Raf.Yes—dear Aseffa—but—(Faints)Asef.Rafael! Rafael!Ah dying! O my pratingvirtue ’sgone!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 ’shere?Asef.There ’swine in the general’s tent! Rafael!My love, my love, look up!... O Mexico,With all thy veins of gold thou art not worthOne dear drop of his blood!(Enter General Trevino)Trev.What ’sthis new grief?Not Rafael!... He faints.’T ishunger ... 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 ’llquarter whereWe can.... A horseman! If’t isIgnacioWe shall have news.(Enter Ignacio, from riding)Ig.Who ’shere?Trev.Ignacio?Ig.(Saluting) Your pardon, sir!Trev.You’re from the capital?Ig.Three days ago I left the city.I ’vesleptOn 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 CruzBegan the unholy pageantry, that showedAs Christ had come again and all men knew him!Each province drained its beauty by the way;The mules that drew him caught the vanityAnd 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 monthsDid 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 landTo France, then set the sword of Europe ’gainst usBecause we could not pay the unjust debtFrom treasuries that his own hands had emptied.O,’t wasa crime too big for Heaven’s eye,And so God let it pass! France could not know—But our own people knew—how Juarez toiledTo shape the nation to his noble thought!Ig.Yes—yes—they knew!Trev.We ’llbreak our swords, my boy.We have no country.Ig.Is my uncle yetIn 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 missYour breakfast, but I pledge my swordyou ’llhaveTo-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 dukeThat with a stolen crown mocks majesty!Ig.He looks like majesty, and yet is gracedWith Nature’s gentlest stamp; his countenanceTakes beauty from his smile; his smile, one thinks,Takes sweetness from a heart that has its ownNobility from heaven.Trev.An enemyWell praised!Asef.The empress? She bewitched you too?(Ignacio is silent)Come, sir! The truth of her!Ig.The truth? Go askThe angels.They ’vetongues 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 truthWould put an empress’ foot upon our necks.Asef.What is she like?Ig.Like nothing but herself.She is not gentle, for gentleness is butRude servant to that quality in her;Graciousshe ’snot, for grace herself doth serveA poor handmaiden to her excellence;Nor beautiful, for Beauty asks her nameTo 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 ’lllet him know the hearts he left i’ the hillsStill beat with loyal blood!Shouts.Juarez! Juarez! (Enter Juarez. Silence)Jua.Trevino!Trev.Your Excellency! (They embrace)You ’veheard?Jua.I know.Now monarchy has spread her gilded sails,And from the East comes like another sunTo blind our eyes with wonder of a crownWhile 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 theunpalingstarOf 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 showsHer conqueror? She has a heart beneath!Ay, sir, did she not prove it at Puebla?Where dead fell on the dead with gun in handStill pointed to the French! Where, hope once lost,And the enemy pouring through the shattered gates,Our men blew up their city and themselvesTo keep their souls free from Napoleon!These men have brothers left, and sons,Andthey are Mexico!Soldiers.El presidente!Liberty and Juarez!A soldier.(Waving his sword)We ’llbe 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 ’vebut to wait—and strike. Yon mists now spreadTheir fair illusion o’er the eternal mountains’Till ’tseems they are the world, and the great hillsAre naught. But by to-morrow’s noon-sun seeTheir fortunes faded as a dream of night,While the rock peak looks up as if to sayFrom the foundation of the world I am!So will this glamour o’er our godly causePass as a breath, while all the world shall readOur right and title to unbonded lifeIn our free bosoms founded and God-set!A soldier.We ’lldie for freedom!Jua.Die? That’s the one thingWe can not do. We may lie down in graves,But from our living dust will spring new challengeTo make in noble minds continual warUntil our race be righted!Trev.Many flyFrom our misfortunes. Amaldo and LeVal—Jua.Call ’tnot misfortune that teaches us our friends.Now are we sifted and the chaff is known!... LeVal! ... But Diaz is true?Trev.On yonder mountainHis fires make answer for him.Jua.(Looking into distance) Forgive me, comrade!I know you true, and sooner will yon moonMake her last change and fall than you change onceFrom 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 ’sbutThe drift-piece of a rotten monarchyThat thinks to graft upon the living treeOf our new-sprung republic!We ’llshake him offAs 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 joinHer cause with his.Jua.The church? Say not the church,But mockers in Christ’s name, who steal the landAnd drain its fruitage into Satan’s purse,Keeping the poor a race of hopeless slavesWho worship their own shackles! O, Ignorance,Thou art the great slave-master! Thy very chainsAre vital and beget themselves; and heWho strikes them seems the monster of the earthTo the poor serf who thinks it is himselfThat bleeds! The church be with our foe, with usBe God,we ’llask no more. Hear me, my men!The great republic of theNorth ’sour friend.When her own war is doneyou ’llhear her speakTo France in cannon tones that will make quakeNapoleon on his throne! That great mock-god.Who seeks to free all men that he may fitTheir necks to his own yoke! (With growing intensity) That adder whoWould coil about the world! That serpent scruffedWith white deceit and low ambition’s slime,That crept into the garden of my dreamAnd cankered bud and root, nursed by my toil,Fed with my dearest blood! Ay, he will quake,And cry for mercy to a stony HeavenWhose pity drops long since were drained uponThe 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 ’shad no rest.Jua.True ... true....Ig.And need none whenJuarez commands.Jua.