Max. (Approaching) Prisoners?
Dup. Deserters, your majesty. They have confessed it. I ’ve brought them here for sentence. Will you have them shot at once, or wait till sunrise?
Max. None shall be shot. Not one. How often must we say it? If things go well here, good; if not, still is my conscience clear of blood. (To deserter) You ’ve been with the enemy?
1st Des. Yes, curse the day! Your pardon, blessed majesty!
Max. How fare our foes?
1st Des. The best of them as bad as the worst with us.
Lop. You note that, prince?
2d Des. We have a little food, but they have none. The country is eaten bare. Diaz is trying to reach them with supplies, but at present there is n’t enough meal in ten miles of the army to make an ash-cake.
Lop. More proof for the prince, your majesty.
Max. Their powder fails?