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 assure you.

OCTAVIO.
I am assured already. God 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 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 rejoi