CHARACTERS Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico
Carlotta, Empress of Mexico
Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France
Eugenie, Empress of France
Benito Juarez, President of Mexico
Ignacio, nephew to Juarez
Rafael Mendores, friend of Ignacio
Aseffa, wife of Rafael
Trevino, Escobedo, Garza, officers in the Liberal Army
Miramon, leader of the Imperial party
Marshal Bazaine, head of the French Army in Mexico
Marquez, Mejia, Mendez, Dupin, Lopez, of the Imperial army
Abbot of Lacroma
Archbishop Labastida, head of the Mexican church
Prince Salm-Salm, friend and officer of Maximilian
Prince Zichy,
Ruiz, Berzabal, Estrada, Mexican nobles
Lady Maria, sister to Count Charles
Princess Salm-Salm
Princess Zichy
Princess Metternich
Senor Hurbet, General Castlenau, Marquis de Gallifet, in the service of Louis Napoleon
Austrian, Belgian, Prussian, and other foreign ministers at the court of Napoleon III.
Imperial soldiers, Liberal soldiers, guards, rabble, ladies of honor, officers of the court, etc., etc. CARLOTTA ACT I. Scene I: Reception hall, castle of Miramar, near Trieste. Enter Count Charles, book in hand. Char. Ah, books must be put by for swords, I wot,
When this wild journey to the West begins.
’T is change enough! O shifting, shuffling life!
Come, Shakespeare, magic mason, build me worlds
That never shake however winds may blow,
Founded on dream imperishable! (Sits and reads. Enter Lady Maria) Mar. Charles!
Not reading! Dost know what day it is? Char. Ay, sister!
A day to make a scholar tremble, and hug
His books in fever of farewell. Mar. Didst see
The splendid carriages glittering up the drive?
And O, so many! Char. They have arrived? Mar. Arrived!
Why, all the Mexican deputies, arrayed
Like their own sunsets,—the ambassadors
From Austria, Belgium, France,—the princesses,
And countesses, now in the guest-room wait
The stroke of twelve to enter! ’T is nearly time,
And you sit here! Put by your Englishman!
Come, put him by, I say! He ’s dead; we live.
He ’s had his due and passed. Char. Nay, his account
Is writ forever current. His book of praise
Time closes not, but waits some language new
To enter it, and at his monument
Fame yet stands carving. Mar. (Taking book and closing it) So! She ’s time enough!
We ’ve other work. (Gently) Is not the princess sad? Char. I pray her heavy tears, weighing like stones,
Will hold her back from sea! Mar. Hush, Charles! She comes! (Enter Carlotta, richly dressed) Car. Ah, cousins, trimming now your smiles to greet
The deputies? Char. Nay, calling up our tears
To grace farewell to Miramar! Car. No tears!
We ’ll think but of an empire and a crown,
Not Miramar! (Enter Maximilian, dressed in the uniform of Vice-Admiral of the Austrian navy) Max. An empire and a crown?
At last I am out-rivalled in your heart! Car. Nay, nay, thou know’st, my lord, thou art my empire!
Grant me so much as now I look upon
And I ’m as rich as Jove with Saturn’s sceptre
New-swinging o’er the world! Char. Then you risk much
For an unstable throne. Car. Not risk! Char. The men
Who ’ve governed Mexico, for the most part,
Have paid their heads for it. Mar. O, Charles! Char. ’T is true. Car. Our safety is in the Emperor of France.
He ’s the strong angel in this noble scheme! Char. Safety in him? Nay, madam, by my soul,
The lightest smile that breaks upon his lips,
As though a breeze but touched there, hides a plot
May hang our hearts with lead! Car. How you misjudge him!
In Paris when he pledged his faith to us
His eyes more than his words assured his heart
Unto our cause. I trust him, yea, I trust him! Char. There is a woman on the throne of France!
She is the Eve to this slow-blooded Adam,
Dutch-born Napoleon, and holdeth up
The globe as ’t were an apple for his hand.
She builds mock images of dreams that died
On Helena’s lone rock, and teaches him
They are not ghosts of dream but dream indeed!
Mexico, burning with gold and sunset’s fire,
Pouring the crimson of internal strife,
To her is but a jewel in crude bed
She ’d have you pick and polish for her crown! Car. Had you but heard her sweet devoted voice
Pleading with us for sake of the true Church
To finish now this great emprise begun,
You would believe her holy. Char. If she is holy,
And if Napoleon be true in this,
Then is he God’s perfection of a man,
And she earth’s sole and sainted paragon!
But wait—O wait and see ere you risk life
And honor! 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 noble 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 God has found
The work for us? He with his pontiff finger
Points to the sea— Car. (Turning) Sweet Miramar!
If God 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-embalmÉd place
To seek a glory fairer but in name!
I dare not do it! Max. (Taking her hands) ’T is 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 noble guests approach. Will ’t please
Your Highnesses assume 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 noblest 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 nobles, 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 Frassart, 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 noble 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. Est. Ah, sir, this crown is heavy, but you will bear
The golden weight as ’t were the aureole
That seals the saint to God! Max. But not without
Consent of every subject should I wear it.
Does Mexico send all her hearts with you? Ruiz. (Spreading paper on table) Read here the proclamation now in force
In all our provinces. Max. And this has been
By each assembly ratified? Berzabal. Ay, prince!
It is a nation, not these dozen men,
That with a million voices prays to you! Max. From childhood up I ’ve sought to obey my God,
But never dreamed that he would bless my life
With such high sanction as I read herein. (Lifting paper)
Forgive a tear, my lords.... But we must ask
That crownÉd Europe give a sacred oath
To guarantee our empire’s permanence. Archduke. Brother, I bring the word of Austria,
Whose prayers, whose arms, whose subjects’ blood are yours,
While she has blood or arms to give! Belgian Minister. For Belgium
I speak—the princess’ true and royal father,
Whose little kingdom measures not his heart! Senor Hurbet. And I, my lord, have here the signÉd oath
Of Mightiest France, whose fifty-thousand men
Now guard the cradle of the new born peace
In Mexico! Read here what he will do. Max. (Reads) Enough.... My lords, should I accept this crown,
’T would be with holiest expectation
To reign in love and peace, but your past struggles
Point to a term of danger and much risk
Ere our star shines above all factious spite.
Stood I alone I should not hesitate,
But here is one more dear than my own life,
Whom I must cherish more than my own life,
Within whose heart I must find out my answer;
And God be thanked her wisdom beams so true
Above the hesitations of my mind
That I can love her yea or nay as ’t were
By Heaven spoke! Est. Then to your mercy, princess,
We now commit our hope. Car. Most worthy lords,
I am so proud that I would wear a crown,
So pitying I would weep my heart away
For your sad country, and so vain I think
The lord that married me might lead you from
Rebellion’s night to civil-kissing hours;
But yet a woman bonded unto love,
Not my own mistress. The life bound up with mine
Is dearer than the peace of any state,
And looking deep into your country’s heart
I read some cruel marks of history
That teach me fear for any precious thing
Consigned unto its love. Est. If ever souls
Lay bare to human eyes, read now in ours
The loyalty which you will find in every subject! Ruiz. Be merciful! Earth aches through her rock-ribs
With our old woes, and it is you may heal them! Ber. Pity will teach thee soon to love our land! Car. My lords, already I love Mexico,
And would forego the peace of Miramar,—
All happy days that from the future lean
To meet my smiles, as trifles whose light thought
Shames this great hour; but when in dream I see
My lord beset by foes in foreign land,
The help he needs beyond a three-months’ sea,
My princess pride flags to a peasant fear
For one dear life! Est. Wrong not yourself, your lord,
And Mexico, O gentlest lady— Car. Nay— Est. Say yea, and our expectant land will feel
The thrill of that affirmative across
The glad Atlantic! Yea—and France, whose name
Is in our hearts as God’s, will bless thy tongue!
Say yea, and noble England, watchful Spain,
Who with great France began the holy work
Of blessed liberation will applaud
With happy echoes to the guardian skies!
Say yea, and the white spirit of the Church
Will take ’neath her soft wings our blood-drenched land,
That waits but for that word to hail thy lord
Regenerator, king! Car. My lords, my lords,
We are but human! Mayhap we will not keep
The love that we have won! Senor Hur. Fear not, O princess!
Behind your throne, with unretreating sword,
Will stand the first great power of all the world!
Thus speak I for the emperor of France! Princess Metternich. (Advancing) I for the empress! Eugenie bade me speak
Her heart out here, and hail thee sister empress!
To ask when your young empire blooms above
The lily of old France, and lures the East
To pour her golden heart into your port,
And ocean blossoms with your argosies,
You ’ll still remember that she loved you when
You were but princess and no farther ruled
Then stretch the gardens of small Miramar! Car. O generous Eugenie! But the fear— Abbot of Lacroma. To speak of fear in this is to doubt God!
He does not bless in vain a noble prince
With such rare qualities as crown the mind
Of Maximilian! ’T is for some purpose rare
He rounds such excellence with highest birth
And puts a sword of power in his hand!
From over seas unto your very feet
A nation comes to choose from all the world
One made by Heaven to be its sovereign lord,
Cool hearts of passion in his amity,
Make bitter eyes forget their ancient hate,
And proudest knees bow with old enemies
In worship of his star beneficent!
There pale and crushÉd Peace
Shall take the color of the living rose,
Hearing the voice of his protecting love
That comes to lift her beauty from the dust
And on that ground volcanic nobly build
Her temple indestructible!
There shall his kingly mind find outward means
To write sublimity upon the world,
And like old Egypt speak in pyramids
To nations unbegot in dream of Time!
And can you shock the hour with hesitation?
Ask all the waiting world,—ay, even God,
To pause and count the heart-beats of a woman? Car. (Devoutly, with uplifted hands and eyes)
Forgive me, Heaven, that I doubted thee! (Takes Maximilian’s hands, turns with great dignity to the deputies, and speaks solemnly) Senors, we ’ll wear the crown of Mexico. (Silence. The abbot of Lacroma advances; Carlotta and Maximilian drop to their knees as he extends his arms above them in blessing) Scene II: A camp in the mountains of Mexico. Night. Aseffa preparing food by a fire. She goes aside, listens, and returns. Asef. O Mexico, thou traitress unto love,
Wilt trample every heart that’s true to thee? (Listens. Enter Miguel and Lerdo, very ragged and gaunt) Miguel! Lerdo! Rafael not come? Where did you leave him? Lerdo. Nowhere, Senora. Asef. Oh! Mig. Don’t flutter, little bird. We mean that he left us. He set off as fresh as the morning to make the circuit of another mountain while we could barely creep up to camp. Asef. You are hungry! I ’ll give you Rafael’s supper! Ler. Hungry? No! I ’ve had two biscuits since yesterday, and sixty miles is n’t far to go on that. Mig. And as much good air and water as a soldier need want! Asef. Here! Take it. ’T is good. Indeed it is! Mig. Smoking meat! Ha! Who brought it? Has the Holy Virgin been in camp? Asef. No, but I ’ve been down to the valley. Ler. You? Asef. Yes,—and I ’ve a little gold left, too! (Showing purse) Mig. You paid five pesos for that dish! Asef. A good guesser would double the price. Mig. And for Rafael’s supper! No, I can go two more days yet. (Puts food aside) Asef. But you shall not. Come, eat! I ’ll feed you then, and you don’t want Juarez’ soldiers to be turned into babies, do you? Mig. I ’ll yield! In fact, there ’s an orator within that speaks with a most convincing pinch. (They eat) Asef. (Watching) Poor fellows! They ’ll not leave him a mouthful! Ler. Where is the general? Asef. (Pointing up the hill) Asleep. Have you news? Ler. None to bring good dreams. Let him sleep. Mig. Lord, a meal a day like this and I could drive the whole French army into the sea! (Rising) Now if these rags could be turned back to their first fortunes, I ’d be Don Miguel de Tejada again! You would n’t think that these tags and tatters had waltzed with the president’s niece at the capital, would you now? Asef. You must let me mend your clothes as I do Rafael’s. Mig. Faith, Senora, you would have to begin too many months back. No, I ’ll hang out my banners as a knight of liberty should, and be Don Miguel de Tejada still. Asleep, my Lerdo? A good example, too. (Lies down) Good-night, Senora the Blessed! Asef. Good-night, Don Miguel de Tejada! (The soldiers sleep. She waits and listens. Runs aside and looks down the valley) Asef. Rafael! (Steps approach. Enter Rafael) Raf. (Embracing her) Here ’s Heaven for the weary! Asef. So tired? And I have nothing for you! (Looks toward soldiers) They were so hungry. Raf. They’re welcome to it. (Kissing her) Here is my banquet,—my feast of beauty and my wine of love! (Staggers to a rock and sits feebly) Asef. Oh! You ’ve been so far!—too far! Raf. We rode all day, but made no terms for food. The people are afraid. Whoever gives us bread forfeits his life and home. Asef. I bought some meat of a poor woman to-day. She needed the money. Raf. And if the Imperials find her out they ’ll murder her and set her hut in flames! Asef. Oh! What shall we do? Raf. We are an army. We ’ll do as armies do. Take food where we can find it. Asef. O, Rafael! Raf. Yes, love, we ’ll play the robber to fill the mouth of Liberty,—she ’s fed too long on thistles. Asef. She ’s a stern mistress, Rafael. Raf. But sweeter, love,
Her harshest frown that summer smiles of kings!
O, I reproach her not, even when I see
My dearest friends lie dying in her name!
A bed of stones is soft enough for me
If she but rock to sleep,—a crust to-day,
To-morrow none, and at her board I ’m fed.
But when I look on you, my traitor blood
Flies from her service. Oh, to see these hands
That plucked no beauty ruder than the rose,
So meanly laboring in the basest needs!
Your gentle body resting on cold earth,
Glad of a blanket ’tween you and the sod,
While in your bed the foreign robber sleeps!
This shakes my loyalty till I could hate
The fair, unspotted cause my sword is drawn in! Asef. Stop, Rafael! O thank God these hands have known
That blessed of all fortunes,—to toil for love!
