Car. Then let it fall,
But save—my husband’s life!
(Astonishment and silence)
Lou. You speak but madly.
America has sent us guaranties
She will demand that Maximilian
Be held but as a prisoner of war.
The Mexicans dare not proceed against him
Contrary to the mighty government
That is sole friend unto their scarce born state.
Car. America demands with paper words
That can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him?
Let her demand his life with cannon turned
Upon his murderers. Then, sire, I ’ll trust
To their obedience. Till then I ’ll plead
With you. All hope is here.
Lou. Not so, dear lady.
Italy, Austria, and your Belgium,
Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him.
Car. Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law,
Are his sole need. Should God send angels there
He ’d choose but those who bear the flaming sword.
... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties,
In his own hand set down! Here he vows faith
To Maximilian—and to Heaven! Hear!
‘I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oath
Upon the honor of a man and king—’
Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot?
Then let my tongue be as a burning pen
To write it new upon your heart!
Lou. No! no!
In God’s name, no!
Aus. Dear lady, this is torture.
Car. Torture for you?—for him? Then what is it
For me, my lord?
Prus. Wouldst have his majesty
False to his country to be true to you?