(Taking his hand)Thou ’rtstill my son. My houseWill 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, andhe ’llcome back.Ignacio ’syet unanchored. Trust him notTo 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 undertakeThis night for Mexico!Ig.By Christ’s own blood.I swear, and may that blood be powerlessTo save me from the damned if I prove false!Jua.The stars that holdThe witness angels of the Lord have heardThy 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 hereAnd on thy son drop wisdom out of Heaven,That these thy children he may lead to peace,And this thy country give again to himWho 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 ’vecaught Trevino!Mejia.Rafael Mendorez too.Mar.Still better.You ’llhave them shot at once?Mejia.They ’vetoo many friends. I must have the emperor’s warrant.Mar.He will sign the decree to-night.Mejia.The Lord be thanked!I ’mtired 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, MarshalBazaine, General Miramon, and Count Charles)Mir.Your majesty will sign the law to-night?Max.These men wear the brave name of soldiers; fightBeneath 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 crownTo claim each subject of the land my own.Mir.And so you may, your majesty.’T istrue.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 paleThey have outbarred themselves. Our honest landHas cast them out as venom to her health!Nurse not this canker in your realm, my lord!Max.I do not know ... buthere ’smy 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 menFight ’neath a flag, and for supposéd rights,You violate the law of noble nationsIn sentencing to death the prisonersOf recognizéd war.Baz.(Sneering) Sir, recognized?Char.Does not the United States still call JuarezThe president of Mexico?Baz.Why, count,You ’dbest 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 iswe should ask your pardonFor having failed to lustre as we shouldThis seeming-dark decree,—so wise, so just,And as undoubtedly your duteous actAs though some stern necessity of the starsEnjoined 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 ’llsign. The Liberals must be dispatchedFast as we capture them, forwe ’veshort time.The United States will soon be free againTo turn to us, and what we wish to doMust be well done ere that. Dispatch! Dispatch!Use Maximilian and the French to crushThe Liberals, then with the church uniteTo pull down Maximilian and set up—Marquez!... The Empress—and Ignacio!One I suspect,—a half-breed full of pride!Who ’dhave the court forget his Indian motherAnd 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 ’vemet strange looks to-night!Ig.But not unkind ones, noble madam?Car.O, suchAs 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 yoursWhere 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 waswrong to ask, for you have kinsmen maybe,Brother, or uncle, some one dear in bloodWhom Heaven bids you cherish. But you will guardYour Emperor!You ’llwatch with me for foes?For foes? He has none! How the thoughtBlasphemes his excellence! But’t isa worldWhere whitest merit draws the darkest soulsTo prey upon it, while mere indifferent goodEscapes!... Ignacio, is it true, JuarezIs not in Mexico?Ig.O, madam!Car.Ah!Is ’ttrue 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 istime now to be up or treacheryWill 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 smileTill 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 heDo not this thing, for every act of hisNot marked with justice to his enemiesWill rob him of the pity they would showWhen victory is theirs! He writes his doomAs certainly as he doth set his nameTo that black law, and gives Dupin his willAmong 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 ’strue!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 fallenIn this blood-drunken land!There ’sbut one way...We must not fall!...’T iswar, then,—war! Not forAn 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 ’llread 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 allThe 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 nighSorrow from thy breast shall fly!Princess S.A friend, you say? I thank you,’t wasnot my husband!Gip.And yet a husband he,And many tearsthou ’ltsee!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 ’mcontent. What I choose for myself I will abide, and what I choose not is the gift of God andI ’llabide 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 ’sa 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 iscrime indeed!Ladies.Villain!Asef.Help me to Maximilian! O, I must see him! You called him gentle! When I tell him what Rafael is—thefairest soul man ever called a foe—Ig.Softly, Aseffa! You can not see the emperor to-night.Asef.I must! To-morrow’t willbe too late! He dies at sunrise!Ig.Rafael! My friend! my brother!