The Dynasts. Томас Харди

Чтение книги онлайн.

       If Villeneuve come, I brave the British coast,

       Convulse the land with fear ['tis even now

       So far distraught, that generals cast about

       To find new modes of warfare; yea, design

       Carriages to transport their infantry!].—

       Once on the English soil I hold it firm,

       Descend on London, and the while my men

       Salute the dome of Paul's I cut the knot

       Of all Pitt's coalitions; setting free

       From bondage to a cold manorial caste

       A people who await it.

       [They stand and regard the chalky cliffs of England, till NAPOLEON

       resumes]:

       Should it be

       Even that my admirals fail to keep the tryst—

       A thing scarce thinkable, when all's reviewed—

       I strike this seaside camp, cross Germany,

       With these two hundred thousand seasoned men,

       And pause not till within Vienna's walls

       I cry checkmate. Next, Venice, too, being taken,

       And Austria's other holdings down that way,

       The Bourbons also driven from Italy,

       I strike at Russia—each in turn, you note,

       Ere they can act conjoined.

       Report to me

       What has been scanned to-day upon the main,

       And on your passage down request them there

       To send Daru this way.

      DECRES [as he withdraws]

       The Emperor can be sanguine. Scarce can I.

       His letters are more promising than mine.

       Alas, alas, Villeneuve, my dear old friend,

       Why do you pen me this at such a time!

       [He retires reading VILLENEUVE'S letter. The Emperor walks up and

       down till DARU, his private secretary, joins him.]

      NAPOLEON

       Come quick, Daru; sit down upon the grass,

       And write whilst I am in mind.

       First to Villeneuve:—

       “I trust, Vice-Admiral, that before this date

       Your fleet has opened Brest, and gone. If not,

       These lines will greet you there. But pause not, pray:

       Waste not a moment dallying. Sail away:

       Once bring my coupled squadrons Channelwards

       And England's soil is ours. All's ready here,

       The troops alert, and every store embarked.

       Hold the nigh sea but four-and-twenty hours

       And our vast end is gained.”

       Now to Ganteaume:—

       “My telegraphs will have made known to you

       My object and desire to be but this,

       That you forbid Villeneuve to lose an hour

       In getting fit and putting forth to sea,

       To profit by the fifty first-rate craft

       Wherewith I now am bettered. Quickly weigh,

       And steer you for the Channel with all your strength.

       I count upon your well-known character,

       Your enterprize, your vigour, to do this.

       Sail hither, then; and we will be avenged

       For centuries of despite and contumely.”