Max.What madness!’T isimpossible!Princess S.Those bells proclaim that every Imperial postIs in a Liberal’s command. We’re lost!(Enter citizens and soldiers in confusion)1st Cit.What mean the bells?2d Cit.ThatEscobedo ’sfled!3d Cit.Marquez has come!1st Soldier.No, no! Thecity ’staken!2d Soldier.Juarez is here! The Liberals are on us!(Confused talking and shouts continue. Re-enter Prince Salm-Salm)Max.What is it, prince?Prince Salm.O dearest majesty—Max.The worst!P Salm.’T istreachery. We are surrounded!Max.Those bells—P Salm.Ring out the enemy’s success.Each post is captained by a Liberal.Max.(Calmly to princess) Forgive me. You were right. (To Prince Salm-Salm) Who is the traitor?P Salm.Ask not, I beg you.Max.His name!P Salm.Lopez.Max.Lopez? (Staggers)Unsay that word—and take my crown!P Salm.O, wouldI could, your majesty! It is too true!Max.Lopez! Carlotta’s chosen officer!And heaped with favors high enough to makeA pyramid to faith!... Is this the world,Or some strange fancy spinning in my eyes?P Salm.My dearest liege—Max.Who would not leave a lifeWhere such things be, though death were sleep eternal?... Lead me ’mong shells and bayonets. But notTo kill. My God,there ’sblood enough been shed.Bid all surrender. Let no more lives be lost.Farewell, my prince.... Now for a friendly shell!—Just here! (Striking his heart, rushes out)Princess S.O save him! I am safe! Go! go! (Exit Salm-Salm)1st Woman.We shall all be butchered!Aseffa.Juarez is no butcher.2d Woman.’T isEscobedo leads,—and many have bled by him.Aseffa.Be not afraid. I know the Liberals.Voices.They come! they come!(Miramon and Dupin rush in)Mir.Where is the Emperor?Dup.Emperor dunce-cap! We must look to our own skins.(Enter a score of ragged Liberals led by Rafael. Aseffa stares at him, speechless)Mir.Too late for that!Raf.You are our prisoners. (Liberals take Dupin and Miramon)Soldiers.Shoot them! Shoot them! Miramon and Dupin! The butchers! The dogs!Raf.Hold! You are soldiers! Not murderers!Dup.(To soldiers) You rags and bones! Go wash and eat before you touch a gentleman!Sol.You ’llnot be so nice to-morrow when the worms are at you!Asef.Raphael! (Flies to him)Raf.You here! O blessed fortune! My love! my love!Asef.O, is it true? You are alive! Alive!I too am resurrected, for I was dead,Slain with the news that you were murdered!Raf.I ’venews too bitter for so sweet a moment.Ignacio bribed my guard—stood in my place—And died.Asef.(Recoiling) You let him die for you?Raf.No, no!He carefully deceived me. I thought he plannedHis own escape with mine.Asef.O noble friend!...Juarez! He knows?Raf.Not yet.Asef.What grief for thatGreat heart!... But you are here—my Rafael!Raf.By all these kisses—yes!Asef.These are your lips—Your eyes—your hands—alive! I hear your heart!Your arms are round me, yet this is the earth!My country and my husband safe!Raf.God givesSome moments out of Heaven, and this is one!(Enter a soldier)Sol.The Emperor is captured by Escobedo!Princess S.Not killed! not killed! Thank Heaven for that!Sol.’t wasstrangeTo see him stand like this (folds his arms) among the shells!Asef.Now I could pity him, for he must die.Princess S.Die, woman! Die? You know not who he is!Why all the outraged world would rise and razeThis devil’s country from the face of earthWere Maximilian slain! Let Juarez dareTo harm this son of kings and he will learnHis beggar’s power is but an infant’s breath!Asef.Good madam, you have been my noble friend.I would not wound you, but would have you knowThat better men than MaximilianHave died for lesser crimes.(Enter Juarez with soldiers. Dawn has gradually opened and it is now broad sunlight)Voices.Juarez! Juarez!El Presidente! El Presidente!Jua.My men,The town is ours, and with it Mexico.Citizens of Queretaro. I give you backMore than your homes,—your liberated country.Voices.Long live the Republic! Liberty forever!(Enter Escobedo)Esc.Your Excellency will see the prisoner?Jua.The illustrious duke? Ay, bring him here.Esc.He comes.(Enter Maximilian under guard)Jua.Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joyTo see you thus. What wishes would your gracePrefer to us?Max.I have but one request,Your excellency. If more blood must be spilt,Let it be mine alone.Jua.We grant it, sir,With two exceptions justice doth demand.Dupin and Miramon must die with you.Dupin, who put to most ignoble deathThe noblest prisoners of righteous war.Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambitionHas sunk his country in her own dear blood,And would do so again did life permitHim opportunity. And you, my lord,Who signed the foulest, most inhuman lawWrit down since Roman Sulla’s hand grew cold.Princess S.O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceivedBy treacherous ministers!Jua.His ministersWere but his many hands, and for their deedsHis heart must answer.Princess S.O could you know that heart!Max.Dear lady, peace.Princess S.Beloved majesty,I speak for her who prays beyond the sea.... O, sir, you can not mean that he must die!Help me, Aseffa! Help me plead for him!Does not your Rafael live?Asef.He lives becauseIgnacio is dead. (Juarez starts) I must be just.Princess S.What has a woman’s heart to do with justice?’T ismercy is its heavenly quality!Jua.Is this thing true? My boy.... Speak, Rafael.... Tears in your eyes. You need not speak. My boy ...Ignacio.... Unto God I give thee!...Princess S.’T isrightThat they who would be gods to others’ woeShould be proved human by their own.Jua.(Not hearing her) And thisIs what so many hearts have borne since firstThe Austrian came.Princess S.O mercy, mercy, sir!By your own woe show pity unto thoseWhose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies!Be merciful! These tears of mine are butThe first few drops of the unbounded tideThat weeping as the sea weeps round the worldShall drink thy hated land if this good manDies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him!Juarez.Madam, it is the people and the lawDemand this expiation, not Juarez.I grieve to see you on your knees before me,But did each queen of Europe—ay, and king,—Kneel in your place, I could not spare that life.(Silence. Sobs. Juarez signs to Escobedo, who leads prisoners away. Dupin’s broad hat is pulled low. Miramon steps proudly. At exit Maximilian turns and salutes the people)Max.Mexicans! Long live Mexico!(CURTAIN)ACT V.Scene I: Audience chamber, the Tuileries. Louis Napoleon alone.Lou.Succeed or fail! However men may runThe goal is marked. Yet will we race with FateIn forgone match. Some free of foot and hand,Some stumbling with huge empires on our backsLess certain than the overburdened antHousing a winter crumb.... Victoire!(Enter Secretary)Sec.My lord.Lou.If any dispatch from the West arrivesBring it at once.Sec.Yes, sire. (Exit)Lou.America!Thou strange, new power where each man is a king,I have obeyed thy will. Pulled down my empire,Built up that France might the Atlantic strideAnd stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slapUpon the cheek imperial insultsAll monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles,When she should blush to ruddy rage of war.... The West must go ... but hereI ’llbe supreme.Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict,And promise aid to each, but in my dreamThey both are doomed and France shall reign alone.(Enter Chamberlain)Chamb.Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine.Lou.Bazaine! Admit him.(Exit Chamberlain)’T ispenance night with us,And this man is the mirror of our conscience,Showing its foulest spots.(Enter Bazaine)Baz.Sire, I salute you.Now Paris is the star that all eyes seek.The Exposition draws the world to you,Who glitter here as you were made for heaven.Lou.Ay,Here we would shine that none may see our starI’ the West grow dark!... Now Maximilian?Baz.He will be shot.Lou.No jests! I ask you, sir,What terms he may arrange for freedom.Baz.None.Lou.You speak not to a fool.Baz.I trust not, sire.Lou.You know the Mexicans. Tell me the truth.Baz.I know the Mexicans. He will be shot.Lou.God, no! That noble man!Baz.Pray, sir, what fateHad you in mind for MaximilianWhen finding him too true to MexicoFor your proud aims, you sent such covered wordTo one Bazaine he could but read thereinA revolution and the Emperor’s fall?Lou.I would have spared his life.Baz.(Taking out paper) Then what means this?