Characters

• Napoleon
• Victor
• Bertrand
• Fortune
• Caulaincourt, Duke of Vicenza
• Emmanuel de Merigny
• The Prefect
• Brisquet
• Marshall Blucher
• Marshall Moncey
• Marshall Bertrand
• Lorrain
• General Michel
• Bastien
• Michelin
• Pierre
• Pointu
• Bossu, the Humpback
• Major of the School
• Captain Campbell
• A Veteran
• Parliamentary Prussian
• First Prussian
• Second Prussian
• Third Prussian
• A French Member of Parliament
• A Prussian Colonel
• A Sapper
• Cambronne
• Major Koller
• Jean Leroux
• First Postilion
• Second Postilion
• Chautard
• Andrieux
• A Provincial
• First Courier
• Second Courier
• Third Courier
• Town Crier
• Catherine
• France
• A Young Girl
• La Calade
• An Old Woman
• A Servant
• A Peasant
• Arthur, Henry, Leon, Students of the Ecole Polytechnique

Act I

Scene i

The 26th of January 1814, a little before dawn. A square in the little town of Saint-Dizier. To the left, the house of Colonel Bertrand, behind the house a street which crosses the stage. In the back of the house, Fortune Michelin. Although it is still night, you feel the village is not sleeping. There's a light in most of the houses.

(Victor and a postilion -- both are on horseback and covered with mud -- it's clear they've run fast at full gallop. Catherine is seated on a milestone.)

VICTOR

(stopping his horse at the door of the house on the left)

Ooh!

POSTILION

I believe we've arrived, haven't we! Oh! You go at a pretty pace! Do you know how much time we took to get here?

VICTOR

(checking his watch)

An hour.

POSTILION

An hour! An hour to go three and a half leagues. Excuse me! You move like an official courier. Bad custom.

(to his horse)

Right Blucher?

VICTOR

Say Thomas, your horse is called Blucher?

POSTILION

Yes, I call him that because he is naughty like a donkey; he only kicks --

(to horse)

Hold still a minute, will you? You see, we are measuring our grain. Give him a lot, Mr. Victor.

VICTOR

A post and a half, 6 francs, thirty sous for reins, seven francs 10 sous. Here, there's ten francs.

POSTILION

Is it useful to give you these 50 sous difference?

VICTOR

No, it's for Blucher.

POSTILION

Here, my good man.

VICTOR

What are you doing?

POSTILION

I'm passing your money in front of his nose.

VICTOR

Which means he would run for the King of Prussia.

POSTILION

Well, he's not called Blucher for nothing. Let's go, en route, get going.

(stopping)

By the way, Mr. Victor, you know that the cossacks are everywhere around here, right? At Toul, at Chaumont, at Bar-sur-Ornain? There's no time to lose to get your sister away, and, since I have advice to give you, (as you specifically came from Paris to find her), it's not to dawdle. Goodbye, Mr. Victor. Hop!

(He jumps back in the saddle and leaves at a trot.)

VICTOR

Thanks, my friend, thanks.

(He goes to ring the bell at the house to the left. Catherine rises and places herself between him and the door.)

CATHERINE

Mr. Victor!

VICTOR

What do you want with me, child?

CATHERINE

(raising her veil)

Don't you recognize me? You don't recognize poor Catherine, your foster sister?

VICTOR

Oh -- yes indeed, my good Catherine, and what are you doing in the street at this hour?

CATHERINE

Ah! Mr. Victor, I am indeed wretched.

VICTOR

Really, I heard talk about it, my poor girl. Jean Leroux who ought to marry you, left with the last levy of 30,000 men -- and was killed at Leipzig leaving you --

(hesitating)

CATHERINE

Leaving me pregnant -- alas yes -- hell, I'd deny it Mr. Victor. Only I cannot -- everyone knows -- I hid my misfortune as long as I could with old Papa Michelin but at the critical moment I had to admit it to him -- he gave me 15 days to get my strength back, then at the end of the 15 days he put a bag of money in my hands -- 500 francs -- all that he had in the house -- then he kicked me out -- me and my child.

VICTOR

And since that time, poor girl -- ?

CATHERINE

Since then, he won't see me again, although I spoke to him through your sister who he loves and respects as a saint now -- well, even to your sister he refused.

VICTOR

Is he alone?

CATHERINE

No -- he wrote to my brother Fortunio and my brother Fortunio is with him.

VICTOR

And have you seen Fortunio?

CATHERINE

Ah -- indeed, yes! He is even worse than my father. He said that if he ever found me in his path he would break my arms and legs to be certain never to meet me again.

VICTOR

Poor Catherine! And what were you doing there?

CATHERINE

Hell, Mr. Victor -- it's the house I was born in -- it's the house where my poor mother died -- you know they say when a miser dies with a treasure buried somewhere their souls wander around the neighborhood where the treasure is buried. I am dead to the world -- the treasure of my youth and my innocence is buried in that house, and my poor soul comes to wander around it --

VICTOR

And your child, Catherine?

CATHERINE

He's a boy -- oh, if you could see him, beautiful like an angel, Mr. Victor! Poor little one -- he doesn't know what he has cost me -- Oh, he must love me a great deal to return the happiness he's stolen from me. He is a league from here -- on the road to Moutier-en-Der -- with my aunt Julienna.

VICTOR

Catherine, do you need anything?

CATHERINE

Thanks, Mr. Victor -- I need nothing -- only pity.

VICTOR

Do you want me to try to reconcile you to your brother?

CATHERINE

Try -- but I have no hope --

VICTOR

No matter -- you can always make the attempt. But, wait, as I have very little time for myself I will inform my sister of my arrival, and while she's dressing, I'll speak to Fortunio.

(ringing)

CATHERINE

You are really good, Victor.

VICTOR

Do you know what you must do in the meantime, Catherine?

CATHERINE

Tell me, Victor.

VICTOR

Go to the post and order two horses -- have them harnessed and brought here for the carriage.

(ringing a second time)

CATHERINE

I'll run there, Victor, I'll run there.

(She leaves.)

VICTOR

Hey -- you in there -- are you dead?

PIERRE

(from within)

Here, here -- who's ringing.

VICTOR

It's me -- open up --

PIERRE

(opening a window, rifle in hand)

Who -- you?

VICTOR

What? Don't you recognize me, you dog!

PIERRE

Heavens, it's our young Master. I beg your pardon. Hell, you know as the Prussians are hereabouts -- we've barricaded ourselves inside.

VICTOR

Okay, okay -- weren't you told of my arrival?

PIERRE

Oh, indeed. The Colonel sent us an express yesterday.

VICTOR

And where was he yesterday?

PIERRE

At Arcis-sur-Aube.

VICTOR

There -- the carriage is ready.

PIERRE

Completely loaded, Mr. Victor.

VICTOR

Inform my sister of my arrival so she can dress.

PIERRE

Oh -- it won't take long -- because she's been expecting you at any moment. I think she wore her clothes to bed.

FRANCE

(from inside)

Brother -- it's you brother.

PIERRE

There -- there she is.

VICTOR

Yes, little sister, it's me.

(the door opens)

Come! Come!

FRANCE

Oh -- how happy I am to see you -- oh how fearful I was -- you know the enemy is no more than four or five leagues from here -- Father wrote that you were coming to take me to Paris. Poor daddy! He's at Arcis-sur-Aube. Did you see him on the way?

VICTOR

No -- I came by way of Chalons.

FRANCE

And the Emperor? Where is he?

VICTOR

He must have left Paris the evening of the same day I left.

FRANCE

And what are they saying at Paris? Is there any hope? The Emperor won't allow the enemy to get too close, right?

VICTOR

We must hope so, France. Meanwhile, get ready -- Catherine went for the horses -- you'll take Brigitte with you -- tell her.

FRANCE

Oh, she won't wait -- don't worry -- but come on in.

VICTOR

No, I want to speak to Fortune Michelin.

FRANCE

Ah! Yes, it's true -- he's returned. You know this unfortunate Catherine -- ?

VICTOR

I know everything; I just saw her. Poor child! Now -- there's Fortunio waking up. Let me talk with him for a minute. In ten minutes, we'll leave.

FRANCE

Hug me one more time, brother. Oh, I am so happy to see you again.

(hugging him)

Hello Fortunio!

FORTUNIO

(entering)

Hello, Miss France! You do me honor. Why, I'm not mistaken, it's Mr. Victor.

(hand on the police cap)

Mr. Victor!

VICTOR

Yes, it's me, my friend.

FORTUNIO

You, Mr. Victor. You left the Polytechnic Institute?

VICTOR

Yes, I got leave to come find my sister in my father's absence. But you -- you've left my father?

FORTUNIO

Yes, Mr. Victor. I've returned to civilian life -- I took my final dismissal. That's the way I think at the moment.

VICTOR

And how did you obtain your release?

