name to kill and plunder!

Max. It was my dream when I took up this crown
To claim each subject of the land my own.

Mir. And so you may, your majesty. 'Tis true.
These men are subjects to no law or nation;
They are not Mexico's; they are not God's;
But from the heavenly and the human pale
They have outbarred themselves. Our honest land
Has cast them out as venom to her health!
Nurse not this canker in your realm, my lord!

Max. I do not know ... but here's my head and heart,

(Touching Prince Salm-Salm and Count Charles)

And they may answer. Prince, what do you say?

Prince Salm.
As friend and soldier to your majesty,
I must advise the passage of the law.

Max. You, Charles?

Char. My lord, if as you say, these men
Fight 'neath a flag, and for supposed rights,
You violate the law of noble nations
In sentencing to death the prisoners
Of recognized war.

Baz. (Sneering) Sir, recognized?

Char. Does not the United States still call Juarez
The president of Mexico?

Baz. Why, count,
You'd best consult those books of yours again!
Juarez has fled and given up his cause.
These men are robbers! Your majesty will sign?

Max. Forgive me, friends, if I again say no.

Mir. Your majesty, 'tis we should ask your pardon
For having failed to lustre as we should
This seeming-dark decree,--so wise, so just,
And as undoubtedly your duteous act
As though some stern necessity of the stars
Enjoined it.

Max. (Uneasily) Press it not now. The people wait.

(All but Marquez go into ballroom)

Mar. Some fools have sat on crowns but not for long.
He'll sign. The Liberals must be dispatched
Fast as we capture them, for we've short time.
The United States will soon be free again
To turn to us, and what we wish to do
Must be well done ere that. Dispatch! Dispatch!
Use Maximilian and the French to crush
The Liberals, then with the church unite
To pull down Maximilian and set up--
Marquez!... The Empress--and Ignacio!
One I suspect,--a half-breed full of pride!