O blame me not
That I must worship here--

Asef. Ah, Rafael,
I'll live an hour to pray this wrong away
Before I meet thine eyes! (Goes. Charles grasps her cloak)
Beast! Claw me not!

(Goes in. Charles gazes after her in a bewildered way.
Tries to steady himself, and goes into theatre by main
entrance)

(CURTAIN)

Scene II: Within the theatre. Gay decorations. Part of stage
shown, on which chorus is assembled. The Emperor and Empress in
royal box. Imperial cabinet and friends in boxes adjoining. Part
of pit shown, filled with brightly dressed people.

Max. (To Carlotta)
O, this is welcome! Are you not happy now?
There's not a wrinkle on these smiling brows
Where discontent may write her annals dark!
My empire now is fixed, and strength and love
Are gathering to my side. I can not put
My hand out but 'tis clasped by some new friend.

Car. And true?

Max. And true. You are too fearful, sweet.

Car. And you too trustful.

Max. Nay, we can not trust
Too much. Brutus spoke noblest when he said
'My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
I found no man but he was true to me.'
And I would hope as much.

Car. (Aside) None, none are true!
Even I am false who fear to speak my fears
And ease his own when I should quicken them!

(Chorus from stage)

Hail, ye royal pair, O hail!
Like two souls within one star
May your heavenly light ne'er fail.
Empress and great Emperor!

Hail to thee who ruleth mild
As the manger-cradled child!
Hail to her who long may be
Guardian of us and thee!

Hail, O hail, ye pair divine!
As two souls within one star
May your light forever shine,
Empress and great Emperor!

(Estrada appears on stage in front of chorus)

Est. Great Majesties, forgive our feeble welcome.
We are in all things spotted and imperfect
Save in affection for your Highnesses.

Max. (Rising) No, no! My friend--and friends