FORTUNIO

Oh -- in the simplest way. At the Review of the Emperor and King, which took place two weeks ago, I left the ranks. I pointed to my shako and I waited. He said, "Good, there's one of my veterans who has need to speak with me", and he came to me. "Ah, it's you Michelin," you know the Emperor knows me, then turning to his brother, Jerome, who was with him, "Pay no attention -- it's a rifleman of honor from Marengo and a cross of honor from Wagram who needs to speak to me. Go on. What do you need?" "My discharge!" "What do you mean, your discharge?" "Yes, sir." "At the moment the enemy penetrates France, a veteran of the Pyrenees asks for his discharge? It can't be possible." "It's the way, I think, sire." "And if it's not mine?" "Oh, Your Majesty commands but he will die of shame in this case." "Who will die of shame?" "The old man who was in the Seven Years War -- whose discharge was signed by Solibise -- my father!" "Your father will die of shame if you don't receive your discharge -- ?" "Yes, sire." "Explain this to me." "He's 80 years old and he is alone." "All alone? And how did he get along until now?" "He had a daughter, my sister Catherine." "Well Catherine?" "Well, sire, she is dead."

VICTOR

What do you mean, she is dead?

FORTUNIO

Yes, Mr. Victor dead -- to my way of thinking.

CATHERINE

(who has heard)

My God!

FORTUNIO

"Still, you understand, the old man is half paralyzed, he needs someone to care for him -- something like a nurse; well, I leave your service for his, I get my discharge, and I become a housewife." "Ah, you tell me too much. Your request is granted my brave fellow. Berthier this brave man has his discharge, five hundred francs pension and the cross. My compliments to the old man of the Seven Years War." "They won't fail to be delivered, Sire," and he continued on his way -- I went back to the ranks, saying to myself, five hundred francs pension -- two hundred fifty for the cross -- total seven hundred fifty -- with this one has enough bread for two or even three or four if the others were eating the bread.

VICTOR

Look -- my dear Fortunio -- you care for me a lot, don't you?

FORTUNIO

Do I love you! I took you from the midwife and brought you to your father, saying to him, "it's a boy, Captain, it's a boy." How you cried then -- like a lamb that had lost its way. Do I love you? -- not only do I love you, I respect you.

VICTOR

Well, my friend, if I were to ask you for a favor, you would do it for me?

FORTUNIO

Listen, Mr. Victor, I see you come zigzagging -- let's not get embroidered in cross purposes and speak frankly -- you are getting at Catherine right?

VICTOR

My dear Fortunio.

FORTUNIO

You do me honor -- but here is what is agreed in the Army -- illegitimate children, born outside of marriage were only received as ornaments on a Russian, Austrian or Prussian flag -- no matter which. It was the duty of the father or the mother to obtain the paper which straightened things out -- the baptism of fire legitimizing the child. That was our way of thinking.

VICTOR

So!

FORTUNIO

So -- let them wrap the kid in paper of the type I've mentioned and bring him to me, and if he had a tail as long as the Emperor of Austria's -- which is unlikely -- I would say "That's my nephew." Until then, I don't know who Catherine is.

(he looks to his side)

But she'd better not chance reappearing in front of my eyes, nor those of my father -- that's advice I would give her -- bon voyage, Mr. Victor -- and the best compliments to the colonel.

VICTOR

And you're staying here with your father? Aren't you fearful?

FORTUNIO

What should I be afraid of, Mr. Victor?

VICTOR

That the Prussians, the Austrians, or the Cossacks won't recognize you for a pensioner and take you prisoner.

FORTUNIO

Me? What for since I lost the clarinet and sold the cabbage cutter -- anyway, I don't worry about the Prussians, the Austrians or the Cossacks.

VICTOR

It seem to me you've found yourself face to face with them more than once.

FORTUNIO

Ah, yes -- in foreign lands, but not at home. Listen carefully to this. So long as the Little Corporal is alive, they won't dare cross the frontier and in Lorrain and Champagne you know -- Prussians don't grow.

VICTOR

But if you're told they are six leagues from here?

FORTUNIO

It's not true!

VICTOR

If they tell you their avant guard is at the Bar-sur-Ornain and at Bar-sur-Seine? If they tell you the Old Guard met them yesterday at Columbey-les-Deux-Églises and that there was an engagement?

FORTUNIO

And the result of the engagement?

VICTOR

The old guard is retreating to Troyes.

(Enter some peasants who are fleeing.)

FORTUNIO

It's not true!

VICTOR

Why, who do you take all these poor people for? Look!

FORTUNIO

For poltroons, at least, that's my way of thinking.

(he goes back in.)

CATHERINE

Thanks, Mr. Victor!

VICTOR

You heard?

CATHERINE

Yes, where is the French army?

VICTOR

Two or three leagues from here -- on the route to Châlons and Arcis-sur-Aube.

CATHERINE

That's far.

VICTOR

Where are you going?

CATHERINE

Your father is there, Mr. Victor. I am going to beg him to accept me in his regiment as a vivandiere and the first flag taken from the enemy -- if a good chap takes it -- he will give me a part of it.

VICTOR

Go child and commend yourself to me.

CATHERINE

You are really good, Mr. Victor. Goodbye.

CATHERINE

Goodbye, Catherine.

(Exit Catherine.)

VICTOR

Come on, France! Come on, Brigitte.

FRANCE

Here I am, brother.

VICTOR

(to postilion)

Well, what news, Bernard?

BERNARD

Bad, sir, bad.

FRANCE

You don't know if Emmanuel has returned, my friend?

BERNARD

No, miss.

VICTOR

What Emmanuel? Emmanuel de Mégrigny -- our cousin. Could some accident have happened to him?

FRANCE

I'm afraid it may. Day before yesterday, his mother received a letter that he was leaving for Troyes -- and she had not seen him yet.

BERNARD

Ah, damn -- if he encountered Cossacks!

FRANCE

Well -- ?

BERNARD

Wait! Here are poor people who've been plundered by them two leagues from here -- the man even received a lance wound in his arm.

VICTOR

The wretches! Come, sister.

FRANCE

But brother -- perhaps they are in need -- perhaps they have no money -- let --

VICTOR

(distributing money to the fugitives)

Here my friends, here --

FUGITIVES

Thanks, young gentleman, thanks beautiful lady.

(People surround them and others shout.)

VICTOR

What's going on?

BERNARD

Shall I bring the carriage forward?

VICTOR

No need -- we are going there. Take care of yourself, Fortunio.

FORTUNIO

(arranging an armchair before the door)

Don't worry, in a little corner there's a musket near the old man from when he was a musketeer in the Forest of Der.

VICTOR

(leaving)

Goodbye.

FORTUNIO

Goodbye, Mr. Victor and everybody.

PEASANT

God protect you, my pretty Miss. God protect you -- brave young man!

(The whole town is an uproar after Victor and France leave. People come and go, questioning those who pass by. They sense the approach the enemy.)

A MAN

(questioning the fugitives)

And the Cossacks -- where did they meet you?

PEASANT

Between Chamouilett and Ancerville.

A WOMAN

There they plundered you?

PEASANT

As you see -- robbed and beaten.

BRISQUET

Is it true that some of them carry bows and arrows?

A WOMAN

Yes, and lances two feet long with hooks at the end.

BRISQUET

Why, they're really savages then? Say -- if I climb up on a roof, I can tell you where they are.

ALL

Right -- right.

(Brisquet climbs on a roof.)

FORTUNIO

(escorting Michelin to the armchair he has prepared for them)

Here, father -- install yourself here -- the place isn't warm but it's a lot better in comparison to those that kissed our ears in Moscow.

MICHELIN

Why's everybody here, Fortunio?

FORTUNIO

Nothing! Nothing!

MICHELIN

What are they saying?

FORTUNIO

Stupid things.

MICHELIN

Why are they running about like that?

FORTUNIO

Today's Sunday and they are having a good time.

PIERRE

Are you up there, Brisquet?

BRISQUET

(on the roof)

Yes, I'm here.

PIERRE

Well -- what do you see?

BRISQUET

Oh -- the field -- it's completely black.

A WOMAN

Are they coming this way?

BRISQUET

Yes -- some are coming by way of Moutier-en-Der -- and then others still by way of Vitry-le-Français.

(The alarm bell sounds.)

PIERRE

Right! And the alarm -- where's that coming from?

BRISQUET

Oh! It's Chancenay burning.

PIERRE

Ah -- why if they're plundering the poor people, if they're burning villages, they must still be revenging themselves a little.

BRISQUET

Oh -- down there -- down there, there on the road to Betancourt -- oh, they are on horseback -- they're coming this way -- not sparing the horses -- they are entering the town. The Cossacks! The Cossacks!

(Shouts can be heard. 'The Cossacks! The Cossacks!' Alarm. Everyone flees the doors and the windows are shut. The Tocsins continue to ring.)

FORTUNIO

Ah, decidedly it's them. This time, it would be better to take father inside -- he's fragile at this age. Come, come, father -- go in, go back in.

ALL

(fleeing)

The Cossacks! The Cossacks!

(The Cossacks passing through at a gallop.)

Hurrah -- hurrah! Hurrah!

(Fortunio closes the door in front of him. A last Cossack passes by and seeing a door shutting draws a pistol from his belt and fires into the door. A cry can be heard.)

COSSACK

Hurrah!

(passing through)

(He disappears with his companions. The door reopens.)

(Enter Michelin, wounded in the neck and dying in Fortunio's arms. Fortunio lets Michelin slide from his arms to the ground.

FORTUNIO

Oh, the scoundrels! Oh, the bastards! Father -- say something, father.

MICHELIN

Huh! Huh!

FORTUNIO

Yes, I understand what you mean. "Vengeance!" Don't worry, father, you will be avenged.

(People come out of their houses.)

A MAN

There was a musket shot fired.

PIERRE

No, it was from a pistol.

(they notice the group of Fortunio and his father)

Oh -- look at the old man -- he's covered with blood.

