Schiller Collection - Wallenstein

8/2/2019 Schiller Collection - Wallenstein

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/schiller-collection-wallenstein 1/247

THEWALLENSTEINTRILOGY

THECAMPOFWALLENSTEIN

ByFrederichSchiller

TranslatedbyJamesChurchill.

TheCampofWallensteinisanintroductiontothecelebratedtragedyofthatname;and,byitsvividportraitureofthestateofthegeneral'sarmy,givesthebestcluetothespellofhisgiganticpower.Theblindbeliefentertainedintheunfailingsuccessofhisarms,andinthesupernaturalagenciesbywhichthatsuccessissecuredtohim;theunrestrainedindulgenceofeverypassion,andutterdisregardofalllaw,

savethatofthecamp;ahardoppressionofthepeasantryandplunderofthecountry,haveallswollenthesoldierywithanideaofinterminablesway.Butaswehavetranslatedthewhole,weshallleavetheserecklessmarauderstospeakforthemselves.

OfSchiller'sopinionconcerningtheCamp,asanecessaryintroductiontothetragedy,thefollowingpassagetakenfromtheprologuetothefirstrepresentation,willgiveajustidea,andmayalsoserveasamottotothework:--

"Notheitis,whoonthetragicsceneWillnowappear--butinthefearlessbandsWhomhiscommandalonecouldsway,andwhom

Hisspiritfired,youmayhisshadowsee,UntilthebashfulMuseshalldaretobringHimselfbeforeyouinalivingform;ForpoweritwasthatborehisheartastrayHisCamp,alone,elucidateshiscrime."

THECAMPOFWALLENSTEIN.

DRAMATISPERSONAE.

Sergeant-Major|ofaregimentofRecruit.Trumpeter|Terzky'scarabineers.Citizen.Artilleryman,Peasant.Sharpshooters.PeasantBoy.MountedYagers,ofHolk'scorps.Capuchin.Dragoons,ofButler'sregiment.RegimentalSchoolmaster.Arquebusiers,ofTiefenbach'sregiment.Sutler-Woman.Cuirassier,ofaWalloonregiment.ServantGirl.Cuirassier,ofaLombardregiment.Soldiers'Boys.



Croats.Musicians.Hulans.

(SCENE.--TheCampbeforePilsen,inBohemia.)

SCENEI.

Sutlers'tents--infront,aSlop-shop.Soldiersofallcolorsanduniformsthrongingabout.Tablesallfilled.CroatsandHulanscookingatafire.Sutler-womanservingoutwine.Soldier-boysthrowingdiceonadrum-head.Singingheardfromthetent.

EnteraPeasantandhisSon.

SON.Father,Ifearitwillcometoharm,Soletusbeofffromthissoldierswarm;Butboist'rousmateswillyefindintheshoal--'Twerebettertoboltwhileourskinsarewhole.

FATHER.Hownow,boy!thefellowswonteatus,though

Theymaybealittleunruly,orso.See,yonder,arrivingastrangertrain,FreshcomersaretheyfromtheSaalandMayne;Muchbootytheybringoftherarestsort--'Tisours,ifwecleverlydriveoursport.Acaptain,whofellbyhiscomrade'ssword,Thispairofsuredicetometransferred;To-dayI'lljustgivethematrialtoseeIftheirknack'sasgoodasitusedtobe.Youmustplaythepartofapitifuldevil,Fortheseroaringrogues,whosolooselyrevel,Areeasilysmoothed,andtricked,andflattered,And,freeasitcame,theirgoldisscattered.

Butwe--sincebybushelsourallistaken,Byspoonfulsmustladleitbackagain;And,ifwiththeirswordstheyslashsohighly,Wemustlooksharp,boy,anddothemslyly.

[Singingandshoutinginthetent.

Hark,howtheyshout!Godhelptheday!'Tisthepeasant'shidefortheirsportmustpay.EightmonthsinourbedsandstallshavetheyBeenswarminghere,untilfararoundNotabirdorabeastislongerfound,Andthepeasant,toquiethiscravingmaw,

Hasnothingnowleftbuthisbonestognaw.Ne'erwerewecrushedwithaheavierhand,WhentheSaxonwaslordingito'ertheland:AndthesearetheEmperor'stroops,theysay!

SON.Fromthekitchenacouplearecomingthisway,Notmuchshallwemakebysuchbladesasthey.

FATHER.



They'rebornBohemianknaves--thetwo--BelongingtoTerzky'scarabineers,Who'velaininthesequartersnowforyears;Theworstaretheyoftheworthlesscrew.Strutting,swaggering,proudandvain,TheyseemtothinktheymaywelldisdainWiththepeasantaglassofhiswinetodrainBut,soft--tothelefto'thefireIseeThreeriflemen,whofromtheTyrolshouldbeEmmerick,come,boy,tothemwillwe.Birdsofthisfeather'tislucktofind,Whosetrim'ssospruce,andtheirpursewelllined.

[Theymovetowardsthetent.

SCENEII.

Theabove--Sergeant-Major,Trumpeter,Hulan.

TRUMPETER.Whatwouldtheboor?Out,rascal,away!

PEASANT.Somevictualsanddrink,worthymasters,Ipray,Fornotawarmmorselwe'vetastedtoday.

TRUMPETER.Ay,guzzleandguttle--'tisalwaystheway.

HULAN(withaglass).Notbrokenyourfast!there--drink,yehound!

Heleadsthepeasanttothetent--theotherscomeforward.

SERGEANT(totheTrumpeter).

Thinkyethey'vedoneitwithoutgoodground?Isitlikelytheydoubleourpayto-day,Merelythatwemaybejollyandgay?

TRUMPETER.Why,theduchessarrivesto-day,weknow,Andherdaughtertoo--

SERGEANT.Tush!that'smereshow--'TisthetroopscollectedfromotherlandsWhohereatPilsenhavejoinedourbands--Wemustdothebestwecant'allure'em,

Withplentifulrations,andthussecure'em.Wheresuchabundantfaretheyfind,Acloserleaguewithustobind.

TRUMPETER.Yes!--there'ssomethinginthewind.

SERGEANT.Thegeneralsandcommanderstoo--



TRUMPETER.Aratherominoussight,'tistrue.

SERGEANT.Who'remettogethersothicklyhere--

TRUMPETER.Haveplentyofworkontheirhands,that'sclear.

SERGEANT.Thewhisperingandsendingtoandfro--

TRUMPETER.Ay!Ay!

SERGEANT.Thebig-wigfromVienna,Itrow,Whosinceyesterday'sseentoprowlaboutInhisgoldenchainofofficethere--Something'satthebottomofthis,I'llswear.

TRUMPETER.Abloodhoundishebeyondadoubt,Bywhomtheduke'stobehuntedout.

SERGEANT.Markyewell,man!--theydoubtusnow,Andtheyfeartheduke'smysteriousbrow;Hehathclombtoohighforthem,andfainWouldtheybeathimdownfromhisperchagain.

TRUMPETER.Butwewillholdhimstillonhigh--ThatallwouldthinkasyouandI!

SERGEANT.Ourregiment,andtheotherfour

WhichTerzkyleads--thebravestcorpsThroughoutthecamp,aretheGeneral'sown,AndhavebeentrainedtothetradebyhimselfaloneTheofficersholdtheircommandofhim,Andareallhisown,orforlifeorlimb.

SCENEIII.

EnterCroatwithanecklace.Sharpshooterfollowinghim.Theabove.

SHARPSHOOTER.Croat,wherestoleyouthatnecklace,say?Getridofitman--forthee'tisunmeet:Come,takethesepistolsinchange,Ipray.

CROAT.Nay,nay,MasterShooter,you'retryingtocheat.

SHARPSHOOTER.ThenI'llgiveyouthisfinebluecapaswell,



AlotteryprizewhichjustI'vewon:Lookatthecutofit--quitetheswell!

CROAT(twirlingtheNecklaceintheSun).Butthisisofpearlsandofgarnetsbright,See,howitplaysinthesunnylight!

SHARPSHOOTER(takingtheNecklace).Well,I'llgiveyoutoboot,myowncanteen--I'minlovewiththisbauble'sbeautifulsheen.[Looksatit.

TRUMPETER.See,now!--howcleanlytheCroatisdoneSnacks!MasterShooter,andmum'stheword.

CROAT(havingputonthecap).Ithinkyourcapisasmartishone.

SHARPSHOOTER(winkingtotheTrumpeter).'Tisaregularswop,asthesegentshaveheard.

SCENEIV.

Theabove.AnArtilleryman.

ARTILLERYMAN(totheSergeant).HowisthisIpray,brothercarabineer?Shallwelongerstayhere,ourfingerswarming,Whilethefoeinthefieldaroundisswarming?

SERGEANT.Artthou,indeed,insuchhastyfret?Whytheroads,asIthink,arescarcepassableyet.

ARTILLERYMAN.Formetheyarenot--I'msnugenoughhere--Butacourier'scome,ourwitstowakenWiththepreciousnewsthatRatisbon'staken.

TRUMPETER.Ha!thenwesoonshallhaveworkinhand.

SERGEANT.Indeed!toprotecttheBavarian'sland,Whohatestheduke,asweunderstand,Wewon'tputourselvesinaviolentsweat.

ARTILLERYMAN.Heyday!--you'llfindyou'reawiseacreyet.

SCENEV.

Theabove--TwoYagers.AfterwardsSutler-woman,Soldier-boy,Schoolmaster,Servant-girl.



FIRSTYAGER.See!see!Heremeetweajovialcompany!

TRUMPETER.Whocanthesegreencoatsbe,Iwonder,Thatstrutsogayandsprucelyyonder!

SERGEANT.They'retheYagersofHolk--andthelacetheywear,I'llbesworn,wasne'erpurchasedatLeipzigfair.

SUTLER-WOMAN(bringingwine).Welcome,goodsirs!

FIRSTYAGER.Zounds,hownow?GustelofBlasewitzhere,Ivow!

SUTLER-WOMAN.Thesameinsooth--andyouIknow,ArethelankyPeterofItzeho:WhoatGlueckstadtonce,inrevellingnight,Withthewagsofourregiment,puttoflight

Allhisfather'sshiners--thencrownedthefun--

FIRSTYAGER.Bychanginghispenforarifle-gun.

SUTLER-WOMAN.We'reoldacquaintance,then,'tisclear.

FIRSTYAGER.AndtothinkweshouldmeetinBohemiahere!

SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh,hereto-day--to-morrowyonder--

Astherudewar-broom,inrestlesstrace,Scattersandsweepsusfromplacetoplace.MeanwhileI'vebeendoomedfarroundtowander.

FIRSTYAGER.Soonewouldthink,bythelookofyourface.

SUTLER-WOMAN.UpthecountryI'verambledtoTemsewar,WhitherIwentwiththebaggage-car,WhenMansfeldbeforeuswechasedaway;WiththedukenearStralsundnextwelay,Wheretradewentalltopot,Imaysay.

IjoggedwiththesuccorstoMantua;Andbackagaincame,underFeria:Then,joiningaSpanishregiment,ItookashortcutacrosstoGhent;AndnowtoBohemiaI'mcometogetOldscorespaidoff,thatarestandingyet,Ifahelpinghandbythedukebelent--Andyonderyouseemysutler'stent.

FIRSTYAGER.



Well,allthingsseeminaflourishingway,ButwhathaveyoudonewiththeScotchman,say,Whoonceinthecampwasyourconstantflame?

SUTLER-WOMAN.Avillain,whotrickedmeclean,thatsameHebolted,andtooktohimselfwhate'erI'dmanagedtoscrapetogether,orspare,Leavingmenaughtbuttheurchinthere.

SOLDIER-BOY(springingforward).Mother,isitmypapayouname?

FIRSTYAGER.Well,theemperornowmustfatherthiself,Forthearmymusteverrecruititself.

SCHOOLMASTER.Forthtotheschool,yerogue--d'yehear?

FIRSTYAGER.He,too,ofanarrowroomhasfear.

SERVANTGIRL(entering).

Aunt,they'llbeoff.

SUTLER-WOMAN.Icomeapace.

FIRSTYAGER.Whatgypsyisthatwiththeroguishface?

SUTLER-WOMAN.Mysister'schildfromthesouth,isshe.

FIRSTYAGER.Ay,ay,asweetlittleniece--Isee.

SECONDYAGER(holdingthegirl).Softly,myprettyone!staywithme.

GIRL.Thecustomerswait,sir,andImustgo.[Disengagesherself,andexit.

FIRSTYAGER.Thatmaiden'sadaintymorsel,Itrow!Andheraunt--byheaven!Imindmewell,--Whenthebestoftheregimentlovedherso,Toblowsforherbeautifulfacetheyfell.

Whatdifferentfolksone'sdoomedtoknow!Howtimeglowsoffwithaceaselessflow!Andwhatsightsasyetwemaylivetosee!(TotheSergeantandTrumpeter.)Yourhealth,goodsirs,maywebefree,Aseatbesideyouheretotake?

SCENEVI.



TheYagers,Sergeant,andTrumpeter.

SERGEANT.Wethankye--androomwillgladlymake.ToBohemiawelcome.

FIRSTYAGER.Snugenoughhere!Inthelandofthefoeourquarterswerequeer.

TRUMPETER.Youhaven'tthelookon't--you'resprucetoview.

SERGEANT.Ay,faith,ontheSaal,andinMeissen,too,Yourpraisesareheardfromthelipsoffew.

SECONDYAGER.Tush,man!why,whattheplagued'yemean?TheCroathadsweptthefieldssoclean,Therewaslittleornothingforustoglean.

TRUMPETER.

Yetyourpointedcollariscleanandsightly,And,then,yourhosethatsitsotightly!Yourlinensofine,withthehatandfeather,Makeashowofsmartnessaltogether!(ToSergeant.)Thatfortuneshoulduponyounkersshine--Whilenothinginyourwaycomes,ormine.

SERGEANT.Butthenwe'retheFriedlander'sregimentAnd,thus,mayhonorandhomageclaim.

FIRSTYAGER.

Forus,now,that'snogreatcompliment,We,also,beartheFriedlander'sname.

SERGEANT.True--youformpartofthegeneralmass.

FIRSTYAGER.Andyou,Isuppose,areaseparateclass!Thedifferenceliesinthecoatswewear,AndIhavenowishtochangewithyouthere.

SERGEANT.SirYager,Ican'tbutwithpitymelt,

WhenIthinkhowmuchamongboorsyou'vedwelt.Thecleverknackandthepropertone,Arecaughtbythegeneral'ssidealone.

FIRSTYAGER.Thenthelessoniswofullythrownaway,--Howhehawksandspits,indeed,ImaysayYou'vecopiedandcaughtinthecleverestway;Buthisspirit,hisgenius--oh,theseIween,Onyourguardparadearebutseldomseen.



SECONDYAGER.Why,zounds!askforuswhereveryouwill,Friedland'swildhuntisourtitlestill!Nevershamingthename,allundauntedwegoAlikethroughthefieldofafriend,orafoe;Throughtherisingstalk,ortheyellowcorn,WellknowtheytheblastofHolk'sYagerhorn.Intheflashofaneye,wearefarornear,Swiftasthedeluge,orthereorhere--Asatmidnightdark,whentheflamesoutbreakInthesilentdwellingwherenoneawake;Vainisthehopeinweaponsorflight,Norordernordisciplinethwartitsmight.Thenstrugglesthemaidinoursinewyarms,Butwarhathnopity,andscornsalarms.Go,ask--Ispeaknotwithboastfultongue--InBareuth,Westphalia,Voigtland,where'erOurtroopshavetraversed--go,askthemthere--Childrenandchildren'schildrenlong,Whenhundredsandhundredsofyearsareo'er,OfHolkwilltellandhisYagercorps.

SERGEANT.

Why,hark!MustasoldierthenbemadeBydrivingthisriotous,roaringtrade!'Tisdrillingthatmakeshim,skillandsense--Perception--thought--intelligence.

FIRSTYAGER.'Tislibertymakeshim!Here'safuss!ThatIshouldsuchtwaddleasthisdiscuss.WasitforthisthatIlefttheschool?Thatthescribblingdesk,andtheslavishrule,Andthenarrowwalls,thatourspiritscramp,Shouldbemetwithagaininthemidstofthecamp?No!Idleandheedless,I'lltakemyway,

Huntingfornoveltyeveryday;Trusttothemomentwithdauntlessmind,Andgivenotaglanceorbeforeorbehind.ForthistotheemperorIsoldmyhide,ThatnoothercareImighthavetobide.Throughthefoe'sfiercefiringbidmeride,ThroughfathomlessRhine,inhisroaringflow,Whereev'rythirdmantothedevilmaygo,Atnobarwillyoufindmebogglingthere;But,fartherthanthis,'tismyspecialprayer,ThatImaynotbebotheredwithaughtlikecare.

SERGEANT.

Ifthisbeyourwish,youneedn'tlackit,'Tisgrantedtoallwiththesoldier'sjacket.

FIRSTYAGER.Whatafussandabother,forsooth,wasmadeBythatman-tormentor,Gustavus,theSwede,Whosecampwasachurch,whereprayersweresaidAtmorningreveilleandeveningtattoo;And,wheneveritchancedthatwefriskygrew,Asermonhimselffromthesaddlehe'dread.



SERGEANT.Ay,thatwasamanwiththefearofGod.

FIRSTYAGER.Girlshedetested;andwhat'sratherodd,Ifcaughtwithawenchyouinwedlockweretacked,--Icouldstanditnolonger,sooffIpacked.

SERGEANT.Theirdisciplinenowhasatrifleslacked.

FIRSTYAGER.Well,nexttotheLeagueIrodeover;theirmenWeremusteringinhasteagainstMagdeburgthen.Ha!thatwasanotherguesssortofathing!Infrolicandfunwe'dagloriousswing;Withgaming,anddrinking,andgirlsatcall,I'faith,sirs,oursportwasbynomeanssmall.ForTillyknewhowtocommand,that'splain;Heheldhimselfinbutgaveustherein;And,longashehadn'tthebotherofpaying,"Liveandletlive!"wasthegeneral'ssaying.Butfortunesoongavehimtheslip;andne'er

SincethedayofthatvillanousLeipzigaffairWouldaughtgoaright.'TwasoflittleavailThatwetried,forourplansweresuretofail.Ifnowwedrewnighandrappedatthedoor,Nogreetingawaited,'twasopenednomore;Fromplacetoplacewewentsneakingabout,Andfoundthattheirstockofrespectwasout;ThentouchedItheSaxonbounty,andthoughtTheirservicewithfortunemustneedsbefraught.

SERGEANT.YoujoinedthemthenjustinthenicktoshareBohemia'splunder?

FIRSTYAGER.I'dsmallluckthere.Strictdisciplinesternlyruledtheday,Nordaredweafoeman'sforcedisplay;Theysetustoguardtheimperialforts,Andplaguedusallwiththefarceofthecourts.Wartheywagedasajest'twerethought--Andbuthalfahearttothebusinessbrought,Theywouldbreakwithnone;andthus'twasplainSmallhonoramongthemcouldasoldiergain.SoheartilysickintheendgrewIThatmymindwasthedeskagaintotry;

Whensuddenly,rattlingnearandfar,TheFriedlander'sdrumwasheardtowar.

SERGEANT.Andhowlongheremayyoumeantostay?

FIRSTYAGER.Youjest,man.Solongashebearsthesway,Bymysoul!notathoughtofchangehaveI;Wherebetterthanherecouldthesoldierlie?



Herethetruefashionofwarisfound,Andthecutofpower'sonallthingsround;Whilethespiritwherebythemovement'sgivenMightilystirs,likethewindsofheaven,Themeanesttrooperinallthethrong.WithaheartystepshallItrampalongOnaburgher'sneckasundauntedtreadAsourgeneraldoesontheprince'shead.As'twasinthetimesofold'tisnow,Theswordisthesceptre,andallmustbow.OnecrimealonecanIunderstand,Andthat'stoopposethewordofcommand.What'snotforbiddentodomakebold,Andnonewillaskyouwhatcreedyouhold.OfjusttwothingsinthisworldIwot,Whatbelongstothearmyandwhatdoesnot,Tothebanneraloneismyservicebrought.

SERGEANT.Thus,Yager,Ilikethee--thouspeakest,Ivow,WiththetoneofaFriedlandtroopernow.

FIRSTYAGER.'Tisnotasanofficeheholdscommand,

Orapowerreceivedfromtheemperor'shand;Fortheemperor'sservicewhatshouldhecare,Whatbetterforhimdoestheemperorfare?Withthemightypowerhewieldsatwill,Haseverheshelteredthelandfromill?No;asoldier-kingdomheseekstoraise,Andforthiswouldsettheworldinablaze,Daringtoriskandtocompassall--

TRUMPETER.Hush--whoshallsuchwordsastheseletfall?

FIRSTYAGER.

WhateverIthinkmaybesaidbyme,Forthegeneraltellsusthewordisfree.

SERGEANT.True--thathesaidsoIfullyagree,Iwasstandingby."Thewordisfree--Thedeedisdumb--obedienceblind!"HisverywordsIcancalltomind.

FIRSTYAGER.Iknownotifthesewerehiswordsorno,Buthesaidthething,and'tisevenso.

SECONDYAGER.Victoryne'erwillhisflagforsake,Thoughshe'saptfromothersaturntotake:OldTillyoutlivedhisfame'sdecline,ButunderthebannerofWallenstein,ThereamIcertainthatvictory'smine!Fortuneisspell-boundtohim,andmustyield;Whoe'erunderFriedlandshalltakethefieldIssureofasupernaturalshield:For,asalltheworldisawarefullwell,



Thedukehasadevilinhirefromhell.

