The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 106

JUNOT

We have ridden along as far as Calandrix, Favoured therein by this disordered night, Which tongues its language to the disguise of ours; And find amid the vale an open route That, well manoeuvred, may be practicable.

Ma.s.sENA

I'll look now at it, while the weather aids.

If it may serve our end when all's prepared So good. If not, some other to the west.

[Exeunt Ma.s.sENA, JUNOT, LOISON, FOY, and the rest by the paved crossway to the right.

The wind continues to prevail as the spot is left desolate, the darkness increases, rain descends more heavily, and the scene is blotted out.]

SCENE III

PARIS. THE TUILERIES

[The anteroom to the EMPRESS MARIE LOUISE'S bed-chamber, in which are discovered NAPOLEON in his dressing-gown, the d.u.c.h.eSS OF MONTEBELLO, and other ladies-in-waiting. CORVISART the first physician, and the second physician BOURDIER.

The time is before dawn. The EMPEROR walks up and down, throws himself on a sofa, or stands at the window. A cry of anguish comes occasionally from within.

NAPOLEON opens the door and speaks into the bed-chamber.]

NAPOLEON

How now, Dubois?

VOICE OF DUBOIS THE ACCOUCHEUR [nervously]

Less well, sire, than I hoped; I fear no skill can save them both.

NAPOLEON [agitated]

Good G.o.d!

[Exit CORVISART into the bed-room. Enter DUBOIS.]

DUBOIS [with hesitation]

Which life is to be saved? The Empress, sire, Lies in great jeopardy. I have not known In my long years of many-featured practice An instance in a thousand fall out so.

NAPOLEON

Then save the mother, pray! Think but of her; It is her privilege, and my command.-- Don't lose you head, Dubois, at this tight time: Your furthest skill can work but what it may.

Fancy that you are merely standing by A shop-wife's couch, say, in the Rue Saint Denis; Show the aplomb and phlegm that you would show Did such a bed receive your ministry.

[Exit DUBOIS.]

VOICE OF MARIE LOUISE [within]

O pray, pray don't! Those ugly things terrify me! Why should I be tortured even if I am but a means to an end! Let me die! It was cruel of him to bring this upon me!

[Exit NAPOLEON impatiently to the bed-room.]

VOICE OF MADAME DE MONTESQUIOU [within]

Keep up your spirits, madame! I have been through it myself and I a.s.sure you there is no danger to you. It is going on all right, and I am holding you.

VOICE OF NAPOLEON [within]

Heaven above! Why did you not deep those cursed sugar-tongs out of her sight? How is she going to get through it if you frighten her like this?

VOICE OF DUBOIS [within]

If you will pardon me, your Majesty, I must implore you not to interfere!

I'll not be scapegoat for the consequence If, sire, you do! Better for her sake far Would you withdraw. The sight of your concern But agitates and weakens her endurance.

I will inform you all, and call you back If things should worsen here.

[Re-enter NAPOLEON from the bed-chamber. He half shuts the door, and remains close to it listening, pale and nervous.]

BOURDIER

I ask you, sire, To hara.s.s yourself less with this event, Which may amend anon: I much regret The honoured mother of your Majesty, And sister too, should both have left ere now, Whose solace would have bridged these anxious hours.

NAPOLEON [absently]

As we were not expecting it so soon I begged they would sit up no longer here....

She ought to get along; she has help enough With that half-dozen of them at hand within-- Skilled Madame Blaise the nurse, and two besides, Madame de Montesquiou and Madame Ballant---

DUBOIS [speaking through the doorway]

Past is the question, sire, of which to save!

The child is dead; the while her Majesty Is getting through it well.