ANOTHER MAN

What's the matter, Fortunio? What's wrong?

FORTUNIO

Some brigands killed an old man of 80 -- as if it were worth the trouble to kill a man of that age when they are busy dying by themselves.

MAN

Killed? Killed? Oh, no, no, a doctor -- a surgeon.

FORTUNIO

Oh -- no use. I've seen some like this in my life and I know he's finished. Goodbye old man! You know what I said. Don't worry. Here my friends, help me to put him on his bed.

PIERRE

That's all we need -- to murder folks. Doesn't that enrage you? Doesn't it make you want to run these swine back to their Caucasus?

MAN

But why are you shutting yourself in?

FORTUNIO

(somberly)

It's my way of thinking.

BRISQUET

(on the roof)

Oh -- there's yet another village burning down there -- it's Villiers.

(the clock rings)

Alarm! Alarm! Here's the enemy. The Prussians.

ALL

To arms!

(The horns of the approaching Prussians can be heard. A regiment enters the town. At the moment when the Colonel appears in the center of the town, a window opens in Michelin's house. Fortunio appears with his musket, aims at the Colonel and fires. The colonel falls.)

FORTUNIO

Neck for neck --

(Cries -- tumult. The Prussians break ranks. Some try to break downs the doors of the house -- others set it on fire.)

MAJOR

Two houses for the solders to pillage. Then set fire to the town. Go to it!

(Fortunio reappears at his window, aims and fires at the Major. The Major falls.)

FORTUNIO

I win the prize! That's my way of thinking.

(He escapes to the roof and slides down the other side in the midst of numerous shots not one of which strikes him. The sound of French drums beating out the charge come from the other side.)

BRISQUET

(on the room)

Oh! The French! The French! Long live the French!

(At shouts of the French, the French some doors and windows reopen and shots are fired from the openings. The charges comes closer. The Cossacks reappear and run off in disorder.)

(The Prussians beat the retreat. The French appear. There is a fusillade. Colonel Bertrand at the head of his regiment takes the square, house by house. The Emperor appears.)

VOICES

The Emperor! The Emperor! Long live the Emperor.

BRISQUET

(waving the Tricolor)

Long live the Emperor.

(All the inhabitants leave their houses shouting 'Long live the Emperor!)

EMPEROR

I am here, children -- do not fear. Colonel Bertrand pursue the Prussians until you meet serious resistance, and then come back and find me if possible with one or two prisoners.

BERTRAND

(pointing to his house)

Sire, there's my house -- it's at the disposition of Your Majesty -- Pierre open up everything -- light everything up --

EMPEROR

Thanks, Colonel. Perhaps I'll do that. While waiting, I have to talk with these brave people. I want them to see me, I want them to touch me, I want them to feel me in their midst.

ALL

Long live the Emperor!

EMPEROR

A table and a chair -- that's all I ask.

BERTRAND

A table and a chair for the Emperor.

(to Pierre)

And my son and daughter, Pierre?

PIERRE

Left an hour ago for Paris, Colonel.

BERTRAND

That's wonderful --

(soldiers)

Forward, friends, forward!

(The people rush into the square.)

A MAN

Oh, sire, sire! Here you are! What joy! We have nothing to fear now, the Emperor is with us.

EMPEROR

Thanks, my friends, thanks! Well, let's see -- what's going on?

PIERRE

Sire. Everything around here is on fire -- we are surrounded by enemies and they were here just now -- all rogues, the brigands, and they killed a man.

EMPEROR

A man from the village?

PIERRE

Yes, sire -- an old man of eighty.

EMPEROR

The wretches! Bertrand!

BERTRAND

Sire?

EMPEROR

Fire hundred francs for the family.

FORTUNIO

(reappearing with his musket)

No need, Sire.

EMPEROR

Ah, it's you, Michelin! Why no need?

PIERRE

Because he was my father.

EMPEROR

Your father, my poor Michelin?

FORTUNIO

Yes -- the old man -- the old man from the Seven Years War.

EMPEROR

Wasn't it to care for him that you requested your discharge?

FORTUNIO

Yes, Sire -- but the poor old fellow no longer needs anything -- except --

EMPEROR

To be avenged, right?

FORTUNIO

Oh! As to that, he ought to be satisfied. I hit both the Colonel and the Major of the regiment that my Colonel is pursuing. That's not what would please him.

EMPEROR

Well -- what would -- speak.

FORTUNIO

Well, what would please him is that when they bury him, the drums beat him a little march -- bam -- bam -- with a rifle salute -- which would remind him of his wars -- he always wanted that, poor old chap, at his funeral. That was his way of thinking.

EMPEROR

Fine. It will be done.

FORTUNIO

Thanks, my Emperor.

EMPEROR

Let's see -- child -- which of you can give me intelligence.

EMMANUEL

(coming forward)

I, Sire, if your Majesty will allow.

EMPEROR

You -- so be it -- come here.

(sitting near the table)

What do you know.

EMMANUEL

I can tell Your Majesty precisely where the enemy is.

EMPEROR

Where the enemy is?

EMMANUEL

In returning from Bar-sur-Aube I was taken by the Prussians and escorted to Blucher who kept me for two days. I only escaped a quarter of an hour ago.

EMPEROR

How was that?

EMMANUEL

A French regiment, guided by a young girl from this village -- the sister of a soldier who just now had the honor of speaking to Your Majesty -- fell suddenly on the Prussian encampment so that in the midst of the disorder, I was able to escape by jumping on a horse and I came to reassure my mother who thought I was lost.

EMPEROR

And what can you tell me?

EMMANUEL

Sire, Marshall Blucher and General Lanskoi spent the night at Bar-sur-Aube and must be, at the moment near Brienne, marching towards Troyes to help the Austrians. The Corps we just met here is that of General Lanskoi, who follows General Sachem. The troops remaining in the rear are those of General York, ordered to contain the garrison of Metz.

EMPEROR

Ah! Ah! So we've just cut Blucher's army in two, at the moment, when it crossed from Lorraine to Champagne.

EMMANUEL

Exactly, Sire.

EMPEROR

How do you know all this, Sir?

EMMANUEL

They were unaware I knew German so they didn't hide things from me.

EMPEROR

Who are you, Sir?

EMMANUEL

Sire, I am Emmanuel de Merigny, the nephew of Colonel Bertrand.

EMPEROR

Good -- what do you do?

EMMANUEL

I am studying surgery at Troyes -- I was coming to see my mother, whom I didn't wish to leave alone and exposed in the midst of enemies when I was captured by the Prussians.

EMPEROR

Would you like to be attached to my staff?

EMMANUEL

Sire, that would be such a great honor that I dare not hope it.

EMPEROR

That's fine. Bertrand -- inscribe this young man.

BERTRAND

(returning)

Sire.

EMPEROR

Well, Colonel --

BERTRAND

Sire, I don't think we have strong forces facing us. I had the regiment halt a quarter of a league from the town where it will remain on watch until the time Your Majesty recalls it.

EMPEROR

Fine, my dear Colonel.

BERTRAND

Your Majesty has positive intelligence?

EMPEROR

Yes -- and it comes from someone you know -- come forward Mr. de Merigny.

BERTRAND

Emmanuel.

EMMANUEL

My dear Uncle.

EMPEROR

Look -- embrace each other.

BERTRAND

Your Majesty doesn't deign to enter my house.

EMPEROR

Thanks -- we are leaving in ten minutes. We must save Troyes, we will leave a rear guard here -- we will cross the Forest of Der with good guides. At Brienne we will return to the hunt. Gentlemen -- you hear -- we're crossing the Forest of Der -- let orders be given accordingly --

(rolls of drums)

What's that?

BERTRAND

Sire, it's the honor guard of poor Michelin -- an old soldier.

(Michelin's body in its uniform of the Seven Years War, hat and sabre at his feet -- the drums beat. The soldiers reverse arms.)

CATHERINE

(running a flag in her hand)

Here brother, to make the little one's swaddling clothes.

FORTUNIO

You are mistaken, Catherine, it's to make a shroud for Father.

(He throws the flag on the corpse; the guard passes. The Emperor removes his hat.)

(curtain)

Scene ii

The Grenaux farm. A room where the walls are crenellated.

BASTIEN

Come, come, lads, there's no use getting killed for nothing. It's the entire Prussian army -- it's too big a mouthful for us to swallow. Hide in the cellar, put the muskets in the hiding place, leave by the exit and each go to his work -- some to the plow, others to sowing, others to the barn. And if these scoundrels give us trouble well, we'll see.

BRISQUET

But you, Papa Bastien.

BASTIEN

Oh, don't worry about me. I'll wait for them. I'm master of the house. I have to do the honors for them. Go -- but hurry up.

BRISQUET

The Prussians know me. I saw them at Saint Dizier. I prefer not to see them again. They are very ugly.

BASTIEN

Good. Everything is ready.

(he stretches out on two boxes of straw and pretends to sleep)

BRISQUET

And me, and me, Papa Bastien?

BASTIEN

Will you let me sleep, Brisquet?

(he snores)

(The Prussians and Blucher appear at the door -- bayonets extended.)

BRISQUET

Oh, Messieurs les Prussians don't hurt me.

BLUCHER

Is there someone here?

BRISQUET

Papa Bastien is here -- see -- there sleeping.

BLUCHER

Wake him.

