Part 168 (1/2)

How goes it with young Piccolomini!

TERZKY.

All right, I think. He has started no object.

ILLO.

He is the only one I fear about-- He and his father. Have an eye on both!

TERZKY.

How looks it at your table: you forget not To keep them warm and stirring?

ILLO.

Oh, quite cordial, They are quite cordial in the scheme. We have them And 'tis as I predicted too. Already It is the talk, not merely to maintain The duke in station. ”Since we're once for all Together and unanimous, why not,”

Says Montecuculi, ”ay, why not onward, And make conditions with the emperor There in his own Venice?” Trust me, count, Were it not for these said Piccolomini, We might have spared ourselves the cheat.

TERZEY.

And Butler?

How goes it there? Hus.h.!.+

SCENE IV.

To them enter BUTLER from a second table.

BUTLER.

Don't disturb yourselves; Field-marshal, I have understood you perfectly.

Good luck be to the scheme; and as to me, [With an air of mystery.

You may depend upon me.

ILLO (with vivacity).

May we, Butler?

BUTLER.

With or without the clause, all one to me!

You understand me! My fidelity The duke may put to any proof--I'm with him Tell him so! I'm the emperor's officer, As long as 'tis his pleasure to remain The emperor's general! and Friedland's servant, As soon as it shall please him to become His own lord.

TERZKY.

You would make a good exchange.

No stern economist, no Ferdinand, Is he to whom you plight your services.

BUTLER (with a haughty look).

I do not put up my fidelity To sale, Count Terzky! Half a year ago I would not have advised you to have made me An overture to that, to which I now Offer myself of my own free accord.

But that is past! and to the duke, field-marshal, I bring myself, together with my regiment.

And mark you, 'tis my humor to believe, The example which I give will not remain Without an influence.

ILLO.

Who is ignorant, That the whole army looks to Colonel Butler As to a light that moves before them?

BUTLER.

Ay?