Max. What callest thou such a step? A wicked step
Ne'er will he take; but thou mightest easily,
Yea, thou hast done it, misinterpret him.

Octavio. Nay, howsoever punishable were
Duke Friedland's purposes, yet still the steps 305
Which he hath taken openly, permit
A mild construction. It is my intention
To leave this paper wholly uninforced
Till some act is committed which convicts him
Of a high-treason, without doubt or plea, 310
And that shall sentence him.

Max. But who the judge?

Octavio. Thyself.

Max. For ever, then, this paper will lie idle.

Octavio. Too soon, I fear, its powers must all be proved.
After the counter-promise of this evening, [315]
It cannot be but he must deem himself
Secure of the majority with us;
[[681]] And of the army's general sentiment
He hath a pleasing proof in that petition
Which thou delivered'st to him from the regiments. [320]
Add this too—I have letters that the Rhinegrave
Hath changed his route, and travels by forced marches
To the Bohemian Forest. What this purports,
Remains unknown; and, to confirm suspicion,
This night a Swedish nobleman arrived here. 325

Max. I have thy word. Thou'lt not proceed to action
Before thou hast convinced me—me myself.

Octavio. Is it possible? Still, after all thou know'st,
Canst thou believe still in his innocence?

Max. Thy judgment may mistake; my heart can not. [330]
These reasons might expound thy spirit or mine;
But they expound not Friedland—I have faith:
For as he knits his fortunes to the stars,
Even so doth he resemble them in secret,
Wonderful, still inexplicable courses! 335
Trust me, they do him wrong. All will be solved.
These smokes, at once, will kindle into flame—
The edges of this black and stormy cloud
Will brighten suddenly, and we shall view
The Unapproachable glide out in splendour. 340

Octavio. I will await it.