(Reads) ‘France weeps no death that brings her better fortune.’Lou.You ’dspy a warrant in the alphabetDid you but wish to find one! Think you thatMeant—death?Baz.(Closer) I know it.Lou.What dare you?Baz.Anything—With this safe in my pocket. (Puts up paper)Lou.Beware, Bazaine!Baz.When one so mighty as your MajestyIs my protector?Lou.You—(Enter Chamberlain)Chamb.The Count von OsteinBeseeches word with you.Lou.He ’swelcome to it.(Exit Chamberlain)Adieu, le marechal.Baz.My lord—Lou.Adieu,Le marechal. (Exit Bazaine)Prussia’s ambassador.Now for our role of cheat and crowned dissembler.O for a throne where Truth might keep her head!(Enter the Prussian Minister)Welcome, my lord.Prus.Most gracious majesty,The foreign ministers have come in bodyTo speak congratulations and confirmThe triumph of the Exposition.Lou.They have our truest thanks. But first, my lord,A word in private with you.Is ’tPrussia’s wishThat we withhold our aid from Mexico?Prus.A question, sire. You know that Austria threatens.Is France in this the friend or enemyTo Prussia?There ’snot an inch of middle groundTo stand on. If our foe, then pour your strengthTo Mexico. If friend, keep it at home,Ready for Prussia’s need.Lou.To be your friendMay cost some blood to France.Prus.I ’veheard it saidThe left bank of the Rhine is a fair country,And worth a little blood.Lou.Enough, my lord.Let Prussia know she has a friend in France,And with your sanction cover our retreatFrom Mexico.(Enter Chamberlain)Chamb.Pardon, your majesty.The Empress of Mexico begs audience.Lou.Carlotta? No!Chamb.She presses urgentlyTo enter.Lou.Here?... We sent our word to herAt Miramar!... And yet—she comes—she ’shere.... Admit the deputation, and summon, too,Our Empress.Chamb.The Empress comes.(Enter Eugenie attended. Exit Chamberlain. Enter guards)Eug.I hear the ministersHave come to us with state congratulations,And though unbidden,I ’llnot leave my chair—The co-seat of imperial dignity—Vacant at such a time.Lou.Welcome, Eugenie.We were about to summon you.Eug.Thanks evenFor tardy courtesy.Lou.But we have moreThan compliments to hear. Carlotta waitsOur audience.Eug.Carlotta! I can not see her! (Rises)Lou.Nay, it was you first cast ambitious eyeTo Mexico. Now see the end.Eug.My lord—Lou.Be seated, madam.Eug.You command me, sir?Lou.We do.Eug.(Going) Come, ladies!Lou.(To guards) Let no one pass out!Eug.France, sir, shall know this outrage!Lou.When you wishTo make it known.(Enter ambassadors, Austrian, Russian, Italian, Belgian, and others)Rus.Most glorious Majesty!Belg.Mighty France!It.Italy’s savior!Aus.Christendom’s king!Lou.I thank you, my good lords; but we’re too sadTo smile at compliments; Carlotta comesTo beg our power to uphold her throne,Though Heaven has decreed her empire’s fall.We ask you hear our open clear defence,And help set forth our duty, that the EmpressMay see our wisdom through our tears.It.We ’lllendYour Majesty what voice we can.Lou.I thank you.(Aside to Austrian) My lord, a word. The Prussian talons creepToward Austria. France is your friend.Aus.O, sire!Lou.If you would have her strong pray that no swordOf hers be lost in Mexico.Aus.I will,My lord.(Enter Carlotta, attended by Count Charles, Count de Bombelles, her priest, and women. She goes to Louis and would kneel. He takes her hand)Lou.An Empress must not kneel.Car.I ’mstillAn Empress, sir?Lou.Once to have worn a crownIs always to be queen.Car.Sire, mock me not.Didst mean no more than that?Lou.Lady, you comeTo beg your empire?Car.I do not beg, Napoleon.I come to ask you keep your sacred oath,But do not make a beggar of me, sir,Who was a princess in my cradle.Lou.Nay,Royal Carlotta, if beggar here must be,See one in us who sue your gentle patience.While strength was ours to give we gave it you,But now is France grown needy of her troops,With Europe surging to a conflict round her.Car.My lord—Lou.America turns baying on us.Should we make war on one who twice o’ercameOur island neighbors when she was but childTo what she now is grown?Prus.Your majesty,’T wouldbe a folly for a clown, not king.Car.America? Easier to stop her nowThan it will be when she wears MexicoLike sword at her right side. Austria, Prussia,Strike you no more at neighbor throats, but comeAnd win a fight for God. Napoleon, come!There lies a world that’s worth the price of war.Whose swelling breasts pour milk of paradise,Whose marble mountains wait the carver’s hand,Whose valley arms ne’er tire with Ceres’ load,Whose crownless head awaits the diademThat but divine, ancestral dignityMay fix imperishably upon it! A brideFor blessed Rome! And will you give her upTo ravishers? To enemies of the Church?To unclean hands ne’er dipped in holy chrism?Aus.Thetime ’snot ripe for our united swordsTo ransom her.Car.The time is always ripeFor a good deed. Napoleon, you will come!And though you fail, failure will be majestic.Withdraw like frightened schoolboy and you makeYour throne a penance stool whereon you sitFor laughter of the nations. But come, and thoughYou fail, when time has brought AmericaTo her full, greedy strength, these scornful kingsWill then unite in desperate endeavorTo give your great conception form and face,And at your tombthey ’lllift their shaken crownsAnd beg a pardon from your heart of dust!Prus.(Aside)He ’llyield to her!... Most noble lady, we—Car.I speak, sir, to Napoleon.Lou.What helpCan Austria give?Aus.Sire, she has many troubles.The clouds of war threat her with scarlet flood,And little strength has she to spare abroadWhen foes besiege at home.Car.And Austria’s chiefIs Maximilian’s brother! It was not soThat day at Miramar when three proud crownsTook oath to serve him in an hour like this.Austria powerless! And Belgium—dead.But France—Ah, France, she will prove noble, loyalTo God and honor!Lou.My honor, dearest lady,Permits me not to risk my country’s lifeThat you may wear a crown in Mexico.I can not save your empire.Car.Then let it fall,But save—my husband’s life!(Astonishment and silence)Lou.You speak but madly.America has sent us guarantiesShe will demand that MaximilianBe held but as a prisoner of war.The Mexicans dare not proceed against himContrary to the mighty governmentThat is sole friend unto their scarce born state.Car.America demands with paper wordsThat can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him?Let her demand his life with cannon turnedUpon his murderers. Then, sire,I ’lltrustTo their obedience. Till thenI ’llpleadWith you. All hope is here.Lou.Not so, dear lady.Italy, Austria, and your Belgium,Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him.Car.Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law,Are his sole need. Should God send angels thereHe ’dchoose but those who bear the flaming sword.... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties,In his own hand set down! Here he vows faithTo Maximilian—and to Heaven! Hear!‘I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oathUpon the honor of a man and king—’Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot?Then let my tongue be as a burning penTo write it new upon your heart!Lou.No! no!In God’s name, no!Aus.Dear lady, this is torture.Car.Torture for you?—for him? Then what is itFor me, my lord?Prus.Wouldst have his majestyFalse to his country to be true to you?Aus.The oath he took was, by the courtesyOf nations, subject to the change that timeVisits on countries as on men.Car.You ’dwinHis sword from me that you may use it! Sirs,He plays you ’gainst each other as the eagleSets ospreys in contention over preyThat he may filch the prize!Lou.Carlotta!Car.Be warned!He ’llknow no ease till in your capitalsHe has re-crowned the great Napoleon!Lou.Nay—Car.Stop me not! Here you shall stand as bareTo these men’s eyes as you do to my own!Lou.My lords, you will not let her troubled mindWeaken your trust in me?Prus.Your majesty,We know you noble.Car.Noble! Napoleon,This wondrous city is aflame with joy,The blazing fires now dart aloft and writeIn golden light your name upon the skies,But in your heart will burn a torch of hellUnquenchable, if you deny me aid!Lou.Dear madam, pray believe that I am helpless.Car.You are as strong as France, Eugenie, help me!If e’er you held a dear head on your breast—You have!