Too much. Brutus spoke noblest when he said
'My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
I found no man but he was true to me.'
And I would hope as much.
Car. (Aside) None, none are true!
Even I am false who fear to speak my fears
And ease his own when I should quicken them!
(Chorus from stage)
Hail, ye royal pair, O hail!
Like two souls within one star
May your heavenly light ne'er fail.
Empress and great Emperor!
Hail to thee who ruleth mild
As the manger-cradled child!
Hail to her who long may be
Guardian of us and thee!
Hail, O hail, ye pair divine!
As two souls within one star
May your light forever shine,
Empress and great Emperor!
(Estrada appears on stage in front of chorus)
Est. Great Majesties, forgive our feeble welcome.
We are in all things spotted and imperfect
Save in affection for your Highnesses.
Max. (Rising) No, no! My friend--and friends--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 theatre. Maximilian goes
onto the stage. Silence)
Max. My friends,--
All you who love me see me here unhurt,
And you who love me not, if any's here,
(Cries of "none, none!")
Take aim now as you will.
(Cries of "No! no! no! no!")
A Voice.
Long live the Emperor! Maximilian!
Max. Then if you love me, friends, I beg you'll leave
This place of song and go to the Cathedral.
There pray for me to Him who spared my life,
And, if you will, pray that He yet may spare it
To work His will and yours.
(Crowd goes out silently)
Mar. (To Labastida) That was well done.
Lab. Sincerity is once a diplomat.
Car. (To Princess Salm-Salm)
Princess, take this poor creature to your care.
(Officer releases Aseffa, who goes out as in a dream
with Prince and Princess Salm-Salm and several ladies)
Mar. (Approaching Maximilian) Your Majesty, let me congratulate--
Ill, sire?
Max. Sick, sick, O sick of compliments!
If I've a friend here let me hear the truth!
What did that creature mean? The truth, I say!
(Silence) You, Miramon? Lopez? (Silence) Trevino's dead?
Lop. He is.
Max. And Rafael Mendorez?
Lop. Dead.
The woman is his widow.
Max. Oh!... And this!
(Taking out message)
This from Dupin! 'All quiet in Savarro.'
It means--
Lop. The town is ashes.
Max. O God! O God!
You ministers! Ay, ministers of hell!
Didst think ye served the devil?
Est. O, my lord--
Max. No friend! Not one! Charles! Charles! you must have known!
These foreign hearts have their excuse, but you--
The tower of confidence between us two,
Built part by part by faithful mason hours,
Is shaken to atoms!
Char. I will build it o'er!
Max. First will the wind-strewn rose upgather all
Her petals from the dust, and cheek by cheek,
Hang them new-smiling on the nodding bough!
Mir. Your Majesty, what we have done was done
To save our country and your beloved life.
Your noble heart was blind to your great danger,
And 'twas our duty and our work of love
To save you from your fatal tenderness.
Lop. (Kneeling) O gracious sovereign, had I but known
You did not know, I would have dared the wrath
Of all the court, and spoken to you but truth!
Max. (Lifting him up)
And 'twas your tongue at last that broke the silence,
I must forgive you.
Mar. By your necessity,
Your Majesty, we may all hope for pardon.
Juarez, encouraged by the United States,
Is roused again to war. We have appealed
For compromise and terms of friendly union,
But his one answer for us all is--death!
Yet are we faithful to you, sire.
Max. O Heaven!
What poisonous opiate have you fed me with
And called it peace? But war is not the worst!
Oh, Miramon, did you not swear to me
All prisoners taken by that cruel law
Should be reported day or night to me
That I might pardon or remit their sentence?
Mir. O, sir, you knew not your extremity,
Nor could you know it though we told it you,
The hearts of Mexicans once turned to hate
Are far too deep for sincere eyes to pierce.
But I thank God we knew the danger, sire,
And struck the serpent raised even at your life.
When you, all gentleness, could not have given
The necessary blow. Ay, God be thanked, although
You cast me from your heart. 'T will be my comfort
To know I served you better than you dreamed.
And 'tis the penalty of over-love
To suffer by the hand that (kneels and
kisses Maximilian's hand) it would kiss!
Max. Must I forgive him, Heaven?
Lab. Ay, sir, you must,
For his deceit was but the greater truth
That served your blind necessity.
Est. O, sir,
Do not desert us! If now the Empire falls
'Tis death to all that have been true to you.
Juarez will give no quarter to your friends.
Max. The Liberals advance?
Mar. Each day they're nearer;
And towns and provinces fall by the way.
Berz. Without you, sir, our cause will die in blood,
And Mexico be but a grave for those
Who've loved and served you!
Mar. The United States has ranked
Full sixty thousand men on our frontiers,--
But we have France--
Max. I am awake! At last!
From now no man shall risk his life for me
But I take equal chance with him! Ah, this
Is war, not murder!
Mar. You will lead our troops?
Max. I will.
Mar. Then Mexico is saved! The way
To win the southern hearts is but to trust them.
Leave at your capital the foreign troops
And lead your native soldiers 'gainst the foe!
Car. (Aside) No! Never! Never! Alone with those dark hearts!
(Enter Marshal Bazaine with envoy from France,
Comte de St. Sueveur, Marquis de Gallifet, and General
Castlenau)
Baz. My lord, we bring new messages from France.
Gen. Cast.
Your majesty, we beg your gracious pardon
For this unseemly pressure.
Max. You have it, sir.
What says Napoleon?
Cast. He greets you, sire, with my unworthy tongue,
And sends this letter. (Maximilian reads)
Max. My eyes, I think, turn wizards
And conjure 'gainst the truth that must be here.
For I read false. (Puzzled) What does he mean? Not this--
Baz. My lord, my letters make the import clear.
I have instructions here to counsel you
To make immediate abdication.
Max. No!
Car. What? Abdication?
Baz. Ay! That is the word.
Car. A word for fear and weakness, not for strength,
And Maximilian is as strong as France
While great Napoleon respects his oath!
His troops are ours--
Baz. Nay, princess--
Mir. (Fiercely) Her Majesty!
Baz. (Sneers) You prize the feather when the cap is lost?
(To the Empress) Pardon a slipping tongue, your Majesty.
Those troops you speak of go with me to France.
Such is my order--such the firm demand
Of the United States.
Car. Is France a province
Of the United States? Napoleon
Page, lackey, footboy to America?
Is she an Empire, he an Emperor?
Or have we dreamed he is Napoleon?
Max. (Recovered from his bewilderment)
Withdraw his troops! He can not--dare not do it!
'T would blister history's page to set it down,
And 'tis his burning wish to be the star
Of human chronicles. I'll not believe it,
Though all my senses brand confirming yea
Upon my mind. O shout it in my ears,
And let me see the troops go marching out,
Still I'll believe it is my eyes and ears
That mutiny, not France turned traitor!
Baz. Your Majesty, you must believe the truth,
And make you ready for a swift departure.
'T will not be safe here let a moon go by.
Max. If danger's here, then here I stay to share it.
Dost think I'll leave my friends to die alone
While I by flight dishonor Majesty?
Baz. 'Tis death to stay. You would not be so mad.
Mir. Hail to our new-born king! New-born thou art
Unto our love. Nay, we did love before,
But now we'll worship thee.
Car. Napoleon!
You shall not do this monstrous thing! You shall not!
Baz. The crown of France doth ask consent of none.
Car. I'll go to him and say such words that from
His shame-marked brow his outraged crown will fall
In horror. I will go! Take out the troops,
Bazaine. Ay, take them out! He will be glad
To send them back and purchase with his blood
Redemption from such shame. He'll empty France
To do it! I will go. But I'll not kneel.
A thousand years my blood has run through kings,
And he's the _third_ Napoleon!
(Sinks, exhausted with emotion. Ladies attend her)
Mir. The traitor!
We have no need of him! To France, Bazaine,
And tell your Emperor our Emperor
Needs not his fickle strength to stand upon!
Sire, we have men, and money in our banks--
Lab. A mighty church whose power is untold
If you restore her rights, as now we hope,
And thus united we shall defy the world!
Max. And Heaven, too? For that is what we do
When we set up the church in her old wrongs.
Nay, keep your aid, and I will keep my soul.
Lop. Your virtuous angel strives to make you god.
Max. No, but to keep me honest.
Mar. (Aside to Lab.) Yield to him.
