Are ye not like the women who forever Only recur to their first word, although One had been talking reason by the hour! Know that the human being's thoughts and needs Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved. The inner world, his microcosmus, is The deep shaft out of which they spring eternally. They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit-- No juggling chance can metamorphose them. Have I the human _kernel_ first examined? Then I know, too, the future will and action. [_Exeunt_.] SCENE IV _Chamber in the residence of Piccolomini_ OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI (_attired for traveling_), AN ADJUTANT OCTAVIO. Is the detachment here? ADJUT. It awaits below. OCTAVIO. And are the soldiers trusty, Adjutant? Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them? ADJUT. From Tiefenbach's. OCTAVIO. That regiment is loyal; Keep them in silence in the inner court, Unseen by all, and when the signal peals Then close the doors; keep watch upon the house, And all ye meet be instantly arrested. [_Exit Adjutant_.] I hope indeed I shall not need their service, So certain feel I of my well laid plans; But when an empire's safety is at stake 'Twere better too much caution than too little. SCENE V _A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI's Dwelling-House_. OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI, _entering_ ISOLANI. Here am I--Well! who comes yet of the others? OCTAVIO (_with an air of mystery_). But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani. ISOLANI (_assuming the same air of mystery_). Will it explode, ha?--Is the Duke about To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place Full confidence--Nay, put me to the proof. OCTAVIO. That may happen. ISOLANI. Noble brother, I am Not one of those men who in words are valiant, And when it comes to action skulk away. The Duke has acted toward me as a friend. God knows it is so; and I owe him all-- He may rely on my fidelity. OCTAVIO. That will be seen hereafter. ISOLANI. Be on your guard, All think not as I think; and there are many Who still hold with the Court--yes, and they say That those stolen signatures bind them to nothing. [OCTAVIO. Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so. ISOLANI. Plague upon them! all the Germans think so; Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too, Insist upon obedience to the Court.] OCTAVIO. I am rejoiced to hear it. ISOLANI. You rejoice OCTAVIO. That the Emperor has yet such gallant servants, And loving friends! ISOLANI. Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you. OCTAVIO. I am assured already. God forbid That I should jest!--In very serious earnest, I am rejoiced to see an honest cause So strong. ISOLANI. The Devil!--what!--Why, what means this? Are you not, then--For what, then, am I here? OCTAVIO.