Scene II

Enter Octavio Piccolomini and Questenberg.

Octavio. Ay, ay! more still! Still more new visitors!
Acknowledge, friend! that never was a camp,
Which held at once so many heads of heroes.
Welcome, Count Isolani!

Isolani. My noble brother,
Even now am I arrived; it had been else my duty— 5

Octavio. And Colonel Butler—trust me, I rejoice
Thus to renew acquaintance with a man
Whose worth and services I know and honour.
See, see, my friend!
[[604]] There might we place at once before our eyes 10
The sum of war's whole trade and mystery— [To Questenberg, presenting Butler and Isolani at the same time to him.
These two the total sum—Strength and Dispatch.

Questenberg (to Octavio). And lo! betwixt them both experienced Prudence!

Octavio (presenting Questenberg to Butler and Isolani). The Chamberlain and War-commissioner Questenberg,
The bearer of the Emperor's behests, [15]
The long-tried friend and patron of all soldiers,
We honour in this noble visitor.

Illo. 'Tis not the first time, noble Minister,
You have shewn our camp this honour.

Questenberg. Once before,
I stood before these colours. [20]

Illo. Perchance too you remember where that was.
It was at Znäim[604:1] in Moravia, where
You did present yourself upon the part
Of the Emperor, to supplicate our Duke
That he would straight assume the chief command. [25]