Semiramis and Other Plays Part 45

Lop. We're starving, but our foes are starved.

Our ammunition fails, but theirs has failed--

(A sh.e.l.l breaks near them)

Salm. That, sir, unspeaks your words.

Lop. Not so. One sh.e.l.l 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 a.s.sault.

Mir. Cast fear to the winds, your majesty!

Salm. Who spoke of fear?

Mir. Not I! Fear is the devil's magic-gla.s.s 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! h.e.l.l'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!