COLBORNE Oh yes. But they stayed sulking at being taken, and would tell us nothing, pretending that they knew nothing. Whether much were going on, they said, or little, between the army of the Emperor and the army of the Allies, it was none of their business to relate it; so they kept a gloomy silence for the most part. WELLINGTON They will cheer up a bit and be more communicative when they have had some dinner. COLE They are dining here, my lord? WELLINGTON I sent them an invitation an hour ago, which they have accepted. I could do no less, poor devils. They'll be here in a few minutes. See that they have plenty of Madeira to whet their whistles with. It well screw them up into a better key, and they'll not be so reserved. [The conversation on the day's battle becomes general. Enter as guests French officers of the Eighty-eighth regiment now prisoners on parole. They are welcomed by WELLINGTON and the staff, and all sit down to dinner. For some time the meal proceeds almost in silence; but wine is passed freely, and both French and English officers become talkative and merry. WELLINGTON [to the French Commandant] More cozy this, sir, than--I'll warrant me-- You found it in that damned redoubt to-day? COMMANDANT The devil if 'tis not, monseigneur, sure! WELLINGTON So 'tis for us who were outside, by God! COMMANDANT [gloomily] No; we were not at ease! Alas, my lord, 'Twas more than flesh and blood could do, to fight After such paralyzing tidings came. More life may trickle out of men through thought Than through a gaping wound. WELLINGTON Your reference Bears on the news from Saxony, I infer? SECOND FRENCH OFFICER Yes: on the Emperor's ruinous defeat At Leipzig city--brought to our startled heed By one of the _Gazettes_ just now arrived. [All the English officers stop speaking, and listen eagerly.] WELLINGTON Where are the Emperor's headquarters now? COMMANDANT My lord, there are no headquarters. WELLINGTON No headquarters? COMMANDANT There are no French headquarters now, my lord, For there is no French army! France's fame Is fouled. And how, then, could we fight to-day With our hearts in our shoes! WELLINGTON Why, that bears out What I but lately said; it was not like The brave men who have faced and foiled me here So many a long year past, to give away A stubborn station quite so readily. BERESFORD And what, messieurs, ensued at Leipzig then? SEVERAL FRENCH OFFICERS