Yes--yes!
'Tis my sole virtue to remember his!

Car. And when the flooding Ambro left her banks,
Rolling a very sea o'er farm and town,
Who was the first to ride the dangerous waves,
A rescuing angel saving man and child?

Char. 'Twas Maximilian!

Car. Yes, our Maximilian.
I feared the Mexicans would take his life.
Was not that foolish, cousin? I should have known
God could not spare him from His world. Hast heard
The men of Licio tell how he was first
To bring them aid when all their silkworms died
And silence struck the looms that gave them food?
This man will say 'I have a son alive
Because of Maximilian!' And that will say
'I have a daughter now to tend my age,
Because the Lombard governor brought bread
Unto her cradle.'... And he is coming back.
... Beautiful Miramar! We'll never leave thee,
Though stars should beckon to a golden world!
To-morrow he'll come! Maximilian!

(Holds out her arms
toward the sea, looking radiantly into distance)

Charles!
(Turns suddenly, laying her hand on his arm)
Look! What men are those? Do you not see them?

Char. There's nothing, cousin,--nothing but the sea.

Car. Oh, look! They wear the Mexican dress!

Char. Come in,
Sweet princess!

Car. Ah yes, they're Mexicans.

Char. Come!
You've had some fever. 'Tis a sick-room vision.

Car. No, no! I'm well! Ah, never in such health!
I see like God! O look! A score of them!
Moving but silent as death! Where are they marching?
The sun gleams on their guns! O see, Charles, see!
There is a prisoner! Poor man! poor man!
I can not see his face. He walks most sadly,--
And proudly too! An upright soul, I know!

Char. Dear cousin, come away!

Car. He's humbly dressed,
And but for that I'd think he might be royal,
Ah, royal as Maximilian! O Charles,
I am so glad he's safe upon the sea!
Safe--safe--and coming to me!