trusted officers is false,
And you to-day--this hour--will be betrayed
Unto your foes.

Max. Impossible!

Princess S. O, sire,
Be blind no longer. This lady heard the men
As I did. There's no doubt!

Lady. 'Tis certain, sire,
That they were officers in the Liberal army,
And spoke of things that set me all aghast.

Max. Good women, I thank you, but you are deceived.
There's not a man about me whose true face
Is not the table where fidelity
Writes him my own.

Princess S. O, sir, 'tis one whose hand
Is in your bosom.

Max. Nay--

Princess S. That much I know,
Though I know not his name.

Max. Bold Miramon
Is staunch as death. Mendez would in his breast
Receive the bullet meant for me. Dupin
Has been too cruel to the enemy
To hope for life even at treason's price.
And Lopez is my own created love,
The Empress' guard,--the only Mexic heart
I've taken a very brother's to my own.

Princess S.
What shall I do? This moment you must fly!
Stand not, your majesty! 'T will be too late!

(Prince Salm-Salm comes to door)

Thank God, my husband! His majesty's betrayed!
You've never doubted me!

Prince Salm. Betrayed?

Max. No, prince,--

Prince Salm.
I'll visit every post!

Princess S. You but lose time.

(The prince hurries out)

Oh God! Oh God!

Max. Sweet princess, be not troubled.
There is no cause.

Princess S. Ah, we are lost!

(The bells of the city begin to ring)

Max. You hear?
The bells! The enemy has raised the siege!
O joyous news!

Princess S. No, no, your majesty.
That is the traitor's signal of success.
Oh Heaven!

Max. What madness! 'Tis impossible!

Princess S.
Those bells proclaim that every Imperial post
Is in a Liberal's command. We're lost!

(Enter citize