--had you not hearts
That turn to virtue as the flowers to sun,
We had not made such progress to an hour
When all the Empire wears the smile of peace,
And we may rest like Love with folded arms
Round his desire.

Est. 'Tis you have led us, sire.
Pardon this mockery of what we'd do
To celebrate this day had we but means.
We shout thy name, but not above the clouds;
We send up fires, but lightnings higher reach:
We have adorned the city and ourselves,
But India and the sea keep back the pearls
We would pour here!

Max. Enough--and more, my friends.
O, far too much! None mourn now but the gods
Who are made indigent by this display
Of wealth and joy!

Est. (Making low obeisance) We thank your majesty.
This land shall e'er be called the happy land,
And he who rules it--

Asef. (Stepping wildly from chorus) Prince of Murderers!
The happy land! O land where widows' cries
Choke Heaven, and mothers' tears make each new day
A flood!

Mir. Guards there! Take her away! The guards!

Max. No! Let her stay! We'll answer her!

Mir. My lord--

Max. Madam, we seek your country's love.

Asef. How do you seek it? By killing her dear sons!
Setting your tigers loose among her children!
Mejia from your very breast makes fire
On patriot virtue! Dupin wets his teeth
By day and night in infant and mother's blood!
Maximilian,
In brave Trevino's name, Salazar's name,
In name of all as noble and as dear
To Mexico as they, who daily die
Beneath their country's flag the death of dogs,
Shot down by your black law--signed by your hand--
In name of him as dear to me as thou
To that proud woman who shall know what 'tis
To clasp a ghost where throbbed her living love,--
I tell thee--die!

(Leaps from stage to Emperor's box attempting to stab him.
As she leaps Carlotta springs before the Emperor)

Car. This heart--not that!

(Aseffa drops her dagger and stands bewildered. An officer
seizes her. Utter confusion in