The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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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 (_a.s.suming 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.
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 toward me as a friend.
G.o.d 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 a.s.sure you.
OCTAVIO.
I am a.s.sured already. G.o.d 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.
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 G.o.d! But then the case is--
OCTAVIO.
