But they expound not Friedland – I have faith:
For as he knits his fortunes to the stars,
Even so doth he resemble them in secret,
Wonderful, still inexplicable courses!
Trust me, they do him wrong. All will be solved.
These smokes at once will kindle into flame —
The edges of this black and stormy cloud
Will brighten suddenly, and we shall view
The unapproachable glide out in splendor.
OCTAVIO
I will await it.
SCENE II
OCTAVIO and MAX. as before. To then the VALET OF THE CHAMBER.
OCTAVIO
How now, then?
VALET
A despatch is at the door.
OCTAVIO
So early? From whom comes he then? Who is it?
VALET
That he refused to tell me.
OCTAVIO
Lead him in:
And, hark you – let it not transpire.
[Exit VALET: the CORNET steps in.
OCTAVIO
Ha! cornet – is it you; and from Count Gallas?
Give me your letters.
CORNET
The lieutenant-general
Trusted it not to letters.
OCTAVIO
And what is it?
CORNET
He bade me tell you – Dare I speak openly here?
OCTAVIO
My son knows all.
CORNET
We have him.
OCTAVIO
Whom?
CORNET
Sesina,
The old negotiator.
OCTAVIO (eagerly)
And you have him?
CORNET
In the Bohemian Forest Captain Mohrbrand
Found and secured him yester-morning early.
He was proceeding then to Regensburg,
And on him were despatches for the Swede.
OCTAVIO
And the despatches —
CORNET
The lieutenant-general
Sent them that instant to Vienna, and
The prisoner with them.
OCTAVIO
This is, indeed, a tiding!