Octavio Piccolomini, Isolani, entering.
ISOLANI.
Here am I—Well! who comes yet of the others?
OCTAVIO. (with an air of mystery)
But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.
ISOLANI. (assuming the same air of mystery)
Will it explode, ha?—Is the Duke about
To make th' attempt? In I me, friend, you may place
Full confidence.—Nay, put me to the proof.
OCTAVIO.
That may happen.
ISOLANI.
Noble brother, I am
Not one of those men who in words are valiant,
And when it comes to action skulk away.
The Duke has acted towards me as a friend.
Gods knows it is so; and I owe him all———
He may rely on my fidelity.
OCTAVIO.
That will be seen hereafter.
ISOLANI.
Be on your guard.
All think not as I think; and there are many
Who still hold with the Court—yes, and they say
That those stol'n signatures bind them to nothing.
OCTAVIO.
I am rejoic'd to hear it.
ISOLANI.
You rejoice!
OCTAVIO.
That the Emperor has yet such gallant servants
And loving friends.
ISOLANI.
Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.
They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.
OCTAVIO.
I am assur'd already. God forbid
That I should jest!—In very serious earnest
I am rejoic'd to see an honest cause
So strong.
ISOLANI.
The devil!—what!—why, what means this?
Are you not, then———For what, then, am I here?
OCTAVIO.
That you may make full declaration, whether
You will be call'd the friend or enemy
Of th' Emperor.
ISOLANI. (with an air of defiance)
That declaration, friend,
I'll make to him in whom a right is plac'd
To put that question to me.
OCTAVIO.
Whether, Count,
That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.
ISOLANI. (stammering)
Why—why—what! this is the Emperor's hand and seal!
(Reads.)
"Whereas the officers collectively
"Throughout our army will obey the orders
"Of the Lieutenant-general Piccolomini,
"As from ourselves."———Hem!—Yes! so!—
Yes! yes!—
I—I give you joy, Lieutenant-general!
OCTAVIO.
And you submit you to the order?
ISOLANI.
I ———
But you have taken me so by surprize—
Time for reflection one must have
OCTAVIO.
Two minutes.
ISOLANI.
My God! But then the case is———
OCTAVIO.
Plain and simple.
You must declare you, whether you determine
To act a treason 'gainst your Lord and Sovereign
Or whether you will serve him faithfully.
ISOLANI.
Treason!—My God!—But who talks then of treason?
OCTAVIO.
That is the case. The Prince-duke is a traitor—
Means to lead over to the enemy
The Emperor's army.—Now, Count!—brief and full—
Say, will you break your oath to th' Emperor?
Sell yourself to the enemy?— Say, will you?
ISOLANI.
What mean you? I—I break my oath, d'ye say,
To his Imperial Majesty?
Did I say so?—When, when have I said that?
OCTAVIO.
You have not said it yet—not yet. This instant
I wait to hear, Count, whether you will say it.
ISOLANI.
Aye! that delights me now, that you yourself
Bear witness for me that I never said so.
OCTAVIO.
And you renounce the Duke then?
ISOLANI.
If he's planning
Treason—why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.
OCTAVIO.
And are determin'd, too, to fight against him?
ISOLANI.
He has done me service—but if he's a villain,
Perdition seize him!—All scores are rubb'd off.
OCTAVIO.
I am rejoic'd that you're so well dispos'd.
This night break off in th' utmost secresy
With all the light-arm'd troops—it must appear
As came the order from the Duke himself.
At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous;
There will Count Galas give you further orders.
ISOLANI.
It shall be done. But you'll remember me
With th' Emperor—how well-dispos'd you found me.
OCTAVIO.
I will not fail to mention it honourably.
[Exit Isolani. A Servant enters.
What, Colonel Butler!—Shew him up.
ISOLANI. (returning)
Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father!
Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great
Person I had before me.
OCTAVIO.
No excuses!
ISOLANI.
I am a merry lad, and if at time
A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court
Amidst my wine—you know no harm was meant.
[Exit.
OCTAVIO.
You need not be uneasy on that score.
That has succeeded. Fortune favour us
With all the others only but as much!