SERGEANT.Intruththathe'scharmedispastadoubt,Forweknowhow,atLuetzen'sbloodyaffair,Wherefiringwasthickesthestillwasthere,Ascoollyasmightbe,sirs,ridingabout.Thehatonhisheadwasshotthro'andthro',IncoatandbootsthebulletsthatflewLefttracesfullcleartoallmen'sview;Butnonegotsofarastoscratchoffhisskin,Fortheointmentofhellwastoowellrubbedin.

FIRSTYAGER.Whatwonderssostrangecanyouallseethere?Anelk-skinjackethehappenstowear,Andthroughitthebulletscanmakenoway.

SERGEANT.'Tisanointmentofwitches'herbs,Isay,Kneadedandcookedbyunholyspell.

TRUMPETER.Nodoubt'tistheworkofthepowersofhell.

SERGEANT.Thathereadsinthestarswealsohear,Wherethefuturehesees--distantornear--ButIknowbetterthetruthofthecaseAlittlegrayman,atthedeadofnight,Throughbolteddoorstohimwillpace--Thesentinelsofthavehailedthesight,Andsomethinggreatwassuretobenigh,Whenthislittlegray-coathadglidedby.

FIRSTYAGER.Ay,ay,he'ssoldhimselftothedevil,

Wherefore,mylads,let'sfeastandrevel.

SCENEVII.

Theabove--Recruit,Citizen,Dragoon.

(TheRecruitadvancesfromthetent,wearingatincaponhishead,andcarryingawine-flask.)

RECRUIT.Tofatherandunclepraymakemybow,

Andbid'emgood-by--I'masoldiernow.

FIRSTYAGER.See,yonderthey'rebringingussomethingnew,

CITIZEN.Oh,Franz,remember,thisdayyou'llrue.

RECRUIT(sings).Thedrumandthefife,



War'srattlingthrong,AndawanderinglifeTheworldalong!Swiftsteed--andahandTocurbandcommand--Withabladebytheside,We'reofffarandwide.Asjollyandfree,Asthefinchinitsglee,Onthicketortree,Underheaven'swidehollow--Hurrah!fortheFriedlander'sbannerI'llfollow!

SECONDYAGER.Foregad!ajollycompanion,though.

[Theysalutehim.

CITIZEN.Hecomesofgoodkin;nowpraylethimgo.

FIRSTYAGER.Andwewern'tfoundinthestreetsyoumustknow.

CITIZEN.Itellyouhiswealthisaplentifulstock;Justfeelthefinestuffthathewearsforafrock.

TRUMPETER.Theemperor'scoatisthebesthecanwear.

CITIZEN.Toacapmanufactoryheistheheir.

SECONDYAGER.Thewillofamanishisfortunealone.

CITIZEN.Hisgrandmother'sshopwillsoonbehisown.

FIRSTYAGER.Pish!trafficinmatches!whowoulddo't?

CITIZEN.Awine-shophisgrandfatherleaves,toboot,Acellarwithtwentycasksofwine.

TRUMPETER.Thesewithhiscomradeshe'llsurelyshare.

SECONDYAGER.Harkye,lad--beacamp-brotherofmine.

CITIZEN.Abrideheleavessitting,intears,apart.

FIRSTYAGER.Good--thatnow'saproofofanironheart.

CITIZEN.



Hisgrandmother'ssuretodiewithsorrow.

SECONDYAGER.Thebetter--forthenhe'llinheritto-morrow.

SERGEANT(advancesgravely,andlayshishandontheRecruit'stincap).Thematternodoubtyouhavedulyweighed,Andhereanewmanofyourselfhavemade;Withhangerandhelm,sir,younowbelongToanoblerandmoredistinguishedthrong.Thus,aloftierspirit'twerewelltouphold--

FIRSTYAGER.And,specially,neverbesparingofgold.

SERGEANT.InFortune'sship,withanonwardgale,Myfriend,youhavemadeupyourmindtosail.Theearth-ballisopenbeforeyou--yetthereNaught'stobegained,butbythosewhodare.Stupidandsluggishyourcitizen'sfound,Likeadyer'sdulljade,inhisceaselessround,Whilethesoldiercanbewhateverhewill,

Forwaro'ertheearthisthewatchwordstill.Justlooknowatme,andthecoatIwear,Youseethattheemperor'sbatonIbear--Andallgoodgovernment,overtheearth,Youmustknowfromthebatonalonehasbirth;Forthesceptrethat'sswayedbythekinglyhandIsnaughtbutabaton,weunderstand.Andhewhohascorporal'srankobtained,Standsontheladderwhereall'stobegained,Andyou,likeanother,maymounttothatheight--

FIRSTYAGER.Providedyoucanbutreadandwrite.

SERGEANT.Now,harktoaninstanceofthisfromme,Andone,whichI'velivedmyselftoseeThere'sButler,thechiefofdragoons,whyhe,Whoserankwasnothigherawhitthanmine,Somethirtyyearssince,atCologneonRhine,Isamajor-generalnow--becauseHeputhimselfforwardandgainedapplause;Fillingtheworldwithhismartialfame,Whilesleptmymeritswithoutaname.AndeventheFriedlander'sself--I'veheard--Ourgeneralandall-commandinglord,

Whonowcandowhathewillataword,Hadatfirstbutaprivatesquire'sdegree;Inthegoddessofwaryettrustingfree,Herearedthegreatnesswhichnowyousee,And,aftertheemperor,nextishe.Whoknowswhatmorehemaymeanorget?(Slyly.)Forall-day'seveningisn'tcomeyet.

FIRSTYAGER.



Hewaslittleatfirst,thoughnowsogreat--ForatAltorf,instudent'sgownheplayedByyourleave,thepartofaroaringblade,Andrattledawayataqueerishrate.Hisfaghehadwellnighkilledbyablow,AndtheirNur'mburgworshipssworeheshouldgoTojailforhispains--ifhelikeditorno.'Twasanew-builtnesttobechristenedbyhimWhofirstshouldbelodged.Well,whatwashiswhim?Why,hesenthisdogforwardtoleadtheway,Andtheycallthejailfromthedogtothisday.Thatwasthegameabravefellowshouldplay,Andofallthegreatdeedsofthegeneral,noneE'ertickledmyfancy,likethisone.

[Duringthisspeech,thesecondYagerhasbeguntoyingwiththegirlwhohasbeeninwaiting.]

DRAGOON(steppingbetweenthem).Comrade--giveoverthissport,Ipray.

SECONDYAGER.Why,whothedevilshallsaymenay!

DRAGOON.I'veonlytotellyouthegirl'smyown.

FIRSTYAGER.Suchamorselasthis,forhimselfalone!--Dragoon,whysay,artthoucrazygrown?

SECONDYAGER.Inthecamptobekeepingawenchforone!No!thelightofaprettygirl'sfacemustfall,Likethebeamsofthesun,togladdenusall.(Kissesher.)DRAGOON(tearsheraway).

Itellyouagain,thatitshan'tbedone.

FIRSTYAGER.Thepipersarecoming,lads!nowforfun!

SECONDYAGER(toDragoon).Ishan'tbefaroff,shouldyoulookforme.

SERGEANT.Peace,mygoodfellows!--akissgoesfree.

SCENEVIII.

EnterMiners,andplayawaltz--atfirstslowly,andafterwardsquicker.ThefirstYagerdanceswiththegirl,theSutler-womanwiththerecruit.Thegirlspringsaway,andtheYager,pursuingher,seizesholdofaCapuchinFriarjustentering.

CAPUCHIN.Hurrah!halloo!tol,lol,derol,le!



Thefun'satitsheight!I'llnotbeaway!Is'tanarmyofChristiansthatjoininsuchworks?OrareweallturnedAnabaptistsandTurks?IstheSabbathadayforthissportintheland,AsthoughthegreatGodhadthegoutinhishand,Andthuscouldn'tsmiteinthemidstofyourband?Say,isthisatimeforyourrevellingshouts,Foryourbanquetings,feasts,andholidaybouts?Quidhicstatisotiosi?declareWhy,foldingyourarms,standyelazilythere?WhilethefuriesofwarontheDanubenowfareAndBavaria'sbulwarkislyingfulllow,AndRatisbon'sfastintheclutchofthefoe.Yet,thearmylieshereinBohemiastill,Andcaringfornaught,sotheirpaunchestheyfill!Bottlesfarratherthanbattlesyou'llget,Andyourbillsthanyourbroad-swordsmorereadilywet;Withthewenches,Iween,isyourdearestconcern,Andyou'dratherroastoxenthanOxenstiern.InsackclothandasheswhileChristendom'sgrieving,Nothoughthasthesoldierhisguzzleofleaving.'Tisatimeofmisery,groans,andtears!Portentousthefaceoftheheavensappears!Andforthfromthecloudsbeholdblood-red,

TheLord'swar-mantleisdownwardspread--Whilethecometisthrustasathreateningrod,FromthewindowofheavenbythehandofGod.Theworldisbutonevasthouseofwoe,Thearkofthechurchstemsabloodyflow,TheHolyEmpire--Godhelpthesame!Haswretchedlysunktoahollowname.TheRhine'sgaystreamhasagorygleam,Thecloister'snestsarerobbedbyroysters;Thechurch-landsnowarechangedtolurch-lands;Abbacies,andallotherholyfoundationsNowarebutrobber-sees--rogues'habitations.Andthusiseachonce-blestGermanstate,

Deepsunkinthegloomofthedesolate!Whencecomesallthis?Oh,thatwillItell--Itcomesofyourdoings,ofsin,andofhell;Ofthehorrible,heathenishlivesyelead,Soldiersandofficers,allofabreed.Forsinisthemagnet,oneveryhand,Thatdrawsyoursteelthroughouttheland!Astheonioncausestheteartoflow,Sovicemusteverbefollowedbywoe--TheWdulysucceedstheV,ThisistheorderofA,B,C.Ubieritvictoriaespes,SioffenditurDeus?whichsays,

How,prayye,shallvictorye'ercometopass,Ifthusyouplaytruantfromsermonandmass,Anddonothingbutlazilylollo'ertheglass?Thewoman,we'retoldintheTestament,Foundthepennyinsearchwhereofshewent.Saulmetwithhisfather'sassesagain,AndJosephhispreciousfraternaltrain,Buthe,who'mongsoldiersshallhopetoseeGod'sfear,orshame,ordiscipline--heFromhistoil,beyonddoubt,willbaffledreturn,



Thoughahundredlampsinthesearchheburn.Tothewildernesspreacher,th'Evangelistsays,Thesoldiers,too,throngedtorepentoftheirways,Andhadthemselveschristenedinformerdays.Quidfaciemusnos?theysaid:TowardAbraham'sbosomwhatpathmustwetread?Etaitillis,and,saidhe,Neminemconcutiatis;Frombotherandwrongsleaveyourneighborsfree.Nequecalumniamfaciatis;Anddealnorinslandernorlies,d'yesee?Contentiestote--contentye,pray,Stipendiisvestris--withyourpay--Andcurseforevereachevilway.Thereisacommand--thoushaltnotutterThenameoftheLordthyGodinvain;But,whereisitmenmostblasphemiesmutter?Whyhere,inDukeFriedland'sheadquarters,'tieplainIfforeverythunder,andeveryblast,Whichblazingyefromyourtongue-pointscast,Thebellswerebutrung,inthecountryround,Notabellman,Iween,wouldtheresoonbefound;AndifforeachandeveryunholyprayerWhichtoventfromyourjabberingjawsyoudare,

Fromyournoddleswerepluckedbutthesmallesthair,Ev'rycropwouldbesmoothederethesunwentdown,Thoughatmorn'twereasbushyasAbsalom'scrown.Now,Joshua,methinks,wasasoldieraswell--BythearmofKingDavidthePhilistinefell;Butwheredowefinditwritten,Ipray,Thattheyeverblasphemedinthisvillanousway?Onewouldthinkyeneedstretchyourjawsnomore,Tocry,"Godhelpus!"than"Zounds!"toroar.But,bytheliquorthat'spouredinthecask,weknowWithwhatitwillbubbleandoverflow.Again,itiswritten--thoushaltnotsteal,Andthisyoufollow,i'faith!totheletter,

Foropen-facedrobberysuitsyebetter.ThegripeofyourvultureclawsyoufixOnall--andyourwilesandrascallytricksMakethegoldunhidinourcoffersnow,Andthecalfunsafewhileyetinthecow--Yetakeboththeeggandthehen,Ivow.Contentiestote--thepreachersaid;Whichmeans--becontentwithyourarmybread.Buthowshouldtheslavesnotfromdutyswerve?Themischiefbeginswiththelordtheyserve,Justlikethememberssoisthehead.Ishouldliketoknowwhocantellmehiscreed.

FIRSTYAGER.Sirpriest,'gainstourselvesrailonasyouwill--Ofthegeneralwewarnyoutobreathenoill.

CAPUCHIN.Necustodiasgregemmeam!AnAhabishe,andaJerobeam,Whothepeoplefromfaith'sunerringway,Totheworshipofidolswouldturnastray,



TRUMPETERandRECRUIT.Letusnothearthatagain,wepray.

CAPUCHIN.SuchaBramarbas,whoseirontoothWouldseizeallthestrongholdsofearthforsooth!Didhenotboast,withungodlytongue,ThatStralsundmustneedstohisgraspbewrung,Thoughtoheavenitselfwithachain'twerestrung?

TRUMPETER.Willnoneputastoptohisslanderousbawl?

CAPUCHIN.Awizardheis!--andasorcererSaul!--Holofernes!--aJehu!--denying,weknow,LikeSt.Peter,hisMasterandLordbelow;Andhencemusthequailwhenthecockdothcrow--

BOTHYAGERS.Now,parson,prepare;forthydoomisnigh.

CAPUCHIN.AfoxmorecunningthanHerod,Itrow--

TRUMPETERandbothYAGERS(pressingagainsthim).Silence,again,--ifthouwouldstnotdie!

CROATS(interfering.)Sticktoit,father;we'llshieldyou,ne'erfear;Thecloseofyourpreachmentnowlet'shear.

CAPUCHIN(stilllouder).ANebuchadnezzarintoweringpride!Andavileandhereticsinnerbeside!Hecallshimselfrightlythestoneofawall;Forfaith!he'sastumbling-stonetousall.

Andne'ercantheemperorhavepeaceindeed,TillofFriedlandhimselfthelandisfreed.

[Duringthelastpassageswhichhepronouncesinanelevatedvoice,hehasbeengraduallyretreating,theCroatskeepingtheothersoldiersoff.

SCENEIX.

Theabove,withouttheCapuchin.

FIRSTYAGER(totheSergeant).

But,tellus,whatmeantheaboutchanticleer;Whosecrowingthegeneraldarestohear?Nodoubtitwasutteredinspiteandscorn.

SERGEANT.Listen--'Tisnotsountrueasitappears;ForFriedlandwasrathermysteriouslyborn,Andis'speciallytroubledwithticklishears;



Hecanneversufferthemewofacat;Andwhenthecockcrowshestartsthereat.

FIRSTYAGER.He'soneandthesamewiththelioninthat.

SERGEANT.Mouse-stillmustallaroundhimcreep,Strictwatchinthisthesentinelskeep,Forhepondersonmattersmostgraveanddeep.[Voicesinthetent.Atumult.Seizetherascal!Layon!layon!

PEASANT'SVOICE.Help!--mercy--help!

OTHERS.Peace!peace!begone!

FIRSTYAGER.Deucetakeme,butyondertheswordsareout!

SECONDYAGER.ThenImustbeoff,andseewhat'tisabout.

[Yagersenterthetent.

SUTLER-WOMAN(comesforward).Ascandalousvillain!--ascurvythief!

TRUMPETER.Goodhostess,thecauseofthisclamorousgrief?

SUTLER-WOMAN.Acut-purse!ascoundrel!the-villainIcall.Thatthelikeinmytentshouldeverbefall!I'mdisgracedandundonewiththeofficersall.

SERGEANT.Well,coz,whatisit?

SUTLER-WOMAN.Why,whatshoulditbe?Butapeasantthey'vetakenjustnowwithme--Aroguewithfalsedice,tofavorhisplay.

TRUMPETER.SeeIthey'rebringingtheboorandhissonthisway.

SCENEX.

Soldiersdragginginthepeasant,bound.

FIRSTYAGER.Hemusthang!

SHARPSHOOTERSandDRAGOONS.Totheprovost,comeon!



SERGEANT.'Tisthelatestorderthatforthhasgone.

SUTLER-WOMAN.InanhourIhopetobeholdhimswinging!

SERGEANT.Badworkbadwageswillneedsbebringing.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER(totheothers).Thiscomesoftheirdesperation.WeFirstruinthemoutandout,d'yesee;Whichtemptsthemtosteal,asitseemstome.

TRUMPETER.Hownow!therascal'scausewouldyouplead?Thecur!thedevilisinyouindeed!

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Theboorisaman--asabodymaysay.

FIRSTYAGER(totheTrumpeter).Let'emgo!they'reofTiefenbach'scorps,therailers,

Aglorioustrainofgloversandtailors!AtBrieg,ingarrison,longtheylay;Whatshouldtheyknowaboutcamps,Ipray?

SCENEXI.

Theabove.--Cuirassiers.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Peace!what'samisswiththeboor,mayIcrave?

FIRSTSHARPSHOOTER.Hehascheatedatplay,thecozeningknave!

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Butsay,hashecheatedyou,man,ofaught?

FIRSTSHARPHOOTER.Justcleanedmeout--andnotleftmeagroat.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Andcanyou,who'vetherankofaFriedlandman,Soshamefullycastyourselfaway,Astotryyourluckwiththebooratplay?

Lethimrunoff,sothatrunhecan.

[Thepeasantescapes,theothersthrongtogether.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Hemakesshortwork--isofresolutemood--Andthatwithsuchfellowsastheseisgood.Whoishe?notofBohemia,that'sclear.

SUTLER-WOMAN.



He'saWalloon--andrespect,Itrow,IsduetothePappenheimcuirassier!

FIRSTDRAGOON(joining).YoungPiccolominileadsthemnow,Whomtheychoseascolonel,oftheirownfreemight,WhenPappenheimfellinLuetzen'sfight.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Durstthey,indeed,presumesofar?

FIRSTDRAGOON.Thisregimentissomethingabovetherest.Ithaseverbeenforemostthroughthewar,Andmaymanageitslaws,asitpleasesbest;Besides,'tisbyFriedlandhimselfcaressed.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER(totheSecond.)Is'tsointruth,man?Whoaverredit?

SECONDCUIRASSIER.FromthelipsofthecolonelhimselfIheardit.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.

Thedevil!we'renottheirdogs,Iweep!

FIRSTYAGER.Hownow,what'swrong?You'reswollenwithspleen!

SECONDYAGER.Isitanything,comrades,mayusconcern?

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.'Tiswhatnoneneedbewondrousgladtolearn.

TheSoldierspressroundhim.

TotheNetherlandstheywouldlendusnow--Cuirassiers,Yagers,andShootersaway,Eightthousandinallmustmarch,theysay.

SUTLER-WOMAN.What!What!againtheoldwanderingway--IgotbackfromFlandersbutyesterday!

SECONDCUIRASSIER(totheDragoons).YouofButler'scorpsmusttrampwiththerest.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Andwe,theWalloons,mustdoubtlessbegone.

SUTLER-WOMAN.Why,ofalloursquadronsthesearethebest.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.TomarchwherethatMilanesefellowleadson.

FIRSTYAGER.Theinfant?that'squeerenoughinitsway.



SECONDYAGER.Thepriest--then,egad!there'sthedeviltopay.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.ShallwethenleavetheFriedlander'strain,Whosonoblyhissoldiersdothentertain--AnddragtothefieldwiththisfellowfromSpain!Aniggardwhomweinoursoulsdisdain!That'llnevergodown--I'moff,Iswear.

TRUMPETER.Why,whatthedevilshouldwedothere?Wesoldourbloodtotheemperor--ne'erForthisSpanishredhatadropwe'llspare!

SECONDYAGER.OntheFriedlander'swordandcreditaloneWerangedourselvesinthetrooperline,And,butforourlovetoWallenstein,Ferdinandne'erhadourserviceknown.

FIRSTDRAGOON.WasitnotFriedlandthatformedourforce?Hisfortuneshallstillbethestarofourcourse.

SERGEANT.Silence,goodcomrades,tomegiveear--Talkingdoeslittletohelpushere.MuchfartherinthisIcanseethanyouall,Andatraphasbeenlaidinwhichwe'retofall;

FIRSTYAGER.Listtotheorder-book!hush--bestill!

SERGEANT.Butfirst,CousinGustel,IpraytheefillAglassofMelneck,asmystomach'sbutweak

WhenI'vetosseditoff,mymindI'llspeak.

SUTLER-WOMAN.Takeit,goodsergeant.Iquakeforfear--Thinkyouthatmischiefishiddenhere?

SERGEANT.Lookye,myfriends,'tisfitandclearThateachshouldconsiderwhat'smostnear.Butasthegeneralsays,sayI,Oneshouldalwaysthewholeofacasedescry.WecallourselvesalltheFriedlander'stroops;Theburgher,onwhomwe'rebilleted,stoops

Ourwantstosupply,andcooksoursoups.Hisox,orhishorse,thepeasantmustchainToourbaggage-car,andmaygrumbleinvain.Justletalance-corp'ral,withsevengoodmen,Tow'rdavillagefromfarbutcomewithinken,You'resurehe'llbeprinceoftheplace,andmayCutwhatcapershewill,withunquestionedsway.Why,zounds!lads,theyheartilyhateusall--Andwouldratherthedevilshouldgivethemacall,Thanouryellowcollars.Andwhydon'ttheyfall



Onusfairlyatonceandgetridofourlumber?They'remorethanourmatchinpointofnumber,Andcarrythecudgelaswedothesword.Whycanwelaughthemtoscorn?BymywordBecausewemakeuphereaterriblehorde.

