Max. Some trouble here? The princess! Always welcome!
Princess S. But such unwelcome news, your majesty!
You know I ’ve rooms at Senor Barrio’s house.
I ’ve long suspected him. Last night he lodged
Two men whose conference I overheard.
All was not clear, but part was clear enough.
One of your trusted officers is false,
And you to-day—this hour—will be betrayed
Unto your foes.
Max. Impossible!
Princess S. O, sire,
Be blind no longer. This lady heard the men
As I did. There ’s no doubt!
Lady. ’T is certain, sire,
That they were officers in the Liberal army,
And spoke of things that set me all aghast.
Max. Good women, I thank you, but you are deceived.
There ’s not a man about me whose true face
Is not the table where fidelity
Writes him my own.
Princess S. O, sir, ’t is one whose hand
Is in your bosom.
Max. Nay—
Princess S. That much I know,
Though I know not his name.
Max. Bold Miramon
Is staunch as death. Mendez would in his breast
Receive the bullet meant for me. Dupin
Has been too cruel to the enemy
To hope for life even at treason’s price.
And Lopez is my own created love,
The Empress’ guard,—the only Mexic heart
I ’ve taken a very brother’s to my own.