Ig. And need none when
Juarez commands.
Jua. (Taking his hand) Thou ’rt still my son. My house
Will not fall down when I no longer prop it.
Raf. May I not beg this office, sir?
Trev. Send him!
His heart is in the hills, and he ’ll come back.
Ignacio ’s yet unanchored. Trust him not
To high tides of a court.
Jua. I trust them both.
But my own blood I know. (To Ig.) Kneel for the oath.
(Ignacio kneels. Murmurs around, then silence. Juarez takes a crucifix from his bosom and holds it over Ignacio)
Jua. By this true image of the bleeding Christ,
May you be damned to everlasting fire,
Nor prayers of saints lift up your soul from hell,
If you prove false in what you undertake
This night for Mexico!
Ig. By Christ’s own blood.
I swear, and may that blood be powerless
To save me from the damned if I prove false!
Jua. The stars that hold
The witness angels of the Lord have heard
Thy oath.
Ig. (Rising and looking up)
Let them record it.