FIRSTYAGER.Ay,ay,inthemassliesthespellofourmight,AndtheFriedlanderjudgedthematteraright,When,someeightornineyearsago,hebroughtTheemperor'sarmytogether.TheythoughtTwelvethousandenoughforthegeneral.Invain,Saidhe,suchaforceIcannevermaintain.SixtythousandI'llbringyeintotheplain,Andthey,I'llbesworn,won'tofhungerdie,AndthuswereweWallenstein'smen,sayI.

SERGEANT.Forexample,cutoneofmyfingersoff,Thislittleoneherefrommyrighthanddoff.Isthetakingmyfingerthenallyou'vedone?No,no,tothedevilmyhandisgone!'Tisastump--nomore--andusehasnone.Theeightthousandhorsetheywishtodisband

Maybebutafingerofourarmy'shand.Butwhenthey'reoncegonemayweunderstandWearebutone-fifththeless?Oh,no--BytheLord,thewholetothedevilwillgo!Allterror,respect,andawewillbeover,Andthepeasantwillswellhiscrestoncemore;AndtheBoardofViennawillorderuswhereOurtroopsmustbequarteredandhowwemustfare,Asofoldinthedaysoftheirbeggarlycare.Yes,andhowlongitwillbewhocansayErethegeneralhimselftheymaytakeaway?Fortheydon'tmuchlikehimatcourtIlearn?Andthenit'sallupwiththewholeconcern!

Forwho,toourpay,willbelefttoaidus?Andseethattheykeepthepromisetheymadeus?Whohastheenergy--whothemind--Theflashingthought--andthefearlesshand--Togethertobring,andthusfastlybindThefragmentsthatformourclose-knitband.Forexample,dragoon--justanswerusnow,Fromwhichofthecountriesofearthartthou?

DRAGOON.FromdistantErincameIhere.

SERGEANT(tothetwoCuirassiers).

You'reaWalloon,myfriend,that'sclear,Andyou,anItalian,asallmayhear.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.WhoImaybe,faith!Inevercouldsay;Inmyinfantyearstheystolemeaway.

SERGEANT.Andyou,fromwhatfarlandmayyoube?



FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.IcomefromBuchau--ontheFederSea.

SERGEANT.Neighbor,andyou?

SECONDARQUEBUSIER.IamaSwiss.

SERGEANT(tothesecondYager).AndYager,let'shearwhereyourcountryis?

SECONDYAGER.UpaboveWismarmyfathersdwell.

SERGEANT(pointingtotheTrumpeter).Andhe'sfromEger--andIaswell:Andnow,mycomrades,Iaskyouwhether,Wouldanyonethink,whenlookingatus,Thatwe,fromtheNorthandSouth,hadthusBeenhitherwarddriftedandblowntogether?Dowenotseemashewnfromonemass?StandwenotcloseagainstthefoeAsthoughweweregluedormouldedso?

Likemill-workdon'twemove,d'yethink!'Mongourselvesinthenick,atawordorwink.Whohasthuscastushereallasone,Nowtobeseveredagainbynone?Who?why,nootherthanWallenstein!

FIRSTYAGER.Inmylifeitne'erwasathoughtofmineWhetherwesuitedeachotherornot,Iletmyselfgowiththerestofthelot.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Iquiteagreeinthesergeant'sopinion--

They'dfainhaveanendofourcampdominion,Andtramplethesoldierdown,thattheyMaygovernaloneintheirowngoodway.'Tisaconspiration--aplot,Isay!

SUTLER-WOMAN.Aconspiration--Godhelptheday!Thenmycustomerswon'thavecashtopay.

SERGEANT.Why,faith,weshallallbebankruptsmade;Thecaptainsandgenerals,mostofthem,paidThecostsoftheregimentswithprivatecash,

And,wishing,'boveall,tocutadash,Wentalittlebeyondtheirmeans--butthought,Nodoubt,thattheythushadabargainbought.Nowthey'llbecheated,sirs,oneandall,Shouldourchief,ourhead,thegeneralfall.

SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh,Heaven!thiscurseInevercanbrookWhy,halfofthearmystandinmybook.TwohundreddollarsI'vetrustedmadly



ThatCountIsolaniwhopayssobadly.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Well,comrades,let'sfixonwhat'stobedone--Ofthewaystosaveus,Iseebutone;Ifweholdtogetherweneednotfear;Soletusstandoutasonemanhere;Andthentheymayorderandsendastheywill,Fastplantedwe'llstickinBohemiastill.We'llnevergivein--no,normarchaninch,Westandonourhonor,andmustnotflinch.

SECONDYAGER.We'renottobedriventhecountryabout,Let'emcomehere,andthey'llfinditout.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Goodsirs,'twerewelltobethinkyestill,Thatsuchistheemperor'ssovereignwill.

TRUMPETER.Oh,astotheemperor,weneedn'tbenice.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.

Letmenothearyousaysotwice.

TRUMPETER.Why,'tisevenso--asIjusthavesaid.

FIRSTYAGER.True,man--I'vealwaysheard'emsay,'TisFriedland,alone,you'veheretoobey.

SERGEANT.Byourbargainwithhimitshouldbeso,Absolutepowerishis,youmustknow,We'vewar,orpeace,butashemayplease,

Orgoldorgoodshehaspowertoseize,Andhangingorpardonhiswilldecrees.Captainsandcolonelshemakes--andhe,Inshort,bytheimperialsealisfree,Toholdallthemarksofsovereignty.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Thedukeishighandofmightywill,Butyetmustremain,forgoodorforill,Likeusall,buttheemperor'sservantstill.

SERGEANT.Notlikeusall--Itheredisagree--

Friedlandisquiteindependentandfree,TheBavarianisnomoreaprincethanheFor,wasInotbymyselftosee,WhenondutyatBrandeis,howtheemperorsaid,Hewishedhimtocoverhisprincelyhead.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.ThatwasbecauseoftheMecklenburghland,Whichheheldinpawnfromtheemperor'shand.



FIRSTYAGER(totheSergeant).Intheemperor'spresence,man!sayyouso?That,beyonddoubt,wasawonderfulgo!

SERGEANT(feelsinhispocket).IfyouquestionmywordinwhatIhavetold,Icangiveyousomethingtograspandhold.[Showingacoin.Whoseimageandstampd'yeherebehold?

SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh!thatisaWallenstein's,sure!

SERGEANT-MAJOR.Well,there,youhaveit--whatdoubtcanrestIshenotprince,justasgoodasthebest?CoinshenotmoneylikeFerdinand?Hathhenothisownsubjectsandland?Ishenotcalledyourhighness,Ipray?Andwhyshouldhenothavehissoldiersin?

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Thatnoonehasevermeanttogainsay;Butwe'restillattheemperor'sbeckandcall,

Forhismajesty'tiswhopaysusall.

TRUMPETER.InyourteethIdenyit--andwillagain--Hismajesty'tiswhopaysusnot,Forthisfortyweeks,say,whathavewegotButapromisetopay,believedinvain?

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Whatthen!'tiskeptinsafehands,Isuppose.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Peace,goodsirs,willyoucometoblows?

HaveyouaquarrelandsquabbletoknowIftheemperorbeourmasterorno?'Tisbecauseofourrank,ashissoldiersbrave,Thatwescornthelotoftheherdedslave;Andwillnotbedrivenfromplacetoplace,Aspriestorpuppiesourpathmaytrace.And,tellme,is'tnotthesovereign'sgain,Ifthesoldierstheirdignitywillmaintain?WhobuthissoldiersgivehimthestateOfamighty,wide-rulingpotentate?Makeandpreserveforhim,farandnear,ThevoicewhichChristendomquakestohear?Wellenoughtheymayhisyoke-chainbear,

Whofeastonhisfavors,anddailyshare,Ingoldenchambers,hissumptuousfare.We--weofhissplendorshavenopart,Naughtbuthardwearyingtoilandcare,Andthepridethatlivesinasoldier'sheart.

SECONDYAGER.AllgreattyrantsandkingshaveshownTheirwit,asItakeit,inwhatthey'vedone;They'vetrampledallotherswithsterncommand,



Butthesoldierthey'veledwithagentlehand.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Thesoldierhisworthmustunderstand;Whoe'erdoesn'tnoblydrivethetrade,'Twerebestfromthebusinessfarhe'dstayed.IfIcheerilysetmylifeonathrow,SomethingstillbetterthanlifeI'llknow;OrI'llstandtobeslainforthepaltrypelf,AstheCroatstilldoes--andscornmyself.

BOTHPAGERS.Yes--honorisdearerthanlifeitself.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Theswordisnoplough,nordelvingtool,He,whowouldtillwithit,isbutafool.Forus,neithergrassnorgraindothgrow,Houselessthesoldierisdoomedtogo,Achangefulwandererovertheearth,Ne'erknowingthewarmthofahome-lithearth.Thecityglances--hehalts--notthere--Norinvillagemeadows,sogreenandfair;Thevintageandharvestwreatharetwined

Hesees,butmustleavethemfarbehind.Then,tellme,whathaththesoldierleft,Ifhe'sonceofhisself-esteembereft?Somethinghemusthavehisowntocall,Oronslaughterandburningsatoncehe'llfall.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Godknows,'tisawretchedlifetolive!

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Yetone,whichI,fornootherwouldgive,Lookye--farroundintheworldI'vebeen,Andallofitsdifferentserviceseen.

TheVenetianRepublic--theKingsofSpainAndNaplesI'veserved,andservedinvain.Fortunestillfrowned--andmerchantandknight,CraftsmenandJesuit,havemetmysight;Yet,ofalltheirjackets,notonehaveIknownTopleasemelikethissteelcoatofmyown.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Well--thatnowiswhatIcanscarcelysay.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Intheworld,amanwhowouldmakehisway,Mustplagueandbestirhimselfnightandday.

Tohonorandplaceifhechoosetheroad,Hemustbendhisbacktothegoldenload.Andifhome-delightsshouldhisfancyplease,Withchildrenandgrandchildrenroundhisknees,Lethimfollowanhonesttradeinpeace.I'venotasteforthiskindoflife--notI!FreewillIlive,andasfreelydie.Noman'sspoilernorheirwillIbe--But,thronedonmynag,IwillsmiletoseeThecoilofthecrowdthatisunderme.



FIRSTYAGER.Bravo!--that'sasI'vealwaysdone.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Intruth,sirs,itmaybefarbetterfunTotramplethusoveryourneighbor'scrown.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Comrade,thetimesarebadoflate--Theswordandthescalesliveseparate.ButdonotthenblamethatI'vepreferred,Ofthetwo,tolean,asIhave,tothesword.FormercyinwarIwillyieldtonone,ThoughIneverwillstooptobedrummedupon.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.WhobutthesoldiertheblameshouldbearThatthelaboringpoorsohardlyfare?Thewarwithitsplagues,whichallhaveblastedNowsixteenyearsinthelandhathlasted.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Why,brother,theblessedGodabove

Can'thavefromusallanequallove.Onepraysforthesun,atwhicht'otherwillfretOneisfordryweather-t'otherforwet.Whatyou,now,regardaswithmiseryrife,Istometheuncloudedsunoflife.If'tisatthecostoftheburgherandboor,Ireallyamsorrythattheymustendure;ButhowcanIhelpit?Here,youmustknow,'Tisjustlikeacavalrycharge'gainstthefoe:Thesteedsloudsnorting,andontheygo!Whoevermaylieinthemid-career--Beitmybrotherorsonsodear,Shouldhisdyinggroanmyheartdivide,

YetoverhisbodyIneedsmustride,Norpityingstoptodraghimaside.

FIRSTYAGER.True--whoeveraskshowanothermaybide?

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Thus,mylads,'tismycounsel,whileOnthesoldierDameFortunedeignstosmile,Thatwewithbothhandsherbountyclasp,Foritmaynotbemuchlongerlefttoourgrasp.Peacewillbecomingsomeover-night,Andthenthere'sanendofourmartialmight.

Thesoldierunhorsed,andfreshmountedtoboor,Ereyoucanthinkit'twillbeasbefore.Asyetwe'retogetherfirmboundintheland,Thehiltisyetfastinthesoldier'shand.Butlet'emdivideus,andsoonweshallfind,Shortcommonsisallthatremainsbehind.

FIRSTYAGER.No,no,bytheLord!Thatwon'tdoforme.Come,come,lads,let'sallnow,asone,agree.



SECONDYAGER.Yes,letusresolveonwhat'tistobe.

FIRSTARQUEBUSIER(TotheSutler-woman,drawingouthisleatherpurse).Hostess,tellushowhighyou'vescored.

SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh,'tisunworthyasingleword.

[Theysettle.

TRUMPETER.Youdowell,sirs,totakeafurtherwalk,Yourcompanyonlydisturbsourtalk.

[ExeuntArquebusiers.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Plaguetakethefellows--they'rebrave,Iknow.

FIRSTYAGER.Theyhaven'tasoul'boveasoapboiler's,though.

SECONDYAGER.We'renowalone,soteachuswhocanHowbestwemaymeetandmartheirplan.

TRUMPETER.How?Why,let'stellthemwewillnotgo!

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Despisingalldiscipline!No,mylads,no,Ratherhiscorpsleteachofusseek,Andquietlythenwithhiscomradesspeak,Thateverysoldiermayclearlyknow,Itwerenotforhisgoodsofartogo;

FormyWalloonstoanswerI'mfree,Everymanof'emthinksandactswithme.

SERGEANT.TheTerzkyregiments,bothhorseandfoot,Willthusresolve,andwillkeepthemto't.

SECONDCUIRASSIER(joiningthefirst).TheWalloonsandtheLombardsoneintent.

FIRSTYAGER.FreedomisYagers'ownelement.

SECONDYAGER.Freedommusteverwithmightentwine--IliveandwilldiebyWallenstein.

FIRSTSHARPSHOOTER.TheLorrainersgoonwiththestrongesttide,Wherespiritsarelightandcouragetried.

DRAGOON.AnIrishmanfollowshisfortune'sstar.



SECONDSHARPSHOOTER.TheTyrolesefortheirsovereignwar.

FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Then,comrades,leteachofourcorpsagreeApromemoriatosign--thatwe,Inspiteofallforceorfraud,willbeTothefortunesofFriedlandfirmlybound,Forinhimisthesoldier'sfatherfound.Thiswewillhumblypresent,whendone,ToPiccolomini--Imeantheson--Whounderstandsthesekindofaffairs,AndtheFriedlander'shighestfavorshares;Besides,withtheemperor'sself,theysayHeholdsacapitalcardtoplay.

SECONDYAGER.Well,then,inthis,letusallagree,Thatthecolonelshallourspokesmanbe!

ALL(going).Good!thecolonelshallourspokesmanbe.

SERGEANT.Hold,sirs--justtossoffaglasswithmeTothehealthofPiccolomini.

SUTLER-WOMAN(bringsaflask).Thisshallnotgotothelistofscores,Igladlygiveit--successbeyours!

CUIRASSIER.Thesoldiershallsway!

BOTHYAGERS.Thepeasantshallpay

DRAGOONSandSHARPSHOOTERS.Thearmyshallflourishingstand!

TRUMPETERandSERGEANT.AndtheFriedlanderkeepthecommand!

SECONDCUIRASSIER(sings).

Arouseye,mycomrades,tohorse!tohorse!Tothefieldandtofreedomweguide!ForthereamanfeelstheprideofhisforceAndthereistheheartofhimtried.

Nohelptohimtherebyanotherisshown,Hestandsforhimselfandhimselfalone.

[Thesoldiersfromthebackgroundhavecomeforwardduringthesingingofthisverseandformthechorus.

CHORUS.

Nohelptohimbyanotherisshown,Hestandsforhimselfandhimselfalone.



DRAGOON.

Nowfreedomhathfledfromtheworld,wefindButlordsandtheirbondsmenvileAndnothingholdsswayinthebreastofmankindSavefalsehoodandcowardlyguile.Wholooksindeath'sfacewithafearlessbrow,Thesoldier,alone,isthefreemannow.

CHORUS.

Wholooksindeath'sfacewithafearlessbrow,Thesoldier,alone,isthefreemannow.

FIRSTYAGER.

Withthetroublesoflifehene'erbothershispate,Andfeelsneitherfearnorsorrow;Butboldlyridesonwardtomeetwithhisfate--Hemaymeetitto-day,orto-morrow!And,ifto-morrow'twillcome,then,Isay,Drainwethecupoflife'sjoyto-day!

CHORUS.

And,ifto-morrow'twillcome,then,Isay,Drainwethecupoflife'sjoyto-day!

[Theglassesarehererefilled,andalldrink.

SERGEANT.

'Tisfromheavenhisjoviallothasbirth;Norneedshetostriveortoil.Thepeasantmaygropeinthebowelsofearth,Andfortreasuremaygreedilymoil

Hedigsandhedelvesthroughlifeforthepelf,Anddigstillhegrubsoutagraveforhimself.

CHORUS.

Hedigsandhedelvesthroughlifeforthepelf,Anddigstillhegrubsoutagraveforhimself.

FIRSTYAGER.

Theriderandlightningsteed--apairOfterribleguests,Iween!Fromthebridal-hall,asthetorchesglare,

Unbiddentheyjointhescene;Norgold,norwooing,hispassionprove;Bystormhecarriestheprizeoflove!

CHORUS.

Norgold,norwooing,hispassionprove;Bystormhecarriestheprizeoflove!

SECONDCUIRASSIER.



Whymournsthewenchwithsosorrowfulface?Away,girl,thesoldiermustgo!Nospotontheearthishisresting-place;Andyourtruelovehenevercanknow.Stillonwarddrivenbyfate'srudewind,Henowheremayleavehispeacebehind.

CHORUS.

Stillonwarddrivenbyfate'srudewind,Henowheremayleavehispeacebehind.

FIRSTYAGER.Hetakesthetwonexttohimbythehand--theothersdothesame--andformalargesemi-circle.

Thenrouseye,mycomrades--tohorse!tohorse!Inbattlethebreastdothswell!Youthboils--thelife-cupfoamsinitsforce--Up!eretimecandewdispel!Anddeepbethestake,astheprizeishigh--Wholifewouldwin,hemustdaretodie!

CHORUS.

Anddeepbethestake,astheprizeishigh--Wholifewouldwin,hemustdaretodie!

[Thecurtainfallsbeforethechorushasfinished.

THEPICCOLOMINI

ByFrederichSchiller

TranslatedbyS.T.Coleridge.

"Uponthewholetherecanbenodoubtthatthistrilogyforms,initsoriginaltongue,oneofthemostsplendidspecimensoftragicarttheworldhaswitnessed;andnoneatall,thattheexecutionoftheversionfromwhichwehavequotedsolargely,placesMr.Coleridgeintheveryfirstrankofpoeticaltranslators.Heis,perhaps,thesolitaryexample

ofamanofverygreatoriginalgeniussubmittingtoallthelabors,andreapingallthehonorsofthisspeciesofliteraryexertion."--Blackwood,1823.

THEPICCOLOMINI.



DRAMATISPERSONAE.

WALLENSTEIN,DukeofFriedland,GeneralissimooftheImperialForcesintheThirtyYears'War.OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,Lieutenant-General.MAX.PICCOLOMINI,hisSon,ColonelofaRegimentofCuirassiers.COUNTTERZKY,theCommanderofseveralRegiments,andBrother-in-lawofWallenstein.ILLO,Field-Marshal,Wallenstein'sConfidant.ISOLANI,GeneraloftheCroats.BUTLER,anIrishman,CommanderofaRegimentofDragoons.TIEFENBACH,|DONMARADAS,|GeneralsunderWallenstein.GOETZ,|KOLATTO,|NEUMANN,CaptainofCavalry,Aide-de-CamptoTerzky.VONQUESTENBERG,theWarCommissioner,ImperialEnvoy.BAPTISTASENI,anAstrologer.DUCHESSOFFRIEDLAND,WifeofWallenstein.THEKLA,herDaughter,PrincessofFriedland.THECOUNTESSTERZRY,SisteroftheDuchess.

ACORNET.COLONELSandGENERALS(several).PAGESandATTENDANTSbelongingtoWallenstein.ATTENDANTSandHOBOISTSbelongingtoTerzky.MASTEROFTHECELLARtoCountTerzky.VALETDECHAMBREofCountPiccolomini.

ACTI.

SCENEI.

AnoldGothicChamberintheCouncil-HouseatPilsen,decoratedwithColorsandotherWarInsignia.

ILLO,withBUTLERandISOLANI.

ILLO.Yehavecometoolate-butyearecome!Thedistance,CountIsolani,excusesyourdelay.

ISOLANI.Addthistoo,thatwecomenotempty-handed.AtDonauwerth[1]itwasreportedtous,

ASwedishcaravanwasonitsway,Transportingarichcargoofprovision,Almostsixhundredswagons.ThismyCroatsPlungeddownuponandseized,thisweightyprize!--Webringithither----

ILLO.JustintimetobanquetTheillustriouscompanyassembledhere.



BUTLER.'Tisallalive!astirringscenehere!

ISOLANI.Ay!Theverychurchesarefullofsoldiers.[Castshiseyeround.Andinthecouncil-house,too,Iobserve,You'resettledquiteathome!Well,well!wesoldiersMustshiftandsuitusinwhatwaywecan.

