CORNET.

We have him.

OCTAVIO.

Whom?

CORNET.

Sesina, The old negotiator.

OCTAVIO (eagerly).

And you have him?

CORNET.

In the Bohemian Forest Captain Mohrbrand Found and secured him yester-morning early.

He was proceeding then to Regensburg, And on him were despatches for the Swede.

OCTAVIO.

And the despatches----

CORNET.

The lieutenant-general Sent them that instant to Vienna, and The prisoner with them.

OCTAVIO.

This is, indeed, a tiding!

That fellow is a precious casket to us, Enclosing weighty things. Was much found on him?

CORNET.

I think, six packets, with Count Terzky's arms.

OCTAVIO.

None in the duke's own hand?

CORNET.

Not that I know.

OCTAVIO.

And old Sesina.

CORNET.

He was sorely frightened.

When it was told him he must to Vienna; But the Count Altringer bade him take heart, Would he but make a full and free confession.

OCTAVIO.

Is Altringer then with your lord? I heard That he lay sick at Linz.

CORNET.

These three days past He's with my master, the lieutenant-general, At Frauenburg. Already have they sixty Small companies together, chosen men; Respectfully they greet you with a.s.surances, That they are only waiting your commands.

OCTAVIO.

In a few days may great events take place.

And when must you return?

CORNET.

I wait your orders.

OCTAVIO.

Remain till evening.

[CORNET signifies his a.s.sent and obeisance, and is going.

No one saw you--ha?

CORNET.

No living creature. Through the cloister wicket The capuchins, as usual, let me in.

OCTAVIO.

Go, rest your limbs, and keep yourself concealed.

I hold it probable that yet ere evening I shall despatch you. The development Of this affair approaches: ere the day, That even now is dawning in the heaven, Ere this eventful day hath set, the lot That must decide our fortunes will be drawn.

[Exit CORNET.

SCENE III.

OCTAVIO and MAX. PICCOLOMINI.

OCTAVIO.

Well--and what now, son? All will soon be clear; For all, I'm certain, went through that Sesina.

MAX. (who through the whole of the foregoing scene has been in a violent and visible struggle of feelings, at length starts as one resolved).

I will procure me light a shorter way.

Farewell.

OCTAVIO.

Where now? Remain here.

MAX.

To the Duke.

OCTAVIO (alarmed).

What----

MAX. (returning).

If thou hast believed that I shall act A part in this thy play, thou hast Miscalculated on me grievously.

My way must be straight on. True with the tongue, False with the heart--I may not, cannot be Nor can I suffer that a man should trust me-- As his friend trust me--and then lull my conscience With such low pleas as these: "I ask him not-- He did it all at his own hazard--and My mouth has never lied to him." No, no!

What a friend takes me for, that I must be.

I'll to the duke; ere yet this day is ended Will I demand of him that he do save His good name from the world, and with one stride Break through and rend this fine-spun web of yours.

He can, he will! I still am his believer, Yet I'll not pledge myself, but that those letters May furnish you, perchance, with proofs against him.

How far may not this Terzky have proceeded-- What may not he himself too have permitted Himself to do, to snare the enemy, The laws of war excusing? Nothing, save His own mouth shall convict him--nothing less!

And face to face will I go question him.