!

Jua. The stars that hold
The witness angels of the Lord have heard
Thy oath.

Ig. (Rising and looking up)
Let them record it.

Asef. (Fearfully) Ah!

Trev. (Holding out a brand) The brand!

Jua. Not that!

Ig. (Baring his arm) I choose it!

(Trevino quickly brands his arm with a cross. Juarez, too
late, dashes the brand from his hand)

Ig. (Throwing up his arm) Sealed to the cause!

(Hurries to go)

Jua. My boy! (Ignacio returns for Juarez' embrace)

Ig. (Going) Liberty and Juarez!

Soldiers. Juarez!
Liberty and Juarez!

(All but Juarez follow Ignatius out, cheering)

Hurrah! hurrah!

(Juarez draws his grey mantle about him and stands silent.
The fires die down. The moon clouds. He looks up invoking)

Jua. Spirit of Montezuma, be thou here
And on thy son drop wisdom out of Heaven,
That these thy children he may lead to peace,
And this thy country give again to him
Who set his iron in the earth and said
"Man, make thy weapon; there shall be no slaves!"

(CURTAIN)

ACT II.

Scene I: Palace of Chapultapec. Hall adjoining ball room. Gaily
dressed women, and men in glittering official costumes passing
doors. Marquez and Mejia talking.

Mar. You've caught Trevino!

Mejia. Rafael Mendorez too.

Mar. Still better. You'll have them shot at once?

Mejia. They've too many friends. I must have the emperor's warrant.

Mar. He will sign the decree to-night.

Mejia. The Lord be thanked! I'm tired of risking life and men
taking prisoners that his majesty may have the pleasure of
pardoning them.

Mar. If he signs the decree he will be sure to reserve the
right to pardon. You must try my method.

Mejia. And that?

Mar. Shoot on the spot, and report no captures.

(Enter from the ball room Maximilian, Marshal Bazaine,
General Miramon, and Count Charles)

Mir. Your majesty will sign the law to-night?

Max. These men wear the brave name of soldiers; fight
Beneath a flag, and claim the rights of war.

Baz. They borrow war's fair