Sem.The accident?Khos.’t wasnotDesigned?Sem.It was ... for you.Khos.By Ninus?Sem.Ay.You were to die.Khos.Then you—you knew—that he—(Starts from her in horror)Sem.What ’sin thy mind? What thought doth paint thy faceIn dreadful silence? Oh! you think that I—(Looks at him with equal horror. Removes farther from him, regains composure, and speaks with haughty coldness)This serves me well! Right well, Armenian!Yes—yes—I knew—I knew the king would fall.But knew, too, sir, that Vassin was below,And, by my precious gods, I did not dreamHe would not save his king! While you—my guest—You would have gone to death!Khos.Forgive me!(Semiramis walks farther, not heeding him)Oh,I found a stream that ran from heavenly springsAnd in it cast the soot of hell!Sem.Well served—Well served, Semiramis!... I was so sad ...And would not be content to let him go ...I wanted but a word ... a word to cheer me ...And now I have it—murderess!Khos.(Who has advanced to her) No, no,I did not say it!Sem.The tongue may well keep silentWhen eyes speak lightning. I have heard too much!’T werebetter I had let you die!Khos.Ay, better ...Better than this!Sem.Now, now I am Assyria!No more a woman! Softness to the winds!And let my heart be as my armor—steel!Khos.Thou canst not make it so by saying it.There is no cold or heat may temper heartsAway from their true nature. Mail thyselfFrom head to foot,thou ’rtstill Semiramis!Sem.A queen!(An officer enters, left)Off.Your majesty, an urgent handBrings this report.(Gives paper to her, which she reads)Sem.The Ghecs are in revolt!Thank them for me! They could not show me favorMore to my heart!(Exit officer, left)I ’msick of peace—this peaceThat gives men time to brood and breed foul thoughtsAnd fouler deeds! Give me the open war whose blowsRain down as free as moonbeams from the sun!Who meets me there I know, at least,he ’sbrave,And there—Khos.Semiramis!Sem.(Proudly) Armenia, speak!You have our leave.Khos.These Ghecs—my father isTheir ancient, sworn ally!Sem.Well, sir?Khos.His oathBinds him to give them aid.Sem.The braver thenThe battle!Khos.I am my father’s son!Sem.You meanWe ’llmeet upon the field!Khos.I can not takeThe field against you!Sem.No? Why not?Khos.You know!Because I love you!Sem.Sir, I am Assyria!Khos.Nay, but Menones’ daughter! She whose heartI touched—Sem.You touched?Khos.Ere taint of pride or powerOr mad ambition had laid a canker there!When she was maiden still, and knew no thoughtShe might not whisper in her father’s ear!Gentle as Spring when hushing the young dove,But strong from virgin battle, with the flushOf valorous purpose pure as goddess’ dreamStarting the noble war-blood in her cheek!’Tis she I speak to now—she that I love—Not the proud queen grown bold in blood and triumph!Love me, Semiramis! You shall have peace!Not this sick peace that turns your heart to hate,But peace that charms the beauty back to lifeAnd new dreams to the soul! O, no more war!Then lilies springing in thy steps shall sayWhat fairer grace went by! These fingers shallForget the sword whose music is men’s groans,And on sweet strings draw out the heart of loveTo give the world the key of melody!Ah, you shall war no more—Sem.Sir, you forget!These Ghecs—Khos.Will not revolt if I becomeAssyria’s head! They trust me as their—Sem.You!Assyria’s head! You! you! O, now I see!I ’mnot yet blind, although my heart was fastUpstealing to my eyes to make me so!Khos.O clear thy sight a second time, my queen,And read me true!Sem.And you had almost moved me!Khos.Melt, stony eyes—Sem.Themagic ’sleft the earthThat had the power to soften them!Khos.Not so—Sem.You ’dkeep me still the general’s humble daughterWhile you would wear the glory I have won!Khos.Nay, by Mylitta’s fire!—Sem.We ’dwar no more.For who has all may well hang by the sword!Khos.By Heaven, I—Sem.O, you are man ashewas!(Looks toward the garden shuddering)I ’lltrust no more!Who ’sworthy trust will give it!So saidst thou once! But thou couldst doubt—so darkA doubt my soul—Khos.Nay, that’s not my offense!You are a woman, and you must forgive!But you are queen, too, and the queen in youGuards her ambition from my honest loveLest it divide her glory!Sem.True, she guards it!Out of Assyrian stoneI ’llmake a heartAnd wear it in my bosom!Khos.Do not say it!I did not mean the words! They are not so!Thou dost not know thyself! Hard are the lipsThat never know a kiss, and thine were madeWith softness of the rose! Though all the streamsOf power on earth poured to thy sovereign sea,Still wouldst thou want, and empty be the heartOne drop of love would fill!Sem.You speakAs to a woman!Khos.Ay, for so thou art!Be now thyself! Thy peace alone I plead!I can bear all but thy unhappiness!For love—true love—forgets itself and makesBut one prayer unto Heaven—prayer for the goodOf the beloved!Sem.Thou wouldst not share my throne?Khos.Thy throne?Sem.Ay, so I said.Khos.I care not for it,But since ’tis thine, I could not be a manWorthy thyself and take a place beneath thee.I ’dbe thy husband, and I knowthou ’rtnotA woman to look down and love!Sem.O theftIn argument! To make my monarch soulSpeak from thy mouth against me!Khos.Not against thee!To beg thee yield to love is but to pleadThy greater cause! Ah, days will come to theeWhen all the maiden in thy heart will riseAnd drown the queen’s! Thou canst not call me back!To-morrow is the battle! O, I liedTo say thou wert ambitious and ungentle—Sem.No, thou didst not! ’Tis true! I am—Khos.No, no!I ’llprove it is not so! See here—the dove—That nestles at your breast! Why is it here?Sem.Because I was a woman once—and dreamedOn foolish, woman things! (Frees bird from her bosom)Fly! fly!And as I pluck thee out I pluck awayAll thought of mortal love, and stand aloneBeneath Assyria’s crown!Khos.(Gazes at her in despair) ThenI ’llbe gone!Sem.You ’vepleaded well, but my domains are broad,And might give tongue to wilder eloquenceWithout love’s sweet excuse!Khos.No more! I go!(Moves off, left. Near exit, turns)I lead my father’s troops!Sem.I lead my own!(Exit Khosrove. She looks after him without moving until he passes out of sight. The moonlight is less bright. Her dove flies over her head. She starts and looks after it. The bird alights. She watches it eagerly and waits. It circles about her, then darts to her bosom. With an exultant moan she clasps it to her breast)(CURTAIN)ACT IV.Scene: Within Husak’s tent. Husak, Khosrove, Armenian lords and soldiers.Husak.Bring in the widow!(Exeunt officers)Now, my son,thou ’ltseeAssyria at thy feet. Ay, she who scornedTo match her crown with thine, shall low as earthCry up for favor!Khos.Sir, I would not see it!Hus.Still in that humor? Well, I promise theeShe shall have mercy.Khos.Mercy, father?Hus.Ay.Khos.What wilt thou grant?Hus.Ask of thy heart,(Khosrove is about to speak) Peace, boy!For oncewe ’llbe a father, not a soldier! Wait!