That you may make full declaration, whether You will be call'd the friend or enemy Of the Emperor. 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 I-- 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. 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 rubb'd off. OCTAVIO. I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed. This night, break off in the utmost secrecy With all the light-arm'd troops--it must appear As came the order from the Duke himself. At Frauenburg'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. [_Exit_.] OCTAVIO.