The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 62

_Goetz._ Yes, my Lady Countess understands these matters.

Her mother-in-law, heaven rest her soul, taught her!--Ah!

that was a housewife for you!

_Tiefenbach._ There was not her like in all Bohemia for setting out a table. 10

_Octavio (aside to Maradas)._ Do me the favour to talk to me--talk of what you will--or of nothing. Only preserve the appearance at least of talking. I would not wish to stand by myself, and yet I conjecture that there will be goings on here worthy of our attentive observation. 15

_Isolani (on the point of going)._ Lights! lights!

_Tertsky (advances with the paper to Isolani)._ n.o.ble brother!

two minutes longer!--Here is something to subscribe.

_Isolani._ Subscribe as much as you like--but you must excuse me from reading it. 20

_Tertsky._ There is no need. It is the oath which you have already read.--Only a few marks of your pen!

[_ISOLANI hands over the paper to OCTAVIO respectfully._

_Tertsky._ Nay, nay, first come first served. There is no precedence here.

[_OCTAVIO runs over the paper with apparent indifference.

TERTSKY watches him at some distance._

_Goetz (to Tertsky)._ n.o.ble Count! with your 25 permission--Good night.

_Tertsky._ Where's the hurry? Come, one other composing draught. (_To the Servants_)--Ho!

_Goetz._ Excuse me--an't able.

_Tertsky._ A thimble-full! 30

_Goetz._ Excuse me.

_Tiefenbach (sits down)._ Pardon me, n.o.bles!--This standing does not agree with me.

_Tertsky._ Consult only your own convenience, General!

_Tiefenbach._ Clear at head, sound in stomach--only my legs 35 won't carry me any longer.

_Isolani._ Poor legs! how should they? Such an unmerciful load!

[_OCTAVIO subscribes his name, and reaches over the paper to TERTSKY, who gives it to ISOLANI; and he goes to the table to sign his name._

_Tiefenbach._ 'Twas that war in Pomerania that first brought it on. Out in all weathers--ice and snow--no help for it.--I 40 shall never get the better of it all the days of my life.

_Goetz._ Why, in simple verity, your Swede makes no nice enquiries about the season.

_Tertsky (observing Isolani, whose hand trembles excessively, so that he can scarce direct his pen)._ Have you had that ugly complaint long, n.o.ble brother?--Dispatch it. 45

_Isolani._ The sins of youth! I have already tried the Chalybeate waters. Well--I must bear it.

[_TERTSKY gives the paper to MARADAS; he steps to the table to subscribe._

_Octavio (advancing to Butler)._ You are not over fond of the orgies of Bacchus, Colonel! I have observed it. You would, I think, find yourself more to your liking in the uproar of a battle, 50 than of a feast.

_Butler._ I must confess, 'tis not in my way.

_Octavio._ Nor in mine either, I can a.s.sure you; and I am not a little glad, my much honoured Colonel Butler, that we agree so well in our opinions. A half dozen good friends at most, 55 at a small round table, a gla.s.s of genuine Tokay, open hearts, and a rational conversation--that's my taste!

_Butler._ And mine too, when it can be had.

[_The paper comes to TIEFENBACH, who glances over it at the same time with GOETZ and KOLATTO. MARADAS in the mean time returns to OCTAVIO, all this takes place, the conversation with BUTLER proceeding uninterrupted._

_Octavio (introducing Maradas to Butler)._ Don Balthasar Maradas! likewise a man of our stamp, and long ago your admirer. 60

[_BUTLER bows._

_Octavio (continuing)._ You are a stranger here--'twas but yesterday you arrived--you are ignorant of the ways and means here. 'Tis a wretched place--I know, at our age, one loves to be snug and quiet--What if you moved your lodgings?--Come, be my visitor. (_BUTLER makes a low bow._) Nay, without 65 compliment!--For a friend like you, I have still a corner remaining.

_Butler._ Your obliged humble servant, my Lord Lieutenant-General!

[_The paper comes to BUTLER, who goes to the table to subscribe it. The front of the stage is vacant, so that both the PICCOLOMINIS, each on the side where he had been from the commencement of the scene, remain alone._

_Octavio (after having some time watched his son in silence, advances somewhat nearer to him)._ You were long absent from us, friend! 70

_Max._ I----urgent business detained me.

_Octavio._ And, I observe, you are still absent!

_Max._ You know this crowd and bustle always makes me silent. 75

_Octavio._ May I be permitted to ask what business 'twas that detained you? Tertsky knows it without asking!

_Max._ What does Tertsky know?

_Octavio._ He was the only one who did not miss you.

_Isolani._ Well done, father! Rout out his baggage! Beat 80 up his quarters! there is something there that should not be.

_Tertsky (with the paper)._ Is there none wanting? Have the whole subscribed?

_Octavio._ All.

_Tertsky (calling aloud)._ Ho! Who subscribes? 85

_Butler (to Tertsky)._ Count the names. There ought to be just thirty.

_Tertsky._ Here is a cross.