A SOLDIER

(helping Bastien)

He doesn't want to wake up. I'm going to tickle him with the point of my bayonet.

BASTIEN

(who has been struck in the rear)

Huh?

BLUCHER

It seems we've finally found someone who can speak. What's become of these devilish peasants? They must have gone to earth like foxes -- answer to Marshal Blucher!

BASTIEN

To Marshal Blucher?

BRISQUET

(aside)

What? That's the name of Thomas' horse -- the one that's naughty like a donkey --

BASTIEN

Indeed the honor --

BLUCHER

We don't want to do you any harm -- we only want some information.

BASTIEN

Some information? Indeed an honor, general. I am ready to give it to you.

BLUCHER

Where are we! What's the name of this farm?

BASTIEN

Here?

BLUCHER

Yes, here.

BASTIEN

Come on -- you are kidding me. You know quite well where you are.

BLUCHER

If I knew, I wouldn't be asking you, imbecile!

BASTIEN

Such an honor, general - well, you are at Montmirail, eh! And this farm is called The Farm of Grenaux, you see -- why because the owner of this farm is named Pace.

BLUCHER

What's the relation between Mr. Pace and the name of this Grenaux Farm?

BASTIEN

Because it's his.

BLUCHER

There's nothing to be got from this clown.

BASTIEN

So honored, general --

BLUCHER

Look -- have you got any food to eat on your farm?

BASTIEN

Ah -- yes, damn -- there's leg of lamb on the spit which is 3 days old.

BRISQUET

It must be rotten.

BLUCHER

What do you mean, 3 days old?

BASTIEN

Ah, yes -- because for 3 days they've been saying the Prussians are coming, the Prussians are coming -- So, I said, well, if the Prussians are coming we'd better prepare food for them -- and as I had leg of lamb, I prepared leg of lamb for you.

BRISQUET

(aside)

What an ass kisser --

BASTIEN

Don't you want some?

BLUCHER

Indeed! So bring your leg of lamb.

BASTIEN

Such an honor, general.

BRISQUET

(aside)

It will be peppery -- that one.

(Bastien goes out.)

BLUCHER

All the same, gentleman, you know it's only a rest were taking here -- it's a question of being first in Paris -- they say General York is at Chateau Thierry -- that General Sachem is at la Ferte -- we are late.

BASTIEN

(returning)

Eh! No -- you're not late for dinner -- it's only two o'clock.

BLUCHER

We're not late for dinner -- were late getting to Paris.

BASTIEN

To Paris -- ? You are going to Paris?

BLUCHER

Certainly.

BASTIEN

In that case, I'll go, too.

BLUCHER

How many leagues from here to Paris?

BASTIEN

You do me honor general, twenty-three.

BLUCHER

Say friend -- the farm is fortified.

(to Bastien, pointing to the loopholes)

What's all this?

BASTIEN

Saving your respect, General, it's a hole.

BLUCHER

Yes, but who made that loophole?

BASTIEN

The French, General.

BRISQUET

Stool pigeon, go!

BASTIEN

They passed, and they said 'Here's a fine position, necessary to defend.' Then they made their loopholes but I told them you will ruin the walls. They chased me off.

BLUCHER

Well, what did you say to them, then?

BASTIEN

I said 'You do me great honor,' and I went away.

BLUCHER

Decidedly this man is an idiot -- to dinner, gentleman, to dinner.

BRISQUET

(low to Bastien)

Look, why did you tell him -- ?

BASTIEN

Leave off, I'm confusing them.

BRISQUET

What?

(Bastien whispers in his ear)

Ah, good! Choke Thomas' horse!

AIDE DE CAMP

(entering)

The Field Marshal?

BLUCHER

Come in, sir -- well what news of that cannonade yesterday?

AIDE DE CAMP

Milord, it seems there was a hard fight.

BLUCHER

Where?

AIDE DE CAMP

Near Champaubert.

BLUCHER

With some separated French column.

AIDE DE CAMP

No, your Excellency -- with a corps of the whole army.

BLUCHER

Commanded by Raguse, Trévise, Tarente?

AIDE DE CAMP

No Excellency -- commanded by Napoleon in person.

BLUCHER

By Napoleon? He is at Brienne, sir.

AIDE DE CAMP

I fear Your Excellency may be mistaken. It appears that the Emperor arrived yesterday by the route from Nogent to Sézanne.

BLUCHER

I had that road checked, it is impracticable.

AIDE DE CAMP

Not for him, Milord.

BLUCHER

Well -- he met general Alsufief?

AIDE DE CAMP

Yes, Milord, and it appears that he defeated him.

BLUCHER

What the devil are you saying, sir?

AIDE DE CAMP

That's what we've just learned from the deserters.

BLUCHER

(rising)

Deserters? And Alsufief -- what happened to him?

AIDE DE CAMP

He was taken, Milord.

BLUCHER

What do you mean, taken?

AIDE DE CAMP

With the two generals under his orders, a fifth of the officers and eighteen hundred men.

AN OFFICER

The French are appearing from the route of Champaubert.

AIDE DE CAMP

What did I have the honor to tell Your Excellency?

BLUCHER

What? They have the audacity to attack us -- ? What's that? The forward posts are meeting them? To arms, gentlemen, to arms.

(The charge is sounded; the battle begins -- the Prussians fire from inside the house -- bullets pierce the walls -- the wounded fall, the dying also - suddenly musket shots pass through the floor. The Prussians are attacked from within and without -- the farm collapses.)

(blackout)

Scene iii

(The battle continues on all sides. The distance is hidden in smoke. The sun sets. The French seize possession of the battlefield over which the moon rises. The Emperor appears. He is received in the midst of the ruins of the farm by the peasants.)

EMPEROR

It's okay, my friends, it's okay -- you are brave hearts -- brave Frenchmen; and you, and the earth of France devour them to the last man -- Berthier.

BERTHIER

Sir?

EMPEROR

Send a man instantly to Chatillon to inform Caulaincourt that yesterday I defeated the Prussians at Champaubert and today I defeated the Prussians at Montmirail and that in three days I will defeat the Austrians at Montereau -- take up the dead, gentleman -- I will sleep here.

ALL

Long live the Emperor.

(curtain)

Act II

Scene iv

The 26th and 27th of February, a bivouac in the vicinity of Méry-au-Bar. Night. The Emperor's tent is visible, a lamp is on the post. The iron bed is under the tent.)

BERTRAND

You say the Emperor went to make a reconnaissance?

OFFICER

Yes, Colonel -- near Pont-sur-Seine.

BERTRAND

This is where we are camping, gang --

FORTUNIO

Well, there's one good thing. Tonight we won't have water up to our ankles.

LORRAIN

Are you're shoes full of water?

FORTUNIO

Yes, to the collar of my jacket. Let's recapitulate -- in Egypt, roasted, in Russia, frozen, in France; drowned. It would be hard to say which of these three deaths is the most agreeable. Give a drink to the brat, Catherine.

CATHERINE

He's not thirsty.

FORTUNIO

(drinking from the canteen)

They're always thirsty. A drop to the kid.

CATHERINE

No, no -- it will make him sick.

FORTUNIO

Eau de vie -- ? Never.

(to child)

Drink uncle.

CHILD

(weeping)

Okay.

CATHERINE

Don't do him any harm, okay!

LORRAIN

Oh, right. But I thought you wanted to throw this citizen into the Marne.

FORTUNIO

It's true, but that was before he was baptized in the name -- Napoleon Michelin and he hadn't been recognized by the regent, legitimized, decorated by His Majesty, the Emperor with the yellow and black sash -- now it's another matter.

LORRAIN

Heavens, it's true; what is it?

FORTUNIO

The sash from an Austrian flag that his mother took in the battle of Moutier-en- Der -- where she first took arms. That this necktie was put around his neck by the Emperor's own hands -- and in turn she decorated the kid. That's better than the cordon blue put on a prince when he is born -- or so it seems to me. That's my way of thinking.

BERTRAND

The Emperor, gentlemen, the Emperor!

(The Emperor rides in on horseback with three or four superior officers also mounted.)

EMPEROR

Any news of the battle we heard all day near Méry-sur-Seine?

BERTRAND

The first ordinance officer even to get intelligence, sire.

GENERAL MICHEL

(in the wings)

Where is the Emperor? Where is the Emperor?

EMPEROR

This way, sir, this way!

(General Michel enters.)

EMPEROR

Ah -- it's you, Michel?

(to soldiers)

Stand aside -- well -- what is it?

GENERAL MICHEL

Great news, Sire.

EMPEROR

Good or bad, sir?

GENERAL MICHEL

The Emperor shall judge -- it's not simply a detachment of the Austrian army that General Boyer and his guard just met at Méry -- as Your Majesty thought -- it's the whole army.

EMPEROR

Whose?

GENERAL MICHEL

That of Blucher.

EMPEROR

You are mistaken, sir, the army of Blucher no longer exists. I destroyed it at Champaubert, at Montmirail, at Chateau-Thierry and at Vauchamps. You are sure of what you say, sir?

GENERAL MICHEL

I got this information from prisoners taken today by General Boyer, sire -- the Cossacks are flooding the plain and I had great trouble escaping them. I think that Your Majesty is poorly protected on the side of the Seine.

