MACDON.

Here we are, General.

DEVEREUX.

What's to be the watchword?

BUTLER.

Long live the Emperor!

BOTH _(recoiling)._

How?

BUTLER.

Live the House of Austria.

DEVEREUX.

Have we not sworn fidelity to Friedland?

MACDON.

Have we not march'd to this place to protect him?

BUTLER.

Protect a traitor, and his country's enemy?

DEVEREUX.

Why, yes! in his name you administer'd Our oath.

MACDONALD.

And follow'd him yourself to Egra.

BUTLER.

I did it the more surely to destroy him.

DEVEREUX.

So then!

MACDONALD.

An alter'd case!

BUTLER (_to_ DEVEREUX).

Thou wretched man, So easily leavest thou thy oath and colors?

DEVEREUX.

The devil!--I but follow'd your example, If you could prove a villain, why not we?

MACDON.

We've nought to do with _thinking_--that's your business.

You are our General, and give out the orders; We follow you, though the track lead to h.e.l.l.

BUTLER _(appeased)_.

Good then! we know each other.

MACDONALD.

I should hope so.

DEVEREUX.

Soldiers of fortune are we--who bids most, He has us.

MACDONALD.

'Tis e'en so!

BUTLER.

Well, for the present Ye must remain honest and faithful soldiers.

DEVEREUX.

We wish no other.

BUTLER.

Ay, and make your fortunes.

MACRON.

That is still better.

Listen!

BOTH.