1st Des. The best of them as bad as the worst with us.
2d Des. We have a little food, but they have none. The country is eaten bare. Diaz is trying to reach them with supplies, but at present there isn't enough meal in ten miles of the army to make an ash-cake.
Lop. More proof for the prince, your majesty.
2d Des. Yes, sire. 'T would be all the same if it didn't, for they've hardly strength left to stand on their toes and fire the guns.
Lop. You can not doubt, my lord, that we shall win with the next assault.
Mir. Cast fear to the winds, your majesty!
Mir. Not I! Fear is the devil's magic-glass He holds before us to swell out our vision, Turn hares to lions, stones a lamb might skip To beetling cliffs that ne'er knew human foot, And slightest obstacles, that do but make The mind's fair exercise and moral zest, To barriers, high as heaven, to success!
Lop. (Sneering) And Juarez' men of rags to glittering armies!
Max. We know your courage, prince, for it is writ In many a scar; but you are wrong in this.
Lop. You'll hear no more of flight, my lord?
Lop. Then I'll to duty, knowing all is well.
Dupin. (Aside) And I'll go find a breakfast for my little man-eater. (Clapping his weapon) There's never anything to be done around his saintship. (Exit)
Max. Yes. The plans will then be ready. (Turns to go in) You, prince, with me. Though I've dismissed your head from service, I still must have your heart. (Goes into church with Salm-Salm)
Mir. (To Mendez) What do you think of it?
Men. Why, sir, I'd rather die fighting than running. And there's a chance for us. The Liberals are beggared. There's hardly a uniform in camp. If Marquez had kept true, we should have saved the empire.
Mir. Don't speak of him! Hell's throne is empty while he's on earth!
1st Des. Well, comrade, here's promotion fast enough. We that were prisoners are captains of the field. Lead on!
2d Des. Be sure the Tigre is not around. He's got a long claw. Ugh! I feel shaky yet.
(Exeunt. It grows lighter. Guard comes out of the Cruz and takes station by door. Enter Princess Salm-Salm, Aseffa, and women of Queretaro)
Princess S. (Excitedly) Admit me to the emperor!
Guard. Your pardon. He must not be disturbed.
Princess S. Oh, but he must! The pity of it that he must!