(Khosrove kneels and kisses his father’s hand as Semiramis enters between guards. She is robed and crowned, her arms fettered with golden chains, and holds herself proudly, not looking at Husak. She turns to Khosrove, who watches her eagerly)Sem.We meet again. Wert thou upon the field?I saw thee not. Perchance thy father thought’T werewise to find his health and lead his troopsLestLoveshould blunt thy sword!Hus.By Bel, his swordWas sharp enough to find the heart of Sumbat,—Your general!Sem.Sumbat slain! (Turns to Khosrove) and slain by you!Khos.I had my choice—to slay him or to die.Sem.(With bitter scorn) And did the love that makes one prayer to HeavenRule in that choice?Hus.These taunts, Semiramis—Khos.Nay, father, she has cause to use me so.Sem.Oh, you confess you played with me! Then, heart,In with thy scorn for this outbraves thy own!(Turns away, folding her chained hands on her breast, and stands as if she would speak no more)Hus.You make no suit for mercy?Sem.(Turning to him) What! from thee?Who kill your captives ere your tent is struck,Nor spare a guard to drive them from the field?Hus.I grant what I would ask—death before serfdom!You ’dkeep them for your dogs and slaves!Sem.And whenAm I to die? Why breach thy custom now?Hus.We like your spirit, but push not so far,Or we shall break the boundswe ’veset ourselves.Have you not found us gracious to your rank?You look not like a prisoner!Sem.No thanksFor that! This robe and crown, these chains of goldAre compliments that Husak pays himself,Proclaiming him a royal victory,Though not a royal victor!Hus.What! Dar’st flingInto my face that the Armenian kingsRule unanointed? Dost think that I would sueTo Nineveh or Babylon for leaveTo take my kingly emblems from their hands?But thou—thou shalt owe thine to me! I wearNo proud insignia of the gods, and yetMy hands shall strip and clothe thee as I will!(Tears off her robe and crown)Khos.Father!Hus.By sun and moon—Khos.O, sir—Hus.Her prideInsults my mercy, butI ’llkeep my word.Take these. (Gives him the robe and crown)Now, woman, learn that Husak—ay,Husak, the Fierce, can pity fallen glory!Stand forth, my son! Look, captive, on this prince!A man not made to sue to less than gods!Make him thy husband-king, and from his handsReceive thy purple and remount thy throne!(All are astonished. Khosrove shrinks back in shame, which Semiramis misunderstands)Sem.Methinks this lover makes no ardent suit,King Husak! Why, the sun has not twice setSince he did swear me dearer than my crown,And now thecrown ’stoo much if my poor selfMust burden it!(Khosrove kneels before her, holding up the crown)Hus.Rise, sir! You give, not sue!(Semiramis looks down on Khosrove, then turns to Husak)Sem.Thank, thanks,Old man, for making me once more myself!For by the blood that storms through all my veinsI knowI ’mstill a queen! Now all the prideThat lives in my lost crown, and all the scornShould meet thy fawning suit, be in my words,—I do refuse your son! AssyriaShall owe her throne to none!(Khosrove springs up, trampling the robe)Hus.Now thou wilt rise!A prince who might have gone with gods to wiveNor bated them in choice! This to my face!I, Husak, fawn on woman! Out with her!Drag her to death! To instant death! Out! out!(Guards approach Semiramis)Khos.Toinstantdeath?Hus.(Looks searchingly at him.) Ha! ha! Not yet!She ’sthine!Choose thy revenge! Have now thy will!Khos.Thou ’ltgrant it?Hus.Ay, ay, whate’er thou wouldst!Khos.She is thy captive.Hus.I make her thine! My conqueror’s right I yieldTo thee!Khos.Dost swear it?Hus.Doubt me not! I swear!Khos.By Belus’ star?Hus.By Belus’ star, whose beamsAre death to breakers of an oath! We askThis crown—no more. (Takes crown from Khosrove’s hand) You pause. Stand not, my son.Thy vengeance waits. Do what thou wilt with her,We ’llquestion not.(Khosrove strikes off the chains of Semiramis)Khos.Go free to Nineveh.(Husak stands in amazed silence, then understands and burns with speechless anger. At last he speaks slowly with intense wrath)Hus.All madmen in my kingdom die! Bind him!(Guards bind Khosrove)Sem.Die? No! O, sir, you would not slay your son?Hus.This loathsome thing is not my flesh!Sem.Thy son!Hus.We have no son. Armenia has no heir.Bear him away!Sem.(Holding out her hands) My chains! Dost thinkI ’lloweMy life to him? Thou know’st not yet my pride!Bind me and set him free!Hus.(Thunderingly) No! Husak breaksNo oath! We’re not a god as Nineveh,And bold to mock at Heaven!Khos.(To Semiramis) I knew the price,And chose to pay it. ’Tis my wish. Farewell!(Guards bear him out)Hus.(To Semiramis) Go free to Nineveh!Sem.No! O, kill me!Hus.Nay, go! But go alone—on foot—and throughA hostile country!Sem.Ah!Hus.That subject whoShall give thee food or drink dies in the act!Proclaim it, all!... Come, friends,we ’venot yet heldThe feast of victory. The slighted godsWill snatch away their favor if we longDelay our revels. Thoughwe ’llmiss one face,(Suppresses a groan)We ’llknow this much—there ’llbe no traitor there!(All leave the tent but Semiramis)Sem.Alone ... on foot ... and through a hostile country!I ’llovertake thee, Khosrove, erethou ’streachedThy throne among the stars! Thou goest from love,And wilt look back and weep from every cloud;I on thy track shall pause not till our wingsStir the same air and lock in kisses flying!... So pay my scorn? How then hadst loved if heartHad brought to heart its swelling measure? ThenOur rosy hours had been the pick of time,And hung a flower ’mong withered centuriesWhen every age had brought its reckoning in!O, why will we, some cubits high, pluck atThe sun and moon, when we have that withinMakes us the soul and centre of Heaven itself?Ambition, thou hast played away my crownAnd life. That I forgive thee, but not this—Thou ’strobbed me of the memory of his kiss.... Go, world! The conqueror’s trump that closed my earsUnto the angel in a lover’s voiceDies to a moan that fills but one lone heart.And soon ’tis silent. Ah, though woman buildHer house of glory to the kissing skies,And the proud sun her golden rafters lay,And on her turrets pause discoursing gods,Let her not dare forget the stanchion truth—Immortal writ in every mortal face—“Thou art the wife and mother of the world!”(Sees Khosrove’s cloak upon the floor, and kneels by it, taking it in her hands)My Khosrove!... Methought a god struck off my chainsSo strong and fair he seemed, yet strove to hideThe beauty of his act, as might a starShrink in its own sweet light!(Buries her face in the folds of the cloak)O, noble prince,I might have kissed thy lips and not thy garment!(Rises and wraps the cloak about her. Spurns with her foot her own robe which has been left trampled)Thou purple rag, lie there! Love’s vesture shallEnfold me as I go!(Starts out) Alone ... on foot ...ButI ’venot far to journey. Foes are kind....The first one met ... well, I will thank him!... Cries?It is the feast. A man may feast who had—But has no son!... (Startled) ’Tis not the feast!... I knowThat noise confused—hoarse shouts—shrieks—pawing steeds—And rumbling chariots! Those are the tonesOf battle! O, the bloody work! ’Tis war!Did it delight me once?... Assyrian cries!My troops! my troops!They ’verallied! How they cheer!What brave heart leads them on?