The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 03. Коллектив авторов

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СКАЧАТЬ style="font-size:15px;">      Is the detachment here?

      ADJUT.

      It awaits below.

      OCTAVIO.

      And are the soldiers trusty, Adjutant?

      Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them?

      ADJUT. From Tiefenbach's.

      OCTAVIO.

                          That regiment is loyal;

      Keep them in silence in the inner court,

      Unseen by all, and when the signal peals

      Then close the doors; keep watch upon the house,

      And all ye meet be instantly arrested.

      [Exit Adjutant.]

      I hope indeed I shall not need their service,

      So certain feel I of my well laid plans;

      But when an empire's safety is at stake

      'Twere better too much caution than too little.

      SCENE V

      A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI's Dwelling-House.

      OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI, entering

      ISOLANI.

      Here am I—Well! who comes yet of the others?

      OCTAVIO (with an air of mystery).

      But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.

      ISOLANI (assuming the same air of mystery).

      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.

      OCTAVIO.

      That may happen.

      ISOLANI.

                             Noble 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 toward me as a friend.

      God knows it is so; and I owe him all—

      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.

      [OCTAVIO.

      Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so.

      ISOLANI.

      Plague upon them! all the Germans think so;

      Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too,

      Insist upon obedience to the Court.]

      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 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 call'd 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 I—

      Yes! yes!—

      I—I give you joy, Lieutenant-General!

      OCTAVIO.

      And you submit you to the order?

      ISOLANI.

                                     I—

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