The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 137

FIRST ATTACHE

Ah--now for the fireworks. They are under the direction of Colonel Congreve.

[At the end of an alley, purposely kept dark, fireworks are discharged.]

SECOND ATTACHE

Very good: very good.--This looks like the Duke of Suss.e.x coming in, I think. Who the lady is with him I don't know.

[Enter the DUKE OF SUSs.e.x in a Highland dress, attended by several officers in like attire. He walks about the gardens with LADY CHARLOTTE CAMPBELL.]

FIRST ATTACHE

People have been paying a mighty price for tickets--as much as fifteen guineas has been offered, I hear. I had to walk up to the gates; the number of coaches struggling outside prevented my driving near. It was as bad as the battle of Vitoria itself.

SECOND ATTACHE

So Wellington is made Field-Marshal for his achievement.

FIRST ATTACHE

Yes. By the by, you have heard of the effect of the battle upon the Conference at Reichenbach?--that Austria is to join Russia and Prussia against France? So much for Napoleon's marriage! I wonder what he thinks of his respected father-in-law now.

SECOND ATTACHE

Of course, an enormous subsidy is paid to Francis by Great Britain for this face-about?

FIRST ATTACHE

Yes. As Bonaparte says, English guineas are at the bottom of everything!--Ah, here comes Caroline.

[The PRINCESS OF WALES arrives, attended by LADY ANNE HAMILTON and LADY GLENBERVIE. She is conducted forward by the DUKE OF GLOUCESTER and COLONEL ST. LEDGER, and wears a white satin train with a dark embroidered bodice, and a green wreath with diamonds.

Repeated hurrahs greet her from the crowd. She bows courteously.]

SECOND ATTACHE

The people are staunch for her still!... You heard, sir, what Austrian Francis said when he learnt of Vitoria?--"A warm climate seems to agree with my son-in-law no better than a cold one."

FIRST ATTACHE

Ha-ha-ha!

Marvellous it is how this loud victory Has couched the late blind Europe's Cabinets.

Would I could spell precisely what was phrased 'Twixt Bonaparte and Metternich at Dresden-- Their final word, I ween, till G.o.d knows when!--

SECOND ATTACHE

I own to feeling it a sorry thing That Francis should take English money down To throw off Bonaparte. 'Tis sordid, mean!

He is his daughter's husband after all.

FIRST ATTACHE

Ay; yes!... They say she knows not of it yet.

SECOND ATTACHE

Poor thing, I daresay it will harry her When all's revealed. But the inside o't is, Since Castlereagh's return to power last year Vienna, like Berlin and Petersburg, Has harboured England's secret emissaries, Primed, purse in hand, with the most lavish sums To knit the league to drag Napoleon down....

[More fireworks.] That's grand.--Here comes one Royal item more.

[The d.u.c.h.eSS OF YORK enters, attended by her ladies and by the HON. B. CRAVEN and COLONEL BARCLAY. She is received with signals of respect.]

FIRST ATTACHE

She calls not favour forth as Caroline can!

SECOND ATTACHE

To end my words:--Though happy for this realm, Austria's desertion frankly is, by G.o.d, Rank treachery!

FIRST ATTACHE

Whatever it is, it means Two hundred thousand swords for the Allies, And enemies in batches for Napoleon Leaping from unknown lairs.--Yes, something tells me That this is the beginning of the end For Emperor Bonaparte!

[The PRINCESS OF WALES prepares to leave. An English diplomatist joins the attaches in the alcove. The PRINCESS and her ladies go out.]

DIPLOMATIST

I saw you over here, and I came round. Cursed hot and crowded, isn't it?

SECOND ATTACHE

What is the Princess leaving so soon for?