Incident of the French Camp by Robert Bowning

Unit-2

Poetry

Summary 

    The poem “Incident of the French camp describes an act of chivalry, gallantry, patriotism and sacrifice on the part of a young French soldier. The poem narrates an actual event in the war between France and Austria led by Napoleon in 1809. Napoleon was standing on a little mound, eagerly looking towards Ratisbon. His mind was oppressed with anxious thoughts. He was apprehensive that all his ambitious plans would come to nothing if Lannes failed to storm Ratisbon. His neck was out thrust. Napoleon was deep in thought. He awaited a signal from his army chief Lannes. At that moment, a rider came almost flying on horseback. The horse was on full gallop understanding the significance of the rider’s mission. The rider did not draw the bridle (i.e.) check the speed of the horse until he reached the mound where Napoleon Bonaparte was standing. A slip of a youth, a boy soldier jumped off the horse with a beaming face. The boy was not even tall enough to touch the mane of the horse. He kept his lips tight lest blood could pour forth. He stood erect. His chest was blown into half in the battle. The boy-soldier conveyed the news that they had got him Ratisbon. Marshal Lannes was in the market place waiting for him. He should hurry up. The boy- soldier added that to his heart’s desire perched French bird flag himself. The chief’s eyes flashed with fresh ambition. But suddenly it softened seeing the mortal wound of the soldier. Like a mother eagle who is pained by the prowess of the eaglet who challenged a stronger foe but got hurt in the fight. The emperor’s eyes got misty with tears. He caringly said, “you are wounded.” The soldier’s pride was hurt. He replied in an ego-hurt voice, “Nay, I’m killed sire.” With a smile, characteristic of valiant heroes, the boy-soldier fell down dead.