These eyes that sought for but a face more fair,
A flower more sweet, have found the stars that rise
Where Truth and Courage wander in the night!
In southern vales maybe we ’ll hear again
The morning birds sing at our bowered windows,
But we will not forget the nobler song
Now borne by winds about these mountain peaks,—
The song of man made free! Raf. We ’ll not forget.
But will that sweet day come? Tell me, Aseffa,
You who are half a sibyl,—shall we go down
That valley to our home? Asef. ’T is not to gain
Our father’s halls, and sit ’neath fig and vine,
We hide and starve and stagger in these hills,
But to keep noble the last hour of life,
That Death who gathers it may read thereon
The seal immortal of approving God. Raf. Yes—dear Aseffa—but—(Faints) Asef. Rafael! Rafael!
Ah dying! O my prating virtue ’s gone!
I care for naught but that my love shall live!
O, Liberty, wilt spare me this one life?
... Ho! Miguel! Up! Mig. Hey! What! Senora!... Ah! Lerdo. What ’s here? Asef. There ’s wine in the general’s tent! Rafael!
My love, my love, look up!... O Mexico,
With all thy veins of gold thou art not worth
One dear drop of his blood! (Enter General Trevino) Trev. What ’s this new grief?
Not Rafael!... He faints. ’T is hunger ... hunger.
Miguel! Lerdo! Bear him to my tent.
Give him what food you find there. First the wine! (Soldiers go out with Rafael. Aseffa follows. As she passes the general she drops to her knees and kisses his hands) Trev. (Alone) Starvation now or plunder. We ’ll quarter where
We can.... A horseman! If ’t is Ignacio
We shall have news. (Enter Ignacio, from riding) Ig. Who ’s here? Trev. Ignacio? Ig. (Saluting) Your pardon, sir! Trev. You’re from the capital? Ig. Three days ago I left the city. I ’ve slept
On horseback since. Trev. Your news! Ig. We fight an empire.
The Austrian is crowned. Trev. Impossible!
Where are our people? Salas? and LeVal? Ig. They shouted at his welcome. At Vera Cruz
Began the unholy pageantry, that showed
As Christ had come again and all men knew him!
Each province drained its beauty by the way;
The mules that drew him caught the vanity
And picked their steps on flowers. Trev. Tell me no more.
O Gratitude, thou hast no home on earth!
Twelve months did Juarez rule, and in twelve months
Did what no man can do but God is with him!
He healed contention’s wounds, set up new schools,
Released the land from priestcraft’s ancient grip,
Rebuilt our credit, destroyed by Miramon,
The robber president, who bonded the land
To France, then set the sword of Europe ’gainst us
Because we could not pay the unjust debt
From treasuries that his own hands had emptied.
O, ’t was a crime too big for Heaven’s eye,
And so God let it pass! France could not know—
But our own people knew—how Juarez toiled
To shape the nation to his noble thought! Ig. Yes—yes—they knew! Trev. We ’ll break our swords, my boy.
We have no country. Ig. Is my uncle yet
In Texas? Trev. Ay, and we will go to him.
... Ungrateful ground that casts all goodness from it,
And sucks a gilded poison! (Enter Rafael, Aseffa, Miguel, Lerdo, and others of the camp) Raf. (To Trevino) Sir, you will miss
Your breakfast, but I pledge my sword you ’ll have
To-morrow’s supper!... Ignacio! Ig. You here,
My Rafael! (They embrace) Aseffa too! Asef. Dear friend! (They greet affectionately) Raf. And Maximilian is crowned? Ig. Yes ... crowned. Raf. You saw him? Ig. In the cathedral, with the empress. Asef. The empress? Raf. What looks he like? This Austrian duke
That with a stolen crown mocks majesty! Ig. He looks like majesty, and yet is graced
With Nature’s gentlest stamp; his countenance
Takes beauty from his smile; his smile, one thinks,
Takes sweetness from a heart that has its own
Nobility from heaven. Trev. An enemy
Well praised! Asef. The empress? She bewitched you too? (Ignacio is silent) Come, sir! The truth of her! Ig. The truth? Go ask
The angels. They ’ve tongues for such sweet purpose. Trev. What!
Ignacio turned squire o’ the empire? Ig. No.
But I can read a holy woman’s face,
Though she by some strange counterfeit of truth
Would put an empress’ foot upon our necks. Asef. What is she like? Ig. Like nothing but herself.
She is not gentle, for gentleness is but
Rude servant to that quality in her;
Gracious she ’s not, for grace herself doth serve
A poor handmaiden to her excellence;
Nor beautiful, for Beauty asks her name
To wear but that and know her own no more. (In the silence that follows a rider rushes up and dismounts) Messenger. Where is the general, Trevino? Trev. Here. Mess. Juarez approaches. (Saluting) Trev. Juarez! Call up the camp!
Light all the beacons! Juarez! Build up the fires! Shouts. Juarez! Juarez! Hurrah! El presidente! Trev. We ’ll let him know the hearts he left i’ the hills
Still beat with loyal blood! Shouts. Juarez! Juarez! (Enter Juarez. Silence) Jua. Trevino! Trev. Your Excellency! (They embrace) You ’ve heard? Jua. I know.
Now monarchy has spread her gilded sails,
And from the East comes like another sun
To blind our eyes with wonder of a crown
While shackling us by hand and foot to earth.
But from these mountains will arise a queen,
The figure grey of ancient Liberty,
Mourning and wronged, but with the unpaling star
Of God’s own favor set upon her brow:
These two shall meet—and that mock sun go down! Trev. You still have hope when Mexico deserts us? Jua. Dost read your country in the smile she shows
Her conqueror? She has a heart beneath!
Ay, sir, did she not prove it at Puebla?
Where dead fell on the dead with gun in hand
Still pointed to the French! Where, hope once lost,
And the enemy pouring through the shattered gates,
Our men blew up their city and themselves
To keep their souls free from Napoleon!
These men have brothers left, and sons,
And they are Mexico! Soldiers. El presidente!
Liberty and Juarez! A soldier. (Waving his sword) We ’ll be revenged,
Or spill more blood than hell can drink! Soldiers. Down with the empire! Death to Maximilian! Jua. No, not revenge,—but justice. That’s enough.
We ’ve but to wait—and strike. Yon mists now spread
Their fair illusion o’er the eternal mountains
’Till ’t seems they are the world, and the great hills
Are naught. But by to-morrow’s noon-sun see
Their fortunes faded as a dream of night,
While the rock peak looks up as if to say
From the foundation of the world I am!
So will this glamour o’er our godly cause
Pass as a breath, while all the world shall read
Our right and title to unbonded life
In our free bosoms founded and God-set! A soldier. We ’ll die for freedom! Jua. Die? That’s the one thing
We can not do. We may lie down in graves,
But from our living dust will spring new challenge
To make in noble minds continual war
Until our race be righted! Trev. Many fly
From our misfortunes. Amaldo and LeVal— Jua. Call ’t not misfortune that teaches us our friends.
Now are we sifted and the chaff is known!
... LeVal! ... But Diaz is true? Trev. On yonder mountain
His fires make answer for him. Jua. (Looking into distance) Forgive me, comrade!
I know you true, and sooner will yon moon
Make her last change and fall than you change once
From the full circle of a complete man....
(Turns and sees Ignacio)
My nephew here? Ig. Just from the capital. Jua. Where you must back again. Rafael, too!
Both my young soldiers! My right arm and my left,—
Though which is which I know not. Ignacio,
You saw the Austrian? No matter. He ’s but
The drift-piece of a rotten monarchy
That thinks to graft upon the living tree
Of our new-sprung republic! We ’ll shake him off
As a June oak a spray of winter wreck,
Nor ever know he clung upon our boughs! Ig. The church is powerful yet, and seeks to join
Her cause with his. Jua. The church? Say not the church,
But mockers in Christ’s name, who steal the land
And drain its fruitage into Satan’s purse,
Keeping the poor a race of hopeless slaves
Who worship their own shackles! O, Ignorance,
Thou art the great slave-master! Thy very chains
Are vital and beget themselves; and he
Who strikes them seems the monster of the earth
To the poor serf who thinks it is himself
That bleeds! The church be with our foe, with us
Be God, we ’ll ask no more. Hear me, my men!
The great republic of the North ’s our friend.
When her own war is done you ’ll hear her speak
To France in cannon tones that will make quake
Napoleon on his throne! That great mock-god.
Who seeks to free all men that he may fit
Their necks to his own yoke! (With growing intensity) That adder who
Would coil about the world! That serpent scruffed
With white deceit and low ambition’s slime,
That crept into the garden of my dream
And cankered bud and root, nursed by my toil,
Fed with my dearest blood! Ay, he will quake,
And cry for mercy to a stony Heaven
Whose pity drops long since were drained upon
The woe that he hath made! Ay, he— Trev. (Touching him) But now,
My friend? Jua. (Composed) You’re right. No more of that. Nephew! Ig. Here, sir! Jua. Your place will be the capital.
We must have eyes there, and a heart to serve us.
This hour set out. Here are instructions. (Gives papers) Trev. Sir,
He ’s had no rest. Jua. True ... true.... Ig. And need none when
Juarez commands. Jua. (Taking his hand) Thou ’rt still my son. My house
Will not fall down when I no longer prop it. Raf. May I not beg this office, sir? Trev. Send him!
His heart is in the hills, and he ’ll come back.
Ignacio ’s yet unanchored. Trust him not
To high tides of a court. Jua. I trust them both.
But my own blood I know. (To Ig.) Kneel for the oath. (Ignacio kneels. Murmurs around, then silence. Juarez takes a crucifix from his bosom and holds it over Ignacio) Jua. By this true image of the bleeding Christ,
May you be damned to everlasting fire,
Nor prayers of saints lift up your soul from hell,
If you prove false in what you undertake
This night for Mexico! Ig. By Christ’s own blood.
I swear, and may that blood be powerless
To save me from the damned if I prove false! Jua. The stars that hold
The witness angels of the Lord have heard
Thy oath. Ig. (Rising and looking up)
Let them record it. Asef. (Fearfully) Ah! Trev. (Holding out a brand) The brand! Jua. Not that! Ig. (Baring his arm) I choose it! (Trevino quickly brands his arm with a cross. Juarez, too late, dashes the brand from his hand) Ig. (Throwing up his arm) Sealed to the cause! (Hurries to go) Jua. My boy! (Ignacio returns for Juarez’ embrace) Ig. (Going) Liberty and Juarez! Soldiers. Juarez!
Liberty and Juarez! (All but Juarez follow Ignatius out, cheering) Hurrah! hurrah! (Juarez draws his grey mantle about him and stands silent. The fires die down. The moon clouds. He looks up invoking) Jua. Spirit of Montezuma, be thou here
And on thy son drop wisdom out of Heaven,
That these thy children he may lead to peace,
And this thy country give again to him
Who set his iron in the earth and said
“Man, make thy weapon; there shall be no slaves!” (CURTAIN) ACT II. Scene I: Palace of Chapultapec. Hall adjoining ball room. Gaily dressed women, and men in glittering official costumes passing doors. Marquez and Mejia talking. Mar. You ’ve caught Trevino! Mejia. Rafael Mendorez too. Mar. Still better. You ’ll have them shot at once? Mejia. They ’ve too many friends. I must have the emperor’s warrant. Mar. He will sign the decree to-night. Mejia. The Lord be thanked! I ’m tired of risking life and men taking prisoners that his majesty may have the pleasure of pardoning them. 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. ’T is true.
These men are subjects to no law or nation;
They are not Mexico’s; they are not God’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 passage of the law. Max. You, Charles? Char. My lord, if as you say, these men
Fight ’neath a flag, and for supposÉd rights,
You violate the law of noble nations
In sentencing to death the prisoners
Of recognizÉd 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, ’t is we should ask your pardon
For having failed to lustre 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!
Use Maximilian and the French to crush
The Liberals, then with the church unite
To pull down Maximilian and set up—
Marquez!... The Empress—and Ignacio!
One I suspect,—a half-breed full of pride!
Who ’d have the court forget his Indian mother
And bear in mind his father was a noble! (Goes aside.
Enter Carlotta and Ignacio, followed by Prince and Princess Zichy, Prince and Princess Salm-Salm, Princess Josefa de Varela, Colonel Lopez, making merry with a fortune teller. The Empress steps apart with Ignacio) Car. Ignacio! I ’ve met strange looks to-night! Ig. But not unkind ones, noble madam? Car. O, such
As can not be distinguished by a word,
Cold, warm, or dark or fair, bitter or kind!
Ah, looks that will not advertise the heart,
And yet betray too much! Ig. Your majesty— Car. A little coldness that might melt to love,
A little pity that might soon be hate,
A fair ‘God with you’ shaping to a curse— Ig. What eye can harbor evil meeting yours
Where lies a grace that turns all ill to virtue? Car. Would all were true as you, Ignacio! (Looks to ballroom and shudders) Those eyes! Would I looked not so deep in eyes!
... You love my lord? Ig. I do, your majesty. Car. Above all other men? (He is silent) Nay, do not answer!
’T was wrong to ask, for you have kinsmen maybe,
Brother, or uncle, some one dear in blood
Whom Heaven bids you cherish. But you will guard
Your Emperor! You ’ll watch with me for foes?
For foes? He has none! How the thought
Blasphemes his excellence! But ’t is a world
Where whitest merit draws the darkest souls
To prey upon it, while mere indifferent good
Escapes!... Ignacio, is it true, Juarez
Is not in Mexico? Ig. O, madam! Car. Ah!
Is ’t true the Liberals are disbanded? Ig. True? Car. You do not answer, sir! Ig. It is not true. Car. You know it! You? And they still hope? Ig. They do. Car. Then we are playing with an enemy!
How do you know?... You traitor, too!... O Heaven!
’T is time now to be up or treachery
Will take us all asleep! (Goes from him) Ig. (Following her) O madam! madam!
