Asef. He lives because
Ignacio is dead. (Juarez starts) I must be just.
Princess S. What has a woman’s heart to do with justice?
’T is mercy is its heavenly quality!
Jua. Is this thing true? My boy.... Speak, Rafael.
... Tears in your eyes. You need not speak. My boy ...
Ignacio.... Unto God I give thee!...
Princess S. ’T is right
That they who would be gods to others’ woe
Should be proved human by their own.
Jua. (Not hearing her) And this
Is what so many hearts have borne since first
The Austrian came.
Princess S. O mercy, mercy, sir!
By your own woe show pity unto those
Whose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies!
Be merciful! These tears of mine are but
The first few drops of the unbounded tide
That weeping as the sea weeps round the world
Shall drink thy hated land if this good man
Dies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him!
Juarez. Madam, it is the people and the law
Demand this expiation, not Juarez.
I grieve to see you on your knees before me,
But did each queen of Europe—ay, and king,—
Kneel in your place, I could not spare that life.
(Silence. Sobs. Juarez signs to Escobedo, who leads prisoners away. Dupin’s broad hat is pulled low. Miramon steps proudly. At exit Maximilian turns and salutes the people)
Max. Mexicans! Long live Mexico!
(CURTAIN)