n
Before thou hast convinced me--me myself.

OCTAVIO.
Is it possible? Still, after all thou know'st,
Canst thou believe still in his innocence?

MAX. (with enthusiasm).
Thy judgment may mistake; my heart cannot.
[Moderates his voice and manner.
These reasons might expound thy spirit or mine;
But they expound not Friedland--I have faith:
For as he knits his fortunes to the stars,
Even so doth he resemble them in secret,
Wonderful, still inexplicable courses!
Trust me, they do him wrong. All will be solved.
These smokes at once will kindle into flame--
The edges of this black and stormy cloud
Will brighten suddenly, and we shall view
The unapproachable glide out in splendor.

OCTAVIO.
I will await it.

SCENE II.

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.