'Tis not the hour to cast him off.
Lab. My lord,
Your virtue conquers, and unto your hands
I yield the power o' the church.
Max. I thank your grace,
Nor for myself, but Mexico.
Baz. I go to France.
What message have you for Napoleon?
Max. Tell him that he has placed me here between
Death and dishonor--and my choice is made.
(Bazaine and French ambassadors turn slowly and go out)
Max. (Quietly to Miramon) We'll join you at the door.
(Exeunt all but Carlotta and Maximilian. He holds out his
arms, and she goes silently to his embrace)
(CURTAIN)
ACT IV.
Scene I: Queretaro. Plaza La Cruz before church and convent. Grey
light before dawn. Occasional distant firing of guns. Maximilian
comes out of church and walks about plaza.
Max. Carlotta! Where dost thou pray to-night? In all
Our fearful scanning of prophetic heavens
No swart star showed us this--our separation.
Thou wert the all of me, the breath, the soul!
Nature conceived thee when her blood was young,
And May was in her spirit, but stayed thy birth
Till Time had taught her skill in all perfections!
... I will not weep.... Yon stars have memories too,
And tell old tales of grandsire suns that shook
Their locks and fell ere they were young who now
Are eld of all!... (Walks) To lie so low.... O man,
Who in the heavens carvest out redemption,
Laying thy golden streets in very skies,
Making the stars but eyets of thy port,
Must thou compact thee to a little earth,
Displace some few small tenants of the sod,
And find thou 'st room enough?... (Looks up) City of dream!
Time's far ghost inn! Eternity's mirage!
Desire's dim temple fashioned out of prayer,
Builded and jointured by no carpenter
But captious Fancy!... O Carlotta, wife!
Thou wert my Christian heart! Faith, faith, my God!
Death to the unbeliever is to land
Upon a coast dumb in the moonless dark,
Where no hands wave a welcome, no eyes shine
With promise of sweet hours, no voices call
The greeting that makes every shore a home.
(Listens) My officers! I can not see them yet.
(Goes in. Enter Colonel Lopez in close talk with Lieutenant
Garza who is disguised as an Imperial officer)
Garza. I'm satisfied.
Lopez. This hill is the key to the city.
Gar. Yes.
Lop. And yours on terms we have considered.
Gar. Here's Escobedo's guarantee. (Gives paper)
Lop. This to my pocket, and Queretaro to the Liberals!
Gar. 'Tis heavy business. You do it lightly, colonel.
Lop. The world's a feather.
Gar. If we but think so.
Lop. At dawn my troops are yours.
Gar. And you command the Empress' regiment.
Lop. Yes. The pick of Maximilian's soldiers.
Gar. One other question. The southern gate--Hist!
Lop. The nuns. (They draw aside and converse. Two nuns come out
of convent and cross plaza)
1st Nun.
The good Emperor is not out yet. He is often here long
before day walking and thinking, 'Tis then, they say, his
mind is on the blessed Empress who has gone across the sea
to get help for him. By day he never speaks her name, but
thinks only of our poor country.
2d Nun. Hark! The enemy's guns! They can not reach us.
1st Nun.
Can not? A shell broke here yesterday. The Emperor stood
just there.
2d Nun. Holy mother! What did his Majesty do?
1st Nun.
He smiled, and said he might have chosen his place
better; then moved to the very spot where the ball had
burst, as though he hoped another would follow it.
2d Nun. Blessed virgin! Would he die?
1st Nun.
I'm sure he would not live. Come, sister. Ah, we have
but one loaf this morning.
2d Nun. Let us be glad we can give that,--for many are hungry.
1st Nun.
Many are starved--dead.
2d Nun. But the good Emperor! It is so sad to think of him
without food.
1st Nun.
He will give this to his officers. Yesterday I saw
Prince Salm-Salm and the general Miramon each with a bit
of white bread that can not be found in all Queretaro
outside of our convent.
2d Nun. The good man! Holy Mother bless and keep him! (They go
into the Cruz)
Lop. What will you do with Maximilian?
Gar. Make a Liberal of him.
Lop. Ha! How?
Gar. Shoot him!
Lop. Shoot him?
Gar. Yes. The grave's the great republican senate house,--where
each man has the floor.
Lop. (Laughing) And you will introduce him!
Gar. Hark!
Lop. The Emperor! Go! (Exit Garza. Enter Maximilian and Prince
Salm-Salm)
Max. (Greeting Lopez affectionately) You're early out, my boy.
Lop. Your majesty, I am the officer of the day.
Max. Yes,--I remember. Who was your friend?
Lop. Ramirez, of Dupin's regiment.
Salm. Ramirez! He's much changed if that was he.
Lop. Shall I call him back, your majesty, that the prince may
convince himself that his memory of faces is not
infallible?
Max. Nay, my trusted two! (Puts an arm about each) Would you
might love each other as I love you both. My prince, whose
courage is the very heart of my army, and my young hussar,
dear for your own sake--dearer still because--she trusted
you!
(Blasio, the Emperor's secretary, comes out of the Cruz)
Blasio. Your majesty, I have finished the letters.
Max. Good. There will be no more to write. (Stumbles over
something) What's this?
Blasio. A fallen Christ.
Max. You mean a fallen figure of the risen Christ.
Lop. Here is the crown of thorns.
Max. Give it to me. (Holds it meditatively) How well it suits
my fortunes!
Salm. Nay--
Max. Ay, better than my golden one. (Gives it to Blasio) Hang
it above my bed. My Queretaro crown!
Salm. Do not, your majesty!
Max. (To Blasio) Take it. (Exit Blasio) Why, prince, 'tis
something to have won a crown. My first was given me.
(Firing and falling of shells)
Salm. I beg you, sire, to move your quarters to a safer station.
This is death at any moment!
Max. Death at any moment--(Regretfully) And I have been here
sixty days.
Lop. Courage, sire! Marquez will come!
Max. (Eagerly) Has there been news?
Lop. Not yet, your majesty.
Max. Not yet! What does it mean? You heard him take the oath to
bring me help or die. '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, friends. This treachery's the night
Wherein your hearts of gold beat out like stars!
Lop. My life is yours, my lord!
Max. Thanks, dear Lopez.
(Takes his hand)
In friendship lies the joy superlative,
And nearest Heaven. We touch God's hand whene'er
We clasp a friend's.
... But now we must take counsel.
Salm. No, sire, we must take action. Pardon me,
But our sole hope of safety lies in flight.
Max. What! Leave the town to sack and ruin? No!
Desert the poor inhabitants, so long our friends?
And all our wounded, sick and dying? Never!
Salm. But if you stay, my lord, you sacrifice
The living with the dying.
Max. Oh, Heaven, Heaven!
Lop. Your Majesty, this counsel is not wise.
It is not honor!
Salm. Honor will lead the flight!
To stay were crime! Sire, give the order now.
At once! The firing to the north has ceased.
All night I've reconnoitered. The way is clear
For the last time. We'll arm the citizens
To cover flight, and in an hour--
Lop. We'll be
Attacked on every side! A madman's counsel!
Salm. O, sire, lose not a moment!
Mir. Lopez is right.
To fly from death is not dishonor, but who
That values honor throws away one chance
Of victory?
Salm. There is no chance. Not one!
My word is fly, and I'm no coward, sire.
Max. You've led our troops where every track was blood,
And in the throat of battle, hand to hand,
Have fought with Death! We know you'll dare a fight
As far as any man while there's a hope
Of victory.
Salm. But I'll not make my folly
The captain to defeat.
Lop. 'Tis not defeat!
The Liberals are at their fortune's ebb.
They're sick with fear, and tremble in their rags.
Mendez. Let's fight it out, my lord!
Max. With starving men?
Lop. We're starving, but our foes are starved.
Our ammunition fails, but theirs has failed--
(A shell breaks near them)
Salm. That, sir, unspeaks your words.
Lop. Not so. One shell
But tells how few they are, for yesterday
They fell in numbers. And to the north, you say,
The guns are silent.
Salm. Sire, a moment lost
May mean the loss of all.
(Enter Dupin with two prisoners. Lopez goes to meet him)
Dupin. What did you mean by your infernal order to bring these
men here? Don't you know old Saint-face won't let them be
shot?
Lop. Keep quiet. They are my captives, not yours.
Dup. I've plugged just ninety-eight this week, and it's too bad
not to make an even hundred.