—foryou ’veboth son and husband! Ah,I have no child. My lord is all to me.O put your two in one and you will knowWhat now I plead for! By the kisses droppedUpon your baby’s cheek, and by the hopeThat you will see him grow up at your side,Another self with heart-strings round your own,I pray you, lady, soften that stone heart!I kneel to you, an empress though my crownHas fallen, as yours I pray will not,And at your footstool beg my husband’s life!(Eugenie rises)By your child’s love, I beg you for one word!Help me, Eugenie, or the day will comeWhen you will know a crown is but a bandOf metal cold, and one warm kiss more dearThan all such circling glory! When you will growMad with the longing but to touch the handNow lies in yours as it would never part,Strain for the face whose beauty fed you onceUntil your madness builds it out of airTo gaze with sweet unhuman pity on youYet come not near for kisses! O, even nowI look through sealed up time unto a nightWhen sleep will fly from your woe-drownéd eyes,And you will cry to Heaven for blessed deathTo lead you from the midnight desolation!Eugenie, save thyself! For thy own sakeShow pity unto me, and in that hourReceive the mercy that thou now dost give!Eug.(Going) Help me!I ’mill! (Her women assist her out)Car.Gone! Gone? And yet a woman!Ah,there ’sa God will suffer not this wrong!... Napoleon—Lou.Nay, madam,we ’vesaid all.I can not cast my country into war.You but fatigue yourself.Car.O Heaven! Fatigue!Canst think of that when MaximilianIs facing bayonets for honor’s sake?Lou.Believe me, he is safe!Car.I tell you no!To-day the guns from Mont ValerienPealed out your glory! Your arm was in the armOf Prussia’s monarch, and Waterloo forgot!You laughed with Austria’s chief, as though the dukeOf Reichstadt were not dead! The bloody snowsOf Moscow melt in Alexander’s smile!Edward’s in France, St.Helena ’sa myth!And all the world is trooping here to feedYour monstrous vanity! But let the mornBring news of Maximilian’s death,These kings will shudder from you as from plague,The conscious earth refuse your feet a baseFor shame to bear you! Then will begin your fall.Down, downyou ’llcreep to an unpitied death,And winds that shriek around your exile bedWill cry me prophetess!Lou.(After a silence) Your audienceIs over. Pray go and rest. You need much sleep.Car.A woman sleeps not till her heart is safe.My eyes shall not be closed tillI ’veyour answer.Lou.You have it, lady, and we beg you leave us.Car.Leave! leave! O sir, it is a lie I hear! (Falls at his feet)You did not say it! See! I kiss your feet! O sir—Lou.(Withdrawing) You put us to discourtesy.Since you will not withdraw, we leave you.Car.(Leaping up) Coward!Then, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France!Thou art a murderer, and I have kissedThe devil’s hoof! (Exit Napoleon)(Carlotta stands dazed, looking after Napoleon. Puts her hand over her eyes. Count Charles goes to her)Char.Dear madam, come with me. (She looks about bewildered)One of her women.Your majesty,We pray you come.Car.(Strangely) Yes—yes—I ’llgo. Away!(Exit with her attendants)Aus.A gloomy business, truly.Prus.’t haswrought upon me.(Re-enter Napoleon)Lou.My lords, believe me grateful for your helpIn this most wretched business.(Enter Secretary)Sec.A dispatch, sire, from Mexico.Lou.We ’llhear it.All here should share this news with me.Sec.’T isshort,Your majesty.Lou.The sooner read. We wait.Sec.(Reads) ‘By order of Juarez, the Austrian duke, Ferdinand Maximilian, has been shot.’(Silence. Napoleon groans)It.It can’t be true!Bel.’T isfalse!I ’llnot believe it!Prus.Grieve not, your Majesty. This is a mockDispatch.Aus.A noble archduke! Bound by tiesOf blood and love to every court of Europe!Believe this not, my lord!Sec.Your Majesty,This second message from AmericaConfirms the other.Lou.’T istrue! My God,’t istrue!It.Carlotta! Who will tell her?Lou.None shall do it!She must not know.Rus.Pardon me, sire, she must.Lou.Then his death bullet has not stopped its flight.’T willend but in her heart.(Re-enter Count Charles. Napoleon silently gives him the despatch, which he reads with great agitation)Char.(To himself) O terrible! And yetNo news to me—to me.Lou.You ’lltell her, sir?Char.There is no need, my lord. Herreason ’sfled.She ’smad.Bel.’T isHeaven’s mercy!It.Unhappy woman!Char.She is not wild, but gentle, and thinks, my lord,You ’vegranted her request.Lou.Noble Carlotta!My lords, forbear awhile.I ’dbe alone.It.God grant you rest.(All go out but Napoleon)Lou.These kingsI ’vecalled here to a dance must leadA funeral. What can I say to them?To Austria—his brother! England—his own cousin!To Belgium—herbrother! Spain— O, allTheworld, that loved him!... An Emperor—and shot.(Musical procession passes in street. Shouts of ‘Vivel’ empereur! Vivel’ empereur!’)He too heard shouts like those—saw fires ascendTo write his triumph—ay—and he is cold—Quite cold—shot dead.... Carlotta! prophetess!I feel—I know—thyoracle ’sfrom God!(Falls at the foot of the imperial chair)(CURTAIN)Scene II:Miramar. A balcony overlooking the sea. Lady Maria alone.Mar.Here they went out together—arm in arm,—Sweet, healing spirits to a bleeding land.Down yonder terrace to the sea they passed,—He unto death, and she—to—(Sighs deeply)Car.(Without) Cousin!Mar.Ah!(Turns smiling to greet Carlotta who enters carrying flowers)So early out? What treasures have you there?Car.The sweetest flowers that ever peeped up head.They grow along the path in that dear woodWhere Maximilian took me gypsyingWhen we grew weary of the world.Mar.I ’msureThat was not often.Car.True. We loved too wellOur work among the people to hide ourselvesIn little corners of delight. But oh, those times!How he would catch me as I ran and sayHis little wild-girl with her flower crownWas dearer than his princess ermine-gowned.And soI ’llwreathe these buds into my hair,And meet him as he loved me best.(Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea)To-day!This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him!(Drops flowers in trance of happiness)Mar.Sweet Empress—Car.Empress? No! To-day I amHis little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers.O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless!(Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them)You see this flower?Mar.’T isvery beautiful.What is it?Car.I ’veseen it only in our wood.Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (Sings)In a young, sweet hour of SpringI sat ’neath an old tree to singOf love, only love!The little brook took up my tuneAnd to his soft green banks did croon,The green grass rippled to the treeAnd every leaf shook melodyOf love, only love!And then the birds that flitted byTold it the clouds that told the sky,And all the world to song did startWith what I sang but to my heart!Ay, all the world sang back to meA little maiden ’neath a treeOf love, only love!(Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria)Ah, cousin, do you thinkhe ’llbe delayed?Mar.Dear madam, I fear me so.Car.These ships! these ships!How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones!The wandering treasures of our empty arms!The western waters must have sirens too,And will not let him pass.Mar.Indeed they would not,Did they but know what majesty is in him.Car.(Embracing her) O help me love him, dear.Myheart ’stoo small.(Enter Count Charles)Char.A message.Car.Oh! a message! I do not wantA message.Char.The admiral of the port has wordThe Emperor’sship ’sdelayed.Car.Why,we ’llnot weep....’T isbut a day.... (Goes forward, looking out) To-morrow, then—to-morrow!(To Lady Maria) Why do you weep? Aday ’snot worth a tear.See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade.I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path....(Suddenly) Cousin, why wear you black?Mar.(Confused) I—madam—I—Car.Such sable hues for this so rosy day?Go dress your body like our happy hearts!Dost think a coffin comes across the sea?A coffin—(Shudders) Go! I can not bear this black!(Exit Lady Maria)I am displeased. Have I not reason, Charles?’T wasvery wrong of her to dress in blackWhen Maximilian comes. I will go in.I ’mtired—but I am very happy. Ah! (Exit)Char.O wounded heart! Thus every day she hopes,And every day begins her hope anew.It is my penance now to watch her sorrow,To guard perfection’s wreck in her sad body,And hear the name of Maximilian fallEach moment from her lips. O, God, rememberWhen once I am in hell,I ’vesuffered here!