SCENE in PART SECOND
FRANCIS (turning sharply) Well, well ? What changes figure now ?
OFFICER
They pierce our centre, sire! We are, despite, Not centrally so weak as I supposed. Well done, Bellegarde!
FRANCIS (glancing to the centre)
And what has he well done ?
OFFICER
The French in fierce fume broke through Aderklaa; But Bellegarde, pricking along the plain behind, Has charged and driven them back disorderedly. The Archduke Charles bounds thither, as I shape, In person to support him!
The EMPEROR returns to his spyglass; and they and others watch in silence, sometimes the right of their front, sometimes the centre.
FRANCIS
It is so!
That right attack of ours spells victory, And Austria's grand salvation! . . . (Time passes.)
Turn your glass,
And closely scan Napoleon and his aides Hand-galloping towards his centre-left To strengthen it against the brave Bellegarde. Does your eye reach him ?—That white horse, alone In front of those that move so rapidly.
OFFICER
It does, sire; though my glass can conjure not So cunningly as yours. . . . That horse must be The famed Euphrates—him the Persian king Sent Bonaparte as gift.
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