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.
That may happen.
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.
That will be seen hereafter.
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 these stolen signatures bind them to nothing.
Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so;
Plague upon them! all the Germans think so
Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too,
Insist upon obedience to the court.
I am rejoiced to hear it.
You rejoice?
That the emperor has yet such gallant servants,
And loving friends.
Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.
They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.
I am assured already. God forbid
That I should jest! In very serious earnest,
I am rejoiced to see an honest cause
So strong.
The devil! – what! – why, what means this?
Are you not, then – For what, then, am I here?
That you may make full declaration, whether
You will be called the friend or enemy
Of the emperor.
That declaration, friend,
I'll make to him in whom a right is placed
To put that question to me.
Whether, count,
That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.
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!
And you submit to the order?
I —
But you have taken me so by surprise
Time for reflection one must have —
Two minutes.
My God! But then the case is —
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.
Treason! My God! But who talks then of treason?
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?
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?
You have not said it yet – not yet. This instant
I wait to hear, count, whether you will say it.
Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself
Bear witness for me that I never said so.
And you renounce the duke then?
If he's planning
Treason – why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.
And are determined, too, to fight against him?
He has done me service – but if he's a villain,
Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off.
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.
It shall be done. But you'll remember me
With the emperor – how well disposed you found me.
I will not fail to mention it honorably.
[Exit ISOLANI. A SERVANT enters.
What, Colonel Butler! Show him up.