(Cries come nearer)Poor creatures, theyWould save me knowing not I died with Khosrove.I will not live—(The rear of the tent is torn away by an onslaught. Assyrian troops enter, led by Artavan)Art.Semiramis!Sem.My brother!You live!Art.And you!Sem.Praise Heaven there is oneWill comfort my sad kingdom!Art.Nay,all ’swell!The death of Ninus freed me from my prison;I gathered troops and pushed hard after you,To hear you had been taken; then I plannedThis rescue. Thank great Belus,I ’min time!Sem.In time? Nay,thou ’rttoo late!Art.Too late? When thouDost live?Sem.I live? No!Thou ’rtdeceived!Art.O Heaven!...She ’sdazed! Her troubles have bewildered her.All ’swell, my sister! Husak has been taken.Thy crown itself is in our hands ... The crown!(A soldier hands it to him)You see ’tis safe. (She takes it idly)Sem.A crown. For such a thingWouldst give thy Sola?Art.She is dear to me,But ay, by Heaven, I would!Sem.You would? I knowA greater thing than this.Art.What, sister?Sem.(Letting the crown fall) Love.Art.O, she is crazed! This is some evil work!Bring in the captive Husak! He shall speak!Sem.O, brother, once I thought thy love was truestThat ever husband gave to wife, but nowIt showeth dark against my lover’s truth!Art.Semiramis ... sweet sister ... What dost mean?...I ’llknow the cause of this! Call in the princeWith Husak!Sem.Prince?Art.Ay ... Khosrove, whom we foundIn chains—I know not why—and I unbound him,Recalling how he saved my life,—but nowI ’llknow what thou hast suffered at his hands!Sem.You found him bound? I can not hear—or see!Art.She swoons—she dies—O, true, we are too late!Sem.No, brother,thou ’rtin time! I live! I live!I am Semiramis! Give me my crown!Now this small circlet seems to me the world,And it is mine—to wear—or give away!Is ’tnot, good friends?Voices.Ay, ’tis!(Enter soldiers with Husak and Khosrove, Husak in fetters)Sem.King Husak, hear!Assyria and Armenia should be friends,Joining true hands to bring a happy peaceO’er all the East. And in that dearest hopeI free thee. (Unbinds him) But thy son, the prince, must beAgain my prisoner.Hus.O, queen,I ’vespentOne childless hour, and rather would I dieThan know another. Take my life for his.Art.Dost thou forget, Semiramis, that onceHe saved thy brother?Sem.I remember all,But will not change his doom. He must be bound,Nor from my fetters may he go alive.These are his chains—(Putting her arms about his neck) his prison deathless love,And here I pray that he will wear this crown,And hold with me the great Assyrian throne!... (calls) My chariot!Khos.My queen! my queen!Sem.Wilt thouConsent?Khos.(Kisses her lips) I answer here.(The royal chariot appears, rear. They step in)Sem.(Giving the reins to Khosrove) To Nineveh!(CURTAIN)CARLOTTAACT I.Scene 1.Miramar.Scene 2.In the mountains of Mexico.ACT II.Scene 1.Chapultapec.ACT III.Scene 1.Before the Imperial Theatre.Scene 2.Within the theatre.ACT IV.Scene 1.Queretaro.ACT V.Scene 1.The Tuileries.Scene 2.Miramar.CHARACTERSMaximilian, Emperor of MexicoCarlotta, Empress of MexicoLouis Napoleon, Emperor of FranceEugenie, Empress of FranceBenito Juarez, President of MexicoIgnacio, nephew to JuarezRafael Mendores, friend of IgnacioAseffa, wife of RafaelTrevino,Escobedo,Garza, officers in the Liberal ArmyMiramon, leader of the Imperial partyMarshal Bazaine, head of the French Army in MexicoMarquez,Mejia,Mendez,Dupin,Lopez, of the Imperial armyAbbotof LacromaArchbishop Labastida, head of the Mexican churchPrince Salm-Salm, friend and officer of MaximilianPrince Zichy,Ruiz,Berzabal,Estrada, Mexican noblesLady Maria, sister to Count CharlesPrincess Salm-SalmPrincess ZichyPrincess MetternichSenor Hurbet,General Castlenau,Marquis de Gallifet, in the service of Louis NapoleonAustrian,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.CARLOTTAACT 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 ischange enough! O shifting, shuffling life!Come, Shakespeare, magic mason, build me worldsThat 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 hugHis books in fever of farewell.Mar.Didst seeThe splendid carriages glittering up the drive?And O, so many!Char.They have arrived?Mar.Arrived!Why, all the Mexican deputies, arrayedLike their own sunsets,—the ambassadorsFrom Austria, Belgium, France,—the princesses,And countesses, now in the guest-room waitThe stroke of twelve to enter!’T isnearly time,And you sit here! Put by your Englishman!Come, put him by, I say!He ’sdead; we live.He ’shad his due and passed.Char.Nay, his accountIs writ forever current. His book of praiseTime closes not, but waits some language newTo enter it, and at his monumentFame yet stands carving.Mar.(Taking book and closing it) So!She ’stime enough!We ’veother 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 greetThe deputies?Char.Nay, calling up our tearsTo grace farewell to Miramar!Car.No tears!We ’llthink 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 uponAndI ’mas rich as Jove with Saturn’s sceptreNew-swinging o’er the world!Char.Then you risk muchFor an unstable throne.Car.Not risk!Char.The menWho ’vegoverned Mexico, for the most part,Have paid their heads for it.Mar.O, Charles!Char.’T istrue.Car.Our safety is in the Emperor of France.He ’sthe 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 plotMay hang our hearts with lead!Car.How you misjudge him!In Paris when he pledged his faith to usHis eyes more than his words assured his heartUnto 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 upThe globe as’t werean apple for his hand.She builds mock images of dreams that diedOn Helena’s lone rock, and teaches himThey 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 bedShe ’dhave you pick and polish for her crown!Car.Had you but heard her sweet devoted voicePleading with us for sake of the true ChurchTo 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 lifeAnd 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 stormRolling 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 foundThe work for us? He with his pontiff fingerPoints 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 usWho can desert this peace-embalméd placeTo seek a glory fairer but in name!I dare not do it!Max.