The Piccolomini: A Play

OCTAVIO and MAX. as before. To then the VALET OF THE CHAMBER.

Octavio. How now, then?

Valet. A despatch is at the door.

Octavio. So early? From whom comes he then? Who is it?

Valet. That he refused to tell me.

Octavio. Lead him in: And, hark you--let it not transpire.

[Exit VALET: the CORNET steps in.

Octavio. Ha! cornet--is it you; and from Count Gallas? Give me your letters.

Cornet. The lieutenant-general Trusted it not to letters.

Octavio. And what is it?

Cornet. He bade me tell you--Dare I speak openly here?

Octavio. My son knows all.

Cornet. We have him.

Octavio. Whom?

Cornet. Sesina, The old negotiator.

Octavio. (eagerly) And you have him?

Cornet. In the Bohemian Forest Captain Mohrbrand Found and secured him yester-morning early. He was proceeding then to Regensburg, And on him were despatches for the Swede.

Octavio. And the despatches----

Cornet. The lieutenant-general Sent them that instant to Vienna, and The prisoner with them.

Octavio. This is, indeed, a tiding! That fellow is a precious casket to us, Enclosing weighty things. Was much found on him?

Cornet. I think, six packets, with Count Terzky's arms.

Octavio. None in the duke's own hand?

Cornet. Not that I know.

Octavio. And old Sesina.

Cornet. He was sorely frightened. When it was told him he must to Vienna; But the Count Altringer bade him take heart, Would he but make a full and free confession.

Octavio. Is Altringer then with your lord? I heard That he lay sick at Linz.

Cornet. These three days past He's with my master, the lieutenant-general, At Frauenburg. Already have they sixty Small companies together, chosen men; Respectfully they greet you with assurances, That they are only waiting your commands.

Octavio. In a few days may great events take place. And when must you return?

Cornet. I wait your orders.

Octavio. Remain till evening. [CORNET signifies his assent and obeisance, and is going. No one saw you--ha?

Cornet. No living creature. Through the cloister wicket The capuchins, as usual, let me in.

Octavio. Go, rest your limbs, and keep yourself concealed. I hold it probable that yet ere evening I shall despatch you. The development Of this affair approaches: ere the day, That even now is dawning in the heaven, Ere this eventful day hath set, the lot That must decide our fortunes will be drawn.

[Exit CORNET.