FIRST SPY
Somebody must ride like hell to let our Cabinet know!
SECOND SPY
I have written it down in cipher, not to trust to memory, and to
guard against accidents.—They also agree that France should have
the Pope’s dominions, Malta, and Egypt; that Napoléon’s brother
Joseph should have Sicily as well as Naples, and that they would
partition the Ottoman Empire between them.
FIRST SPY
Cutting up Europe like a plum-pudding. Par nobile fratrum!
SECOND SPY
Then they worthy pair came to poor Prussia, whom Alexander, they
say, was anxious about, as he is under engagements to her. It
seems that Napoléon agrees to restore to the King as many of his
states as will cover Alexander’s promise, so that the Tsar may
feel free to strike out in this new line with his new friend.
FIRST SPY
Surely this is but surmise?
SECOND SPY
Not at all. One of the suite overheard, and I got round him. There
was much more, which I did not learn. But they are going to soothe
and flatter the unfortunate King and Queen by asking them to a banquet
here.
FIRST SPY
Such a spirited woman will never come!
SECOND SPY
We shall see. Whom necessity compels needs must: and she has gone
through an Iliad of woes!
FIRST SPY
It is this Spanish business that will stagger England, by God! And
now to let her know it.
FRENCH SUBALTERN [looking out above]
What are those townspeople talking about so earnestly, I wonder? The
lingo of this place has an accent akin to English.