Part 37 (2/2)

s.h.!.+ We're paid for our muscle, not our opinions.

(Shouts outside)

2d Guard.

And the mob is paid for its lungs!

1st Guard.

Yes. Miramon sees to that.

2d Guard.

Only the Emperor's carriage approaches the door?

1st Guard.

None but his.

2d Guard.

If I were he I wouldn't make such a glittering show of myself in that Milan carriage--all gold and silver and tortoise sh.e.l.l, and an angel at every corner--while there are so many hearts breaking in sound of it.

1st Guard.

Ph! He knows nothing of the breaking hearts! Miramon sees to that.

2d Guard.

He'll have to know soon, or Juarez will tell him in the capital.

1st Guard.

Not a word! On your life! (Shouts without) Here they are! By Jesu! The fools have taken the mules from the carriage and draw it themselves! Now I wonder how much a head Miramon pays for that!

(Enter rabble of shouting citizens drawing carriage in which sit the Emperor and Empress. They are followed by a brilliant party of ladies and gentlemen. General and Madam Miramon, Princess de Varela, Prince and Princess Zichy, Prince and Princess Salm-Salm, Lopez, Count Charles, Marquez, Archbishop Labastida, Estrada, Berzabal, and others)

Max. (To citizens) My friends, though I protest against this honor, I thank you from my heart for such kind proof Of your affection. (Alights)

Voices. Long live Maximilian!

One of the rabble, awkward and ignorant.

Long live the President of the Empire!

Max. (Smiling) I've no objection to that t.i.tle, friend, but I fear it would be criticised in Europe.

(Crowd pa.s.ses out shouting and dragging carriage)

Max. (To Carlotta, as he looks at theatre) A n.o.ble building! Fair and magnificent!

Car. How yonder gardens gleam beneath the lights Like some soft dream of worlds we do not know!

Max. And all is yours, my sweet,--all planned by you!

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