'Tis fixed in memory, and if I live
Juarez shall hear it all,--and--if I die--
The grave is asked no questions. (Suddenly) Rafael!
This signed to-night, to-morrow Rafael dies.
Marquez will cut off all reprieve. One way
Is left.... I'll go. With life already lost
Who would not fling the corpse to save a friend?
My honor's bound to freedom and Juarez,
My heart bound to the Empress and her lord.
O, love, while I have life thou must command me,
Then to save honor ... let me die!... Ah, could
I save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woe
Awaits thy heart, madonna, saint ... and love!
Might I but say farewell before I go,
Then I could spur to death with happy heart,
And I must travel fast to reach Savarro.

(Takes a lady's glove from his bosom)
My treasure, come!

(Enter Carlotta)

Car. It must be signed ... it must ...
(Sees Ignacio)

Ig. O, little finger casements, do you mourn
Your pretty tenants lost?--five rose-sweet nuns
That pray at one white shrine! (Kisses glove)

Car. (Advancing) I hope, my friend,
She's worthy of your noble love.

Ig. O, madam,
In her doth Heaven on earth make sweet beginning.
And aspirations tend her from the skies.

Car. And she is beautiful as good?

Ig. O, fair
As olden marble walking down to us.
Or that immortal Helen on whose lip
Poets still feed the dream that's never fed!

Car. She must be fair indeed. I hope she loves
As much as she's beloved.

Ig. Nay, she dreams not
Of my poor worship.

Car. You must tell her, sir.

Ig. With her I have no tongue, and can not woo.
To see her is to think in hurrying dreams
That move about some new desire of God.
Nay, she's the picture finished, vision complete,
That perfect stands where dream no farther goes
And shuts the gates to prophecy!

Car. Would you
But woo her thus you'd win her, never fear!
We women would be beautiful, and love