Lou. What help
Can Austria give?

Aus. Sire, she has many troubles.
The clouds of war threat her with scarlet flood,
And little strength has she to spare abroad
When foes besiege at home.

Car. And Austria's chief
Is Maximilian's brother! It was not so
That day at Miramar when three proud crowns
Took oath to serve him in an hour like this.
Austria powerless! And Belgium--dead.
But France--Ah, France, she will prove noble, loyal
To God and honor!

Lou. My honor, dearest lady,
Permits me not to risk my country's life
That you may wear a crown in Mexico.
I can not save your empire.

Car. Then let it fall,
But save--my husband's life!

(Astonishment and silence)

Lou. You speak but madly.
America has sent us guaranties
She will demand that Maximilian
Be held but as a prisoner of war.
The Mexicans dare not proceed against him
Contrary to the mighty government
That is sole friend unto their scarce born state.

Car. America demands with paper words
That can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him?
Let her demand his life with cannon turned
Upon his murderers. Then, sire, I'll trust
To their obedience. Till then I'll plead
With you. All hope is here.

Lou. Not so, dear lady.
Italy, Austria, and your Belgium,
Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him.

Car. Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law,
Are his sole need. Should God send angels there
He'd choose but those who bear the flaming sword.
... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties,
In his own hand set down! Here he vows faith
To Maximilian--and to Heaven! Hear!
'I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oath
Upon the honor of a man and king--'
Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot?
Then let my tongue be as a burning pen
To write it new upon your heart!

Lou. No! no!
In God's name, no!

Aus.