at Maximilian's
right, the latter at left of Carlotta. Marquis Corio at
door. Enter the Mexican deputies, Estrada, Berzabal,
Negrete, Ruiz, and a dozen others. Estrada, as president
of the deputation, makes low salute)

Max. Welcome, my lords, to Miramar!

Est. Hail, Prince,
And fairest princess! The grace and hope of morning
Be ever on your lives!

Car. Must noble senors,
We give you thanks and greeting.

Max. Your presence here,
My lords, would move our hearts although you brought
No crown to guerdon welcome.

Est. O, gracious prince,
Our tongues but feebly bear the mighty love
The land of Montezuma bade us lay
Low at your feet. Your starry virtues draw
Her prayers and hopes and holiest desires
Across the sea in humblest supplication.
We make no weary tale of our misfortunes;
They are so great the world is heavy with them,
And Mexico means but calamity
To every ear.

Max. My dear and honored lords,
The heart is granite and the veins are ice
That will not stir at your deep miseries.

Est. Ah, sir, this crown is heavy, but you will bear
The golden weight as 't were the aureole
That seals the saint to God!

Max. But not without
Consent of every subject should I wear it.
Does Mexico send all her hearts with you?

Ruiz. (Spreading paper on table)
Read here the proclamation now in force
In all our provinces.

Max. And this has been
By each assembly ratified?

Berzabal. Ay, prince!
It is a nation, not these dozen men,
That with a million voices prays to you!

Max. From childhood up I've sought to obey my God,
But never dreamed that he would bless my life
With such high sanction as I read herein. (Lifting paper)
Forgive a tear, my lords.... But we must ask
That crowned Europe give a sacred oath
To guarantee our empire's permanence.

Archduke.
Brother, I bring the word of Austria,
Whos