Esc. He comes.
(Enter Maximilian under guard)
Jua. Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joy
To see you thus. What wishes would your grace
Prefer to us?
Max. I have but one request,
Your excellency. If more blood must be spilt,
Let it be mine alone.
Jua. We grant it, sir,
With two exceptions justice doth demand.
Dupin and Miramon must die with you.
Dupin, who put to most ignoble death
The noblest prisoners of righteous war.
Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambition
Has sunk his country in her own dear blood,
And would do so again did life permit
Him opportunity. And you, my lord,
Who signed the foulest, most inhuman law
Writ down since Roman Sulla’s hand grew cold.
Princess S. O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceived
By treacherous ministers!
Jua. His ministers
Were but his many hands, and for their deeds
His heart must answer.
Princess S. O could you know that heart!
Max. Dear lady, peace.
Princess S. Beloved majesty,
I speak for her who prays beyond the sea.
... O, sir, you can not mean that he must die!
Help me, Aseffa! Help me plead for him!
Does not your Rafael live?