(Re-enter Carlotta)Car.I can not stay away. This is my place.Here will I catch the first light on his sail.O Charles, dear Charles, to-morrow we shall see him!Look in his noble eyes,—ah me, what eyes!Dost not remember? Talk of him, cousin.It brings him faster to me. My heart! my heart!This waiting breaks it though’t isbut a day!An hour that keeps him from me lengthens likeThe drawn out ages ’tween the ends of time!But oh, to-morrow! Let me think of that!Then will the small globe of mine eye containThe wide and complete world of my desires!... Have you forgot Aseffa? You do not speak;But you have not forgot. She said—Oh, cruel!—That he, my Maximilian, should lie coldWhile yet my arms were warm and reaching for him.How could she say it? But you stood by him—you—His faithful friend. You knew’t wouldne’er be true!... Do you remember, Charles, the winter dayHe climbed to Valtelina’s ice-bound hutsTo bear the starving people food?Char.Yes—yes!’T ismy sole virtue to remember his!Car.And when the flooding Ambro left her banks,Rolling a very sea o’er farm and town,Who was the first to ride the dangerous waves,A rescuing angel saving man and child?Char.’T wasMaximilian!Car.Yes, our Maximilian.I feared the Mexicans would take his life.Was not that foolish, cousin? I should have knownGod could not spare him from His world. Hast heardThe men of Licio tell how he was firstTo bring them aid when all their silkworms diedAnd silence struck the looms that gave them food?This man will say ‘I have a son aliveBecause of Maximilian!’ And that will say‘I have a daughter now to tend my age,Because the Lombard governor brought breadUnto her cradle.’... And he is coming back.... Beautiful Miramar!We ’llnever leave thee,Though stars should beckon to a golden world!To-morrowhe ’llcome! Maximilian!(Holds out her arms toward the sea, looking radiantly into distance)Charles! (Turns suddenly, laying her hand on his arm)Look! What men are those? Do you not see them?Char.There ’snothing, cousin,—nothing but the sea.Car.Oh, look! They wear the Mexican dress!Char.Come in,Sweet princess!Car.Ah yes, they’re Mexicans.Char.Come!You ’vehad some fever.’T isa sick-room vision.Car.No, no!I ’mwell! Ah, never in such health!I see like God! O look! A score of them!Moving but silent as death! Where are they marching?The sun gleams on their guns! O see, Charles, see!There is a prisoner! Poor man! poor man!I can not see his face. He walks most sadly,—And proudly too! An upright soul, I know!Char.Dear cousin, come away!Car.He ’shumbly dressed,And but for thatI ’dthink he might be royal,Ah, royal as Maximilian! O Charles,I am so gladhe ’ssafe upon the sea!Safe—safe—and coming to me!Char.(Most pleadingly) Come, wait within,Dear princess! Come!Car.I will not leave him! No!The poor, sad prisoner! Those cruel weapons!I fear—I fear—he is condemned to die.... Perhaps he has a wife. Ah me, I pray not.Then would be tears! He is a noble man,—But still his face is from me.... They reach the field.The soldiers halt and lift their guns. O how they gleam!... I can not see.... Why is the face so dim?Will no one save him? Let us pray for him!We can do that! Down on our knees and pray!O men, men, men! What sin beneath the sunCan give excuse for such a deed as this?O, Heaven, are you looking too? A manSo noble! Oh, he turns—he turns—his breastIs to the weapons! Now they fire! He falls!His face! (Gives a wild cry) Oh God!’t isMaximilian!(Falls forward on her face)(CURTAIN)THE POETACT I.Scene 1.Helen’s room, Truelord house, New York.ACT II.Scene 1.Exterior of Clemm cottage, near Richmond.ACT III.Scene 1.Interior of Clemm cottage.Scene 2.The Same.ACT IV.Scene 1.An old book store, New York.Scene 2.Poe’s cottage, Fordham.ACT V.Scene 1.Poe’s lodging, Baltimore.Scene 2.A bar-room.CHARACTERSEdgar Allan PoeVirginia ClemmMrs. Maria ClemmHelen TruelordMrs. TruelordRoger BridgmoreNelson ClemmMrs. DelormisDoctor BarlowMrs. SchmidtGeorge Thomas, BarkeeperHaines,Juggers,Sharp,Black, gamblersBooksellerMum Zurie,Tat,Bony, servants at Clemm cottage.Gertrude, Mabel, Annie, Sallie, Dora, Gladys, Ethel, Alma, Allie, friends of Virginia.THE POETACT I.Scene: Room in the Truelord House. Helen lies on a couch before large windows, rear, reading by light from a small lamp on table near couch. She wears a loose robe over night-dress.A light knock is heard at door, left centre.Hel.(Sitting up) Mamma?Voice.Yes, dear.Hel.(Kissing book and closing it) Good-bye, my poet! (Drops book on couch and goes to door)Voice, as Helen opens door.I saw your light. (Enter Mrs. Truelord) Forgive me, love. I could not rest. (Helen is closing door) No! Kate is coming.Mrs. Delormis.(In door) Yes,I ’mhere, too, Helen.Hel.Come in, Cousin Catherine.(All three advance)Mrs. Del.Madela had a feminine version of the jim-jams—tea-nerves, you know—so must get us both up.Hel.(Drawing forward a huge chair for Mrs. Truelord while Mrs. Delormis takes a smaller one) I was not in bed.Mrs. Tru.(Looking toward bed in alcove, right) But you have been! You could not sleep either. Ah!(Sighs deeply)Hel.(Goes to couch) Now, mamma!Mrs. Tru.(Embarrassed by Helen’sstraightforwardlook) Helen—I—I ’vejust got to have it out to-night. You are only my step-daughter, butI ’veloved you like my own.Hel.(Quaintly) Yes.Mrs. Tru.Have n’tI always treated you as if you were my daughter born?Hel.(Slowly) You have indeed!Mrs. Tru.And I can’t bear for you to—to—O, I just can’t bear it, I say!Hel.Bear what, mamma?Mrs. Tru.This—this man—Mrs. Del.Edgar Poe, Helen.Mrs. Tru.You are going to give up Roger—Roger who has worshipped you since you were a baby, who has lived under the same roof and been a brother to you since you were two years old—you are going to give him up for a strange man—a man without a penny—a man you have seen but once—(Almost shrieking)—but once—(Rising)Hel.(Crosses, and stands before her, speaking calmly) We know angels at first sight, mamma.Mrs. Tru.(Grabbing Helen by the shoulders and staring at her) You have done it already! (Falls to chair as if fainting)Hel.Soothe her, Catherine. I will get some wine. (Exit)Mrs. Tru.(Sitting up, at once recovered)She ’smade up her mind. When her eyes shine like thatit ’sno use to argue. And all of Roger’s fortune in Mr. Truelord’s hands!We ’veconsidered it a family resource for years!Mrs. Del.What a fool Roger was to bring Edgar Poe to the house!Mrs. Tru.He ’scrazy about the man. Sayshe ’sa genius, and all that stuff.Mrs. Del.Well, he is. But to introduce him to a girl like Helen!They ’llbe off before morning!Mrs. Tru.Oh-h! Don’t, Kate! Roger actually wants me to ask him to stay in the house.Mrs. Del.Idiot! He deserves to lose her.... But your guest! (Laughs) Poor Madela! How he would upset your nice, comfortable theories of life! Why, youcould n’thand him a cup of tea without feeling the planet quake.Mrs. Tru.But what are we to do? Kate, youmusthelp me.Mrs. Del.I ’mgoing to. You can’t tell her father, because Helen must be persuaded, not opposed. And don’t speak about the money. If she loved a beggar she would trudge barefoot behind him.Mrs. Tru.(Despairingly) O, don’t I know it?Mrs. Del.Now you leave this to me, Madela. I will say a few things to Helen about meeting Mr. Poe in Europe—and—you know—Mrs. Tru.(Kissing her violently) O, Kate! Tell her all—and more, if necessary! Don’t think about your reputation if you can save Roger’s fortune—Mrs. Del.Sh!—(Enter Helen, with wine and a glass)Mrs. Tru.(Feebly) Thank you, dear, butI ’mbetter now. (Rising)I ’lltry to rest. (Goes to door)Hel.I would see you to your room, mamma, butI ’msure you would rather have Catherine. (Mrs. Delormis makes no move to go)Mrs. Tru.O, I am quite well—I mean—I need no one—no one at all! Goodnight, my dears! (Exit)Hel.(Politely) And is there anything which you must have out to-night, cousin Catherine?Mrs. Del.Sit down, Helen. (Helen takes a chair) You have never loved me, but I have always had a warm heart for you, little girl. And you will take a warning from me in good part, won’t you?
Max.What madness!’T isimpossible!
Princess S.Those bells proclaim that every Imperial postIs in a Liberal’s command. We’re lost!
(Enter citizens and soldiers in confusion)
1st Cit.What mean the bells?
2d Cit.ThatEscobedo ’sfled!
3d Cit.Marquez has come!
1st Soldier.No, no! Thecity ’staken!
2d Soldier.Juarez is here! The Liberals are on us!
