OCTAVIO.
Of Hungary may safely join the army,
Is the command assign'd to me.
MAX.
Dost thou believe, that thou wilt tear it from him?
Oh, never hope it!—Father! father! father!
An inauspicious office is enjoin'd thee.
This paper here!—this! and wilt thou enforce it?
The mighty in the middle of his host,
Surrounded by his thousands, him would'st thou
Disarm—degrade! Thou art lost, both thou and all of us.
OCTAVIO.
In the great hand of God I stand. The Almighty
Will cover with his shield the Imperial house,
And shatter, in his wrath, the work of darkness.
The Emperor hath true servants still; and, even
Here in the camp, there are enough brave men
Who for the good cause will fight gallantly.
The faithful have been warn'd—the dangerous
Are closely watch'd. I wait but the first step,
And then immediately———
MAX.
Immediately?
OCTAVIO.
The deed alone he'll punish, not the wish.
