The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 132

KUTUZOF

'Tis well. So perish Russia's enemies!

[Exeunt KUTUZOF, his staff, and the detachment of horse in the direction of Wilna; and with the advance of day the snow resumes its fall, slowly burying the dead bivouackers.]

SCENE XII

PARIS. THE TUILERIES

[An antechamber to the EMPRESS MARIE LOUISE'S bedroom, at half-past eleven on a December night. The d.u.c.h.eSS OF MONTEBELLO and another lady-in-waiting are discovered talking to the Empress.]

MARIE LOUISE

I have felt unapt for anything to-night, And I will now retire.

[She goes into her child's room adjoining.]

d.u.c.h.eSS OF MONTEBELLO

For some long while There has come no letter from the Emperor, And Paris brims with ghastly rumourings About the far campaign. Not being beloved, The town is over dull for her alone.

[Re-enter MARIE LOUISE.]

MARIE LOUISE

The King of Rome is sleeping in his cot Sweetly and safe. Now, ladies, I am going.

[She withdraws. Her tiring-women pa.s.s through into her chamber.

They presently return and go out. A manservant enters, and bars the window-shutters with numerous bolts. Exit manservant. The d.u.c.h.ess retires. The other lady-in-waiting rises to go into her bedroom, which adjoins that of the Empress.

Men's voices are suddenly heard in the corridor without. The lady- in-waiting pauses with parted lips. The voices grow louder. The lady-in-waiting screams.

MARIE LOUISE hastily re-enters in a dressing-gown thrown over her night-clothes.]

MARIE LOUISE

Great G.o.d, what altercation can that be?

I had just verged on sleep when it aroused me!

[A thumping is heard at the door.]

VOICE OF NAPOLEON [without]

Hola! Pray let me in! Unlock the door!

LADY-IN-WAITING

Heaven's mercy on us! What man may it be At such and hour as this?

MARIE LOUISE

O it is he!

[The lady-in-waiting unlocks the door. NAPOLEON enters, scarcely recognizable, in a fur cloak and hood over his ears. He throws off the cloak and discloses himself to be in the shabbiest and muddiest attire. Marie Louise is agitated almost to fainting.]

SPIRIT IRONIC

Is it with fright or joy?

MARIE LOUISE

I scarce believe What my sight tells me! Home, and in such garb!

[NAPOLEON embraces her.]

NAPOLEON

I have had great work in getting in, my dear!

They failed to recognize me at the gates, Being sceptical at my poor hackney-coach And poorer baggage. I had to show my face In a fierce light ere they would let me pa.s.s, And even then they doubted till I spoke.-- What think you, dear, of such a tramp-like spouse?

[He warms his hands at the fire.]

Ha--it is much more comfortable here Than on the Russian plains!

MARIE LOUISE [timidly]

You have suffered there?-- Your face is thinner, and has line in it; No marvel that they did not know you!

NAPOLEON

Yes: Disasters many and swift have swooped on me!-- Since crossing--ugh!--the Beresina River I have been compelled to come incognito; Ay--as a fugitive and outlaw quite.

MARIE LOUISE