L'Aiglon - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Like an impatient lover I've come too early to my tryst with France.
[_He takes a few strides and finds himself in front of a sign-post._]
Their sign-post! Is it true that I shall move Unhindered by their hideous black and yellow?
How good to read upon the gleaming white "Road to Saint Cloud" instead of "Grosshofen."
Grosshofen? Now I think of it, I ordered My regiment to Grosshofen at dawn.
FLAMBEAU.
What!
THE DUKE.
Yes; I gave the order yesterday, Before I knew.
FLAMBEAU.
We shall be far away.
[_An old man comes out of the cottage._]
THE DUKE.
Who's that?
FLAMBEAU.
He's ours. His hut our meeting-place.
Old soldier. Shows the battle-field to strangers.
THE OLD MAN.
There--on the left--
FLAMBEAU.
No, thanks. I know it.
THE DUKE.
Why Does he serve us?
THE OLD MAN.
I was dying yonder; The great Napoleon pa.s.sed--
THE DUKE.
He always rode Over a battle-field.
THE OLD MAN.
The Emperor stopped And had me cared for by his leach--
THE DUKE.
Ivan.
THE OLD MAN.
So, if his son is weary of Vienna, I'll help him go.--My arm--before his eyes!
FLAMBEAU.
It isn't everybody has the honor Of having limbs off in Napoleon's presence.
THE OLD MAN.
'Twas war-time; so we fought.
FLAMBEAU.
We died.
THE OLD MAN.
_We_ died.
FLAMBEAU.
We marched.
THE OLD MAN.
_We_ marched.
FLAMBEAU.
We fired into the haze.
THE OLD MAN.
_We_ fired.
FLAMBEAU.
Some grimy officer rode up.
And roared, "We've conquered!"