ILLO.Wehavethecolonelshereofthirtyregiments.You'llfindCountTerzkyhere,andTiefenbach,Kolatto,Goetz,Maradas,Hinnersam,ThePiccolomini,bothsonandfather--You'llmeetwithmanyanunexpectedgreetingFrommanyanoldfriendandacquaintance.OnlyGallasiswantingstill,andAltringer.

BUTLER.ExpectnotGallas.

ILLO(hesitating).

Howso?Doyouknow----

ISOLANI(interruptinghim).Max.Piccolominihere?Obringmetohim.Iseehimyet('tisnowtenyearsago,WewereengagedwithMansfeldthardbyDessau),Iseetheyouth,inmymind'seyeIseehim,Leaphisblackwar-horsefromthebridgeadown,Andt'wardhisfather,theninextremeperil,BeatupagainstthestrongtideoftheElbe.Thedownwasscarceuponhischin!IhearHehasmadegoodthepromiseofhisyouth,Andthefullheronowisfinishedinhim.

ILLO.You'llseehimyetereevening.HeconductsTheDuchessFriedlandhither,andtheprincess[2]FromCaernthen[3].Weexpectthemhereatnoon.

BUTLER.Bothwifeanddaughterdoesthedukecallhither?Hecrowdsinvisitantsfromallsides.

ISOLANI.Hm!Somuchthebetter!Ihadframedmymind

Tohearofnaughtbutwarlikecircumstance,Ofmarchesandattacks,andbatteries;Andlo!thedukeprovides,andsomethingtooOfgentlersortandlovely,shouldbepresentTofeastoureyes.

ILLO(whohasbeenstandingintheattitudeofmeditation,toBUTLER,whomheleadsalittleononeside).AndhowcameyoutoknowThattheCountGallasjoinsusnot?



BUTLER.BecauseHeimportunedmetoremainbehind.

ILLO(withwarmth).Andyou?Youholdoutfirmly![Graspinghishandwithaffection.NobleButler!

BUTLER.AftertheobligationwhichthedukeHadlaidsonewlyonme----

ILLO.IhadforgottenApleasantduty--major-general,Iwishyoujoy!

ISOLANI.What,youmean,ofthisregiment?Ihear,too,thattomakethegiftstillsweeter,ThedukehasgivenhimtheverysameInwhichhefirstsawservice,andsincethen

Workedhimselfstepbystep,througheachpreferment,Fromtheranksupwards.Andverily,itgivesAprecedentofhope,aspurofactionTothewholecorps,ifonceintheirremembranceAnolddeservingsoldiermakeshisway.

BUTLER.IamperplexedanddoubtfulwhetherornoIdareacceptthisyourcongratulation.Theemperorhasnotyetconfirmedtheappointment.

ISOLANI.Seizeit,friend,seizeit!Thehandwhichinthatpost

Placedyouisstrongenoughtokeepyouthere,Spiteoftheemperorandhisministers!

ILLO.Ay,ifwewouldbutsoconsiderit!--Ifwewouldallofusconsideritso!Theemperorgivesusnothing;fromthedukeComesall--whate'erwehope,whate'erwehave.

ISOLANI(toILLO).Mynoblebrother!didItellyouhowThedukewillsatisfymycreditors?Willbehimselfmybankersforthefuture,

Makemeoncemoreacreditableman!Andthisisnowthethirdtime,thinkofthat!Thiskingly-mindedmanhasrescuedmeFromabsoluteruinandrestoredmyhonor.

ILLO.Ohthathispowerbutkeptpacewithhiswishes!Why,friend!he'dgivethewholeworldtohissoldiers.ButatVienna,brother!--here'sthegrievance,--Whatpoliticschemesdotheynotlaytoshorten



Hisarm,andwheretheycantocliphispinions.Thenthesenewdaintyrequisitions!theseWhichthissameQuestenbergbringshither!

BUTLER.Ay!Thoserequisitionsoftheemperor--Itoohaveheardaboutthem;butIhopeThedukewillnotdrawbackasingleinch!

ILLO.Notfromhisrightmostsurely,unlessfirstFromoffice!

BUTLER(shockedandconfused).Knowyouaughtthen?Youalarmme.

ISOLANI(atthesametimewithBUTLER,andinahurryingvoice).Weshouldberuined,everyoneofus!

ILLO.YonderIseeourworthyfriend[spokenwithasneer]approachingWiththeLieutenant-GeneralPiccolomini.

BUTLER(shakinghisheadsignificantly).Ifearweshallnotgohenceaswecame.

SCENEII.

EnterOCTAVIOPICCOLOMINIandQUESTENBERG.

OCTAVIO(stillinthedistance).Ay!ah!morestill!Stillmorenewvisitors!Acknowledge,friend!thatneverwasacamp,Whichheldatoncesomanyheadsofheroes.

QUESTENBERG.LetnoneapproachacampofFriedland'stroopsWhodarestothinkunworthilyofwar;E'enImyselfhadnighforgotitsevilsWhenIsurveyedthatloftysouloforder,Bywhich,whileitdestroystheworld--itselfMaintainsthegreatnesswhichitselfcreated.

OCTAVIO(approachingnearer).Welcome,CountIsolani!

ISOLANI.

Mynoblebrother!EvennowamIarrived;ithasbeenelsemyduty----

OCTAVIO.AndColonelButler--trustme,IrejoiceThustorenewacquaintancewithamanWhoseworthandservicesIknowandhonor.See,see,myfriend!TheremightweplaceatoncebeforeoureyesThesumofwar'swholetradeandmystery--



[ToQUESTENBERG,presentingBUTLERandISOLANIatthesametimetohim.

Thesetwothetotalsum--strengthanddespatch.

QUESTENBERG(toOCTAVIO).Andlo!betwixtthemboth,experiencedprudence!

OCTAVIO(presentingQUESTENBERGtoBUTLERandISOLANI).TheChamberlainandWar-CommissionerQuestenberg.Thebeareroftheemperor'sbehests,--Thelong-triedfriendandpatronofallsoldiers,Wehonorinthisnoblevisitor.[Universalsilence.

ILLO(movingtowardsQUESTENBERG).'Tisnotthefirsttime,nobleminister,You'veshownourcampthishonor.

QUESTENBERG.OncebeforeIstoodbesidethesecolors.

ILLO.Perchancetooyourememberwherethatwas;ItwasatZnaeim[4]inMoravia,whereYoudidpresentyourselfuponthepartOftheemperortosupplicateourdukeThathewouldstraightassumethechiefcommand.

QUESTENBURG.Tosupplicate?Nay,boldgeneral!Sofarextendedneithermycommission(Atleasttomyownknowledge)normyzeal.

ILLO.

Well,well,then--tocompelhim,ifyouchoose,Icanremembermerightwell,CountTillyHadsufferedtotalroutupontheLech.Bavarialayallopentotheenemy,WhomtherewasnothingtodelayfrompressingOnwardsintotheveryheartofAustria.AtthattimeyouandWerdenbergappearedBeforeourgeneral,storminghimwithprayers,Andmenacingtheemperor'sdispleasure,Unlesshetookcompassiononthiswretchedness.

ISOLANI(stepsuptothem).Yes,yes,'tiscomprehensibleenough,

Whereforewithyourcommissionofto-day,YouwerenotalltoowillingtorememberYourformerone.

QUESTENBERG.

Whynot,CountIsolani?Nocontradictionsureexistsbetweenthem.ItwastheurgentbusinessofthattimeTosnatchBavariafromherenemy'shand;



Andmycommissionofto-dayinstructsmeTofreeherfromhergoodfriendsandprotectors.

ILLO.Aworthyoffice!AfterwithourbloodWehavewrestedthisBohemiafromtheSaxon,Tobesweptoutofitisallourthanks,Thesolerewardofallourhard-wonvictories.

QUESTENBERG.UnlessthatwretchedlandbedoomedtosufferOnlyachangeofevils,itmustbeFreedfromthescourgealikeoffriendorfoe.

ILLO.What?'Twasafavorableyear;theboorsCananswerfreshdemandsalready.

QUESTENBERG.Nay,Ifyoudiscourseofherdsandmeadow-grounds----

ISOLANI.Thewarmaintainsthewar.Aretheboorsruined

Theemperorgainssomanymorenewsoldiers.

QUESTENBERG.Andisthepoorerbyevensomanysubjects.

ISOLANI.Poh!weareallhissubjects.

QUESTENBERG.Yetwithadifference,general!TheonefillWithprofitableindustrythepurse,Theothersarewellskilledtoemptyit.Theswordhasmadetheemperorpoor;theplough

Mustreinvigoratehisresources.

ISOLANI.Sure!Timesarenotyetsobad.MethinksIsee[ExaminingwithhiseyethedressandornamentsofQUESTENBERG.Goodstoreofgoldthatstillremainsuncoined.

QUESTENBERG.ThankHeaven!thatmeanshavebeenfoundouttohideSomelittlefromthefingersoftheCroats.

ILLO.

There!TheStawataandtheMartinitz,Onwhomtheemperorheapshisgiftsandgraces,Totheheart-burningofallgoodBohemians--Thoseminionsofcourtfavor,thosecourtharpies,WhofattenonthewrecksofcitizensDrivenfromtheirhouseandhome--whoreapnoharvestsSaveinthegeneralcalamity--Whonow,withkinglypomp,insultandmockThedesolationoftheircountry--these,Letthese,andsuchasthese,supportthewar,



Thefatalwar,whichtheyaloneenkindled!

BUTLER.Andthosestate-parasites,whohavetheirfeetSoconstantlybeneaththeemperor'stable,Whocannotletabeneficefall,buttheySnapatitwithdogs'hunger--they,forsooth,Wouldparethesoldiersbreadandcrosshisreckoning!

ISOLANI.Mylifelongwillitangermetothink,HowwhenIwenttocourtsevenyearsago,Toseeaboutnewhorsesforourregiment,HowfromoneantechambertoanotherTheydraggedmeonandleftmebythehourTokickmyheelsamongacrowdofsimperingFeast-fattenedslaves,asifIhadcomethitherAmendicantsuitorforthecrumbsoffavorThatfellbeneaththeirtables.And,atlast,WhomshouldtheysendmebutaCapuchin!StraightIbegantomusterupmysinsForabsolution--butnosuchluckforme!Thiswastheman,thisCapuchin,withwhomIwastotreatconcerningthearmyhorses!

AndIwasforcedatlasttoquitthefield,Thebusinessunaccomplished.AfterwardsThedukeprocuredmeinthreedayswhatICouldnotobtaininthirtyatVienna.

QUESTENBERG.Yes,yes!yourtravellingbillssoonfoundtheirwaytous!ToowellIknowwehavestillaccountstosettle.

ILLO.Warisviolenttrade;onecannotalwaysFinishone'sworkbysoftmeans;everytrifleMustnotbeblackenedintosacrilege.

Ifweshouldwaittillyou,insolemncouncil,WithduedeliberationhadselectedThesmallestoutoffour-and-twentyevils,I'faithweshouldwaitlong--"Dash!andthroughwithit!"That'sthebetterwatchword.Thenaftercomewhatmaycome.'Tisman'snatureTomakethebestofabadthingoncepast.Abitterandperplexed"whatshallIdo?"Isworsetomanthanworstnecessity.

QUESTENBERG.Ay,doubtless,itistrue;thedukedoesspareusThetroublesometaskofchoosing.

BUTLER.Yes,thedukeCareswithafather'sfeelingsforhistroops;Buthowtheemperorfeelsforus,wesee.

QUESTENBERG.Hiscaresandfeelingsallrankssharealike,Norwillheofferoneuptoanother.



ISOLANI.AndthereforethrustsheusintothedesertsAsbeastsofprey,thatsohemaypreserveHisdearsheepfatteninginhisfieldsathome.

QUESTENBERG(withasneer).Count!thiscomparisonyoumake,notI.

ILLO.Why,wereweallthecourtsupposesus'Tweredangerous,sure,togiveusliberty.

QUESTENBERG(gravely).Youhavetakenliberty--itwasnotgivenyou,AndthereforeitbecomesanurgentdutyToreinitinwiththecurbs.

ILLO.Expecttofindarestivesteedinus.

QUESTENBERG.Abetterridermaybefoundtoruleit.

ILLO.

Heonlybrookstheriderwhohastamedhim.

QUESTENBERG.Ay,tamehimonce,andthenachildmayleadhim.

ILLO.Thechild,weknow,isfoundforhimalready.

QUESTENBERG.Beduty,sir,yourstudy,notaname.

BUTLER(whohasstoodasidewithPICCOLOMINI,butwithvisibleinterestintheconversation,advances).

Sirpresident,theemperorhasinGermanyAsplendidhostassembled;inthiskingdomFulltwentythousandsoldiersarecantoned,WithsixteenthousandinSilesia;TenregimentsarepostedontheWeser,TheRhine,andMaine;inSwabiatherearesix,AndinBavariatwelve,tofacetheSwedes;WithoutincludingintheaccountthegarrisonsWhoonthefrontiersholdthefortresses.ThisvastandmightyhostisallobedientToFriedland'scaptains;anditsbravecommanders,Bredinoneschool,andnurturedwithonemilk,Areallexcitedbyoneheartandsoul;

Theyareasstrangersonthesoiltheytread,Theserviceistheironlyhouseandhome.Nozealinspiresthenfortheircountry'scause,Forthousandslikemyselfwerebornabroad;Norcaretheyfortheemperor,foronehalfDesertingotherservicefledtoours,Indifferentwhattheirbanner,whether'twere,TheDoubleEagle,Lily,ortheLion.YetonesolemancanreinthisfieryhostByequalrule,byequalloveandfear;



Blendingthemany-nationedwholeinone;Andlikethelightning'sfiressecurelyledDowntheconductingrod,e'enthushispowerRulesallthemass,fromguardedposttopost,FromwherethesentryhearstheBalticroar,OrviewsthefertilevalesoftheAdige,E'entothebody-guard,whoholdshiswatchWithintheprecinctsoftheimperialpalace!

QUESTENBERG.What'stheshortmeaningofthislongharangue?

BUTLER.Thattherespect,thelove,theconfidence,WhichmakesuswillingsubjectsofDukeFriedland,ArenottobetransferredtothefirstcomerThatAustria'scourtmaypleasetosendtous.WehavenotyetsoreadilyforgottenHowthecommandcameintoFriedland'shands.Wasit,forsooth,theemperor'smajestyThatgavethearmyreadytohishand,Andonlysoughtaleaderforit?No.Thearmythenhadnoexistence.He,Friedland,itwaswhocalleditintobeing,

Andgaveittohissovereign--butreceivingNoarmyathishand;nordidtheemperorGiveWallensteintousasgeneral.No,ItwasfromWallensteinwefirstreceivedTheemperorasourmasterandoursovereign;Andhe,heonly,bindsustoourbanners!

OCTAVIO(interposingandaddressingQUESTENBERG).Mynoblefriend,ThisisnomorethanaremembrancingThatyouarenowincamp,andamongwarriors;Thesoldier'sboldnessconstituteshisfreedom.Couldheactdaringly,unlesshedared

Talkevenso?Onerunsintotheother.Theboldnessofthisworthyofficer,[PointingtoBUTLER.Whichnowisbutmistakeninitsmark,Preserved,whennaughtbutboldnesscouldpreserveit,Totheemperor,hiscapitalcity,Prague,InamostformidablemutinyOfthewholegarrison.[Militarymusicatadistance.Hah!heretheycome!

ILLO.Thesentriesaresalutingthem:thissignalAnnouncesthearrivaloftheduchess.

OCTAVIO(toQUESTENBERG).ThenmysonMax.,too,hasreturned.'TwasheFetchedandattendedthemfromCaernthenhither.

ISOLANI(toILLO).Shallwenotgoincompanytogreetthem?

ILLO.Well,letusgo--Ho!ColonelButler,come.



[ToOCTAVIO.You'llnotforgetthatyeterenoonwemeetThenobleenvoyatthegeneral'spalace.

[ExeuntallbutQUESTENBERGandOCTAVIO.

SCENEIII.

QUESTENBERGandOCTAVIO.

QUESTENBERG(withsignsofaversionandastonishment).WhathaveInotbeenforcedtohear,Octavio!Whatsentiments!whatfierce,uncurbeddefiance!Andwerethisspirituniversal----

OCTAVIO.Hm!You'renowacquaintedwiththree-fourthsofthearmy.

QUESTENBERG.Wheremustweseek,then,forasecondhostTohavethecustodyofthis?ThatIllo

Thinksworse,Ifearme,thanhespeaks.AndthenThisButler,too--hecannotevenconcealThepassionateworkingsofhisillintentions.

OCTAVIO.Quicknessoftemper--irritatedpride;'Twasnothingmore.IcannotgiveupButler.IknowaspellthatwillsoondispossessTheevilspiritinhim.

QUESTENBERG(walkingupanddowninevidentdisquiet).Friend,friend!O!thisisworse,farworse,thanwehadsuffered

OurselvestodreamofatVienna.ThereWesawitonlywithacourtier'seyes,Eyesdazzledbythesplendorofthethrone.Wehadnotseenthewar-chief,thecommander,Themanall-powerfulinhiscamp.Here,here,'Tisquiteanotherthing.Hereisnoemperormore--thedukeisemperor.Alas,myfriend!alas,mynoblefriend!Thiswalkwhichyouhaveta'enmethroughthecampStrikesmyhopesprostrate.

OCTAVIO.Nowyouseeyourself

Ofwhataperilouskindtheofficeis,Whichyoudelivertomefromthecourt.TheleastsuspicionofthegeneralCostsmemyfreedomandmylife,andwouldButhastenhismostdesperateenterprise.

QUESTENBERG.WherewasourreasonsleepingwhenwetrustedThismadmanwiththesword,andplacedsuchpowerInsuchahand?Itellyou,he'llrefuse,



Flatlyrefusetoobeytheimperialorders.Friend,hecandoit,andwhathecan,hewill.Andthentheimpunityofhisdefiance--Oh!whataproclamationofourweakness!

OCTAVIO.D'yethink,too,hehasbroughthiswifeanddaughterWithoutapurposehither?Hereincamp!AndattheverypointoftimeinwhichWe'rearmingforthewar?ThathehastakenThese,thelastpledgesofhisloyalty,Awayfromouttheemperor'sdominions--ThisisnodoubtfultokenofthenearnessOfsomeeruption.

QUESTENBERG.HowshallweholdfootingBeneaththistempest,whichcollectsitselfAndthreatsusfromallquarters?TheenemyOftheempireonourborders,nowalreadyThemasteroftheDanube,andstillfarther,Andfartherstill,extendingeveryhour!Inourinteriorthealarum-bellsOfinsurrection--peasantryinarms--

Allordersdiscontented--andthearmy,JustinthemomentofourexpectationOfaidancefromit--lo!thisveryarmySeduced,runwild,losttoalldiscipline,Loosened,andrentasunderfromthestateAndfromtheirsovereign,theblindinstrumentOfthemostdaringofmankind,aweaponOffearfulpower,whichathiswillhewields.

OCTAVIO.Nay,nay,friend!letusnotdespairtoosoonMen'swordsareevenbolderthantheirdeeds;Andmanyaresolute,whonowappears

Madeuptoallextremes,will,onasudden,Findinhisbreastahearthewotnotof,LetbutasinglehonestmanspeakoutThetruenameofhiscrime!Remember,too,Westandnotyetsowhollyunprotected.CountsAltringerandGallashavemaintainedTheirlittlearmyfaithfultoitsduty,Anddailyitbecomesmorenumerous.Norcanhetakeusbysurprise;youknowIholdhimallencompassedbymylisteners.What'erhedoes,ismine,evenwhile'tisdoing--Nostepsosmall,butinstantlyIhearit;Yea,hisownmouthdisclosesit.

QUESTENBERG.'TisquiteIncomprehensible,thathedetectsnotThefoesonear!

OCTAVIO.Beware,youdonotthink,ThatI,bylyingarts,andcomplaisantHypocrisy,havesulkedintohisgraces,



OrwiththesubstanceofsmoothprofessionsNourishhisall-confidingfriendship!No--Compelledalikebyprudence,andthatdutyWhichwealloweourcountryandoursovereign,Tohidemygenuinefeelingsfromhim,yetNe'erhaveIdupedhimwithbasecounterfeits!

QUESTENBERG.Itisthevisibleordinanceofheaven.

OCTAVIO.IknownotwhatitisthatsoattractsAndlinkshimbothtomeandtomyson.Comradesandfriendswealwayswere--longhabit,Adventurousdeedsperformedincompany,AndallthosemanyandvariousincidentsWhichstoresasoldier'smemorywithaffections,Hadbounduslongandearlytoeachother--YetIcannametheday,whenallatonceHisheartroseonme,andhisconfidenceShotoutintosuddengrowth.ItwasthemorningBeforethememorablefightatLuetzen.Urgedbyanuglydream,Isoughthimout,Topresshimtoacceptanothercharger.

Atadistancefromthetents,beneathatree,Ifoundhiminasleep.WhenIhadwakedhimAndhadrelatedallmybodingstohim,Longtimehestareduponme,likeamanAstounded:thereonfelluponmyneck,AndmanifestedtomeanemotionThatfaroutstrippedtheworthofthatsmallservice.SincethenhisconfidencehasfollowedmeWiththesamepacethatminehasfledfromhim.

QUESTENBERG.Youleadyoursonintothesecret?

OCTAVIO.No!

QUESTENBERG.What!andnotwarnhimeither,whatbadhandsHislothasplacedhimin?

OCTAVIO.ImustperforceLeavehiminwardshiptohisinnocence.Hisyoungandopensoul--dissimulationIsforeigntoitshabits!IgnoranceAlonecankeepalivethecheerfulair,

Theunembarrassedsenseandlightfreespirit,Thatmakesthedukesecure.