—Asef.Quiet! quiet! Smile, Ignacio! Ha! ha!I ’llpray it be not true, sir!Ig.But you can see Count Charles.He ’sMaximilian’s very heart, and once you win him the Emperor is won. Go in! Go in!I ’llbring 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 herWould 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 isdone!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 ’sfinished! ButI ’llpick my hour for it!Mendorez safe! Ay, ifhe ’sbullet-proof!(Re-enter Carlotta with Archbishop Labastida)Lab.I thank your Highness for this gracious moment!Most holy Empress—Car.Not holy, sir, and yetI hope with touch of God’s anointment on me.Lab.Did it but rest with you His love would soonLike 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 zealIs jewelled in his heart,—but urges meTo speak to Maximilian of his strangeReluctance to fulfill his promise.Car.Promise?Lab.To give the Church the olden glory thatShe shone with here! Restore her rights—Car.’T istrueHe promised that, and he has kept his wordAs an account with God. He is convincedThe rights claimed by the Church are stolen rightsShe wrung from ignorance for her earthly glory,Andhe ’sresolved to maintain Juarez’ lawSo far as it accords with justice.Lab.Madness!Call back Juarez to power! Yield the throneTo the republican! For’t willso endIf Maximilian scorns us and our help!Car.He does not scorn you, sir, but seeks to findWhere the division comes ’tween you and ChristAnd 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 reasonTo 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.MaximilianMeans France, and France we must keep ours,—at leastTill we have finished with the Liberals,—Lab.And then?Mar.We need not go so far to makeA wiser choice.Lab.(Looking at him meaningly)Not far indeed!Mar.I thank you.But that’s hereafter. Come with me, your grace.I ’dspeak 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 ’mnot going to throw away the lives of any more Frenchmen just to give him a chance to play atclemency! An emperor should be a sort of vitalized stone, capable of action but incapable of impression.Dup.ThenI ’mthe man for emperor!I ’vealways suspected my qualifications for the part. By the lord,I ’vemade 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 ’vecalled me the ‘Tigre’ since then.You ’veheard about that! (Struts and sings)I ’mthe tigre of the East,Got my claws in old PekinWhen the yellow kids we fleecedAnd 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 viewBy 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.Thenhe ’sthe 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 aidMethought it was divinity that spoke,So sacred sweet seemed the request.I ’llsaveYour 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 lovesAnd take their sum a thousand times a thousand,’T willbe the smallest part divisibleOf my dear love for Rafael!You ’llsave 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 lipsThat swept like drifting roses o’er my hands—Both hands,—sweet equity! Still are they warmAs they were dipped in summer, though her touchWas maiden light nor robbed him of a jotWho should have all. Her husband—’t wasa wordShe used to slay me with!... Even in sorrowShe is more fair than any other fairMet on a holiday. But when she smiledShe 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 outSince I was ten than to have lost it so,For going all at once it takes my lifeAnd I must lose my life or follow it.Ah, love should come like waves unto a shore,Softcreepingup and back and up again.Till taught to stand receptive we are firmWhen the last, highest wave envelops us.... May God restore me!... O her beauty burnsAs she were limned by lightning on the night!Her eyes are torches that EternityLends life to read her dreams! Her cheekIs June within a bud! Her veins have caughtThe falling sun that in them strives to riseTo a new dawn!... And I must save him—save him!This unknown man that holds the flaming swordAbove my paradise!... If this decreeIs signed she will be widowed ... (Stops in horror)I am mad!...... She will be free ... Away, sweet hell, whose faceIs masked like heaven!... Let solid earth be air,The air be lead, light change to dark, and darkBe as the sun,’t willbe no miracleWhen 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 willbe 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 ’llsee to it, sir, that these towns play nolove-trickswith 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 ’llcut 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 ’sonly one left to oppose it—Charles.Mir.My lord,you ’dset a scholar’s word againstA 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 fearwe ’llpass 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 deepTo your good heart?Mir.My lord—Max.Forgive me, Charles,For pressing you so much.We ’llrest to-night.To-morrowthere ’llbe 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 ’llkeep 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 