its thunders 'gainst her peaceful walls!

Max. But to live idly is never to be born.
Shall we sit here at ease when God has found
The work for us? He with his pontiff finger
Points to the sea--

Car. (Turning) Sweet Miramar!
If God points to the sea, why gave he this?
This heaven-spot, this nesting place of love,
Hung like a garland 'tween the sea and rocks!
Ah, dear my lord, some curse will follow us
Who can desert this peace-embalmed place
To seek a glory fairer but in name!
I dare not do it!

Max. (Taking her hands) 'Tis you shall say, my wife.
If to stay here's your wish, that wish is mine,
Maybe I've dreamed too much of deeds of good,
And visionary feats in that far land;
Then let it be your yea or nay, my love.

Car. O leave it not to me, for in a yea
My vanity will speak, and in a nay
My fear!

Max. A slander on these lips? A kiss
Were better! (Kisses her. Enter Marquis Corio)

Cor. The noble guests approach. Will 't please
Your Highnesses assume your places?

Max. Yea,
Or nay, Carlotta?

Mar. O, they come! they come!

Char. (Hastily and earnestly)
Nay, if you love your lord! That is a land
Of murder, treason, carnage and revolt!
The very air cries out 'go not! go not!'
E'en yon cloud-turbanned peak, that never moves
Whate'er the circling stars propound to vex
His silent wisdom, warns with forbidding nod!
O noblest cousin--

Car. (In agitation) An empire! Miramar!

(Maximilian takes place centre. A table in front of him
covered with maps and papers. Carlotta by him, Count
Charles and Lady Maria in their rear. Enter Archduke of
Austria, and nobles, who take position at some distance
from Maximilian on his right. Enter Belgian Minister,
Abbot of Lacroma, Princess of Metternich, Princess Zichy,
Countess Kollonitz, and others. They stand at distance to
left of Maximilian. Enter the Imperial delegate, Senor
Hurbet, and General Frassart, Napoleon's Adjutant of the
Field. The former takes place immediately