THE DYNASTS
ACT VI
EMPEROR FRANCIS, with the reserve, who are seen towards Austerlitz endeavouring to rally their troops in vain. They are swept along by the disordered soldiery.
SCENE V
THE SAME. NEAR THE WINDMILL OF PALENY
The mill is about seven miles to the southward, between the French advanced posts and the Austrians.
A bivouac fire is burning. NAPOLEON, in grey overcoat and beaver hat turned up front and back, rides to the spot with BERTHIER, SAVARY, and his aides, and alights. He walks to and fro complacently, meditating or talking to BERTHIER. Two groups of officers, one from each army, stand in the background on their respective sides.
• NAPOLEON
What's this of Alexander ? Weep, did he, Like his old namesake, but for meaner cause ? Ha, ha!
BERTHIER
Word goes, your Majesty, that Colonel Toll, One of Field-Marshal Prince Kutiizof s staff, In the retreating swirl of overthrow, Found Alexander seated on a stone Beneath a leafless roadside apple-tree, Out here by Coding on the Holitsch way; His coal-black uniform and snowy plume Unmarked, his face disconsolate, his grey eyes Mourning in tears the fate of his brave array— All flying southward, save the steadfast slain.
NAPOLEON
Poorfdevil!—But he'll soon get over it—
Sooner than his employers oversea!—
Ha!—this will make friend Pitt and England writhe,
And cloud somewhat their lustrous Trafalgar,