firstSo small a gnat did give her birth, but grewSo great her feet o’erturned proud cities whileHer head upset the gods in council. So thisSmall trouble may o’ercast your destiny—Andis ’tnot better, sir, to pass a law,However dreaded, ’gainst the rebel fewThan that the nation trusted to your careShould be broad cursed with civil slaughter?Max.Better?If such a danger threatens’t isa crimeNot 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 wishOf Heaven has power over you; and ChristBe your most high example, you will proveA careful guardian to your trusting people,And crush this villainous and robber raceNow 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 isthe 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 setYour name where Heaven’s seal already shines.Ig.The seal of Hell! O noblest man that breathesThis corrupt air, take back that word of deathEre 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 friendsAre many whose nearest kinsmen nobly servedThe 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 deathShall have our pardon.Ig.Then,you ’llpardon twoNow 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 wasto 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 shotLike beasts!Max.We ’lllook to this. Marquez, at onceSend a dispatch commanding they be heldAs prisoners of war untilwe ’vetimeTo examine them.Mar.I will, your majesty.Ig.My lord, at Callovalla when the FrenchHad routed the Republicans, there cameAt night some student priests into the fieldTo help the wounded and to cheer the dying.This man, Marquez, set on them with his troopAnd made them prisoners. The morning sunBeheld each saintly minister shot dead.And you would trust this devil with the lifeOf captive foes? A man whose hands are redWith God’s own blood?Mar.He lies! Your majesty,I ’llprove him traitor to your very eyes!Ig.Traitor?Mar.Ay, sir, and spy! Lay bare his arm,And see the branded cross!—the sacred markOf thosewho ’vesworn 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 swordI ’llmeetWho 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 withMy confidence. Both are deceived.’T isIMust study how to heal this sad division.... But now,we ’llsign 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,AndI ’ma spy—death-vowed to be thy foe!I ’llwarn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause.Dead I may guard her. Death alone may giveMe to her service.There ’sno oath can bindThe disembodied spirit. (Takes paper from his pocket)Here ’sset downAll I have learned of the Imperial plans.(Burns paper in candle flame)’T isfixed in memory, and if I liveJuarez 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 wayIs left....I ’llgo. With life already lostWho would not fling the corpse to save a friend?Myhonor ’sbound 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, couldI save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woeAwaits 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 mournYour pretty tenants lost?—five rose-sweet nunsThat pray at one white shrine! (Kisses glove)Car.(Advancing) I hope, my friend,She ’sworthy 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, fairAs olden marble walking down to us.Or that immortal Helen on whose lipPoets still feed the dream that’s never fed!Car.She must be fair indeed. I hope she lovesAs much asshe ’sbeloved.Ig.Nay, she dreams notOf 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 dreamsThat move about some new desire of God.Nay,she ’sthe picture finished, vision complete,That perfect stands where dream no farther goesAnd shuts the gates to prophecy!Car.Would youBut woo her thusyou ’dwin her, never fear!We women would be beautiful, and loveThe tongue that makes us so. Go, talk to herAs you have talked to me.Ig.’T isnot the same.There ’ssomething in your smile inviteth speech.Were she but you then would I kneel and say, (kneels)O rest me ’neath the heaven of your eyeThat gathers blessings as the sun his dewsTo give again to earth, and let your heartThrob once with pity sweeter than the loveThat other women give, and yet be dumb,That this sweet moment’s balm may wrap my heartTill 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 childWho 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 deservesThe fairest woman’s love. (Picks up glove dropped by Ignacio)He ’slost her glove.I ’llsend 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 leavesThe court!... Poor youth! (She drops glove. Enter Andorro) Ignacio just passed out.He dropped this glove. His lady’s favor maybe.I ’msure’t isprized. Haste, take it after him.And.(Picks up glove)Your pleasure, royal madam! (Going)Car.No—that way.(Exit Andorro)... Unhappy boy!...I ’mglad I sent the glove.(Enter Maximilian and ministers)Car.(Going to him and taking his arm)’T issigned?Max.’T issigned, my love. Come, friends! This actOf wisdom passed gives me a lighter heart!
Raf.Yes—dear Aseffa—but—(Faints)
Asef.Rafael! Rafael!Ah dying! O my pratingvirtue ’sgone!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 ’shere?
Asef.There ’swine in the general’s tent! Rafael!My love, my love, look up!... O Mexico,With all thy veins of gold thou art not worthOne dear drop of his blood!