QUESTENBERG(anxiously).Myhonoredfriend!mosthighlydoIdeemOfColonelPiccolomini--yet--if--Reflectalittle----

OCTAVIO.Imustventureit.



Hush!Therehecomes!

SCENEIV.

MAX.PICCOLOMINI,OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,QUESTENBERG.

MAX.Ha!thereheishimself.Welcome,myfather!

[Heembraceshisfather.Asheturnsround,heobservesQUESTENBERG,anddrawsbackwithacoldandreservedair.

Youareengaged,Isee.I'llnotdisturbyou.

OCTAVIO.How,Max.?Lookcloseratthisvisitor.Attention,Max.,anoldfriendmerits--reverenceBelongsofrighttotheenvoyofyoursovereign.

MAX.(drily).VonQuestenberg!--welcome--ifyoubringwithyouAughtgoodtoourheadquarters.

QUESTENBERG(seizinghishand).Nay,drawnotYourhandaway,CountPiccolimini!NotonmyownaccountaloneIseizedit,AndnothingcommonwillIsaytherewith.[Takingthehandsofboth.Octavio--Max.Piccolomini!Osaviornames,andfullofhappyomen!Ne'erwillherprosperousgeniusturnfromAustria,Whiletwosuchstars,withblessedinfluencesBeamingprotection,shineaboveherhosts.

MAX.Heh!Nobleminister!Youmissyourpart.Youcomenotheretoactapanegyric.You'resent,Iknow,tofindfaultandtoscoldus--Imustnotbebeforehandwithmycomrades.

OCTAVIO(toMAX.).Hecomesfromcourt,wherepeoplearenotquiteSowellcontentedwiththedukeashere.

MAX.Whatnowhavetheycontrivedtofindoutinhim?Thathealonedeterminesforhimself

Whathehimselfalonedothunderstand!Well,thereinhedoesright,andwillpersistin'tHeavennevermeanthimforthatpassivethingThatcanbestruckandhammeredouttosuitAnother'stasteandfancy.He'llnotdanceToeverytuneofeveryminister.Itgoesagainsthisnature--hecan'tdoit,Heispossessedbyacommandingspirit,Andhis,too,isthestationofcommand.Andwellforusitisso!Thereexist



Fewfittorulethemselves,butfewthatuseTheirintellectsintelligently.ThenWellforthewhole,iftherebefoundamanWhomakeshimselfwhatnaturedestinedhim,Thepause,thecentralpoint,tothousandthousandsStandsfixedandstately,likeafirm-builtcolumn,Whereallmaypresswithjoyandconfidence--NowsuchamanisWallenstein;andifAnotherbettersuitsthecourt--nootherButsuchaoneashecanservethearmy.

QUESTENBERG.Thearmy?Doubtless!

MAX.WhatdelighttoobserveHowheincitesandstrengthensallaroundhim,Infusinglifeandvigor.EverypowerSeemsasitwereredoubledbyhispresenceHedrawsfortheverylatentenergy,Showingtoeachhisownpeculiartalent,Yetleavingalltobewhatnaturemadethem,AndwatchingonlythattheybenaughtelseIntherightplaceandtime;andhehasskill

Tomouldthepower'sofalltohisownend.

QUESTENBERG.Butwhodenieshisknowledgeofmankind,Andskilltouseit?Ourcomplaintisthis:Thatinthemasterheforgetstheservant,Asifheclaimedbybirthhispresenthonors.

MAX.Anddoeshenotso?IshenotendowedWitheverygiftandpowertocarryoutThehighintentsofnature,andtowinAruler'sstationbyaruler'stalent?

QUESTENBERG.SothenitseemstorestwithhimaloneWhatistheworthofallmankindbeside!

MAX.Uncommonmenrequirenocommontrust;Givehimbutscopeandhewillsetthebounds.

QUESTENBERG.Theproofisyettocome.

MAX.

Thusareyeever.Yeshrinkfromeverythingofdepth,andthinkYourselvesareonlysafewhileye'reinshallows.

OCTAVIO(toQUESTENBERG).'Twerebesttoyieldwithagoodgrace,myfriend;Ofhimthereyou'llmakenothing.

MAX.(continuing).Intheirfear



Theycallaspiritup,andwhenhecomes,Straighttheirfleshcreepsandquivers,andtheydreadhimMorethantheillsforwhichtheycalledhimup.Theuncommon,thesublime,mustseemandbeLikethingsofeveryday.Butinthefield,Ay,therethePresentBeingmakesitselffelt.Thepersonalmustcommand,theactualeyeExamine.IftobethechieftainasksAllthatisgreatinnature,letitbeLikewisehisprivilegetomoveandactInallthecorrespondencesofgreatness.Theoraclewithinhim,thatwhichlives,Hemustinvokeandquestion--notdeadbooks,Notordinances,notmould-rottedpapers.

OCTAVIO.Myson!ofthoseoldnarrowordinancesLetusnotholdtoolightly.TheyareweightsOfpricelessvalue,whichoppressedmankind,Tiedtothevolatilewilloftheiroppressors.ForalwaysformidablewastheLeagueAndpartnershipoffreepowerwithfreewill.Thewayofancientordinance,thoughitwinds,Isyetnodeviouspath.Straightforwardgoes

Thelightning'spath,andstraightthefearfulpathOfthecannon-ball.Directitflies,andrapid;Shatteringthatitmayreach,andshatteringwhatitreaches,Myson,theroadthehumanbeingtravels,That,onwhichblessingcomesandgoes,dothfollowTheriver'scourse,thevalley'splayfulwindings,Curvesroundthecornfieldandthehillofvines,Honoringtheholyboundsofproperty!Andthussecure,thoughlate,leadstoitsend.

QUESTENBERG.Oh,hearyourfather,nobleyouth!hearhimWhoisatoncetheheroandtheman.

OCTAVIO.Myson,thenurslingofthecampspokeinthee!AwaroffifteenyearsHathbeenthyeducationandthyschool.Peacehastthouneverwitnessed!ThereexistsAnhigherthanthewarrior'sexcellence.Inwaritselfwarisnoultimatepurpose,Thevastandsuddendeedsofviolence,Adventureswild,andwondersofthemoment,Thesearenotthey,myson,thatgenerateThecalm,theblissful,andtheenduringmighty!Lothere!thesoldier,rapidarchitect!

Buildshislighttownofcanvas,andatonceThewholescenemovesandbustlesmomently.Witharms,andneighingsteeds,andmirthandquarrelThemotleymarketfills;theroads,thestreamsArecrowdedwithnewfreights;tradestirsandhurries,Butonsomemorrowmorn,allsuddenly,Thetentsdropdown,thehorderenewsitsmarch.Dreary,andsolitaryasachurchyard;Themeadowanddown-troddenseed-plotlie,Andtheyear'sharvestisgoneutterly.



MAX.Oh,lettheemperormakepeace,myfather!MostgladlywouldIgivetheblood-stainedlaurelForthefirstviolet[5]oftheleaflessspring,PluckedinthosequietfieldswhereIhavejourneyed.

OCTAVIO.Whatailsthee?Whatsomovestheeallatonce?

MAX.PeacehaveIne'erbeheld?Ihavebeheldit.FromthenceamIcomehither:oh,thatsight,Itglimmersstillbeforeme,likesomelandscapeLeftinthedistance,--somedeliciouslandscape!MyroadconductedmethroughcountrieswhereThewarhasnotyetreached.Life,life,myfather--Myvenerablefather,lifehascharmsWhichwehaveneverexperienced.WehavebeenButvoyagingalongitsbarrencoasts,Likesomepoorever-roaminghordeofpirates,That,crowdedintherankandnarrowship,Houseonthewildseawithwildusages,Norknowaughtofthemainland,butthebays

Wheresafeliesttheymayventureathieves'landing.Whate'erintheinlanddalesthelandconcealsOffairandexquisite,oh,nothing,nothing,Dowebeholdofthatinourrudevoyage.

OCTAVIO(attentive,withanappearanceofuneasiness).Andsoyourjourneyhasrevealedthistoyou?

MAX.'Twasthefirstleisureofmylife.Otellme,Whatisthemeedandpurposeofthetoil,Thepainfultoilwhichrobbedmeofmyyouth,Leftmeaheartunsouledandsolitary,

Aspirituninformed,unornamented!Forthecamp'sstir,andcrowd,andceaselesslarum,Theneighingwar-horse,theair-shatteringtrumpet,Theunvaried,stillreturninghourofduty,Wordofcommand,andexerciseofarms--There'snothinghere,there'snothinginallthis,Tosatisfytheheart,thegaspingheart!Merebustlingnothingness,wherethesoulisnot--Thiscannotbethesolefelicity,Thesecannotbeman'sbestandonlypleasures!

OCTAVIO.Muchhastthoulearnt,myson,inthisshortjourney.

MAX.Ohday,thricelovely!whenatlengththesoldierReturnshomeintolife;whenhebecomesAfellow-manamonghisfellow-men.Thecolorsareunfurled,thecavalcadeMashals,andnowthebuzzishushed,andhark!Nowthesoftpeace-marchbeats,home,brothers,home!ThecapsandhelmetareallgarlandedWithgreenboughs,thelastplunderingofthefields.



Thecitygatesflyopenofthemselves,Theyneednolongerthepetardtotearthem.Therampartsareallfilledwithmenandwomen,Withpeacefulmenandwomen,thatsendonwards.Kissesandwelcomingsupontheair,Whichtheymakebreezywithaffectionategestures.Fromallthetowersringsoutthemerrypeal,Thejoyousvespersofabloodyday.Ohappyman,Ofortunate!forwhomThewell-knowndoor,thefaithfularmsareopen,Thefaithfultenderarmswithmuteembracing.

QUESTENBERG(apparentlymuchaffected).OthatyoushouldspeakOfsuchadistant,distanttime,andnotOftheto-morrow,notofthisto-day.

MAX.(turningroundtohimquickandvehement).WhereliesthefaultbutonyouinVienna!Iwilldealopenlywithyou,Questenberg.Justnow,asfirstIsawyoustandinghere(I'llownittoyoufreely),indignationCrowdedandpressedmyinmostsoultogether.'Tisyethathinderpeace,ye!--andthewarrior,

Itisthewarriorthatmustforceitfromyou.Yefretthegeneral'slifeout,blackenhim,Holdhimupasarebel,andheavenknowsWhatelsestillworse,becausehesparestheSaxons,Andtriestoawakenconfidenceintheenemy;Whichyet'stheonlywaytopeace:forifWarintermitnotduringwar,howthenAndwhencecanpeacecome?Yourownplaguesfallonyou!EvenasIlovewhat'svirtuous,hateIyou.AndhereImakethisvow,herepledgemyself,MybloodshallspurtoutforthisWallenstein,Andmyheartdrainoff,dropbydrop,ereyeShallrevelanddancejubileeo'erhisruin.

[Exit.

SCENEV.

QUESTENBERG,OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI.

QUESTENBERG.Alas!alas!andstandsitso?[Theninpressingandimpatienttones.Whatfriend!anddowelethimgoawayInthisdelusion--lethimgoaway?

Notcallhimbackimmediately,notopenHiseyes,uponthespot?

OCTAVIO(recoveringhimselfoutofadeepstudy).Hehasnowopenedmine,AndIseemorethanpleasesme.

QUESTENBERG.Whatisit?



OCTAVIO.Curseonthisjourney!

QUESTENBERG.Butwhyso?Whatisit?

OCTAVIO.Come,comealong,friend!ImustfollowupTheominoustrackimmediately.MineeyesAreopenednow,andImustusethem.Come!

[DrawsQUESTENBERGonwithhim.

QUESTENBERG.Whatnow?Wheregoyouthen?

OCTAVIO.Toherherself.

QUESTENBERG.To----

OCTAVIO(interruptinghimandcorrectinghimself).Totheduke.Come,letusgo'Tisdone,'tisdone,

Iseethenetthatisthrownoverhim.Oh!hereturnsnottomeashewent.

QUESTENBERG.Nay,butexplainyourself.

OCTAVIO.AndthatIshouldnotForeseeit,notpreventthisjourney!WhereforeDidIkeepitfromhim?Youwereintheright.Ishouldhavewarnedhim.Nowitistoolate.

QUESTENBERG.

Butwhat'stoolate?Bethinkyourself,myfriend,Thatyouaretalkingabsoluteriddlestome.

OCTAVIO(morecollected).ComeItotheduke's.'TiscloseuponthehourWhichheappointedyouforaudience.Come!Acurse,athreefoldcurse,uponthisjourney!

[HeleadsQUESTENBERGoff.

ACTII.

SCENEI.

ChangestoaspaciouschamberinthehouseoftheDukeofFriedland.Servantsemployedinputtingthetablesandchairsinorder.DuringthisentersSENI,likeanoldItaliandoctor,inblack,andclothedsomewhatfantastically.Hecarriesawhitestaff,withwhichhemarksoutthequartersoftheheavens.



FIRSTSERVANT.Come--toit,lads,toit!Makeanendofit.Ihearthesentrycallout,"Standtoyourarms!"Theywillbehereinaminute.

SECONDSERVANT.Whywerewenottoldbeforethattheaudiencewouldbeheldhere?Nothingprepared--noorders--noinstructions.

THIRDSERVANT.Ay,andwhywasthebalconychambercountermanded,thatwiththegreatworkedcarpet?Thereonecanlookaboutone.

FIRSTSERVANT.Nay,thatyoumustaskthemathematicianthere.Hesaysitisanunluckychamber.

SECONDSERVANT.Poh!stuffandnonsense!that'swhatIcallahum.Achamberisachamber;whatmuchcantheplacesignifyintheaffair?

SENI(withgravity).Myson,there'snothinginsignificant,Nothing!Butyetineveryearthlything,Firstandmostprincipalisplaceandtime.

FIRSTSERVANT(tothesecond).Saynothingtohim,Nat.Thedukehimselfmustlethimhavehisownwill.

SENI(countsthechairs,halfinaloud,halfinalowvoice,till

hecomestoeleven,whichherepeats).Eleven!anevilnumber!Settwelvechairs.Twelve!twelvesignshaththezodiac:fiveandseven,Theholynumbers,includethemselvesintwelve.

SECONDSERVANT.Andwhatmayyouhavetoobjectagainsteleven?Ishouldliketoknowthatnow.

SENI.Elevenistransgression;elevenoverstepsThetencommandments.

SECONDSERVANT.That'sgood?andwhydoyoucallfiveaholynumber?

SENI.Fiveisthesoulofman:forevenasmanIsmingledupofgoodandevil,soThefiveisthefirstnumberthat'smadeupOfevenandodd.

SECONDSERVANT.Thefoolisholdcoxcomb!

FIRSTSERVANT.Ay!lethimalonethough.Iliketohearhim;thereismoreinhiswordsthancanbeseenatfirstsight.

THIRDSERVANT.Off,theycome.

SECONDSERVANT.There!Outattheside-door.

[Theyhurryoff:SENIfollowsslowly.Apagebringsthestaffofcommandonaredcushion,andplacesitonthetable,neartheduke'schair.Theyareannouncedfromwithout,andthewingsofthedoorflyopen.



SCENEII.

WALLENSTEIN,DUCHESS.

WALLENSTEIN.Youwent,then,throughVienna,werepresentedTotheQueenofHungary?

DUCHESS.Yes;andtotheempress,too,AndbybothmajestieswereweadmittedTokissthehand.

WALLENSTEIN.Andhowwasitreceived,ThatIhadsentforwifeanddaughterhitherTothecamp,inwinter-time?

DUCHESS.IdideventhatWhichyoucommissionedmetodo.ItoldthemYouhaddeterminedonourdaughter'smarriage,Andwished,ereyetyouwentintothefield,Toshowtheelectedhusbandhisbetrothed.

WALLENSTEIN.AnddidtheyguessthechoicewhichIhadmade?

DUCHESS.TheyonlyhopedandwisheditmayhavefallenUponnoforeignnoryetLutherannoble.

WALLENSTEIN.Andyou--whatdoyouwish,Elizabeth?

DUCHESS.Yourwill,youknow,wasalwaysmine.

WALLENSTEIN(afterapause).Well,then,--Andinallelse,ofwhatkindandcomplexionWasyourreceptionatthecourt?[TheDUCHESScastshereyesontheground,andremainssilent.Hidenothingfromme.Howwereyoureceived?

DUCHESS.O!mydearlord,allisnotwhatitwas.Acanker-worm,mylord,acanker-wormHasstolenintothebud.

WALLENSTEIN.Ay!isitso?What,theywerelax?theyfailedoftheoldrespect?

DUCHESS.Notofrespect.Nohonorswereomitted,Nooutwardcourtesy;butintheplaceOfcondescending,confidentialkindness,Familiarandendearing,thereweregivenmeOnlythesehonorsandthatsolemncourtesy.



Ah!andthetendernesswhichwasputon,Itwastheguiseofpity,notoffavor.No!Albrecht'swife,DukeAlbrecht'sprincelywife,CountHarrach'snobledaughter,shouldnotso--Notwhollysoshouldshehavebeenreceived.

WALLENSTEIN.Yes,yes;theyhavetakenoffence.MylatestconductTheyrailedatit,nodoubt.

DUCHESS.Othattheyhad!Ihavebeenlongaccustomedtodefendyou,Tohealandpacifydistemperedspirits.No;noonerailedatyou.Theywrappedthemup,OHeaven!insuchoppressive,solemnsilence!Hereisnoevery-daymisunderstanding,Notransientpique,nocloudthatpassesover;Somethingmostluckless,mostunhealable,Hastakenplace.TheQueenofHungaryUsedformerlytocallmeherdearaunt,Andeveratdeparturetoembraceme----

WALLENSTEIN.

Nowsheomittedit?

DUCHESS(wipingawayhertearsafterapause).Shedidembraceme,ButthenfirstwhenIhadalreadytakenMyformalleave,andwhenthedooralreadyHadcloseduponme,thendidshecomeoutInhaste,asshehadsuddenlybethoughtherself,Andpressedmetoherbosom,morewithanguishThantenderness.

WALLENSTEIN(seizesherhandsoothingly).Nay,nowcollectyourself.

AndwhatofEggenbergandLichtenstein,Andofourotherfriendsthere?

DUCHESS(shakingherhead).Isawnone.

WALLENSTEIN.TheambassadorfromSpain,whooncewaswontTopleadsowarmlyforme?

DUCHESS.Silent,silent!

WALLENSTEIN.Thesesunsthenareeclipsedforus.HenceforwardMustwerollon,ourownfire,ourownlight.

DUCHESS.Andwereit--wereit,mydearlord,inthatWhichmovedaboutthecourtinbuzzandwhisper,ButinthecountryletitselfbeheardAloud--inthatwhichFatherLanormainInsundryhintsand----



WALLENSTEIN(eagerly).Lanormain!whatsaidhe?

DUCHESS.Thatyou'reaccusedofhavingdaringlyO'ersteppedthepowersintrustedtoyou,chargedWithtraitorouscontemptoftheemperorAndhissupremebehests.TheproudBavarian,HeandtheSpaniardsstandupyouraccusers--Thatthere'sastormcollectingoveryouOffarmorefearfulmenacethantheformeroneWhichwhirledyouheadlongdownatRegensburg.Andpeopletalk,saidhe,of----Ah![Stiflingextremeemotion.

WALLENSTEIN.Proceed!

DUCHESS.Icannotutterit!

WALLENSTEIN.Proceed!

DUCHESS.Theytalk----

WALLENSTEIN.Well!

DUCHESS.Ofasecond----(catcheshervoiceandhesitates.)

WALLENSTEIN.Second----

DUCHESS.MostdisgracefulDismission.

WALLENSTEIN.Talkthey?[Stridesacrossthechamberinvehementagitation.Oh!theyforce,theythrustmeWithviolence,againstmyownwill,onward!

DUCHESS(pressesnearhiminentreaty).Oh!ifthereyetbetime,myhusband,if

Bygivingwayandbysubmission,thisCanbeaverted--mydearLord,giveway!Windownyourproudhearttoit!Telltheheart,Itisyoursovereignlord,youremperor,Beforewhomyouretreat.Oh!nolongerLowtricklingmaliceblackenyourgoodmeaningWithabhorredvenomousglosses.StandyouupShieldedandhelmedandweaponedwiththetruth,AnddrivebeforeyouintouttermostshameTheseslanderousliars!Fewfirmfriendshavewe--



Youknowit!TheswiftgrowthofourgoodfortuneIthathbutsetusupamarkforhatred.Whatarewe,ifthesovereign'sgraceandfavorStandnotbeforeus!

SCENEIII.

EntertheCountessTERZKY,leadinginherhandthePrincessTHEKLA,richlyadornedwithbrilliants.

COUNTESS,TEKLA,WALLENSTEIN,DUCHESS.

COUNTESS.Howsister?What,alreadyuponbusiness?[ObservingthecountenanceoftheDUCHESS.AndbusinessofnopleasingkindIsee,Erehehasgladdenedathischild.ThefirstMomentbelongstojoy.Here,Friedland!father!Thisisthydaughter.

[THEKLAapproacheswithashyandtimidair,andbendsherselfasabouttokisshishand.Hereceivesherinhisarms,andremains

standingforsometimelostinthefeelingofherpresence.

WALLENSTEIN.Yes!pureandlovelyhathhoperisenonme,Itakeherasthepledgeofgreaterfortune.

DUCHESS.'TwasbutalittlechildwhenyoudepartedToraiseupthatgreatarmyfortheemperorAndafter,atthecloseofthecampaign,WhenyoureturnedhomeoutofPomerania,Yourdaughterwasalreadyintheconvent,Whereinshehasremainedtillnow.

