I am mad!...
... She will be free ... Away, sweet hell, whose face
Is masked like heaven!... Let solid earth be air,
The air be lead, light change to dark, and dark
Be as the sun, 't will be no miracle
When murder finds a welcome in my heart!

(Enter Maximilian, Bazaine, Miramon, Dupin, Berzabal,
Ruiz, Estrada, Ignacio)

Max. (To Dupin) We're glad to welcome you. 'T will be your
charge to guard the unprotected towns now suffering from
the raids of Liberals.

Mir. Of men, your majesty, who steal that title to grace a
brigand's life!

Max. So we're assured.

Dup. I'll see to it, sir, that these towns play no love-tricks
with the enemy!

Baz. Sh!

Max. No danger that way. Your duty is to protect them!

Dup. No offense, I hope. But treason is a lively beast and hard
to keep low. As your majesty's officer I must cudgel it
down wherever I find it.

Max. If unhappily you find it, sir--

Dup. I'll cut the throat of every man dog of 'em!

Max. Sir? (Turns to Bazaine) The Colonel's speech is very
figurative, good Marshal. (To Dupin) All instances of
treason, (and God forbid there should be one!) will be
reported to me for careful investigation.

Dup. A thousand pardons, your Highness! I was swept away by my
devotion to your majesty! I shall remember that you wish
me to observe the mildest temperance in dealing with your
majesty's enemies. (As the emperor looks questioningly at
Bazaine, Dupin snarls, then repeats suavely) The mildest
temperance in dealing with your majesty's enemies.

Max. That is our wish. The mildest temperance. And this decree,
Colonel Dupin? Would you advise its passage?

Dup. I should be so hot to sign it, sir, my zeal would boil the
ink in the bottle!

Max. Very figurative, Marshal! (To Dupin) As yet we have not
reconciled the matter with our conscience.

(Lopez enters and comes up to the Emperor)

Lop. (Handing him a slip of paper) Your majesty, the Empress
sends you this.

(Maximilian reads aside:) 'Sign the decree.'

Max. (Aside) What has she heard?

Dup. (At a distance, in rear of Maximilian, folds his hands