(Enter General Trevino)
Trev.What ’sthis new grief?Not Rafael!... He faints.’T ishunger ... 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 ’llquarter whereWe can.... A horseman! If’t isIgnacioWe shall have news.
(Enter Ignacio, from riding)
Ig.Who ’shere?
Trev.Ignacio?
Ig.(Saluting) Your pardon, sir!
Trev.You’re from the capital?
Ig.Three days ago I left the city.I ’vesleptOn 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 CruzBegan the unholy pageantry, that showedAs Christ had come again and all men knew him!Each province drained its beauty by the way;The mules that drew him caught the vanityAnd 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 monthsDid 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 landTo France, then set the sword of Europe ’gainst usBecause we could not pay the unjust debtFrom treasuries that his own hands had emptied.O,’t wasa crime too big for Heaven’s eye,And so God let it pass! France could not know—But our own people knew—how Juarez toiledTo shape the nation to his noble thought!
Ig.Yes—yes—they knew!
Trev.We ’llbreak our swords, my boy.We have no country.
Ig.Is my uncle yetIn 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 missYour breakfast, but I pledge my swordyou ’llhaveTo-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 dukeThat with a stolen crown mocks majesty!
Ig.He looks like majesty, and yet is gracedWith Nature’s gentlest stamp; his countenanceTakes beauty from his smile; his smile, one thinks,Takes sweetness from a heart that has its ownNobility from heaven.
Trev.An enemyWell praised!
Asef.The empress? She bewitched you too?
(Ignacio is silent)
Come, sir! The truth of her!
Ig.The truth? Go askThe angels.They ’vetongues 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 truthWould put an empress’ foot upon our necks.
Asef.What is she like?
Ig.Like nothing but herself.She is not gentle, for gentleness is butRude servant to that quality in her;Graciousshe ’snot, for grace herself doth serveA poor handmaiden to her excellence;Nor beautiful, for Beauty asks her nameTo 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 ’lllet him know the hearts he left i’ the hillsStill beat with loyal blood!
Shouts.Juarez! Juarez! (Enter Juarez. Silence)
Jua.Trevino!
Trev.Your Excellency! (They embrace)You ’veheard?
Jua.I know.Now monarchy has spread her gilded sails,And from the East comes like another sunTo blind our eyes with wonder of a crownWhile 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 theunpalingstarOf 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 showsHer conqueror? She has a heart beneath!Ay, sir, did she not prove it at Puebla?Where dead fell on the dead with gun in handStill pointed to the French! Where, hope once lost,And the enemy pouring through the shattered gates,Our men blew up their city and themselvesTo keep their souls free from Napoleon!These men have brothers left, and sons,Andthey are Mexico!
Soldiers.El presidente!Liberty and Juarez!
A soldier.(Waving his sword)We ’llbe 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 ’vebut to wait—and strike. Yon mists now spreadTheir fair illusion o’er the eternal mountains’Till ’tseems they are the world, and the great hillsAre naught. But by to-morrow’s noon-sun seeTheir fortunes faded as a dream of night,While the rock peak looks up as if to sayFrom the foundation of the world I am!So will this glamour o’er our godly causePass as a breath, while all the world shall readOur right and title to unbonded lifeIn our free bosoms founded and God-set!
A soldier.We ’lldie for freedom!
Jua.Die? That’s the one thingWe can not do. We may lie down in graves,But from our living dust will spring new challengeTo make in noble minds continual warUntil our race be righted!
Trev.Many flyFrom our misfortunes. Amaldo and LeVal—
Jua.Call ’tnot misfortune that teaches us our friends.Now are we sifted and the chaff is known!... LeVal! ... But Diaz is true?
Trev.On yonder mountainHis fires make answer for him.
Jua.(Looking into distance) Forgive me, comrade!I know you true, and sooner will yon moonMake her last change and fall than you change onceFrom 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 ’sbutThe drift-piece of a rotten monarchyThat thinks to graft upon the living treeOf our new-sprung republic!We ’llshake him offAs 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 joinHer cause with his.