(Confused talking and shouts continue. Re-enter Prince Salm-Salm)
Max.What is it, prince?
Prince Salm.O dearest majesty—
Max.The worst!
P Salm.’T istreachery. We are surrounded!
Max.Those bells—
P Salm.Ring out the enemy’s success.Each post is captained by a Liberal.
Max.(Calmly to princess) Forgive me. You were right. (To Prince Salm-Salm) Who is the traitor?
P Salm.Ask not, I beg you.
Max.His name!
P Salm.Lopez.
Max.Lopez? (Staggers)Unsay that word—and take my crown!
P Salm.O, wouldI could, your majesty! It is too true!
Max.Lopez! Carlotta’s chosen officer!And heaped with favors high enough to makeA pyramid to faith!... Is this the world,Or some strange fancy spinning in my eyes?
P Salm.My dearest liege—
Max.Who would not leave a lifeWhere such things be, though death were sleep eternal?... Lead me ’mong shells and bayonets. But notTo kill. My God,there ’sblood enough been shed.Bid all surrender. Let no more lives be lost.Farewell, my prince.... Now for a friendly shell!—Just here! (Striking his heart, rushes out)
Princess S.O save him! I am safe! Go! go! (Exit Salm-Salm)
1st Woman.We shall all be butchered!
Aseffa.Juarez is no butcher.
2d Woman.’T isEscobedo leads,—and many have bled by him.
Aseffa.Be not afraid. I know the Liberals.
Voices.They come! they come!
(Miramon and Dupin rush in)
Mir.Where is the Emperor?
Dup.Emperor dunce-cap! We must look to our own skins.
(Enter a score of ragged Liberals led by Rafael. Aseffa stares at him, speechless)
Mir.Too late for that!
Raf.You are our prisoners. (Liberals take Dupin and Miramon)
Soldiers.Shoot them! Shoot them! Miramon and Dupin! The butchers! The dogs!
Raf.Hold! You are soldiers! Not murderers!
Dup.(To soldiers) You rags and bones! Go wash and eat before you touch a gentleman!
Sol.You ’llnot be so nice to-morrow when the worms are at you!
Asef.Raphael! (Flies to him)
Raf.You here! O blessed fortune! My love! my love!
Asef.O, is it true? You are alive! Alive!I too am resurrected, for I was dead,Slain with the news that you were murdered!
Raf.I ’venews too bitter for so sweet a moment.Ignacio bribed my guard—stood in my place—And died.
Asef.(Recoiling) You let him die for you?
Raf.No, no!He carefully deceived me. I thought he plannedHis own escape with mine.
Asef.O noble friend!...Juarez! He knows?
Raf.Not yet.
Asef.What grief for thatGreat heart!... But you are here—my Rafael!
Raf.By all these kisses—yes!
Asef.These are your lips—Your eyes—your hands—alive! I hear your heart!Your arms are round me, yet this is the earth!My country and my husband safe!
Raf.God givesSome moments out of Heaven, and this is one!
(Enter a soldier)
Sol.The Emperor is captured by Escobedo!
Princess S.Not killed! not killed! Thank Heaven for that!
Sol.’t wasstrangeTo see him stand like this (folds his arms) among the shells!
Asef.Now I could pity him, for he must die.
Princess S.Die, woman! Die? You know not who he is!Why all the outraged world would rise and razeThis devil’s country from the face of earthWere Maximilian slain! Let Juarez dareTo harm this son of kings and he will learnHis beggar’s power is but an infant’s breath!
Asef.Good madam, you have been my noble friend.I would not wound you, but would have you knowThat better men than MaximilianHave died for lesser crimes.
(Enter Juarez with soldiers. Dawn has gradually opened and it is now broad sunlight)
Voices.Juarez! Juarez!El Presidente! El Presidente!
Jua.My men,The town is ours, and with it Mexico.Citizens of Queretaro. I give you backMore than your homes,—your liberated country.
Voices.Long live the Republic! Liberty forever!
(Enter Escobedo)
Esc.Your Excellency will see the prisoner?
Jua.The illustrious duke? Ay, bring him here.
Esc.He comes.
(Enter Maximilian under guard)
Jua.Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joyTo see you thus. What wishes would your gracePrefer to us?
Max.I have but one request,Your excellency. If more blood must be spilt,Let it be mine alone.
Jua.We grant it, sir,With two exceptions justice doth demand.Dupin and Miramon must die with you.Dupin, who put to most ignoble deathThe noblest prisoners of righteous war.Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambitionHas sunk his country in her own dear blood,And would do so again did life permitHim opportunity. And you, my lord,Who signed the foulest, most inhuman lawWrit down since Roman Sulla’s hand grew cold.
Princess S.O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceivedBy treacherous ministers!
Jua.His ministersWere but his many hands, and for their deedsHis heart must answer.
Princess S.O could you know that heart!
Max.Dear lady, peace.
Princess S.Beloved majesty,I speak for her who prays beyond the sea.... O, sir, you can not mean that he must die!Help me, Aseffa! Help me plead for him!Does not your Rafael live?
Asef.He lives becauseIgnacio is dead. (Juarez starts) I must be just.
Princess S.What has a woman’s heart to do with justice?’T ismercy is its heavenly quality!
Jua.Is this thing true? My boy.... Speak, Rafael.... Tears in your eyes. You need not speak. My boy ...Ignacio.... Unto God I give thee!...
Princess S.’T isrightThat they who would be gods to others’ woeShould be proved human by their own.
Jua.(Not hearing her) And thisIs what so many hearts have borne since firstThe Austrian came.
Princess S.O mercy, mercy, sir!By your own woe show pity unto thoseWhose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies!Be merciful! These tears of mine are butThe first few drops of the unbounded tideThat weeping as the sea weeps round the worldShall drink thy hated land if this good manDies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him!
Juarez.Madam, it is the people and the lawDemand this expiation, not Juarez.I grieve to see you on your knees before me,But did each queen of Europe—ay, and king,—Kneel in your place, I could not spare that life.
(Silence. Sobs. Juarez signs to Escobedo, who leads prisoners away. Dupin’s broad hat is pulled low. Miramon steps proudly. At exit Maximilian turns and salutes the people)
Max.Mexicans! Long live Mexico!
(CURTAIN)
Scene I: Audience chamber, the Tuileries. Louis Napoleon alone.
Lou.Succeed or fail! However men may runThe goal is marked. Yet will we race with FateIn forgone match. Some free of foot and hand,Some stumbling with huge empires on our backsLess certain than the overburdened antHousing a winter crumb.... Victoire!
(Enter Secretary)
Sec.My lord.
Lou.If any dispatch from the West arrivesBring it at once.
Sec.Yes, sire. (Exit)
Lou.America!Thou strange, new power where each man is a king,I have obeyed thy will. Pulled down my empire,Built up that France might the Atlantic strideAnd stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slapUpon the cheek imperial insultsAll monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles,When she should blush to ruddy rage of war.... The West must go ... but hereI ’llbe supreme.Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict,And promise aid to each, but in my dreamThey both are doomed and France shall reign alone.
(Enter Chamberlain)
Chamb.Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine.
Lou.Bazaine! Admit him.
(Exit Chamberlain)
’T ispenance night with us,And this man is the mirror of our conscience,Showing its foulest spots.
(Enter Bazaine)
Baz.Sire, I salute you.Now Paris is the star that all eyes seek.The Exposition draws the world to you,Who glitter here as you were made for heaven.
Lou.Ay,Here we would shine that none may see our starI’ the West grow dark!... Now Maximilian?
Baz.He will be shot.
Lou.No jests! I ask you, sir,What terms he may arrange for freedom.
Baz.None.
Lou.You speak not to a fool.
Baz.I trust not, sire.
Lou.You know the Mexicans. Tell me the truth.
Baz.I know the Mexicans. He will be shot.
Lou.God, no! That noble man!
Baz.Pray, sir, what fateHad you in mind for MaximilianWhen finding him too true to MexicoFor your proud aims, you sent such covered wordTo one Bazaine he could but read thereinA revolution and the Emperor’s fall?
Lou.I would have spared his life.
Baz.(Taking out paper) Then what means this?(Reads) ‘France weeps no death that brings her better fortune.’
Lou.You ’dspy a warrant in the alphabetDid you but wish to find one! Think you thatMeant—death?
Baz.(Closer) I know it.
Lou.What dare you?
Baz.Anything—With this safe in my pocket. (Puts up paper)
Lou.Beware, Bazaine!
