ATTACHE.

If you have any messages for Paris,
I get there on the fourth; I should be happy--

THE DUKE.

I hope to be there, sir, ahead of you.

THE ATTACHE.

Yet, if I reach the--kingdom--ere you come?

THE DUKE.

Salute for me the Column of Vendome!

CURTAIN.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

THE FIFTH ACT

_The battle-field of Wagram. Night. A small hill running off toward the
left. A sign-post stands on the hill._

_The_ DUKE _is standing on the summit of the hill gazing across the
battle-field_. PROKESCH _and_ FLAMBEAU _are talking together in
undertones near the front._

FLAMBEAU.

WAGRAM!

THE DUKE.

[_Dreaming._]

"My son shall reign--a mighty sovereign--"

FLAMBEAU.

Capital bit of country for the harvest.

THE DUKE.

"His task to foster whatsoe'er is good."

FLAMBEAU.

What solemn prayer is he reciting?

PROKESCH.

Hush!

THE DUKE.

"Complete my work, and not avenge my death--
All patriots--"

[_To_ PROKESCH.]

The horses?

PROKESCH.

No, not yet.

THE DUKE.

"He would but ape me, if he made great wars--"

PROKESCH.

He is rehearsing all his Father's counsels.

FLAMBEAU.

Hush!

THE DUKE.

"He shall scorn all parties--"

[_To_ PROKESCH.]

Well? The horses.

PROKESCH.

Too soon, my Lord.

THE DUKE.

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 g