Jua.The church? Say not the church,But mockers in Christ’s name, who steal the landAnd drain its fruitage into Satan’s purse,Keeping the poor a race of hopeless slavesWho worship their own shackles! O, Ignorance,Thou art the great slave-master! Thy very chainsAre vital and beget themselves; and heWho strikes them seems the monster of the earthTo the poor serf who thinks it is himselfThat bleeds! The church be with our foe, with usBe God,we ’llask no more. Hear me, my men!The great republic of theNorth ’sour friend.When her own war is doneyou ’llhear her speakTo France in cannon tones that will make quakeNapoleon on his throne! That great mock-god.Who seeks to free all men that he may fitTheir necks to his own yoke! (With growing intensity) That adder whoWould coil about the world! That serpent scruffedWith white deceit and low ambition’s slime,That crept into the garden of my dreamAnd cankered bud and root, nursed by my toil,Fed with my dearest blood! Ay, he will quake,And cry for mercy to a stony HeavenWhose pity drops long since were drained uponThe 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 ’shad no rest.
Jua.True ... true....
Ig.And need none whenJuarez commands.
Jua.(Taking his hand)Thou ’rtstill my son. My houseWill 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, andhe ’llcome back.Ignacio ’syet unanchored. Trust him notTo 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 undertakeThis night for Mexico!
Ig.By Christ’s own blood.I swear, and may that blood be powerlessTo save me from the damned if I prove false!
Jua.The stars that holdThe witness angels of the Lord have heardThy 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 hereAnd on thy son drop wisdom out of Heaven,That these thy children he may lead to peace,And this thy country give again to himWho set his iron in the earth and said“Man, make thy weapon; there shall be no slaves!”
(CURTAIN)
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 ’vecaught Trevino!
Mejia.Rafael Mendorez too.
Mar.Still better.You ’llhave them shot at once?
Mejia.They ’vetoo many friends. I must have the emperor’s warrant.
Mar.He will sign the decree to-night.
Mejia.The Lord be thanked!I ’mtired 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, MarshalBazaine, General Miramon, and Count Charles)
Mir.Your majesty will sign the law to-night?
Max.These men wear the brave name of soldiers; fightBeneath 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 crownTo claim each subject of the land my own.
Mir.And so you may, your majesty.’T istrue.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 paleThey have outbarred themselves. Our honest landHas cast them out as venom to her health!Nurse not this canker in your realm, my lord!
Max.I do not know ... buthere ’smy 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 menFight ’neath a flag, and for supposéd rights,You violate the law of noble nationsIn sentencing to death the prisonersOf recognizéd war.
Baz.(Sneering) Sir, recognized?
Char.Does not the United States still call JuarezThe president of Mexico?
Baz.Why, count,You ’dbest 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 iswe should ask your pardonFor having failed to lustre as we shouldThis seeming-dark decree,—so wise, so just,And as undoubtedly your duteous actAs though some stern necessity of the starsEnjoined 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 ’llsign. The Liberals must be dispatchedFast as we capture them, forwe ’veshort time.The United States will soon be free againTo turn to us, and what we wish to doMust be well done ere that. Dispatch! Dispatch!Use Maximilian and the French to crushThe Liberals, then with the church uniteTo pull down Maximilian and set up—Marquez!... The Empress—and Ignacio!One I suspect,—a half-breed full of pride!Who ’dhave the court forget his Indian motherAnd 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 ’vemet strange looks to-night!
Ig.But not unkind ones, noble madam?
Car.O, suchAs 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 yoursWhere 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 waswrong to ask, for you have kinsmen maybe,Brother, or uncle, some one dear in bloodWhom Heaven bids you cherish. But you will guardYour Emperor!You ’llwatch with me for foes?For foes? He has none! How the thoughtBlasphemes his excellence! But’t isa worldWhere whitest merit draws the darkest soulsTo prey upon it, while mere indifferent goodEscapes!... Ignacio, is it true, JuarezIs not in Mexico?
Ig.O, madam!
Car.Ah!Is ’ttrue 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 istime now to be up or treacheryWill 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 smileTill 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 heDo not this thing, for every act of hisNot marked with justice to his enemiesWill rob him of the pity they would showWhen victory is theirs! He writes his doomAs certainly as he doth set his nameTo that black law, and gives Dupin his willAmong 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 ’strue!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 fallenIn this blood-drunken land!There ’sbut one way...We must not fall!...’T iswar, then,—war! Not forAn 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!
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 ’llread 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 allThe sorrow that thou yet hast known!
Days of darkness, days of moan!A friend shall sigh, a friend shall fall,And wring thy bosom more than allThe 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 nighSorrow from thy breast shall fly!
But ere thy last hour be nighSorrow from thy breast shall fly!
Princess S.A friend, you say? I thank you,’t wasnot my husband!
Gip.
And yet a husband he,And many tearsthou ’ltsee!
And yet a husband he,And many tearsthou ’ltsee!