Baz.When one so mighty as your MajestyIs my protector?
Lou.You—
(Enter Chamberlain)
Chamb.The Count von OsteinBeseeches word with you.
Lou.He ’swelcome to it.
(Exit Chamberlain)
Adieu, le marechal.
Baz.My lord—
Lou.Adieu,Le marechal. (Exit Bazaine)Prussia’s ambassador.Now for our role of cheat and crowned dissembler.O for a throne where Truth might keep her head!
(Enter the Prussian Minister)
Welcome, my lord.
Prus.Most gracious majesty,The foreign ministers have come in bodyTo speak congratulations and confirmThe triumph of the Exposition.
Lou.They have our truest thanks. But first, my lord,A word in private with you.Is ’tPrussia’s wishThat we withhold our aid from Mexico?
Prus.A question, sire. You know that Austria threatens.Is France in this the friend or enemyTo Prussia?There ’snot an inch of middle groundTo stand on. If our foe, then pour your strengthTo Mexico. If friend, keep it at home,Ready for Prussia’s need.
Lou.To be your friendMay cost some blood to France.
Prus.I ’veheard it saidThe left bank of the Rhine is a fair country,And worth a little blood.
Lou.Enough, my lord.Let Prussia know she has a friend in France,And with your sanction cover our retreatFrom Mexico.
(Enter Chamberlain)
Chamb.Pardon, your majesty.The Empress of Mexico begs audience.
Lou.Carlotta? No!
Chamb.She presses urgentlyTo enter.
Lou.Here?... We sent our word to herAt Miramar!... And yet—she comes—she ’shere.... Admit the deputation, and summon, too,Our Empress.
Chamb.The Empress comes.(Enter Eugenie attended. Exit Chamberlain. Enter guards)
Eug.I hear the ministersHave come to us with state congratulations,And though unbidden,I ’llnot leave my chair—The co-seat of imperial dignity—Vacant at such a time.
Lou.Welcome, Eugenie.We were about to summon you.
Eug.Thanks evenFor tardy courtesy.
Lou.But we have moreThan compliments to hear. Carlotta waitsOur audience.
Eug.Carlotta! I can not see her! (Rises)
Lou.Nay, it was you first cast ambitious eyeTo Mexico. Now see the end.
Eug.My lord—
Lou.Be seated, madam.
Eug.You command me, sir?
Lou.We do.
Eug.(Going) Come, ladies!
Lou.(To guards) Let no one pass out!
Eug.France, sir, shall know this outrage!
Lou.When you wishTo make it known.
(Enter ambassadors, Austrian, Russian, Italian, Belgian, and others)
Rus.Most glorious Majesty!
Belg.Mighty France!
It.Italy’s savior!
Aus.Christendom’s king!
Lou.I thank you, my good lords; but we’re too sadTo smile at compliments; Carlotta comesTo beg our power to uphold her throne,Though Heaven has decreed her empire’s fall.We ask you hear our open clear defence,And help set forth our duty, that the EmpressMay see our wisdom through our tears.
It.We ’lllendYour Majesty what voice we can.
Lou.I thank you.(Aside to Austrian) My lord, a word. The Prussian talons creepToward Austria. France is your friend.
Aus.O, sire!
Lou.If you would have her strong pray that no swordOf hers be lost in Mexico.
Aus.I will,My lord.
(Enter Carlotta, attended by Count Charles, Count de Bombelles, her priest, and women. She goes to Louis and would kneel. He takes her hand)
Lou.An Empress must not kneel.
Car.I ’mstillAn Empress, sir?
Lou.Once to have worn a crownIs always to be queen.
Car.Sire, mock me not.Didst mean no more than that?
Lou.Lady, you comeTo beg your empire?
Car.I do not beg, Napoleon.I come to ask you keep your sacred oath,But do not make a beggar of me, sir,Who was a princess in my cradle.
Lou.Nay,Royal Carlotta, if beggar here must be,See one in us who sue your gentle patience.While strength was ours to give we gave it you,But now is France grown needy of her troops,With Europe surging to a conflict round her.
Car.My lord—
Lou.America turns baying on us.Should we make war on one who twice o’ercameOur island neighbors when she was but childTo what she now is grown?
Prus.Your majesty,’T wouldbe a folly for a clown, not king.
Car.America? Easier to stop her nowThan it will be when she wears MexicoLike sword at her right side. Austria, Prussia,Strike you no more at neighbor throats, but comeAnd win a fight for God. Napoleon, come!There lies a world that’s worth the price of war.Whose swelling breasts pour milk of paradise,Whose marble mountains wait the carver’s hand,Whose valley arms ne’er tire with Ceres’ load,Whose crownless head awaits the diademThat but divine, ancestral dignityMay fix imperishably upon it! A brideFor blessed Rome! And will you give her upTo ravishers? To enemies of the Church?To unclean hands ne’er dipped in holy chrism?
Aus.Thetime ’snot ripe for our united swordsTo ransom her.
Car.The time is always ripeFor a good deed. Napoleon, you will come!And though you fail, failure will be majestic.Withdraw like frightened schoolboy and you makeYour throne a penance stool whereon you sitFor laughter of the nations. But come, and thoughYou fail, when time has brought AmericaTo her full, greedy strength, these scornful kingsWill then unite in desperate endeavorTo give your great conception form and face,And at your tombthey ’lllift their shaken crownsAnd beg a pardon from your heart of dust!
Prus.(Aside)He ’llyield to her!... Most noble lady, we—
Car.I speak, sir, to Napoleon.
Lou.What helpCan Austria give?
Aus.Sire, she has many troubles.The clouds of war threat her with scarlet flood,And little strength has she to spare abroadWhen foes besiege at home.
Car.And Austria’s chiefIs Maximilian’s brother! It was not soThat day at Miramar when three proud crownsTook oath to serve him in an hour like this.Austria powerless! And Belgium—dead.But France—Ah, France, she will prove noble, loyalTo God and honor!
Lou.My honor, dearest lady,Permits me not to risk my country’s lifeThat you may wear a crown in Mexico.I can not save your empire.
Car.Then let it fall,But save—my husband’s life!
(Astonishment and silence)
Lou.You speak but madly.America has sent us guarantiesShe will demand that MaximilianBe held but as a prisoner of war.The Mexicans dare not proceed against himContrary to the mighty governmentThat is sole friend unto their scarce born state.
Car.America demands with paper wordsThat can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him?Let her demand his life with cannon turnedUpon his murderers. Then, sire,I ’lltrustTo their obedience. Till thenI ’llpleadWith you. All hope is here.
Lou.Not so, dear lady.Italy, Austria, and your Belgium,Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him.
Car.Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law,Are his sole need. Should God send angels thereHe ’dchoose but those who bear the flaming sword.... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties,In his own hand set down! Here he vows faithTo Maximilian—and to Heaven! Hear!‘I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oathUpon the honor of a man and king—’Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot?Then let my tongue be as a burning penTo write it new upon your heart!
Lou.No! no!In God’s name, no!
Aus.Dear lady, this is torture.
Car.Torture for you?—for him? Then what is itFor me, my lord?
Prus.Wouldst have his majestyFalse to his country to be true to you?
Aus.The oath he took was, by the courtesyOf nations, subject to the change that timeVisits on countries as on men.
Car.You ’dwinHis sword from me that you may use it! Sirs,He plays you ’gainst each other as the eagleSets ospreys in contention over preyThat he may filch the prize!
Lou.Carlotta!
Car.Be warned!He ’llknow no ease till in your capitalsHe has re-crowned the great Napoleon!
Lou.Nay—
Car.Stop me not! Here you shall stand as bareTo these men’s eyes as you do to my own!
Lou.My lords, you will not let her troubled mindWeaken your trust in me?
Prus.Your majesty,We know you noble.
Car.Noble! Napoleon,This wondrous city is aflame with joy,The blazing fires now dart aloft and writeIn golden light your name upon the skies,But in your heart will burn a torch of hellUnquenchable, if you deny me aid!
Lou.Dear madam, pray believe that I am helpless.
Car.You are as strong as France, Eugenie, help me!If e’er you held a dear head on your breast—You have!—foryou ’veboth son and husband! Ah,I have no child. My lord is all to me.O put your two in one and you will knowWhat now I plead for! By the kisses droppedUpon your baby’s cheek, and by the hopeThat you will see him grow up at your side,Another self with heart-strings round your own,I pray you, lady, soften that stone heart!I kneel to you, an empress though my crownHas fallen, as yours I pray will not,And at your footstool beg my husband’s life!
