_Octavio._ Whether, Count, 30 That right is mine, this paper may instruct you. _Isolani._ Why,--why--what! This is the Emperor's hand and seal! [_Reads._ 'Whereas the officers collectively Throughout our army will obey the orders Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini 35 As from ourselves.'----Hem!--Yes! so!--Yes! yes!-- I--I give you joy, Lieutenant-General! _Octavio._ And you submit you to the order? _Isolani._ I---- But you have taken me so by surprise-- Time for reflection one must have---- _Octavio._ Two minutes. 40 _Isolani._ My God! But then the case is---- _Octavio._ Plain and simple. You must declare you, whether you determine To act a treason 'gainst your Lord and Sovereign, Or whether you will serve him faithfully. _Isolani._ Treason!--My God!--But who talks then of treason? 45 _Octavio._ That is the case. The Prince-Duke is a traitor-- Means to lead over to the enemy The Emperor's army.--Now, Count!--brief and full-- Say, will you break your oath to the Emperor? Sell yourself to the enemy?--Say, will you? 50 _Isolani._ What mean you? I--I break my oath, d'ye say, To his Imperial Majesty? 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