The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 52

I was in time, sir. He has been detained.

FOX

Now what does strict state-honour ask of me?-- No less than that I bare this poppling plot To the French ruler and our fiercest foe!-- Maybe 'twas but a hoax to pocket pay; And yet it can mean more...

The man's indifference to his own vague doom Beamed out as one exalted trait in him, And showed the alt.i.tude of his rash dream!-- Well, now I'll get me on to Downing Street, There to draw up a note to Talleyrand Retailing him the facts.--What signature Subscribed this desperate fellow when he wrote?

SECRETARY

"Guillet de la Gevrilliere." Here it stands.

FOX

Doubtless it was a false one. Come along. [Looking out the window.]

Ah--here's Sir Francis Vincent: he'll go with us.

Ugh, what a twinge! Time signals that he draws Towards the twelfth stroke of my working-day!

I fear old England soon must voice her speech With Europe through another mouth than mine!

SECRETARY

I trust not, sir. Though you should rest awhile.

The very servants half are invalid From the unceasing labours of your post, And these cloaked visitors of every clime That market on your magnanimity To gain an audience morning, night, and noon, Leaving you no respite.

FOX

'Tis true; 'tis true.-- How I shall love my summer holiday At pleasant Saint-Ann's Hill!

[He leans on the secretary's arm, and they go out.]

SCENE II

THE ROUTE BETWEEN LONDON AND PARIS

[A view now nocturnal, now diurnal, from on high over the Straits of Dover, and stretching from city to city. By night Paris and London seem each as a little swarm of lights surrounded by a halo; by day as a confused glitter of white and grey. The Channel between them is as a mirror reflecting the sky, brightly or faintly, as the hour may be.]

SPIRIT OF THE PITIES

What mean these couriers shooting shuttlewise To Paris and to London, turn and turn?

RUMOURS [chanting in antiphons]

I

The aforesaid tidings fro the minister, spokesman in England's cause to states afar,

II

Traverse the waters borne by one of such; and thereto Bonaparte's responses are:

I

"The principles of honour and of truth which ever actuate the sender's mind

II

"Herein are written largely! Take our thanks: we read that this conjuncture undesigned

I

"Unfolds felicitous means of showing you that still our eyes are set, as yours, on peace,

II

"To which great end the Treaty of Amiens must be the ground- work of our amities."

I

From London then: "The path to amity the King of England studies to pursue;

II

"With Russia hand in hand he is yours to close the long convulsions thrilling Europe through."

I

Still fare the shadowy missioners across, by Dover-road and Calais Channel-track,

II

From Thames-side towers to Paris palace-gates; from Paris leisurely to London back.