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 HORSES 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 behaviour 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 soldiers
breast was shot into two unless one has very keen and observant eye on him.
Lines
WELL, CRIED HE, EMPEROR, BY GODS GRACE
WEVE GOT YOU RATISBON!
THE MARSHALS IN THE MARKET-PLACE,

AND YOULL BE THERE ANON

TO SEE YOUR FLAG-BIRD FLAP HIS VANS
WHERE I, TO HEARTS DESIRE,
PERCHED HIM! THE CHIEFS 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 CHIEFS EYE FLASHED; BUT PRESENTLY
SOFTENED ITSELF, AS SHEATHES
A FILM THE MOTER-EAGLES EYE
WHEN HER BRUISED EAGLET BREATHES:
YOURE WOUNDED!, NAY, HIS SOLDIERS PRIDE
TOUCHED TO THE QUICK, HE SAID:
IM KILLED, SIRE! AND HIS CHIEF BESIDE,
SMILING, THE BOY FELL DEAD.
Explanation
These lines bring to light Napoleons loving and affectionate behaviour towards the
young soldier who was about to breathe his last. The good news of success had brought
to Napoleons 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 Napoleons 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
soldiers lips as he fell dead near his emperors feet.