Baz. My lord, we bring new messages from France.
Gen. Cast. Your majesty, we beg your gracious pardon
For this unseemly pressure.
Max. You have it, sir.
What says Napoleon?
Cast. He greets you, sire, with my unworthy tongue,
And sends this letter. (Maximilian reads)
Max. My eyes, I think, turn wizards
And conjure ’gainst the truth that must be here.
For I read false. (Puzzled) What does he mean? Not this—
Baz. My lord, my letters make the import clear.
I have instructions here to counsel you
To make immediate abdication.
Max. No!
Car. What? Abdication?
Baz. Ay! That is the word.
Car. A word for fear and weakness, not for strength,
And Maximilian is as strong as France
While great Napoleon respects his oath!
His troops are ours—