P Salm. Ask not, I beg you.
Max. His name!
P Salm. Lopez.
Max. Lopez? (Staggers)
Unsay that word—and take my crown!
P Salm. O, would
I could, your majesty! It is too true!
Max. Lopez! Carlotta’s chosen officer!
And heaped with favors high enough to make
A pyramid to faith!... Is this the world,
Or some strange fancy spinning in my eyes?
P Salm. My dearest liege—
Max. Who would not leave a life
Where such things be, though death were sleep eternal?
... Lead me ’mong shells and bayonets. But not
To kill. My God, there ’s blood enough been shed.
Bid all surrender. Let no more lives be lost.
Farewell, my prince.... Now for a friendly shell!—
Just here! (Striking his heart, rushes out)
Princess S. O save him! I am safe! Go! go! (Exit Salm-Salm)
1st Woman. We shall all be butchered!