Incident of the French Camp
Reference to Context
Introduction
These lines have
been extracted from the poem Incident of the French Camp written by Robert
Browning. The poem describes an act of chivalry, gallantry, patriotism and
sacrifice on the part of a young French Soldier. The French Army had attacked
the German city of Ratisbon. After they had achieved triumph, the news of the
victory was conveyed to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte by that young soldier
who was brimming with pride and glory although he was on the verge of death.
Thereafter, the wounded soldier breathed his last.
Lines
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.
Explanation
In the lines given
for explanation, the poet is describing the scene of the French attack on the
German city of Ratisbon. Marshal Lannes led the French aggression in the year
1783. On that occasion, the French emperor Napoleon stood on a hillock just a
mile away from the scene of the onslaught. He appeared to be in a pensive mood.
He had his neck sticking out and his legs were wide apart. He had his arms
joined behind his bark and a cloud on his brow was quite visible. It seemed
that something very important was weighing upon his mind and he was perhaps
working out his future strategy and line of action.
Lines
JUST AS PERHAPS HE MUSED, MY PLANS
THAT SOAR, TO EARTH MAY FALL,
LET ONCE MY ARMY.LEADER LANNES
WAVER AT YONDER WALL,’-
OUT ’TWIST THE BATTERY SMOKES THERE FLEW
A RIDER, BOUND ON BOUND
FULL-GALLOPING; NOR BRIDLE DREW
UNTIL HE REACHED THE MOUND.
Explanation
These lines bring
to light the contemplative nature of Napoleon, and the courage and enthusiasm
of the young soldier who was heading towards him to convey the good news of
victory. Napoleon was lost in his thoughts pondering over the events of the
days to come. All his future planning depended upon his success at Ratisbon. He
was eagerly waiting to see the French flag flutter over the German City. As he
concentrated upon his future strategy, he observed a young French soldier
rushing towards him, riding at top speed. The rider pierced through the blanket
of smoke. He came straight to the place where Napoleon was standing and was waiting
to receive the good tidings.
Lines
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.
Explanation
In the given lines,
the poet appreciated the heroic behavior of the young soldier. Although he was
fatally wounded, he displayed extraordinary courage, confidence and
self-control. He jumped off his horse and stood at attention before his chief.
His mouth was full of blood but he had his lips so tightly sealed that not a
drop of blood oozed out of it. He maintained his cool and composure, and with
confidence and chivalry, conveyed the cheerful news of victory. One could never
realize that the young soldier’s breast was shot into two unless one has very
keen and observant eye on him.
Lines
‘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.
Explanation
In the lines given
for explanation, the poet is describing the way in which the young soldier informed
Napoleon of their success and the reaction of the Emperor to this good news.
Although the young man was in intense pain and suffering, he finally opened his
lips, and with a great sense of pleasure and personal pride, informed Napoleon
of the annexation of the German City. Napoleon was delighted to learn that
Marshall Lannes had reached the heart of the city and the emperor was eagerly
awaited by the triumphant forces. The soldier felt a special kind of joy and
pride in the fact that he, with his own hands, had flown the French flag over
Ratisbon. The flag had the figure of a bird on it. Thus when the flag fluttered
in the air, it seemed as though the bird on it. Thus when the flag fluttered in
the air, it seemed as though the bird was flapping its wings. No sooner did
Napoleon get the news of victory, a sparkle of joy and satisfaction came to his
eyes. He once again started thinking about his future strategy.
Lines
THE CHIEF’S EYE FLASHED; BUT PRESENTLY
SOFTENED ITSELF, AS SHEATHES
A FILM THE MOTER-EAGLE’S EYE
WHEN HER BRUISED EAGLET BREATHES:
‘YOU’RE WOUNDED!, ‘NAY’, HIS SOLDIER’S PRIDE
TOUCHED TO THE QUICK, HE SAID:
‘I’M KILLED, SIRE!” AND HIS CHIEF BESIDE,
SMILING, THE BOY FELL DEAD.
Explanation
These lines bring
to light Napoleon’s loving and affectionate behavior towards the young soldier
who was about to breathe his last. The good news of success had brought to
Napoleon’s eyes a special kind of glitter which faded away no sooner had he
noticed that the soldier was fatally wounded. The feelings of Napoleon at that
moment were just like those of the mother eagle who gets confused when she
finds her young ones badly bruised and on the verge of death. She fails to
understand how to save their lives. Similarly, that maternal affection surged
up in Napoleon’s heart and he inquired whether the boy was wounded. The soldier
proudly declared that he felt joy and thrill in giving his life for his
country. There was a smile of pride and satisfaction on the young soldier’s
lips as he fell dead near his emperor’s feet.
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