Extrait du livre Schumann
Schumann by Ann Rachlin and Susan Hellard Flowerpot Chlidren's press
Schuman
The streets of Zwickau were filled with excited people. It was 1812 and the French army was marching through the little German town on its way to Russia. The sound of drums and marching feet filled the streets and the crowd began to cheer. Sitting on his father’s shoulders, little Robert Schumann had a perfect view. “I can see the Emperor’s carriage, Father!” he cried. The Emperor Napoleon and his Empress smiled and waved to the crowds as their carriage rumbled by, followed by a band of musicians. Robert clapped his hands in time to the music. When Robert went to bed that night, the sound of the band was still ringing in his ears. The next day, Robert pretended he was the Emperor Napoleon. “I need a coat, Ziff,” he said to his kitten. Quickly pulling down his father’s best coat, Robert put it on. It dragged on the floor, but Robert didn’t care.
Left! Right! Left! Right! Robert marched down the street to his friends. “Attention!” he called.The boys laughed at the tiny figure in the long coat dragging in the mud. “I’m the Emperor Napoleon,” he called. “Get into line. Hurry up. Left! Right! Left! Right!” Soon, the boys were marching up and down to Robert’s commands. Later, as Robert was marching home by himself, he saw a group of travelers arrive at the inn.“They would make a good army,” thought Robert, and he ran over to them, shouting, “Attention! Get in line there. Quick, march!” The travelers smiled but took no notice of the small Napoleon. Robert lost his temper.He marched over and hit one of the men with his stick. At that moment his father came around the corner.
