The Dynasts. Томас Харди

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СКАЧАТЬ So I back Bonaparte for

       the reason that he will give pleasure to posterity.

      SPIRIT OF THE PITIES

       Gross hypocrite!

      CHORUS OF THE YEARS

       We comprehend him not.

       [The day breaks over the heathery upland, on which the beacon

       is still burning. The morning reveals the white surface of a

       highway which, coming from the royal watering-place beyond the

       hills, stretched towards the outskirts of the heath and passes

       away eastward.]

      DUMB SHOW

       Moving figures and vehicles dot the surface of the road, all

       progressing in one direction, away from the coast. In the

       foreground the shapes appear as those of civilians, mostly on

       foot, but many in gigs and tradesmen's carts and on horseback.

       When they reach an intermediate hill some pause and look back;

       others enter on the next decline landwards without turning

       their heads.

       From the opposite horizon numerous companies of volunteers, in the

       local uniform of red with green facings,5 are moving coastwards in companies; as are also irregular bodies of pikemen without uniform; while on the upper slopes of the downs towards the shore regiments of the line are visible, with cavalry and artillery; all passing over to the coast. At a signal from the Chief Intelligences two Phantoms of Rumour enter on the highway in the garb of country-men.

      FIRST PHANTOM [to Pedestrians]

       Wither so fast, good neighbours, and before breakfast, too? Empty

       bellies be bad to vamp on.

      FIRST PEDESTRIAN

       He's landed west'ard, out by Abbot's Beach. And if you have property

       you'll save it and yourselves, as we are doing!

      SECOND PEDESTRIAN

       All yesterday the firing at Boulogne

       Was like the seven thunders heard in Heaven

       When the fierce angel spoke. So did he draw

       Full-manned, flat-bottomed for the shallowest shore,

       Dropped down to west, and crossed our frontage here.

       Seen from above they specked the water-shine

       As will a flight of swallows toward dim eve,

       Descending on a smooth and loitering stream

       To seek some eyot's sedge.

      SECOND PHANTOM

       We are sent to enlighten you and ease your soul.

       Even now a courier canters to the port

       To check the baseless scare.

      FIRST PEDESTRIAN

       These be inland men who, I warrant 'ee, don't know a lerret from a

       lighter! Let's take no heed of such, comrade; and hurry on!

      FIRST PHANTOM

       Will you not hear

       That what was seen behind the midnight mist,

       Their oar-blades tossing twinkles to the moon,

       Was but a fleet of fishing-craft belated

       By reason of the vastness of their haul?

      FIRST PEDESTRIAN

       Hey? And d'ye know it?—Now I look back to the top o' Rudgeway

       the folk seem as come to a pause there.—Be this true, never again

       do I stir my stumps for any alarm short of the Day of Judgment!

       Nine times has my rheumatical rest been broke in these last three

       years by hues and cries of Boney upon us. 'Od rot the feller;

       now he's made a fool of me once more, till my inside is like a

       wash-tub, what wi' being so gallied, and running so leery!—But

       how if you be one of the enemy, sent to sow these tares, so to

       speak it, these false tidings, and coax us into a fancied safety?

       Hey, neighbours? I don't, after all, care for this story!

      SECOND PEDESTRIAN

       Onwards again!

       If Boney's come, 'tis best to be away;

       And if he's not, why, we've a holiday!

       [Exeunt Pedestrians. The Spirits of Rumour vanish, while the scene

       seems to become involved in the smoke from the beacon, and slowly

       disappears.6]

ACT THIRD

       Table of Contents

      SCENE I

       BOULOGNE. THE CHATEAU AT PONT-DE-BRIQUES

       [A room in the Chateau, which is used as the Imperial quarters.

       The EMPEROR NAPOLEON, and M. GASPARD MONGE, the mathematician

       and philosopher, are seated at breakfast.]

      OFFICER

       Monsieur the Admiral Decres awaits

       A moment's audience with your Majesty,

       Or now, or later.

      NAPOLEON

       Bid him in at once—

       At last Villeneuve has raised the Brest blockade!

       [Enter DECRES.]

       What of the squadron's movements, good Decres?

       Brest opened, and all sailing Channelwards,

       Like swans into a creek СКАЧАТЬ