The Piccolomini: A Play

QUESTENBERG, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI.

Questenberg. Alas! alas! and stands it so? [Then in pressing and impatient tones. What friend! and do we let him go away In this delusion--let him go away? Not call him back immediately, not open His eyes, upon the spot?

Octavio. (recovering himself out of a deep study) He has now opened mine, And I see more than pleases me.

Questenberg. What is it?

Octavio. Curse on this journey!

Questenberg. But why so? What is it?

Octavio. Come, come along, friend! I must follow up The ominous track immediately. Mine eyes Are opened now, and I must use them. Come!

[Draws QUESTENBERG on with him.

Questenberg. What now? Where go you then?

Octavio. To her herself.

Questenberg. To----

Octavio. (interrupting him and correcting himself) To the duke. Come, let us go 'Tis done, 'tis done, I see the net that is thrown over him. Oh! he returns not to me as he went.

Questenberg. Nay, but explain yourself.

Octavio. And that I should not Foresee it, not prevent this journey! Wherefore Did I keep it from him? You were in the right. I should have warned him. Now it is too late.

Questenberg. But what's too late? Bethink yourself, my friend, That you are talking absolute riddles to me.

Octavio. (more collected) Come I to the duke's. 'Tis close upon the hour Which he appointed you for audience. Come! A curse, a threefold curse, upon this journey!

[He leads QUESTENBERG off.