The Complete Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Illustrated Edition). Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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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. 55
Isolani. Aye! that delights me now, that you yourself
Bear witness for me that I never said so.
Octavio. And you renounce the Duke then?
Isolani. If he’s planning
Treason — why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.
Octavio. And are determined, too, to fight against him? 60
Isolani. He has done me service — but if he’s a villain,
Perdition seize him! — All scores are rubbed off.
Octavio. 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 65
As came the order from the Duke himself.
At Frauenberg’s the place of rendezvous;
There will Count Galas give you further orders.
Isolani. It shall be done. But you’ll remember me
With the Emperor — how well disposed you found me. 70
Octavio. I will not fail to mention it honourably.
[Exit ISOLANI. A Servant enters.
What, Colonel Butler! — Shew him up.
Isolani (returning). Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father!
Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great
Person I had before me.
Octavio. No excuses! 75
Isolani. 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.
Octavio. You need not be uneasy on that score.
That has succeeded. Fortune favour us 80
With all the others only but as much!
[Before 2] Octavio (with an air of mystery). 1800, 1828, 1829.
[Before 3] Isolani (assuming the same air of mystery). 1800, 1828,
1829.
[Before 32] Isolani (stammering). 1800, 1828, 1829.
SCENE V
OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER.
Butler. At your command, Lieutenant-General.
Octavio. Welcome, as honoured friend and visitor.
Butler. You do me too much honour.
Octavio (after both have seated themselves). You have not
Returned the advances which I made you yesterday —
Misunderstood them, as mere empty forms. 5
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.
Butler. ‘Tis only the like-minded can unite.
Octavio. True! and I name all honest men like-minded. 10
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. 15
You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Galas
Say nothing to you? Tell me. He’s my friend.
Butler. His words were lost on me.
Octavio. It grieves me sorely
To hear it: for his counsel was most wise.
I had myself the like to offer.
Butler. Spare 20
Yourself the trouble — me th’ embarrassment,
To have deserved so ill your good opinion.
Octavio. The time is precious — let us talk openly.
You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein
Meditates treason — I can tell you further — 25
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.
Tomorrow he intends to lead us over 30
To the enemy. But he deceives himself;
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 — 35
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? 40
Butler (rises). His lot is mine.
Octavio. Is that your last resolve?
Butler. It is.
Octavio. Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler!
As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast
That rashly uttered word remains interred.
Recall it, Butler! choose a better party: 45
You have not chosen the right one.
Butler (going). Any other
Commands for me, Lieutenant-General?
Octavio. See your white hairs! Recall that word!
Butler. Farewell!
Octavio. What, would you draw this good and gallant sword
In such a cause? Into a curse would you 50
Transform the gratitude which you have earned
By forty years’ fidelity from Austria?
Butler (laughing with bitterness). Gratitude from the House of
Austria. [He is going.
Octavio (permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after
him). Butler!
Butler. What wish you?
Octavio. How was’t with the Count?
Butler. Count? what?
Octavio. The title that you wished, I mean. 55
Butler (starts in sudden passion). Hell and damnation!
Octavio. You
petitioned for it —
And your petition was repelled — Was it so?
Butler. Your insolent scoff shall not go by unpunished.
Draw!