Semiramis and Other Plays Part 48

Not killed! not killed! Thank Heaven for that!

Sol. 'Twas strange To see him stand like this (folds his arms) among the sh.e.l.ls!

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 raze This devil's country from the face of earth Were Maximilian slain! Let Juarez dare To harm this son of kings and he will learn His beggar's power is but an infant's breath!

Asef. Good madam, you have been my n.o.ble friend.

I would not wound you, but would have you know That better men than Maximilian Have 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 back More than your homes,--your liberated country.

Voices. Long live the Republic! Liberty forever!

(Enter Escobedo)

Esc. Your Excellency will see the prisoner?

Jua. The ill.u.s.trious duke? Ay, bring him here.

Esc. He comes.

(Enter Maximilian under guard)

Jua. Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joy To see you thus. What wishes would your grace Prefer 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 ign.o.ble death The n.o.blest prisoners of righteous war.

Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambition Has sunk his country in her own dear blood, And would do so again did life permit Him opportunity. And you, my lord, Who signed the foulest, most inhuman law Writ down since Roman Sulla's hand grew cold.

Princess S.

O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceived By treacherous ministers!

Jua. His ministers Were but his many hands, and for their deeds His 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 because Ignacio is dead. (Juarez starts) I must be just.

Princess S.

What has a woman's heart to do with justice?

'Tis mercy 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 G.o.d I give thee!...

Princess S. 'Tis right That they who would be G.o.ds to others' woe Should be proved human by their own.

Jua. (Not hearing her) And this Is what so many hearts have borne since first The Austrian came.

Princess S. O mercy, mercy, sir!

By your own woe show pity unto those Whose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies!

Be merciful! These tears of mine are but The first few drops of the unbounded tide That weeping as the sea weeps round the world Shall drink thy hated land if this good man Dies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him!

Juarez. Madam, it is the people and the law Demand 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 run The goal is marked. Yet will we race with Fate In forgone match. Some free of foot and hand, Some stumbling with huge empires on our backs Less certain than the overburdened ant Housing a winter crumb.... Victoire!

(Enter Secretary)

Sec. My lord.

Lou. If any dispatch from the West arrives Bring it at once.

Sec. Yes, sire. (Exit)