Part 31 (1/2)

Mar. If he signs the decree he will be sure to reserve the right to pardon. You must try my method.

Mejia. And that?

Mar. Shoot on the spot, and report no captures.

(Enter from the ball room Maximilian, Marshal Bazaine, General Miramon, and Count Charles)

Mir. Your majesty will sign the law to-night?

Max. These men wear the brave name of soldiers; fight Beneath a flag, and claim the rights of war.

Baz. They borrow war's fair name to kill and plunder!

Max. It was my dream when I took up this crown To claim each subject of the land my own.

Mir. And so you may, your majesty. 'Tis true.

These men are subjects to no law or nation; They are not Mexico's; they are not G.o.d's; But from the heavenly and the human pale They have outbarred themselves. Our honest land Has cast them out as venom to her health!

Nurse not this canker in your realm, my lord!

Max. I do not know ... but here's my head and heart,

(Touching Prince Salm-Salm and Count Charles)

And they may answer. Prince, what do you say?

Prince Salm.

As friend and soldier to your majesty, I must advise the pa.s.sage of the law.

Max. You, Charles?

Char. My lord, if as you say, these men Fight 'neath a flag, and for supposed rights, You violate the law of n.o.ble nations In sentencing to death the prisoners Of recognized war.

Baz. (Sneering) Sir, recognized?

Char. Does not the United States still call Juarez The president of Mexico?

Baz. Why, count, You'd best consult those books of yours again!

Juarez has fled and given up his cause.

These men are robbers! Your majesty will sign?

Max. Forgive me, friends, if I again say no.

Mir. Your majesty, 'tis we should ask your pardon For having failed to l.u.s.tre as we should This seeming-dark decree,--so wise, so just, And as undoubtedly your duteous act As though some stern necessity of the stars Enjoined it.

Max. (Uneasily) Press it not now. The people wait.

(All but Marquez go into ballroom)

Mar. Some fools have sat on crowns but not for long.

He'll sign. The Liberals must be dispatched Fast as we capture them, for we've short time.

The United States will soon be free again To turn to us, and what we wish to do Must be well done ere that. Dispatch! Dispatch!