The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 86

THIRD AIDE

Our left wing, sire, recedes before Davout, Whom nothing can withstand! Two corps he threw Across the Russbach up to Neusiedel, While he himself a.s.sailed the place in front.

Of the divisions one pressed on and on, Till lodged atop. They would have been hurled back---

FRANCIS

But how goes it with us in sum? pray say!

THIRD AIDE

We have been battered off the eastern side Of Wagram plateau.

FRANCIS

Where's the Archduke John?

Why comes he not? One man of his here now Were worth a host anon. And yet he tarries!

[Exit third aide. Time pa.s.ses, while they reconnoitre the field with strained eyes.]

Our centre-right, it seems, round Neusiedel, Is being repulsed! May the kind Heaven forbid That Hesse Homberg should be yielding there!

[The Minister in attendance comes forward, and the EMPEROR consults him; then walking up and down in silence. Another aide-de-camp enters.]

FOURTH AIDE

Sire, Neusiedel has just been wrenched from us, And the French right is on the Wagram crest; Nordmann has fallen, and Veczay: Hesse Homberg, Warteachben, Muger--almost all our best-- Bleed more or less profusely!

[A gloomy silence. Exit fourth side. Ten minutes pa.s.s. Enter an officer in waiting.]

FRANCIS

What guns are those that groan from Wagram height?

OFFICER

Alas, Davout's! I have climbed the roof-top, sire, And there discerned the truth.

[Cannonade continues. A long interval of suspense. The EMPEROR returns to his gla.s.s.]

FRANCIS

A part of it!

There seems to be a grim, concerted lunge By the whole strength of France upon our right, Centre, and left wing simultaneously!

OFFICER

Most viciously upon the centre, sire, If I mistook not, hard by Sussenbrunn; The a.s.sault is led by Bonaparte in person, Who shows himself with marvellous recklessness, Yet like a phantom-fiend receives no hurt.

FRANCIS [still gazing]

Ha! Now the Archduke Charles has seen the intent, And taken steps against it. Sussenbrunn Must be the threatened thing. [Silence.] What an advance!-- Straight hitherward. Our centre girdles them.-- Surely they'll not persist? Who heads that charge?

OFFICER

They say Macdonald, sire.

FRANCIS

Meagrest remains Will there be soon of those in that advance!

We are burning them to bones by our hot fire.

They are almost circ.u.mscribed: if fully so The battle's ours! What's that behind them, eh?

OFFICER

Their last reserves, that they may feed the front, And sterilize our hope!

FRANCIS

Yes, their reserve-- Dragoons and cuira.s.siers--charge in support.

You see their metal gleaming as they come.

Well, it is neck or nothing for them now!

OFFICER

It's nothing, sire. Their charge of cavalry Has desperately failed.

FRANCIS

Their foot press on, However, with a battery in front Which deals the foulest damage done us yet. [Time pa.s.ses.]

They ARE effecting lodgment, after all.

Who would have reckoned on't--our men so firm!