My heart is all your own! Car. (Turning to him) Forgive me, friend,
And I will wrong no more these honest eyes.
But there is danger here, and we must strike!
We hold a nation’s future in our hands,
And now defence is virtue, patience crime! Ig. Your majesty— Car. (Not heeding) Shall we stand here and smile
Till rebel blows have shattered life and throne?
... Dupin shall drive these desperate people back—
This law be signed— Ig. (With horror) Dear Christ! Car. What do you mean? Ig. Will Maximilian pass a law of death,
Condemning patriots to a robber’s grave?
O, Empress, sue upon your knees that he
Do not this thing, for every act of his
Not marked with justice to his enemies
Will rob him of the pity they would show
When victory is theirs! He writes his doom
As certainly as he doth set his name
To that black law, and gives Dupin his will
Among our helpless people! Princess Zichy. (From group about the gipsy, as all laugh)
Your majesty,
You heard? Car. I heard. (To Ignacio, much disturbed) Go join them! Go! (Ignacio joins group) He ’s true!
My lord in danger! Princess de Varela. Now mother, my hand next! (Gipsy scans her hand) Car. ‘Rob him of pity!’ ‘When victory is theirs!’
I know the pity given to the fallen
In this blood-drunken land! There ’s but one way...
We must not fall!... ’T is war, then,—war! Not for
An empire, no,—but Maximilian’s life!
And we must use the weapons in our hands! Gip. (Reading) Days of brightness, days of smiles,
Read I here or Fate beguiles!
Princess S. O these fortunes are like lines from a fairy book! Surely we are not all going to be happy! Gip. I ’ll read for you, madam. Princess S. But let not your change of song begin with me, dark mother! Gip. (Reading) Days of darkness, days of moan!
A friend shall sigh, a friend shall fall,
And wring thy bosom more than all
The sorrow that thou yet hast known!
Princess S. O think better of it, mother! Gip. Your sweet eyes deserve a better portion than tears, and I read too, But ere thy last hour be nigh
Sorrow from thy breast shall fly!
Princess S. A friend, you say? I thank you, ’t was not my husband! Gip. And yet a husband he,
And many tears thou ’lt see!
Car. (Aside) A friend—a husband—and a fall! Gip. Shall I read for her majesty? Car. No! no! Lopez. She has peeped into Fate’s urn, madam, I assure you! Car. Nay, I ’m content. What I choose for myself I will abide, and what I choose not is the gift of God and I ’ll abide that too! Prince Zichy. I congratulate you! Majesty is not always able to show such noble indifference to the future, and lesser mortals—never! Gip. Please the stars, may I read for you, sir? Prince Zichy. I give you a proxy,—Senor Ignacio. If the fortune be fair, I take it, if not, I leave it with him. Ladies. O, hear Ignacio’s fortune! (They crowd about him and the gypsy) Car. (To Lopez) A favor, sir! Will you take a message to his majesty? Lopez. I am twice blest—to bear your message—and bear it to the emperor. (They talk apart) Gip. Here ’s a secret matter, sir. Shall I speak it out? Ig. O spare me! Come aside! Ladies. Nay, nay, Ignacio! You heard our fortunes! Ig. But yours were fair and innocent, and mine is dark and guilty—maybe with crime! Ladies. Oh! A crime! Ig. Come, witch! (They go aside, near where Marquez is stationed unseen) Aseffa! Asef. Rafael is prisoner at Savarro! Trevino is taken, too! Ig. O Heaven! (To ladies) Stay back! ’T is crime indeed! Ladies. Villain! Asef. Help me to Maximilian! O, I must see him! You called him gentle! When I tell him what Rafael is—the fairest soul man ever called a foe— Ig. Softly, Aseffa! You can not see the emperor to-night. Asef. I must! To-morrow ’t will be too late! He dies at sunrise! Ig. Rafael! My friend! my brother!— Asef. Quiet! quiet! Smile, Ignacio! Ha! ha! I ’ll pray it be not true, sir! Ig. But you can see Count Charles. He ’s Maximilian’s very heart, and once you win him the Emperor is won. Go in! Go in! I ’ll bring you to the count! Be light of heart! Our Rafael is safe! Asef. Ignacio, the Empress is all you said.
Prayers on their way to Heaven meeting her
Would think their journey ended. Can you be true? Ig. (Touching his arm)
I bear the seal. Asef. God help thee! Ig. Go!
(To ladies) ’T is done!
I know my sins! Princess de V. But what a smiling sinner! Princess Salm. A cloud is hovering. Come, sir! I shall know it! (Takes his arm. Mexican national dance begins. All go into ballroom, the Empress with Lopez) Mar. Ignacio a Liberal! And branded!
He ’s finished! But I ’ll pick my hour for it!
Mendorez safe! Ay, if he ’s bullet-proof! (Re-enter Carlotta with Archbishop Labastida) Lab. I thank your Highness for this gracious moment!
Most holy Empress— Car. Not holy, sir, and yet
I hope with touch of God’s anointment on me. Lab. Did it but rest with you His love would soon
Like cloud of rose veil Mexico in beauty. Car. But rest with me? Lab. Ay, noble lady, you.
I bear a letter from his Holiness,
In which he says his Empress daughter’s zeal
Is jewelled in his heart,—but urges me
To speak to Maximilian of his strange
Reluctance to fulfill his promise. Car. Promise? Lab. To give the Church the olden glory that
She shone with here! Restore her rights— Car. ’T is true
He promised that, and he has kept his word
As an account with God. He is convinced
The rights claimed by the Church are stolen rights
She wrung from ignorance for her earthly glory,
And he ’s resolved to maintain Juarez’ law
So far as it accords with justice. Lab. Madness!
Call back Juarez to power! Yield the throne
To the republican! For ’t will so end
If Maximilian scorns us and our help! Car. He does not scorn you, sir, but seeks to find
Where the division comes ’tween you and Christ
And set himself upon the side of Heaven. Lab. You will divorce the favor of the pope,
Without whose help you may not hope to stand.
Plead with your lord again to probe our claim,
And find therein some wise and prudent reason
To give us aid,—and thereby keep his crown. Car. Yes, I will speak; but I shall not forget,
Whate’er I say, he is an Emperor! (Exit) Mar. (Coming forward) A pair of fools are jiggling with a crown. Lab. You heard, Marquez? Mar. And knew before I heard. Lab. And you are patient? Mar. Maximilian
Means France, and France we must keep ours,—at least
Till we have finished with the Liberals,— Lab. And then? Mar. We need not go so far to make
A wiser choice. Lab. (Looking at him meaningly)
Not far indeed! Mar. I thank you.
But that’s hereafter. Come with me, your grace.
I ’d speak of something more immediate. (Exeunt left) (Enter from ballroom General Miramon, Marshal Bazaine and Colonel Dupin, the last a large, vain, blustering man, gorgeously and expensively arrayed from head to foot. A sombrero wonderfully trimmed with gold and silver is carried in his hand and used in sweeping salutations) Dup. At last I am called to court! I thought his majesty would soon or late have need of my experience in throat-cutting. Mir. But, my dear Dupin, it is not in your capacity of throat-cutter that we introduce you. These towns that have given aid to the Liberals must be punished without the Emperor’s knowledge. You will make an example of them? Dup. Will I? Hear him, Marshal! Will I? Mir. But not a word to the Emperor! Dup. Softish, eh? Mir. His spongy heart is filled with water of compassion. Touch it anywhere it pours! Baz. I ’m not going to throw away the lives of any more Frenchmen just to give him a chance to play at clemency! An emperor should be a sort of vitalized stone, capable of action but incapable of impression. Dup. Then I ’m the man for emperor! I ’ve always suspected my qualifications for the part. By the lord, I ’ve made women who were hungry enough to eat their own children watch my soldiers throw bread into the sea! And when I was with the French and English in old Chinee—well, they ’ve called me the ‘Tigre’ since then. You ’ve heard about that! (Struts and sings) I ’m the tigre of the East,
Got my claws in old Pekin
When the yellow kids we fleeced
And held up the mandarin! O we caught him by the queue,
As he from our captains flew,
That quaking little, shaking little mandarin.
And we dragged him out to view
By that most convenient queue,
When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!
My friends, if you will excuse me, there are several dozens of ladies in the ball room waiting for a dance with the costume par excellence of the evening. I am not always sure of a welcome for my face, but my costume is never in doubt. Ah, sweet woman! you can please me twice. I can dance with you—and I can kill you! When the Emperor asks for me I shall not decline an introduction,—though he was not born an emperor and I was born Dupin! (Exit) Baz. Is he as villainous as his conversation? Mir. His talk is but the mildest prologue to his deeds. Baz. Then he ’s the man for us. We shall never drive back the Liberals but by methods of unmitigated severity. Mir. There is no barbarity too great for the intimidation of these towns. Baz. The only absolutely safe plan is to raze them from the earth. Mir. Trust Dupin! (They go into ballroom. Enter, right, Count Charles and Aseffa. Her disguise is thrown back revealing her beauty) Asef. You help me though a Liberal and your foe! Char. A foe! Dear lady, when you besought my aid
Methought it was divinity that spoke,
So sacred sweet seemed the request. I ’ll save
Your brother. Asef. Ah, dearer than a brother, sir.
It is my husband! Char. Husband! Asef. Yes, my lord.
And dearer than—You have a wife? Char. No, lady. Asef. O, then you can not know! But you have loved? Char. I love. Asef. A lover—not a husband. Ah!
Add to thy love a thousand dearer loves
And take their sum a thousand times a thousand,
’T will be the smallest part divisible
Of my dear love for Rafael! You ’ll save him? Char. Yes—I will save him. Do you trust me? Asef. Trust you?
As I would Heaven! (Kisses his hands and goes out, right) Char. Gone! Aseffa! Gone?
No, never gone! Her kisses here! O lips
That swept like drifting roses o’er my hands—
Both hands,—sweet equity! Still are they warm
As they were dipped in summer, though her touch
Was maiden light nor robbed him of a jot
Who should have all. Her husband—’t was a word
She used to slay me with!... Even in sorrow
She is more fair than any other fair
Met on a holiday. But when she smiled
She seemed like Fortune giving away a world.
So gracious was her splendor. Thou art revenged,
O little demon god so long my scorn!
Would I had given my heart by piecemeal out
Since I was ten than to have lost it so,
For going all at once it takes my life
And I must lose my life or follow it.
Ah, love should come like waves unto a shore,
Soft creeping up and back and up again.
Till taught to stand receptive we are firm
When the last, highest wave envelops us.
... May God restore me!... O her beauty burns
As she were limned by lightning on the night!
Her eyes are torches that Eternity
Lends life to read her dreams! Her cheek
Is June within a bud! Her veins have caught
The falling sun that in them strives to rise
To a new dawn!... And I must save him—save him!
This unknown man that holds the flaming sword
Above my paradise!... If this decree
Is signed she will be widowed ... (Stops in horror)
I am mad!...
... She will be free ... Away, sweet hell, whose face
Is masked like heaven!... Let solid earth be air,
The air be lead, light change to dark, and dark
Be as the sun, ’t will be no miracle
When murder finds a welcome in my heart! (Enter Maximilian, Bazaine, Miramon, Dupin, Berzabal, Ruiz, Estrada, Ignacio) Max. (To Dupin) We’re glad to welcome you. ’T will be your charge to guard the unprotected towns now suffering from the raids of Liberals. Mir. Of men, your majesty, who steal that title to grace a brigand’s life! Max. So we’re assured. Dup. I ’ll see to it, sir, that these towns play no love-tricks with the enemy! Baz. Sh! Max. No danger that way. Your duty is to protect them! Dup. No offense, I hope. But treason is a lively beast and hard to keep low. As your majesty’s officer I must cudgel it down wherever I find it. Max. If unhappily you find it, sir— Dup. I ’ll cut the throat of every man dog of ’em! Max. Sir? (Turns to Bazaine) The Colonel’s speech is very figurative, good Marshal. (To Dupin) All instances of treason, (and God forbid there should be one!) will be reported to me for careful investigation. Dup. A thousand pardons, your Highness! I was swept away by my devotion to your majesty! I shall remember that you wish me to observe the mildest temperance in dealing with your majesty’s enemies. (As the emperor looks questioningly at Bazaine, Dupin snarls, then repeats suavely) The mildest temperance in dealing with your majesty’s enemies. Max. That is our wish. The mildest temperance. And this decree, Colonel Dupin? Would you advise its passage? Dup. I should be so hot to sign it, sir, my zeal would boil the ink in the bottle! Max. Very figurative, Marshal! (To Dupin) As yet we have not reconciled the matter with our conscience. (Lopez enters and comes up to the Emperor) Lop. (Handing him a slip of paper) Your majesty, the Empress sends you this. (Maximilian reads aside:) ‘Sign the decree.’ Max. (Aside) What has she heard? Dup. (At a distance, in rear of Maximilian, folds his hands meekly on his breast and whistles softly) ‘When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!’ (Mimics) ‘As yet we have not reconciled the matter with our conscience.’ Does he think he can govern Mexico with a prayer-book? Put him in his cradle and sing by-lo-baby! Max. (To Miramon, who has spoken to him) There ’s only one left to oppose it—Charles. Mir. My lord, you ’d set a scholar’s word against
A general’s in matters of the field?
The count’s opinion, born within a closet,
Would die in open air but for your nursing. Max. Come, Count, defend your cause. Char. My cause, my lord? Max. You are but one against the government.
Canst talk above so big a head? If not,
I fear we ’ll pass this law of blood. Come, come!
Be eloquent! My heart would have you win! Char. (Very pale and hesitating)
Your majesty—I beg— Max. Goes it so deep
To your good heart? Mir. My lord— Max. Forgive me, Charles,
For pressing you so much. We ’ll rest to-night.
To-morrow there ’ll be time. Char. (Hastily) No! Not to-morrow!
Sign the decree! Sign it to-night! (Maximilian looks with the greatest astonishment at his now flushed face and eager manner, then thinks he understands) Max. Ah, Charles,
This tender heart of yours will kill you yet.