(Taking her hands)’T isyou shall say, my wife.If to stayhere ’syour wish, that wish is mine,MaybeI ’vedreamed 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 yeaMy vanity will speak, and in a nayMy fear!Max.A slander on these lips? A kissWere better! (Kisses her. Enter Marquis Corio)Cor.The noble guests approach.Will ’tpleaseYour 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 landOf murder, treason, carnage and revolt!The very air cries out ‘go not! go not!’E’en yon cloud-turbanned peak, that never movesWhate’er the circling stars propound to vexHis 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 morningBe 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 broughtNo crown to guerdon welcome.Est.O, gracious prince,Our tongues but feebly bear the mighty loveThe land of Montezuma bade us layLow at your feet. Your starry virtues drawHer prayers and hopes and holiest desiresAcross 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 calamityTo every ear.Max.My dear and honored lords,The heart is granite and the veins are iceThat will not stir at your deep miseries.Est.Ah, sir, this crown is heavy, but you will bearThe golden weight as’t werethe aureoleThat seals the saint to God!Max.But not withoutConsent 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 forceIn all our provinces.Max.And this has beenBy 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 upI ’vesought to obey my God,But never dreamed that he would bless my lifeWith such high sanction as I read herein. (Lifting paper)Forgive a tear, my lords.... But we must askThat crownéd Europe give a sacred oathTo 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 BelgiumI speak—the princess’ true and royal father,Whose little kingdom measures not his heart!Senor Hurbet.And I, my lord, have here the signéd oathOf Mightiest France, whose fifty-thousand menNow guard the cradle of the new born peaceIn Mexico! Read here what he will do.Max.(Reads) Enough.... My lords, should I accept this crown,’T wouldbe with holiest expectationTo reign in love and peace, but your past strugglesPoint to a term of danger and much riskEre 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 trueAbove the hesitations of my mindThat I can love her yea or nay as’t wereBy 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 awayFor your sad country, and so vain I thinkThe lord that married me might lead you fromRebellion’s night to civil-kissing hours;But yet a woman bonded unto love,Not my own mistress. The life bound up with mineIs dearer than the peace of any state,And looking deep into your country’s heartI read some cruel marks of historyThat teach me fear for any precious thingConsigned unto its love.Est.If ever soulsLay bare to human eyes, read now in oursThe loyalty which you will find in every subject!Ruiz.Be merciful! Earth aches through herrock-ribsWith 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 leanTo meet my smiles, as trifles whose light thoughtShames this great hour; but when in dream I seeMy lord beset by foes in foreign land,The help he needs beyond a three-months’ sea,My princess pride flags to a peasant fearFor one dear life!Est.Wrong not yourself, your lord,And Mexico, O gentlest lady—Car.Nay—Est.Say yea, and our expectant land will feelThe thrill of that affirmative acrossThe glad Atlantic! Yea—and France, whose nameIs in our hearts as God’s, will bless thy tongue!Say yea, and noble England, watchful Spain,Who with great France began the holy workOf blessed liberation will applaudWith happy echoes to the guardian skies!Say yea, and the white spirit of the ChurchWill take ’neath her soft wings our blood-drenched land,That waits but for that word to hail thy lordRegenerator, king!Car.My lords, my lords,We are but human! Mayhap we will not keepThe 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 speakHer heart out here, and hail thee sister empress!To ask when your young empire blooms aboveThe lily of old France, and lures the EastTo pour her golden heart into your port,And ocean blossoms with your argosies,You ’llstill remember that she loved you whenYou were but princess and no farther ruledThen 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 princeWith such rare qualities as crown the mindOf Maximilian!’T isfor some purpose rareHe rounds such excellence with highest birthAnd puts a sword of power in his hand!From over seas unto your very feetA nation comes to choose from all the worldOne 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 enemiesIn worship of his star beneficent!There pale and crushéd PeaceShall take the color of the living rose,Hearing the voice of his protecting loveThat comes to lift her beauty from the dustAnd on that ground volcanic nobly buildHer temple indestructible!There shall his kingly mind find outward meansTo write sublimity upon the world,And like old Egypt speak in pyramidsTo 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 ’llwear 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 ’llgive you Rafael’s supper!Ler.Hungry? No!I ’vehad two biscuits since yesterday, and sixty milesis n’tfar to go on that.Mig.And as much good air and water as a soldier need want!Asef.Here! Take it.’T isgood. Indeed it is!Mig.Smoking meat! Ha! Who brought it? Has the Holy Virgin been in camp?Asef.No, butI ’vebeen down to the valley.Ler.You?Asef.Yes,—andI ’vea 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 ’llfeed you then, and you don’t want Juarez’ soldiers to be turned into babies, do you?Mig.I ’llyield! In fact,there ’san orator within that speaks with a most convincing pinch. (They eat)Asef.(Watching) Poor fellows!They ’llnot 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 ’dbe Don Miguel de Tejada again! Youwould n’tthink 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 ’llhang 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 ’sHeaven 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 ’vebeen 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 outthey ’llmurder her and set her hut in flames!Asef.Oh! What shall we do?Raf.We are an army.We ’lldo as armies do. Take food where we can find it.Asef.O, Rafael!Raf.Yes, love,we ’llplay the robber to fill the mouth of Liberty,—she ’sfed too long on thistles.Asef.She ’sa stern mistress, Rafael.Raf.But sweeter, love,Her harshest frown that summer smiles of kings!O, I reproach her not, even when I seeMy dearest friends lie dying in her name!A bed of stones is soft enough for meIf she but rock to sleep,—a crust to-day,To-morrow none, and at her boardI ’mfed.But when I look on you, my traitor bloodFlies from her service. Oh, to see these handsThat 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 hateThe fair, unspotted cause my sword is drawn in!Asef.Stop, Rafael! O thank God these hands have knownThat 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 riseWhere Truth and Courage wander in the night!In southern vales maybewe ’llhear againThe morning birds sing at our bowered windows,But we will not forget the nobler songNow borne by winds about these mountain peaks,—The song of man made free!Raf.We ’llnot forget.But will that sweet day come? Tell me, Aseffa,You who are half a sibyl,—shall we go downThat valley to our home?Asef.’T isnot to gainOur 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 thereonThe seal immortal of approving God.
Sem.The accident?
Khos.’t wasnotDesigned?
Sem.It was ... for you.