WALLENSTEIN.ThewhileWeinthefieldheregaveourcaresandtoilsTomakehergreat,andfightherafreewayTotheloftiestearthlygood;lo!motherNatureWithinthepeaceful,silentconventwalls,Hasdoneherpart,andoutofherfreegraceHathshebestowedonthebelovedchildThegod-like;andnowleadsherthusadornedTomeethersplendidfortune,andmyhope.

DUCHESS(toTHEKLA).

Thouwouldstnotnowhaverecognizedthyfather,Wouldstthou,mychild?ShecountedscarceeightyearsWhenlastshesawyourface.

THEKLA.Oyes,yes,mother!Atthefirstglance!Myfatherhasnotaltered.TheformthatstandsbeforemefalsifiesNofeatureoftheimagethathathlivedSolongwithinme!



WALLENSTEIN.Thevoiceofmychild![Thenafterapause.Iwasindignantatmydestiny,Thatitdeniedmeaman-child,tobeHeirofmynameandofmyprosperousfortune,Andre-illumemysoon-extinguishedbeingInaproudlineofprinces.Iwrongedmydestiny.Hereuponthishead,Solovelyinitsmaidenbloom,willILetfallthegarlandofalifeofwar,Nordeemitlost,ifonlyIcanwreathit,Transmutedtoaregalornament,Aroundthesebeauteousbrows.

[HeclaspsherinhisarmsasPICCOLOMINIenters.

SCENEIV.

EnterMAX.PICCOLOMINI,andsometimeafterCOUNTTERZKY,theothersremainingasbefore.

COUNTESS.TherecomesthePaladinwhoprotectedus.

WALLENSTEIN.Max.!Welcome,everwelcome!AlwayswertthouThemorningstarofmybestjoys!

MAX.Mygeneral----

WALLENSTEIN.Tillnowitwastheemperorwhorewardedthee,

Ibuttheinstrument.ThisdaythouhastboundThefathertothee,Max.!thefortunatefather,AndthisdebtFriedland'sselfmustpay.

MAX.Myprince!Youmadenocommonhurrytotransferit.Icomewithshame:yea,notwithoutapang!ForscarcehaveIarrivedhere,scarcedeliveredThemotherandthedaughtertoyourarms,Butthereisbroughttomefromyourequerry[6]Asplendidrichly-platedhuntingdressSotoremuneratemeformytroubles--

Yes,yes,remunerateme,--sinceatroubleItmustbe,amereoffice,notafavorWhichIleapedforwardtoreceive,andwhichIcamewithgratefulhearttothankyoufor.No!'twasnotsointended,thatmybusinessShouldbemyhighestbestgoodfortune!

[TERZKYenters;anddeliversletterstotheDUKE,whichhebreaksopenhurriedly.



COUNTESS(toMAX.).Remunerateyourtrouble!Forhisjoy,Hemakesyourecompense.'TisnotunfittingForyou,CountPiccolomini,tofeelSotenderly--mybrotheritbeseemsToshowhimselfforevergreatandprincely.

THEKLA.ThenItoomusthavescruplesofhislove:ForhismunificenthandsdidornamentmeEreyetthefather'shearthadspokentome.

MAXYes;'tishisnatureevertobegivingAndmakinghappy.[HegraspsthehandoftheDUCHESSwithstillincreasingwarmth.HowmyheartpoursoutItsallofthankstohim!O!howIseemToutterallthingsinthedearname--Friedland.WhileIshalllive,solongwillIremainThecaptiveofthisname:initshallbloomMyeveryfortune,everylovelyhope.InextricablyasinsomemagicringInthisnamehathmydestinycharm-boundme!

COUNTESS(whoduringthistimehasbeenanxiouslywatchingtheDUKE,andremarksthatheislostinthoughtovertheletters).Mybrotherwishesustoleavehim.Come.

WALLENSTEIN(turnshimselfroundquick,collectshimself,andspeakswithcheerfulnesstotheDUCHESS).OncemoreIbidtheewelcometothecamp,Thouartthehostessofthiscourt.You,Max.,Willnowagainadministeryouroldoffice,Whileweperformthesovereign'sbusinesshere.

[MAX.PICCOLOMINIofferstheDUCHESShisarm;theCOUNTESS

accompaniesthePRINCESS.

TERZKY(callingafterhim).Max.,wedependonseeingyouatthemeeting.

SCENEV.

WALLENSTEIN,COUNTTERZKY.

WALLENSTEIN(indeepthought,tohimself).Shehasseenallthingsastheyare--itisso,

Andsquarescompletelywithmyothernotices,TheyhavedeterminedfinallyinVienna,Havegivenmemysuccessoralready;ItistheKingofHungary,Ferdinand,Theemperor'sdelicateson!he'snowtheirsavior,He'sthenewstarthat'srisingnow!OfusTheythinkthemselvesalreadyfairlyrid,Andasweweredeceased,theheiralreadyIsenteringonpossession--Therefore--despatch!



[AsheturnsroundheobservesTERZKY,andgiveshimaletter.

CountAltringerwillhavehimselfexcused,AndGallastoo--Ilikenotthis!

TERZKY.AndifThouloiterestlonger,allwillfallaway,Onefollowingtheother.

WALLENSTEIN.AltringerIsmasteroftheTyrolpasses.ImustforthwithSendsomeonetohim,thatheletnotinTheSpaniardsonmefromtheMilanese.--Well,andtheoldSesin,thatancienttraderIncontrabandnegotiations,heHasshownhimselfagainoflate.WhatbringsheFromtheCountThur?

TERZKY.ThecountcommunicatesHehasfoundouttheSwedishchancellorAtHalberstadt,wheretheconvention'sheld,

Whosays,you'vetiredhimout,andthathe'llhaveNofurtherdealingswithyou.

WALLENSTEIN.Andwhyso?

TERZKY.Hesays,youareneverinearnestinyourspeeches;ThatyoudecoytheSwedes--tomakefoolsofthem;WillleagueyourselfwithSaxonyagainstthem,AndatlastmakeyourselfariddanceofthemWithapaltrysumofmoney.

WALLENSTEIN.Sothen,doubtless,Yes,doubtless,thissamemodestSwedeexpectsThatIshallyieldhimsomefairGermantractForhispreyandbooty,thatourselvesatlastOnourownsoilandnativeterritoryMaybenolongerourownlordsandmasters!Anexcellentscheme!No,no!Theymustbeoff,Off,off!away!wewantnosuchneighbors.

TERZKY.Nay,yieldthemupthatdot,thatspeckofland--Itgoesnotfromyourportion.Ifyouwin

Thegame,whatmattersittoyouwhopaysit?

WALLENSTEIN.Offwiththem,off!Thouunderstand'stnotthis.Nevershallitbesaidofme,IparcelledMynativelandaway,dismemberedGermany,Betrayedittoaforeigner,inorderTocomewithstealthytread,andfilchawayMyownshareoftheplunder--Never!never!Noforeignpowershallstrikerootintheempire,



AndleastofalltheseGoths!thesehungrywolves!Whosendsuchenvious,hot,andgreedyglancesTowardtherichblessingsofourGermanlands!I'llhavetheiraidtocastanddrawmynets,ButnotasinglefishofallthedraughtShalltheycomeinfor.

TERZKY.Youwilldeal,however,MorefairlywiththeSaxons?theylosepatienceWhileyoushiftroundandmakesomanycurves.Say,towhatpurposeallthesemasks?YourfriendsAreplungedindoubts,baffled,andledastrayinyou.There'sOxenstiern,there'sArnheim--neitherknowsWhatheshouldthinkofyourprocrastinations,AndintheendIprovetheliar;allPassesthroughme.I'venotevenyourhandwriting.

WALLENSTEIN.Inevergivehandwriting;andthouknowestit.

TERZKY.Buthowcanitbeknownthatyouareinearnest,Iftheactfollowsnotupontheword?

Youmustyourselfacknowledge,thatinallYourintercourseshithertowiththeenemy,Youmighthavedonewithsafetyallyouhavedone.HadyoumeantnothingfurtherthantogullhimFortheemperor'sservice.

WALLENSTEIN(afterapause,duringwhichhelooksnarrowlyonTERZKY).AndfromwhencedostthouknowThatI'mnotgullinghimfortheemperor'sservice?WhenceknowestthouthatI'mnotgullingallofyou?Dostthouknowmesowell?WhenmadeItheeTheintendantofmysecretpurposes?IamnotconsciousthatIeveropened

Myinmostthoughtstothee.Theemperor,itistrue,Hathdealtwithmeamiss;andifIwouldIcouldrepayhimwithusuriousinterestFortheevilhehathdoneme.ItdelightsmeToknowmypower;butwhetherIshalluseit,OfthatIshouldhavethoughtthatthoucouldstspeakNowiserthanthyfellows.

TERZKY.Sohastthoualwaysplayedthygamewithus.

[EnterILLO.

SCENEVI.

ILLO,WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY.

WALLENSTEIN.Howstandaffairswithout?Aretheyprepared?

ILLO.



You'llfindthemintheverymoodyouwish.Theyknowabouttheemperor'srequisition,Andaretumultuous.

WALLENSTEIN.HowhathIsolanideclaredhimself?

ILLO.He'syours,bothsoulandbody,Sinceyoubuiltupagainhisfaro-bank.

WALLENSTEIN.AndwhichwaydothKolattobend?HastthouMadesureofTiefenbachandDeodati?

ILLO.WhatPiccolominidoesthattheydotoo.

WALLENSTEIN.Youmean,then,Imayventuresomewhatwiththem?

ILLO.IfyouareassuredofthePiccolomini.

WALLENSTEIN.Notmoreassuredofmineownself.

TERZKY.AndyetIwouldyoutrustednotsomuchtoOctavio,Thefox!

WALLENSTEIN.Thouteachestmetoknowmyman?SixteencampaignsIhavemadewiththatoldwarrior.Besides,Ihavehishoroscope;

Webotharebornbeneathlikestars--inshort,[Withanairofmystery.Tothisbelongsitsownpeculiaraspect,Ifthereforethoucanstwarrantmetherest----

ILLO.Thereisamongthemallbutthisonevoice,Youmustnotlaydownthecommand.IhearTheymeantosendadeputationtoyou.

WALLENSTEIN.IfI'minaughttobindmyselftothemTheytoomustbindthemselvestome.

ILLO.Ofcourse.

WALLENSTEIN.Theirwordsofhonortheymustgive,theiroaths,Givetheminwritingtome,promisingDevotiontomyserviceunconditional.

ILLO.



Whynot?

TERZKY.Devotionunconditional?TheexceptionoftheirdutiestowardsAustriaThey'llalwaysplaceamongthepremises.Withthisreserve----

WALLENSTEIN(shakinghishead).Allunconditional;Nopremises,noreserves.

ILLO.Athoughthasstruckme.DoesnotCountTerzkygiveusasetbanquetThisevening?

TERZKY.Yes;andallthegeneralsHavebeeninvited.

ILLO(toWALLENSTEIN).Say,willyouherefullyCommissionmetousemyowndiscretion?

I'llgainforyouthegenerals'wordofhonor,Evenasyouwish.

WALLENSTEIN.Gainmetheirsignatures!Howyoucomebythemthatisyourconcern.

ILLO.AndifIbringittoyouinblackonwhite,ThatalltheleaderswhoarepresenthereGivethemselvesuptoyou,withoutcondition;Say,willyouthen--thenwillyoushowyourselfInearnest,andwithsomedecisiveaction

Tryyourfortune.

WALLENSTEIN.Getbutthesignatures!

ILLO.Thinkwhatthoudost,thoucanstnotexecuteTheemperor'sorders,norreducethinearmy,NorsendtheregimentstotheSpaniards'aid,Unlessthouwouldstresignthypowerforever.Thinkontheotherhand--thoucanstnotspurnTheemperor'shighcommandsandsolemnorders,Norlongertemporize,norseekevasion,

Wouldstthouavoidarupturewiththecourt.Resolvethen!WiltthounowbyoneboldactAnticipatetheirends,or,doubtingstill,Awaittheextremity?

WALLENSTEIN.There'stimebeforeTheextremityarrives.

ILLO.



Seize,seizethehour,Ereitslipsfromyou.SeldomcomesthemomentInlife,whichisindeedsublimeandweighty.Tomakeagreatdecisionpossible,O!manythings,alltransientandallrapid,Mustmeetatonce:and,haply,theythusmetMaybythatconfluencebeenforcedtopauseTimelong-enoughforwisdom,thoughtooshort,Far,fartooshortatimefordoubtandscruple!Thisisthatmoment.See,ourarmychieftains,Ourbest,ournoblest,areassembledroundyou,Theirking-likeleader!Onyournodtheywait.Thesinglethreads,whichhereyourprosperousfortuneHathwoventogetherinonepotentwebInstinctwithdestiny,O!letthemnotUnravelofthemselves.IfyoupermitThesechiefstoseparate,sounanimousBringyouthemnotasecondtimetogether.'Tisthehightidethatheavesthestrandedship,Andeveryindividual'sspiritwaxesInthegreatstreamofmultitudes.BeholdTheyarestillhere,herestill!ButsoonthewarBurststhemoncemoreasunder,andinsmallParticularanxietiesandinterests

Scatterstheirspirit,andthesympathyOfeachmanwiththewhole.Hewhoto-dayForgetshimself,forcedonwardwiththestream,Willbecomesober,seeingbuthimself.Feelonlyhisownweakness,andwithspeedWillfaceabout,andmarchonintheoldHighroadofduty,theoldbroad-troddenroad,Andseekbuttomakeshelteringoodplight.

WALLENSTEIN.Thetimeisnotyetcome.

TERZKY.

Soyousayalways.Butwhenwillitbetime?

WALLENSTEIN.WhenIshallsayit.

ILLO.You'llwaituponthestars,andontheirhours,Tilltheearthlyhourescapesyou.Oh,believeme,Inyourownbosomareyourdestiny'sstars.Confidenceinyourself,promptresolution,ThisisyourVenus!andthesolemalignant,Theonlyonethatharmethyouisdoubt.

WALLENSTEIN.Thouspeakestasthouunderstandest.HowoftAndmanyatimeI'vetoldtheeJupiter,Thatlustrousgod,wassettingatthybirth.Thyvisualpowersubduesnomysteries;Mole-eyedthoumayestbutburrowintheearth,Blindasthesubterrestrial,whowithwanLead-coloredshinelightedtheeintolife.Thecommon,theterrestrial,thoumayestsee,



Withserviceablecunningknittogether,Thenearestwiththenearest;andthereinItrusttheeandbelievethee!butwhate'erFullofmysteriousimportNatureweaves,Andfashionsinthedepths--thespirit'sladder,Thatfromthisgrossandvisibleworldofdust,Eventothestarryworld,withthousandrounds,Buildsitselfup;onwhichtheunseenpowersMoveupanddownonheavenlyministries--Thecirclesinthecircles,thatapproachThecentralsunwithever-narrowingorbit--Theseseetheglancealone,theunsealedeye,OfJupiter'sgladchildrenborninlustre.

[Hewalksacrossthechamber,thenreturns,andstandingstill,proceeds.

TheheavenlyconstellationsmakenotmerelyThedayandnights,summerandspring,notmerelySignifytothehusbandmantheseasonsOfsowingandofharvest.Humanaction,Thatistheseed,too,ofcontingencies,StrewedonthedarklandoffuturityInhopestoreconcilethepowersoffateWhenceitbehovesustoseekouttheseed-time,

Towatchthestars,selecttheirproperhours,Andtracewithsearchingeyetheheavenlyhouses,WhethertheenemyofgrowthandthrivingHidehimselfnot,malignant,inhiscorner.Thereforepermitmemyowntime.MeanwhileDoyouyourpart.AsyetIcannotsayWhatIshalldo--only,givewayIwillnot,Deposeme,too,theyshallnot.OnthesepointsYoumayrely.

PAGE(entering).Mylords,thegenerals.

WALLENSTEIN.Letthemcomein.

TERZKY.Shallallthechiefsbepresent?

WALLENSTEIN.'Twereneedless.BoththePiccolominiMaradas,Butler,Forgoetsch,Deodati,Karaffa,Isolani--thesemaycome.

[TERZKYgoesoutwiththePAGE.

WALLENSTEIN(toILLO).HastthoutakenheedthatQuestenbergwaswatched?Hadhenomeansofsecretintercourse?

ILLO.Ihavewatchedhimclosely--andhespokewithnoneButwithOctavio.



SCENEVII.

WALLENSTRIN,TERZKY,ILLO.--TothementerQUESTENBERG,OCTAVIO,andMAX.PICCOLOMINI,BUTLER,ISOLANI,MARADAS,andthreeotherGenerals.WALLENSTEINMotionsQUESTENBERG,whoinconsequencetakesthechairdirectlyoppositetohim;theothersfollow,arrangingthemselvesaccordingtotheirrank.Therereignsamomentarysilence.

WALLENSTEIN.Ihaveunderstood,'Tistrue,thesumandimport,Questenberg,Ofyourinstructions.Ihaveweighedthemwell,Andformedmyfinal,absoluteresolve;YetitseemsfittingthatthegeneralsShouldhearthewilloftheemperorfromyourmouth.MayitpleaseyouthentoopenyourcommissionBeforethesenoblechieftains?

QUESTENBERG.IamreadyToobeyyou;butwillfirstentreatyourhighness,Andallthesenoblechieftains,toconsider,Theimperialdignityandsovereignright

Speaksfrommymouth,andnotmyownpresumption.

WALLENSTEIN.Weexcuseallpreface.

QUESTENBERG.WhenhismajestyTheemperortohiscourageousarmiesPresentedinthepersonofDukeFriedlandAmostexperiencedandrenownedcommander,HediditingladhopeandconfidenceTogivetherebytothefortuneofthewarArapidandauspiciouschange.Theonset

Wasfavorabletohisroyalwishes.BohemiawasdeliveredfromtheSaxons,TheSwede'scareerofconquestchecked!TheselandsBegantodrawbreathfreely,asDukeFriedlandFromallthestreamsofGermanyforcedhitherThescatteredarmiesoftheenemy;HitherinvokedasroundonemagiccircleTheRhinegrave,Bernhard,Banner,Oxenstiern,Yea,andthenever-conqueredkinghimself;Herefinally,beforetheeyeofNuernberg,Thefearfulgameofbattletodecide.

WALLENSTEIN.

Tothepoint,sopleaseyou.

QUESTENBERG.AnewspiritAtonceproclaimedtousthenewcommander.Nolongerstroveblindragewithragemoreblind;ButintheenlightenedfieldofskillwasshownHowfortitudecantriumphoverboldness,Andscientificartoutwearycourage.Invaintheytempthimtothefight.Heonly



Entrencheshimstilldeeperinhishold,Asiftobuildaneverlastingfortress.Atlengthgrowndesperate,now,thekingresolvesTostormthecampandleadhiswastedlegions,Whodailyfallbyfamineandbyplague,Toquickerdeathsandhungeranddisease.ThroughlinesofbarricadesbehindwhosefenceDeathlurkswithinathousandmouthsoffire,Heyetunconqueredstrivestostormhisway.Therewasattack,andthereresistance,suchAsmortaleyehadneverseenbefore;Repulsedatlast,thekingwithdrewhistroopsFromthissomurderousfield,andnotafootOfgroundwasgainedbyallthatfearfulslaughter.

WALLENSTEIN.Prayspareustheserecitalsfromgazettes,Whichweourselvesbeheldwithdeepesthorror.

QUESTENBERG.InNuernberg'scamptheSwedishmonarchleftHisfame--inLuetzen'splainshislife.ButwhoStoodnotastounded,whenvictoriousFriedlandAfterthisdayoftriumph,thisproudday,

MarchedtowardBohemiawiththespeedofflight,Andvanishedfromthetheatreofwar?WhiletheyoungWeimarhero[7]forcedhiswayIntoFranconia,totheDanube,likeSomedelvingwinter-stream,which,whereitrushes,Makesitsownchannel;withsuchsuddenspeedHemarched,andnowatonce'foreRegensburgStoodtotheaffrightofallgoodCatholicChristians.ThendidBavaria'swell-deservingprinceEntreatswiftaidanceinhisextremeneed;TheemperorsendssevenhorsementoDukeFriedland,SevenhorsemencourierssendshewiththeentreatyHesuperaddshisown,andsupplicates

Whereasthesovereignlordhecancommand.Invainhissupplication!AtthismomentThedukehearsonlyhisoldhateandgrudge,BartersthegeneralgoodtogratifyPrivaterevenge--andsofallsRegensburg.

WALLENSTEIN.Max.,towhatperiodofthewaralludeshe?Myrecollectionfailsmehere.

MAX.HemeansWhenwewereinSilesia.

WALLENSTEIN.Ay!isitso!Butwhathadwetodothere?

MAX.TobeatoutTheSwedesandSaxonsfromtheprovince.

WALLENSTEIN.



True;Inthatdescriptionwhichtheministergave,Iseemedtohaveforgottenthewholewar.[TOQUESTENBERG.Well,butproceedalittle.

QUESTENBERG.WehopedupontheOdertoregainWhatontheDanubeshamefullywaslost.Welookedfordeedsofall-astoundinggrandeurUponatheatreofwar,onwhichAFriedlandledinpersontothefield,AndthefamedrivalofthegreatGustavusHadbutaThurnandArnheimtoopposehim!YettheencounteroftheirmightyhostsServedbuttofeastandentertaineachother.Ourcountrygroanedbeneaththewoesofwar,YetnaughtbutpeaceprevailedinFriedland'scamp!