No more of this. I ’ll keep you at your books. Char. (Recovering, proceeds with suavity, completely sold to his desire)
My mind has cleared with deeper thought, my lord,
Discord, the ancients tell us, was at first
So small a gnat did give her birth, but grew
So great her feet o’erturned proud cities while
Her head upset the gods in council. So this
Small trouble may o’ercast your destiny—
And is ’t not better, sir, to pass a law,
However dreaded, ’gainst the rebel few
Than that the nation trusted to your care
Should be broad cursed with civil slaughter? Max. Better?
If such a danger threatens ’t is a crime
Not to forfend it! (Enter Marquez and Archbishop Labastida) Lab. Gracious sovereign! Max. Most reverend father, you would counsel us? Lab. We would, your majesty. If yet the wish
Of Heaven has power over you; and Christ
Be your most high example, you will prove
A careful guardian to your trusting people,
And crush this villainous and robber race
Now preying on the true and innocent,
Swelling each day more poisonous and foul! Max. We are decided. Are we not, good Charles? Mar. (Hastily) Nay, sire— Max. We are decided—to pass this law.
Convinced that ’t is the honest course. (All surprised and relieved but Ignacio, who starts with horror) Ig. My God! Mir. Blest majesty, we thank you! Lab. You do but set
Your name where Heaven’s seal already shines. Ig. The seal of Hell! O noblest man that breathes
This corrupt air, take back that word of death
Ere it is stamped in black upon your soul! Mir. (After a silence) An Aztec, sire, and nephew to Juarez. Max. You think that is a sin? Among our friends
Are many whose nearest kinsmen nobly served
The lost Republic. Hear us, Ignacio.
This law is subject to a firm condition:
Each officer shall make report to us,
And every captive who deserves not death
Shall have our pardon. Ig. Then, you ’ll pardon two
Now at Savarro, Trevino and Mendorez,
Both doomed to die at sunrise! Mir. Ravagers!
Brigands! Ay, murderers! Ig. No! Patriots!
Soldiers! And martyrs if they die! My lord,
If they have plundered, ’t was to feed an army;
If they have killed,—that is the aim of war.
They are your foes, but noble ones,—and men,
Not creatures to be caught in traps and shot
Like beasts! Max. We ’ll look to this. Marquez, at once
Send a dispatch commanding they be held
As prisoners of war until we ’ve time
To examine them. Mar. I will, your majesty. Ig. My lord, at Callovalla when the French
Had routed the Republicans, there came
At night some student priests into the field
To help the wounded and to cheer the dying.
This man, Marquez, set on them with his troop
And made them prisoners. The morning sun
Beheld each saintly minister shot dead.
And you would trust this devil with the life
Of captive foes? A man whose hands are red
With God’s own blood? Mar. He lies! Your majesty,
I ’ll prove him traitor to your very eyes! Ig. Traitor? Mar. Ay, sir, and spy! Lay bare his arm,
And see the branded cross!—the sacred mark
Of those who ’ve sworn to die in Juarez’ cause! (Snatches at Ignacio’s arm as if he would expose it) Ig. Liar and devil! do not touch me! Mar. Spy! Lop. The proof is easy, sire. Expose his arm! Ig. I scorn such proof! And with my sword I ’ll meet
Who dares lay hand upon me! Lab. Justice, sire!
Command him to lay bare his arm! (Silence. Maximilian approaches Ignacio slowly and lays his hand on his arm) Max. (Turning to Marquez, his hand still on Ignacio)
You are a soldier, able and honorable.
I trust you with my captives.... Ignacio,
You are no traitor,—and I trust you with
My confidence. Both are deceived. ’T is I
Must study how to heal this sad division.
... But now, we ’ll sign this necessary law.
Come in with me, my friends. (Exeunt all but Ignacio) Ig. Too noble soul!
Too gentle heart! O foul, most foul betrayal!
He dooms himself. O, Maximilian,
We go on different ways, but each to death!
The truest heart about thee is my own,
And I ’m a spy—death-vowed to be thy foe!
I ’ll warn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause.
Dead I may guard her. Death alone may give
Me to her service. There ’s no oath can bind
The disembodied spirit. (Takes paper from his pocket) Here ’s set down
All I have learned of the Imperial plans. (Burns paper in candle flame) ’T is fixed in memory, and if I live
Juarez shall hear it all,—and—if I die—
The grave is asked no questions. (Suddenly) Rafael!
This signed to-night, to-morrow Rafael dies.
Marquez will cut off all reprieve. One way
Is left.... I ’ll go. With life already lost
Who would not fling the corpse to save a friend?
My honor ’s bound to freedom and Juarez,
My heart bound to the Empress and her lord.
O, love, while I have life thou must command me,
Then to save honor ... let me die!... Ah, could
I save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woe
Awaits thy heart, madonna, saint ... and love!
Might I but say farewell before I go,
Then I could spur to death with happy heart,
And I must travel fast to reach Savarro. (Takes a lady’s glove from his bosom) My treasure, come! (Enter Carlotta) Car. It must be signed ... it must ... (Sees Ignacio) Ig. O, little finger casements, do you mourn
Your pretty tenants lost?—five rose-sweet nuns
That pray at one white shrine! (Kisses glove) Car. (Advancing) I hope, my friend,
She ’s worthy of your noble love. Ig. O, madam,
In her doth Heaven on earth make sweet beginning.
And aspirations tend her from the skies. Car. And she is beautiful as good? Ig. O, fair
As olden marble walking down to us.
Or that immortal Helen on whose lip
Poets still feed the dream that’s never fed! Car. She must be fair indeed. I hope she loves
As much as she ’s beloved. Ig. Nay, she dreams not
Of my poor worship. Car. You must tell her, sir. Ig. With her I have no tongue, and can not woo.
To see her is to think in hurrying dreams
That move about some new desire of God.
Nay, she ’s the picture finished, vision complete,
That perfect stands where dream no farther goes
And shuts the gates to prophecy! Car. Would you
But woo her thus you ’d win her, never fear!
We women would be beautiful, and love
The tongue that makes us so. Go, talk to her
As you have talked to me. Ig. ’T is not the same.
There ’s something in your smile inviteth speech.
Were she but you then would I kneel and say, (kneels)
O rest me ’neath the heaven of your eye
That gathers blessings as the sun his dews
To give again to earth, and let your heart
Throb once with pity sweeter than the love
That other women give, and yet be dumb,
That this sweet moment’s balm may wrap my heart
Till death bids it be still. O, love me not,
But on my head lay thy madonna hand,
And bless me as a mother would her child
Who goes to death in going from her eyes! Car. (Laying her hand on his head)
And I will bless thee, too, as she would do,
True knight of love, gentle Ignacio!
And yet I hope you will ask more of her,
And she will grant it. Ig. (Rising) More is too much. Farewell.
I leave the court to-night,—but go content,—
Ay, happy! (Exit) Car. He leaves the court!... What a strange youth!
But very true and noble, and well deserves
The fairest woman’s love. (Picks up glove dropped by Ignacio) He ’s lost her glove.
I ’ll send it after him. (Calls attendant) Andorro!... Ah!
It is my own! Yes ... yes ... the same ... here is—
My own indeed!... And that is why he leaves
The court!... Poor youth! (She drops glove. Enter Andorro) Ignacio just passed out.
He dropped this glove. His lady’s favor maybe.
I ’m sure ’t is prized. Haste, take it after him. And. (Picks up glove)
Your pleasure, royal madam! (Going) Car. No—that way. (Exit Andorro) ... Unhappy boy!... I ’m glad I sent the glove. (Enter Maximilian and ministers) Car. (Going to him and taking his arm)
’T is signed? Max. ’T is signed, my love. Come, friends! This act
Of wisdom passed gives me a lighter heart! (All but Marquez go into ballroom) Mar. The great death-warrant ’s signed. Ere its black list
Be full, there ’ll be an emperor on the roll! (National music. Dancers seen through doors, the emperor and empress among them) (CURTAIN) ACT III. Scene I: Before the Imperial Theatre. Brilliant lights. Crowd confusedly assembled. All talking. Shouts. Long live the Empire! Citizen. O you mob, you puppet throat, that whistles as you’re squeezed! A Mob Orator. My friends, to-day we gloriously celebrate the birthday of the most glorious empire— Cit. Long live the Republic! Hail to Juarez! Voices. To dungeon with him! The traitor! Tear him to pieces! (Guards dash upon citizen and drag him off) 1st Officer. Don’t tell me the Republic is dead when a man is willing to die just to give one shout for it. 2d Officer. Three-fourths of the Mexicans have hearts of that color. But the Empire stands. Miramon is a miracle. How does he manage it? 1st Off. He understands the use of the bayonet. As our friend over the water says, you can do anything with bayonets but sit on them. 2d Off. Is n’t this a rabble? Motley ’s the only wear in Maximilian’s court. He might succeed in running this country if so many people had n’t come along to help him do it. You ask a French question and you get a Dutch answer. You give an order in Prussian and it ’s obeyed in Irish,— Voices. He comes! Make way! Make way! Hail to Maximilian! Chief Guard. Back, all of you! The Emperor will greet you yonder! We ’ve orders to clear the plaza! Back! Back! His carriage stops! Go, get your places! Out! out! (Guards drive mob out) 1st Guard. If all the Empire’s birthdays are to be like this I hope it will never come of age. It ’s work, I tell you! I ’m dripping like a squeezed cloud! 2d Guard. If it had pleased the Empire to spend a little of the money it has wasted to-day for the widows and orphans it has made— 1st Guard. Sh! 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 would n’t make such a glittering show of myself in that Milan carriage—all gold and silver and tortoise shell, 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 title, friend, but I fear it would be criticised in Europe. (Crowd passes out shouting and dragging carriage) Max. (To Carlotta, as he looks at theatre)
A noble 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!
O love, you shall be mistress of a land
The fairest ever smiled up to the sun!
What say you, Charles? Does not this hour repay
Even the sacrifice of Miramar? Car. (Smiling) Nay, he longs still for the old nooks and books. Char. Let me admit it. This mistress Pleasure, sir,
Though she is fair is not so wondrous fair
As goddess Knowledge. Beautiful as bride
To her lord’s eye is she to worshippers,
Who seek and woo her till she yieldeth up
Her locked virginity—the Truth! Max. (Affectionately) Ay, Charles,
Get knowledge if thou canst, and yet despair not,
For none so poor but virtue may be his;
And though your knowledge is earth’s silver key
That opens man’s and nature’s heart,
’T is golden virtue opens Heaven and shows
The God among his stars.... But, come, dear friends!
Pleasure is a true goddess too. We ’ll show
Her fair respect. (All go into theatre but Charles, who drops back unnoticed) Char. He constantly unmasks me
And knows it not. Knowledge! ’T is withered leaves
Amid a world of dewy boughs! Knowledge!
To one school will I go—one book I ’ll read,
The school of love, the page of woman’s eye,
And I ’ll know more than sages and divines
Who study stars and Scripture!...
‘For none so poor but virtue may be his’
O noble soul, had I been true to thee
I now could open thy deceivÉd eyes.
Crime seals my lips. I can but pray
This empire built on blood may stand. We are
The creatures of our deeds, more bound to them
Than slave to master, for the terms of service
Are fast indentured in the soul and know
No razure!... But I will find Aseffa! Then,
Though sin should set a darkness on my life
To draw each night out to a winter’s length
That constant storms from sallow leaf to green,
Still love’s sweet lamp shall light me! In my heart
’T will be as day! (Enter Aseffa veiled, her dress covered with a black cloak. An attendant following. She tries to cross over to side entrance of theatre. A guard stops her) Asef. I am a singer. Guard. Show
Your pass. Asef. Here, sir. (Guard signs for her to pass on. She sees Charles and stops. Steps before him, throwing back her veil) Asef. You swore to save him! Char. You!
Aseffa! Blest— Asef. You swore it! Char. And would have died
To keep my oath could I have kept it dying. Asef. The Emperor refused you? (He bows his head) Demon! Oh! (Turns to go, moaning) Char. (Aside) I lose her!... Stay! Is there no hope for grief? Asef. Not mine! Can you not read it here? Char. Too well.
Thy sorrow is a veil through which thy beauty
Burns like a shrouded sun. Asef. You pity me? Char. As Heaven knows! Asef. Then you will help me, sir? Char. I ’ll give my life to do it! Asef. Ah, you will?
Then get me access to the Emperor. Char. O sweet Aseffa, you ask a miracle,
And I am sadly mortal. Asef. I knew! I knew!
My misery is your plaything! Char. His ministers
So hedge him with their care— Asef. O spare excuse!
But I shall see him, sir! Ay, face to face! Char. Why would you see him? He can not call the dead. Asef. The dead! Thou hast but daggers for me! Ah! Char. Aseffa— Asef. Yes, I ’ll see him! What think you?
Should I go shouting ‘murderer’ through that hall,
Would he arise and answer to his name? Char. You’re mad, Aseffa! Asef. Thank Heaven I am! ’T would be
The shame of woman to know all that I know
And not be mad! Char. You must not go in there. Asef. (Fiercely) Must not! (Suddenly calm) Nay, sir! Why see, I go to sing
A welcome to the noble Emperor. (Throws back her cloak)
As this dark cloak now hides my gay apparel,
So shall my gay demeanor hide my woe. Char. You would not harm the Emperor? Asef. No need!
Yon moon is worshipped for her borrowed gold,
Though charred and cold without a leaf to dower
Her black sterility. So Maximilian.
Napoleon’s favor is the sun that gilds
His worthless crown. But now the French are going— Char. What? Asef. Ah! The French are going. Char. No! Asef. And Maximilian shall fade to air,
Unheeded as the moon no eye could find
Without her sun! Char. But hearts can live and love
Though Maximilian falls. Asef. Can live—and love!
You torture me! Char. Forgive me. But the share
Must rip the glebe before the corn may spring. Asef. What do you mean, cold Austrian? Char. Austrian! No!
