That those stol'n signatures bind them to nothing. Oct. I am rejoiced to hear it.

Iso.

You rejoice!

Oct. That the Emperor has yet such gallant

servants,

And loving friends.

Iso.

Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.

They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you. Oct. I am assured already. God forbid

That I should jest !---In very serious earnest

I am rejoiced to see an honest cause

So strong.

Iso The devil !---what !---why, what means

this?

Are you not, then

-For what, then, am I here?

Oct. That you may make full declaration, whe

ther

You will be called the friend or enemy

Of the Emperor.

Iso.

That declaration, friend,

I'll make to him in whom a right is placed

To put that question to me.

Oct.

Whether, Count,

That right is mine, this paper may instruct you. Iso. Why,---why---what! This is the Emperor's hand and seal!

"Whereas the officers collectively

Throughout our army will obey the orders

Of the Lieutenant-general Piccolomini.

[Reads.

As from ourselves."

Hem !---Yes! so !---Yes!

yes !--

I---I give you joy, Lieutenant-general!
Oct. And submit
you

Iso.

you

to the order?

But have taken me so by surprise--you

Time for reflection one must have

Oct.

Two minutes.

Iso. My God! But then the case is

Oct.

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.

Iso. Treason!---My God !---But who talks then
of treason?

Oct. 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--

your

Say, will you break oath to the Emperor?
Sell yourself to the enemy ?---Say, will you?
Iso. 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? Oct. You have not said it yet---not yet. This instant

I wait to hear,

Count, whether you will say it.

Iso. Ay! that delights me now, that

yourself

Bear witness for me that I never said so.

you

Oct. And you renounce the Duke then? Iso. If he's planning Treason---why, treason breaks all bonds asunder. Oct. And are determined, too, to fight against him?

Iso. He has done me service---but if he's a

villain,

Perdition seize him!--- All scores are rubbed off.

Oct. 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. Iso. It shall be done. But you'll remember me With the Emperor---how well disposed you found

me.

Oct. I will not fail to mention it honourably. [Exit Isolani. A Servant enters. What, Colonel Butler !---Show him up.

Iso. (returning.) Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father!

Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great Person I had before me.

Oct.

No excuses!

Iso. 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. Oct. You need not be uneasy on that score. That has succeeded. Fortune favour us With all the others only but as much!

SCENE V.

Octavio Piccolomini, Butler.

But. At your command, Lieutenant-general. Oct. Welcome, as honoured friend and visitor. But. You do me too much honour.

Oct. (after both have seated themselves.) You have not

Returned the advances which I made you yester

day--

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.
But. 'Tis only the like-minded can unite.
Oct. 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

Galas

Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's friend.

But. His words were lost on me.

Oct.

my

It grieves me sorely,

To hear it for his counsel was most wise.

I had myself the like to offer.

But.

Spare

Yourself the trouble-me th' embarrassment,
To have deserved so ill your good opinion.

Oct. 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
But he deceives himself;

To the enemy.

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.

But. (rises.) His lot is mine.