(Eugenie rises)
By your child’s love, I beg you for one word!Help me, Eugenie, or the day will comeWhen you will know a crown is but a bandOf metal cold, and one warm kiss more dearThan all such circling glory! When you will growMad with the longing but to touch the handNow lies in yours as it would never part,Strain for the face whose beauty fed you onceUntil your madness builds it out of airTo gaze with sweet unhuman pity on youYet come not near for kisses! O, even nowI look through sealed up time unto a nightWhen sleep will fly from your woe-drownéd eyes,And you will cry to Heaven for blessed deathTo lead you from the midnight desolation!Eugenie, save thyself! For thy own sakeShow pity unto me, and in that hourReceive the mercy that thou now dost give!
Eug.(Going) Help me!I ’mill! (Her women assist her out)
Car.Gone! Gone? And yet a woman!Ah,there ’sa God will suffer not this wrong!... Napoleon—
Lou.Nay, madam,we ’vesaid all.I can not cast my country into war.You but fatigue yourself.
Car.O Heaven! Fatigue!Canst think of that when MaximilianIs facing bayonets for honor’s sake?
Lou.Believe me, he is safe!
Car.I tell you no!To-day the guns from Mont ValerienPealed out your glory! Your arm was in the armOf Prussia’s monarch, and Waterloo forgot!You laughed with Austria’s chief, as though the dukeOf Reichstadt were not dead! The bloody snowsOf Moscow melt in Alexander’s smile!Edward’s in France, St.Helena ’sa myth!And all the world is trooping here to feedYour monstrous vanity! But let the mornBring news of Maximilian’s death,These kings will shudder from you as from plague,The conscious earth refuse your feet a baseFor shame to bear you! Then will begin your fall.Down, downyou ’llcreep to an unpitied death,And winds that shriek around your exile bedWill cry me prophetess!
Lou.(After a silence) Your audienceIs over. Pray go and rest. You need much sleep.
Car.A woman sleeps not till her heart is safe.My eyes shall not be closed tillI ’veyour answer.
Lou.You have it, lady, and we beg you leave us.
Car.Leave! leave! O sir, it is a lie I hear! (Falls at his feet)You did not say it! See! I kiss your feet! O sir—
Lou.(Withdrawing) You put us to discourtesy.Since you will not withdraw, we leave you.
Car.(Leaping up) Coward!Then, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France!Thou art a murderer, and I have kissedThe devil’s hoof! (Exit Napoleon)
(Carlotta stands dazed, looking after Napoleon. Puts her hand over her eyes. Count Charles goes to her)
Char.Dear madam, come with me. (She looks about bewildered)
One of her women.Your majesty,We pray you come.
Car.(Strangely) Yes—yes—I ’llgo. Away!
(Exit with her attendants)
Aus.A gloomy business, truly.
Prus.’t haswrought upon me.
(Re-enter Napoleon)
Lou.My lords, believe me grateful for your helpIn this most wretched business.
(Enter Secretary)
Sec.A dispatch, sire, from Mexico.
Lou.We ’llhear it.All here should share this news with me.
Sec.’T isshort,Your majesty.
Lou.The sooner read. We wait.
Sec.(Reads) ‘By order of Juarez, the Austrian duke, Ferdinand Maximilian, has been shot.’
(Silence. Napoleon groans)
It.It can’t be true!
Bel.’T isfalse!I ’llnot believe it!
Prus.Grieve not, your Majesty. This is a mockDispatch.
Aus.A noble archduke! Bound by tiesOf blood and love to every court of Europe!Believe this not, my lord!
Sec.Your Majesty,This second message from AmericaConfirms the other.
Lou.’T istrue! My God,’t istrue!
It.Carlotta! Who will tell her?
Lou.None shall do it!She must not know.
Rus.Pardon me, sire, she must.
Lou.Then his death bullet has not stopped its flight.’T willend but in her heart.
(Re-enter Count Charles. Napoleon silently gives him the despatch, which he reads with great agitation)
Char.(To himself) O terrible! And yetNo news to me—to me.
Lou.You ’lltell her, sir?
Char.There is no need, my lord. Herreason ’sfled.She ’smad.
Bel.’T isHeaven’s mercy!
It.Unhappy woman!
Char.She is not wild, but gentle, and thinks, my lord,You ’vegranted her request.
Lou.Noble Carlotta!My lords, forbear awhile.I ’dbe alone.
It.God grant you rest.
(All go out but Napoleon)
Lou.These kingsI ’vecalled here to a dance must leadA funeral. What can I say to them?To Austria—his brother! England—his own cousin!To Belgium—herbrother! Spain— O, allTheworld, that loved him!... An Emperor—and shot.
(Musical procession passes in street. Shouts of ‘Vivel’ empereur! Vivel’ empereur!’)
He too heard shouts like those—saw fires ascendTo write his triumph—ay—and he is cold—Quite cold—shot dead.... Carlotta! prophetess!I feel—I know—thyoracle ’sfrom God!
(Falls at the foot of the imperial chair)
(CURTAIN)
Scene II:Miramar. A balcony overlooking the sea. Lady Maria alone.
Mar.Here they went out together—arm in arm,—Sweet, healing spirits to a bleeding land.Down yonder terrace to the sea they passed,—He unto death, and she—to—(Sighs deeply)
Car.(Without) Cousin!
Mar.Ah!
(Turns smiling to greet Carlotta who enters carrying flowers)
So early out? What treasures have you there?
Car.The sweetest flowers that ever peeped up head.They grow along the path in that dear woodWhere Maximilian took me gypsyingWhen we grew weary of the world.
Mar.I ’msureThat was not often.
Car.True. We loved too wellOur work among the people to hide ourselvesIn little corners of delight. But oh, those times!How he would catch me as I ran and sayHis little wild-girl with her flower crownWas dearer than his princess ermine-gowned.And soI ’llwreathe these buds into my hair,And meet him as he loved me best.
(Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea)
To-day!This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him!
(Drops flowers in trance of happiness)
Mar.Sweet Empress—
Car.Empress? No! To-day I amHis little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers.O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless!
(Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them)
You see this flower?
Mar.’T isvery beautiful.What is it?
Car.I ’veseen it only in our wood.Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (Sings)
In a young, sweet hour of SpringI sat ’neath an old tree to singOf love, only love!The little brook took up my tuneAnd to his soft green banks did croon,The green grass rippled to the treeAnd every leaf shook melodyOf love, only love!And then the birds that flitted byTold it the clouds that told the sky,And all the world to song did startWith what I sang but to my heart!Ay, all the world sang back to meA little maiden ’neath a treeOf love, only love!
In a young, sweet hour of SpringI sat ’neath an old tree to singOf love, only love!The little brook took up my tuneAnd to his soft green banks did croon,The green grass rippled to the treeAnd every leaf shook melodyOf love, only love!And then the birds that flitted byTold it the clouds that told the sky,And all the world to song did startWith what I sang but to my heart!Ay, all the world sang back to meA little maiden ’neath a treeOf love, only love!
(Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria)
Ah, cousin, do you thinkhe ’llbe delayed?
Mar.Dear madam, I fear me so.
Car.These ships! these ships!How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones!The wandering treasures of our empty arms!The western waters must have sirens too,And will not let him pass.
Mar.Indeed they would not,Did they but know what majesty is in him.
Car.(Embracing her) O help me love him, dear.Myheart ’stoo small.
(Enter Count Charles)
Char.A message.
Car.Oh! a message! I do not wantA message.
Char.The admiral of the port has wordThe Emperor’sship ’sdelayed.
Car.Why,we ’llnot weep....’T isbut a day.... (Goes forward, looking out) To-morrow, then—to-morrow!(To Lady Maria) Why do you weep? Aday ’snot worth a tear.See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade.I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path....(Suddenly) Cousin, why wear you black?
Mar.(Confused) I—madam—I—
Car.Such sable hues for this so rosy day?Go dress your body like our happy hearts!Dost think a coffin comes across the sea?A coffin—(Shudders) Go! I can not bear this black!
(Exit Lady Maria)
I am displeased. Have I not reason, Charles?’T wasvery wrong of her to dress in blackWhen Maximilian comes. I will go in.I ’mtired—but I am very happy. Ah! (Exit)
Char.O wounded heart! Thus every day she hopes,And every day begins her hope anew.It is my penance now to watch her sorrow,To guard perfection’s wreck in her sad body,And hear the name of Maximilian fallEach moment from her lips. O, God, rememberWhen once I am in hell,I ’vesuffered here!
