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 rubbed off.

OCTAVIO.

I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed.

This night break off in the utmost secrecy With all the light-armed troops--it must appear As came the order from the duke himself.

At Frauenberg'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.

OCTAVIO.

You need not be uneasy on that score.

That has succeeded. Fortune favor us With all the others only but as much.

[Exit.

SCENE VI.

OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER.

BUTLER.

At your command, lieutenant-general.

OCTAVIO.

Welcome, as honored friend and visitor.

BUTLER.

You do me too much honor.

OCTAVIO (after both have seated themselves) You have not Returned 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.

'Tis only the like-minded can unite.

OCTAVIO.

True! and I name all honest men like-minded.

I never charge a man but with those acts To which his character deliberately Impels him; for alas! the violence Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts The very best of us from the right track.

You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Gallas Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend.

BUTLER.

His words were lost on me.

OCTAVIO.

It grieves me sorely To hear it: for his counsel was most wise.

I had myself the like to offer.

BUTLER.

Spare Yourself the trouble--me the embarra.s.sment.

To have deserved so ill your good opinion.

OCTAVIO.

The time is precious--let us talk openly.

You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein Meditates treason--I can tell you further, He has committed treason; but few hours Have past since he a covenant concluded With the enemy. The messengers are now Full on their way to Egra and to Prague.

To-morrow he intends to lead us over To the enemy. But he deceives himself; For prudence wakes--the emperor has still Many and faithful friends here, and they stand In closest union, mighty though unseen.

This manifesto sentences the duke-- Recalls the obedience of the army from him, And summons all the loyal, all the honest, To join and recognize in me their leader.

Choose--will you share with us an honest cause?

Or with the evil share an evil lot?