THE DYNASTS
ACT IV
SCENE III
THE FIELD OF WAGRAM
The battlefield is now viewed reversely, from the windows of a mansion at Wolkersdorf, to the rear of the Austrian position. The aspect of the windows is nearly south, and the prospect includes the plain of the Marchfeld, with the isled Danube and Lobau in the extreme distance. Ten miles to the south-west, rightwards, the faint summit of the tower of St. Stephen's, Vienna, appears. On the middle-left stands the compact plateau of Wagram, so regularly shaped as to seem as if constructed by art. On the extreme left the July sun has lately risen.
Inside the room are discovered the EMPEROR FRANCIS and some household officers in attendance; with the War- Minister and Secretaries at a table at the back. Through open doors can be seen in an outer apartment adjutants, equerries, aides, and other military men. An officer in waiting enters.
OFFICER
During the night the French have shifted, sire, And much revised their stations of the eve By thwart and wheeling moves upon our left, And on our centre—projects unforeseen Till near accomplished.
FRANCIS
But I am advised
By oral message that the Archduke Charles, Since the sharp strife last night, has mended, too, His earlier dispositions, stiffened files, Sped iron orders to the Archduke John, To bring in swiftest marches all his might, And pounce with heavy impact on the French From nigh their rear.
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