The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 42

_Butler._ Yes, the Duke Cares with a father's feelings for his troops; But how the Emperor feels for us, we see.

_Questenberg._ His cares and feelings all ranks share alike, Nor will he offer one up to another. 125

_Isolani._ And therefore thrusts he us into the deserts As beasts of prey, that so he may preserve His dear sheep fattening in his fields at home.

_Questenberg._ Count, this comparison you make, not I.

_Butler._ Why, were we all the Court supposes us, 130 'Twere dangerous, sure, to give us liberty.

_Questenberg._ You have taken liberty--it was not given you.

And therefore it becomes an urgent duty To rein it in with curbs.

_Octavio._ My n.o.ble friend, This is no more than a remembrancing 135 That you are now in camp, and among warriors.

The soldier's boldness const.i.tutes his freedom.

Could he act daringly, unless he dared Talk even so? One runs into the other.

The boldness of this worthy officer, [_pointing to BUTLER._ 140 Which now has but mistaken in its mark, Preserved, when nought but boldness could preserve it, To the Emperor his capital city, Prague, In a most formidable mutiny Of the whole garrison. [_Military music at a distance._ 145 Hah! here they come!

_Illo._ The sentries are saluting them: this signal Announces the arrival of the d.u.c.h.ess.

_Octavio._ Then my son Max too has returned. 'Twas he Fetched and attended them from Carnthen hither. 150

_Isolani (to Illo)._ Shall we not go in company to greet them?

_Illo._ Well, let us go.--Ho! Colonel Butler, come.

[_To OCTAVIO._

You'll not forget, that yet ere noon we meet The n.o.ble Envoy at the General's palace.

[_Exeunt all but QUESTENBERG and OCTAVIO._

FOOTNOTES:

[604:1] A town not far from the Mine-mountains, on the high road from Vienna to Prague.

LINENOTES:

[Before 1] _Octavio (still in the distance)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[After 4] [_Approaching nearer._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[17]

We honour in this n.o.ble visitor. [_Universal silence._

_Illo (moving towards Questenberg)._ 'Tis not, &c.

1817, 1828, 1829.

[21] _where_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[26] _supplicate_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[30] _compel_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 39] _Isolani (steps up to them)._ _1817_, _1828_, _1829_.

[51] _out_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[58] _you_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[80] _these_ 1800.

[81] _these_ 1800.

[87] _pare_ 1800.

[99] _me_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[100] _This was, &c._ 1800.

[120] _does_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[124] _His_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 129] _Questenberg (with a sneer)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[134] _Octavio (interposing and addressing Questenberg)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[138] _act_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 149] _Octavio (to Questenberg)._ 1817, 1828, 1829.

[149] _Max_ 1800.

SCENE III

_QUESTENBERG and OCTAVIO._

_Questenberg._ What have I not been forced to hear, Octavio!

What sentiments! what fierce, uncurbed defiance!

And were this spirit universal--

_Octavio._ Hm!

You are now acquainted with three-fourths of the army.