'll ask no more. Hear me, my men!
The great republic of the North's our friend.
When her own war is done you'll hear her speak
To France in cannon tones that will make quake
Napoleon on his throne! That great mock-god.
Who seeks to free all men that he may fit
Their necks to his own yoke! (With growing intensity)
That adder who
Would coil about the world! That serpent scruffed
With white deceit and low ambition's slime,
That crept into the garden of my dream
And cankered bud and root, nursed by my toil,
Fed with my dearest blood! Ay, he will quake,
And cry for mercy to a stony Heaven
Whose pity drops long since were drained upon
The woe that he hath made! Ay, he--

Trev. (Touching him) But now,
My friend?

Jua. (Composed) You're right. No more of that. Nephew!

Ig. Here, sir!

Jua. Your place will be the capital.
We must have eyes there, and a heart to serve us.
This hour set out. Here are instructions. (Gives papers)

Trev. Sir,
He's had no rest.

Jua. True ... true....

Ig. And need none when
Juarez commands.

Jua. (Taking his hand) Thou'rt still my son. My house
Will not fall down when I no longer prop it.

Raf. May I not beg this office, sir?

Trev. Send him!
His heart is in the hills, and he'll come back.
Ignacio's yet unanchored. Trust him not
To high tides of a court.

Jua. I trust them both.
But my own blood I know. (To Ig.) Kneel for the oath.

(Ignacio kneels. Murmurs around, then silence. Juarez
takes a crucifix from his bosom and holds it over Ignacio)

Jua. By this true image of the bleeding Christ,
May you be damned to everlasting fire,
Nor prayers of saints lift up your soul from hell,
If you prove false in what you undertake
This night for Mexico!

Ig. By Christ's own blood.
I swear, and may that blood be powerless
To save me from the damned if I prove false