Khos.By Ninus?
Sem.Ay.You were to die.
Khos.Then you—you knew—that he—
(Starts from her in horror)
Sem.What ’sin thy mind? What thought doth paint thy faceIn dreadful silence? Oh! you think that I—
(Looks at him with equal horror. Removes farther from him, regains composure, and speaks with haughty coldness)
This serves me well! Right well, Armenian!Yes—yes—I knew—I knew the king would fall.But knew, too, sir, that Vassin was below,And, by my precious gods, I did not dreamHe would not save his king! While you—my guest—You would have gone to death!
Khos.Forgive me!
(Semiramis walks farther, not heeding him)
Oh,I found a stream that ran from heavenly springsAnd in it cast the soot of hell!
Sem.Well served—Well served, Semiramis!... I was so sad ...And would not be content to let him go ...I wanted but a word ... a word to cheer me ...And now I have it—murderess!
Khos.(Who has advanced to her) No, no,I did not say it!
Sem.The tongue may well keep silentWhen eyes speak lightning. I have heard too much!’T werebetter I had let you die!
Khos.Ay, better ...Better than this!
Sem.Now, now I am Assyria!No more a woman! Softness to the winds!And let my heart be as my armor—steel!
Khos.Thou canst not make it so by saying it.There is no cold or heat may temper heartsAway from their true nature. Mail thyselfFrom head to foot,thou ’rtstill Semiramis!
Sem.A queen!
(An officer enters, left)
Off.Your majesty, an urgent handBrings this report.
(Gives paper to her, which she reads)
Sem.The Ghecs are in revolt!Thank them for me! They could not show me favorMore to my heart!
(Exit officer, left)
I ’msick of peace—this peaceThat gives men time to brood and breed foul thoughtsAnd fouler deeds! Give me the open war whose blowsRain down as free as moonbeams from the sun!Who meets me there I know, at least,he ’sbrave,And there—
Khos.Semiramis!
Sem.(Proudly) Armenia, speak!You have our leave.
Khos.These Ghecs—my father isTheir ancient, sworn ally!
Sem.Well, sir?
Khos.His oathBinds him to give them aid.
Sem.The braver thenThe battle!
Khos.I am my father’s son!
Sem.You meanWe ’llmeet upon the field!
Khos.I can not takeThe field against you!
Sem.No? Why not?
Khos.You know!Because I love you!
Sem.Sir, I am Assyria!
Khos.Nay, but Menones’ daughter! She whose heartI touched—
Sem.You touched?
Khos.Ere taint of pride or powerOr mad ambition had laid a canker there!When she was maiden still, and knew no thoughtShe might not whisper in her father’s ear!Gentle as Spring when hushing the young dove,But strong from virgin battle, with the flushOf valorous purpose pure as goddess’ dreamStarting the noble war-blood in her cheek!’Tis she I speak to now—she that I love—Not the proud queen grown bold in blood and triumph!Love me, Semiramis! You shall have peace!Not this sick peace that turns your heart to hate,But peace that charms the beauty back to lifeAnd new dreams to the soul! O, no more war!Then lilies springing in thy steps shall sayWhat fairer grace went by! These fingers shallForget the sword whose music is men’s groans,And on sweet strings draw out the heart of loveTo give the world the key of melody!Ah, you shall war no more—
Sem.Sir, you forget!These Ghecs—
Khos.Will not revolt if I becomeAssyria’s head! They trust me as their—
Sem.You!Assyria’s head! You! you! O, now I see!I ’mnot yet blind, although my heart was fastUpstealing to my eyes to make me so!
Khos.O clear thy sight a second time, my queen,And read me true!
Sem.And you had almost moved me!
Khos.Melt, stony eyes—
Sem.Themagic ’sleft the earthThat had the power to soften them!
Khos.Not so—
Sem.You ’dkeep me still the general’s humble daughterWhile you would wear the glory I have won!
Khos.Nay, by Mylitta’s fire!—
Sem.We ’dwar no more.For who has all may well hang by the sword!
Khos.By Heaven, I—
Sem.O, you are man ashewas!
(Looks toward the garden shuddering)
I ’lltrust no more!Who ’sworthy trust will give it!So saidst thou once! But thou couldst doubt—so darkA doubt my soul—
Khos.Nay, that’s not my offense!You are a woman, and you must forgive!But you are queen, too, and the queen in youGuards her ambition from my honest loveLest it divide her glory!
Sem.True, she guards it!Out of Assyrian stoneI ’llmake a heartAnd wear it in my bosom!
Khos.Do not say it!I did not mean the words! They are not so!Thou dost not know thyself! Hard are the lipsThat never know a kiss, and thine were madeWith softness of the rose! Though all the streamsOf power on earth poured to thy sovereign sea,Still wouldst thou want, and empty be the heartOne drop of love would fill!
Sem.You speakAs to a woman!
Khos.Ay, for so thou art!Be now thyself! Thy peace alone I plead!I can bear all but thy unhappiness!For love—true love—forgets itself and makesBut one prayer unto Heaven—prayer for the goodOf the beloved!
Sem.Thou wouldst not share my throne?
Khos.Thy throne?
Sem.Ay, so I said.
Khos.I care not for it,But since ’tis thine, I could not be a manWorthy thyself and take a place beneath thee.I ’dbe thy husband, and I knowthou ’rtnotA woman to look down and love!
Sem.O theftIn argument! To make my monarch soulSpeak from thy mouth against me!
Khos.Not against thee!To beg thee yield to love is but to pleadThy greater cause! Ah, days will come to theeWhen all the maiden in thy heart will riseAnd drown the queen’s! Thou canst not call me back!To-morrow is the battle! O, I liedTo say thou wert ambitious and ungentle—
Sem.No, thou didst not! ’Tis true! I am—
Khos.No, no!I ’llprove it is not so! See here—the dove—That nestles at your breast! Why is it here?
Sem.Because I was a woman once—and dreamedOn foolish, woman things! (Frees bird from her bosom)Fly! fly!And as I pluck thee out I pluck awayAll thought of mortal love, and stand aloneBeneath Assyria’s crown!
Khos.(Gazes at her in despair) ThenI ’llbe gone!
Sem.You ’vepleaded well, but my domains are broad,And might give tongue to wilder eloquenceWithout love’s sweet excuse!
Khos.No more! I go!
(Moves off, left. Near exit, turns)
I lead my father’s troops!
Sem.I lead my own!
(Exit Khosrove. She looks after him without moving until he passes out of sight. The moonlight is less bright. Her dove flies over her head. She starts and looks after it. The bird alights. She watches it eagerly and waits. It circles about her, then darts to her bosom. With an exultant moan she clasps it to her breast)
(CURTAIN)
Scene: Within Husak’s tent. Husak, Khosrove, Armenian lords and soldiers.
Husak.Bring in the widow!