Your southern sun has poured into my veins
A life that makes me new! I feel as you
Those throbs that shake the stars until they fall
Into the heart and make it heaven! My lips
Can move toward lips as haste rose-gloried clouds
To swoon into the sun! Asef. Ah, yes—I know—
You told me that you loved. But why say this
To one who has lost all? Char. I ’d have you learn
That you must live, Aseffa, and life for you
Means love. Your eyes, your lips, your hands, your hair,
Like coilÉd sweetness of the night, and all
Your swaying, melting body, gather love
As roses gather smiles, as waves draw down
The heart-flood of the moon and hold it deep
And trembling. Asef. Sir, your roses, waves, and smiles,
Are poet-nothings. You play with them as shells,
Stirring chance colors for an idle eye.
It is your way of saying, is it not,
That I shall love again? Char. You must! you must! Asef. Such words are like bright raindrops falling in
Another world. They glitter, but I hear
No sound, grief has so closed my ears. Take back
Your comfort. You would be kind, but noble count,
You talk of what a man can never know,—
A woman’s sorrow for a husband loved.
So high no height can reach it, so great and deep
The sea can not embrace it, and yet her heart
Can hold it all. O strangest of all love,
That makes her rather stoop in beggar rags
To kiss the happy dust where his foot pressed
Than from a throne lean down to give her lips
Unto a kneeling king! Char. Aseffa, grief
Is not for you. You must—you must be happy!
The shy and tender Dawn creeps up in fear
That Night has laid some blight upon the world,
But finding all is well, steps forth, and lo!
Out of her courage the great sun is born.
So doth the heart look outward after grief
To find the world all dark, but nay, the light
Is more of heaven than it was before,
Because a face is shining from the clouds.
You dim your loved one’s eyes in paradise
With your earth-tears. He mourns your splendor paled,—
Though ’t must be beautiful to the last tint,
As sunset clouds that bear the heart of day
Into the night. Asef. You but offend my grief.
Sir, keep your flattery for her you love! Char. I flatter thee? It is not possible!
Who dares to add fire to the sun, or bring
The Spring a flower? Be angry if you will.
The morning’s eye is not more glorious
Rising above a storm! I flatter thee!
When but to praise thee as thou art would put
A blush on Poesy that ne’er has rhymed
As I would speak! E’en thy defects would make
Another fair, and were they merchantable
Women would buy thy faults to adorn themselves!
O, sweet— Asef. (Shrinking in horror) What do you mean? Char. (Seizing her hands) You know!
O, all my life has been but dreams of you,
And when I saw you first, my love!—my love!—
As lightning makes the midnight landscape speak
The language of the day, your beauty flashed
O’er all my years and made their meaning clear!
’T was you made sweet the song of every bird,
’T was you I found in every book I loved,
’T was you that gave a soul to every star!
I can not speak it! Kiss me once—but once—
And you will understand! Asef. What thing is this?
It is not man, for man respecteth sorrow,
Nor brute, for it doth speak! Char. O look not down!
Thou canst not guard thee! Every silken sweep
Of thine eyes’ soft defence but whets assault!
You shall not go! You are the element
In which I breathe! Go from me and I fall
A lifeless thing! Aseffa, pity me!
’T is I who die, not you! (Drops her hands and kneels) O blame me not
That I must worship here— Asef. Ah, Rafael,
I ’ll live an hour to pray this wrong away
Before I meet thine eyes! (Goes. Charles grasps her cloak) Beast! Claw me not! (Goes in. Charles gazes after her in a bewildered way. Tries to steady himself, and goes into theatre by main entrance) (CURTAIN) Scene II: Within the theatre. Gay decorations. Part of stage shown, on which chorus is assembled. The Emperor and Empress in royal box. Imperial cabinet and friends in boxes adjoining. Part of pit shown, filled with brightly dressed people. Max. (To Carlotta) O, this is welcome! Are you not happy now?
There ’s not a wrinkle on these smiling brows
Where discontent may write her annals dark!
My empire now is fixed, and strength and love
Are gathering to my side. I can not put
My hand out but ’t is clasped by some new friend. Car. And true? Max. And true. You are too fearful, sweet. Car. And you too trustful. Max. Nay, we can not trust
Too much. Brutus spoke noblest when he said
‘My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
I found no man but he was true to me.’
And I would hope as much. Car. (Aside) None, none are true!
Even I am false who fear to speak my fears
And ease his own when I should quicken them! (Chorus from stage) Hail, ye royal pair, O hail!
Like two souls within one star
May your heavenly light ne’er fail.
Empress and great Emperor! Hail to thee who ruleth mild
As the manger-cradled child!
Hail to her who long may be
Guardian of us and thee! Hail, O hail, ye pair divine!
As two souls within one star
May your light forever shine,
Empress and great Emperor!
(Estrada appears on stage in front of chorus) Est. Great Majesties, forgive our feeble welcome.
We are in all things spotted and imperfect
Save in affection for your Highnesses. Max. (Rising) No, no! My friend—and friends—had you not hearts
That turn to virtue as the flowers to sun,
We had not made such progress to an hour
When all the Empire wears the smile of peace,
And we may rest like Love with folded arms
Round his desire. Est. ’T is you have led us, sire.
Pardon this mockery of what we ’d do
To celebrate this day had we but means.
We shout thy name, but not above the clouds;
We send up fires, but lightnings higher reach:
We have adorned the city and ourselves,
But India and the sea keep back the pearls
We would pour here! Max. Enough—and more, my friends.
O, far too much! None mourn now but the gods
Who are made indigent by this display
Of wealth and joy! Est. (Making low obeisance) We thank your majesty.
This land shall e’er be called the happy land,
And he who rules it— Asef. (Stepping wildly from chorus) Prince of Murderers!
The happy land! O land where widows’ cries
Choke Heaven, and mothers’ tears make each new day
A flood! Mir. Guards there! Take her away! The guards! Max. No! Let her stay! We ’ll answer her! Mir. My lord— Max. Madam, we seek your country’s love. Asef. How do you seek it? By killing her dear sons!
Setting your tigers loose among her children!
Mejia from your very breast makes fire
On patriot virtue! Dupin wets his teeth
By day and night in infant and mother’s blood!
Maximilian,
In brave Trevino’s name, Salazar’s name,
In name of all as noble and as dear
To Mexico as they, who daily die
Beneath their country’s flag the death of dogs,
Shot down by your black law—signed by your hand—
In name of him as dear to me as thou
To that proud woman who shall know what ’t is
To clasp a ghost where throbbed her living love,—
I tell thee—die! (Leaps from stage to Emperor’s box attempting to stab him. As she leaps Carlotta springs before the Emperor) Car. This heart—not that! (Aseffa drops her dagger and stands bewildered. An officer seizes her. Utter confusion in theatre. Maximilian goes onto the stage. Silence) Max. My friends,—
All you who love me see me here unhurt,
And you who love me not, if any ’s here, (Cries of “none, none!”) Take aim now as you will. (Cries of “No! no! no! no!”) A Voice. Long live the Emperor! Maximilian! Max. Then if you love me, friends, I beg you ’ll leave
This place of song and go to the Cathedral.
There pray for me to Him who spared my life,
And, if you will, pray that He yet may spare it
To work His will and yours. (Crowd goes out silently) Mar. (To Labastida) That was well done. Lab. Sincerity is once a diplomat. Car. (To Princess Salm-Salm) Princess, take this poor creature to your care. (Officer releases Aseffa, who goes out as in a dream with Prince and Princess Salm-Salm and several ladies) Mar. (Approaching Maximilian) Your Majesty, let me congratulate—
Ill, sire? Max. Sick, sick, O sick of compliments!
If I ’ve a friend here let me hear the truth!
What did that creature mean? The truth, I say!
(Silence) You, Miramon? Lopez? (Silence) Trevino ’s dead? Lop. He is. Max. And Rafael Mendorez? Lop. Dead.
The woman is his widow. Max. Oh!... And this! (Taking out message)
This from Dupin! ‘All quiet in Savarro.’
It means— Lop. The town is ashes. Max. O God! O God!
You ministers! Ay, ministers of hell!
Didst think ye served the devil? Est. O, my lord— Max. No friend! Not one! Charles! Charles! you must have known!
These foreign hearts have their excuse, but you—
The tower of confidence between us two,
Built part by part by faithful mason hours,
Is shaken to atoms! Char. I will build it o’er! Max. First will the wind-strewn rose upgather all
Her petals from the dust, and cheek by cheek,
Hang them new-smiling on the nodding bough! Mir. Your Majesty, what we have done was done
To save our country and your beloved life.
Your noble heart was blind to your great danger,
And ’t was our duty and our work of love
To save you from your fatal tenderness. Lop. (Kneeling) O gracious sovereign, had I but known
You did not know, I would have dared the wrath
Of all the court, and spoken to you but truth! Max. (Lifting him up) And ’t was your tongue at last that broke the silence,
I must forgive you. Mar. By your necessity,
Your Majesty, we may all hope for pardon.
Juarez, encouraged by the United States,
Is roused again to war. We have appealed
For compromise and terms of friendly union,
But his one answer for us all is—death!
Yet are we faithful to you, sire. Max. O Heaven!
What poisonous opiate have you fed me with
And called it peace? But war is not the worst!
Oh, Miramon, did you not swear to me
All prisoners taken by that cruel law
Should be reported day or night to me
That I might pardon or remit their sentence? Mir. O, sir, you knew not your extremity,
Nor could you know it though we told it you,
The hearts of Mexicans once turned to hate
Are far too deep for sincere eyes to pierce.
But I thank God we knew the danger, sire,
And struck the serpent raised even at your life.
When you, all gentleness, could not have given
The necessary blow. Ay, God be thanked, although
You cast me from your heart. ’T will be my comfort
To know I served you better than you dreamed.
And ’t is the penalty of over-love
To suffer by the hand that (kneels and kisses Maximilian’s hand) it would kiss! Max. Must I forgive him, Heaven? Lab. Ay, sir, you must,
For his deceit was but the greater truth
That served your blind necessity. Est. O, sir,
Do not desert us! If now the Empire falls
’T is death to all that have been true to you.
Juarez will give no quarter to your friends. Max. The Liberals advance? Mar. Each day they’re nearer;
And towns and provinces fall by the way. Berz. Without you, sir, our cause will die in blood,
And Mexico be but a grave for those
Who ’ve loved and served you! Mar. The United States has ranked
Full sixty thousand men on our frontiers,—
But we have France— Max. I am awake! At last!
From now no man shall risk his life for me
But I take equal chance with him! Ah, this
Is war, not murder! Mar. You will lead our troops? Max. I will. Mar. Then Mexico is saved! The way
To win the southern hearts is but to trust them.
Leave at your capital the foreign troops
And lead your native soldiers ’gainst the foe! Car. (Aside) No! Never! Never! Alone with those dark hearts! (Enter Marshal Bazaine with envoy from France, Comte de St. Sueveur, Marquis de Gallifet, and General Castlenau) Baz. My lord, we bring new messages from France. Gen. Cast. Your majesty, we beg your gracious pardon
For this unseemly pressure. Max. You have it, sir.
What says Napoleon? Cast. He greets you, sire, with my unworthy tongue,
And sends this letter. (Maximilian reads) Max. My eyes, I think, turn wizards
And conjure ’gainst the truth that must be here.
For I read false. (Puzzled) What does he mean? Not this— Baz. My lord, my letters make the import clear.
I have instructions here to counsel you
To make immediate abdication. Max. No! Car. What? Abdication? Baz. Ay! That is the word. Car. A word for fear and weakness, not for strength,
And Maximilian is as strong as France
While great Napoleon respects his oath!
His troops are ours— Baz. Nay, princess— Mir. (Fiercely) Her Majesty! Baz. (Sneers) You prize the feather when the cap is lost?
(To the Empress) Pardon a slipping tongue, your Majesty.
Those troops you speak of go with me to France.
Such is my order—such the firm demand
Of the United States. Car. Is France a province
Of the United States? Napoleon
Page, lackey, footboy to America?
Is she an Empire, he an Emperor?
Or have we dreamed he is Napoleon? Max. (Recovered from his bewilderment)
Withdraw his troops! He can not—dare not do it!
’T would blister history’s page to set it down,
And ’t is his burning wish to be the star
Of human chronicles. I ’ll not believe it,
Though all my senses brand confirming yea
Upon my mind. O shout it in my ears,
And let me see the troops go marching out,
Still I ’ll believe it is my eyes and ears
That mutiny, not France turned traitor! Baz. Your Majesty, you must believe the truth,
And make you ready for a swift departure.
’T will not be safe here let a moon go by. Max. If danger ’s here, then here I stay to share it.
Dost think I ’ll leave my friends to die alone
While I by flight dishonor Majesty? Baz. ’T is death to stay. You would not be so mad. Mir. Hail to our new-born king! New-born thou art
Unto our love. Nay, we did love before,
But now we ’ll worship thee. Car. Napoleon!
You shall not do this monstrous thing! You shall not! Baz. The crown of France doth ask consent of none. Car. I ’ll go to him and say such words that from
His shame-marked brow his outraged crown will fall
In horror. I will go! Take out the troops,
Bazaine. Ay, take them out! He will be glad
To send them back and purchase with his blood
Redemption from such shame. He ’ll empty France
To do it! I will go. But I ’ll not kneel.
A thousand years my blood has run through kings,
And he ’s the third Napoleon! (Sinks, exhausted with emotion. Ladies attend her) Mir. The traitor!
We have no need of him! To France, Bazaine,
And tell your Emperor our Emperor
Needs not his fickle strength to stand upon!
Sire, we have men, and money in our banks— Lab. A mighty church whose power is untold
If you restore her rights, as now we hope,
And thus united we shall defy the world! Max. And Heaven, too? For that is what we do
When we set up the church in her old wrongs.
Nay, keep your aid, and I will keep my soul. Lop. Your virtuous angel strives to make you god. Max. No, but to keep me honest. Mar. (Aside to Lab.) Yield to him.
