Lop. The proof is easy, sire. Expose his arm!
Ig. I scorn such proof! And with my sword I ’ll meet
Who dares lay hand upon me!
Lab. Justice, sire!
Command him to lay bare his arm!
(Silence. Maximilian approaches Ignacio slowly and lays his hand on his arm)
Max. (Turning to Marquez, his hand still on Ignacio)
You are a soldier, able and honorable.
I trust you with my captives.... Ignacio,
You are no traitor,—and I trust you with
My confidence. Both are deceived. ’T is I
Must study how to heal this sad division.
... But now, we ’ll sign this necessary law.
Come in with me, my friends. (Exeunt all but Ignacio)
Ig. Too noble soul!
Too gentle heart! O foul, most foul betrayal!
He dooms himself. O, Maximilian,
We go on different ways, but each to death!
The truest heart about thee is my own,
And I ’m a spy—death-vowed to be thy foe!
I ’ll warn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause.
Dead I may guard her. Death alone may give
Me to her service. There ’s no oath can bind
The disembodied spirit. (Takes paper from his pocket) Here ’s set down
All I have learned of the Imperial plans.
(Burns paper in candle flame)
’T is fixed in memory, and if I live
Juarez shall hear it all,—and—if I die—
The grave is asked no questions. (Suddenly) Rafael!
This signed to-night, to-morrow Rafael dies.
Marquez will cut off all reprieve. One way
Is left.... I ’ll go. With life already lost
Who would not fling the corpse to save a friend?
My honor ’s bound to freedom and Juarez,
My heart bound to the Empress and her lord.
O, love, while I have life thou must command me,
Then to save honor ... let me die!... Ah, could
I save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woe
Awaits thy heart, madonna, saint ... and love!
Might I but say farewell before I go,
Then I could spur to death with happy heart,
And I must travel fast to reach Savarro.
(Takes a lady’s glove from his bosom)
My treasure, come!