Semiramis and Other Plays Part 30

Jua. Where you must back again. Rafael, too!

Both my young soldiers! My right arm and my left,-- Though which is which I know not. Ignacio, You saw the Austrian? No matter. He's but The drift-piece of a rotten monarchy That thinks to graft upon the living tree Of our new-sprung republic! We'll shake him off As a June oak a spray of winter wreck, Nor ever know he clung upon our boughs!

Ig. The church is powerful yet, and seeks to join Her cause with his.

Jua. The church? Say not the church, But mockers in Christ's name, who steal the land And drain its fruitage into Satan's purse, Keeping the poor a race of hopeless slaves Who wors.h.i.+p their own shackles! O, Ignorance, Thou art the great slave-master! Thy very chains Are vital and beget themselves; and he Who strikes them seems the monster of the earth To the poor serf who thinks it is himself That bleeds! The church be with our foe, with us Be G.o.d, we'll ask no more. Hear me, my men!

The great republic of the North's our friend.

When her own war is done you'll hear her speak To France in cannon tones that will make quake Napoleon on his throne! That great mock-G.o.d.

Who seeks to free all men that he may fit Their necks to his own yoke! (With growing intensity) That adder who Would coil about the world! That serpent scruffed With white deceit and low ambition's slime, That crept into the garden of my dream And cankered bud and root, nursed by my toil, Fed with my dearest blood! Ay, he will quake, And cry for mercy to a stony Heaven Whose pity drops long since were drained upon The woe that he hath made! Ay, he--

Trev. (Touching him) But now, My friend?

Jua. (Composed) You're right. No more of that. Nephew!

Ig. Here, sir!

Jua. Your place will be the capital.

We must have eyes there, and a heart to serve us.

This hour set out. Here are instructions. (Gives papers)

Trev. Sir, He's had no rest.

Jua. True ... true....

Ig. And need none when Juarez commands.

Jua. (Taking his hand) Thou'rt still my son. My house Will not fall down when I no longer prop it.

Raf. May I not beg this office, sir?

Trev. Send him!

His heart is in the hills, and he'll come back.

Ignacio's yet unanch.o.r.ed. Trust him not To high tides of a court.

Jua. I trust them both.

But my own blood I know. (To Ig.) Kneel for the oath.

(Ignacio kneels. Murmurs around, then silence. Juarez takes a crucifix from his bosom and holds it over Ignacio)

Jua. By this true image of the bleeding Christ, May you be d.a.m.ned to everlasting fire, Nor prayers of saints lift up your soul from h.e.l.l, If you prove false in what you undertake This night for Mexico!

Ig. By Christ's own blood.

I swear, and may that blood be powerless To save me from the d.a.m.ned if I prove false!

Jua. The stars that hold The witness angels of the Lord have heard Thy oath.

Ig. (Rising and looking up) Let them record it.

Asef. (Fearfully) Ah!

Trev. (Holding out a brand) The brand!

Jua. Not that!

Ig. (Baring his arm) I choose it!

(Trevino quickly brands his arm with a cross. Juarez, too late, dashes the brand from his hand)

Ig. (Throwing up his arm) Sealed to the cause!

(Hurries to go)

Jua. My boy! (Ignacio returns for Juarez' embrace)

Ig. (Going) Liberty and Juarez!

Soldiers. Juarez!

Liberty and Juarez!

(All but Juarez follow Ignatius out, cheering)

Hurrah! hurrah!

(Juarez draws his grey mantle about him and stands silent.

The fires die down. The moon clouds. He looks up invoking)

Jua. Spirit of Montezuma, be thou here And on thy son drop wisdom out of Heaven, That these thy children he may lead to peace, And this thy country give again to him Who set his iron in the earth and said "Man, make thy weapon; there shall be no slaves!"

(CURTAIN)

ACT II.

Scene I: Palace of Chapultapec. Hall adjoining ball room. Gaily dressed women, and men in glittering official costumes pa.s.sing doors. Marquez and Mejia talking.

Mar. You've caught Trevino!

Mejia. Rafael Mendorez too.

Mar. Still better. You'll have them shot at once?

Mejia. They've too many friends. I must have the emperor's warrant.

Mar. He will sign the decree to-night.

Mejia. The Lord be thanked! I'm tired of risking life and men taking prisoners that his majesty may have the pleasure of pardoning them.