Max. (Approaching) Prisoners?
Dup. Deserters, your majesty. They have confessed it. I've
brought them here for sentence. Will you have them shot at
once, or wait till sunrise?
Max. None shall be shot. Not one. How often must we say it? If
things go well here, good; if not, still is my conscience
clear of blood. (To deserter) You've been with the enemy?
1st Des.
Yes, curse the day! Your pardon, blessed majesty!
Max. How fare our foes?
1st Des.
The best of them as bad as the worst with us.
Lop. You note that, prince?
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.
Max. Their powder fails?
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.
Max. Poor fellows!
Lop. You can not doubt, my lord, that we shall win with the
next assault.
Mir. Cast fear to the winds, your majesty!
Salm. Who spoke of fear?
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'll hazard battle.
Salm. I beg your majesty--
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?
Max. No more.
Lop. Then I'll to duty, knowing all is well.
(Exit Lopez)
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)
Mir. In half an hour?
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!
(Exeunt Mendez and Mir.)
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!
Guard. Nay, madam--
Princess S.
Admit us, sir, or I will beat the door!
(Maximilian comes to door)
Max. Some trouble here? The princess! Always welcome!
Princess S.
But such unwelcome news, your majesty!
You know I've rooms at Senor Barrio's house.
I've long suspected him. Last night he lodged
Two men whose conference I overheard.
All was not clear, but part was clear enough.
One of your trusted officers is false,
And you to-day--this hour--will be betrayed
Unto your foes.
Max. Impossible!
Princess S. O, sire,
Be blind no longer. This lady heard the men
As I did. There's no doubt!
Lady. 'Tis certain, sire,
That they were officers in the Liberal army,
And spoke of things that set me all aghast.
Max. Good women, I thank you, but you are deceived.
There's not a man about me whose true face
Is not the table where fidelity
Writes him my own.
Princess S. O, sir, 'tis one whose hand
Is in your bosom.
Max. Nay--
Princess S. That much I know,
Though I know not his name.
Max. Bold Miramon
Is staunch as death. Mendez would in his breast
Receive the bullet meant for me. Dupin
Has been too cruel to the enemy
To hope for life even at treason's price.
And Lopez is my own created love,
The Empress' guard,--the only Mexic heart
I've taken a very brother's to my own.
Princess S.
What shall I do? This moment you must fly!
Stand not, your majesty! 'T will be too late!
(Prince Salm-Salm comes to door)
Thank God, my husband! His majesty's betrayed!
You've never doubted me!
Prince Salm. Betrayed?
Max. No, prince,--
Prince Salm.
I'll visit every post!
Princess S. You but lose time.
(The prince hurries out)
Oh God! Oh God!
Max. Sweet princess, be not troubled.
There is no cause.
Princess S. Ah, we are lost!
(The bells of the city begin to ring)
Max. You hear?
The bells! The enemy has raised the siege!
O joyous news!
Princess S. No, no, your majesty.
That is the traitor's signal of success.
Oh Heaven!
Max. What madness! 'Tis impossible!
Princess S.
Those bells proclaim that every Imperial post
Is in a Liberal's command. We're lost!
(Enter citizens and soldiers in confusion)
1st Cit.
What mean the bells?
2d Cit. That Escobedo's fled!
3d Cit. Marquez has come!
1st Soldier. No, no! The city's taken!
2d Soldier.
Juarez is here! The Liberals are on us!
(Confused talking and shouts continue. Re-enter
Prince Salm-Salm)
Max. What is it, prince?
Prince Salm. O dearest majesty--
Max. The worst!
P Salm. 'Tis treachery. We are surrounded!
Max. Those bells--
P Salm. Ring out the enemy's success.
Each post is captained by a Liberal.
Max. (Calmly to princess)
Forgive me. You were right.
(To Prince Salm-Salm) Who is the traitor?
P Salm. Ask not, I beg you.
Max. His name!
P Salm. Lopez.
Max. Lopez? (Staggers)
Unsay that word--and take my crown!
P Salm. O, would
I could, your majesty! It is too true!
Max. Lopez! Carlotta's chosen officer!
And heaped with favors high enough to make
A pyramid to faith!... Is this the world,
Or some strange fancy spinning in my eyes?
P Salm. My dearest liege--
Max. Who would not leave a life
Where such things be, though death were sleep eternal?
... Lead me 'mong shells and bayonets. But not
To kill. My God, there's blood enough been shed.
Bid all surrender. Let no more lives be lost.
Farewell, my prince.... Now for a friendly shell!--
Just here! (Striking his heart, rushes out)
Princess S. O save him! I am safe! Go! go! (Exit Salm-Salm)
1st Woman.
We shall all be butchered!
Aseffa. Juarez is no butcher.
2d Woman.
'Tis Escobedo leads,--and many have bled by him.
Aseffa. Be not afraid. I know the Liberals.
Voices. They come! they come!
(Miramon and Dupin rush in)
Mir. Where is the Emperor?
Dup. Emperor dunce-cap! We must look to our own skins.
(Enter a score of ragged Liberals led by Rafael. Aseffa
stares at him, speechless)
Mir. Too late for that!
Raf. You are our prisoners. (Liberals take Dupin and Miramon)
Soldiers.
Shoot them! Shoot them! Miramon and Dupin!
The butchers! The dogs!
Raf. Hold! You are soldiers! Not murderers!
Dup. (To soldiers) You rags and bones! Go wash and eat before
you touch a gentleman!
Sol. You'll not be so nice to-morrow when the worms are at you!
Asef. Raphael! (Flies to him)
Raf. You here! O blessed fortune! My love! my love!
Asef. O, is it true? You are alive! Alive!
I too am resurrected, for I was dead,
Slain with the news that you were murdered!
Raf. I've news too bitter for so sweet a moment.
Ignacio bribed my guard--stood in my place--
And died.
Asef. (Recoiling) You let him die for you?
Raf. No, no!
He carefully deceived me. I thought he planned
His own escape with mine.
Asef. O noble friend!...
Juarez! He knows?
Raf. Not yet.
Asef. What grief for that
Great heart!... But you are here--my Rafael!
Raf. By all these kisses--yes!
Asef. These are your lips--
Your eyes--your hands--alive! I hear your heart!
Your arms are round me, yet this is the earth!
My country and my husband safe!
Raf. God gives
Some moments out of Heaven, and this is one!
(Enter a soldier)
Sol. The Emperor is captured by Escobedo!
Princess S.
Not killed! not killed! Thank Heaven for that!
Sol. 'Twas strange
To see him stand like this (folds his arms) among the shells!
Asef. Now I could pity him, for he must die.
Princess S.
Die, woman! Die? You know not who he is!
Why all the outraged world would rise and raze
This devil's country from the face of earth
Were Maximilian slain! Let Juarez dare
To harm this son of kings and he will learn
His beggar's power is but an infant's breath!
Asef. Good madam, you have been my noble friend.
I would not wound you, but would have you know
That better men than Maximilian
Have died for lesser crimes.
(Enter Juarez with soldiers. Dawn has gradually opened and
it is now broad sunlight)
Voices. Juarez! Juarez!
El Presidente! El Presidente!
Jua. My men,
The town is ours, and with it Mexico.
Citizens of Queretaro. I give you back
More than your homes,--your liberated country.
Voices. Long live the Republic! Liberty forever!
(Enter Escobedo)
Esc. Your Excellency will see the prisoner?
Jua. The illustrious duke? Ay, bring him here.
Esc. He comes.
(Enter Maximilian under guard)
Jua. Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joy
To see you thus. What wishes would your grace
Prefer to us?
Max. I have but one request,
Your excellency. If more blood must be spilt,
Let it be mine alone.
Jua. We grant it, sir,
With two exceptions justice doth demand.
Dupin and Miramon must die with you.
Dupin, who put to most ignoble death
The noblest prisoners of righteous war.
Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambition
Has sunk his country in her own dear blood,
And would do so again did life permit
Him opportunity. And you, my lord,
Who signed the foulest, most inhuman law
Writ down since Roman Sulla's hand grew cold.
Princess S.
O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceived
By treacherous ministers!
Jua. His ministers
Were but his many hands, and for their deeds
His heart must answer.
Princess S. O could you know that heart!
Max. Dear lady, peace.
Princess S. Beloved majesty,
I speak for her who prays beyond the sea.
