(Exeunt Mendez and Mir.)
1st Des. Well, comrade, here ’s promotion fast enough. We that were prisoners are captains of the field. Lead on!
2d Des. Be sure the Tigre is not around. He ’s got a long claw. Ugh! I feel shaky yet.
(Exeunt. It grows lighter. Guard comes out of the Cruz and takes station by door. Enter Princess Salm-Salm, Aseffa, and women of Queretaro)
Princess S. (Excitedly)
Admit me to the emperor!
Guard. Your pardon.
He must not be disturbed.
Princess S. Oh, but he must!
The pity of it that he must!
Guard. Nay, madam—
Princess S. Admit us, sir, or I will beat the door!
(Maximilian comes to door)