I am a merry lad, and if at time A rash word might escape me 'gainst the Court Amidst my wine--You know no harm was meant.
You need not be uneasy on that score That has succeeded. Fortune favor us With all the others only but as much!
OCTAVIO (_after both have seated themselves_).
You have not Return'd the advances which I made you yesterday-- Misunderstood them as mere empty forms. That wish proceeded from my heart--I was In earnest with you--for 'tis now a time In which the honest should unite most closely.
True! and I name all honest men like-minded. I never charge a man but with those acts To which his character deliberately Impels him; for alas! the violence Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts The very best of us from the right track. You came through Frauenburg. Did the Count Gallas Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend.
It grieves me sorely, To hear it: for his counsel was most wise. I had myself the like to offer.
Spare Yourself the trouble--me th' embarrassment, To have deserved so ill your good opinion.
The time is precious--let us talk openly. You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein Meditates treason--I can tell you further, He has committed treason; but few hours Have past since he a covenant concluded With the enemy. The messengers are now Full on their way to Egra and to Prague. Tomorrow he intends to lead us over To the enemy. But he deceives himself; For Prudence wakes--The Emperor has still Many and faithful friends here, and they stand In closest union, mighty though unseen. This manifesto sentences the Duke-- Recalls the obedience of the army from him, And summons all the loyal, all the honest, To join and recognize in me their leader. Choose--will you share with us an honest cause? Or with the evil share an evil lot?
Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler! As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast That rashly utter'd word remains interr'd. Recall it, Butler! choose a better party; You have not chosen the right one.
Any other Commands for me, Lieutenant-General?
What! Would you draw this good and gallant sword In such a cause? Into a curse would you Transform the gratitude which you have earn'd By forty years' fidelity from Austria?
OCTAVIO (_permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him_).