Part 45 (2/2)

Lop. (Sneering) And Juarez' men of rags to glittering armies!

Max. We'll hazard battle.

Salm. I beg your majesty--

Max. We know your courage, prince, for it is writ In many a scar; but you are wrong in this.

Lop. You'll hear no more of flight, my lord?

Max. No more.

Lop. Then I'll to duty, knowing all is well.

(Exit Lopez)

Dupin. (Aside) And I'll go find a breakfast for my little man-eater. (Clapping his weapon) There's never anything to be done around his saints.h.i.+p. (Exit)

Mir. In half an hour?

Max. Yes. The plans will then be ready. (Turns to go in) You, prince, with me. Though I've dismissed your head from service, I still must have your heart. (Goes into church with Salm-Salm)

Mir. (To Mendez) What do you think of it?

Men. Why, sir, I'd rather die fighting than running.

And there's a chance for us. The Liberals are beggared.

There's hardly a uniform in camp. If Marquez had kept true, we should have saved the empire.

Mir. Don't speak of him! h.e.l.l's throne is empty while he's on earth!

(Exeunt Mendez and Mir.)

1st Des.

Well, comrade, here's promotion fast enough. We that were prisoners are captains of the field. Lead on!

2d Des. Be sure the Tigre is not around. He's got a long claw.

Ugh! I feel shaky yet.

(Exeunt. It grows lighter. Guard comes out of the Cruz and takes station by door. Enter Princess Salm-Salm, Aseffa, and women of Queretaro)

Princess S. (Excitedly) Admit me to the emperor!

Guard. Your pardon.

He must not be disturbed.

Princess S. Oh, but he must!

The pity of it that he must!

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