ISOLANI (with an air of defiance). That declaration, friend, I'll make to him in whom a right is placed To put that question to me. OCTAVIO. Whether, count, That right is mine, this paper may instruct you. ISOLANI (stammering). 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, As from ourselves."--Hem!--Yes! so!--Yes! yes! I--I give you joy, lieutenant-general! OCTAVIO. And you submit to the order? ISOLANI. I-- But you have taken me so by surprise Time for reflection one must have---- OCTAVIO. Two minutes. 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? 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? 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. ISOLANI. Ay! 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? 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 are so well disposed. This night break off in the utmost secrecy With all the light-armed troops--it must appear As came the order from the duke himself. At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous; There will Count Gallas give you further orders. ISOLANI. It shall be done. But you'll remember me With the emperor--how well disposed you found me. OCTAVIO. I will not fail to mention it honorably. [Exit ISOLANI. A SERVANT enters. What, Colonel Butler! Show 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! ISOLANI. I am a merry lad, and if at time A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court Amidst my wine,--you know no harm was meant. OCTAVIO. You need not be uneasy on that score. That has succeeded. Fortune favor us With all the others only but as much. [Exit. SCENE VI. OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER. BUTLER. At your command, lieutenant-general. OCTAVIO. Welcome, as honored friend and visitor. BUTLER. You do me too much honor.