meekly on his breast and whistles softly)

'When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!' (Mimics)
'As yet we have not reconciled the matter with our
conscience.' Does he think he can govern Mexico with a
prayer-book? Put him in his cradle and sing by-lo-baby!

Max. (To Miramon, who has spoken to him)
There's only one left to oppose it--Charles.

Mir. My lord, you'd set a scholar's word against
A general's in matters of the field?
The count's opinion, born within a closet,
Would die in open air but for your nursing.

Max. Come, Count, defend your cause.

Char. My cause, my lord?

Max. You are but one against the government.
Canst talk above so big a head? If not,
I fear we'll pass this law of blood. Come, come!
Be eloquent! My heart would have you win!

Char. (Very pale and hesitating)
Your majesty--I beg--

Max. Goes it so deep
To your good heart?

Mir. My lord--

Max. Forgive me, Charles,
For pressing you so much. We'll rest to-night.
To-morrow there'll be time.

Char. (Hastily) No! Not to-morrow!
Sign the decree! Sign it to-night!

(Maximilian looks with the greatest astonishment at
his now flushed face and eager manner, then thinks
he understands)

Max. Ah, Charles,
This tender heart of yours will kill you yet.
No more of this. I'll keep you at your books.

Char. (Recovering, proceeds with suavity, completely sold
to his desire)
My mind has cleared with deeper thought, my lord,
Discord, the ancients tell us, was at first
So small a gnat did give her birth, but grew
So great her feet o'erturned proud cities while
Her head upset the gods in council. So this
Small trouble may o'ercast your destiny--
And is 't not better, sir, to pass a law,
However dreaded, 'gainst the rebel few
Than that the nation trusted to your care
Should be broad cursed with civil slaughter?

Max. Better?
If such a danger threatens '