The Duke may put to any proof—I'm with him!
Tell him so! I'm the Emperor's officer,
As long as 'tis his pleasure to remain
The Emperor's General! and Friedland's servant,
As soon as it shall please him to become
His own lord.
TERTSKY.
No stern economist, no Ferdinand,
Is he to whom you plight your services.
BUTLER (with a haughty look)
To sale, Count Tertsky! Half a year ago
I would not have advised you to have made me
An overture to that, to which I now
Offer myself of my own free accord.—
But that is past! and to the Duke, Field Marshal,
I bring myself, together with my regiment.
And mark you, 'tis my humour to believe,
The example which I give will not remain
Without an influence.
ILLO.
That the whole army looks to Colonel Butler,
As to a light that moves before them?
BUTLER.
Then I repent me not of that fidelity
Which for the length of forty years I held,
If in my sixtieth year my good old name
Can purchase for me a revenge so full.
