Call back Juarez to power! Yield the throne
To the republican! For 't will so end
If Maximilian scorns us and our help!

Car. He does not scorn you, sir, but seeks to find
Where the division comes 'tween you and Christ
And set himself upon the side of Heaven.

Lab. You will divorce the favor of the pope,
Without whose help you may not hope to stand.
Plead with your lord again to probe our claim,
And find therein some wise and prudent reason
To give us aid,--and thereby keep his crown.

Car. Yes, I will speak; but I shall not forget,
Whate'er I say, he is an Emperor! (Exit)

Mar. (Coming forward) A pair of fools are jiggling with a crown.

Lab. You heard, Marquez?

Mar. And knew before I heard.

Lab. And you are patient?

Mar. Maximilian
Means France, and France we must keep ours,--at least
Till we have finished with the Liberals,--

Lab. And then?

Mar. We need not go so far to make
A wiser choice.

Lab. (Looking at him meaningly)
Not far indeed!

Mar. I thank you.
But that's hereafter. Come with me, your grace.
I'd speak of something more immediate.

(Exeunt left)

(Enter from ballroom General Miramon, Marshal Bazaine and
Colonel Dupin, the last a large, vain, blustering man,
gorgeously and expensively arrayed from head to foot. A
sombrero wonderfully trimmed with gold and silver is
carried in his hand and used in sweeping salutations)

Dup. At last I am called to court! I thought his majesty would
soon or late have need of my experience in throat-cutting.

Mir. But, my dear Dupin, it is not in your capacity of
throat-cutter that we introduce you. These towns that have
given aid to the Liberals must be punished without the
Emperor's knowledge. You will make an example of them?

Dup. Will I? Hear him, Marshal! Will I?

Mir. But not a word to the Emperor!

Dup. Softish, eh?

Mir. His spongy heart is filled with water of compassion. Touch
it anywhere it pours!

Baz. I'm not going to throw away the lives of any more
Frenchmen just to gi