MÜFFLING
But Bonaparte,
Pray note, has redistributed his strength
In fashion that you fail to recognize.
I am against your scheme.
BLÜCHER [lowering his glass]
Signs notify
Napoléon’s plans as changed! He purports now
To strike our left—between Sombreffe and Brye....
If so, I have to readjust my ward.
WELLINGTON
One of his two divisions that we scan
Outspreading from Fleurus, seems bent on Ligny,
The other on Saint-Amand.
BLÜCHER
Well, I shall see
In half an hour, your Grace. If what I deem
Be what he means, Von Zieten’s corps forthwith
Must stand to their positions: Pirch out here,
Henckel at Ligny, Steinmetz at La Haye.
WELLINGTON
So that, your Excellency, as I opine,
I go and sling my strength on their left wing—
Manoeuvring to outflank ’em on that side.
BLÜCHER
True, true. Our plan uncovers of itself;
You bear down everything from Quatre-Bras
Along the road to Frasnes.
WELLINGTON
I will, by God.
I’ll bear straight on to Gosselies, if needs!
GNEISENAU
Your Excellencies, if I may be a judge,
Such movement will not tend to unity;
It leans too largely on a peradventure
Most speculative in its contingencies!
[A silence; till the officers of the staff remark to each other
that concentration is best in any circumstances. A general
discussion ensues.]
BLÜCHER [concludingly]
We will expect you, Duke, to our support.
WELLINGTON
I must agree that, in the sum, it’s best.
So be it then. If not attacked myself
I’ll come to you.—Now I return with speed
To Quatre-Bras.