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
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
You will be called the friend or enemy
Of the emperor.
ISOLANI (with an air of defiance)
That declaration, friend,
I'll make to him in whom a right is placed
To put that question to me.
OCTAVIO
Whether, count,
That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.
ISOLANI (stammering)
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!
OCTAVIO
And you submit to the order?
ISOLANI
I —
But you have taken me so by surprise
Time for reflection one must have —
OCTAVIO
Two minutes.
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?
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?
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.