’T is not the hour to cast him off. Lab. My lord,
Your virtue conquers, and unto your hands
I yield the power o’ the church. Max. I thank your grace,
Nor for myself, but Mexico. Baz. I go to France.
What message have you for Napoleon? Max. Tell him that he has placed me here between
Death and dishonor—and my choice is made. (Bazaine and French ambassadors turn slowly and go out) Max. (Quietly to Miramon) We ’ll join you at the door. (Exeunt all but Carlotta and Maximilian. He holds out his arms, and she goes silently to his embrace) (CURTAIN) ACT IV. Scene I: Queretaro. Plaza La Cruz before church and convent. Grey light before dawn. Occasional distant firing of guns. Maximilian comes out of church and walks about plaza. Max. Carlotta! Where dost thou pray to-night? In all
Our fearful scanning of prophetic heavens
No swart star showed us this—our separation.
Thou wert the all of me, the breath, the soul!
Nature conceived thee when her blood was young,
And May was in her spirit, but stayed thy birth
Till Time had taught her skill in all perfections!
... I will not weep.... Yon stars have memories too,
And tell old tales of grandsire suns that shook
Their locks and fell ere they were young who now
Are eld of all!... (Walks) To lie so low.... O man,
Who in the heavens carvest out redemption,
Laying thy golden streets in very skies,
Making the stars but eyets of thy port,
Must thou compact thee to a little earth,
Displace some few small tenants of the sod,
And find thou ’st room enough?... (Looks up) City of dream!
Time’s far ghost inn! Eternity’s mirage!
Desire’s dim temple fashioned out of prayer,
Builded and jointured by no carpenter
But captious Fancy!... O Carlotta, wife!
Thou wert my Christian heart! Faith, faith, my God!
Death to the unbeliever is to land
Upon a coast dumb in the moonless dark,
Where no hands wave a welcome, no eyes shine
With promise of sweet hours, no voices call
The greeting that makes every shore a home.
(Listens) My officers! I can not see them yet. (Goes in. Enter Colonel Lopez in close talk with Lieutenant Garza who is disguised as an Imperial officer) Garza. I ’m satisfied. Lopez. This hill is the key to the city. Gar. Yes. Lop. And yours on terms we have considered. Gar. Here ’s Escobedo’s guarantee. (Gives paper) Lop. This to my pocket, and Queretaro to the Liberals! Gar. ’T is heavy business. You do it lightly, colonel. Lop. The world ’s a feather. Gar. If we but think so. Lop. At dawn my troops are yours. Gar. And you command the Empress’ regiment. Lop. Yes. The pick of Maximilian’s soldiers. Gar. One other question. The southern gate—Hist! Lop. The nuns. (They draw aside and converse. Two nuns come out of convent and cross plaza) 1st Nun. The good Emperor is not out yet. He is often here long before day walking and thinking, ’T is then, they say, his mind is on the blessed Empress who has gone across the sea to get help for him. By day he never speaks her name, but thinks only of our poor country. 2d Nun. Hark! The enemy’s guns! They can not reach us. 1st Nun. Can not? A shell broke here yesterday. The Emperor stood just there. 2d Nun. Holy mother! What did his Majesty do? 1st Nun. He smiled, and said he might have chosen his place better; then moved to the very spot where the ball had burst, as though he hoped another would follow it. 2d Nun. Blessed virgin! Would he die? 1st Nun. I ’m sure he would not live. Come, sister. Ah, we have but one loaf this morning. 2d Nun. Let us be glad we can give that,—for many are hungry. 1st Nun. Many are starved—dead. 2d Nun. But the good Emperor! It is so sad to think of him without food. 1st Nun. He will give this to his officers. Yesterday I saw Prince Salm-Salm and the general Miramon each with a bit of white bread that can not be found in all Queretaro outside of our convent. 2d Nun. The good man! Holy Mother bless and keep him! (They go into the Cruz) Lop. What will you do with Maximilian? Gar. Make a Liberal of him. Lop. Ha! How? Gar. Shoot him! Lop. Shoot him? Gar. Yes. The grave ’s the great republican senate house,—where each man has the floor. Lop. (Laughing) And you will introduce him! Gar. Hark! Lop. The Emperor! Go! (Exit Garza. Enter Maximilian and Prince Salm-Salm) Max. (Greeting Lopez affectionately) You’re early out, my boy. Lop. Your majesty, I am the officer of the day. Max. Yes,—I remember. Who was your friend? Lop. Ramirez, of Dupin’s regiment. Salm. Ramirez! He ’s much changed if that was he. Lop. Shall I call him back, your majesty, that the prince may convince himself that his memory of faces is not infallible? Max. Nay, my trusted two! (Puts an arm about each) Would you might love each other as I love you both. My prince, whose courage is the very heart of my army, and my young hussar, dear for your own sake—dearer still because—she trusted you! (Blasio, the Emperor’s secretary, comes out of the Cruz) Blasio. Your majesty, I have finished the letters. Max. Good. There will be no more to write. (Stumbles over something) What ’s this? Blasio. A fallen Christ. Max. You mean a fallen figure of the risen Christ. Lop. Here is the crown of thorns. Max. Give it to me. (Holds it meditatively) How well it suits my fortunes! Salm. Nay— Max. Ay, better than my golden one. (Gives it to Blasio) Hang it above my bed. My Queretaro crown! Salm. Do not, your majesty! Max. (To Blasio) Take it. (Exit Blasio) Why, prince, ’t is something to have won a crown. My first was given me. (Firing and falling of shells) Salm. I beg you, sire, to move your quarters to a safer station. This is death at any moment! Max. Death at any moment—(Regretfully) And I have been here sixty days. Lop. Courage, sire! Marquez will come! Max. (Eagerly) Has there been news? Lop. Not yet, your majesty. Max. Not yet! What does it mean? You heard him take the oath to bring me help or die. ’T was here he swore—before us all. Vowed to return with troops in fifteen days! Ah, he is dead. Salm. No, your majesty. Max. But if he lives? Salm. He is a traitor. Max. You heard his oath— Salm. A traitor’s oath! Lop. He ’s true, your majesty. His messengers are murdered. Salm. He ’s false! Max. But that means—death. Salm. Or flight. Max. Not flight! (Enter Miramon and Mendez) You’re welcome, gentlemen. Your eyes bring news. Mir. Your majesty, Metz has returned. Max. At last!
News of Marquez! He comes! I know he comes! Men. O, sire,— Max. The faithful Metz! Where is he? Metz. (Entering) Sire! (Kneels) Max. Rise, sir. Metz. O pardon me, your majesty!
I bring but wintry news. Max. Marquez— Metz. Is false. Max. Oh, no, no, no! He comes! I know he comes! Metz. He ’s leagued with Labastida,—for the church
Deserts you too. Max. The church gone with him! No! no! I can’t believe it! Metz. You do not doubt me! Max. Not you! But in my ear
The tale turns miracle! And I must doubt,
Though on your tongue ’t is truth! Metz. ’T is truth indeed!
The troops he was to bring you from the city,
He led for his own glory against Diaz,
Thinking to make himself the conqueror
And president of Mexico. Max. My troops!
What then? Metz. Porfirio Diaz routed them
To the last man. Marquez himself escaped
Alone,—fled unattended from the field. Max. My troops! my troops!... And this is friendship! O God,
Give me but enemies! Salm. Your Majesty— Max. Who calls me majesty? There ’s none in me.
I am a riven oak whose leaf-light friends
Fly with misfortune’s Autumn. (Steps away, bowed in grief) Salm. (Following him) I love you, sire. Lop. (Eagerly) So do we all! Your majesty, believe us! Mir. Canst not spare one who have so many true? Max. Forgive me, friends. This treachery ’s the night
Wherein your hearts of gold beat out like stars! Lop. My life is yours, my lord! Max. Thanks, dear Lopez. (Takes his hand)
In friendship lies the joy superlative,
And nearest Heaven. We touch God’s hand whene’er
We clasp a friend’s.
... But now we must take counsel. Salm. No, sire, we must take action. Pardon me,
But our sole hope of safety lies in flight. Max. What! Leave the town to sack and ruin? No!
Desert the poor inhabitants, so long our friends?
And all our wounded, sick and dying? Never! Salm. But if you stay, my lord, you sacrifice
The living with the dying. Max. Oh, Heaven, Heaven! Lop. Your Majesty, this counsel is not wise.
It is not honor! Salm. Honor will lead the flight!
To stay were crime! Sire, give the order now.
At once! The firing to the north has ceased.
All night I ’ve reconnoitered. The way is clear
For the last time. We ’ll arm the citizens
To cover flight, and in an hour— Lop. We ’ll be
Attacked on every side! A madman’s counsel! Salm. O, sire, lose not a moment! Mir. Lopez is right.
To fly from death is not dishonor, but who
That values honor throws away one chance
Of victory? Salm. There is no chance. Not one!
My word is fly, and I ’m no coward, sire. Max. You ’ve led our troops where every track was blood,
And in the throat of battle, hand to hand,
Have fought with Death! We know you ’ll dare a fight
As far as any man while there ’s a hope
Of victory. Salm. But I ’ll not make my folly
The captain to defeat. Lop. ’T is not defeat!
The Liberals are at their fortune’s ebb.
They’re sick with fear, and tremble in their rags. Mendez. Let ’s fight it out, my lord! Max. With starving men? Lop. We’re starving, but our foes are starved.
Our ammunition fails, but theirs has failed— (A shell breaks near them) Salm. That, sir, unspeaks your words. Lop. Not so. One shell
But tells how few they are, for yesterday
They fell in numbers. And to the north, you say,
The guns are silent. Salm. Sire, a moment lost
May mean the loss of all. (Enter Dupin with two prisoners. Lopez goes to meet him) Dupin. What did you mean by your infernal order to bring these men here? Don’t you know old Saint-face won’t let them be shot? Lop. Keep quiet. They are my captives, not yours. Dup. I ’ve plugged just ninety-eight this week, and it ’s too bad not to make an even hundred. Max. (Approaching) Prisoners? Dup. Deserters, your majesty. They have confessed it. I ’ve brought them here for sentence. Will you have them shot at once, or wait till sunrise? Max. None shall be shot. Not one. How often must we say it? If things go well here, good; if not, still is my conscience clear of blood. (To deserter) You ’ve been with the enemy? 1st Des. Yes, curse the day! Your pardon, blessed majesty! Max. How fare our foes? 1st Des. The best of them as bad as the worst with us. Lop. You note that, prince? 2d Des. We have a little food, but they have none. The country is eaten bare. Diaz is trying to reach them with supplies, but at present there is n’t enough meal in ten miles of the army to make an ash-cake. Lop. More proof for the prince, your majesty. Max. Their powder fails? 2d Des. Yes, sire. ’T would be all the same if it did n’t, for they ’ve hardly strength left to stand on their toes and fire the guns. Max. Poor fellows! Lop. You can not doubt, my lord, that we shall win with the next assault. Mir. Cast fear to the winds, your majesty! Salm. Who spoke of fear? Mir. Not I! Fear is the devil’s magic-glass
He holds before us to swell out our vision,
Turn hares to lions, stones a lamb might skip
To beetling cliffs that ne’er knew human foot,
And slightest obstacles, that do but make
The mind’s fair exercise and moral zest,
To barriers, high as heaven, to success! 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 saintship. (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! Hell’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! Guard. Nay, madam— Princess S. Admit us, sir, or I will beat the door! (Maximilian comes to door) Max. Some trouble here? The princess! Always welcome! Princess S. But such unwelcome news, your majesty!
You know I ’ve rooms at Senor Barrio’s house.
I ’ve long suspected him. Last night he lodged
Two men whose conference I overheard.
All was not clear, but part was clear enough.
One of your trusted officers is false,
And you to-day—this hour—will be betrayed
Unto your foes. Max. Impossible! Princess S. O, sire,
Be blind no longer. This lady heard the men
As I did. There ’s no doubt! Lady. ’T is certain, sire,
That they were officers in the Liberal army,
And spoke of things that set me all aghast. Max. Good women, I thank you, but you are deceived.
There ’s not a man about me whose true face
Is not the table where fidelity
Writes him my own. Princess S. O, sir, ’t is one whose hand
Is in your bosom. Max. Nay— Princess S. That much I know,
Though I know not his name. Max. Bold Miramon
Is staunch as death. Mendez would in his breast
Receive the bullet meant for me. Dupin
Has been too cruel to the enemy
To hope for life even at treason’s price.
And Lopez is my own created love,
The Empress’ guard,—the only Mexic heart
I ’ve taken a very brother’s to my own. Princess S. What shall I do? This moment you must fly!
Stand not, your majesty! ’T will be too late! (Prince Salm-Salm comes to door) Thank God, my husband! His majesty ’s betrayed!
You ’ve never doubted me! Prince Salm. Betrayed? Max. No, prince,— Prince Salm. I ’ll visit every post! Princess S. You but lose time. (The prince hurries out) Oh God! Oh God! Max. Sweet princess, be not troubled.
There is no cause. Princess S. Ah, we are lost! (The bells of the city begin to ring) Max. You hear?
The bells! The enemy has raised the siege!
O joyous news! Princess S. No, no, your majesty.
That is the traitor’s signal of success.
Oh Heaven! Max. What madness! ’T is impossible! Princess S. Those bells proclaim that every Imperial post
Is in a Liberal’s command. We’re lost! (Enter citizens and soldiers in confusion) 1st Cit. What mean the bells? 2d Cit. That Escobedo ’s fled! 3d Cit. Marquez has come! 1st Soldier. No, no! The city ’s taken! 2d Soldier. Juarez is here! The Liberals are on us! (Confused talking and shouts continue. Re-enter Prince Salm-Salm) Max. What is it, prince? Prince Salm. O dearest majesty— Max. The worst! P Salm. ’T is treachery. We are surrounded! Max. Those bells— P Salm. Ring out the enemy’s success.
