Set during the storming of Ratisbon, a French soldier recalls a moment from the battle. Napoleon stands apart, tense and calculating, when a rider bursts through the smoke. He’s just a boy, and he flings himself off his horse with a grin, clutching the mane to stay upright. Only after a second glance do you realize his chest is nearly torn in two. With fierce, compressed joy, he reports that the city is taken and that he himself perched the flag. Napoleon’s eyes ignite—then soften into a mother-eagle’s tenderness as he notices the wound. Stung, the boy corrects him: “I’m killed, Sire!” and dies smiling at his emperor’s side. The speaker’s tone mixes awe and a quiet, soldierly grief. It’s a story of almost frightening devotion, and the mood swings from breathless excitement to a hush of proud, wasteful tragedy.
Incident of the French Camp — Summary
You know, we French stormed Ratisbon: A mile or so away On a little mound, Napoleon Stood on our storming-day; With neck out-thrust, you fancy how, Legs wide, arms locked behind, As if to balance the prone brow Oppressive with its mind.
Just as perhaps he mused "My plans That soar, to earth may fall, Let once my army-leader Lannes Waver at yonder wall"-- Out 'twixt the battery-smokes there flew A rider, bound on bound Full-galloping; nor bridle drew Until he reached the mound,
Then off there flung in smiling joy, And held himself erect By just his horse's mane, a boy: You hardly could suspect-- (So tight he kept his lips compressed. Scarce any blood came through) You looked twice ere you saw his breast Was all but shot in two.
"Well," cried he, "Emperor, by God's grace We've got you Ratisbon! The Marshal's in the market-place, And you'll be there anon To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart's desire, Perched him!" The chief's eye flashed; his plans Soared up again like fire.
The chief's eye flashed; but presently Softened itself, as sheathes A film the mother-eagle's eye When her bruised eaglet breathes. "You're wounded!" "Nay," the soldier's pride Touched to the quick, he said: "I'm killed, Sire!" And his chief beside, Smiling, the boy fell dead.