'Twas here he swore--before us all.
Vowed to return with troops in fifteen days! Ah, he is
dead.

Salm. No, your majesty.

Max. But if he lives?

Salm. He is a traitor.

Max. You heard his oath--

Salm. A traitor's oath!

Lop. He's true, your majesty. His messengers are murdered.

Salm. He's false!

Max. But that means--death.

Salm. Or flight.

Max. Not flight!

(Enter Miramon and Mendez) You're welcome, gentlemen. Your
eyes bring news.

Mir. Your majesty, Metz has returned.

Max. At last!
News of Marquez! He comes! I know he comes!

Men. O, sire,--

Max. The faithful Metz! Where is he?

Metz. (Entering) Sire! (Kneels)

Max. Rise, sir.

Metz. O pardon me, your majesty!
I bring but wintry news.

Max. Marquez--

Metz. Is false.

Max. Oh, no, no, no! He comes! I know he comes!

Metz. He's leagued with Labastida,--for the church
Deserts you too.

Max. The church gone with him! No! no! I can't believe it!

Metz. You do not doubt me!

Max. Not you! But in my ear
The tale turns miracle! And I must doubt,
Though on your tongue 'tis truth!

Metz. 'Tis truth indeed!
The troops he was to bring you from the city,
He led for his own glory against Diaz,
Thinking to make himself the conqueror
And president of Mexico.

Max. My troops!
What then?

Metz. Porfirio Diaz routed them
To the last man. Marquez himself escaped
Alone,--fled unattended from the field.

Max. My troops! my troops!... And this is friendship! O God,
Give me but enemies!

Salm. Your Majesty--

Max. Who calls me majesty? There's none in me.
I am a riven oak whose leaf-light friends
Fly with misfortune's Autumn. (Steps away, bowed in grief)

Salm. (Following him) I love you, sire.

Lop. (Eagerly) So do we all! Your majesty, believe us!

Mir. Canst not spare one who have so many true?

Max. Forgive me,