The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 78

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-- 110 No juggling chance can metamorphose them.

Have I the human kernel first examined?

Then I know, too, the future will and action.

LINENOTES:

[38] _me_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[76] included] include 1800.

[89] _Octavio_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[98] _Wallenstein (significantly)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[112] _kernel_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE IV

SCENE--_A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI'S Dwelling-House._

_OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI (entering)._

_Isolani._ Here am I--Well! who comes yet of the others?

_Octavio._ But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.

_Isolani._ 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. 5

_Octavio._ That may happen.

_Isolani._ n.o.ble 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 towards me as a friend.

G.o.d knows it is so; and I owe him all---- 10 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. 15

_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 a.s.sure you.

_Octavio._ I am a.s.sured already. G.o.d forbid 20 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._ That you may make full declaration, whether 25 You will be called the friend or enemy Of the Emperor.

_Isolani._ That declaration, friend, I'll make to him in whom a right is placed To put that question to me.

_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 G.o.d! 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 G.o.d!--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.