Each post is captained by a Liberal. Max. (Calmly to princess) Forgive me. You were right. (To Prince Salm-Salm) Who is the traitor? P Salm. Ask not, I beg you. Max. His name! P Salm. Lopez. Max. Lopez? (Staggers)
Unsay that word—and take my crown! P Salm. O, would
I could, your majesty! It is too true! Max. Lopez! Carlotta’s chosen officer!
And heaped with favors high enough to make
A pyramid to faith!... Is this the world,
Or some strange fancy spinning in my eyes? P Salm. My dearest liege— Max. Who would not leave a life
Where such things be, though death were sleep eternal?
... Lead me ’mong shells and bayonets. But not
To kill. My God, there ’s blood enough been shed.
Bid all surrender. Let no more lives be lost.
Farewell, my prince.... Now for a friendly shell!—
Just here! (Striking his heart, rushes out) Princess S. O save him! I am safe! Go! go! (Exit Salm-Salm) 1st Woman. We shall all be butchered! Aseffa. Juarez is no butcher. 2d Woman. ’T is Escobedo leads,—and many have bled by him. Aseffa. Be not afraid. I know the Liberals. Voices. They come! they come! (Miramon and Dupin rush in) Mir. Where is the Emperor? Dup. Emperor dunce-cap! We must look to our own skins. (Enter a score of ragged Liberals led by Rafael. Aseffa stares at him, speechless) Mir. Too late for that! Raf. You are our prisoners. (Liberals take Dupin and Miramon) Soldiers. Shoot them! Shoot them! Miramon and Dupin! The butchers! The dogs! Raf. Hold! You are soldiers! Not murderers! Dup. (To soldiers) You rags and bones! Go wash and eat before you touch a gentleman! Sol. You ’ll not be so nice to-morrow when the worms are at you! Asef. Raphael! (Flies to him) Raf. You here! O blessed fortune! My love! my love! Asef. O, is it true? You are alive! Alive!
I too am resurrected, for I was dead,
Slain with the news that you were murdered! Raf. I ’ve news too bitter for so sweet a moment.
Ignacio bribed my guard—stood in my place—
And died. Asef. (Recoiling) You let him die for you? Raf. No, no!
He carefully deceived me. I thought he planned
His own escape with mine. Asef. O noble friend!...
Juarez! He knows? Raf. Not yet. Asef. What grief for that
Great heart!... But you are here—my Rafael! Raf. By all these kisses—yes! Asef. These are your lips—
Your eyes—your hands—alive! I hear your heart!
Your arms are round me, yet this is the earth!
My country and my husband safe! Raf. God gives
Some moments out of Heaven, and this is one! (Enter a soldier) Sol. The Emperor is captured by Escobedo! Princess S. Not killed! not killed! Thank Heaven for that! Sol. ’t was strange
To see him stand like this (folds his arms) among the shells! Asef. Now I could pity him, for he must die. Princess S. Die, woman! Die? You know not who he is!
Why all the outraged world would rise and raze
This devil’s country from the face of earth
Were Maximilian slain! Let Juarez dare
To harm this son of kings and he will learn
His beggar’s power is but an infant’s breath! Asef. Good madam, you have been my noble friend.
I would not wound you, but would have you know
That better men than Maximilian
Have died for lesser crimes. (Enter Juarez with soldiers. Dawn has gradually opened and it is now broad sunlight) Voices. Juarez! Juarez!
El Presidente! El Presidente! Jua. My men,
The town is ours, and with it Mexico.
Citizens of Queretaro. I give you back
More than your homes,—your liberated country. Voices. Long live the Republic! Liberty forever! (Enter Escobedo) Esc. Your Excellency will see the prisoner? Jua. The illustrious duke? Ay, bring him here. Esc. He comes. (Enter Maximilian under guard) Jua. Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joy
To see you thus. What wishes would your grace
Prefer to us? Max. I have but one request,
Your excellency. If more blood must be spilt,
Let it be mine alone. Jua. We grant it, sir,
With two exceptions justice doth demand.
Dupin and Miramon must die with you.
Dupin, who put to most ignoble death
The noblest prisoners of righteous war.
Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambition
Has sunk his country in her own dear blood,
And would do so again did life permit
Him opportunity. And you, my lord,
Who signed the foulest, most inhuman law
Writ down since Roman Sulla’s hand grew cold. Princess S. O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceived
By treacherous ministers! Jua. His ministers
Were but his many hands, and for their deeds
His heart must answer. Princess S. O could you know that heart! Max. Dear lady, peace. Princess S. Beloved majesty,
I speak for her who prays beyond the sea.
... O, sir, you can not mean that he must die!
Help me, Aseffa! Help me plead for him!
Does not your Rafael live? Asef. He lives because
Ignacio is dead. (Juarez starts) I must be just. Princess S. What has a woman’s heart to do with justice?
’T is mercy is its heavenly quality! Jua. Is this thing true? My boy.... Speak, Rafael.
... Tears in your eyes. You need not speak. My boy ...
Ignacio.... Unto God I give thee!... Princess S. ’T is right
That they who would be gods to others’ woe
Should be proved human by their own. Jua. (Not hearing her) And this
Is what so many hearts have borne since first
The Austrian came. Princess S. O mercy, mercy, sir!
By your own woe show pity unto those
Whose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies!
Be merciful! These tears of mine are but
The first few drops of the unbounded tide
That weeping as the sea weeps round the world
Shall drink thy hated land if this good man
Dies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him! Juarez. Madam, it is the people and the law
Demand this expiation, not Juarez.
I grieve to see you on your knees before me,
But did each queen of Europe—ay, and king,—
Kneel in your place, I could not spare that life. (Silence. Sobs. Juarez signs to Escobedo, who leads prisoners away. Dupin’s broad hat is pulled low. Miramon steps proudly. At exit Maximilian turns and salutes the people) Max. Mexicans! Long live Mexico! (CURTAIN) ACT V. Scene I: Audience chamber, the Tuileries. Louis Napoleon alone. Lou. Succeed or fail! However men may run
The goal is marked. Yet will we race with Fate
In forgone match. Some free of foot and hand,
Some stumbling with huge empires on our backs
Less certain than the overburdened ant
Housing a winter crumb.... Victoire! (Enter Secretary) Sec. My lord. Lou. If any dispatch from the West arrives
Bring it at once. Sec. Yes, sire. (Exit) Lou. America!
Thou strange, new power where each man is a king,
I have obeyed thy will. Pulled down my empire,
Built up that France might the Atlantic stride
And stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slap
Upon the cheek imperial insults
All monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles,
When she should blush to ruddy rage of war.
... The West must go ... but here I ’ll be supreme.
Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict,
And promise aid to each, but in my dream
They both are doomed and France shall reign alone. (Enter Chamberlain) Chamb. Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine. Lou. Bazaine! Admit him. (Exit Chamberlain) ’T is penance night with us,
And this man is the mirror of our conscience,
Showing its foulest spots. (Enter Bazaine) Baz. Sire, I salute you.
Now Paris is the star that all eyes seek.
The Exposition draws the world to you,
Who glitter here as you were made for heaven. Lou. Ay,
Here we would shine that none may see our star
I’ the West grow dark!... Now Maximilian? Baz. He will be shot. Lou. No jests! I ask you, sir,
What terms he may arrange for freedom. Baz. None. Lou. You speak not to a fool. Baz. I trust not, sire. Lou. You know the Mexicans. Tell me the truth. Baz. I know the Mexicans. He will be shot. Lou. God, no! That noble man! Baz. Pray, sir, what fate
Had you in mind for Maximilian
When finding him too true to Mexico
For your proud aims, you sent such covered word
To one Bazaine he could but read therein
A revolution and the Emperor’s fall? Lou. I would have spared his life. Baz. (Taking out paper) Then what means this?
(Reads) ‘France weeps no death that brings her better fortune.’ Lou. You ’d spy a warrant in the alphabet
Did you but wish to find one! Think you that
Meant—death? Baz. (Closer) I know it. Lou. What dare you? Baz. Anything—
With this safe in my pocket. (Puts up paper) Lou. Beware, Bazaine! Baz. When one so mighty as your Majesty
Is my protector? Lou. You— (Enter Chamberlain) Chamb. The Count von Ostein
Beseeches word with you. Lou. He ’s welcome to it. (Exit Chamberlain) Adieu, le marechal. Baz. My lord— Lou. Adieu,
Le marechal. (Exit Bazaine)
Prussia’s ambassador.
Now for our role of cheat and crowned dissembler.
O for a throne where Truth might keep her head! (Enter the Prussian Minister) Welcome, my lord. Prus. Most gracious majesty,
The foreign ministers have come in body
To speak congratulations and confirm
The triumph of the Exposition. Lou. They have our truest thanks. But first, my lord,
A word in private with you. Is ’t Prussia’s wish
That we withhold our aid from Mexico? Prus. A question, sire. You know that Austria threatens.
Is France in this the friend or enemy
To Prussia? There ’s not an inch of middle ground
To stand on. If our foe, then pour your strength
To Mexico. If friend, keep it at home,
Ready for Prussia’s need. Lou. To be your friend
May cost some blood to France. Prus. I ’ve heard it said
The left bank of the Rhine is a fair country,
And worth a little blood. Lou. Enough, my lord.
Let Prussia know she has a friend in France,
And with your sanction cover our retreat
From Mexico. (Enter Chamberlain) Chamb. Pardon, your majesty.
The Empress of Mexico begs audience. Lou. Carlotta? No! Chamb. She presses urgently
To enter. Lou. Here?... We sent our word to her
At Miramar!... And yet—she comes—she ’s here.
... Admit the deputation, and summon, too,
Our Empress. Chamb. The Empress comes.
(Enter Eugenie attended. Exit Chamberlain. Enter guards) Eug. I hear the ministers
Have come to us with state congratulations,
And though unbidden, I ’ll not leave my chair—
The co-seat of imperial dignity—
Vacant at such a time. Lou. Welcome, Eugenie.
We were about to summon you. Eug. Thanks even
For tardy courtesy. Lou. But we have more
Than compliments to hear. Carlotta waits
Our audience. Eug. Carlotta! I can not see her! (Rises) Lou. Nay, it was you first cast ambitious eye
To Mexico. Now see the end. Eug. My lord— Lou. Be seated, madam. Eug. You command me, sir? Lou. We do. Eug. (Going) Come, ladies! Lou. (To guards) Let no one pass out! Eug. France, sir, shall know this outrage! Lou. When you wish
To make it known. (Enter ambassadors, Austrian, Russian, Italian, Belgian, and others) Rus. Most glorious Majesty! Belg. Mighty France! It. Italy’s savior! Aus. Christendom’s king! Lou. I thank you, my good lords; but we’re too sad
To smile at compliments; Carlotta comes
To beg our power to uphold her throne,
Though Heaven has decreed her empire’s fall.
We ask you hear our open clear defence,
And help set forth our duty, that the Empress
May see our wisdom through our tears. It. We ’ll lend
Your Majesty what voice we can. Lou. I thank you.
(Aside to Austrian) My lord, a word. The Prussian talons creep
Toward Austria. France is your friend. Aus. O, sire! Lou. If you would have her strong pray that no sword
Of hers be lost in Mexico. Aus. I will,
My lord. (Enter Carlotta, attended by Count Charles, Count de Bombelles, her priest, and women. She goes to Louis and would kneel. He takes her hand) Lou. An Empress must not kneel. Car. I ’m still
An Empress, sir? Lou. Once to have worn a crown
Is always to be queen. Car. Sire, mock me not.
Didst mean no more than that? Lou. Lady, you come
To beg your empire? Car. I do not beg, Napoleon.
I come to ask you keep your sacred oath,
But do not make a beggar of me, sir,
Who was a princess in my cradle. Lou. Nay,
Royal Carlotta, if beggar here must be,
See one in us who sue your gentle patience.
While strength was ours to give we gave it you,
But now is France grown needy of her troops,
With Europe surging to a conflict round her. Car. My lord— Lou. America turns baying on us.
Should we make war on one who twice o’ercame
Our island neighbors when she was but child
To what she now is grown? Prus. Your majesty,
’T would be a folly for a clown, not king. Car. America? Easier to stop her now
Than it will be when she wears Mexico
Like sword at her right side. Austria, Prussia,
Strike you no more at neighbor throats, but come
And win a fight for God. Napoleon, come!
There lies a world that’s worth the price of war.
Whose swelling breasts pour milk of paradise,
Whose marble mountains wait the carver’s hand,
Whose valley arms ne’er tire with Ceres’ load,
Whose crownless head awaits the diadem
That but divine, ancestral dignity
May fix imperishably upon it! A bride
For blessed Rome! And will you give her up
To ravishers? To enemies of the Church?
To unclean hands ne’er dipped in holy chrism? Aus. The time ’s not ripe for our united swords
To ransom her. Car. The time is always ripe
For a good deed. Napoleon, you will come!
And though you fail, failure will be majestic.
Withdraw like frightened schoolboy and you make
Your throne a penance stool whereon you sit
For laughter of the nations. But come, and though
You fail, when time has brought America
To her full, greedy strength, these scornful kings
Will then unite in desperate endeavor
To give your great conception form and face,
And at your tomb they ’ll lift their shaken crowns
And beg a pardon from your heart of dust! Prus. (Aside) He ’ll yield to her!... Most noble lady, we— Car. I speak, sir, to Napoleon. Lou. What help
Can Austria give? Aus. Sire, she has many troubles.
The clouds of war threat her with scarlet flood,
And little strength has she to spare abroad
When foes besiege at home. Car. And Austria’s chief
Is Maximilian’s brother! It was not so
That day at Miramar when three proud crowns
Took oath to serve him in an hour like this.
Austria powerless! And Belgium—dead.
But France—Ah, France, she will prove noble, loyal
To God and honor! Lou. My honor, dearest lady,
Permits me not to risk my country’s life
That you may wear a crown in Mexico.
I can not save your empire. Car. Then let it fall,
But save—my husband’s life! (Astonishment and silence) Lou. You speak but madly.
