_Questenberg (to Octavio)._ And lo! betwixt them both experienced Prudence! _Octavio (presenting Questenberg to Butler and Isolani)._ The Chamberlain and War-commissioner Questenberg, The bearer of the Emperor's behests, 15 The long-tried friend and patron of all soldiers, We honour in this noble visitor. _Illo._ 'Tis not the first time, noble Minister, You have shewn our camp this honour. _Questenberg._ Once before I stood before these colours. 20 _Illo._ Perchance too you remember where that was. It was at Znäim[604:1] in Moravia, where You did present yourself upon the part Of the Emperor, to supplicate our Duke That he would straight assume the chief command. 25 _Questenberg._ To supplicate? Nay, noble General! So far extended neither my commission (At least to my own knowledge) nor my zeal. _Illo._ Well, well, then--to compel him, if you choose. I can remember me right well, Count Tilly 30 Had suffered total rout upon the Lech. Bavaria lay all open to the enemy, Whom there was nothing to delay from pressing Onwards into the very heart of Austria. At that time you and Werdenberg appeared 35 Before our General, storming him with prayers, And menacing the Emperor's displeasure, Unless he took compassion on this wretchedness. _Isolani._ Yes, yes, 'tis comprehensible enough, Wherefore with your commission of to-day 40 You were not all too willing to remember Your former one. _Questenberg._ Why not, Count Isolan? No contradiction sure exists between them. It was the urgent business of that time 45 To snatch Bavaria from her enemy's hand; And my commission of to-day instructs me To free her from her good friends and protectors. _Illo._ A worthy office! After with our blood We have wrested this Bohemia from the Saxon, 50 To be swept out of it is all our thanks, The sole reward of all our hard-won victories. _Questenberg._ Unless that wretched land be doomed to suffer Only a change of evils, it must be Freed from the scourge alike of friend and foe. 55 _Illo._ What? 'Twas a favourable year; the Boors Can answer fresh demands already. _Questenberg._ Nay, If you discourse of herds and meadow-grounds-- _Isolani._ The war maintains the war. Are the Boors ruined, The Emperor gains so many more new soldiers. 60 _Questenberg._ And is the poorer by even so many subjects. _Isolani._ Poh! We are all his subjects.