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 ’mcontent. What I choose for myself I will abide, and what I choose not is the gift of God andI ’llabide 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 ’sa 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 iscrime indeed!
Ladies.Villain!
Asef.Help me to Maximilian! O, I must see him! You called him gentle! When I tell him what Rafael is—thefairest soul man ever called a foe—
Ig.Softly, Aseffa! You can not see the emperor to-night.
Asef.I must! To-morrow’t willbe too late! He dies at sunrise!
Ig.Rafael! My friend! my brother!—
Asef.Quiet! quiet! Smile, Ignacio! Ha! ha!I ’llpray it be not true, sir!
Ig.But you can see Count Charles.He ’sMaximilian’s very heart, and once you win him the Emperor is won. Go in! Go in!I ’llbring 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 herWould 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 isdone!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 ’sfinished! ButI ’llpick my hour for it!Mendorez safe! Ay, ifhe ’sbullet-proof!
(Re-enter Carlotta with Archbishop Labastida)
Lab.I thank your Highness for this gracious moment!Most holy Empress—
Car.Not holy, sir, and yetI hope with touch of God’s anointment on me.
Lab.Did it but rest with you His love would soonLike 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 zealIs jewelled in his heart,—but urges meTo speak to Maximilian of his strangeReluctance to fulfill his promise.
Car.Promise?
Lab.To give the Church the olden glory thatShe shone with here! Restore her rights—
Car.’T istrueHe promised that, and he has kept his wordAs an account with God. He is convincedThe rights claimed by the Church are stolen rightsShe wrung from ignorance for her earthly glory,Andhe ’sresolved to maintain Juarez’ lawSo far as it accords with justice.
Lab.Madness!Call back Juarez to power! Yield the throneTo the republican! For’t willso endIf Maximilian scorns us and our help!
Car.He does not scorn you, sir, but seeks to findWhere the division comes ’tween you and ChristAnd 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 reasonTo 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.MaximilianMeans France, and France we must keep ours,—at leastTill we have finished with the Liberals,—
Lab.And then?
Mar.We need not go so far to makeA wiser choice.
Lab.(Looking at him meaningly)Not far indeed!
Mar.I thank you.But that’s hereafter. Come with me, your grace.I ’dspeak 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 ’mnot going to throw away the lives of any more Frenchmen just to give him a chance to play atclemency! An emperor should be a sort of vitalized stone, capable of action but incapable of impression.
Dup.ThenI ’mthe man for emperor!I ’vealways suspected my qualifications for the part. By the lord,I ’vemade 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 ’vecalled me the ‘Tigre’ since then.You ’veheard about that! (Struts and sings)
I ’mthe tigre of the East,Got my claws in old PekinWhen the yellow kids we fleecedAnd 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 viewBy that most convenient queue,When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!
I ’mthe tigre of the East,Got my claws in old PekinWhen the yellow kids we fleecedAnd 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 viewBy 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.Thenhe ’sthe 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 aidMethought it was divinity that spoke,So sacred sweet seemed the request.I ’llsaveYour 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 lovesAnd take their sum a thousand times a thousand,’T willbe the smallest part divisibleOf my dear love for Rafael!You ’llsave 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 lipsThat swept like drifting roses o’er my hands—Both hands,—sweet equity! Still are they warmAs they were dipped in summer, though her touchWas maiden light nor robbed him of a jotWho should have all. Her husband—’t wasa wordShe used to slay me with!... Even in sorrowShe is more fair than any other fairMet on a holiday. But when she smiledShe 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 outSince I was ten than to have lost it so,For going all at once it takes my lifeAnd I must lose my life or follow it.Ah, love should come like waves unto a shore,Softcreepingup and back and up again.Till taught to stand receptive we are firmWhen the last, highest wave envelops us.... May God restore me!... O her beauty burnsAs she were limned by lightning on the night!Her eyes are torches that EternityLends life to read her dreams! Her cheekIs June within a bud! Her veins have caughtThe falling sun that in them strives to riseTo a new dawn!... And I must save him—save him!This unknown man that holds the flaming swordAbove my paradise!... If this decreeIs signed she will be widowed ... (Stops in horror)I am mad!...... She will be free ... Away, sweet hell, whose faceIs masked like heaven!... Let solid earth be air,The air be lead, light change to dark, and darkBe as the sun,’t willbe no miracleWhen 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 willbe 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 ’llsee to it, sir, that these towns play nolove-trickswith 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 ’llcut 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 ’sonly one left to oppose it—Charles.