EMPEROR

Do you think these wretches would have the audacity to attack me almost in my camp? You do them too much honor, sir -- these are birds of prey of the crow and vulture species. They only fight with the dead. But let's get back to Blucher -- you say --

GENERAL MICHEL

I said, Sire, that he camped on the 23rd at the junction of the Aube and the Seine with 50,000 men, that there he still received reinforcements of 9,000 men, from a corps belonging to General Langeon, so it's 60,000 men that Your Majesty faces and not 30 or 40 thousand.

EMPEROR

And you think that Blucher was at the Méry-sur-Seine in person?

GENERAL MICHEL

He was indeed there, Sire -- he was wounded in the leg and --

(A lot of noise is heard -- several shots from muskets and pistols -- then shouts -- the Cossacks!)

EMPEROR

(rushing quickly from his tent. At the same moment, the theatre is invaded by a swarm of Cossacks)

The Cossacks!

(The Emperor is surrounded and disappears in the midst of the horses. A Cossack goes to pierce him with his lance when Bertrand kills the Cossack with a sword blow. Struggle and confusion for a moment. Bertrand receives a lance thrust in the breast. Soldiers and Generals fire. The Cossacks are driven off but there is a moment of stupor among all the men when they realize the marauders have had the audacity to penetrate into the midst of the French camp even to the Emperor's tent.)

EMPEROR

(to general Michel)

That's well, sir. Go get two hours sleep and be ready to leave for Paris in two hours.

(to Bertrand)

Thanks, Bertrand, thanks my brave colonel. Without you, I think the war would have been over. Tell me what you want, Bertrand, and if it is in my power to fulfill your desire, your request is granted in advance -- in the name of my wife and my son.

BERTRAND

(choking)

Sire --

EMPEROR

Eh, what's wrong with you?

BERTRAND

I think I am wounded, Sire.

EMPEROR

A surgeon, gentlemen, a surgeon. Colonel Bertrand is wounded.

EMMANUEL

(rushing up)

You are wounded, Colonel?

EMPEROR

In my tent, Mr. de Merigny! Gentlemen, I think there's no need to tell you to keep a careful guard -- you've just seen that's not an exaggerated precaution. You know I am expecting the Duke of Vicenza who should arrive tonight from Châtillon. Bring him. As to the rest, let all bearers of intelligence come to me.

(returning under his tent to Emmanuel)

Well, sir?

EMMANUEL

Happily, Sire, the lance struck a medallion the colonel was wearing on his breast -- the medallion which contained pictures of his wife and children is broken, but it turned the lance aside so it only penetrated the skin -- the wound presents no danger, Sire.

EMPEROR

No matter. Bertrand, you will sleep near me in my tent -- they'll place a mattress on the ground for you -- you will still be better than on bivouac.

(The soldiers form bundles into a mattress. They prepare a bed for Bertrand.)

AN OFFICER

Sire, the Duke of Vicenza has just past the outposts.

EMPEROR

Let him come, let him come! I am waiting for him.

OFFICER

He's following me, Sire.

EMPEROR

Ah, come, come Caulaincourt, you've come from Châtillon.

DUKE

Yes, Sire.

EMPEROR

Well, I hope my victories at Chambanbert, Montmirail, Chateau and Vauchamps have somewhat diminished the demands of the allies and that they grant me the left bank of the Rhine and Italy.

DUKE

Sire, indeed, this glorious week which brought us the victory bulletins in six days has echoed even to Châtillon.

EMPEROR

Then you bring me better conditions my dear Duke.

DUKE

Sire, if there were only Russia --

EMPEROR

Well?

DUKE

But there's England, Prussia and Austria.

EMPEROR

(impatiently)

Well.

DUKE

England will never cede Anvers to you -- Prussia will never cede Coblentz to you -- Austria will never cede Milan to you.

EMPEROR

(still more impatiently)

Well?

DUKE

Well, Sir, the allied sovereigns deny any designs on Frankfurt and if Your Majesty wishes peace.

EMPEROR

Certainly, Sire, I wish it, I will say more -- I shall have it.

DUKE

Sire, they demand that France return to its ancient borders.

EMPEROR

To its ancient borders! And it's you Caulaincourt, you whose heart is so essentially French -- come to me with such proposals?

DUKE

Sire, it's precisely because I am French at heart that I not only bring these proposals to Your Majesty but I recommend them to you.

EMPEROR

Why have you gone crazy? What! You urge me to sign such a treaty? Have you forgotten the oath I took when taking the crown -- 'I swear to maintain the integrity of the territory of the Republic and to govern only with a view to the happiness and glory of the French people?'

DUKE

Sire, the happiness of a people comes before its glory -- the French people thanks to Your Majesty are the most glorious of people -- give them peace, Sire, and you will have given them everything.

EMPEROR

But Duke, you forget my resources. France was less powerful, less strong, less rich, less populous in 1792 when levees en masse delivered the County in the year seven; when the battle of Zurich stopped the invasion of all Europe in the year eight; when the battle of Marengo saved the country.

DUKE

Yes, Sire, it's true -- but then she possessed what she has since lost -- Enthusiasm. In those days she fought for liberty.

EMPEROR

And what is she fighting for today, sir? And what am I, if not European liberty? When I took France, totally feverish from her revolution she was to ideas and as to deeds so far in advance of other peoples that she had disturbed the European equilibrium. An Alexander was needed to tame this Bucephalous, an Androcles for this lion -- what did I do? I selected what was most noble, most brave, most intelligent in France and I spread it throughout Europe. Everywhere I've gone, I have disseminated liberty into the world, like a sower of wheat. Let them wait a year, two years, ten, and they will see it grow fully developed in each furrow excavated by my cannon balls. That the allied sovereigns wish to see my fall, I understand, for I've proclaimed the most holy dogma ever uttered by a human mouth. I have proclaimed equality.

DUKE

Sire, it seems to me that before Your Majesty, the Convention --

EMPEROR

Yes, sir, but do you understand the difference that exists between us? The Convention proclaimed an equality which debased and I proclaimed an equality which ennobled. Do you know why its work will be treated with skepticism by posterity in the centuries to come, while mine will be blessed, although we both participated in the work. It's because they lowered the great to the foot of the scaffold where I raised the small to the foot of the throne. Go, go, sir, I am still stronger than they think. They take me quite simply for a man, for a king, for an emperor. I am more than that, sir, I am a nation.

DUKE

Sire, France believes you've done everything for your ambition and nothing for France.

EMPEROR

The truth is like the sun: Winter can obscure it, hide it even -- but prosperity has its Spring -- and a day will come this Spring will be eternal. I bequeath my body to the tomb, my soul to God, and my memory to posterity. Anyway, sir -- I have a sure way to prevent posterity of accusing me of egotism and that is if France falls, to fall with her -- if France dies, not to survive her.

DUKE

Sire, those who wish to die are not always killed -- you've seen that clearly at Montereau and at Arcis-sur-Aube.

EMPEROR

One isn't always sure of being killed, it is true -- but one is always sure of dying -- you cannot always fire a cannon ball like Turenne or like Berwick -- but you can always find a pistol like Beaurepaire.

DUKE

Then, Your Majesty refuses the conditions of the Allied Sovereigns?

EMPEROR

I refuse them. Return to them, sir -- tell them that the unheard of reversals have torn from me the promise to renounce the conquests I have made. But to abandon those made by others before me, I would treasure the heritage that has been placed under the care of my honor, that at the price of so much effort in blood and victories. I were to leave France less than I found her? God preserve me from such shame! I reject the treaty; it is a bad treaty you offer me, Duke.

DUKE

Peace is always good, Sire -- if it is quick enough.

EMPEROR

It will always be too quick if it is shameful. Go, sir, get a little rest, and return.

DUKE

Before going, shall I come for the Emperor's orders?

EMPEROR

If I want to see you -- I will have you told. Go.

(Exit the Duke.)

EMPEROR

Mr. de Merigny?

EMMANUEL

(coming forward)

Sire?

EMPEROR

(on his camp bed)

Are you a good chemist, sir?

EMMANUEL

Sire, it's the science on which I pride myself the most.

EMPEROR

Sir, swear to me on your honor, to faithfully execute the orders I am going to give you.

EMMANUEL

On my honor, I swear it.

EMPEROR

You saw what happened just now. Without your uncle, I would have been taken prisoner. You heard what Caulaincourt said. In the struggle I am undertaking, I may be overcome. I wish to be in every case and at all times -- sure of my death. Napoleon must not survive Napoleon. The Emperor must not be a trophy in the hands of the Cossacks. Prepare a sure poison for me -- a last friend on whom I can count, who will replace for me the slave of the Romans who held the sword on which a defeated general fell.

EMMANUEL

Oh! Sire! What are you exacting from me?

EMPEROR

The same service that Hannibal exacted from his doctor before the battle of Zama. Like Hannibal, I've crossed the Alps -- Like Hannibal I've fought battles at Trébia, Cannes and Trasiméne -- like Hannibal I can be betrayed by the Senate. Like Hannibal, I can wear death on my finger.

EMMANUEL

Sire, couldn't you charge someone else with this terrible honor?

EMPEROR

No -- for you are young, sir, and consequently incapable of treason.

EMMANUEL

Oh -- my God! What must I do?

BERTRAND

(from his bed)

Obey, Emmanuel.

EMMANUEL

Sire, I am at your orders.

EMPEROR

Here are two rings, sir -- that I have made for this purpose. You see my resolve was not taken today. How long will it take you to finish your work?

EMMANUEL

Sire, in less than ten minutes.

