Max. (To Dupin) We’re glad to welcome you. ’T will be your charge to guard the unprotected towns now suffering from the raids of Liberals.
Mir. Of men, your majesty, who steal that title to grace a brigand’s life!
Max. So we’re assured.
Dup. I ’ll see to it, sir, that these towns play no love-tricks with the enemy!
Baz. Sh!
Max. No danger that way. Your duty is to protect them!
Dup. No offense, I hope. But treason is a lively beast and hard to keep low. As your majesty’s officer I must cudgel it down wherever I find it.
Max. If unhappily you find it, sir—
Dup. I ’ll cut the throat of every man dog of ’em!
Max. Sir? (Turns to Bazaine) The Colonel’s speech is very figurative, good Marshal. (To Dupin) All instances of treason, (and God forbid there should be one!) will be reported to me for careful investigation.