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horse and rider—and thus trod to pieces

      I lay, and panted like a dying man;

      Then seized me suddenly a savior arm;

      It was Octavio's—I awoke at once;

      'Twas broad day, and Octavio stood before me.

      "My brother," said he, "do not ride today

      The dapple, as you're wont; but mount the horse

      Which I have chosen for thee. Do it, brother!

      In love to me. A strong dream warn'd me so."

      It was the swiftness of his horse that snatch'd me

      From the hot pursuit of Bannier's dragoons.

      My cousin rode the dapple on that day,

      And never more saw I of horse or rider.

      ILLO.

      That was a chance.

      WALLENSTEIN (significantly).

                    There's no such thing as chance.

      [And what to us seems merest accident

      Springs from the deepest source of destiny.]

      In brief, 'tis sign'd and seal'd that this Octavio

      Is my good angel—and now no word more.

      [He is retiring.]

      TERZKY.

      This is my comfort—Max remains our hostage.

      ILLO.

      And he shall never stir from here alive.

      WALLENSTEIN (stops and turns himself round).

      Are ye not like the women who forever

      Only recur to their first word, although

      One had been talking reason by the hour!

      Know that the human being's thoughts and needs

      Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved.

      The inner world, his microcosmus, is

      The deep shaft out of which they spring eternally.

      They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit—

      No juggling chance can metamorphose them.

      Have I the human kernel first examined?

      Then I know, too, the future will and action.

      [Exeunt.]

      SCENE IV

      Chamber in the residence of Piccolomini

      OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI (attired for traveling), AN ADJUTANT

      OCTAVIO.

      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

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