EMPEROR

Go to the ambulance and take what you need from the pharmacy. I will wait for you.

EMMANUEL

Will Your Majesty formally repeat the order he's given me?

EMPEROR

Formally, sir, go.

(Exit Emmanuel.)

EMPEROR

(to ordinance officer)

No one came during my conversation with the Duke of Vicenza?

AN OFFICER

Their couriers have arrived, Sire, and here are their dispatches.

EMPEROR

(tearing open the first)

From Italy. What! Eugene cannot send me the 20,000 men I've asked him for! Murat has declared against me!

(opening the second)

D'Augerau -- he's crossed the Saone and gone to Vesoul -- he writes from there --

AN OFFICER

Read, Sire.

EMPEROR

What! He's amusing himself fighting with Bubna -- to shut him up in Geneva -- he has his Quarters -- General at Lons-le-Saulnier -- it's from Lons-le-Saulnier that he writes me -- but he's going to open up the passage of the Saone.

AN OFFICER

Alas, Sire, it's already happened.

EMPEROR

Oh -- the wretch. He's missed the chance to save France! Marshall Suchet will leave this instant to take command of Lyon. Bertheir will send him my orders --

(opening the third)

Trevise! From Chateau-Thierry -- and why not from Soissons?

AN OFFICER

Crossing the valley of the Aisne, he found Soissons had been taken.

AN OFFICER

Sire, the first cannon ball fired by the enemy cut him in two.

EMPEROR

Oh, truly, this is worse than misfortune -- this is fate. Wherever I am -- victory. Wherever I am not -- defeat. I need the three heads of Geryon and the hundred arms of Briarée from Brienne to Troyes -- from Troyes to Champaubert -- from Champaubert to Montmirail -- from Montmirail to Chateau-Thierry -- from Vauchamps to Montereau -- why I shall tire myself with all these tiger like leaps -- gentlemen -- give orders to get as many troops around me as possible -- let all the men come from Sézanne to Villeneuve and Marigny. Tomorrow I must deal with Blucher -- leave me gentlemen, leave me -- I need to be alone.

(All retire except Bertrand.)

EMPEROR

Yes -- leave me alone. Human power has its limits. One day strength will abandon me. This time, it will be betrayal of nature -- the last -- the most terrible betrayal. Oh -- that Arab proverb "Better to be seated than standing, better to be lying down than seated, better to be dead than lying down."

(lying on his couch)

The fact is there must be peace in the tomb. There's peace there and peace is so good.

EMMANUEL

(entering)

Sire!

EMPEROR

Ah! I didn't think I was such a powerful enchanter! I invoked death and here it is.

EMMANUEL

Sire -- here is what Your Majesty asked of me.

EMPEROR

What kind of poison is it?

EMMANUEL

A concentration of opium.

EMPEROR

And how long will it take to kill me

EMMANUEL

Five minutes.

EMPEROR

That's long! Sir, you are a surgeon-major.

EMMANUEL

Thanks, Sire -- but I confess to Your Majesty I would prefer to owe my rank to a less sad service.

EMPEROR

You're wrong, sir -- this is perhaps the greatest that can be rendered me.

(Emmanuel leaves.)

BERTRAND

(who has risen and gone to the side of the Emperor)

Sire!

EMPEROR

What do you want, my old friend?

BERTRAND

Sire, less than an hour ago, Your Majesty said to me, "Tell me what you wish, Bertrand and if it is in my power to fulfill your desire what you ask me is granted in advance -- in the name of my wife and child."

EMPEROR

It's true, I said that. Well, that do you wish, Bertrand?

BERTRAND

I want Your Majesty to give me one of the two rings that you bear on your fingers -- that is to say -- half the poison Emmanuel is preparing.

EMPEROR

To do what?

BERTRAND

To die on the day the Emperor dies.

EMPEROR

Bertrand -- you have a son; you have a daughter.

BERTRAND

Both are rich, thanks to the kindness of Your Majesty -- both can get along without me.

EMPEROR

Bertrand, you are mad.

BERTRAND

Sire, Your Majesty is free to refuse me this poison, but as was said just now, there is always the Pistol of Beaurepaire at hand.

(going to throw himself on his bed.)

EMPEROR

It shall be as I promised -- go -- let that console you.

(General Michel enters, then the Duke of Vicenza.)

EMPEROR

Well --

GENERAL MICHEL

Sire, the gravity of the news I bring to Your Majesty must excuse my presence.

EMPEROR

Speak, sir.

GENERAL MICHEL

Sire, Blucher and his 60,000 men are no longer before us -- what we thought was his army was only a screen to hide his movements -- Blucher left yesterday at six o'clock and is marching on Paris.

EMPEROR

On Paris?

GENERAL MICHEL

Yes, Sire, through Nogent and Provins. He has ten hours start on Your Majesty. In three days he can be before Paris.

EMPEROR

(throwing himself down on his bed)

The Duke of Vicenza! Let them call the Duke of Vicenza. The army on its feet. We leave in ten minutes for Paris.

(Vicenza enter)

Ah, Caulaincourt -- it's you. Come. You are returning to Châtillon.

DUKE

My powers, Sire?

EMPEROR

You have carte-blanche, sir. Save the honor of France -- that's all I insist on.

DUKE

But for yourself, Sire -- what shall I demand. What shall I exact.

EMPEROR

Nothing. Napoleon will never depend on anyone except Napoleon.

(The Duke leaves.)

EMPEROR

(writing)

And now to Joseph, "My brother, in conformity to the verbal instructions I gave you, and to the spirit of all our letters, you must not, in any case permit the Empress or the King of Rome to fall into the hands of enemy. You will be several days without news of me -- if the enemy advances on Paris in such strength that resistance will be useless, then have the Regent, my son, the ministers and other dignitaries and the Treasury depart in the direction of the Loire. Don't leave my son -- and remember, I'd prefer to know he was in the Seine than fallen into the hands of the enemies of France. The fate of Astynax has always seemed to me the most wretched in history -- Napoleon -- " But who will take this letter? In whom can I have complete confidence? Ah, Bertrand, my friend.

BERTRAND

Sire -- ?

EMPEROR

Bertrand, wounded as you are, you must leave instantly for Paris -- to take this letter to my brother, Joseph. You understand? to him and no one else. Bertrand, this time, it's more than my life that must be saved -- it's that of my wife and my son. Go, go, my friend, while the communication by way of Villeneuve and Coulommiers are still free. Go! But what are you waiting for -- speak!

BERTRAND

Sire, I'm waiting for the ring.

EMPEROR

Well -- then take it. Bull head.

(gives it to him. To Emmanuel)

Follow your uncle, sir -- you will answer to me for his life -- to horse gentlemen to horse.

(blackout)

Scene v

The Court of the Polytechnical College.

(At rise, the students are exercising with muskets and cannon.)

MAJOR

(in charge)

Cannoneers -- to your weapons. March! Halt. Front! Action! Charge! Break ranks.

(In stacking the weapons Henry allows the butt of one of them to fall on Arthur's foot.)

ARTHUR

Clumsy!

HENRY

What do you mean, clumsy?

ARTHUR

Don't you see you put your gun carriage on my foot?

HENRY

Really. Why did you put your foot under my gun carriage?

ARTHUR

Why! Why!

HENRY

Ah, you are really delicate, dear friend, you need to work on that, you see.

ARTHUR

I'd really like to work on you -- how's that?

HENRY

In what way?

ARTHUR

This veteran's tone you take displeases me. Gentleman of the second year.

HENRY

Well, if my tone displeases you, you must say so.

ARTHUR

Well -- I am telling you.

HENRY

And?

ARTHUR

I repeat what I told you.

HENRY

Can it go on for long like this?

ARTHUR

Time puts an end to all things.

HENRY

Anyone got a ruler? Here's a gentleman wants me to take his measure.

LEON

(from inside)

Well -- what's going on down there? A fight?

ARTHUR

Oh -- it's only a lesson in mathematics.

LEON

Oh -- look -- what are you thinking about? Henry! Henry?

HENRY

It wasn't I that went looking for this fight. It's this gentleman who's upset on the pretext they crushed his foot with a gun carriage and that the carriage refuses to apologize.

LEON

Come on, come on. Peace.

ARTHUR

You are going to give me the pleasure of touching you up, right?

LEON

Look, Henry, you -- who are more reasonable --

HENRY

I'm not angry with him.

ARTHUR

Oh -- were not so nasty as we seem, Mr. Veteran.

HENRY

Say, say -- do you think I shrink from it -- by chance?

ARTHUR

No -- but I say after graduating the college you must go into the munitions corps. That's a corps which makes more noise than work.

HENRY

Ah! That's how you want it! Here!

(striking him)

En-garde, now!

ARTHUR

Room! Room! Gentlemen, he has insulted me --

HENRY

Touche!

ARTHUR

Nothing; nothing -- a scratch on the hand. A handkerchief and let's get on with it.

VICTOR

(entering)

Well -- what's going on here? A fight-- comrade against comrade? Frenchmen against Frenchman -- when the Prussians are at the gates of Paris.

ALL

The Prussians? Impossible.

VICTOR

Impossible? Here -- look at this proclamation. Citizens, a column of the enemy has crossed the Maux. It is advancing on the road to Germany -- but the Emperor is closely following it.

ALL

Long live the Emperor!

VICTOR

The Regency Council has seen to the safety of the Empress and the King of Rome. I am staying with you.

