Oct. You must have been calumniated. Guess you The enemy, who did you this ill service? But. Be't who it will-a most low-hearted scoundrel, Some vile court-minion must it be, some Spaniard, Some young squire of some ancient family, In whose light I may stand, some envious knave, Oct. But tell me! Did the Duke approve that measure? But. Himself impell'd me to it, used his interest In my behalf with all the warmth of friendship. Oct. Ay? Are you sure of that? But. I read the letter. Oct. And so did I-but the contents were different. (Butler is suddenly struck.) By chance I'm in possession of that letter Can leave it to your own eyes to convince you. (He gives him the letter.) But. Ha! what is this? Oct. I fear me, Colonel Butler, An infamous game have they been playing with you. Concerning you; counsels the minister To give sound chastisement to your conceit, (Butler reads through the letter, his knees tremble, You have no enemy, no persecutor; (What your long-tried fidelity convinc'd him) He n'er could dare expect from your calm reason. He has gain'd his point. Too well has he succeeded In luring you away from that good path On which you had been journeying forty years! But. (his voice trembling) Can e'er the Emperor's Majesty forgive me? Oct. More than forgive you. He would fain compensate For that affront, and most unmerited grievance Sustain'd by a deserving, gallant veteran. From his free impulse he confirms the present, (Butler attempts to rise, sinks down again. He labours inwardly with violent emotions; tries to speak, and cannot. At length he takes his sword from the belt, and offers it to Piccolomini.) Oct. What wish you? Recollect yourself, friend. But. Take it. Oct. But to what purpose? Calm yourself. I am no longer worthy of this sword. Oct. Receive it then anew from my hands-and Wear it with honour for the right cause ever. But. reign! Perjure myself to such a gracious Sove Oct. You'll make amends. Quick! break off from the Bethink thyself. But. (no longer governing his emotion) Only break off from him!-He dies! he dies! Oct. Come after me to Frauenberg, where now All, who are loyal, are assembling under Counts Altringer and Galas. Many others I've brought to a remembrance of their duty. This night be sure, that you escape from Pilsen. But. (strides up and down in excessive agitation, then steps up to Octavio with resolved countenance.) Count Piccolomini! Dare that man speak Of honour to you, who once broke his troth. But. Then leave me here, upon my word of honour! But. Leave me and my regiment. Oct. I have full confidence in you. But tell me What are you brooding? But. That the deed will tell you. Ask me no more at present. Trust to me. Ser. (enters with a billet) and is gone. [Exit Butler. A stranger left it, [Exit Servant. The Prince-Duke's horses wait for you below. Oct. (reads)" Be sure, make haste! Isolan." Your faithful -O that I had but left this town behind me. To split upon a rock so near the haven!Away! This is no longer a safe place for me! Where can my son be tarrying? SCENE VI. Octavio and Max. Piccolomini. (Max. enters almost in a state of derangement from extreme agitation, his eyes roll wildly, his walk is unsteady, and he appears not to observe his father, who stands at a distance, and gazes at him with a countenance expressive of compassion. He paces with long strides through the chamber, then stands still again, and at last throws himself into a chair, staring vacantly at the object directly before him.) Oct. (advances to him) I am going off, my son. (Receiving no answer, he takes his hand.) My son, farewell. Max. Farewell. Oct. Мах. Thou wilt soon follow me? I follow thee? Thy way is crooked-it is not my way. (Octavio drops his hand, and starts back.) O, hadst thou been but simple and sincere, Sustainer of the world, had sav'd us all! Max. (rises, and contemplates his father with looks of suspicion) Was't possible? had'st thou the heart, my father, Had'st thou the heart to drive it to such lengths, With cold premeditated purpose? Thou Had'st thou the heart, to wish to see him guilty, Rather than sav'd? Thou risest by his fall. Oct. God in Heaven! Max. O, woe is me! sure I have chang'd my nature. How comes suspicion here-in the free soul? Hope, confidence, belief, are gone; for all Lied to me, all what I e'er lov'd or honour'd. Murder, and poisoning, treason, perjury: The only unprofan'd in human nature. Oct. Max!-we will go together. 'Twill be better. Max. What? ere I've taken a last parting leave, The very last-no never! Oct. Spare thyself The pang of necessary separation. (Attempts to take him with him.) Max. No! as sure as God lives, no! |