in an instant. Read
This oath here, whether as 'tis here set forth,
The wording satisfies you. They've all read it,
Each in his turn, and each one will subscribe
His individual signature.

MAX. (reads).
"Ingratis servire nefas."

ISOLANI.
That sounds to my ears very much like Latin,
And being interpreted, pray what may it mean?

TERZKY.
No honest man will serve a thankless master.

MAX. "Inasmuch as our supreme commander, the illustrious Duke of
Friedland, in consequence of the manifold affronts and grievances which
he has received, had expressed his determination to quit the emperor, but
on our unanimous entreaty has graciously consented to remain still with
the army, and not to part from us without our approbation thereof, so we,
collectively and each in particular, in the stead of an oath personally
taken, do, hereby oblige ourselves--likewise by him honorably and
faithfully to hold, and in nowise whatsoever from him to part, and to be
ready to shed for his interests the last drop of our blood, so far,
namely, as our oath to the emperor will permit it. (These last words are
repeated by ISOLANI.) In testimony of which we subscribe our names."

TERZKY.
Now! are you willing to subscribe to this paper?

ISOLANI.
Why should he not? All officers of honor
Can do it, ay, must do it. Pen and ink here!

TERZKY.
Nay, let it rest till after meal.

ISOLANI (drawing MAX. along).
Come, Max!

[Both seat themselves at their table.

SCENE II.

TERZKY, NEUMANN.

TERZKY (beckons to NEUMANN, who is waiting at the side-table and steps
forward with him to the edge of the stage).
Have you the copy with you, Neumann? Give it.
It may be changed for the other?

NEUMANN.
I have copied it
Letter by letter, line by line; no eye
Would e'er discover other difference,
Save only the omission of that clause,
According to your excellency's order.

TERZKY.
Right I lay it yonder and away with this--
It has performed its business--to the fire with it.

[NEUMANN lays the copy on the table, and steps back again
to the side-table.

SCENE III.

ILLO (comes out from the second chamber), TERZKY.

ILLO.
How goes it with young Piccolomini!

TERZKY.
All right, I think. He has started no object.

ILLO.
He is the only one I fear about--
He and his father. Have an eye on both!

TERZKY.
How looks it at your table: you forget not
To keep them warm and stir