Isolani (on the point of going). Lights! lights!
Tertsky (advances with the paper to Isolani). Noble brother!
two minutes longer! — Here is something to subscribe.
Isolani. Subscribe as much as you like — but you must excuse
me from reading it. 20
Tertsky. There is no need. It is the oath which you have
already read. — Only a few marks of your pen!
[ISOLANI hands over the paper to OCTAVIO respectfully.
Tertsky. Nay, nay, first come first served. There is no
precedence here.
[OCTAVIO runs over the paper with apparent indifference.
TERTSKY watches him at some distance.
Goetz (to Tertsky). Noble Count! with your 25
permission — Good night.
Tertsky. Where’s the hurry? Come, one other composing
draught. (To the Servants) — Ho!
Goetz. Excuse me — an’t able.
Tertsky. A thimble-full! 30
Goetz. Excuse me.
Tiefenbach (sits down). Pardon me, nobles! — This standing
does not agree with me.
Tertsky. Consult only your own convenience, General!
Tiefenbach. Clear at head, sound in stomach — only my legs 35
won’t carry me any longer.
Isolani. Poor legs! how should they? Such an unmerciful
load!
[OCTAVIO subscribes his name, and reaches over the paper
to TERTSKY, who gives it to ISOLANI; and he goes to
the table to sign his name.
Tiefenbach. ‘Twas that war in Pomerania that first brought
it on. Out in all weathers — ice and snow — no help for it. — I 40
shall never get the better of it all the days of my life.
Goetz. Why, in simple verity, your Swede makes no nice
enquiries about the season.
Tertsky (observing Isolani, whose hand trembles excessively, so
that he can scarce direct his pen). Have you had that ugly
complaint long, noble brother? — Dispatch it. 45
Isolani. The sins of youth! I have already tried the
Chalybeate waters. Well — I must bear it.
[TERTSKY gives the paper to MARADAS; he steps to the
table to subscribe.
Octavio (advancing to Butler). You are not over fond of the
orgies of Bacchus, Colonel! I have observed it. You would, I
think, find yourself more to your liking in the uproar of a
battle, 50
than of a feast.
Butler. I must confess, ‘tis not in my way.
Octavio. Nor in mine either, I can assure you; and I am not
a little glad, my much honoured Colonel Butler, that we agree
so well in our opinions. A half dozen good friends at most, 55
at a small round table, a glass of genuine Tokay, open hearts,
and a rational conversation — that’s my taste!
Butler. And mine too, when it can be had.
[The paper comes to TIEFENBACH, who glances over it at
the same time with GOETZ and KOLATTO. MARADAS in
the mean time returns to OCTAVIO, all this takes
place, the conversation with BUTLER proceeding
uninterrupted.
Octavio (introducing Maradas to Butler). Don Balthasar
Maradas! likewise a man of our stamp, and long ago your admirer. 60
[BUTLER bows.
Octavio (continuing). You are a stranger here—’twas but
yesterday you arrived — you are ignorant of the ways and means
here. ‘Tis a wretched place — I know, at our age, one loves to
be snug and quiet — What if you moved your lodgings? — Come,
be my visitor. (BUTLER makes a low bow.) Nay, without 65
compliment! — For a friend like you, I have still a corner
remaining.
Butler. Your obliged humble servant, my Lord
Lieutenant-General!
[The paper comes to BUTLER, who goes to the table to
subscribe it. The front of the stage is vacant,
so that both the PICCOLOMINIS, each on the side
where he had been from the commencement of the
scene, remain alone.
Octavio (after having some time watched his son in silence, advances
somewhat nearer to him). You were long absent from us,
friend! 70
Max. I —— urgent business detained me.
Octavio. And, I observe, you are still absent!
Max. You know this crowd and bustle always makes me
silent. 75
Octavio. May I be permitted to ask what business ‘twas that
detained you? Tertsky knows it without asking!
Max. What does Tertsky know?
Octavio. He was the only one who did not miss you.
Isolani. Well done, father! Rout out his baggage! Beat 80
up his quarters! there is something there that should not be.
Tertsky (with the paper). Is there none wanting? Have the
whole subscribed?
Octavio. All.
Tertsky (calling aloud). Ho! Who subscribes? 85
Butler (to Tertsky). Count the names. There ought to be
just thirty.
Tertsky. Here is a cross.
Tiefenbach. That’s my mark.
Isolani. He cannot write; but his cross is a good cross, and 90
is honoured by Jews as well as Christians.
Octavio (presses on to Max). Come, general! let us go. It is late.
Tertsky. One Piccolomini only has signed.
Isolani (pointing to Max). Look! that is your man, that statue
there, who has had neither eye, ear, nor tongue for us the 95
whole evening.
[MAX receives the paper from TERTSKY, which he looks
upon vacantly.
[After 4] (making the usual compliment after meals) 1800, 1828, 1829.
[After 15] [He continues to fix his eye on the whole following scene.
1800, 1828, 1829.