HENRY

What does it mean -- the safety of the Empress and the King of Rome -- ?

VICTOR

Gentlemen -- the Empress and the King of Rome left Paris this morning at 11 o'clock.

ARTHUR

Left -- the Empress? Left?

VICTOR

She didn't wish to -- but she was forced to. The King of Rome didn't want to leave the Tuileries -- he let out horrible screams -- his governess was obliged to carry him in her arms -- Now, here's what I have done. I thought it my duty in your name to offer our services to the minister of war.

ALL

Bravo! Bravo! Well -- the Minister -- ?

VICTOR

Impossible to get to him. I didn't want to come back here but to stay at the barricades -- but it seemed to me that would be a betrayal of you, my friends.

ARTHUR

Right, Victor!

VICTOR

Here then is the way things stand. If they're going to fight to defend Paris -- shall they fight without us?

ALL

No.

VICTOR

In that case, let's take arms.

ARTHUR

Comrades, comrades, you know -- the orders are very precise. A student must not leave the campus without permission. All disobedience is punished by eight days in confinement.

VICTOR

Well -- there's a way that no one will be punished.

ALL

Which is?

VICTOR

That everyone disobey.

LEON

Comrades, I understand. I partake of your enthusiasm, but remember, we are the sons of officers and we must --

VICTOR

It's precisely because we are the sons of officers that we must defend our country -- and if you fear --

LEON

Oh -- don't think that, Victor and I will prove to you that like anyone else I know how to earn a captain's bars on the field of battle.

VICTOR

Good! Moreover, the Emperor's brother is making an appeal to all Parisians.

HENRY

We owe everything to the Emperor. He formed the school. We want to defend Paris and die for the Emperor.

ALL

Long live the Emperor. To muskets -- to cannons -- to arms and now -- open the gates -- break down the gates.

MAJOR

(entering.)

No. need.

ALL

The Major.

MAJOR

Here are the keys. I authorize you to leave -- for in a case like this one would have to be a poor Frenchman to oppose your ardor.

ALL

Long live the Major.

MAJOR

If I were not chained here by orders, I would not let anyone else have the honor of leading you toward the enemy.

ALL

Bravo! Bravo!

MAJOR

Go, kids, go. And may I have the joy that not one of you will fail to be here at next roll call.

VICTOR

Those who don't make it, Major, you will find at the Invalides on the Pantheon. And now, cannoneers, to your cannons -- you to the Barricades at Blouche and the bluffs of Saint-Chamont -- and we will go to the Barricades at Clichy.

(They leave shouting 'Long live the Emperor'.)

(blackout)

Scene vi

The Barricade at Clichy.

(Great tumult at the barrier. The toll keeper frets as if it were an ordinary situation. A cart is brought in by a peasant.)

PUBLIC CRIER

Here is the Proclamation of King Joseph -- Lieutenant General of the Emperor and Commandant of the National Guard to the Citizens of Paris -- one sou! Here's the Proclamation.

A MAN

Give it here, my friend. Give it here. Here anybody -- I am going to read this.

SPECTATORS

Read that to us -- read us that.

(The Crier can be heard as he goes off.)

VICTOR

(entering with students from the school)

No need, no need! As the proclamation announces: As the enemy is before us -- we are going to the enemy.

ALL

Bravo! Bravo! The Ecole of Polytechnic is with us. Long live the Ecole Polytechnic.

AIDE DE CAMP

(entering)

Watch out, watch out!

VICTOR

What news, sir? What news?

AIDE DE CAMP

There's fighting on the hills of Saint-Chamont -- the Duke De Raguse is at Romainville.

(cannon fire)

Do you hear -- ? That's him firing now -- watch out -- watch out!

(He leaves.)

PEASANT

They need us more than the wounded.

VICTOR

There they are.

ARTHUR

Hello, Father Clopen, hello, Father Clopen.

WOUNDED

Hello Greenhorn.

ARTHUR

Ah, you say that because you do things in the grand style.

SOME VOICES

Hey! The National Guard. Long live the National Guard.

(While they fraternize center stage, a regiment of the line arrives.)

VICTOR

The Line! The Line! Ah, it's you, Lorrain. My father! Where is my father?

LORRAIN

It's more than a week since we saw him. He must be resting somewhere, poor Colonel.

VICTOR

And where is that, my friend?

LORRAIN

Damn -- where three quarters of the regiment are -- where the final quarter will lie -- sleeping on this big camp bed called a battlefield.

VICTOR

Dead, my father, dead.

FORTUNIO

(entering)

Alive, very much alive, Mr. Victor -- set your mind at ease.

VICTOR

Ah, it's you, Fortunio?

FORTUNIO

Yes, Mr. Victor, and here's my sister, Catherine Michelin -- whom you know, and what's more, my nephew, Napoleon Michelin -- whom I have the honor to present to you.

(Pointing to the child tied to his knapsack.)

VICTOR

Hello, my good Catherine. Things turned out okay?

CATHERINE

Yes, Mr. Victor -- wonderfully -- as you see.

VICTOR

So that the child --

FORTUNIO

The child is recognized and the proof is that I bear him on my back so he won't tire poor Catherine out --

VICTOR

But say, in a retreat it's not very prudent.

FORTUNIO

Depends how your beat a retreat, Mr. Victor. As we never show our backs to the enemy the child is always safe.

VICTOR

Brave Michelin! Now tell me about my father?

FORTUNIO

Wait -- the kid's thirsty. Here Catherine, this doesn't concern me. You're in charge of the liquids department.

(giving her the child)

Your father, Mr. Victor. Here's what it is: the Emperor sent him on a secret mission.

VICTOR

To whom?

FORTUNIO

To His Majesty King Joseph.

VICTOR

Then he's still in Paris.

FORTUNIO

He's in Paris.

VICTOR

How can it be. I haven't seen him?

FORTUNIO

How long has it been since you left the L'Ecole?

VICTOR

More than an hour.

FORTUNIO

Well -- there you see he must have been forced to take the back way -- and cannot have arrived until last night or this morning -- the roads are not safe -- and your sister.

VICTOR

She is safe with my aunt in Rue Hilder.

BERTRAND

(from the wings)

The 24th Regiment of the Line? Isn't it here that the 24th regiment is mustering?

VICTOR

I'm not mistaken -- it's his voice. Father! Father!

BERTRAND

(entering)

Victor, my child.

(changing his tone)

Why have you left the school, sir?

VICTOR

They let us leave to fight, father -- and I thought the only voice to listen to was that of France. France called 'To Arms'! Father I took up arms and here I am.

BERTRAND

You have done well, sir.

VICTOR

Heavens, it's you, Emmanuel, Surgeon Major! Plague. You don't waste any time.

EMMANUEL

It's a favor that I don't owe to my merit, Victor, but to the bounty of the Emperor.

VICTOR

And the Emperor is still good to you, Father?

BERTRAND

Before leaving him, I asked for the only thing I deserved and he granted it to me. But that's not the question. My friends -- I am your commander.

SOLDIER

Long live Colonel Bertrand! Long live the Colonel.

FORTUNIO

Present, Colonel.

BERTRAND

Friends, it's simply a question of dying here -- are you read to do it?

LORRAIN

All that you do, we will do, Colonel.

SEVERAL VOICES

The Enemy! The Enemy!

BERTRAND

Come -- charge! Forward. Give them once and for all indigestion from lead and steel.

FORTUNIO

Tie up the kid.

(They replace the child on the knapsack.)

BERTRAND

(to the men of the people)

And you, my friends, defend the barricade. It's a poor fortification, I know, but the true wall of a city is in the heart of its children. Forward! Forward!

(The cannon comes closer. A fusillade can be heard not too hundred feet from the barrier. The men of the people shout 'to the barricade'.)

MONCEY

Retreat, my friends, retreat! Occupy the heights -- defend the barricades -- without that by God, you will be cut to pieces. Requisition the houses -- fire from the windows.

(to Colonel Bertrand)

What regiment?

BERTRAND

The 24th, Marshall.

MONCEY

Colonel Bertrand, then --

BERTRAND

Yes, Marshall.

MONCEY

Good! I'm not needed here since you are here. You promise to defend this barricade?

BERTRAND

To the death!

MONCEY

That's perfect. My aides de Camp will bring you my intelligence and return with any you have. I'll be at the Barricade Blouche. Make way, my friends, make way!

(Exit Moncey.)

BERTRAND

Come on, barricade the gate, quickly boys -- quickly. Catherine, give a drink to all these folks -- I'll pay.

CATHERINE

Oh -- there's no need of that Colonel. They know very well that on battle days -- distribution is gratis. Drink boys, drink.

(to Fortunio)

Well -- how about you?

FORTUNIO

I'm keeping the canteen.

(takes it and drinks)

Good -- there's not enough to refresh a chicken in your cask.

CATHERINE

(lighting grenades with cannon wick and hurling them)

Cursed grenades, get out!

AIDE DE CAMP FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD

What's the matter with your grenades?

VICTOR

Sir, I don't know what it is -- but just now more than a third misfired. Someone must have betrayed us to give us such munitions.

AIDE DE CAMP

No one betrayed you -- do you understand, sir -- ! And if your grenades don't work, it's because you don't take care with lighting them.

VICTOR

I think you're mistaken, sir -- if the grenades don't work, it's because they are stuffed with flour and ashes.

