_Illo._ O, quite cordial, They are quite cordial in the scheme. We have them. And 'tis as I predicted too. Already It is the talk, not merely to maintain The Duke in station. 'Since we're once for all 10 Together and unanimous, why not,' Says Montecuculi, 'aye, why not onward, And make conditions with the Emperor There in his own Vienna?' Trust me, Count, Were it not for these said Piccolomini, 15 We might have spared ourselves the cheat. _Tertsky._ And Butler? How goes it there? Hush! SCENE XI _To them enter BUTLER from the second table._ _Butler._ Don't disturb yourselves. Field Marshal, I have understood you perfectly. Good luck be to the scheme; and as to me, You may depend upon me. _Illo._ May we, Butler? _Butler._ With or without the clause, all one to me! 5 You understand me? My fidelity The Duke may put to any proof--I'm with him! Tell him so! I'm the Emperor's officer, As long as 'tis his pleasure to remain The Emperor's general! and Friedland's servant, 10 As soon as it shall please him to become His own lord. _Tertsky._ You would make a good exchange. No stern economist, no Ferdinand, Is he to whom you plight your services. _Butler._ I do not put up my fidelity 15 To sale, Count Tertsky! Half a year ago I would not have advised you to have made me An overture to that, to which I now Offer myself of my own free accord.-- But that is past! and to the Duke, Field Marshal, 20 I bring myself together with my regiment. And mark you, 'tis my humour to believe, The example which I give will not remain Without an influence. _Illo._ Who is ignorant, That the whole army look to Colonel Butler, 25 As to a light that moves before them? _Butler._ Ey? Then I repent me not of that fidelity Which for the length of forty years I held, If in my sixtieth year my old good name Can purchase for me a revenge so full. 30 Start not at what I say, sir Generals! My real motives--they concern not you. And you yourselves, I trust, could not expect That this your game had crooked my judgment--or That fickleness, quick blood, or such light cause, 35 Had driven the old man from the track of honour, Which he so long had trodden.--Come, my friends! I'm not thereto determined with less firmness, Because I know and have looked steadily At that on which I have determined. _Illo._ Say, 40 And speak roundly, what are we to deem you?