2d Guard. If I were he I would n’t make such a glittering show of myself in that Milan carriage—all gold and silver and tortoise shell, and an angel at every corner—while there are so many hearts breaking in sound of it.
1st Guard. Ph! He knows nothing of the breaking hearts! Miramon sees to that.
2d Guard. He ’ll have to know soon, or Juarez will tell him in the capital.
1st Guard. Not a word! On your life! (Shouts without) Here they are! By Jesu! The fools have taken the mules from the carriage and draw it themselves! Now I wonder how much a head Miramon pays for that!
(Enter rabble of shouting citizens drawing carriage in which sit the Emperor and Empress. They are followed by a brilliant party of ladies and gentlemen. General and Madam Miramon, Princess de Varela, Prince and Princess Zichy, Prince and Princess Salm-Salm, Lopez, Count Charles, Marquez, Archbishop Labastida, Estrada, Berzabal, and others)
Max. (To citizens) My friends, though I protest against this honor,
I thank you from my heart for such kind proof
Of your affection. (Alights)
Voices. Long live Maximilian!
One of the rabble, awkward and ignorant. Long live the President of the Empire!
Max. (Smiling) I ’ve no objection to that title, friend, but I fear it would be criticised in Europe.
(Crowd passes out shouting and dragging carriage)