_Octavio._ I know not what it is that so attracts And links him both to me and to my son. Comrades and friends we always were--long habit, Adventurous deeds performed in company, 90 And all those many and various incidents Which store a soldier's memory with affections, Had bound us long and early to each other-- Yet I can name the day, when all at once His heart rose on me, and his confidence 95 Shot out in sudden growth. It was the morning Before the memorable fight at Lützner. Urged by an ugly dream, I sought him out, To press him to accept another charger. At distance from the tents, beneath a tree, 100 I found him in a sleep. When I had waked him, And had related all my bodings to him, Long time he stared upon me, like a man Astounded; thereon fell upon my neck, And manifested to me an emotion 105 That far outstripped the worth of that small service. Since then his confidence has followed me With the same pace that mine has fled from him. _Questenberg._ You lead your son into the secret? _Octavio._ No! _Questenberg._ What? and not warn him either what bad hands 110 His lot has placed him in? _Octavio._ I must perforce Leave him in wardship to his innocence. His young and open soul--dissimulation Is foreign to its habits! Ignorance Alone can keep alive the cheerful air, 115 The unembarrassed sense and light free spirit, That make the Duke secure. _Questenberg._ My honoured friend! most highly do I deem Of Colonel Piccolomini--yet--if---- Reflect a little---- _Octavio._ I must venture it. 120 Hush!--There he comes! LINENOTES: [Before 1] _Questenberg (with signs of aversion and astonishment)._ 1817, 1828, 1829. [13] _him_ 1800, 1828, 1829. _Questenberg (walking up and down in evident disquiet)._ Friend, &c. 1817, 1828, 1829. [34] _can_ 1800, 1828, 1829. [59] _he_ 1800, 1828, 1829. [64] knew] wot 1800, 1828, 1829. [84] _genuine_ 1800. [95] _rose_ 1800, 1828, 1829. [118] _Questenberg (anxiously)._ My honoured, &c. 1800, 1828, 1829. SCENE IV _MAX PICCOLOMINI, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, QUESTENBERG._ _Max._ Ha! there he is himself. Welcome, my father! You are engaged, I see. I'll not disturb you. _Octavio._ How, Max? Look closer at this visitor; Attention, Max, an old friend merits--Reverence Belongs of right to the envoy of your sovereign. 5 _Max._ Von Questenberg!--Welcome--if you bring with you Aught good to our head quarters. _Questenberg (seizing his hand)._ Nay, draw not Your hand away, Count Piccolomini! Not on mine own account alone I seized it, And nothing common will I say therewith. 10