Yet somewhat to disclose to thee. [After a pause. Duke Friedland Hath made his preparations. He relies Max. O nothing rash, my sire. By all that's good Let me invoke thee—no precipitation. Oct. With light tread stole he on his evil way, And light tread hath Vengeance stole on after him. Unseen she stands already, dark behind him— But one step more-he shudders in her grasp! Thou hast seen Questenberg with me. As yet Thou know'st but his ostensible commissionHe brought with him a private one, my son, And that was for me only. Max. Oct. (seizes the patent). May I know it? Max! ГА pause. In this disclosure place I in thy hands The Empire's welfare and thy father's life. The hope thou nourishest to knit thyself. Equally sure of thy collectedness? Wilt thou be able, with calm countenance, Max. According As thou dost trust me, father, with his crime. [Octavio takes a paper out of his escrutoire, and gives it to him. Max. What? how ?-a full imperial patent! Oct. Read it. Max. (just glances on it). Duke Friedland sentenc'd and condemn'd! Oct. Even so. Max. (throws down the paper). O this is too much! -O unhappy error! Oct. Read on. Collect thyself. Max. (after he has read further, with a look of affright and astonishment on his father.) How!-what!-Thou !-thou! Oct. But for the present moment, till the King Of Hungary may safely join the army, Is the command assign'd to me. Max. And think'st thou, Dost thou believe, that thou wilt tear it from him? O never hope it!-Father! father! father! An inauspicious office is enjoin'd thee. This paper here this! and wilt thou enforce it? Surrounded by his thousands, him would'st thou of us. Oct. What hazard I incur thereby, I know. In the great hand of God I stand. The Almighty Will cover with his shield the imperial house, And shatter, in his wrath, the work of darkness. The Emperor hath true servants still; and, even Max. Immediately? What! on suspicion? The Emperor is no tyrant. Than punishment. But the first open step Max. What call'st thou such a step? A wicked step Ne'er will he take; but thou might'st easily, Yea, thou hast done it, misinterpret him. Oct. Nay, howsoever punishable were A mild construction. It is my intention Till some act is committed which convicts him And that shall sentence him. Max. Oct. Thyself. But who the judge? Max. For ever, then, this paper will hede. Oct. Too soon, I fear, its powers must all be prov'd. After the counter-promise of this evening. It cannot be but he must deem himself Secure of the majority with us; And of the army's general sentiment Which thou deliver'st to him from the regiments. action Thou'lt not proceed to Before thou hast convinc'd me-me myself. Oct. Is it possible? Still, after all thou know'st, Canst thou believe still in his innocence? Max. (with enthusiasm). Thy judgment may mistake; my heart cannot. [Moderates his voice and manner. Trust me, they do him wrong. All will be solv'd. SCENE II. OCTAVIO and MAX. as before. To them the VALET OF THE CHAMBER. Oct. How now, then? Val. A despatch is at the door. Oct. So early? From whom comes he then? Who is it? Val. That he refus'd to tell me. Oct. And, hark you-let it not transpire. Lead him in: [Exit Valet-the Cornet steps in. Ha! Cornet-is it you? and from Count Galas? Cor. He bade me tell you-Dare I speak openly The old negociator. Oct. (eagerly). And you have him? Cor. In the Bohemian forest, Captain Mohrbrand Found and secur'd him yester morning early: He was proceeding then to Regensburg, And on him were despatches for the Swede. Cor. Sent them that instant to Vienna, and The prisoner with them. Oct. The Lieutenant-general This is, indeed, a tiding! That fellow is a precious casket to us, Enclosing weighty things.-Was much found on him? Cor. I think, six packets, with Count Tertsky's arms. Oct. None in the Duke's own hand? Cor. Not that I know |