Semiramis and Other Plays Part 46

Guard. Nay, madam--

Princess S.

Admit us, sir, or I will beat the door!

(Maximilian comes to door)

Max. Some trouble here? The princess! Always welcome!

 

Princess S.

But such unwelcome news, your majesty!

You know I've rooms at Senor Barrio's house.

I've long suspected him. Last night he lodged Two men whose conference I overheard.

All was not clear, but part was clear enough.

One of your trusted officers is false, And you to-day--this hour--will be betrayed Unto your foes.

Max. Impossible!

Princess S. O, sire, Be blind no longer. This lady heard the men As I did. There's no doubt!

Lady. 'Tis certain, sire, That they were officers in the Liberal army, And spoke of things that set me all aghast.

Max. Good women, I thank you, but you are deceived.

There's not a man about me whose true face Is not the table where fidelity Writes him my own.

Princess S. O, sir, 'tis one whose hand Is in your bosom.

Max. Nay--

Princess S. That much I know, Though I know not his name.

Max. Bold Miramon Is staunch as death. Mendez would in his breast Receive the bullet meant for me. Dupin Has been too cruel to the enemy To hope for life even at treason's price.

And Lopez is my own created love, The Empress' guard,--the only Mexic heart I've taken a very brother's to my own.

Princess S.

What shall I do? This moment you must fly!

Stand not, your majesty! 'T will be too late!

(Prince Salm-Salm comes to door)

Thank G.o.d, my husband! His majesty's betrayed!

You've never doubted me!

Prince Salm. Betrayed?

Max. No, prince,--

Prince Salm.

I'll visit every post!

Princess S. You but lose time.

(The prince hurries out)

Oh G.o.d! Oh G.o.d!

Max. Sweet princess, be not troubled.

There is no cause.

Princess S. Ah, we are lost!

(The bells of the city begin to ring)

Max. You hear?

The bells! The enemy has raised the siege!

O joyous news!

Princess S. No, no, your majesty.

That is the traitor's signal of success.

Oh Heaven!

Max. What madness! 'Tis impossible!

Princess S.

Those bells proclaim that every Imperial post Is in a Liberal's command. We're lost!

(Enter citizens and soldiers in confusion)

1st Cit.

What mean the bells?

2d Cit. That Escobedo's fled!

3d Cit. Marquez has come!

1st Soldier. No, no! The city's taken!

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. 'Tis treachery. We are surrounded!