Butler. Because
He importuned me to remain behind.

Illo. And you?—You hold out firmly?
Noble Butler!

Butler. After the obligation which the Duke 50
Had laid so newly on me——

Illo. I had forgotten
A pleasant duty—Major-General,
I wish you joy!

Isolani. What, you mean, of his regiment?
I hear, too, that to make the gift still sweeter, 55
The Duke has given him the very same
In which he first saw service, and since then,
Worked himself, step by step, through each preferment,
From the ranks upwards. And verily, it gives
A precedent of hope, a spur of action 60
To the whole corps, if once in their remembrance
An old deserving soldier makes his way.

Butler. I am perplexed and doubtful, whether or no
I dare accept this your congratulation.
The Emperor has not yet confirmed the appointment. 65

Isolani. Seize it, friend! Seize it! The hand which in that post
Placed you, is strong enough to keep you there,
Spite of the Emperor and his Ministers!

Illo. Ay, if we would but so consider it!—
If we would all of us consider it so! [70]
The Emperor gives us nothing; from the Duke
Comes all—whate'er we hope, whate'er we have.

Isolani (to Illo). My noble brother! did I tell you how
The Duke will satisfy my creditors?
Will be himself my banker for the future, 75
[[603]] Make me once more a creditable man!—
And this is now the third time, think of that!
This kingly-minded man has rescued me
From absolute ruin, and restored my honour.

Illo. O that his power but kept pace with his wishes! 80
Why, friend! he'd give the whole world to his soldiers.
But at Vienna, brother! here's the grievance!—
What politic schemes do they not lay to shorten
His arm, and, where they can, to clip his pinions.
Then these new dainty requisitions! these, 85
Which this same Questenberg brings hither!—