Gar. And you command the Empress’ regiment.
Lop. Yes. The pick of Maximilian’s soldiers.
Gar. One other question. The southern gate—Hist!
Lop. The nuns. (They draw aside and converse. Two nuns come out of convent and cross plaza)
1st Nun. The good Emperor is not out yet. He is often here long before day walking and thinking, ’T is then, they say, his mind is on the blessed Empress who has gone across the sea to get help for him. By day he never speaks her name, but thinks only of our poor country.
2d Nun. Hark! The enemy’s guns! They can not reach us.
1st Nun. Can not? A shell broke here yesterday. The Emperor stood just there.
2d Nun. Holy mother! What did his Majesty do?
1st Nun. He smiled, and said he might have chosen his place better; then moved to the very spot where the ball had burst, as though he hoped another would follow it.
2d Nun. Blessed virgin! Would he die?