Maximilian believed he could accomplish great things on behalf of the Mexican people. To this end, he instituted a series of social programs and appointed a liberal ministry ironically similar to Juárez's. He remained loyal to the citizens of his adopted country until his death, uttering these last words: "I pray that my blood, which is about to be shed, will be shed for the good of this country. Long live Mexico! Long live independence!" This image of Maximilian wearing a hat reappears in Manet's compositions. In the oil sketch and the last painting, the hat is tilted back, resembling a halo.