Chapter 69

_OCTAVIO and MAX as before. To them the_ Valet of the Chamber.

_Octavio._ How now, then?

_Valet._ A dispatch is at the door.

_Octavio._ So early? From whom comes he then? Who is it?

_Valet._ That he refused to tell me.

_Octavio._ Lead him in: And, hark you--let it not transpire.

[_Exit_ Valet--_the_ Cornet _steps in._

_Octavio._ Ha! Cornet--is it you? and from Count Galas? 5 Give me your letters.

_Cornet._ The Lieutenant-General Trusted it not to letters.

_Octavio._ And what is it?

_Cornet._ He bade me tell you--Dare I speak openly here?

_Octavio._ My son knows all.

_Cornet._ We have him.

_Octavio._ Whom?

_Cornet._ Sesina, The old negotiator.

_Octavio._ And you have him? 10

_Cornet._ In the Bohemian Forest Captain Mohrbrand Found and secured him yester morning early: He was proceeding then to Regenspurg, And on him were dispatches for the Swede.

_Octavio._ And the dispatches----

_Cornet._ The Lieutenant-General 15 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 Tertsky's arms. 20

_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. 25

_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 Frauenberg. Already have they sixty Small companies together, chosen men; 30 Respectfully they greet you with assurances, 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 assent and obeisance, and is going._

_Octavio._ No one saw you--ha? 35

_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 dispatch you. The development 40 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.

LINENOTES:

[9] _Sesina_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 10] _Octavio (eagerly)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.