Then was my horse killed under me: I sank;
And over me away, all unconcernedly,
Drove horse and rider-and thus trod to pieces

I lay, and panted like a dying man.

Then seized me suddenly a saviour arm.

It was Octavio's-I awoke at once.

"Twas broad day, and Octavio stood before me. "My brother," said he, " do not ride to-day

"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 warned me so."

It was the swiftness of this horse that snatched me From the hot pursuit of Bannier's dragoons.

My cousin rode the dapple on that day,

And never more saw I or horse or rider.

That was a chance.

ILLO.

WALLENSTEIN. (significantly.)

There's no such thing as chance.

In brief, 'tis signed and sealed that this Octavio
Is my good angel--and now no word more.
(He is retiring.)

TERTSKY.

This is my comfort-Max. remains our hostage.

ILLO.

And he shall never stir from here alive.

VOL. III.

Q

WALLENSTEIN. (stops and turns himself round.)
Are ye not like the women, who for ever
Only recur to their first word, although
One had been talking reason by the hour?
Know, that the human being's thoughts and deeds
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.

SCENE IV.

SCENE-A Chamber in Piccolomini's DwellingHouse.

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 towards 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.

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 called 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!

"Whereas the officers collectively

[Reads.

Throughout our army will obey the orders “Of the Lieutenant-general Piccolomini, "As from ourselves."

yes!

Hem!-Yes! so!- Yes!

I-I give you joy, Lieutenant-general!

But you have taken me so by surprize—
Time for reflection one must have

OCTAVIO.

Two minutes.

ISOLANI.

My God! But then the case is

OCTAVIO.

Plain and simple.

You must declare you, whether you determine
To act a treason 'gainst your Lord and Sovereign,
Or whether you will serve him faithfully.

ISOLANI.

Treason!-My God!-But who talks then of treason?

That is the case.

OCTAVIO.

The Prince-duke is a traitor

Means to lead over to the

The Emperor's army.-Now, Count!—brief and full

enemy

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