s for that dish!

Asef. A good guesser would double the price.

Mig. And for Rafael's supper! No, I can go two more days yet.
(Puts food aside)

Asef. But you shall not. Come, eat! I'll feed you then, and you
don't want Juarez' soldiers to be turned into babies, do
you?

Mig. I'll yield! In fact, there's an orator within that speaks
with a most convincing pinch. (They eat)

Asef. (Watching) Poor fellows! They'll not leave him a mouthful!

Ler. Where is the general?

Asef. (Pointing up the hill) Asleep. Have you news?

Ler. None to bring good dreams. Let him sleep.

Mig. Lord, a meal a day like this and I could drive the whole
French army into the sea! (Rising) Now if these rags could
be turned back to their first fortunes, I'd be Don Miguel
de Tejada again! You wouldn't think that these tags and
tatters had waltzed with the president's niece at the
capital, would you now?

Asef. You must let me mend your clothes as I do Rafael's.

Mig. Faith, Senora, you would have to begin too many months
back. No, I'll hang out my banners as a knight of liberty
should, and be Don Miguel de Tejada still. Asleep, my
Lerdo? A good example, too. (Lies down) Good-night, Senora
the Blessed!

Asef. Good-night, Don Miguel de Tejada! (The soldiers sleep. She
waits and listens. Runs aside and looks down the valley)

Asef. Rafael! (Steps approach. Enter Rafael)

Raf. (Embracing her) Here's Heaven for the weary!

Asef. So tired? And I have nothing for you! (Looks toward
soldiers) They were so hungry.

Raf. They're welcome to it. (Kissing her) Here is my
banquet,--my feast of beauty and my wine of love!

(Staggers to a rock and sits feebly)

Asef. Oh! You've been so far!--too far!

Raf. We rode all day, but made no terms for food. The people
are afraid. Whoever gives us bread forfeits his life and
home.

Asef. I bought some meat of a poor woman to-day. She needed the
money.

Raf. And if the Imperials find her out they'll murder her and
set her hut in flames!

Asef. Oh! What shall we do?

Raf. We are an army. We'll do as armies do. Take food where we
can find it.

Asef. O, Rafael!

Raf. Yes, l