... O, sir, you can not mean that he must die!
Help me, Aseffa! Help me plead for him!
Does not your Rafael live?
Asef. He lives because
Ignacio is dead. (Juarez starts) I must be just.
Princess S.
What has a woman's heart to do with justice?
'Tis mercy is its heavenly quality!
Jua. Is this thing true? My boy.... Speak, Rafael.
... Tears in your eyes. You need not speak. My boy ...
Ignacio.... Unto God I give thee!...
Princess S. '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 in my dream
They both are doomed and France shall reign alone.
(Enter Chamberlain)
Chamb. Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine.
Lou. Bazaine! Admit him.
(Exit Chamberlain)
'Tis penance night with us,
And this man is the mirror of our conscience,
Showing its foulest spots.
(Enter Bazaine)
Baz. Sire, I salute you.
Now Paris is the star that all eyes seek.
The Exposition draws the world to you,
Who glitter here as you were made for heaven.
Lou. Ay,
Here we would shine that none may see our star
I' the West grow dark!... Now Maximilian?
Baz. He will be shot.
Lou. No jests! I ask you, sir,
What terms he may arrange for freedom.
Baz. None.
Lou. You speak not to a fool.
Baz. I trust not, sire.
Lou. You know the Mexicans. Tell me the truth.
Baz. I know the Mexicans. He will be shot.
Lou. God, no! That noble man!
Baz. Pray, sir, what fate
Had you in mind for Maximilian
When finding him too true to Mexico
For your proud aims, you sent such covered word
To one Bazaine he could but read therein
A revolution and the Emperor's fall?
Lou. I would have spared his life.
Baz. (Taking out paper) Then what means this?
(Reads)
'France weeps no death that brings her better fortune.'
Lou. You'd spy a warrant in the alphabet
Did you but wish to find one! Think you that
Meant--death?
Baz. (Closer) I know it.
Lou. What dare you?
Baz. Anything--
With this safe in my pocket. (Puts up paper)
Lou. Beware, Bazaine!
Baz. When one so mighty as your Majesty
Is my protector?
Lou. You--
(Enter Chamberlain)
Chamb. The Count von Ostein
Beseeches word with you.
Lou. He's welcome to it.
(Exit Chamberlain)
Adieu, le marechal.
Baz. My lord--
Lou. Adieu,
Le marechal. (Exit Bazaine)
Prussia's ambassador.
Now for our role of cheat and crowned dissembler.
O for a throne where Truth might keep her head!
(Enter the Prussian Minister)
Welcome, my lord.
Prus. Most gracious majesty,
The foreign ministers have come in body
To speak congratulations and confirm
The triumph of the Exposition.
Lou. They have our truest thanks. But first, my lord,
A word in private with you. Is 't Prussia's wish
That we withhold our aid from Mexico?
Prus. A question, sire. You know that Austria threatens.
Is France in this the friend or enemy
To Prussia? There's not an inch of middle ground
To stand on. If our foe, then pour your strength
To Mexico. If friend, keep it at home,
Ready for Prussia's need.
Lou. To be your friend
May cost some blood to France.
Prus. I've heard it said
The left bank of the Rhine is a fair country,
And worth a little blood.
Lou. Enough, my lord.
Let Prussia know she has a friend in France,
And with your sanction cover our retreat
From Mexico.
(Enter Chamberlain)
Chamb. Pardon, your majesty.
The Empress of Mexico begs audience.
Lou. Carlotta? No!
Chamb. She presses urgently
To enter.
Lou. Here?... We sent our word to her
At Miramar!... And yet--she comes--she's here.
... Admit the deputation, and summon, too,
Our Empress.
Chamb. The Empress comes. (Enter Eugenie attended.
Exit Chamberlain. Enter guards)
Eug. I hear the ministers
Have come to us with state congratulations,
And though unbidden, I'll not leave my chair--
The co-seat of imperial dignity--
Vacant at such a time.
Lou. Welcome, Eugenie.
We were about to summon you.
Eug. Thanks even
For tardy courtesy.
Lou. But we have more
Than compliments to hear. Carlotta waits
Our audience.
Eug. Carlotta! I can not see her! (Rises)
Lou. Nay, it was you first cast ambitious eye
To Mexico. Now see the end.
Eug. My lord--
Lou. Be seated, madam.
Eug. You command me, sir?
Lou. We do.
Eug. (Going) Come, ladies!
Lou. (To guards) Let no one pass out!
Eug. France, sir, shall know this outrage!
Lou. When you wish
To make it known.
(Enter ambassadors, Austrian, Russian, Italian,
Belgian, and others)
Rus. Most glorious Majesty!
Belg. Mighty France!
It. Italy's savior!
Aus. Christendom's king!
Lou. I thank you, my good lords; but we're too sad
To smile at compliments; Carlotta comes
To beg our power to uphold her throne,
Though Heaven has decreed her empire's fall.
We ask you hear our open clear defence,
And help set forth our duty, that the Empress
May see our wisdom through our tears.
It. We'll lend
Your Majesty what voice we can.
Lou. I thank you.
(Aside to Austrian)
My lord, a word. The Prussian talons creep
Toward Austria. France is your friend.
Aus. O, sire!
Lou. If you would have her strong pray that no sword
Of hers be lost in Mexico.
Aus. I will,
My lord.
(Enter Carlotta, attended by Count Charles, Count
de Bombelles, her priest, and women. She goes to Louis
and would kneel. He takes her hand)
Lou. An Empress must not kneel.
Car. I'm still
An Empress, sir?
Lou. Once to have worn a crown
Is always to be queen.
Car. Sire, mock me not.
Didst mean no more than that?
Lou. Lady, you come
To beg your empire?
Car. I do not beg, Napoleon.
I come to ask you keep your sacred oath,
But do not make a beggar of me, sir,
Who was a princess in my cradle.
Lou. Nay,
Royal Carlotta, if beggar here must be,
See one in us who sue your gentle patience.
While strength was ours to give we gave it you,
But now is France grown needy of her troops,
With Europe surging to a conflict round her.
Car. My lord--
Lou. America turns baying on us.
Should we make war on one who twice o'ercame
Our island neighbors when she was but child
To what she now is grown?
Prus. Your majesty,
'T would be a folly for a clown, not king.
Car. America? Easier to stop her now
Than it will be when she wears Mexico
Like sword at her right side. Austria, Prussia,
Strike you no more at neighbor throats, but come
And win a fight for God. Napoleon, come!
There lies a world that's worth the price of war.
Whose swelling breasts pour milk of paradise,
Whose marble mountains wait the carver's hand,
Whose valley arms ne'er tire with Ceres' load,
Whose crownless head awaits the diadem
That but divine, ancestral dignity
May fix imperishably upon it! A bride
For blessed Rome! And will you give her up
To ravishers? To enemies of the Church?
To unclean hands ne'er dipped in holy chrism?
Aus. The time's not ripe for our united swords
To ransom her.
Car. The time is always ripe
For a good deed. Napoleon, you will come!
And though you fail, failure will be majestic.
Withdraw like frightened schoolboy and you make
Your throne a penance stool whereon you sit
For laughter of the nations. But come, and though
You fail, when time has brought America
To her full, greedy strength, these scornful kings
Will then unite in desperate endeavor
To give your great conception form and face,
And at your tomb they'll lift their shaken crowns
And beg a pardon from your heart of dust!
Prus. (Aside) He'll yield to her!... Most noble lady, we--
Car. I speak, sir, to Napoleon.
Lou. What help
Can Austria give?
Aus. Sire, she has many troubles.
The clouds of war threat her with scarlet flood,
And little strength has she to spare abroad
When foes besiege at home.
Car. And Austria's chief
Is Maximilian's brother! It was not so
That day at Miramar when three proud crowns
Took oath to serve him in an hour like this.
Austria powerless! And Belgium--dead.
But France--Ah, France, she will prove noble, loyal
To God and honor!
Lou. My honor, dearest lady,
Permits me not to risk my country's life
That you may wear a crown in Mexico.
I can not save your empire.
Car. Then let it fall,
But save--my husband's life!
(Astonishment and silence)
Lou. You speak but madly.
America has sent us guaranties
She will demand that Maximilian
Be held but as a prisoner of war.
The Mexicans dare not proceed against him
Contrary to the mighty government
That is sole friend unto their scarce born state.
Car. America demands with paper words
That can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him?
