CAMPBELL
Keep order, citizens! Do you not know
That the ex-Emperor is wayfaring
To a lone isle, in the Allies’ sworn care,
Who have given a pledge to Europe for his safety?
His fangs being drawn, he is left powerless now
To do you further harm.
SCHUVALOFF
People of France
Can you insult so miserable a being?
He who gave laws to a cowed world stands now
At that world’s beck, and asks its charity.
Cannot you see that merely to ignore him
Is the worst ignominy to tar him with,
By showing him he’s no longer dangerous?
OLD WOMAN
How do we know the villain mayn’t come back?
While there is life, my faith, there’s mischief in him!
[Enter an officer with the Town-guard.]
OFFICER
Citizens, I am a zealot for the Bourbons,
As you well know. But wanton breach of faith
I will not brook. Retire!
[The soldiers drive back the mob and open a passage forward. The
Commissioners re-enter their carriages. NAPOLÉON puts his head
out of his window for a moment. He is haggard, shabbily dressed,
yellow-faced, and wild-eyed.]
NAPOLÉON
I thank you, captain;
Also your soldiery: a thousand thanks!
[To Bertrand within] My God, these people of Avignon here
Are headstrong fools, like all the Provencal fold,
—I won’t go through the town!
BERTRAND
We’ll round it, sire;
And then, as soon as we get past the place,
You must disguise for the remainder miles.
NAPOLÉON
I’ll mount the white cockade if they invite me!
What does it matter if I do or don’t?
In Europe all is past and over with me....
Yes—all is lost in Europe for me now!
BERTRAND
I fear so, sire.
NAPOLÉON [after some moments]
But Asia waits a man,
And—who can tell?
OFFICER OF GUARD [to postillions]
Ahead now at full speed,
And slacken not till you have slipped the town.
[The postillions urge the horses to a gallop, and the carriages
are out of sight in a few seconds. The scene shuts.]