Dup. A thousand pardons, your Highness! I was swept away by my devotion to your majesty! I shall remember that you wish me to observe the mildest temperance in dealing with your majesty’s enemies. (As the emperor looks questioningly at Bazaine, Dupin snarls, then repeats suavely) The mildest temperance in dealing with your majesty’s enemies.
Max. That is our wish. The mildest temperance. And this decree, Colonel Dupin? Would you advise its passage?
Dup. I should be so hot to sign it, sir, my zeal would boil the ink in the bottle!
Max. Very figurative, Marshal! (To Dupin) As yet we have not reconciled the matter with our conscience.
(Lopez enters and comes up to the Emperor)
Lop. (Handing him a slip of paper) Your majesty, the Empress sends you this.
(Maximilian reads aside:) ‘Sign the decree.’
Max. (Aside) What has she heard?
Dup. (At a distance, in rear of Maximilian, folds his hands meekly on his breast and whistles softly)
‘When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!’ (Mimics) ‘As yet we have not reconciled the matter with our conscience.’ Does he think he can govern Mexico with a prayer-book? Put him in his cradle and sing by-lo-baby!