Let her demand his life with cannon turned
Upon his murderers. Then, sire, I'll trust
To their obedience. Till then I'll plead
With you. All hope is here.
Lou. Not so, dear lady.
Italy, Austria, and your Belgium,
Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him.
Car. Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law,
Are his sole need. Should God send angels there
He'd choose but those who bear the flaming sword.
... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties,
In his own hand set down! Here he vows faith
To Maximilian--and to Heaven! Hear!
'I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oath
Upon the honor of a man and king--'
Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot?
Then let my tongue be as a burning pen
To write it new upon your heart!
Lou. No! no!
In God's name, no!
Aus. Dear lady, this is torture.
Car. Torture for you?--for him? Then what is it
For me, my lord?
Prus. Wouldst have his majesty
False to his country to be true to you?
Aus. The oath he took was, by the courtesy
Of nations, subject to the change that time
Visits on countries as on men.
Car. You'd win
His sword from me that you may use it! Sirs,
He plays you 'gainst each other as the eagle
Sets ospreys in contention over prey
That he may filch the prize!
Lou. Carlotta!
Car. Be warned!
He'll know no ease till in your capitals
He has re-crowned the great Napoleon!
Lou. Nay--
Car. Stop me not! Here you shall stand as bare
To these men's eyes as you do to my own!
Lou. My lords, you will not let her troubled mind
Weaken your trust in me?
Prus. Your majesty,
We know you noble.
Car. Noble! Napoleon,
This wondrous city is aflame with joy,
The blazing fires now dart aloft and write
In golden light your name upon the skies,
But in your heart will burn a torch of hell
Unquenchable, if you deny me aid!
Lou. Dear madam, pray believe that I am helpless.
Car. You are as strong as France, Eugenie, help me!
If e'er you held a dear head on your breast--
You have!--for you've both son and husband! Ah,
I have no child. My lord is all to me.
O put your two in one and you will know
What now I plead for! By the kisses dropped
Upon your baby's cheek, and by the hope
That you will see him grow up at your side,
Another self with heart-strings round your own,
I pray you, lady, soften that stone heart!
I kneel to you, an empress though my crown
Has fallen, as yours I pray will not,
And at your footstool beg my husband's life!
(Eugenie rises)
By your child's love, I beg you for one word!
Help me, Eugenie, or the day will come
When you will know a crown is but a band
Of metal cold, and one warm kiss more dear
Than all such circling glory! When you will grow
Mad with the longing but to touch the hand
Now lies in yours as it would never part,
Strain for the face whose beauty fed you once
Until your madness builds it out of air
To gaze with sweet unhuman pity on you
Yet come not near for kisses! O, even now
I look through sealed up time unto a night
When sleep will fly from your woe-drowned eyes,
And you will cry to Heaven for blessed death
To lead you from the midnight desolation!
Eugenie, save thyself! For thy own sake
Show pity unto me, and in that hour
Receive the mercy that thou now dost give!
Eug. (Going) Help me! I'm ill! (Her women assist her out)
Car. Gone! Gone? And yet a woman!
Ah, there's a God will suffer not this wrong!
... Napoleon--
Lou. Nay, madam, we've said all.
I can not cast my country into war.
You but fatigue yourself.
Car. O Heaven! Fatigue!
Canst think of that when Maximilian
Is facing bayonets for honor's sake?
Lou. Believe me, he is safe!
Car. I tell you no!
To-day the guns from Mont Valerien
Pealed out your glory! Your arm was in the arm
Of Prussia's monarch, and Waterloo forgot!
You laughed with Austria's chief, as though the duke
Of Reichstadt were not dead! The bloody snows
Of Moscow melt in Alexander's smile!
Edward's in France, St. Helena's a myth!
And all the world is trooping here to feed
Your monstrous vanity! But let the morn
Bring news of Maximilian's death,
These kings will shudder from you as from plague,
The conscious earth refuse your feet a base
For shame to bear you! Then will begin your fall.
Down, down you'll creep to an unpitied death,
And winds that shriek around your exile bed
Will cry me prophetess!
Lou. (After a silence) Your audience
Is over. Pray go and rest. You need much sleep.
Car. A woman sleeps not till her heart is safe.
My eyes shall not be closed till I've your answer.
Lou. You have it, lady, and we beg you leave us.
Car. Leave! leave! O sir, it is a lie I hear! (Falls at his feet)
You did not say it! See! I kiss your feet! O sir--
Lou. (Withdrawing) You put us to discourtesy.
Since you will not withdraw, we leave you.
Car. (Leaping up) Coward!
Then, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France!
Thou art a murderer, and I have kissed
The devil's hoof! (Exit Napoleon)
(Carlotta stands dazed, looking after Napoleon. Puts her
hand over her eyes. Count Charles goes to her)
Char. Dear madam, come with me. (She looks about bewildered)
One of her women. Your majesty,
We pray you come.
Car. (Strangely) Yes--yes-- I'll go. Away!
(Exit with her attendants)
Aus. A gloomy business, truly.
Prus. 'T has wrought upon me.
(Re-enter Napoleon)
Lou. My lords, believe me grateful for your help
In this most wretched business.
(Enter Secretary)
Sec. A dispatch, sire, from Mexico.
Lou. We'll hear it.
All here should share this news with me.
Sec. 'Tis short,
Your majesty.
Lou. The sooner read. We wait.
Sec. (Reads) 'By order of Juarez, the Austrian duke, Ferdinand
Maximilian, has been shot.'
(Silence. Napoleon groans)
It. It can't be true!
Bel. 'Tis false! I'll not believe it!
Prus. Grieve not, your Majesty. This is a mock
Dispatch.
Aus. A noble archduke! Bound by ties
Of blood and love to every court of Europe!
Believe this not, my lord!
Sec. Your Majesty,
This second message from America
Confirms the other.
Lou. 'Tis true! My God, 'tis true!
It. Carlotta! Who will tell her?
Lou. None shall do it!
She must not know.
Rus. Pardon me, sire, she must.
Lou. Then his death bullet has not stopped its flight.
'T will end but in her heart.
(Re-enter Count Charles. Napoleon silently gives him the
despatch, which he reads with great agitation)
Char. (To himself) O terrible! And yet
No news to me--to me.
Lou. You'll tell her, sir?
Char. There is no need, my lord. Her reason's fled.
She's mad.
Bel. 'Tis Heaven's mercy!
It. Unhappy woman!
Char. She is not wild, but gentle, and thinks, my lord,
You've granted her request.
Lou. Noble Carlotta!
My lords, forbear awhile. I'd be alone.
It. God grant you rest.
(All go out but Napoleon)
Lou. These kings I've called here to a dance must lead
A funeral. What can I say to them?
To Austria--his brother! England--his own cousin!
To Belgium--_her_ brother! Spain-- O, all
The _world_, that loved him!... An Emperor--and shot.
(Musical procession passes in street. Shouts of
'Vive l'empereur! Vive l'empereur!')
He too heard shouts like those--saw fires ascend
To write his triumph--ay--and he is cold--
Quite cold--shot dead.... Carlotta! prophetess!
I feel--I know--thy oracle's from God!
(Falls at the foot of the imperial chair)
(CURTAIN)
Scene II: Miramar. A balcony overlooking the sea. Lady Maria
alone.
Mar. Here they went out together--arm in arm,--
Sweet, healing spirits to a bleeding land.
Down yonder terrace to the sea they passed,--
He unto death, and she--to--(Sighs deeply)
Car. (Without) Cousin!
Mar. Ah!
(Turns smiling to greet Carlotta who enters carrying
flowers)
So early out? What treasures have you there?
Car. The sweetest flowers that ever peeped up head.
They grow along the path in that dear wood
Where Maximilian took me gypsying
When we grew weary of the world.
Mar. I'm sure
That was not often.
Car. True. We loved too well
Our work among the people to hide ourselves
In little corners of delight. But oh, those times!
How he would catch me as I ran and say
His little wild-girl with her flower crown
Was dearer than his princess ermine-gowned.
And so I'll wreathe these buds into my hair,
And meet him as he loved me best.
(Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea)
To-day!
This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him!
(Drops flowers in trance of happiness)
Mar. Sweet Empress--
Car. Empress? No! To-day I am
His little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers.
O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless!
(Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them)
You see this flower?
Mar. 'Tis very beautiful.
What is it?
