THE SAME. A STREET NEAR THE RANSTADT GATE
[High old-fashioned houses form the street, along which, from the
east of the city, is streaming a confusion of waggons, in hurried
exit through the gate westward upon the highroad to Lindenau,
Lutzen, and the Rhine.
In front of an inn called the “Prussian Arms” are some attendants
of NAPOLÉON waiting with horses.]
FIRST OFFICER
He has just come from bidding the king and queen
A long good-bye.... Is it that they will pay
For his indulgence of their past ambition
By sharing now his ruin? Much the king
Did beg him to leave them to their lot,
And shun the shame of capture needlessly.
[He looks anxiously towards the door.]
I would he’d haste! Each minute is of price.
SECOND OFFICER
The king will come to terms with the Allies.
They will not hurt him. Though he has lost his all,
His case is not like ours!
[The cheers of the approaching enemy grow louder. NAPOLÉON comes
out from the “Prussian Arms,” haggard and in disordered attire.
He is about to mount, but, perceiving the blocked state of the
street, he hesitates.]
NAPOLÉON
God, what a crowd!
I shall more quickly gain the gate afoot.
There is a byway somewhere, I suppose?
[A citizen approaches out of the inn.]
CITIZEN
This alley, sire, will speed you to the gate;
I shall be honoured much to point the way.
NAPOLÉON
Then do, good friend. [To attendants] Bring on the horses there;
I if arrive soonest I will wait for you.
[The citizen shows NAPOLÉON the way into the alley.]
CITIZEN
A garden’s at the end, your Majesty,
Through which you pass. Beyond there is a door
That opens to the Elster bank unbalked.
[NAPOLÉON disappears into the alley. His attendants plunge amid
the traffic with the horses, and thread their way down the street.
Another citizen comes from the door of the inn and greets the
first.]
FIRST CITIZEN
He’s gone!
SECOND CITIZEN
I’ll see if he succeed.
[He re-enters the inn and soon appears at an upper window.]
FIRST CITIZEN [from below]
You see him?