The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 63

SPIRIT SINISTER

Another hit at England and her tubs!

I hear harsh echoes from her chalky chines.

SPIRIT OF THE PITIES

O heed not England now! Still read the Queen.

One grieves to see her spend her pretty spells Upon the man who has so injured her.

[They rise from table, and the folding-doors being opened they pa.s.s into the adjoining room.

Here are now a.s.sembled MURAT, TALLEYRAND, KOURAKIN, KALKREUTH, BERTHIER, BESSIERES, CAULAINCOURT, LABANOFF, BENNIGSEN, and others.

NAPOLEON having spoken a few words here and there resumes his conversation with QUEEN LOUISA, and parenthetically offers snuff to the COUNTESS VOSS, her lady-in-waiting. TALLEYRAND, who has observed NAPOLEON'S growing interest in the QUEEN, contrives to get near him.]

TALLEYRAND [in a whisper]

Sire, is it possible that you can bend To let one woman's fairness filch from you All the resplendent fortune that attends The grandest victory of your grand career?

[The QUEEN'S quick eye observes and flashes at the whisper, and she obtains a word with the minister.]

QUEEN [sarcastically]

I should infer, dear Monsieur Talleyrand, Only two persons in the world regret My having come to Tilsit.

TALLEYRAND

Madame, two?

Can any!--who may such sad rascals be?

QUEEN

You, and myself, Prince. [Gravely.] Yes! myself and you.

[TALLEYRAND'S face becomes impa.s.sive, and he does not reply.

Soon the QUEEN prepares to leave, and NAPOLEON rejoins her.]

NAPOLEON [taking a rose from a vase]

Dear Queen, do pray accept this little token As souvenir of me before you go?

[He offers her the rose, with his hand on his heart. She hesitates, but accepts it.]

QUEEN [impulsively, with waiting tears]

Let Magdeburg come with it, sire! O yes!

NAPOLEON [with sudden frigidity]

It is for you to take what I can give.

And I give this--no more.[15]

[She turns her head to hide her emotion, and withdraws. NAPOLEON steps up to her, and offers his arm. She takes it silently, and he perceives the tears on her cheeks. They cross towards the ante- room, away from the other guests.]

NAPOLEON [softly]

Still weeping, dearest lady! Why is this?

QUEEN [seizing his hand and pressing it]

Your speeches darn the tearings of your sword!-- Between us two, as man and woman now, Is't even possible you question why!

O why did not the Greatest of the Age-- Of future ages--of the ages past, This one time win a woman's worship--yea, For all her little life!

NAPOLEON [gravely]

Know you, my Fair That I--ay, I--in this deserve your pity.-- Some force within me, baffling mine intent, Harries me onward, whether I will or no.

My star, my star is what's to blame--not I.

It is unswervable!

QUEEN

Then now, alas!

My duty's done as mother, wife, and queen.-- I'll say no more--but that my heart is broken!

[Exeunt NAPOLEON, QUEEN, and LADY-IN-WAITING.]

SPIRIT OF THE YEARS

He spoke thus at the Bridge of Lodi. Strange, He's of the few in Europe who discern The working of the Will.

SPIRIT OF THE PITIES

If that be so, Better for Europe lacked he such discerning!