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 noble friend,
This is no more than a remembrancing [135]
That you are now in camp, and among warriors.
The soldier's boldness constitutes 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 Duchess.
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?