r majesty.

Ig. My lord, at Callovalla when the French
Had routed the Republicans, there came
At night some student priests into the field
To help the wounded and to cheer the dying.
This man, Marquez, set on them with his troop
And made them prisoners. The morning sun
Beheld each saintly minister shot dead.
And you would trust this devil with the life
Of captive foes? A man whose hands are red
With God's own blood?

Mar. He lies! Your majesty,
I'll prove him traitor to your very eyes!

Ig. Traitor?

Mar. Ay, sir, and spy! Lay bare his arm,
And see the branded cross!--the sacred mark
Of those who've sworn to die in Juarez' cause!

(Snatches at Ignacio's arm as if he would expose it)

Ig. Liar and devil! do not touch me!

Mar. Spy!

Lop. The proof is easy, sire. Expose his arm!

Ig. I scorn such proof! And with my sword I'll meet
Who dares lay hand upon me!

Lab. Justice, sire!
Command him to lay bare his arm!

(Silence. Maximilian approaches Ignacio slowly and lays
his hand on his arm)

Max. (Turning to Marquez, his hand still on Ignacio)
You are a soldier, able and honorable.
I trust you with my captives.... Ignacio,
You are no traitor,--and I trust you with
My confidence. Both are deceived. 'Tis I
Must study how to heal this sad division.
... But now, we'll sign this necessary law.
Come in with me, my friends. (Exeunt all but Ignacio)

Ig. Too noble soul!
Too gentle heart! O foul, most foul betrayal!
He dooms himself. O, Maximilian,
We go on different ways, but each to death!
The truest heart about thee is my own,
And I'm a spy--death-vowed to be thy foe!
I'll warn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause.
Dead I may guard her. Death alone may give
Me to her service. There's no oath can bind
The disembodied spirit. (Takes paper from his pocket)
Here's set down
All I have learned of the Imperial plans.

(Burns paper in candle flame)