SCENE IV

SCENE--A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI'S Dwelling-House.

OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI (entering).

Isolani. Here am I--Well! who comes yet of the others?

Octavio. But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.

Isolani. Will it explode, ha?--Is the Duke about To make the attempt? In 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. God 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 stolen signatures bind them to nothing.

Octavio. I am rejoiced 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 assured already. God forbid That I should jest!--In very serious earnest I am rejoiced 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 called the friend or enemy Of the Emperor.

Isolani. That declaration, friend, I'll make to him in whom a right is placed To put that question to me.

Octavio. Whether, Count, That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.

Isolani. 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 surprise-- 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 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. 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 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're 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 Galas 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 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!