"Cards on the table, gentlemen,
The deck was clearly tampered!
He’s switched it recently." "But when?"
"When you knocked down your tankard.

The Jack has markings, there’s no doubt,
Card debts will not concern us.
You are a swindler, my dear Count,
And I am at your service!

Don’t talk aside, it’s not your part.
Let’s settle this in order!"
...And at that moment, Bonaparte
Sent troops across the border.

"You couldn’t finish our card game -
Return your diamond winnings!
Your explanation is the same:
A lie from the beginning!

Please answer me if I am wrong,
Or it’s your choice of weapons!
And you, good sirs, please come along
To be my duel’s seconds!

You shouldn’t worry for your heart,
Your life will be much shorter!"
...And at that moment, Bonaparte
sent troops across the border.

"Enough of this, my choice will do:
On fencing swords or pistols.
Though it’d be easier for you -
On ladies’ fans with crystals.

My dagger. What a splendid sight!
It’s taken quite a beating!
Of course, you would prefer to fight
On decks designed for cheating!

You can forget your gambling art:
Your time is getting shorter!"
...And at that moment, Bonaparte
sent troops across the border.

"No need to help, I can stand still,
Though getting up is slower.
I’ll challenge him again at will,
Despite I’m getting sober.

Hey, Baron, shush. Milord, don’t whine.
Who cares if someone’s staring!
Let him reveal to us, old swine,
The tricks he used for staining!

If he accepts he’s marked this card,
This dispute will be over!"
...And at that moment, Bonaparte
sent troops across the border.

"And if he still resists to tell,
I swear I am not kidding:
The lovely lady of this earl
Will be a lovely widow.

I will not tolerate a jest,
That’s something I can’t stomach.
But I may have to shoot this pest,
Forgive me, in the buttock!

You shouldn’t worry for your heart,
The duel will be proper..."
And at that moment, Bonaparte
sent troops across the border.

"You, Viscount, are a scoundrel too,
But you are not a coward.
Tomorrow I will duel you,
This is my word of honor.

And you, my Baron, please get up,
Your presence is required.
Forgive me, if I was abrupt,
I am ungodly tired.

The dawn is near, we’d better start,
This night is almost over..."
And at that moment, Bonaparte
sent troops across the border.

"Ah, Count, I have been indiscreet,
I’m begging you a pardon.
Of course, I know you’re not a cheat,
And I’ve made things much harder.

I’d planned to see you tet-a-tet,
Regarding other subject.
I hoped you would repay my debt,
But made a brawl in public."

A summer dawn set them apart,
Late June was almost over...
And at that moment, Bonaparte
sent troops across the border.

"Yes, I’ve been wrong on all accounts,
And I’m in debts, have mercy.
So, my apologies, dear Count,
I hope they are still worthy.

Alas, last night, I drank a lot,
And soon I felt unsteady.
A fool? Oh, yes! It’s your first shot.
Take aim, for I am ready!"