WALLENSTEIN.Fullmanyabloodystrifeisfoughtinvain,Becauseitsyouthfulgeneralneedsavictory.But'tistheprivilegeoftheoldcommanderTosparethecostsoffightinguselessbattles

Merelytoshowthatheknowshowtoconquer.ItwouldhavelittlehelpedmyfametoboastOfconquesto'eranArnheim;butfarmoreWouldmyforbearancehaveavailedmycountry,HadIsucceededtodissolvetheallianceExisting'twixttheSaxonandtheSwede.

QUESTENBERG.Butyoudidnotsucceed,andsocommencedThefearfulstrifeanew.Andhereatlength,BesidetheriverOderdidthedukeAsserthisancientfame.UponthefieldsOfSteinaudidtheSwedeslaydowntheirarms,

Subduedwithoutablow.Andhere,withothers,TherighteousnessofheaventohisavengerDeliveredthatlong-practisedstirrer-upOfinsurrection,thatcurse-ladentorchAndkindlerofthiswar,MatthiasThurn.ButhehadfallenintomagnanimoushandsInsteadofpunishmenthefoundreward,AndwithrichpresentsdidthedukedismissThearch-foeofhisemperor.

WALLENSTEIN(laughs).Iknow,IknowyouhadalreadyinVienna

YourwindowsandyourbalconiesforestalledToseehimontheexecutioner'scart.Imighthavelostthebattle,lostittooWithinfamy,andstillretainedyourgraces--But,tohavecheatedthemofaspectacle,Oh!thatthegoodfolksofViennanever,No,nevercanforgiveme!

QUESTENBERG.SoSilesia



Wasfreed,andallthingsloudlycalledthedukeIntoBavaria,nowpressedhardonallsides.Andhedidputhistroopsinmotion:slowly,Quiteathisease,andbythelongestroadHetraversesBohemia;butereeverHehathonceseentheenemy,facesround,Breaksupthemarch,andtakestowinter-quarters.

WALLENSTEIN.ThetroopswerepitiablydestituteOfeverynecessary,everycomfort,Thewintercame.WhatthinkshismajestyHistroopsaremadeof?Aren'twemen;subjectedLikeothermentowet,andcold,andallThecircumstancesofnecessity?Oh,miserablelotofthepoorsoldier!Whereverhecomesinallfleebeforehim,AndwhenhegoesawaythegeneralcurseFollowshimonhisroute.Allmustbeseized.Nothingisgivenhim.AndcompelledtoseizeFromeverymanhe'severyman'sabhorrence.Behold,herestandmygenerals.Karaffa!CountDeodati!Butler!TellthismanHowlongthesoldier'spayisinarrears.

BUTLER.Alreadyafullyear.

WALLENSTEIN.And'tisthehireThatconstitutesthehireling'snameandduties,Thesoldier'spayisthesoldier'scovenant.[8]

QUESTENBERG.Ah!thisisafarothertonefromthatInwhichthedukespokeeight,nineyearsago.

WALLENSTEIN.Yes!'tismyfault,Iknowit:ImyselfHavespoilttheemperorbyindulginghim.Nineyearsago,duringtheDanishwar,Iraisedhimupaforce,amightyforce,Fortyorfiftythousandmen,thatcosthimOfhisownpursenodoit.ThroughSaxonyThefurygoddessofthewarmarchedon,E'entothesurf-rocksoftheBaltic,bearingTheterrorsofhisname.Thatwasatime!InthewholeimperialrealmnonamelikemineHonoredwithfestivalandcelebration--AndAlbrechtWallenstein,itwasthetitle

Ofthethirdjewelinhiscrown!ButattheDiet,whentheprincesmetAtRegensburg,there,therethewholebrokeout,There'twaslaidopen,thereitwasmadeknownOutofwhatmoney-bagIhadpaidthehost,Andwhatwerenowmythanks,whathadInowThatI,afaithfulservantofthesovereign,Hadloadedonmyselfthepeople'scurses,AndlettheprincesoftheempirepayTheexpensesofthiswarthataggrandizes



Theemperoralone.WhatthankshadI?What?IwasoffereduptotheircomplaintDismissed,degraded!

QUESTENBERG.ButyourhighnessknowsWhatlittlefreedomhepossessedofactionInthatdisastrousDiet.

WALLENSTEIN.Deathandhell!IhadthatwhichcouldhaveprocuredhimfreedomNo!since'twasprovedsoinauspicioustomeToservetheemperorattheempire'scost,IhavebeentaughtfarothertrainsofthinkingOftheempireandtheDietoftheempire.Fromtheemperor,doubtless,Ireceivedthisstaff,ButnowIholditastheempire'sgeneral,--Forthecommonweal,theuniversalinterest,Andnomoreforthatoneman'saggrandizement!Buttothepoint.Whatisitthat'sdesiredofme?

QUESTENBERG.First,hisimperialmajestyhathwilled

ThatwithoutpretextsofdelaythearmyEvacuateBohemia.

WALLENSTEIN.Inthisseason?AndtowhatquarterwillstheemperorThatwedirectourcourse?

QUESTENBERG.Totheenemy.Hismajestyresolves,thatRegensburgBepurifiedfromtheenemyereEaster,ThatLutheranismmaybenolongerpreached

Inthatcathedral,norhereticalDefilementdesecratethecelebrationOfthatpurefestival.

WALLENSTEIN.Mygenerals,Canthisberealized?

ILLO.'Tisnotpossible.

BUTLER.Itcan'tberealized.

QUESTENBERG.TheemperorAlreadyhathcommandedColonelSuysToadvancetowardsBavaria.

WALLENSTEIN.WhatdidSuys?

QUESTENBERG.



Thatwhichhisdutyprompted.Headvanced.

WALLENSTEIN.What!headvanced?AndI,hisgeneral,Hadgivenhimorders,peremptoryordersNottodeserthisstation!StandsitthusWithmyauthority?IsthistheobedienceDuetomyoffice,whichbeingthrownaside,Nowarcanbeconducted?Chieftains,speakYoubethejudges,generals.WhatdeservesThatofficerwho,ofhisoathneglectful,Isguiltyofcontemptoforders?

ILLO.Death.

WALLENSTEIN(raisinghisvoice,asallbutILLOhadremainedsilentandseeminglyscrupulous).CountPiccolomini!whathashedeserved?

MAX.PICCOLOMINI(afteralongpause).Accordingtotheletterofthelaw,Death.

ISOLANI.Death.

BUTLER.Death,bythelawsofwar.

[QUESTENBERGrisesfromhisseat,WALLENSTEINfollows,alltherestrise.

WALLENSTEIN.Tothisthelawcondemnshim,andnotI.AndifIshowhimfavor,'twillariseFromthereverencethatIowemyemperor.

QUESTENBERG.Ifso,Icansaynothingfurther--here!

WALLENSTEIN.Iacceptedthecommandbutonconditions!Andthisthefirst,thattothediminutionOfmyauthoritynohumanbeing,Noteventheemperor'sself,shouldbeentitledTodoaught,ortosayaught,withthearmy.IfIstandwarranteroftheevent,Placingmyhonorandmyheadinpledge,NeedsmustIhavefullmasteryinall

Themeansthereto.WhatrenderedthisGustavusResistless,andunconquereduponearth?This--thathewasthemonarchinhisarmy!Amonarch,onewhoisindeedamonarch,Wasneveryetsubduedbutbyhisequal.Buttothepoint!Thebestisyettocome,Attendnow,generals!

QUESTENBERG.ThePrinceCardinal



BeginshisrouteattheapproachofspringFromtheMilanese;andleadsaSpanisharmyThroughGermanyintotheNetherlands.Thathemaymarchsecureandunimpeded,'Tistheemperor'swillyougranthimadetachmentOfeighthorse-regimentsfromthearmyhere.

WALLENSTEIN.Yes,yes!Iunderstand!Eightregiments!Well,Rightwellconcerted,FatherLanormain!Eightthousandhorse!Yes,yes!'tisasitshouldbeIseeitcoming.

QUESTENBERG.Thereisnothingcoming.Allstandsinfront:thecounselofstate-prudence,Thedictateofnecessity!

WALLENSTEIN.Whatthen?What,mylordenvoy?MayInotbesufferedTounderstandthatfolksaretiredofseeingThesword'shiltinmygrasp,andthatyourcourtSnatcheagerlyatthispretence,anduse

TheSpanishtitle,anddrainoffmyforces,ToleadintotheempireanewarmyUnsubjectedtomycontrol?TothrowmePlumplyaside,--IamstilltoopowerfulforyouToventurethat.Mystipulationruns,ThatalltheimperialforcesshallobeymeWhere'ertheGermanisthenativelanguage.OfSpanishtroopsandofprincecardinals,Thattaketheirrouteasvisitors,throughtheempire,Therestandsnosyllableinmystipulation.Nosyllable!AndsothepoliticcourtStealsinontiptoe,andcreepsroundbehindit;Firstmakesmeweaker,thentobedispensedwith,

Tillitdaresstrikeatlengthabolderblow,Andmakeshortworkwithme.Whatneedofallthesecrookedways,lordenvoy?Straightforward,man!hiscompactwithmepinchesTheemperor.HewouldthatImovedoff!Well!Iwillgratifyhim![Heretherecommencesanagitationamongthegenerals,whichincreasescontinually.Itgrievesmeformynobleofficers'sakes;IseenotyetbywhatmeanstheywillcomeatThemoneystheyhaveadvanced,orhowobtainTherecompensetheirservicesdemand.Stillanewleaderbringsnewclaimantsforward,

Andpriormeritsuperannuatesquickly.Thereserveheremanyforeignersinthearmy,Andwerethemaninallelsebraveandgallant,IwasnotwonttomakenicescrutinyAfterhispedigreeorcatechism.Thiswillbeotherwisei'thetimetocome.Well;menolongeritconcerns.[Heseatshimself.Forbidit,Heaven,thatitshouldcometothis!Ourtroopswillswellindreadfulfermentation--



Theemperorisabused--itcannotbe.

ISOLANI.Itcannotbe;allgoestoinstantwreck.

WALLENSTEIN.Thouhastsaidtruly,faithfulIsolani!WhatwewithtoilandforesighthavebuiltupWillgotowreck--allgotoinstantwreck.Whatthen?Anotherchieftainissoonfound,Anotherarmylikewise(whodaresdoubtit?)Willflockfromallsidestotheemperor,Atthefirstbeatofhisrecruitingdrum.

[Duringthisspeech,ISOLANI,TERZKY,ILLO,andMARADAStalkconfusedlywithgreatagitation.

MAX.PICCOLOMINI(busilyandpassionatelygoingfromonetoanother,andsoothingthem).Hear,mycommander'Hearme,generals!Letmeconjureyou,duke!Determinenothing,TillwehavemetandrepresentedtoyouOurjointremonstrances!Nay,calmer!Friends!Ihopeallmayyetbesetrightagain.

TERZKY.Away!letusaway!intheantechamberFindwetheothers.[Theygo.

BUTLER(toQUESTENBERG).IfgoodcounselgainDueaudiencefromyourwisdom,mylordenvoy,YouwillbecautioushowyoushowyourselfInpublicforsomehourstocome--orhardlyWillthatgoldkeyprotectyoufrommaltreatment.

[Commotionsheardfromwithout.

WALLENSTEIN.Asalutarycounsel--Thou,Octavio!Wiltanswerforthesafetyofourguest.Farewell,vonQuestenberg![QUESTENBURGisabouttospeak.Nay,notaword.Notonewordmoreofthatdetestedsubject!Youhaveperformedyourduty.WeknownowToseparatetheofficefromtheman.

[ASQUESTENBERGisgoingoffwithOCTAVIO,GOETZ,TIEFENBACH,

KOLATTO,pressin,severalothergeneralsfollowingthem.

GOETZ.Where'shewhomeanstorobusofourgeneral?

TIEFENBACH(atthesametime).Whatareweforcedtobear?Thatthouwiltleaveus?

KOLATTO(atthesametime).Wewilllivewiththee,wewilldiewiththee.



WALLENSTEIN(withstateliness,andpointingtoILLO).There!thefield-marshalknowsourwill.[Exit.

[Whileallaregoingoffthestage,thecurtaindrops.

ACTIII.

SCENEI.

ASmallChamber.

ILLOandTERZKY.

TERZKY.Nowforthisevening'sbusiness!HowintendyouTomanagewiththegeneralsatthebanquet?

ILLO.Attend!Weframeaformaldeclaration,

WhereinwetothedukeconsignourselvesCollectively,tobeandtoremainHis,bothwithlifeandlimb,andnottospareThelastdropofourbloodforhim,provided,SodoingweinfringenooathordutyWemaybeundertotheemperor.Mark!ThisreservationweexpresslymakeInaparticularclause,andsavetheconscience.Nowhear!thisformulasoframedandwordedWillbepresentedtothemforperusalBeforethebanquet.NoonewillfindinitCauseofoffenceorscruple.Hearnowfurther!Afterthefeast,whennowthevaperingwine

Openstheheart,andshutstheeyes,weletAcounterfeitedpaper,inthewhichThisoneparticularclausehasbeenleftout,Goroundforsignatures.

TERZKY.How!thinkyouthenThatthey'llbelievethemselvesboundbyanoath,Whichwehavetrickedthemintobyajuggle?

ILLO.Weshallhavecaughtandcagedthem!LetthemthenBeattheirwingsbareagainstthewires,andrave

Loudastheymayagainstourtreachery;AtcourttheirsignatureswillbebelievedFarmorethantheirmostholyaffirmations.Traitorstheyare,andmustbe;thereforewiselyWillmakeavirtueofnecessity.

TERZKY.Well,well,itshallcontentme:letbutsomethingBedone,letonlysomedecisiveblowSetusinmotion.



ILLO.Besides,'tisofsubordinateimportanceHow,orhowfar,wemaytherebypropelThegenerals.'TisenoughthatwepersuadeThedukethattheyarehis.LethimbutactInhisdeterminedmood,asifhehadthem,Andhewillhavethem.Whereheplungesin,Hemakesawhirlpool,andallstreamdowntoit.

TERZKY.Hispolicyissuchalabyrinth,ThatmanyatimewhenIhavethoughtmyselfCloseathisside,he'sgoneatonce,andleftmeIgnorantofthegroundwhereIwasstanding.Helendstheenemyhisear,permitsmeTowritetothem,toArnheim;toSesinaHimselfcomesforwardblankandundisguised;Talkswithusbythehourabouthisplans,AndwhenIthinkIhavehim--offatonce--Hehasslippedfromme,andappearsasifHehadnoscheme,buttoretainhisplace.

ILLO.

Hegiveuphisoldplans!I'lltellyou,friend!Hissoulisoccupiedwithnothingelse,Eveninhissleep--theyarehisthoughts,hisdreams,ThatdaybydayhequestionsforthispurposeThemotionsoftheplanets----

TERZKY.Ah!youknowThisnight,thatisnowcoming,hewithSeni,ShutshimselfupintheastrologicaltowerTomakejointobservations--forIhearItistobeanightofweightandcrisis;Andsomethinggreat,andoflongexpectation,

Takesplaceinheaven.

ILLO.OthatitmighttakeplaceOnearth!Thegeneralsarefullofzeal,AndwouldwitheasebeledtoanythingRatherthanlosetheirchief.Observe,too,thatWehaveatlastafairexcusebeforeusToformaclosealliance'gainstthecourt,Yetinnocentitstitle,bearingsimplyThatwesupporthimonlyincommand.ButintheardorofpursuitthouknowestMensoonforgetthegoalfromwhichtheystarted.

TheobjectI'veinviewisthattheprinceShalleitherfindthem,orbelievethemreadyForeveryhazard.OpportunityWilltempthimon.Bethegreatsteponcetaken,WhichatVienna'scourtcanne'erbepardoned,TheforceofcircumstanceswillleadhimonwardThefartherstillandfarther.'TisthechoiceThatmakeshimundecisive--comebutneed,Andallhispowersandwisdomwillcomewithit.



TERZKY.'TisthisalonetheenemyawaitsTochangetheirchiefandjointheirforcewithours.

ILLO.Come!beweboldandmakedespatch.TheworkInthisnextdayortwomustthriveandgrowMorethanithasforyears.AndletbutonlyThingsfirstturnupauspiciousherebelow--MarkwhatIsay--therightstars,too,willshowthemselves.Cometothegenerals.Allisintheglow,Andmustbebeatenwhile'tismalleable.

TERZKY.Doyougothither,Illo?ImuststayAndwaitherefortheCountessTerzky.KnowThatwe,too,arenotidle.Breakonestring,Asecondisinreadiness.

ILLO.Yes!yes!Isawyourladysmilewithsuchslymeaning.What'sinthewind?

TERZKY.Asecret.Hush!shecomes.

[ExitILLO.

SCENEII.

TheCOUNTESSstepsoutfromacloset.

COUNTandCOUNTESSTERZKY.

TERZKY.Well--isshecoming?IcankeephimbackNolonger.

COUNTESS.Shewillbehereinstantly,Youonlysendhim.

TERZKY.Iamnotquitecertain,Imustconfessit,countess,whetherornotWeareearningtheduke'sthankshereby.YouknowNorayhasbrokeoutfromhimonthispoint.

Youhaveo'erruledme,andyourselfknowbestHowfaryoudareproceed.

COUNTESS.Itakeitonme.[Talkingtoherselfwhilesheisadvancing.Here'snoheedoffullpowersandcommissions;Mycloudyduke!weunderstandeachother--Andwithoutwords.WhatcouldInotunriddle,Whereforethedaughtershouldbesentforhither,



Whyfirsthe,andnoothershouldbechosenTofetchherhither?ThisshamofbetrothingherToabridegroom[9],whomnooneknows--No!no!Thismayblindothers!Iseethroughthee,brother!ButitbeseemstheenottodrawacardAtsuchagame.Notyet!ItallremainsMutelydelivereduptomyfinessing.Well--thoushaltnothavebeendeceived,DukeFriedland,Inherwhoisthysister.

SERVANT(enters).Thecommanders![Exit.

TERZKY(totheCOUNTESS).Takecareyouheathisfancyandaffections--Possesshimwithareverie,andsendhim,Absentanddreamingtothebanquet;thatHemaynotboggleatthesignature.

COUNTESS.Takecareofyourguests!Go,sendhimhither.

TERZKY.

Allrestsuponhisundersigning.

COUNTESS(interruptinghim).Gotoyourguests!Go----

ILLO(comesback).Whereartstaying,Terzky?Thehouseisfull,andallexpectingyou.

TERZKY.Instantly!instantly![TotheCOUNTESS.Andlethimnot

Stayheretoolong.ItmightawakesuspicionIntheoldman----

COUNTESS.Atrucewithyourprecautions!

[ExeuntTERZKYandILLO.

SCENEIII.

COUNTESS,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.

MAX.(peepinginonthestageslyly).AuntTerzky!mayIventure?[Advancestothemiddleofthestage,andlooksaroundhimwithuneasiness.She'snothere!Whereisshe?

COUNTESS.Lookbutsomewhatnarrowly



Inyondercorner,lestperhapsshelieConcealedbehindthatscreen.

MAX.Thereliehergloves!

[Snatchesatthem,buttheCOUNTESStakesthemherself.

Youunkindlady!Yourefusemethis,Youmakeitanamusementtotormentme.

COUNTESS.Andthisthethanksyougivemeformytrouble?

MAX.O,ifyoufelttheoppressionatmyheart!Sincewe'vebeenhere,sotoconstrainmyselfWithsuchpoorstealthtohazardwordsandglances.These,thesearenotmyhabits!

COUNTESS.YouhavestillManynewhabitstoacquire,youngfriend!Butonthisproofofyourobedienttemper

Imustcontinuetoinsist;andonlyOnthisconditioncanIplaytheagentForyourconcerns.

MAX.Butwhereforecomesshenot?Whereisshe?

COUNTESS.IntomyhandsyoumustplaceitWholeandentire.Whomcouldyoufind,indeed,Morezealouslyaffectedtoyourinterest?Nosoulonearthmustknowit--notyourfather;

Hemustnot,aboveall.

MAX.Alas!whatdanger?HereisnofaceonwhichImightconcentreAlltheenrapturedsoulstirsupwithinme.Olady!tellme,isallchangedaroundme?OrisitonlyI?Ifindmyself,Asamongstrangers!NotatraceisleftOfallmyformerwishes,formerjoys.Wherehasitvanishedto?TherewasatimeWheneven,methought,withsuchaworldasthis,

Iwasnotdiscontented.Nowhowflat!Howstale!Nolife,nobloom,noflavorinit!Mycomradesareintolerabletome.Myfather--eventohimIcansaynothing.Myarms,mymilitaryduties--O!Theyaresuchwearyingtoys!

COUNTESS.Butgentlefriend!Imustentreatitofyourcondescension,



Youwouldbepleasedtosinkyoureye,andfavorWithoneshortglanceortwothispoorstaleworld,Whereevennowmuch,andofmuchmoment,Isontheeveofitscompletion.

MAX.Something,Ican'tbutknowisgoingforwardroundme.Iseeitgathering,crowding,drivingon,Inwilduncustomarymovements.Well,Induetime,doubtless,itwillreachevenme.WherethinkyouIhavebeen,dearlady?Nay,Noraillery.Theturmoilofthecamp,Thespring-tideofacquaintancerollingin,Thepointlessjest,theemptyconversation,Oppressedandstifledme.Igaspedforair--Icouldnotbreathe--Iwasconstrainedtofly,Toseekasilenceoutformyfullheart;Andapurespotwhereintofeelmyhappiness.Nosmiling,countess!InthechurchwasI.Thereisacloisterhere"Totheheaven'sgate,"[10]ThitherIwent,therefoundmyselfalone.Overthealtarhungaholymother;Awretchedpainting'twas,yet'twasthefriend

ThatIwasseekinginthismoment.Ah,HowofthaveIbeheldthatgloriousformInsplendor,'midecstaticworshippers;Yet,stillitmovedmenot!andnowatonceWasmydevotioncloudlessasmylove.