(Re-enter Carlotta)
Car.I can not stay away. This is my place.Here will I catch the first light on his sail.O Charles, dear Charles, to-morrow we shall see him!Look in his noble eyes,—ah me, what eyes!Dost not remember? Talk of him, cousin.It brings him faster to me. My heart! my heart!This waiting breaks it though’t isbut a day!An hour that keeps him from me lengthens likeThe drawn out ages ’tween the ends of time!But oh, to-morrow! Let me think of that!Then will the small globe of mine eye containThe wide and complete world of my desires!... Have you forgot Aseffa? You do not speak;But you have not forgot. She said—Oh, cruel!—That he, my Maximilian, should lie coldWhile yet my arms were warm and reaching for him.How could she say it? But you stood by him—you—His faithful friend. You knew’t wouldne’er be true!... Do you remember, Charles, the winter dayHe climbed to Valtelina’s ice-bound hutsTo bear the starving people food?
Char.Yes—yes!’T ismy sole virtue to remember his!
Car.And when the flooding Ambro left her banks,Rolling a very sea o’er farm and town,Who was the first to ride the dangerous waves,A rescuing angel saving man and child?
Char.’T wasMaximilian!
Car.Yes, our Maximilian.I feared the Mexicans would take his life.Was not that foolish, cousin? I should have knownGod could not spare him from His world. Hast heardThe men of Licio tell how he was firstTo bring them aid when all their silkworms diedAnd silence struck the looms that gave them food?This man will say ‘I have a son aliveBecause of Maximilian!’ And that will say‘I have a daughter now to tend my age,Because the Lombard governor brought breadUnto her cradle.’... And he is coming back.... Beautiful Miramar!We ’llnever leave thee,Though stars should beckon to a golden world!To-morrowhe ’llcome! Maximilian!
(Holds out her arms toward the sea, looking radiantly into distance)
Charles! (Turns suddenly, laying her hand on his arm)Look! What men are those? Do you not see them?
Char.There ’snothing, cousin,—nothing but the sea.
Car.Oh, look! They wear the Mexican dress!
Char.Come in,Sweet princess!
Car.Ah yes, they’re Mexicans.
Char.Come!You ’vehad some fever.’T isa sick-room vision.
Car.No, no!I ’mwell! Ah, never in such health!I see like God! O look! A score of them!Moving but silent as death! Where are they marching?The sun gleams on their guns! O see, Charles, see!There is a prisoner! Poor man! poor man!I can not see his face. He walks most sadly,—And proudly too! An upright soul, I know!
Char.Dear cousin, come away!
Car.He ’shumbly dressed,And but for thatI ’dthink he might be royal,Ah, royal as Maximilian! O Charles,I am so gladhe ’ssafe upon the sea!Safe—safe—and coming to me!
Char.(Most pleadingly) Come, wait within,Dear princess! Come!
Car.I will not leave him! No!The poor, sad prisoner! Those cruel weapons!I fear—I fear—he is condemned to die.... Perhaps he has a wife. Ah me, I pray not.Then would be tears! He is a noble man,—But still his face is from me.... They reach the field.The soldiers halt and lift their guns. O how they gleam!... I can not see.... Why is the face so dim?Will no one save him? Let us pray for him!We can do that! Down on our knees and pray!O men, men, men! What sin beneath the sunCan give excuse for such a deed as this?O, Heaven, are you looking too? A manSo noble! Oh, he turns—he turns—his breastIs to the weapons! Now they fire! He falls!His face! (Gives a wild cry) Oh God!’t isMaximilian!
(Falls forward on her face)
(CURTAIN)
Edgar Allan PoeVirginia ClemmMrs. Maria ClemmHelen TruelordMrs. TruelordRoger BridgmoreNelson ClemmMrs. DelormisDoctor BarlowMrs. SchmidtGeorge Thomas, BarkeeperHaines,Juggers,Sharp,Black, gamblersBooksellerMum Zurie,Tat,Bony, servants at Clemm cottage.Gertrude, Mabel, Annie, Sallie, Dora, Gladys, Ethel, Alma, Allie, friends of Virginia.
THE POET
Scene: Room in the Truelord House. Helen lies on a couch before large windows, rear, reading by light from a small lamp on table near couch. She wears a loose robe over night-dress.
A light knock is heard at door, left centre.
Hel.(Sitting up) Mamma?
Voice.Yes, dear.
Hel.(Kissing book and closing it) Good-bye, my poet! (Drops book on couch and goes to door)
Voice, as Helen opens door.I saw your light. (Enter Mrs. Truelord) Forgive me, love. I could not rest. (Helen is closing door) No! Kate is coming.
Mrs. Delormis.(In door) Yes,I ’mhere, too, Helen.
Hel.Come in, Cousin Catherine.
(All three advance)
Mrs. Del.Madela had a feminine version of the jim-jams—tea-nerves, you know—so must get us both up.
Hel.(Drawing forward a huge chair for Mrs. Truelord while Mrs. Delormis takes a smaller one) I was not in bed.
Mrs. Tru.(Looking toward bed in alcove, right) But you have been! You could not sleep either. Ah!
(Sighs deeply)
Hel.(Goes to couch) Now, mamma!
Mrs. Tru.(Embarrassed by Helen’sstraightforwardlook) Helen—I—I ’vejust got to have it out to-night. You are only my step-daughter, butI ’veloved you like my own.
Hel.(Quaintly) Yes.
Mrs. Tru.Have n’tI always treated you as if you were my daughter born?
Hel.(Slowly) You have indeed!
Mrs. Tru.And I can’t bear for you to—to—O, I just can’t bear it, I say!
Hel.Bear what, mamma?
Mrs. Tru.This—this man—
Mrs. Del.Edgar Poe, Helen.
Mrs. Tru.You are going to give up Roger—Roger who has worshipped you since you were a baby, who has lived under the same roof and been a brother to you since you were two years old—you are going to give him up for a strange man—a man without a penny—a man you have seen but once—(Almost shrieking)—but once—(Rising)
Hel.(Crosses, and stands before her, speaking calmly) We know angels at first sight, mamma.
Mrs. Tru.(Grabbing Helen by the shoulders and staring at her) You have done it already! (Falls to chair as if fainting)
Hel.Soothe her, Catherine. I will get some wine. (Exit)
Mrs. Tru.(Sitting up, at once recovered)She ’smade up her mind. When her eyes shine like thatit ’sno use to argue. And all of Roger’s fortune in Mr. Truelord’s hands!We ’veconsidered it a family resource for years!
Mrs. Del.What a fool Roger was to bring Edgar Poe to the house!
Mrs. Tru.He ’scrazy about the man. Sayshe ’sa genius, and all that stuff.
Mrs. Del.Well, he is. But to introduce him to a girl like Helen!They ’llbe off before morning!
Mrs. Tru.Oh-h! Don’t, Kate! Roger actually wants me to ask him to stay in the house.
Mrs. Del.Idiot! He deserves to lose her.... But your guest! (Laughs) Poor Madela! How he would upset your nice, comfortable theories of life! Why, youcould n’thand him a cup of tea without feeling the planet quake.
Mrs. Tru.But what are we to do? Kate, youmusthelp me.
Mrs. Del.I ’mgoing to. You can’t tell her father, because Helen must be persuaded, not opposed. And don’t speak about the money. If she loved a beggar she would trudge barefoot behind him.
Mrs. Tru.(Despairingly) O, don’t I know it?
Mrs. Del.Now you leave this to me, Madela. I will say a few things to Helen about meeting Mr. Poe in Europe—and—you know—
Mrs. Tru.(Kissing her violently) O, Kate! Tell her all—and more, if necessary! Don’t think about your reputation if you can save Roger’s fortune—
Mrs. Del.Sh!—
(Enter Helen, with wine and a glass)
Mrs. Tru.(Feebly) Thank you, dear, butI ’mbetter now. (Rising)I ’lltry to rest. (Goes to door)
Hel.I would see you to your room, mamma, butI ’msure you would rather have Catherine. (Mrs. Delormis makes no move to go)
Mrs. Tru.O, I am quite well—I mean—I need no one—no one at all! Goodnight, my dears! (Exit)
Hel.(Politely) And is there anything which you must have out to-night, cousin Catherine?
Mrs. Del.Sit down, Helen. (Helen takes a chair) You have never loved me, but I have always had a warm heart for you, little girl. And you will take a warning from me in good part, won’t you?