Car. I've seen it only in our wood.
Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (Sings)
In a young, sweet hour of Spring
I sat 'neath an old tree to sing
Of love, only love!
The little brook took up my tune
And to his soft green banks did croon,
The green grass rippled to the tree
And every leaf shook melody
Of love, only love!
And then the birds that flitted by
Told it the clouds that told the sky,
And all the world to song did start
With what I sang but to my heart!
Ay, all the world sang back to me
A little maiden 'neath a tree
Of love, only love!
(Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria)
Ah, cousin, do you think he'll be delayed?
Mar. Dear madam, I fear me so.
Car. These ships! these ships!
How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones!
The wandering treasures of our empty arms!
The western waters must have sirens too,
And will not let him pass.
Mar. Indeed they would not,
Did they but know what majesty is in him.
Car. (Embracing her)
O help me love him, dear. My heart's too small.
(Enter Count Charles)
Char. A message.
Car. Oh! a message! I do not want
A message.
Char. The admiral of the port has word
The Emperor's ship's delayed.
Car. Why, we'll not weep....
'Tis but a day.... (Goes forward, looking out)
To-morrow, then--to-morrow!
(To Lady Maria) Why do you weep? A day's not worth a tear.
See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade.
I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path....
(Suddenly) Cousin, why wear you black?
Mar. (Confused) I--madam--I--
Car. Such sable hues for this so rosy day?
Go dress your body like our happy hearts!
Dost think a coffin comes across the sea?
A coffin--(Shudders) Go! I can not bear this black!
(Exit Lady Maria)
I am displeased. Have I not reason, Charles?
'Twas very wrong of her to dress in black
When Maximilian comes. I will go in.
I'm tired--but I am very happy. Ah! (Exit)
Char. O wounded heart! Thus every day she hopes,
And every day begins her hope anew.
It is my penance now to watch her sorrow,
To guard perfection's wreck in her sad body,
And hear the name of Maximilian fall
Each moment from her lips. O, God, remember
When once I am in hell, I've suffered here!
(Re-enter Carlotta)
Car. I can not stay away. This is my place.
Here will I catch the first light on his sail.
O Charles, dear Charles, to-morrow we shall see him!
Look in his noble eyes,--ah me, what eyes!
Dost not remember? Talk of him, cousin.
It brings him faster to me. My heart! my heart!
This waiting breaks it though 'tis but a day!
An hour that keeps him from me lengthens like
The drawn out ages 'tween the ends of time!
But oh, to-morrow! Let me think of that!
Then will the small globe of mine eye contain
The wide and complete world of my desires!
... Have you forgot Aseffa? You do not speak;
But you have not forgot. She said--Oh, cruel!--
That he, my Maximilian, should lie cold
While yet my arms were warm and reaching for him.
How could she say it? But you stood by him--you--
His faithful friend. You knew 't would ne'er be true!
... Do you remember, Charles, the winter day
He climbed to Valtelina's ice-bound huts
To bear the starving people food?
Char. 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!
Char. (Most pleadingly) Come, wait within,
Dear princess! Come!
Car. I will not leave him! No!
The poor, sad prisoner! Those cruel weapons!
I fear--I fear--he is condemned to die.
... Perhaps he has a wife. Ah me, I pray not.
Then would be tears! He is a noble man,--
But still his face is from me.... They reach the field.
The soldiers halt and lift their guns. O how they gleam!
... I can not see.... Why is the face so dim?
Will no one save him? Let us pray for him!
We can do that! Down on our knees and pray!
O men, men, men! What sin beneath the sun
Can give excuse for such a deed as this?
O, Heaven, are you looking too? A man
So noble! Oh, he turns--he turns--his breast
Is to the weapons! Now they fire! He falls!
His face! (Gives a wild cry) Oh God! 'tis Maximilian!
(Falls forward on her face)
(CURTAIN)
THE POET
ACT I.
SCENE 1. Helen's room, Truelord house, New York.
ACT II.
SCENE 1. Exterior of Clemm cottage, near Richmond.
ACT III.
SCENE 1. Interior of Clemm cottage.
SCENE 2. The Same.
ACT IV.
SCENE 1. An old book store, New York.
SCENE 2. Poe's cottage, Fordham.
ACT V.
SCENE 1. Poe's lodging, Baltimore.
SCENE 2. A bar-room.
CHARACTERS
EDGAR ALLAN POE
VIRGINIA CLEMM
MRS. MARIA CLEMM
HELEN TRUELORD
MRS. TRUELORD
ROGER BRIDGMORE
NELSON CLEMM
MRS. DELORMIS
DOCTOR BARLOW
MRS. SCHMIDT
GEORGE THOMAS, Barkeeper
HAINES, JUGGERS, SHARP, BLACK, gamblers
BOOKSELLER
MUM ZURIE, TAT, BONY, servants at Clemm cottage.
Gertrude, Mabel, Annie, Sallie, Dora, Gladys, Ethel, Alma, Allie,
friends of Virginia.
THE POET
ACT I.
Scene: Room in the Truelord House. Helen lies on a couch before
large windows, rear, reading by light from a small lamp on table
near couch. She wears a loose robe over night-dress.
A light knock is heard at door, left centre.
Hel. (Sitting up) Mamma?
Voice. Yes, dear.
Hel. (Kissing book and closing it) Good-bye, my poet! (Drops
book on couch and goes to door)
Voice, as Helen opens door.
I saw your light. (Enter Mrs. Truelord) Forgive me,
love. I could not rest. (Helen is closing door) No!
Kate is coming.
Mrs. Delormis. (In door) Yes, I'm here, too, Helen.
Hel. Come in, Cousin Catherine.
(All three advance)
Mrs. Del.
Madela had a feminine version of the
jim-jams--tea-nerves, you know--so must get
us both up.
Hel. (Drawing forward a huge chair for Mrs. Truelord while Mrs.
Delormis takes a smaller one) I was not in bed.
Mrs. Tru. (Looking toward bed in alcove, right) But you have
been! You could not sleep either. Ah!
(Sighs deeply)
Hel. (Goes to couch) Now, mamma!
Mrs. Tru. (Embarrassed by Helen's straightforward look)
Helen--I--I've just got to have it out to-night. You are
only my step-daughter, but I've loved you like my own.
Hel. (Quaintly) Yes.
Mrs. Tru.
Haven't I always treated you as if you were my
daughter born?
Hel. (Slowly) You have indeed!
Mrs. Tru.
And I can't bear for you to--to--O, I just can't bear
it, I say!
Hel. Bear what, mamma?
Mrs. Tru.
This--this man--
Mrs. Del.
Edgar Poe, Helen.
Mrs. Tru.
You are going to give up Roger--Roger who has
worshipped you since you were a baby, who has lived under
the same roof and been a brother to you since you were two
years old--you are going to give him up for a strange
man--a man without a penny--a man you have seen but
once--(Almost shrieking)--but once--(Rising)
Hel. (Crosses, and stands before her, speaking calmly) We know
angels at first sight, mamma.
Mrs. Tru. (Grabbing Helen by the shoulders and staring at her)
You have done it already! (Falls to chair as if fainting)
Hel. Soothe her, Catherine. I will get some wine. (Exit)
Mrs. Tru. (Sitting up, at once recovered) She's made up her
mind. When her eyes shine like that it's no use to argue.
And all of Roger's fortune in Mr. Truelord's hands! We've
considered it a family resource for years!
Mrs. Del.
What a fool Roger was to bring Edgar Poe to the house!
Mrs. Tru.
He's crazy about the man. Says he's a genius, and all
that stuff.
Mrs. Del.
Well, he is. But to introduce him to a girl like
Helen! They'll be off before morning!
Mrs. Tru.
Oh-h! Don't, Kate! Roger actually wants me to ask him
to stay in the house.
Mrs. Del.
Idiot! He deserves to lose her.... But your guest!
(Laughs) Poor Madela! How he would upset your nice,
comfortable theories of life! Why, you couldn't hand him a
cup of tea without feeling the planet quake.
Mrs. Tru.
But what are we to do? Kate, you _must_ help me.
Mrs. Del.
I'm going to. You can't tell her father, because Helen
must be persuaded, not opposed. And don't speak about the
money. If she loved a beggar she would trudge barefoot
behind him.
Mrs. Tru. (Despairingly) O, don't I know it?
Mrs. Del.
