Rafael! My friend! my brother!--

Asef. Quiet! quiet! Smile, Ignacio! Ha! ha! I'll pray it be not
true, sir!

Ig. But you can see Count Charles. He's Maximilian's very
heart, and once you win him the Emperor is won. Go in! Go
in! I'll bring you to the count! Be light of heart! Our
Rafael is safe!

Asef. Ignacio, the Empress is all you said.
Prayers on their way to Heaven meeting her
Would think their journey ended. Can you be true?

Ig. (Touching his arm)
I bear the seal.

Asef. God help thee!

Ig. Go!
(To ladies) 'Tis done!
I know my sins!

Princess de V. But what a smiling sinner!

Princess Salm.
A cloud is hovering. Come, sir! I shall know it!

(Takes his arm. Mexican national dance begins. All go into
ballroom, the Empress with Lopez)

Mar. Ignacio a Liberal! And branded!
He's finished! But I'll pick my hour for it!
Mendorez safe! Ay, if he's bullet-proof!

(Re-enter Carlotta with Archbishop Labastida)

Lab. I thank your Highness for this gracious moment!
Most holy Empress--

Car. Not holy, sir, and yet
I hope with touch of God's anointment on me.

Lab. Did it but rest with you His love would soon
Like cloud of rose veil Mexico in beauty.

Car. But rest with me?

Lab. Ay, noble lady, you.
I bear a letter from his Holiness,
In which he says his Empress daughter's zeal
Is jewelled in his heart,--but urges me
To speak to Maximilian of his strange
Reluctance to fulfill his promise.

Car. Promise?

Lab. To give the Church the olden glory that
She shone with here! Restore her rights--

Car. 'Tis true
He promised that, and he has kept his word
As an account with God. He is convinced
The rights claimed by the Church are stolen rights
She wrung from ignorance for her earthly glory,
And he's resolved to maintain Juarez' law
So far as it accords with justice.

Lab. Madness!