NAPOLÉON [without a greeting]
Well—the result? Ah, but your looks display
A leaden dawning to the light you bring!
What—not a regency? What—not the Empress
To hold it in trusteeship for my son?
NEY
Sire, things like revolutions turn back,
But go straight on. Imperial governance
Is coffined for your family and yourself!
It is declared that military repose,
And France’s well-doing, demand of you
Your abdication—unconditioned, sheer.
This verdict of the sovereigns cannot change,
And I have pushed on hot to let you know.
NAPOLÉON [with repression]
I am obliged to you. You have told me promptly!—
This was to be expected. I had learnt
Of Marmont’s late defection, and the Sixth’s;
The consequence I easily inferred.
NEY
The Paris folk are flaked with white cockades;
Tricolors choke the kennels. Rapturously
They clamour for the Bourbons and for peace.
NAPOLÉON [tartly]
I can draw inferences without assistance!
NEY [persisting]
They see the brooks of blood that have flowed forth;
They feel their own bereavements; so their mood
Asked no deep reasoning for its geniture.
NAPOLÉON
I have no remarks to make on that just now.
I’ll think the matter over. You shall know
By noon to-morrow my definitive.
NEY [turning to go]
I trust my saying what had to be said
Has not affronted you?
NAPOLÉON [bitterly]
No; but your haste
In doing it has galled me, and has shown me
A heart that heaves no longer in my cause!
The skilled coquetting of the Government
Has nearly won you from old fellowship!...
Well; till to-morrow, marshal, then Adieu.
[Ney goes. Enter CAULAINCOURT and MACDONALD.]
Ney has got here before you; and, I deem,
Has truly told me all?
CAULAINCOURT
We thought at first
We should have had success. But fate said No;
And abdication, making no reserves,
Is, sire, we are convinced, with all respect,
The only road, if you care not to risk
The Empress; loss of every dignity,
And magnified misfortunes thrown on France.