ACT V.
Scene I: Audience chamber, the Tuileries. Louis Napoleon alone.
Lou. Succeed or fail! However men may run
The goal is marked. Yet will we race with Fate
In forgone match. Some free of foot and hand,
Some stumbling with huge empires on our backs
Less certain than the overburdened ant
Housing a winter crumb.... Victoire!
(Enter Secretary)
Sec. My lord.
Lou. If any dispatch from the West arrives
Bring it at once.
Sec. Yes, sire. (Exit)
Lou. America!
Thou strange, new power where each man is a king,
I have obeyed thy will. Pulled down my empire,
Built up that France might the Atlantic stride
And stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slap
Upon the cheek imperial insults
All monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles,
When she should blush to ruddy rage of war.
... The West must go ... but here I ’ll be supreme.
Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict,
And promise aid to each, but in my dream
They both are doomed and France shall reign alone.
(Enter Chamberlain)
Chamb. Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine.