 | Brangonar |  |
Scene II.
A Street in the Capital.Enter a number of Citizens from opposite sides.
FIRST CITIZEN,
eagerly.
The latest news—have you the latest?
SECOND CITIZEN.
The enemy yields. Our soldiers fight like lions famished. Brangonar leads them in person. This is the latest news, just brought in from the western gate by the wounded. Our great Emperor's star mounts again.
FIRST CITIZEN.
His star has been a comet to the people, shedding perpetual war upon their homes.
THIRD CITIZEN.
The wars we had before his coming: the victories since.
And glory and a national grandeur we never had before.
FIRST CITIZEN.
And now we are to have national humiliation.
THIRD CITIZEN.
Which some of ourselves would help to deepen.
Shouts outside, then enter a young Soldier, his arm in a sling.
SOLDIER.
Victory! Victory! Their columns are broken. The Emperor is on his way to the Palace. The enemy gather in force beyond the eastern gate. This afternoon or to-morrow, he will strike them there and shatter them.
SECOND CITIZEN.
But are you sure he can do it?
SOLDIER.
Do it! What can't he do?
Exeunt.
| Brangonar | |