Octavio. Two minutes. [40]
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? 45
Octavio. That is the case. The Prince-Duke is a traitor—
Means to lead over to the enemy
The Emperor's army.—Now, Count!—brief and full—
Say, will you break your oath to the Emperor?
Sell yourself to the enemy?—Say, will you? 50
Isolani. What mean you? I—I break my oath, d'ye say,
To his Imperial Majesty?
Did I say so?—When, when have I said that?
Octavio. You have not said it yet—not yet. This instant
I wait to hear, Count, whether you will say it. [55]
Isolani. Aye! that delights me now, that you yourself
Bear witness for me that I never said so.
Octavio. And you renounce the Duke then?
Isolani. If he's planning
Treason—why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.