(Exeunt officers)
Now, my son,thou ’ltseeAssyria at thy feet. Ay, she who scornedTo match her crown with thine, shall low as earthCry up for favor!
Khos.Sir, I would not see it!
Hus.Still in that humor? Well, I promise theeShe shall have mercy.
Khos.Mercy, father?
Hus.Ay.
Khos.What wilt thou grant?
Hus.Ask of thy heart,
(Khosrove is about to speak) Peace, boy!For oncewe ’llbe a father, not a soldier! Wait!
(Khosrove kneels and kisses his father’s hand as Semiramis enters between guards. She is robed and crowned, her arms fettered with golden chains, and holds herself proudly, not looking at Husak. She turns to Khosrove, who watches her eagerly)
Sem.We meet again. Wert thou upon the field?I saw thee not. Perchance thy father thought’T werewise to find his health and lead his troopsLestLoveshould blunt thy sword!
Hus.By Bel, his swordWas sharp enough to find the heart of Sumbat,—Your general!
Sem.Sumbat slain! (Turns to Khosrove) and slain by you!
Khos.I had my choice—to slay him or to die.
Sem.(With bitter scorn) And did the love that makes one prayer to HeavenRule in that choice?
Hus.These taunts, Semiramis—
Khos.Nay, father, she has cause to use me so.
Sem.Oh, you confess you played with me! Then, heart,In with thy scorn for this outbraves thy own!
(Turns away, folding her chained hands on her breast, and stands as if she would speak no more)
Hus.You make no suit for mercy?
Sem.(Turning to him) What! from thee?Who kill your captives ere your tent is struck,Nor spare a guard to drive them from the field?
Hus.I grant what I would ask—death before serfdom!You ’dkeep them for your dogs and slaves!
Sem.And whenAm I to die? Why breach thy custom now?
Hus.We like your spirit, but push not so far,Or we shall break the boundswe ’veset ourselves.Have you not found us gracious to your rank?You look not like a prisoner!
Sem.No thanksFor that! This robe and crown, these chains of goldAre compliments that Husak pays himself,Proclaiming him a royal victory,Though not a royal victor!
Hus.What! Dar’st flingInto my face that the Armenian kingsRule unanointed? Dost think that I would sueTo Nineveh or Babylon for leaveTo take my kingly emblems from their hands?But thou—thou shalt owe thine to me! I wearNo proud insignia of the gods, and yetMy hands shall strip and clothe thee as I will!
(Tears off her robe and crown)
Khos.Father!
Hus.By sun and moon—
Khos.O, sir—
Hus.Her prideInsults my mercy, butI ’llkeep my word.Take these. (Gives him the robe and crown)Now, woman, learn that Husak—ay,Husak, the Fierce, can pity fallen glory!Stand forth, my son! Look, captive, on this prince!A man not made to sue to less than gods!Make him thy husband-king, and from his handsReceive thy purple and remount thy throne!
(All are astonished. Khosrove shrinks back in shame, which Semiramis misunderstands)
Sem.Methinks this lover makes no ardent suit,King Husak! Why, the sun has not twice setSince he did swear me dearer than my crown,And now thecrown ’stoo much if my poor selfMust burden it!
(Khosrove kneels before her, holding up the crown)
Hus.Rise, sir! You give, not sue!
(Semiramis looks down on Khosrove, then turns to Husak)
Sem.Thank, thanks,Old man, for making me once more myself!For by the blood that storms through all my veinsI knowI ’mstill a queen! Now all the prideThat lives in my lost crown, and all the scornShould meet thy fawning suit, be in my words,—I do refuse your son! AssyriaShall owe her throne to none!
(Khosrove springs up, trampling the robe)
Hus.Now thou wilt rise!A prince who might have gone with gods to wiveNor bated them in choice! This to my face!I, Husak, fawn on woman! Out with her!Drag her to death! To instant death! Out! out!
(Guards approach Semiramis)
Khos.Toinstantdeath?
Hus.(Looks searchingly at him.) Ha! ha! Not yet!She ’sthine!Choose thy revenge! Have now thy will!
Khos.Thou ’ltgrant it?
Hus.Ay, ay, whate’er thou wouldst!
Khos.She is thy captive.
Hus.I make her thine! My conqueror’s right I yieldTo thee!
Khos.Dost swear it?
Hus.Doubt me not! I swear!
Khos.By Belus’ star?
Hus.By Belus’ star, whose beamsAre death to breakers of an oath! We askThis crown—no more. (Takes crown from Khosrove’s hand) You pause. Stand not, my son.Thy vengeance waits. Do what thou wilt with her,We ’llquestion not.
(Khosrove strikes off the chains of Semiramis)
Khos.Go free to Nineveh.
(Husak stands in amazed silence, then understands and burns with speechless anger. At last he speaks slowly with intense wrath)
Hus.All madmen in my kingdom die! Bind him!
(Guards bind Khosrove)
Sem.Die? No! O, sir, you would not slay your son?
Hus.This loathsome thing is not my flesh!
Sem.Thy son!
Hus.We have no son. Armenia has no heir.Bear him away!
Sem.(Holding out her hands) My chains! Dost thinkI ’lloweMy life to him? Thou know’st not yet my pride!Bind me and set him free!
Hus.(Thunderingly) No! Husak breaksNo oath! We’re not a god as Nineveh,And bold to mock at Heaven!
Khos.(To Semiramis) I knew the price,And chose to pay it. ’Tis my wish. Farewell!
(Guards bear him out)
Hus.(To Semiramis) Go free to Nineveh!
Sem.No! O, kill me!
Hus.Nay, go! But go alone—on foot—and throughA hostile country!
Sem.Ah!
Hus.That subject whoShall give thee food or drink dies in the act!Proclaim it, all!... Come, friends,we ’venot yet heldThe feast of victory. The slighted godsWill snatch away their favor if we longDelay our revels. Thoughwe ’llmiss one face,
(Suppresses a groan)
We ’llknow this much—there ’llbe no traitor there!
(All leave the tent but Semiramis)
Sem.Alone ... on foot ... and through a hostile country!I ’llovertake thee, Khosrove, erethou ’streachedThy throne among the stars! Thou goest from love,And wilt look back and weep from every cloud;I on thy track shall pause not till our wingsStir the same air and lock in kisses flying!... So pay my scorn? How then hadst loved if heartHad brought to heart its swelling measure? ThenOur rosy hours had been the pick of time,And hung a flower ’mong withered centuriesWhen every age had brought its reckoning in!O, why will we, some cubits high, pluck atThe sun and moon, when we have that withinMakes us the soul and centre of Heaven itself?Ambition, thou hast played away my crownAnd life. That I forgive thee, but not this—Thou ’strobbed me of the memory of his kiss.... Go, world! The conqueror’s trump that closed my earsUnto the angel in a lover’s voiceDies to a moan that fills but one lone heart.And soon ’tis silent. Ah, though woman buildHer house of glory to the kissing skies,And the proud sun her golden rafters lay,And on her turrets pause discoursing gods,Let her not dare forget the stanchion truth—Immortal writ in every mortal face—“Thou art the wife and mother of the world!”
