That's nothing, I have already grown accustomed to it. Master, it is necessary for you and your family to leave for Antwerp today.
EMIL GRELIEU
Are our affairs in such a critical condition?
LAGARD
What is there to tell? Things are in bad shape, very bad. That horde of Huns is coming upon us like the tide of the sea. Today they are still there, but tomorrow they will flood your house, Grelieu. They are coming toward Antwerp. To what can we resort in our defence? On this side are they, and there is the sea. Only very little is left of Belgium, Grelieu. Very soon there will be no room even for my beard here. Isn't that so, Count?
Silence. Dull sounds of cannonading are heard in the distance. All turn their eyes to the window.
EMIL GRELIEU
Is that a battle?
COUNT CLAIRMONT
Listening, calmly.