Now you leave this to me, Madela. I will say a few
things to Helen about meeting Mr. Poe in Europe--and--you
know--
Mrs. Tru. (Kissing her violently) O, Kate! Tell her all--and
more, if necessary! Don't think about your reputation if
you can save Roger's fortune--
Mrs. Del.
Sh!--
(Enter Helen, with wine and a glass)
Mrs. Tru. (Feebly) Thank you, dear, but I'm better now. (Rising)
I'll try to rest. (Goes to door)
Hel. I would see you to your room, mamma, but I'm sure you
would rather have Catherine. (Mrs. Delormis makes no
move to go)
Mrs. Tru.
O, I am quite well--I mean--I need no one--no one at
all! Goodnight, my dears! (Exit)
Hel. (Politely) And is there anything which you must have out
to-night, cousin Catherine?
Mrs. Del.
Sit down, Helen. (Helen takes a chair) You have never
loved me, but I have always had a warm heart for you,
little girl. And you will take a warning from me in good
part, won't you?
Hel. A good warning, yes.
Mrs. Del.
I told you about meeting Mr. Poe last summer in
Normandy. But--I did not tell you how often I met him.
(Helen rises, then Mrs. Delormis rises) Helen, I prove my
love for you by saying what it is so hard to utter to your
pure self. My life has not been--all you would wish it to
be--and Mr. Poe knows more about it than any other man.
Hel. You lie! I have seen his soul!
(She goes to door and opens it for Mrs. Delormis to pass
out. Mrs. Delormis sweeps through with an attempt at
majesty)
Hel. (Motionless with clenched hands) Wicked, wicked woman!...
(Goes to window, rear, opens it, draws long breaths as if
stifling, and turns back into room) Edgar! My love! I was
a thing of clay. One look from your eyes has made me a
being of fire and air.... (Lies down on couch and takes up
her book) ... I can not read ... or sleep ... or pray.
There's too much whirling in my heart for prayer....
(Starts) What moan is that?... (Rises, takes light from
table, goes to window, leans out, casting the rays down)
Nothing.... I'm fanciful.... The moon is rising. (Goes
back, putting light on table) O, Edgar! God help me to be
what love must be to thee. Love that can look on miracles
and be sane. What a face when he said goodnight! Like an
angel's whose immortality is his wound.... Poor Roger!...
What will my father say?... (Moonlight floods the window)
Welcome, soft nurse of dreams! (Extinguishes lamp) A
little rest.... Ah, I know _he_ does not sleep.... (She
lies on couch in the moonlight, her eyes closed. Poe
enters by window, gazes at her, and throws up his arms in
gesture of prayer)
Hel. (Looking up, and springing to her feet) Edgar! My God, you
must not come here!
Poe. Is this love's welcome?
Hel. Go! go!
Poe. I was dying out there.
Hel. Leave me!
Poe. Life was passing from my veins. Only your eyes could draw
back the ebbing flood.
Hel. I will light the lamp! (Turns hastily)
Poe. And put out Heaven's! (She drops her hand)
Hel. Go, O go at once!
Poe. Again I am alone! The twin angel who put her hand in mine
is flown!
Hel. Edgar, be calm!
Poe. Calm! With such a look from you burning me as if I were a
devil to be branded? Such words from you hissing like
snakes through my brain?
Hel. O, I beg you--
Poe. I would but touch the hand that soothes my blood--look in
the eyes that wrap my soul in balm--and you cry out as
though some barbarous infidel had trampled you at prayers!
Hel. My father--Roger--they will not understand.
Poe. O, you would bring the world in to say how and when we
shall love! Take note of the hour, and kiss by the clock!
Great love is like death, Helen. It knows no time of day.
If a man were dying at your gates would you keep from him
because 'twas midnight and not noon, and you were robed
for sleep? It was your soul I sought. Must you array that
to receive me? O, these women! On Resurrection day they'll
not get up unless their clothes are called with them from
the dust! 'Excuse me, God, and send a dressmaker!' Ha! ha!
ha! (Walks the floor in maniac humor)
Hel. Edgar, for love's sake hear me!
Poe. Speak loud if you would drown the winds!
Hel. Listen!
Poe. (Turning upon her) If my body bled at your feet you would
stoop to me, but when my spirit lies in flames you cry
'Don't writhe! Don't be a spectacle!'
Hel. (Putting her hands on his shoulders and speaking steadily)
The spirit does not murmur. Only the body cries.
Poe. (Calming) Forgive me, Helen!
Hel. Yes, love. (Draws him to couch and sits by him soothingly)
... O, your forehead is on fire.
Poe. No wonder, when I have just come out of hell.... Keep your
cool hand over my eyes.... O, this is peace!... (Takes her
hand from his forehead and holds it) I made you a song out
there, in the darkness. I was fainting for one gleam of
light when you opened the window and stood as beautiful as
Psyche leaning to the god of love. Listen ... and believe
that my heart was as pure as the lines. (Sings softly)
Helen, thy beauty is to me
Like those Nicean barks of yore
That gently o'er a perfumed sea
The weary, wayworn wanderer bore
To his own native shore.
On desperate seas long wont to roam,
Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face,
Thy Naiad airs, have brought me home
To the glory that was Greece
And the grandeur that was Rome.
Lo, in yon brilliant window-niche
How statue-like I see thee stand,
An agate lamp within thy hand,--
Ah! Psyche, from the regions which
Are holy-land!
(Drops his head to her hand and kisses it gently)
Hel. Edgar, my life shall be my song to thee. (They are silent
for a second. His hand touches her book)
Poe. A book! Who could write for such an hour? (Holds book in
moonlight) Shelley! Lark of the world! You would know!...
You will give me this book, Helen?
Hel. It is precious. You will love it?
Poe. Always! (Kisses book, and puts it inside his coat. Taking
her hand) O, all our life shall be a happy wonder! Wilt
lie with me on summer hills where pipings of dim Arcady
fall like Apollo's mantle on the soul? Dost know that
silence full of thoughts?--and then the swelling earth--the
throbbing heaven? Canst be a pulse in Nature's very body?
(Leaping up) Take forests in thy arms, and feel the little
leaf-veins beat thy blood?
Hel. (Rising) Yes--yes--I know. Come to the window, love. The
soft Spring air begins to stir.
(They move to window)
Poe. O, what a night! 'Tis like a poem flowing to the sea. Here
I shake death from my garments. Oh, had my soul a tongue
to trumpet thought, men from yon planets now would stare
and lean to earth with listening ears!... Hark! 'Tis
music!
Hel. (Looking down) A serenade.
Poe. Canst call it that? I hear nothing that comes not from the
stars. 'Tis Israfel! The angel whose lute is his own
heart!
If I could dwell
Where Israfel
Hath dwelt, and he where I,
He might not sing so wildly well
A mortal melody,
While a bolder note than his might swell
From my lyre within the sky!
Some day we shall live there, Helen, and then I will sing
to thee!
Hel. But now--my love--you must rest--you must sleep.
Poe. Sleep! Nothing sleeps but mortality!
Hel. And you are mortal, Edgar.
Poe. I! Nay, thy love has given me kinship with the deities!
Sleep? Ay, when Nature naps, and God looks for a bed! When
yonder moon forgets her starry whirl and nodding falls
from heaven! When Ocean's giant pulse is weary and grows
still! When Earth heaves up no seasons with their buds!
No, no, we will not sleep! But see--there gleams the
river--and yonder rise the hills touched new with Spring!
Wilt go there with me, Helen? Now!
Hel. Now?
Poe. To-night!
Hel. To-night?
Poe. Why not? You say it as though night and day were not the
same to the soul--except that night is more beautiful! Why
not go?
Hel. I will tell you, love. (Drawing him back to the large
chair) Come, listen. (She sits in chair, and he kneels by
her, the moonlight covering them) Because I love you more
than you love beauty, God or night, and you must live for
me. And to live means--rest--sleep--
Poe. Do you love me so much? O, 'tis like cool waters falling
about me to hear you say it.
Hel. I will help you, Edgar. Already I feel my strength. Where
I may serve you I'll not meekly go, but go exultant. The
thorns and stones so harsh to human feet, I'll press as
they were buds, and leave my blood for kisses.
Poe. Oh, go on.