America has sent us guaranties
She will demand that Maximilian
Be held but as a prisoner of war.
The Mexicans dare not proceed against him
Contrary to the mighty government
That is sole friend unto their scarce born state. Car. America demands with paper words
That can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him?
Let her demand his life with cannon turned
Upon his murderers. Then, sire, I ’ll trust
To their obedience. Till then I ’ll plead
With you. All hope is here. Lou. Not so, dear lady.
Italy, Austria, and your Belgium,
Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him. Car. Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law,
Are his sole need. Should God send angels there
He ’d choose but those who bear the flaming sword.
... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties,
In his own hand set down! Here he vows faith
To Maximilian—and to Heaven! Hear!
‘I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oath
Upon the honor of a man and king—’
Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot?
Then let my tongue be as a burning pen
To write it new upon your heart! Lou. No! no!
In God’s name, no! Aus. Dear lady, this is torture. Car. Torture for you?—for him? Then what is it
For me, my lord? Prus. Wouldst have his majesty
False to his country to be true to you? Aus. The oath he took was, by the courtesy
Of nations, subject to the change that time
Visits on countries as on men. Car. You ’d win
His sword from me that you may use it! Sirs,
He plays you ’gainst each other as the eagle
Sets ospreys in contention over prey
That he may filch the prize! Lou. Carlotta! Car. Be warned!
He ’ll know no ease till in your capitals
He has re-crowned the great Napoleon! Lou. Nay— Car. Stop me not! Here you shall stand as bare
To these men’s eyes as you do to my own! Lou. My lords, you will not let her troubled mind
Weaken your trust in me? Prus. Your majesty,
We know you noble. Car. Noble! Napoleon,
This wondrous city is aflame with joy,
The blazing fires now dart aloft and write
In golden light your name upon the skies,
But in your heart will burn a torch of hell
Unquenchable, if you deny me aid! Lou. Dear madam, pray believe that I am helpless. Car. You are as strong as France, Eugenie, help me!
If e’er you held a dear head on your breast—
You have!—for you ’ve both son and husband! Ah,
I have no child. My lord is all to me.
O put your two in one and you will know
What now I plead for! By the kisses dropped
Upon your baby’s cheek, and by the hope
That you will see him grow up at your side,
Another self with heart-strings round your own,
I pray you, lady, soften that stone heart!
I kneel to you, an empress though my crown
Has fallen, as yours I pray will not,
And at your footstool beg my husband’s life! (Eugenie rises) By your child’s love, I beg you for one word!
Help me, Eugenie, or the day will come
When you will know a crown is but a band
Of metal cold, and one warm kiss more dear
Than all such circling glory! When you will grow
Mad with the longing but to touch the hand
Now lies in yours as it would never part,
Strain for the face whose beauty fed you once
Until your madness builds it out of air
To gaze with sweet unhuman pity on you
Yet come not near for kisses! O, even now
I look through sealed up time unto a night
When sleep will fly from your woe-drownÉd eyes,
And you will cry to Heaven for blessed death
To lead you from the midnight desolation!
Eugenie, save thyself! For thy own sake
Show pity unto me, and in that hour
Receive the mercy that thou now dost give! Eug. (Going) Help me! I ’m ill! (Her women assist her out) Car. Gone! Gone? And yet a woman!
Ah, there ’s a God will suffer not this wrong!
... Napoleon— Lou. Nay, madam, we ’ve said all.
I can not cast my country into war.
You but fatigue yourself. Car. O Heaven! Fatigue!
Canst think of that when Maximilian
Is facing bayonets for honor’s sake? Lou. Believe me, he is safe! Car. I tell you no!
To-day the guns from Mont Valerien
Pealed out your glory! Your arm was in the arm
Of Prussia’s monarch, and Waterloo forgot!
You laughed with Austria’s chief, as though the duke
Of Reichstadt were not dead! The bloody snows
Of Moscow melt in Alexander’s smile!
Edward’s in France, St. Helena ’s a myth!
And all the world is trooping here to feed
Your monstrous vanity! But let the morn
Bring news of Maximilian’s death,
These kings will shudder from you as from plague,
The conscious earth refuse your feet a base
For shame to bear you! Then will begin your fall.
Down, down you ’ll creep to an unpitied death,
And winds that shriek around your exile bed
Will cry me prophetess! Lou. (After a silence) Your audience
Is over. Pray go and rest. You need much sleep. Car. A woman sleeps not till her heart is safe.
My eyes shall not be closed till I ’ve your answer. Lou. You have it, lady, and we beg you leave us. Car. Leave! leave! O sir, it is a lie I hear! (Falls at his feet)
You did not say it! See! I kiss your feet! O sir— Lou. (Withdrawing) You put us to discourtesy.
Since you will not withdraw, we leave you. Car. (Leaping up) Coward!
Then, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France!
Thou art a murderer, and I have kissed
The devil’s hoof! (Exit Napoleon) (Carlotta stands dazed, looking after Napoleon. Puts her hand over her eyes. Count Charles goes to her) Char. Dear madam, come with me. (She looks about bewildered) One of her women. Your majesty,
We pray you come. Car. (Strangely) Yes—yes— I ’ll go. Away! (Exit with her attendants) Aus. A gloomy business, truly. Prus. ’t has wrought upon me. (Re-enter Napoleon) Lou. My lords, believe me grateful for your help
In this most wretched business. (Enter Secretary) Sec. A dispatch, sire, from Mexico. Lou. We ’ll hear it.
All here should share this news with me. Sec. ’T is short,
Your majesty. Lou. The sooner read. We wait. Sec. (Reads) ‘By order of Juarez, the Austrian duke, Ferdinand Maximilian, has been shot.’ (Silence. Napoleon groans) It. It can’t be true! Bel. ’T is false! I ’ll not believe it! Prus. Grieve not, your Majesty. This is a mock
Dispatch. Aus. A noble archduke! Bound by ties
Of blood and love to every court of Europe!
Believe this not, my lord! Sec. Your Majesty,
This second message from America
Confirms the other. Lou. ’T is true! My God, ’t is true! It. Carlotta! Who will tell her? Lou. None shall do it!
She must not know. Rus. Pardon me, sire, she must. Lou. Then his death bullet has not stopped its flight.
’T will end but in her heart. (Re-enter Count Charles. Napoleon silently gives him the despatch, which he reads with great agitation) Char. (To himself) O terrible! And yet
No news to me—to me. Lou. You ’ll tell her, sir? Char. There is no need, my lord. Her reason ’s fled.
She ’s mad. Bel. ’T is Heaven’s mercy! It. Unhappy woman! Char. She is not wild, but gentle, and thinks, my lord,
You ’ve granted her request. Lou. Noble Carlotta!
My lords, forbear awhile. I ’d be alone. It. God grant you rest. (All go out but Napoleon) Lou. These kings I ’ve called here to a dance must lead
A funeral. What can I say to them?
To Austria—his brother! England—his own cousin!
To Belgium—her brother! Spain— O, all
The world, that loved him!... An Emperor—and shot. (Musical procession passes in street. Shouts of ‘Vive l’ empereur! Vive l’ empereur!’) He too heard shouts like those—saw fires ascend
To write his triumph—ay—and he is cold—
Quite cold—shot dead.... Carlotta! prophetess!
I feel—I know—thy oracle ’s from God! (Falls at the foot of the imperial chair) (CURTAIN) Scene II: Miramar. A balcony overlooking the sea. Lady Maria alone. Mar. Here they went out together—arm in arm,—
Sweet, healing spirits to a bleeding land.
Down yonder terrace to the sea they passed,—
He unto death, and she—to—(Sighs deeply) Car. (Without) Cousin! Mar. Ah! (Turns smiling to greet Carlotta who enters carrying flowers) So early out? What treasures have you there? Car. The sweetest flowers that ever peeped up head.
They grow along the path in that dear wood
Where Maximilian took me gypsying
When we grew weary of the world. Mar. I ’m sure
That was not often. Car. True. We loved too well
Our work among the people to hide ourselves
In little corners of delight. But oh, those times!
How he would catch me as I ran and say
His little wild-girl with her flower crown
Was dearer than his princess ermine-gowned.
And so I ’ll wreathe these buds into my hair,
And meet him as he loved me best. (Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea) To-day!
This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him! (Drops flowers in trance of happiness) Mar. Sweet Empress— Car. Empress? No! To-day I am
His little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers.
O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless! (Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them) You see this flower? Mar. ’T is very beautiful.
What is it? Car. I ’ve seen it only in our wood.
Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (Sings) In a young, sweet hour of Spring
I sat ’neath an old tree to sing
Of love, only love!
The little brook took up my tune
And to his soft green banks did croon,
The green grass rippled to the tree
And every leaf shook melody
Of love, only love!
And then the birds that flitted by
Told it the clouds that told the sky,
And all the world to song did start
With what I sang but to my heart!
Ay, all the world sang back to me
A little maiden ’neath a tree
Of love, only love!
(Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria) Ah, cousin, do you think he ’ll be delayed? Mar. Dear madam, I fear me so. Car. These ships! these ships!
How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones!
The wandering treasures of our empty arms!
The western waters must have sirens too,
And will not let him pass. Mar. Indeed they would not,
Did they but know what majesty is in him. Car. (Embracing her) O help me love him, dear. My heart ’s too small. (Enter Count Charles) Char. A message. Car. Oh! a message! I do not want
A message. Char. The admiral of the port has word
The Emperor’s ship ’s delayed. Car. Why, we ’ll not weep....
’T is but a day.... (Goes forward, looking out) To-morrow, then—to-morrow!
(To Lady Maria) Why do you weep? A day ’s not worth a tear.
See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade.
I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path....
(Suddenly) Cousin, why wear you black? Mar. (Confused) I—madam—I— Car. Such sable hues for this so rosy day?
Go dress your body like our happy hearts!
Dost think a coffin comes across the sea?
A coffin—(Shudders) Go! I can not bear this black! (Exit Lady Maria) I am displeased. Have I not reason, Charles?
’T was very wrong of her to dress in black
When Maximilian comes. I will go in.
I ’m tired—but I am very happy. Ah! (Exit) Char. O wounded heart! Thus every day she hopes,
And every day begins her hope anew.
It is my penance now to watch her sorrow,
To guard perfection’s wreck in her sad body,
And hear the name of Maximilian fall
Each moment from her lips. O, God, remember
When once I am in hell, I ’ve suffered here! (Re-enter Carlotta) Car. I can not stay away. This is my place.
Here will I catch the first light on his sail.
O Charles, dear Charles, to-morrow we shall see him!
Look in his noble eyes,—ah me, what eyes!
Dost not remember? Talk of him, cousin.
It brings him faster to me. My heart! my heart!
This waiting breaks it though ’t is but a day!
An hour that keeps him from me lengthens like
The drawn out ages ’tween the ends of time!
But oh, to-morrow! Let me think of that!
Then will the small globe of mine eye contain
The wide and complete world of my desires!
... Have you forgot Aseffa? You do not speak;
But you have not forgot. She said—Oh, cruel!—
That he, my Maximilian, should lie cold
While yet my arms were warm and reaching for him.
How could she say it? But you stood by him—you—
His faithful friend. You knew ’t would ne’er be true!
... Do you remember, Charles, the winter day
He climbed to Valtelina’s ice-bound huts
To bear the starving people food? Char. Yes—yes!
’T is my sole virtue to remember his! Car. And when the flooding Ambro left her banks,
Rolling a very sea o’er farm and town,
Who was the first to ride the dangerous waves,
A rescuing angel saving man and child? Char. ’T was Maximilian! Car. Yes, our Maximilian.
I feared the Mexicans would take his life.
Was not that foolish, cousin? I should have known
God could not spare him from His world. Hast heard
The men of Licio tell how he was first
To bring them aid when all their silkworms died
And silence struck the looms that gave them food?
This man will say ‘I have a son alive
Because of Maximilian!’ And that will say
‘I have a daughter now to tend my age,
Because the Lombard governor brought bread
Unto her cradle.’... And he is coming back.
... Beautiful Miramar! We ’ll never leave thee,
Though stars should beckon to a golden world!
To-morrow he ’ll come! Maximilian! (Holds out her arms toward the sea, looking radiantly into distance) Charles! (Turns suddenly, laying her hand on his arm)
Look! What men are those? Do you not see them? Char. There ’s nothing, cousin,—nothing but the sea. Car. Oh, look! They wear the Mexican dress! Char. Come in,
Sweet princess! Car. Ah yes, they’re Mexicans. Char. Come!
You ’ve had some fever. ’T is a sick-room vision. Car. No, no! I ’m well! Ah, never in such health!
I see like God! O look! A score of them!
Moving but silent as death! Where are they marching?
The sun gleams on their guns! O see, Charles, see!
There is a prisoner! Poor man! poor man!
I can not see his face. He walks most sadly,—
And proudly too! An upright soul, I know! Char. Dear cousin, come away! Car. He ’s humbly dressed,
And but for that I ’d think he might be royal,
Ah, royal as Maximilian! O Charles,
I am so glad he ’s safe upon the sea!
Safe—safe—and coming to me! Char. (Most pleadingly) Come, wait within,
Dear princess! Come! Car. I will not leave him! No!
The poor, sad prisoner! Those cruel weapons!
I fear—I fear—he is condemned to die.
... Perhaps he has a wife. Ah me, I pray not.
Then would be tears! He is a noble man,—
But still his face is from me.... They reach the field.
The soldiers halt and lift their guns. O how they gleam!
... I can not see.... Why is the face so dim?
Will no one save him? Let us pray for him!
We can do that! Down on our knees and pray!
O men, men, men! What sin beneath the sun
Can give excuse for such a deed as this?
O, Heaven, are you looking too? A man
So noble! Oh, he turns—he turns—his breast
Is to the weapons! Now they fire! He falls!
His face! (Gives a wild cry) Oh God! ’t is Maximilian! (Falls forward on her face) (CURTAIN)
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