grayish leaf.a.ges Behind the pillar in the background there, Which seem the leaves themselves.--Ah, this is Quin.

[Moving to another picture.]

WILTSHIRE

Yes, Quin. A man of varied parts, though rough And choleric at times. Yet, at his best, As Falstaff, never matched, they say. But I Had not the fate to see him in the flesh.

PITT

Churchill well carves him in his "Character":-- "His eyes, in gloomy socket taught to roll, Proclaimed the sullen habit of his soul.

In fancied scenes, as in Life's real plan, He could not for a moment sink the man: Nature, in spite of all his skill, crept in; Horatio, Dorax, Falstaff--stile 'twas Quin."

--He was at Bath when Gainsborough settled there In that house in the Circus which we know.-- I like the portrait much.--The brilliancy Of Gainsborough lies in this his double sway: Sovereign of landscape he; of portraiture Joint monarch with Sir Joshua.... Ah?--that's--hark!

Is that the patter of horses's hoofs Along the road?

WILTSHIRE

I notice nothing, sir.

PITT

It is a gallop, growing quite distinct.

And--can it be a messenger for me!