Isolani. Why,—why—what! This is the Emperor's hand and seal! [Reads.
'Whereas the officers collectively
Throughout our army will obey the orders
Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini [35]
As from ourselves.'——Hem!—Yes! so!—Yes! yes!—
I—I give you joy, Lieutenant-General!
Octavio. And you submit you to the order?
Isolani. I——
But you have taken me so by surprise—
Time for reflection one must have——
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]