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 glass.]
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 assault 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 circumscribed: 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 cuirassiers—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 passes.]
They ARE effecting lodgment, after all.
Who would have reckoned on’t—our men so firm!
[Re-enter first aide-de-camp.]