ies!

Max. We'll hazard battle.

Salm. I beg your majesty--

Max. We know your courage, prince, for it is writ
In many a scar; but you are wrong in this.

Lop. You'll hear no more of flight, my lord?

Max. No more.

Lop. Then I'll to duty, knowing all is well.

(Exit Lopez)

Dupin. (Aside) And I'll go find a breakfast for my little
man-eater. (Clapping his weapon) There's never anything to
be done around his saintship. (Exit)

Mir. In half an hour?

Max. Yes. The plans will then be ready. (Turns to go in) You,
prince, with me. Though I've dismissed your head from
service, I still must have your heart. (Goes into church
with Salm-Salm)

Mir. (To Mendez) What do you think of it?

Men. Why, sir, I'd rather die fighting than running.
And there's a chance for us. The Liberals are beggared.
There's hardly a uniform in camp. If Marquez had kept
true, we should have saved the empire.

Mir. Don't speak of him! Hell's throne is empty while he's on
earth!

(Exeunt Mendez and Mir.)

1st Des.
Well, comrade, here's promotion fast enough. We that
were prisoners are captains of the field. Lead on!

2d Des. Be sure the Tigre is not around. He's got a long claw.
Ugh! I feel shaky yet.

(Exeunt. It grows lighter. Guard comes out of the Cruz and
takes station by door. Enter Princess Salm-Salm, Aseffa,
and women of Queretaro)

Princess S. (Excitedly)
Admit me to the emperor!

Guard. Your pardon.
He must not be disturbed.

Princess S. Oh, but he must!
The pity of it that he must!

Guard. Nay, madam--

Princess S.
Admit us, sir, or I will beat the door!

(Maximilian comes to door)

Max. Some trouble here? The princess! Always welcome!

Princess S.
But such unwelcome news, your majesty!
You know I've rooms at Senor Barrio's house.
I've long suspected him. Last night he lodged
Two men whose conference I overheard.
All was not clear, but part was clear enough.
One of your