AIDE DE CAMP

If the grenades don't work, sir, it's because you light them badly.

VICTOR

And I light them badly because?

AIDE DE CAMP

Because you were frightened they would blow up in your hands.

VICTOR

Because I'm afraid, you say?

BERTRAND

What? Who said Victor was afraid?

VICTOR

Nothing father, nothing.

(Victor takes a grenade in each hand and puts them under the nose of the Aide de Camp.)

VICTOR

Here, sir, you cannot say they are badly lit, right, well of two perhaps only one will blow.

AIDE DE CAMP

What the devil are you doing? Throw those grenades -- throw them for God's sake!

VICTOR

Damn, you say I'm afraid.

(The Aide de Camp makes the grenades leap, by giving a blow to each of Victor's hands. Only one of the grenades explodes.)

BERTRAND

(growing pale)

Oh -- the Wretch!

AIDE DE CAMP

Receive my apologizes, sir.

VICTOR

That's not the point.

(A fusillade can be heard in the wings. Reply by rifle shots. A shell falls on the stage.)

ALL

Watch out for the shell.

(They scatter -- they throw themselves flat on the ground. The fusillade stops.)

VICTOR

Look out!

(He rushes to cut the wick.)

BERTRAND

(pulling him away)

My turn.

(The shell explodes. Bertrand puts his hands over his face.)

VICTOR

Father!

EMMANUEL

Uncle!

(pulling Bertrand's hands from his face)

Fresh water with drops of eau-di vie. This will be nothing -- hardly a wound.

BERTRAND

Then I can stay at my post?

EMMANUEL

After you are treated, Uncle.

(They lead Bertrand into a house.)

VICTOR

Listen, Catherine, do me a big favor.

CATHERINE

Two, Victor.

VICTOR

Run to the Rue Hilder -- inform my sister that our father has been slightly wounded, do you hear -- do not frighten her. I may be sent elsewhere -- Emmanuel has his duty -- my father may be abandoned. Let her come as quickly as possible with a carriage -- we will take father in it -- go!

CATHERINE

Fortunio, they recommended the child to you.

FORTUNIO

Get going -- he's there in his hammock.

(The fusillade begins again. Then the trumpets announce a truce bearer.)

SEVERAL VOICES

A Truce bearer! A truce bearer.

(They open the gate of the barricade.)

A MAN

Any enemy truce bearer! Fire on him.

AIDE DE CAMP

Stop, gentlemen -- a truce bearer is sacred. Let him in. I am going to find the Marshall.

FORTUNIO

(to the truce bearer)

Wait there, Captain.

CATHERINE

Fortunio! Fortunio. Here's Miss in person.

FORTUNIO

Eh, Colonel -- Colonel -- here's Miss France.

BERTRAND

(leaving the house)

France, my daughter.

CATHERINE

Father! Father! Don't take off the bandage. Emmanuel order him not to --

FRANCE

Father -- are you wounded?

BERTRAND

It's nothing -- my face is a little burned by powder, that's all. Emmanuel says in a week you won't be able to notice.

FRANCE

Really true, Father?

BERTRAND

(taking the bandage in his hands)

My oath -- !

EMMANUEL

(trying to stop the colonel from taking off his bandage)

Uncle!

VICTOR

Father!

BERTRAND

Oh, so much the worse! It's nearly a year since I saw her -- I have to see her -- France, my daughter --

(tearing his bandage)

Where are you so I can look at you at my ease?

FRANCE

Why, I'm right here, Father.

BERTRAND

You are there? I touch you -- I don't see you. Oh, misfortune! Misfortune! My eyes are burned. I'm blind.

FRANCE

Father.

VICTOR

Father.

EMMANUEL

(to France)

Take him away -- take him away right now.

FRANCE

Come, come, Father! Our love will sustain you despite all -- even as light from heaven -- Come, come!

(She leads the Colonel out.)

MONCEY

(entering)

Where is the truce bearer?

TRUCE BEARER

I'm here, Marshall.

MONCEY

What do you want?

TRUCE BEARER

To treat for the capitulation of Paris.

MONCEY

Who are you coming from?

TRUCE BEARER

On behalf of Prince Schwarzenberg.

MONCEY

Return to the Prince and tell him that when it's a question of capitulation, he must address himself to someone other than Marshall Moncey.

TRUCE BEARER

That's your last word, Marshall?

MONCEY

Yes, sir, go.

ALL

Long live Marshall Moncey!

MONCEY

Long live France.

(firing begins again.

Everyone to his post -- and may it not be through the barrier at Clichy that the enemy enters Paris.

(The action continues. The barricade is broken by Prussian cannon fire. The French counterattack fiercely. Tableau -- the Barricade of Clichy.

(curtain)

Act III

Scene vii

An Inn at Avignon.

(Porters drinking and singing. Emmanuel is seated at a table.)

PORTER

(singing)

Scene viii

Colonel Bertrand's home in Grenoble -- a room giving on the garden with a kind of terrace.

(Victor is writing at a table. France is leaning on his shoulder.)

FRANCE

Have you finished?

VICTOR

Yes, dear sister -- here's the day's news.

FRANCE

And what's all this other bundle that I've seen you working on for nearly a week.

VICTOR

Listen carefully to this dear sister -- it's the advance work in preparation for a voyage which perhaps won't have to be made.

FRANCE

For a voyage?

VICTOR

Yes -- it is possible I may be forced to absent myself for a couple of weeks -- for a month -- for two months perhaps.

FRANCE

For two months? You, Victor, leave us, leave my father?

VICTOR

Nothing is less certain then this voyage, France and now as I tell you about it -- it is becoming likely in certain eventualities. Well -- here for two months, day by day the news that you can read to my father. I don't need to tell you, do I, dear sister, in case I am obliged to leave -- to watch over him for both of us -- not to let anyone come near him unless this person is warned that father is unaware of all our misfortunes.

FRANCE

Don't worry -- from the moment we began to deceive poor papa, it has become necessary to deceive him to the end. But where are you going?

VICTOR

You will excuse me, won't you, France, if I refuse to tell you?

FRANCE

So it's a secret?

VICTOR

Yes.

FRANCE

You are leaving?

VICTOR

I am going to take a tour of the coast of Sicily with my musket.

FRANCE

You won't be angry with me, Victor, if I tell you that for some time you've worried me?

VICTOR

No, but I would ask you where this worry comes from?

FRANCE

Victor -- we are living in a time when -- you'll admit, there's something to fear, isn't there?

VICTOR

For what reason?

FRANCE

For political reason. They know the attachment of our family to the Emperor -- the government is suspicious.

VICTOR

Well --

FRANCE

Well, Victor -- these hunting parties at Mathesines, in the Jouffré Valley -- in the lakes of La Fray -- these excursion which last two or three days -- these frequent absences in the past, this even longer absence you threaten us with in the future -- Victor, I'm afraid you are mixing in these conspiracies of which we hear talk of all the time. Victor, I'm afraid you are conspiring!

VICTOR

Hug me, France.

(France hugs him)

You are crazy --

(He takes his rifle and leaves.)

FRANCE

Poor father -- this is all he would need -- if he learned at some time that the Emperor, his God, is no longer on the throne and that my brother is conspiring. Then there would be two reasons to die instead of one. Oh, that ring he wears on his finger and which contains poison -- if I could get him to give it to me -- or at least, if he could be separated from it for a minute.

PIERRE

Yes -- the Prefect of Isére.

FRANCE

Have him in.

PIERRE

Come in, Prefect, sir, come in.

PREFECT

Pardon, miss, if I present myself in this way in your home.

FRANCE

Come sir, come.

PREFECT

I would like to speak to you, to you or to your brother.

FRANCE

My brother went out, sir, but I am here.

PREFECT

Can you grant me a few minutes?

FRANCE

Certainly, sir, anyway, my father is here -- and if you will excuse me.

PREFECT

No, thanks, what I wish to tell you -- to you, miss, or your brother -- must be done, on the contrary, in the absence of the Colonel.

FRANCE

Please take a seat, sir; I am listening.

PREFECT

Miss, is not unaware that in a time like ours, four months after the fall of a man whose destiny is tied to so many diverse interests, that, however broken, remain living -- seeking to rejoin -- in conspiracies and plots.

FRANCE

I am listening, sir, but I don't understand.

PREFECT

I am going to explain more clearly, Miss. The administration has received from Paris the strictest orders -- you will do me justice to say that despite my nomination to the prefecture of Isére, I've done as much as was in my power to soften them.

FRANCE

Yes, sir, I know you are very highly regarded, much loved in this territory.

PREFECT

Well, Miss -- strange things have come to my attention so you will not be surprised that I have come to you for an explanation. They tell me that the Emperor fallen for all the world, remains on the throne for the Colonel. That pretended victories are told to him -- and strange orders given. They've told me, among other things, that it's pretended that he is the military commandant and that under this pretense, and under the pretext that yesterday was the 15th of August -- the Day of Saint Napoleon -- he uttered some kind of proclamation in which he invited the inhabitants of Grenoble to illuminate their windows.

FRANCE

Alas, sir -- it's a long and sad story that you ask of me.

PREFECT

No matter, Madame, tell it.

FRANCE

My father owes to the fallen one his fortune, rank. My father believes he hasn't sacrificed to him all that he owes him. At Méry-sur-Seine, the Emperor - pardon -- he who was reigning then -- almost perished in the m