and provinces fall by the way.

Berz. Without you, sir, our cause will die in blood,
And Mexico be but a grave for those
Who've loved and served you!

Mar. The United States has ranked
Full sixty thousand men on our frontiers,--
But we have France--

Max. I am awake! At last!
From now no man shall risk his life for me
But I take equal chance with him! Ah, this
Is war, not murder!

Mar. You will lead our troops?

Max. I will.

Mar. Then Mexico is saved! The way
To win the southern hearts is but to trust them.
Leave at your capital the foreign troops
And lead your native soldiers 'gainst the foe!

Car. (Aside) No! Never! Never! Alone with those dark hearts!

(Enter Marshal Bazaine with envoy from France,
Comte de St. Sueveur, Marquis de Gallifet, and General
Castlenau)

Baz. My lord, we bring new messages from France.

Gen. Cast.
Your majesty, we beg your gracious pardon
For this unseemly pressure.

Max. You have it, sir.
What says Napoleon?

Cast. He greets you, sire, with my unworthy tongue,
And sends this letter. (Maximilian reads)

Max. My eyes, I think, turn wizards
And conjure 'gainst the truth that must be here.
For I read false. (Puzzled) What does he mean? Not this--

Baz. My lord, my letters make the import clear.
I have instructions here to counsel you
To make immediate abdication.

Max. No!

Car. What? Abdication?

Baz. Ay! That is the word.

Car. A word for fear and weakness, not for strength,
And Maximilian is as strong as France
While great Napoleon respects his oath!
His troops are ours--

Baz. Nay, princess--

Mir. (Fiercely) Her Majesty!

Baz. (Sneers) You prize the feather when the cap is lost?
(To the Empress) Pardon a slipping tongue, your Majesty.
Those troops you speak of go with me to France.
Such is my order--such the firm demand
Of the United States.

Car.