Part 26 (1/2)

Car. You're wrong--so wrong--but this is strange.

O why are we not happy? (Turning to window and gazing out)

Char. (Following her) Because, my cousin, This is not Miramar as we have known it.

The scholar's home, the soldier's fair retreat, The n.o.ble heart's sweet fane and altar spot, But Miramar with great ambition's storm Rolling its thunders 'gainst her peaceful walls!

Max. But to live idly is never to be born.

Shall we sit here at ease when G.o.d has found The work for us? He with his pontiff finger Points to the sea--

Car. (Turning) Sweet Miramar!

If G.o.d points to the sea, why gave he this?

This heaven-spot, this nesting place of love, Hung like a garland 'tween the sea and rocks!

Ah, dear my lord, some curse will follow us Who can desert this peace-embalmed place To seek a glory fairer but in name!

I dare not do it!

Max. (Taking her hands) 'Tis you shall say, my wife.

If to stay here's your wish, that wish is mine, Maybe I've dreamed too much of deeds of good, And visionary feats in that far land; Then let it be your yea or nay, my love.

Car. O leave it not to me, for in a yea My vanity will speak, and in a nay My fear!

Max. A slander on these lips? A kiss Were better! (Kisses her. Enter Marquis Corio)

Cor. The n.o.ble guests approach. Will 't please Your Highnesses a.s.sume your places?

Max. Yea, Or nay, Carlotta?

Mar. O, they come! they come!

Char. (Hastily and earnestly) Nay, if you love your lord! That is a land Of murder, treason, carnage and revolt!

The very air cries out 'go not! go not!'

E'en yon cloud-turbanned peak, that never moves Whate'er the circling stars propound to vex His silent wisdom, warns with forbidding nod!

O n.o.blest cousin--

Car. (In agitation) An empire! Miramar!

(Maximilian takes place centre. A table in front of him covered with maps and papers. Carlotta by him, Count Charles and Lady Maria in their rear. Enter Archduke of Austria, and n.o.bles, who take position at some distance from Maximilian on his right. Enter Belgian Minister, Abbot of Lacroma, Princess of Metternich, Princess Zichy, Countess Kollonitz, and others. They stand at distance to left of Maximilian. Enter the Imperial delegate, Senor Hurbet, and General Fra.s.sart, Napoleon's Adjutant of the Field. The former takes place immediately at Maximilian's right, the latter at left of Carlotta. Marquis Corio at door. Enter the Mexican deputies, Estrada, Berzabal, Negrete, Ruiz, and a dozen others. Estrada, as president of the deputation, makes low salute)

Max. Welcome, my lords, to Miramar!

Est. Hail, Prince, And fairest princess! The grace and hope of morning Be ever on your lives!

Car. Must n.o.ble senors, We give you thanks and greeting.

Max. Your presence here, My lords, would move our hearts although you brought No crown to guerdon welcome.

Est. O, gracious prince, Our tongues but feebly bear the mighty love The land of Montezuma bade us lay Low at your feet. Your starry virtues draw Her prayers and hopes and holiest desires Across the sea in humblest supplication.

We make no weary tale of our misfortunes; They are so great the world is heavy with them, And Mexico means but calamity To every ear.

Max. My dear and honored lords, The heart is granite and the veins are ice That will not stir at your deep miseries.