The power of questioning his destiny : And such a moment 'twas, when in the night I looked out far upon the ominous plain. My whole life, past and future, in this moment And to the destiny of the next morning Dost thou command. They follow all thy stars, The vessel of thy fortune. Yet a day Will come, when Destiny shall once more scatter Few be they who will stand out faithful to thee." In spirit. Great the pressure and the tumult! Then was my horse killed under me: I sank; Drove horse and rider—and thus trod to pieces 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 WALLENSTEIN (stops and turns himself round). The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally. SCENE IV. SCENE-A Chamber in Piccolomini's Dwelling- 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. ISOLNAI (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, 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? 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. |