tis a crime
Not to forfend it!

(Enter Marquez and Archbishop Labastida)

Lab. Gracious sovereign!

Max. Most reverend father, you would counsel us?

Lab. We would, your majesty. If yet the wish
Of Heaven has power over you; and Christ
Be your most high example, you will prove
A careful guardian to your trusting people,
And crush this villainous and robber race
Now preying on the true and innocent,
Swelling each day more poisonous and foul!

Max. We are decided. Are we not, good Charles?

Mar. (Hastily) Nay, sire--

Max. We are decided--to pass this law.
Convinced that 'tis the honest course.

(All surprised and relieved but Ignacio, who starts with
horror)

Ig. My God!

Mir. Blest majesty, we thank you!

Lab. You do but set
Your name where Heaven's seal already shines.

Ig. The seal of Hell! O noblest man that breathes
This corrupt air, take back that word of death
Ere it is stamped in black upon your soul!

Mir. (After a silence)
An Aztec, sire, and nephew to Juarez.

Max. You think that is a sin? Among our friends
Are many whose nearest kinsmen nobly served
The lost Republic. Hear us, Ignacio.
This law is subject to a firm condition:
Each officer shall make report to us,
And every captive who deserves not death
Shall have our pardon.

Ig. Then, you'll pardon two
Now at Savarro, Trevino and Mendorez,
Both doomed to die at sunrise!

Mir. Ravagers!
Brigands! Ay, murderers!

Ig. No! Patriots!
Soldiers! And martyrs if they die! My lord,
If they have plundered, 'twas to feed an army;
If they have killed,--that is the aim of war.
They are your foes, but noble ones,--and men,
Not creatures to be caught in traps and shot
Like beasts!

Max. We'll look to this. Marquez, at once
Send a dispatch commanding they be held
As prisoners of war until we've time
To examine them.

Mar. I will, you