(Sees Khosrove’s cloak upon the floor, and kneels by it, taking it in her hands)
My Khosrove!... Methought a god struck off my chainsSo strong and fair he seemed, yet strove to hideThe beauty of his act, as might a starShrink in its own sweet light!
(Buries her face in the folds of the cloak)
O, noble prince,I might have kissed thy lips and not thy garment!
(Rises and wraps the cloak about her. Spurns with her foot her own robe which has been left trampled)
Thou purple rag, lie there! Love’s vesture shallEnfold me as I go!
(Starts out) Alone ... on foot ...ButI ’venot far to journey. Foes are kind....The first one met ... well, I will thank him!... Cries?It is the feast. A man may feast who had—But has no son!... (Startled) ’Tis not the feast!... I knowThat noise confused—hoarse shouts—shrieks—pawing steeds—And rumbling chariots! Those are the tonesOf battle! O, the bloody work! ’Tis war!Did it delight me once?... Assyrian cries!My troops! my troops!They ’verallied! How they cheer!What brave heart leads them on?
(Cries come nearer)
Poor creatures, theyWould save me knowing not I died with Khosrove.I will not live—
(The rear of the tent is torn away by an onslaught. Assyrian troops enter, led by Artavan)
Art.Semiramis!
Sem.My brother!You live!
Art.And you!
Sem.Praise Heaven there is oneWill comfort my sad kingdom!
Art.Nay,all ’swell!The death of Ninus freed me from my prison;I gathered troops and pushed hard after you,To hear you had been taken; then I plannedThis rescue. Thank great Belus,I ’min time!
Sem.In time? Nay,thou ’rttoo late!
Art.Too late? When thouDost live?
Sem.I live? No!Thou ’rtdeceived!
Art.O Heaven!...She ’sdazed! Her troubles have bewildered her.All ’swell, my sister! Husak has been taken.Thy crown itself is in our hands ... The crown!
(A soldier hands it to him)
You see ’tis safe. (She takes it idly)
Sem.A crown. For such a thingWouldst give thy Sola?
Art.She is dear to me,But ay, by Heaven, I would!
Sem.You would? I knowA greater thing than this.
Art.What, sister?
Sem.(Letting the crown fall) Love.
Art.O, she is crazed! This is some evil work!Bring in the captive Husak! He shall speak!
Sem.O, brother, once I thought thy love was truestThat ever husband gave to wife, but nowIt showeth dark against my lover’s truth!
Art.Semiramis ... sweet sister ... What dost mean?...I ’llknow the cause of this! Call in the princeWith Husak!
Sem.Prince?
Art.Ay ... Khosrove, whom we foundIn chains—I know not why—and I unbound him,Recalling how he saved my life,—but nowI ’llknow what thou hast suffered at his hands!
Sem.You found him bound? I can not hear—or see!
Art.She swoons—she dies—O, true, we are too late!
Sem.No, brother,thou ’rtin time! I live! I live!I am Semiramis! Give me my crown!Now this small circlet seems to me the world,And it is mine—to wear—or give away!Is ’tnot, good friends?
Voices.Ay, ’tis!
(Enter soldiers with Husak and Khosrove, Husak in fetters)
Sem.King Husak, hear!Assyria and Armenia should be friends,Joining true hands to bring a happy peaceO’er all the East. And in that dearest hopeI free thee. (Unbinds him) But thy son, the prince, must beAgain my prisoner.
Hus.O, queen,I ’vespentOne childless hour, and rather would I dieThan know another. Take my life for his.
Art.Dost thou forget, Semiramis, that onceHe saved thy brother?
Sem.I remember all,But will not change his doom. He must be bound,Nor from my fetters may he go alive.These are his chains—(Putting her arms about his neck) his prison deathless love,And here I pray that he will wear this crown,And hold with me the great Assyrian throne!... (calls) My chariot!
Khos.My queen! my queen!
Sem.Wilt thouConsent?
Khos.(Kisses her lips) I answer here.
(The royal chariot appears, rear. They step in)
Sem.(Giving the reins to Khosrove) To Nineveh!
(CURTAIN)
Maximilian, Emperor of MexicoCarlotta, Empress of MexicoLouis Napoleon, Emperor of FranceEugenie, Empress of FranceBenito Juarez, President of MexicoIgnacio, nephew to JuarezRafael Mendores, friend of IgnacioAseffa, wife of RafaelTrevino,Escobedo,Garza, officers in the Liberal ArmyMiramon, leader of the Imperial partyMarshal Bazaine, head of the French Army in MexicoMarquez,Mejia,Mendez,Dupin,Lopez, of the Imperial armyAbbotof LacromaArchbishop Labastida, head of the Mexican churchPrince Salm-Salm, friend and officer of MaximilianPrince Zichy,Ruiz,Berzabal,Estrada, Mexican noblesLady Maria, sister to Count CharlesPrincess Salm-SalmPrincess ZichyPrincess MetternichSenor Hurbet,General Castlenau,Marquis de Gallifet, in the service of Louis NapoleonAustrian,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
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 ischange enough! O shifting, shuffling life!Come, Shakespeare, magic mason, build me worldsThat 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 hugHis books in fever of farewell.
Mar.Didst seeThe splendid carriages glittering up the drive?And O, so many!
Char.They have arrived?
Mar.Arrived!Why, all the Mexican deputies, arrayedLike their own sunsets,—the ambassadorsFrom Austria, Belgium, France,—the princesses,And countesses, now in the guest-room waitThe stroke of twelve to enter!’T isnearly time,And you sit here! Put by your Englishman!Come, put him by, I say!He ’sdead; we live.He ’shad his due and passed.
Char.Nay, his accountIs writ forever current. His book of praiseTime closes not, but waits some language newTo enter it, and at his monumentFame yet stands carving.
Mar.(Taking book and closing it) So!She ’stime enough!We ’veother 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 greetThe deputies?
Char.Nay, calling up our tearsTo grace farewell to Miramar!
Car.No tears!We ’llthink 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 uponAndI ’mas rich as Jove with Saturn’s sceptreNew-swinging o’er the world!
Char.Then you risk muchFor an unstable throne.
Car.Not risk!
Char.The menWho ’vegoverned Mexico, for the most part,Have paid their heads for it.
Mar.O, Charles!
Char.’T istrue.
Car.Our safety is in the Emperor of France.He ’sthe 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 plotMay hang our hearts with lead!
