Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/138

OCTAVIO. (continuing.)

You are a stranger here—'twas but yesterday

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.)

Your oblig'd 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!

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.

OCTAVIO. (advancing still nearer.)

May I be permitted to ask what the business

was that detain'd you?—Tertsky knows it without
asking.

MAX.