Illo. How so? Do you know——

Isolani. Max Piccolomini here?—O bring me to him. [25]
I see him yet, ('tis now ten years ago,
We were engaged with Mansfeld hard by Dessau)
I see the youth, in my mind's eye I see him,
Leap his black war-horse from the bridge adown,
And t'ward his father, then in extreme peril, 30
Beat up against the strong tide of the Elbe.
The down was scarce upon his chin! I hear
He has made good the promise of his youth,
And the full hero now is finished in him.

Illo. You'll see him yet ere evening. He conducts 35
The Duchess Friedland hither, and the Princess[601:1]
From Carnthen. We expect them here at noon.

Butler. Both wife and daughter does the Duke call hither?
He crowds in visitants from all sides.

Isolani. Hm!
So much the better! I had framed my mind 40
[[602]] To hear of nought but warlike circumstance,
Of marches, and attacks, and batteries:
And lo! the Duke provides, that something too
Of gentler sort, and lovely, should be present
To feast our eyes. [45]

Illo (aside to Butler). And how came you to know
That the Count Galas joins us not?

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!