MAX. (in excessive agitation)
OCTAVIO.
What I, 'tis true, had long before discovered
By other means—himself confided to me,
That 'twas his settl'd plan to join the Swedes;
And, at the head of the united armies,
Compel the Emperor———
MAX.
The Court has stung him—he is sore all over
With injuries and affronts; and in a moment
Of irritation, what if he, for once,
Forgot himself? He's an impetuous man.
OCTAVIO.
And having construed my astonishment
Into a scruple of his power, he shew'd me
His written evidences—shew'd me letters,
Both from the Saxon and the Swede, that gave
Promise of aidance, and defin'd th' amount.
MAX.
Dost thou not see, it cannot!
Thou wouldest of necessity have shewn him
Such horror, such deep loathing—that or he
Had tak'n thee for his better genius, or
Thou stood'st not now a living man before me—
OCTAVIO.
Dissuaded him with pressing earnestness;
