CARBON:
What is it?
A SENTINEL (on the rampart):
’Tis a carriage!
(All rush to see.)
CRIES:
In the camp?
It enters!—It comes from the enemy!
—Fire!—No!—The coachman cries!—What does he say?
—‘On the King’s service!’
(Everyone is on the rampart, staring. The bells come nearer.)
DE GUICHE:
The King’s service? How?
(All descend and draw up in line.)
CARBON:
Uncover, all!
DE GUICHE:
The King’s! Draw up in line!
Let him describe his curve as it befits!
(The carriage enters at full speed covered with dust and mud. The curtains are drawn close. Two lackeys behind. It is pulled up suddenly.)