Car. But rest with me?
Lab. Ay, noble lady, you.
I bear a letter from his Holiness,
In which he says his Empress daughter’s zeal
Is jewelled in his heart,—but urges me
To speak to Maximilian of his strange
Reluctance to fulfill his promise.
Car. Promise?
Lab. To give the Church the olden glory that
She shone with here! Restore her rights—
Car. ’T is true
He promised that, and he has kept his word
As an account with God. He is convinced
The rights claimed by the Church are stolen rights
She wrung from ignorance for her earthly glory,
And he ’s resolved to maintain Juarez’ law
So far as it accords with justice.
Lab. Madness!
Call back Juarez to power! Yield the throne
To the republican! For ’t will so end
If Maximilian scorns us and our help!
Car. He does not scorn you, sir, but seeks to find
Where the division comes ’tween you and Christ
And set himself upon the side of Heaven.
Lab. You will divorce the favor of the pope,
Without whose help you may not hope to stand.
Plead with your lord again to probe our claim,
And find therein some wise and prudent reason
To give us aid,—and thereby keep his crown.
Car. Yes, I will speak; but I shall not forget,
Whate’er I say, he is an Emperor! (Exit)
Mar. (Coming forward) A pair of fools are jiggling with a crown.