Car.How you misjudge him!In Paris when he pledged his faith to usHis eyes more than his words assured his heartUnto 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 upThe globe as’t werean apple for his hand.She builds mock images of dreams that diedOn Helena’s lone rock, and teaches himThey 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 bedShe ’dhave you pick and polish for her crown!
Car.Had you but heard her sweet devoted voicePleading with us for sake of the true ChurchTo 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 lifeAnd 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 stormRolling 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 foundThe work for us? He with his pontiff fingerPoints 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 usWho can desert this peace-embalméd placeTo seek a glory fairer but in name!I dare not do it!
Max.(Taking her hands)’T isyou shall say, my wife.If to stayhere ’syour wish, that wish is mine,MaybeI ’vedreamed 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 yeaMy vanity will speak, and in a nayMy fear!
Max.A slander on these lips? A kissWere better! (Kisses her. Enter Marquis Corio)
Cor.The noble guests approach.Will ’tpleaseYour 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 landOf murder, treason, carnage and revolt!The very air cries out ‘go not! go not!’E’en yon cloud-turbanned peak, that never movesWhate’er the circling stars propound to vexHis 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 morningBe 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 broughtNo crown to guerdon welcome.
Est.O, gracious prince,Our tongues but feebly bear the mighty loveThe land of Montezuma bade us layLow at your feet. Your starry virtues drawHer prayers and hopes and holiest desiresAcross 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 calamityTo every ear.
Max.My dear and honored lords,The heart is granite and the veins are iceThat will not stir at your deep miseries.
Est.Ah, sir, this crown is heavy, but you will bearThe golden weight as’t werethe aureoleThat seals the saint to God!
Max.But not withoutConsent 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 forceIn all our provinces.
Max.And this has beenBy 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 upI ’vesought to obey my God,But never dreamed that he would bless my lifeWith such high sanction as I read herein. (Lifting paper)Forgive a tear, my lords.... But we must askThat crownéd Europe give a sacred oathTo 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 BelgiumI speak—the princess’ true and royal father,Whose little kingdom measures not his heart!
Senor Hurbet.And I, my lord, have here the signéd oathOf Mightiest France, whose fifty-thousand menNow guard the cradle of the new born peaceIn Mexico! Read here what he will do.
Max.(Reads) Enough.... My lords, should I accept this crown,’T wouldbe with holiest expectationTo reign in love and peace, but your past strugglesPoint to a term of danger and much riskEre 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 trueAbove the hesitations of my mindThat I can love her yea or nay as’t wereBy 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 awayFor your sad country, and so vain I thinkThe lord that married me might lead you fromRebellion’s night to civil-kissing hours;But yet a woman bonded unto love,Not my own mistress. The life bound up with mineIs dearer than the peace of any state,And looking deep into your country’s heartI read some cruel marks of historyThat teach me fear for any precious thingConsigned unto its love.
Est.If ever soulsLay bare to human eyes, read now in oursThe loyalty which you will find in every subject!
Ruiz.Be merciful! Earth aches through herrock-ribsWith 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 leanTo meet my smiles, as trifles whose light thoughtShames this great hour; but when in dream I seeMy lord beset by foes in foreign land,The help he needs beyond a three-months’ sea,My princess pride flags to a peasant fearFor one dear life!
Est.Wrong not yourself, your lord,And Mexico, O gentlest lady—
Car.Nay—
Est.Say yea, and our expectant land will feelThe thrill of that affirmative acrossThe glad Atlantic! Yea—and France, whose nameIs in our hearts as God’s, will bless thy tongue!Say yea, and noble England, watchful Spain,Who with great France began the holy workOf blessed liberation will applaudWith happy echoes to the guardian skies!Say yea, and the white spirit of the ChurchWill take ’neath her soft wings our blood-drenched land,That waits but for that word to hail thy lordRegenerator, king!
Car.My lords, my lords,We are but human! Mayhap we will not keepThe 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 speakHer heart out here, and hail thee sister empress!To ask when your young empire blooms aboveThe lily of old France, and lures the EastTo pour her golden heart into your port,And ocean blossoms with your argosies,You ’llstill remember that she loved you whenYou were but princess and no farther ruledThen 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 princeWith such rare qualities as crown the mindOf Maximilian!’T isfor some purpose rareHe rounds such excellence with highest birthAnd puts a sword of power in his hand!From over seas unto your very feetA nation comes to choose from all the worldOne 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 enemiesIn worship of his star beneficent!There pale and crushéd PeaceShall take the color of the living rose,Hearing the voice of his protecting loveThat comes to lift her beauty from the dustAnd on that ground volcanic nobly buildHer temple indestructible!There shall his kingly mind find outward meansTo write sublimity upon the world,And like old Egypt speak in pyramidsTo 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 ’llwear 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 ’llgive you Rafael’s supper!
Ler.Hungry? No!I ’vehad two biscuits since yesterday, and sixty milesis n’tfar to go on that.
Mig.And as much good air and water as a soldier need want!
Asef.Here! Take it.’T isgood. Indeed it is!
Mig.Smoking meat! Ha! Who brought it? Has the Holy Virgin been in camp?
Asef.No, butI ’vebeen down to the valley.
Ler.You?
Asef.Yes,—andI ’vea 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 ’llfeed you then, and you don’t want Juarez’ soldiers to be turned into babies, do you?
Mig.I ’llyield! In fact,there ’san orator within that speaks with a most convincing pinch. (They eat)
Asef.(Watching) Poor fellows!They ’llnot 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 ’dbe Don Miguel de Tejada again! Youwould n’tthink 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 ’llhang 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 ’sHeaven 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 ’vebeen 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 outthey ’llmurder her and set her hut in flames!
Asef.Oh! What shall we do?
Raf.We are an army.We ’lldo as armies do. Take food where we can find it.
Asef.O, Rafael!
Raf.Yes, love,we ’llplay the robber to fill the mouth of Liberty,—she ’sfed too long on thistles.
Asef.She ’sa stern mistress, Rafael.
Raf.But sweeter, love,Her harshest frown that summer smiles of kings!O, I reproach her not, even when I seeMy dearest friends lie dying in her name!A bed of stones is soft enough for meIf she but rock to sleep,—a crust to-day,To-morrow none, and at her boardI ’mfed.But when I look on you, my traitor bloodFlies from her service. Oh, to see these handsThat 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 hateThe fair, unspotted cause my sword is drawn in!
Asef.Stop, Rafael! O thank God these hands have knownThat 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 riseWhere Truth and Courage wander in the night!In southern vales maybewe ’llhear againThe morning birds sing at our bowered windows,But we will not forget the nobler songNow borne by winds about these mountain peaks,—The song of man made free!
Raf.We ’llnot forget.But will that sweet day come? Tell me, Aseffa,You who are half a sibyl,—shall we go downThat valley to our home?
Asef.’T isnot to gainOur 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 thereonThe seal immortal of approving God.