'Tis right
That they who would be gods to others' woe
Should be proved human by their own.

Jua. (Not hearing her) And this
Is what so many hearts have borne since first
The Austrian came.

Princess S. O mercy, mercy, sir!
By your own woe show pity unto those
Whose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies!
Be merciful! These tears of mine are but
The first few drops of the unbounded tide
That weeping as the sea weeps round the world
Shall drink thy hated land if this good man
Dies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him!

Juarez. Madam, it is the people and the law
Demand this expiation, not Juarez.
I grieve to see you on your knees before me,
But did each queen of Europe--ay, and king,--
Kneel in your place, I could not spare that life.

(Silence. Sobs. Juarez signs to Escobedo, who leads
prisoners away. Dupin's broad hat is pulled low. Miramon
steps proudly. At exit Maximilian turns and salutes the
people)

Max. Mexicans! Long live Mexico!

(CURTAIN)

ACT V.

Scene I: Audience chamber, the Tuileries. Louis Napoleon alone.

Lou. Succeed or fail! However men may run
The goal is marked. Yet will we race with Fate
In forgone match. Some free of foot and hand,
Some stumbling with huge empires on our backs
Less certain than the overburdened ant
Housing a winter crumb.... Victoire!

(Enter Secretary)

Sec. My lord.

Lou. If any dispatch from the West arrives
Bring it at once.

Sec. Yes, sire. (Exit)

Lou. America!
Thou strange, new power where each man is a king,
I have obeyed thy will. Pulled down my empire,
Built up that France might the Atlantic stride
And stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slap
Upon the cheek imperial insults
All monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles,
When she should blush to ruddy rage of war.
... The West must go ... but here I'll be supreme.
Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict,
And promise aid to each, but i