The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 27

'Tis only the like-minded can unite.

OCTAVIO.

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.

 

BUTLER.

His words were lost on _me_.

OCTAVIO.

It grieves me sorely, To hear it: for his counsel was most wise.

I had myself the like to offer.

BUTLER.

Spare Yourself the trouble--me th' embarra.s.sment, To have deserved so ill your good opinion.

OCTAVIO.

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?

BUTLER (_rises_).

His lot is mine.

OCTAVIO.

Is that your last resolve?

BUTLER.

It is.

OCTAVIO.

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.

BUTLER (_going_).

Any other Commands for me, Lieutenant-General?

OCTAVIO.

See your white hairs: recall that word!

BUTLER.

Farewell!

OCTAVIO.

What! Would you draw this good and gallant sword In such a cause? Into a curse would you Transform the grat.i.tude which you have earn'd By forty years' fidelity from Austria?

BUTLER (_laughing with bitterness_).

Grat.i.tude from the House of Austria!

[He is going.]

OCTAVIO (_permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him_).

Butler!

BUTLER.

What wish you?

OCTAVIO.

How was't with the Count?

BUTLER.

Count? what?

OCTAVIO (_coldly_).

The t.i.tle that you wish'd, I mean.

BUTLER (_starts in sudden pa.s.sion_).

h.e.l.l and d.a.m.nation!

OCTAVIO (_coldly_).

You pet.i.tion'd for it-- And your pet.i.tion was repelled--Was it so?

BUTLER.