# Wallenstein/The Piccolomini/A2S13

SCENE XIII.
(Octavio Piccolomini enters in conversation
with Maradas, and both place themselves
quite on the edge of the stage on one
side of the proscenium. On the side directly
opposite. Max. Piccolomini, by himself
lost in thought, and taking no part in any
thing that is going forward. The middle
space between both, but rather more distant
from the edge of the stage, is filled up by
Butler, Isolani, Goetz, Tiefenbach, and Kolatto.)
ISOLANI (while the company is coming forward.)
lieutenant-General! I should rather say, good morning.
GOETZ. (to Tiefenbach.)
after meals).
TIEFENBACH.
GOETZ.
Her mother-in-law, heaven rest her soul,
taught her!—Ah! that was a housewife for you!
TIEFENBACH.
out a table.
OCTAVIO (aside to Maradas.)
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. (He continues to fix his eye on the whole following scene.)
ISOLANI. (on the point of going.)
TERTSKY. (advances with the paper to Isolani.)
something to subscribe.
ISOLANI.
TERTSKY.
have already read.—Only a few marks of your pen! (Isolani hands over the paper to Octavio, respectfully.)
TERTSKY.
precedence here. (Octavio runs over the paper with apparent indifference. Tertsky watches him at some distance.}
GOETZ (to Tertsky.)
night.
TERTSKY.
draught. (to the servants).—Ho!
GOETZ.
TERTSKY.
GOETZ.
TIEFENBACH. (sits down.)
agree with me.
TERTSKY.
TIEFENBACH.
won't carry me any longer.
ISOLANI. (pointing at his corpulence)
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.
it on. Out in all weathers—ice and snow—no help for it. I shall never get the better of it all the
days of my life.
GOETZ.
nice inquiries about the season.
TERTSKY. (observing Isolani, whose hand trembles
pen). Have you had that ugly complaint
long, noble brother?—Despatch it.
ISOLANI.
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).
Colonel! I have observed it. You would, I think, find yourself more to your liking in the uproar of a battle than of a feast.
BUTLER.
OCTAVIO. (stepping nearer to him friendlily.)
not a little glad, my much honoured Colonel
Butler, that we agree so well in our opinions. A
half-dozen good friends at most, at a small round
table, a glass of genuine Tokay, open hearts, and a rational conversation—that's my taste!
BUTLER.
paper comes to Tiefenbach, who glances over it at the same time with Goetz and Kolatto. Maradas in the meantime returns to Octavio, all this takes places, the conversation with Butler proceeding uninterrupted.)
OCTAVIO. (introducing Madaras to Butler.)
stamp, and long ago your admirer. (Butler bows)
OCTAVIO. (continuing.)
you arriv'd—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 move your lodgings?—Come, be my visitor. (Butler makes a low bow.) Nay, without compliment!—For a friend like you I have still a corner remaining.
BUTLER. (coldly.)
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
to him.) You were long absent from us, friend!
MAX.
OCTAVIO.
MAX.
OCTAVIO. (advancing still nearer.)
was that detain'd you?—Tertsky knows it without asking.
MAX.
OCTAVIO.
ISOLANI. (who has been attending to them for some distance steps up.) Well done, father!
Rout out his baggage! Beat up his quarters! There is something there that should not be.
TERTSKY. (with the paper.)
OCTAVIO.
TERTSKY. (calling aloud.)
BUTLER (to Tertsky.)
TERTSKY.
TIEFENBACH.
ISOLANI.
and is honor'd by Jews as well as Christians.
OCTAVIO. (presses on to Max.)
TERTSKY.
ISOLANI. (pointing to Max.)
has had neither eye, ear, nor tongue for us the whole evening. ( Max. receives the paper from
Tertsky, which he looks upon vacantly.)