Mir.My lord,you ’dset a scholar’s word againstA 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 fearwe ’llpass 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 deepTo your good heart?
Mir.My lord—
Max.Forgive me, Charles,For pressing you so much.We ’llrest to-night.To-morrowthere ’llbe 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 ’llkeep 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 firstSo small a gnat did give her birth, but grewSo great her feet o’erturned proud cities whileHer head upset the gods in council. So thisSmall trouble may o’ercast your destiny—Andis ’tnot better, sir, to pass a law,However dreaded, ’gainst the rebel fewThan that the nation trusted to your careShould be broad cursed with civil slaughter?
Max.Better?If such a danger threatens’t isa crimeNot 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 wishOf Heaven has power over you; and ChristBe your most high example, you will proveA careful guardian to your trusting people,And crush this villainous and robber raceNow 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 isthe 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 setYour name where Heaven’s seal already shines.
Ig.The seal of Hell! O noblest man that breathesThis corrupt air, take back that word of deathEre 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 friendsAre many whose nearest kinsmen nobly servedThe 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 deathShall have our pardon.
Ig.Then,you ’llpardon twoNow 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 wasto 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 shotLike beasts!
Max.We ’lllook to this. Marquez, at onceSend a dispatch commanding they be heldAs prisoners of war untilwe ’vetimeTo examine them.
Mar.I will, your majesty.
Ig.My lord, at Callovalla when the FrenchHad routed the Republicans, there cameAt night some student priests into the fieldTo help the wounded and to cheer the dying.This man, Marquez, set on them with his troopAnd made them prisoners. The morning sunBeheld each saintly minister shot dead.And you would trust this devil with the lifeOf captive foes? A man whose hands are redWith God’s own blood?
Mar.He lies! Your majesty,I ’llprove him traitor to your very eyes!
Ig.Traitor?
Mar.Ay, sir, and spy! Lay bare his arm,And see the branded cross!—the sacred markOf thosewho ’vesworn 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 swordI ’llmeetWho 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 withMy confidence. Both are deceived.’T isIMust study how to heal this sad division.... But now,we ’llsign 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,AndI ’ma spy—death-vowed to be thy foe!I ’llwarn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause.Dead I may guard her. Death alone may giveMe to her service.There ’sno oath can bindThe disembodied spirit. (Takes paper from his pocket)Here ’sset downAll I have learned of the Imperial plans.
(Burns paper in candle flame)
’T isfixed in memory, and if I liveJuarez 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 wayIs left....I ’llgo. With life already lostWho would not fling the corpse to save a friend?Myhonor ’sbound 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, couldI save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woeAwaits 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 mournYour pretty tenants lost?—five rose-sweet nunsThat pray at one white shrine! (Kisses glove)
Car.(Advancing) I hope, my friend,She ’sworthy 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, fairAs olden marble walking down to us.Or that immortal Helen on whose lipPoets still feed the dream that’s never fed!
Car.She must be fair indeed. I hope she lovesAs much asshe ’sbeloved.
Ig.Nay, she dreams notOf 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 dreamsThat move about some new desire of God.Nay,she ’sthe picture finished, vision complete,That perfect stands where dream no farther goesAnd shuts the gates to prophecy!
Car.Would youBut woo her thusyou ’dwin her, never fear!We women would be beautiful, and loveThe tongue that makes us so. Go, talk to herAs you have talked to me.
Ig.’T isnot the same.There ’ssomething in your smile inviteth speech.Were she but you then would I kneel and say, (kneels)O rest me ’neath the heaven of your eyeThat gathers blessings as the sun his dewsTo give again to earth, and let your heartThrob once with pity sweeter than the loveThat other women give, and yet be dumb,That this sweet moment’s balm may wrap my heartTill 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 childWho 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 deservesThe fairest woman’s love. (Picks up glove dropped by Ignacio)He ’slost her glove.I ’llsend 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 leavesThe court!... Poor youth! (She drops glove. Enter Andorro) Ignacio just passed out.He dropped this glove. His lady’s favor maybe.I ’msure’t isprized. Haste, take it after him.
And.(Picks up glove)Your pleasure, royal madam! (Going)
Car.No—that way.
(Exit Andorro)
... Unhappy boy!...I ’mglad I sent the glove.
(Enter Maximilian and ministers)
Car.(Going to him and taking his arm)’T issigned?
Max.’T issigned, my love. Come, friends! This actOf wisdom passed gives me a lighter heart!