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 G.o.d!--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 the 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.

Ay! 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 determined, 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 rejoiced that you are so well disposed.

This night, break off in the utmost secrecy With all the light-arm'd troops--it must appear As came the order from the Duke himself.

At Frauenburg's the place of rendezvous; There will Count Gallas give you further orders.

ISOLANI.

It shall be done.-But you'll remember me With the Emperor--how well-disposed you found me.

OCTAVIO.

I will not fail to mention it honorably.

[_Exit_ ISOLANI. _A Servant enters_.]

What, Colonel Butler!--Show him up.

ISOLANI (_returning_).

Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father!

Lord G.o.d! 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 favor us With all the others only but as much!

SCENE VI

OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER

BUTLER.

At your command, Lieutenant-General.

OCTAVIO.

Welcome, as honor'd friend and visitor.

BUTLER.

You do me too much honor.

OCTAVIO (_after both have seated themselves_).

You have not Return'd the advances which I made you yesterday-- Misunderstood them as mere empty forms.

That wish proceeded from my heart--I was In earnest with you--for 'tis now a time In which the honest should unite most closely.

BUTLER.