Semiramis and Other Plays Part 40

Est. 'Tis you have led us, sire.

Pardon this mockery of what we'd do To celebrate this day had we but means.

We shout thy name, but not above the clouds; We send up fires, but lightnings higher reach: We have adorned the city and ourselves, But India and the sea keep back the pearls We would pour here!

Max. Enough--and more, my friends.

O, far too much! None mourn now but the G.o.ds Who are made indigent by this display Of wealth and joy!

Est. (Making low obeisance) We thank your majesty.

This land shall e'er be called the happy land, And he who rules it--

Asef. (Stepping wildly from chorus) Prince of Murderers!

The happy land! O land where widows' cries Choke Heaven, and mothers' tears make each new day A flood!

Mir. Guards there! Take her away! The guards!

Max. No! Let her stay! We'll answer her!

Mir. My lord--

Max. Madam, we seek your country's love.

Asef. How do you seek it? By killing her dear sons!

Setting your tigers loose among her children!

Mejia from your very breast makes fire On patriot virtue! Dupin wets his teeth By day and night in infant and mother's blood!

Maximilian, In brave Trevino's name, Salazar's name, In name of all as n.o.ble and as dear To Mexico as they, who daily die Beneath their country's flag the death of dogs, Shot down by your black law--signed by your hand-- In name of him as dear to me as thou To that proud woman who shall know what 'tis To clasp a ghost where throbbed her living love,-- I tell thee--die!

(Leaps from stage to Emperor's box attempting to stab him.

As she leaps Carlotta springs before the Emperor)

Car. This heart--not that!

(Aseffa drops her dagger and stands bewildered. An officer seizes her. Utter confusion in theatre. Maximilian goes onto the stage. Silence)

Max. My friends,-- All you who love me see me here unhurt, And you who love me not, if any's here,

(Cries of "none, none!")

Take aim now as you will.

(Cries of "No! no! no! no!")

A Voice.

Long live the Emperor! Maximilian!

Max. Then if you love me, friends, I beg you'll leave This place of song and go to the Cathedral.

There pray for me to Him who spared my life, And, if you will, pray that He yet may spare it To work His will and yours.

(Crowd goes out silently)

Mar. (To Labastida) That was well done.

Lab. Sincerity is once a diplomat.

Car. (To Princess Salm-Salm) Princess, take this poor creature to your care.

(Officer releases Aseffa, who goes out as in a dream with Prince and Princess Salm-Salm and several ladies)

Mar. (Approaching Maximilian) Your Majesty, let me congratulate-- Ill, sire?

Max. Sick, sick, O sick of compliments!

If I've a friend here let me hear the truth!

What did that creature mean? The truth, I say!

(Silence) You, Miramon? Lopez? (Silence) Trevino's dead?

Lop. He is.

Max. And Rafael Mendorez?

Lop. Dead.

The woman is his widow.

Max. Oh!... And this!

(Taking out message) This from Dupin! 'All quiet in Savarro.'

It means--

Lop. The town is ashes.

Max. O G.o.d! O G.o.d!

You ministers! Ay, ministers of h.e.l.l!

Didst think ye served the devil?

Est. O, my lord--

Max. No friend! Not one! Charles! Charles! you must have known!

These foreign hearts have their excuse, but you-- The tower of confidence between us two, Built part by part by faithful mason hours, Is shaken to atoms!

Char. I will build it o'er!

Max. First will the wind-strewn rose upgather all Her petals from the dust, and cheek by cheek, Hang them new-smiling on the nodding bough!

Mir. Your Majesty, what we have done was done To save our country and your beloved life.

Your n.o.ble heart was blind to your great danger, And 'twas our duty and our work of love To save you from your fatal tenderness.

Lop. (Kneeling) O gracious sovereign, had I but known You did not know, I would have dared the wrath Of all the court, and spoken to you but truth!

Max. (Lifting him up) And 'twas your tongue at last that broke the silence, I must forgive you.

Mar. By your necessity, Your Majesty, we may all hope for pardon.

Juarez, encouraged by the United States, Is roused again to war. We have appealed For compromise and terms of friendly union, But his one answer for us all is--death!

Yet are we faithful to you, sire.