Chapter 81

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. 5

_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---- 10 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. 15

_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 20 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 25 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, 30 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 35 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. 40

_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? 45

_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? 50

_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. 55

_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? 60

_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 65 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. 70

_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! 75

_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 80 With all the others only but as much!

LINENOTES:

[Before 2] _Octavio (with an air of mystery)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 3] _Isolani (assuming the same air of mystery)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[27] _Isolani (with an air of defiance)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 32] _Isolani (stammering)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[36] _Hem_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[40] _must_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[55] _will_ 1800, 1828, 1829.