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.