_Tertsky._ Stop, ye shall have him in an instant.--Read This oath here, whether as 'tis here set forth, The wording satisfies you. They've all read it, 15 Each in his turn, and each one will subscribe His individual signature. _Max (reads)._ 'Ingratis servire nefas.' _Isolani._ That sounds to my ears very much like Latin, And being interpreted, pray what may't mean? _Tertsky._ No honest man will serve a thankless master. 20 _Max._ 'Inasmuch as our supreme Commander, the illustrious Duke of Friedland, in consequence of the manifold affronts and grievances which he has received, had expressed his determination to quit the Emperor, but on our unanimous entreaty has graciously consented to remain still with the army, and not to 25 part from us without our approbation thereof, so we, collectively and _each in particular_, in the stead of an oath personally taken, do hereby oblige ourselves--likewise by him honourably and faithfully to hold, and in nowise whatsoever from him to part, and to be ready to shed for his interests the last drop of 30 our blood, so far, namely, as _our oath to the Emperor will permit it_. (_These last words are repeated by ISOLANI._) In testimony of which we subscribe our names.' _Tertsky._ Now!--are you willing to subscribe this paper? _Isolani._ Why should he not? All officers of honour 35 Can do it, aye, must do it.--Pen and ink here! _Tertsky._ Nay, let it rest till after meal. _Isolani (drawing Max along)._ Come, Max. [_Both seat themselves at their table._ LINENOTES: [9] feodalities] feodalties 1800. SCENE IX _TERTSKY, NEUMANN._ _Tertsky (beckons to Neumann who is waiting at the side-table, and steps forward with him to the edge of the stage)._ Have you the copy with you, Neumann? Give it. It may be changed for the other? _Neumann._ I have copied it Letter by letter, line by line; no eye Would e'er discover other difference, Save only the omission of that clause, 5 According to your Excellency's order. _Tertsky._ Right! lay it yonder, and away with this-- It has performed its business--to the fire with it-- _NEUMANN lays the copy on the table and steps back again to the side-table._ SCENE X _ILLO (comes out from the second chamber), TERTSKY._ _Illo._ How goes it with young Piccolomini? _Tertsky._ All right, I think. He has started no objection. _Illo._ He is the only one I fear about-- He and his father. Have an eye on both! _Tertsky._ How looks it at your table: you forget not 5 To keep them warm and stirring?