The Piccolomini: A Play

SCENE I.

      A large saloon lighted up with festal splendor; in the midst of it,
      and in the centre of the stage a table richly set out, at which
      eight generals are sitting, among whom are OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI,
      TERZKY, and MARADAS. Right and left of this, but further back, two
      other tables, at each of which six persons are placed. The middle
      door, which is standing open, gives to the prospect a fourth table
      with the same number of persons. More forward stands the sideboard.
      The whole front of the stage is kept open, for the pages and
      servants-in-waiting. All is in motion. The band of music belonging
      to TERZKY's regiment march across the stage, and draw up around the
      tables. Before they are quite off from the front of the stage, MAX.
      PICCOLOMINI appears, TERZKY advances towards him with a paper,
      ISOLANI comes up to meet him with a beaker, or service-cup.

      TERZKY, ISOLANI, MAX. PICCOLOMINI.

   ISOLANI.
   Here, brother, what we love! Why, where hast been?
   Off to thy place—quick! Terzky here has given
   The mother's holiday wine up to free booty.
   Here it goes on as at the Heidelberg castle.
   Already hast thou lost the best. They're giving
   At yonder table ducal crowns in shares;
   There Sternberg's lands and chattels are put up,
   With Eggenberg's, Stawata's, Lichtenstein's,
   And all the great Bohemian feudalities.
   Be nimble, lad! and something may turn up
   For thee, who knows? off—to thy place! quick! march!

   TIEFENBACH and GOETZ (call out from the second and third tables).
   Count Piccolomini!

   TERZKY.
   Stop, ye shall have him in an instant. Read
   This oath here, whether as 'tis here set forth,
   The wording satisfies you. They've all read it,
   Each in his turn, and each one will subscribe
   His individual signature.

   MAX. (reads).
   "Ingratis servire nefas."

   ISOLANI.
   That sounds to my ears very much like Latin,
   And being interpreted, pray what may it mean?

   TERZKY.
   No honest man will serve a thankless master.

   MAX. "Inasmuch as our supreme commander, the illustrious Duke of
   Friedland, in consequence of the manifold affronts and grievances which
   he has received, had expressed his determination to quit the emperor, but
   on our unanimous entreaty has graciously consented to remain still with
   the army, and not to part from us without our approbation thereof, so we,
   collectively and each in particular, in the stead of an oath personally
   taken, do, hereby oblige ourselves—likewise by him honorably and
   faithfully to hold, and in nowise whatsoever from him to part, and to be
   ready to shed for his interests the last drop of our blood, so far,
   namely, as our oath to the emperor will permit it. (These last words are
   repeated by ISOLANI.) In testimony of which we subscribe our names."

   TERZKY.
   Now! are you willing to subscribe to this paper?

   ISOLANI.
   Why should he not? All officers of honor
   Can do it, ay, must do it. Pen and ink here!

   TERZKY.
   Nay, let it rest till after meal.

   ISOLANI (drawing MAX. along).
                     Come, Max!

             [Both seat themselves at their table.