Semiramis and Other Plays Part 49

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 stride And stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slap Upon the cheek imperial insults All monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles, When she should blush to ruddy rage of war.

... The West must go ... but here I'll be supreme.

Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict, And promise aid to each, but in my dream They both are doomed and France shall reign alone.

(Enter Chamberlain)

Chamb. Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine.

Lou. Bazaine! Admit him.

(Exit Chamberlain)

'Tis penance 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 s.h.i.+ne that none may see our star I' 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. G.o.d, no! That n.o.ble man!

Baz. Pray, sir, what fate Had you in mind for Maximilian When finding him too true to Mexico For your proud aims, you sent such covered word To one Bazaine he could but read therein A 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'd spy a warrant in the alphabet Did you but wish to find one! Think you that Meant--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 Majesty Is my protector?

Lou. You--

(Enter Chamberlain)

Chamb. The Count von Ostein Beseeches word with you.

Lou. He's welcome to it.

(Exit Chamberlain)

Adieu, le marechal.

Baz. My lord--

Lou. Adieu, Le marechal. (Exit Bazaine)

Prussia's amba.s.sador.

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 body To speak congratulations and confirm The triumph of the Exposition.

Lou. They have our truest thanks. But first, my lord, A word in private with you. Is 't Prussia's wish That we withhold our aid from Mexico?

Prus. A question, sire. You know that Austria threatens.

Is France in this the friend or enemy To Prussia? There's not an inch of middle ground To stand on. If our foe, then pour your strength To Mexico. If friend, keep it at home, Ready for Prussia's need.

Lou. To be your friend May cost some blood to France.

Prus. I've heard it said The 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 retreat From Mexico.

(Enter Chamberlain)

Chamb. Pardon, your majesty.