Hel. Yes, I've more to tell you. It is--that you must help me,
too. To-day--before you looked at me the first time--I was
dying. Ah, more,--I was about to set the seal of death on
my soul. My mother, who died at sea when I was born, gave
me a heritance with winds and waves and stars. But I was
nursed by hands through whose clay ran no immortal
streams. Cradled in convention, fed on sophistries, I wove
a shroud about my soul, and within that hardening
chrysalis it was dying away when you called it forth in
time to live--dear God, in time to live! Now you see how
much you are to me, Edgar. I must not lose you. But you
must be careful and patient with me, for my newly-bared
soul shrinks from the wonders so familiar to you, and I
may fly back to my chrysalis to escape the pain.
Poe. I am not afraid. Would a mother leave her babe? And I am a
child now, Helen. This strange, new rest you give me is
like a gentle birth. I have been old all my life. Now the
longing comes for a little of the childhood that was never
mine. The years fall from me, and I have no wish but to
lie on a mother's bosom and hear her voice prattling above
me.
Hel. (Archly, leaning over him as he sits at her feet) Does my
little boy want a story?
Poe. (Smiling) About the fairies, mama?
Hel. About the fairies--and a big giant--and a little girl lost
in a wood--
Poe. And a little boy too?
Hel. Yes, a little boy, too! And the little girl was crying--
Poe. And the little boy found her?
Hel. Yes, and he told her not to cry, that he could kill the
big giant, and he hid the little girl in a cave--
Poe. Was it a dark cave, mama?
Hel. No-_o-o_! It was a cave--with--windows in it! And by and
by he heard the giant coming--
Poe. Oh! (Hides his face on her breast. She holds him to her,
her hands on his hair) And when the little boy heard the
leaves rustling closer and closer he climbed a great
tree--
Poe. (Lifting his head) But he wasn't afraid, mama?
Hel. O, _no-o_!
Poe. Because that little boy was me!
Hel. Yes. And when you got to the top of the tree--
Poe. O, what did I do then?
Hel. Why, you see this was the biggest giant that _e-v-e-r_
lived--and his head was just as high as the top of the
tree--so when he came by--
Poe. I know! I know! I just out with my sword, and off went his
head!
Hel. So it did! And then you climbed down from the tree--
Poe. And the little girl came out of the cave--
Hel. And you went off together happy ever after!
Poe. What was that little girl's name, mama?
Hel. Why, I don't think you ever told me that, did you?
Poe. I was just thinking--
Hel. What, darling?
Poe. That I wish you weren't my mama, so you could be that
little girl!
Hel. O, I can, dear. For there were the fairies. We forgot the
fairies. They gave me this pretty ring, so that when I put
it on I can be whoever I please, and I please to be just
whoever my little boy likes best.
Poe. (Rises, and speaks in his own manner) Madonna, Oh,
Madonna! You will save me. (Kisses her forehead)
Good-night. To-morrow I will tell you about my work--our
work. There are miracles yet to be. And Poesy shall speak
them.
Hel. But do not try to write out all your soul, Edgar. That
cannot be. Poetry is but one gate. The soul goes out by a
thousand ways.
Poe. True. And we will find those ways together, Helen. We will
gather truth in every path,--truth that flowers out of the
struggle and carnage of life like the bloom of song on the
crimson of war.
Hel. But we may not know all. Man's greatest knowledge is but
the alphabet of the eternal book. We must be content with
the letters, and not unhappily strive to read.
Poe. I will remember. But what mortal can attain shall be mine.
Already thoughts that fled my agony come to me as gently
as the alighting of birds. Truths open about me like the
unfolding of roses yet warm with God's secret. Good-night.
(Takes her hand) I am not the greatest genius, Helen, for
I can not stand alone. (Drops her hand and goes to window.
Hesitates and turns back) One kiss. (Kisses her) O, look
at me! I lose divinity when you close your eyes! Look at
me, and I can not fall for Heaven bears me up!
Hel. (In sudden alarm) I hear a step!
Poe. (Looking at her reproachfully) Listen better, you will
hear God's footfall.
Hel. Some one is up.
Poe. And do you care? Would you put a stain upon this hour?
This flower of love blown perfect from the skies?
Hel. Ah, it is gone.
Poe. (Wildly) O, you will leave me, Helen! You can not stay!
For I will play the madman to thy sense when I am sanest,
and like a shivering Atlas shake thy world when most thou
wouldst be still. This body wraps more lives then one, my
girl. When I was born no pitying angel dipped my spirit-fire
in Lethe. I weep with all the dead as they my brothers
were, and haunt the track of time to shudder with his
ghosts. Wilt fare with me, brave Helen? Wilt tread the
nadir gloom and golden paths of suns? Canst gaze with me
into the fearful, grey infinitude--
Hel. That grey infinitude is yet the circle of your being. The
mind can not leave itself. You are always in your own
country. Why should you fear?
Poe. The mind that can not leave itself knows nothing. Not the
'I am' but 'Thou art' is God. O, there is a realm of which
imagination is but a shadow--where the mind is burnt away
in His vision's fire, and thought becomes celestial angel
of itself! And you turn back with the first step--already
I am alone--
Hel. No! I, too, have hung upon the boundaries of the world to
catch God's flying dreams! O, trust me! Thou shalt fling
no lance but I will cast it on to gleam in a farther sun!
Bring me roses from Jupiter, I'll bring thee lilies from
Uranus! O,--
Poe. Mine, by Heaven! (Catches her to him) Here we'll begin the
immortal pilgrimage! We need not wait for death! From
world to world--
Hel. (Springing from him) It _is_ a step!
Go, Edgar! Go!
Poe. No! By the god in my bosom, you are mine from this moment!
Hel. My father! my father! He will tear me from you--You do not
know him!
Poe. I know he's mortal. Heaven could not part us. I will not
move!
(He is standing in the window. She hastily draws the
curtain before him)
Hel. Then keep your word!
(A knock at the door. Helen is silent)
Voice. Helen?
Hel. It is you, Roger? Come in.
(Roger enters, carrying a lamp. Looks about and sees
Helen.)
Rog. I heard voices.... Who was with you, Helen?... I could not
be mistaken.... (puts lamp on a table, and comes nearer
Helen.) Look at me, Helen.... I am your brother. Who was
here?... I know that Love has laid his mighty hand upon
you, but yet you are an angel. I thought--it was--his
voice.... Tell me what this means.... _He_ was not here!
O, I shall die when I learn that you are but a woman!
Poe. (Leaping out) I am here, sir, to defend that lady's honor!
Rog. (Staggers back, regains composure, and bows ironically) I
rejoice to hear it, sir, for you alone can do it. It is
wholly in your keeping. (Turns to go)
Hel. Roger!
Rog. Madam.
Hel. You forsake me?
Rog. You have forsaken yourself.
Hel. Oh! (Swoons. Poe bends over her wildly affectionate. Roger
stands apart, proud and despairing)
Poe. Helen! Speak! Speak to me!
Hel. Leave me! Leave me!
Poe. It is I, Helen! Your lover! Edgar!
Hel. You, you, I mean! (Rising) Thou wing of hell across my
life! Away from me!
(Poe stands back speechless with bewilderment. Roger goes
to Helen, takes her hand, and leads her from the room)
Poe. Lost! lost! lost! (Looks about the room) This place!...
O, I was mad to come here!... She will never forgive me!
(Falls on the couch and lies motionless. After a moment
enter Mrs. Delormis.)
Mrs. Del.
Where is the wild man?... Oh, he has fainted! The
wine! (Goes to the table and pours wine)
Poe. Oh!
(Mrs. Delormis turns to him. He rises ceremoniously, with
effort) Well?
Mrs. Del.
Well, indeed! Here I am to your rescue, and you reward
me with a 'well' (mimicking) up to ceiling.
Poe. What are they saying to her? I must go to her! I must!
Mrs. Del.
Must _not_! Listen! (Grasps his arm to detain him)
Poe. (Releasing his arm and bowing stiffly) Mrs. Delormis.
Mrs. D. (Copying his manner) Mr. Poe!... Mr. Truelord has not
yet been roused. No one will wake him unless you choose
to do it yourself by increasing the hubbub. Roger defends
you to Mrs. Truelord--says you are ill--out of your
senses--and other complimentary things. Both of them
are soothing and mothering Helen, and--(dropping into
tenderness) I wanted you to have a little mothering, too--
Poe. Do you really want to help me?
Mrs. Del.
O, if you would only let me be your friend!