full declaration, whether
You will be called 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!--Yes! yes!
I--I give you joy, lieutenant-general!

OCTAVIO.
And you submit 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 rubbed off.

OCTAVIO.
I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed.
This night break off in the utmost secrecy
With all the light-armed troops--it must appear
As came the order from the duke himself.
At Frauenberg'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,