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 great Napoleon pa.s.sed--

THE DUKE.

He always rode Over a battle-field.

THE OLD MAN.

The Emperor stopped And had me cared for by his leach--

THE DUKE.

Ivan.

THE OLD MAN.

So, if his son is weary of Vienna, I'll help him go.--My arm--before his eyes!

FLAMBEAU.

It isn't everybody has the honor Of having limbs off in Napoleon's presence.

THE OLD MAN.

'Twas war-time; so we fought.

FLAMBEAU.

We died.

THE OLD MAN.

_We_ died.

FLAMBEAU.

We marched.

THE OLD MAN.

_We_ marched.

FLAMBEAU.

We fired into the haze.

THE OLD MAN.

_We_ fired.

FLAMBEAU.

Some grimy officer rode up.

And roared, "We've conquered!"