COUNTESS.Enjoyyourfortuneandfelicity!Forgettheworldaroundyou.Meantime,friendshipShallkeepstrictvigilsforyou,anxious,active.OnlybemanageablewhenthatfriendshipPointsyoutheroadtofullaccomplishment.

MAX.Butwhereabidesshethen?Oh,goldentimeOftravel,wheneachmorningsununitedAndbutthecomingnightdividedus;Thenrannosand,thenstrucknohourforus,Andtime,inourexcessofhappiness,Seemedonitscourseeternaltostandstill.Oh,hehathfallenfromouthisheavenofblissWhocandescendtocountthechanginghours,Noclockstrikeseverforthehappy!

COUNTESS.Howlongisitsinceyoudeclaredyourpassion?

MAX.ThismorningdidIhazardthefirstword.

COUNTESS.Thismorningthefirsttimeintwentydays?

MAX.'Twasatthathunting-castle,betwixthereAndNepomuck,whereyouhadjoinedus,and



Thatwasthelastrelayofthewholejourney;Inabalconywewerestandingmute,AndgazingoutuponthedrearyfieldBeforeusthedragoonswereridingonward,Thesafeguardwhichthedukehadsentus--heavy;Theinquietudeofpartinglayuponme,Andtremblingventuredatlengththesewords:Thisallremindsme,noblemaiden,thatTo-dayImusttakeleaveofmygoodfortune.Afewhoursmore,andyouwillfindafather,Willseeyourselfsurroundedbynewfriends,AndIhenceforthshallbebutasastranger,Lostinthemany--"SpeakwithmyAuntTerzky!"Withhurryingvoicesheinterruptedme.Shefaltered.IbeheldaglowingredPossessherbeautifulcheeks,andfromthegroundRaisedslowlyuphereyemetmine--nolongerDidIcontrolmyself.[ThePrincessTHEKLAappearsatthedoor,andremainsstanding,observedbytheCOUNTESS,butnotbyPICCOLOMINI.WithinstantboldnessIcaughtherinmyarms,mylipstouchedhers;Therewasarustlingintheroomcloseby;Itpartedus--'Twasyou.Whatsincehashappened

Youknow.

COUNTESS(afterapause,withastolenglanceatTHEKLA).AndisityourexcessofmodestyOrareyousoincurious,thatyoudonotAskmetooofmysecret?

MAX.Ofyoursecret?

COUNTESS.Why,yes!WhenintheinstantafteryouIsteppedintotheroom,andfoundmyniecethere;

WhatsheinthisfirstmomentoftheheartTakenwithsurprise----

MAX.(witheagerness).Well?

SCENEIV.

THEKLA(hurriesforward),COUNTESS,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.

THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS).

Spareyourselfthetrouble:Thathearshebetterfrommyself.

MAX.(steppingbackward).Myprincess!Whathaveyouletherhearmesay,AuntTerzky?

THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS).Hashebeenherelong?



COUNTESS.Yes;andsoonmustgo,Wherehaveyoustayedsolong?

THEKLA.Alas!mymother,Weptsoagain!andI--Iseehersuffer,Yetcannotkeepmyselffrombeinghappy.

MAX.NowonceagainIhavecouragetolookonyou.To-dayatnoonIcouldnot.ThedazzleofthejewelsthatplayedroundyouHidthebelovedfromme.

THEKLA.ThenyousawmeWithyoureyeonly--andnotwithyourheart?

MAX.Thismorning,whenIfoundyouinthecircleOfallyourkindred,inyourfather'sarms,Beheldmyselfanalieninthiscircle,O!whatanimpulsefeltIinthatmoment

Tofalluponhisneck,tocallhimfather!Buthissterneyeo'erpoweredtheswellingpassion,Itdarednotbutbesilent.Andthosebrilliants,Thatlikeacrownofstarsenwreathedyourbrows,Theyscaredmetoo!Owherefore,whereforeshouldbeAtthefirstmeetingspreadas'twerethebanOfexcommunicationroundyou,--whereforeDressuptheangelasforsacrifice.AndcastuponthelightandjoyousheartThemournfulburdenofhisstation?FitlyMaylovedarewooforlove;butsuchasplendorMightnonebutmonarchsventuretoapproach.

THEKLA.Hush!notawordmoreofthismummery;Youseehowsoontheburdenisthrownoff.[TotheCOUNTESS.Heisnotinspirits.Whereforeishenot?'Tisyou,aunt,thathavemadehimallsogloomy!Hehadquiteanothernatureonthejourney--Socalm,sobright,sojoyouseloquent.[ToMAX.Itwasmywishtoseeyoualwaysso,Andneverotherwise!

MAX.

YoufindyourselfInyourgreatfather'sarms,belovedlady!Allinanewworld,whichdoeshomagetoyou,Andwhich,were'tonlybyitsnovelty,Delightsyoureye.

THEKLA.Yes;IconfesstoyouThatmanythingsdelightmehere:thiscamp,Thismotleystageofwarriors,whichrenews



Somanifoldtheimageofmyfancy,Andbindstolife,bindstoreality,WhathithertohadbutbeenpresenttomeAsasweetdream!

MAX.Alas!notsotome.Itmakesadreamofmyreality.UponsomeislandintheetherealheightsI'velivedfortheselastdays.ThismassofmenForcesmedowntoearth.ItisabridgeThat,reconductingtomyformerlife,Dividesmeandmyheaven.

THEKLA.ThegameoflifeLookscheerful,whenonecarriesinone'sheartTheunalienabletreasure.'Tisagame,Which,havingoncereviewed,IturnmorejoyousBacktomydeeperandappropriatebliss.[Breakingoff,andinasportivetone.InthisshorttimethatI'vebeenpresenthere.Whatnewunheard-ofthingshaveInotseen;Andyettheyallmustgiveplacetothewond

Whichthismysteriouscastleguards.

COUNTESS(recollecting).AndwhatCanthisbethen?MethoughtIwasacquaintedWithalltheduskycornersofthishouse.

THEKLA(smiling).Ay,buttheroadtheretoiswatchedbyspirits,Twogriffinsstillstandsentryatthedoor.

COUNTESS(laughs).Theastrologicaltower!Howhappensit

Thatthissamesanctuary,whoseaccessIstoallotherssoimpracticable,Opensbeforeyouevenatyourapproach?

THEKLA.AdwarfisholdmanwithafriendlyfaceAndsnow-whitehairs,whosegraciousservicesWeremineatfirstsight,openedmethedoors.

MAX.Thatistheduke'sastrologer,oldSeni.

THEKLA.

Hequestionedmeonmanypoints;forinstance,WhenIwasborn,whatmonth,andonwhatday,Whetherbydayorinthenight.

COUNTESS.HewishedToerectafigureforyourhoroscope.

THEKLA.Myhandtooheexamined,shookhishead



Withmuchsadmeaning,andthelines,methought,Didnotsquareovertrulywithhiswishes.

COUNTESS.Well,princess,andwhatfoundyouinthistower?MyhighestprivilegehasbeentosnatchAside-glance,andaway!

THEKLA.ItwasastrangeSensationthatcameo'erme,whenatfirstFromthebroadsunshineIsteppedin;andnowThenarrowinglineofdaylight,thatranafterTheclosingdoor,wasgone;andallaboutme'Twaspaleandduskynight,withmanyshadowsFantasticallycast.HeresixorsevenColossalstatues,andallkings,stoodroundmeInahalf-circle.EachoneinhishandAsceptrebore,andonhisheadastar;AndinthetowernootherlightwasthereButfromthesestarsallseemedtocomefromthem."Thesearetheplanets,"saidthatlowoldman,"Theygovernworldlyfates,andforthatcauseAreimagedhereaskings.Hefarthestfromyou,

Spitefulandcold,anoldmanmelancholy,Withbentandyellowforehead,heisSaturn.Heopposite,thekingwiththeredlight,Anarmedmanforthebattle,thatisMars;Andboththesebringbutlittlelucktoman."Butathissidealovelyladystood,Thestaruponherheadwassoftandbright,Oh,thatwasVenus,thebrightstarofjoy.Andthelefthand,lo!Mercury,withwingsQuiteinthemiddleglitteredsilverbright.Acheerfulman,andwithamonarch'smien;AndthiswasJupiter,myfather'sstarAndathissideIsawtheSunandMoon.

MAX.Oh,neverrudelywillIblamehisfaithInthemightofstarsandangels.'TisnotmerelyThehumanbeing'spridethatpeoplesspaceWithlifeandmysticalpredominance;SincelikewiseforthestrickenheartofloveThisvisiblenature,andthiscommonworld,Isalltoonarrow;yea,adeeperimportLurksinthelegendtoldmyinfantyearsThanliesuponthattruth,welivetolearn.Forfableislove'sworld,hishome,hisbirth-place;Delightedlydwellsheamongfaysandtalismans,

Andspirits;anddelightedlybelievesDivinities,beinghimselfdivineTheintelligibleformsofancientpoets,Thefairhumanitiesofoldreligion,Thepower,thebeauty,andthemajesty,Thathadherhauntsindale,orpinymountain,Orforestbyslowstream,orpebblyspring,Orchasms,andwaterydepths,allthesehavevanished.Theylivenolongerinthefaithofreason!Butstilltheheartdothneedalanguage,still



Doththeoldinstinctbringbacktheoldnames;Andtoyonstarryworldtheynowaregone,Spiritsorgods,thatusedtosharethisearthWithmanaswiththeirfriend[11],andtotheloverYondertheymove,fromyondervisibleskyShootinfluencedown:andevenatthisday'ThisJupiterwhobringswhate'erisgreat,AndVenuswhobringseverythingthat'sfair!

THEKLA.Andifthisbethescienceofthestars,I,too,withgladandzealousindustry,Willlearnacquaintancewiththischeerfulfaith.Itisagentleandaffectionatethought,Thatinimmeasurableheightsaboveus,Atourfirstbirth,thewreathoflovewaswoven,Withsparklingstarsforflowers.

COUNTESS.NotonlyrosesAndthornstoohaththeheaven,andwellforyouLeavetheyyourwreathofloveinviolate:WhatVenustwined,thebearerofgladfortune,ThesullenorbofMarssoontearstopieces.

MAX.Soonwillthisgloomyempirereachitsclose.Blestbethegeneral'szeal:intothelaurelWillheinweavetheolive-branch,presentingPeacetotheshoutingnations.ThennowishWillhaveremainedforhisgreatheart.EnoughHasheperformedforglory,andcannowLiveforhimselfandhis.TohisdomainswillHeretire;hehasastatelyseatOffairestviewatGitschin,Reichenberg,AndFriedlandCastle,bothliepleasantly;Eventothefootofthehugemountainshere

Stretchesthechaseandcoversofhisforests:HisrulingpassiontocreatethesplendidHecanindulgewithoutrestraint;cangiveAprincelypatronagetoeveryart,Andtoallworthasovereign'sprotection.Canbuild,canplant,canwatchthestarrycourses----

COUNTESS.YetIwouldhaveyoulook,andlookagain,Beforeyoulayasideyourarms,youngfriend!Agentlebride,assheis,iswellworthit,Thatyoushouldwooandwinherwiththesword.

MAX.Oh,thattheswordcouldwinher!

COUNTESS.Whatwasthat?Didyouhearnothing?SeemedasifIheardTumultandlaruminthebanquet-room.

[ExitCOUNTESS.



SCENEV.

THEKLAandMAX.PICCOLOMINI.

THEKLA(assoonastheCOUNTESSisoutofsight,inaquick,lowvoicetoPICCOLOMINI).Don'ttrustthem!Theyarefalse!

MAX.Impossible!

THEKLA.Trustnooneherebutme.Isawatonce,Theyhadapurpose.

MAX.Purpose!butwhatpurpose?Andhowcanwebeinstrumentaltoit?

THEKLA.Iknownomorethanyou;butyetbelievemeThere'ssomedesigninthis;tomakeushappy,

Torealizeourunion--trustme,love!Theybutpretendtowishit.

MAX.ButtheseTerzkys--Whyusewethematall?Whynotyourmother?Excellentcreature!ShedeservesfromusAfullandfilialconfidence.

THEKLA.Shedothloveyou,Dothrateyouhighbeforeallothers--but--Butsuchasecret--shewouldneverhave

Thecouragetoconcealitfrommyfather.ForherownpeaceofmindwemustpreserveitAsecretfromhertoo.

MAX.Whyanysecret?Ilovenotsecrets.MarkwhatIwilldo.I'llthrowmeatyourfather'sfeet--lethimDecideuponmyfortune!Heistrue,Hewearsnomask--hehatesallcrookedways--Heissogood,sonoble!

THEKLA.(fallsonhisneck).

Thatareyou!

MAX.Youknewhimonlyfromthismorn!ButIHavelivedtenyearsalreadyinhispresence;AndwhoknowswhetherinthisverymomentHeisnotmerelywaitingforusbothToownourlovesinordertouniteus?Youaresilent!Youlookatmewithsuchahopelessness!



Whathaveyoutoobjectagainstyourfather?

THEKLA.I?Nothing.Onlyhe'ssooccupied--HehasnoleisuretimetothinkaboutThehappinessofustwo.[Takinghishandtenderly.FollowmeLetusnotplacetoogreatafaithinmen.TheseTerzkys--wewillstillbegratefultothemForeverykindness,butnottrustthemfurtherThantheydeserve;--andinallelserelyOnourownhearts!

MAX.O!shallwee'erbehappy?

THEKLA.Arewenothappynow?Artthounotmine?AmInotthine?ThereliveswithinmysoulAloftycourage--'tislovegivesitme!Ioughttobelessopen--oughttohideMyheartmorefromthee--sodecorumdictates:Butwhereinthisplacecouldstthouseekfortruth,

Ifinmymouththoudidstnotfindit?Wenowhavemet,thenletusholdeachotherClaspedinalastingandafirmembrace.Believemethiswasmorethantheirintent.ThenbeourloveslikesomeblestrelickeptWithinthedeeprecessesoftheheart.Fromheavenalonethelovehasbeenbestowed,Toheavenaloneourgratitudeisdue;Itcanworkwondersforusstill.

SCENEVI.

TothementerstheCOUNTESSTERZKY.

COUNTESS(inapressingmanner).Come,come!Myhusbandsendsmeforyou.ItisnowThelatestmoment.[Theynotappearingtoattendtowhatshesays,shestepsbetweenthem.Partyou!

THEKLA.Oh,notyet!

Ithasbeenscarceamoment.

COUNTESS.Ay!ThentimeFliesswiftlywithyourhighness,princessniece!

MAX.Thereisnohurry,aunt.

COUNTESS.



Away!Away!Thefolksbegintomissyou.TwicealreadyHisfatherhasaskedforhim.

THEKLA.Ha!Hisfather!COUNTESS.Youunderstandthat,niece!

THEKLA.WhyneedsheTogoatalltothatsociety?'Tisnothispropercompany.TheymayBeworthymen,buthe'stooyoungforthem;Inbrief,hesuitsnotsuchsociety.

COUNTESS.Youmean,you'dratherkeephimwhollyhere?

THEKLA(withenergy).Yes!Youhavehititaunt!Thatismymeaning,Leavehimherewholly!Tellthecompany----

COUNTESS.

What!haveyoulostyoursenses,niece?Count,youremembertheconditions.Come!

MAX(toTHEKLA).Lady,Imustobey.Fairwell,dearlady![THEKLAturnsawayfromhimwithaquickmotion.Whatsayyouthen,dearlady?

THEKLA(withoutlookingathim).Nothing.Go!

MAX.CanIwhenyouareangry----

[Hedrawsuptoher,theireyesmeet,shestandssilentamoment,thenthrowsherselfintohisarms;hepressesherfasttohisheart.

COUNTESS.Off!Heavens!ifanyoneshouldcome!Hark!What'sthatnoise!Itcomesthisway.Off!

[MAX.tearshimselfawayoutofherarmsandgoes.TheCOUNTESSaccompanieshim.THEKLAfollowshimwithhereyesatfirst,walksrestlesslyacrosstheroom,thenstops,andremainsstanding,lostinthought.Aguitarliesonthetable,sheseizesitasbyasuddenemotion,andaftershehasplayedawhileanirregularand

melancholysymphony,shefallsgraduallyintothemusicandsings.

SCENEVII.

THEKLA(playsandsings).

Theclouddothgather,thegreenwoodroar,Thedamselpacesalongtheshore;



Thebillows,theytumblewithmight,withmight;Andsheflingsouthervoicetothedarksomenight;Herbosomisswellingwithsorrow;Theworlditisempty,theheartwilldie,There'snothingtowishforbeneaththeskyThouHolyOne,callthychildaway!I'velivedandloved,andthatwasto-day;Makereadymygrave-clothesto-morrow.[12]

SCENEVIII.

COUNTESS(returns),THEKLA.

COUNTESS.Fie,ladyniece!tothrowyourselfuponhimLikeapoorgifttoonewhocaresnotforit,Andsomustbeflungafterhim!Foryou,DukeFriedland'sonlychild,IshouldhavethoughtIthadbeenmorebeseemingtohaveshownyourselfMorecharyofyourperson.

THEKLA(rising).

Andwhatmeanyou?

DUCHESS.Imean,niece,thatyoushouldnothaveforgottenWhoyouare,andwhoheis.ButperchanceThatneveronceoccurredtoyou.

THEKLA.Whatthen?

COUNTESS.Thatyou'rethedaughterofthePrinceDukeFriedland.

THEKLA.Well,andwhatfarther?

DUCHESS.What?Aprettyquestion!

THEKLA.Hewasbornthatwhichwehavebutbecome.He'sofanancientLombardfamily,Sonofareigningprincess.

COUNTESS.Areyoudreaming?

Talkinginsleep?Anexcellentjest,forsooth!WeshallnodoubtrightcourteouslyentreathimTohonorwithhishandtherichestheiressInEurope.

THEKLA.Thatwillnotbenecessary.

COUNTESS.Methinks'twerewell,though,nottorunthehazard.



THEHLA.Hisfatherloveshim;CountOctavioWillinterposenodifficulty----

COUNTESS.His!Hisfather!His!Butyours,niece,whatofyours?

THERLA.Why,Ibegintothinkyoufearhisfather,Soanxiouslyyouhideitfromtheman!Hisfather,his,Imean.

COUNTESS(looksatherasscrutinizing).Niece,youarefalse.

THEBLA.Areyouthenwounded?O,befriendswithme!

COUNTESS.Youholdyourgameforwonalready.DonotTriumphtoosoon!

THEKLA(interruptingher,andattemptingtosootheher).Naynow,befriendswithme.

COUNTESS.Itisnotyetsofargone.

THEKLA.Ibelieveyou.

COUNTESS.DidyousupposeyourfatherhadlaidoutHismostimportantlifeintoilsofwar,Deniedhimselfeachquietearthlybliss,

Hadbanishedslumbersfromhistent,devotedHisnobleheadtocare,andforthisonly,Tomakeahappierpairofyou?AtlengthTodrawyoufromyourconvent,andconductIneasytriumphtoyourarmsthemanThatchancedtopleaseyoureyes!Allthis,methinks,Hemighthavepurchasedatacheaperrate.

THEKLA.ThatwhichhedidnotplantformemightyetBearmefairfruitageofitsownaccord.Andifmyfriendlyandaffectionatefate,Outofhisfearfulandenormousbeing,

Willbutpreparethejoysoflifeforme----

COUNTESS.Thouseestitwithalovelornmaiden'seyes,Castthineeyeround,bethinktheewhothouart;--Intonohouseofjoyancehastthoustepped,FornoespousalsdostthoufindthewallsDeckedout,nogueststhenuptialgarlandwearing;Hereisnosplendorbutofarms.OrthinkestthouThatallthesethousandsareherecongregated



Toleadupthelongdancesatthywedding!Thousee'stthyfather'sforeheadfullofthought,Thymother'seyeintears:uponthebalanceLiesthegreatdestinyofallourhouse.Leavenowthepunywish,thegirlishfeeling;Oh,thrustitfarbehindthee!GivethouproofThou'rtthedaughterofthemighty--hisWhowherehemovescreatesthewonderful.Nottoherselfthewomanmustbelong,Annexedandboundtoaliendestinies.Butsheperformsthebestpart,shethewisest,Whocantransmutethealienintoself,Meetanddisarmnecessitybychoice;Andwhatmustbe,takefreelytoherheart,Andbearandfosteritwithmother'slove.

THEKLA.Sucheverwasmylessonintheconvent.Ihadnoloves,nowishes,knewmyselfOnlyashis--hisdaughter--his,themighty!Hisfame,theechoofwhoseblastdrovetomeFromthefardistance,weakenedinmysoulNootherthoughtthanthis--IamappointedTooffermyselfupinpassivenesstohim.

COUNTESS.Thatisthyfate.Mouldthouthywishestoit--Iandthymothergavetheetheexample.

THEKLA.Myfatehathshownmehim,towhombehovesitThatIshouldofferupmyself.IngladnessHimwillIfollow.

COUNTESS.Notthyfatehathshownhim!Thyheart,sayrather--'twasthyheart,mychild!

THEKLA.Faithhathnovoicebuttheheart'simpulses.Iamallhis!Hispresent--hisalone.Isthisnewlife,whichlivesinme?HehathArighttohisowncreature.WhatwasIErehisfairloveinfusedasoulintome?

COUNTESS.Thouwouldstopposethyfather,then,shouldheHaveotherwisedeterminedwiththyperson?[THEKLAremainssilent.TheCOUNTESScontinues.Thoumeanesttoforcehimtothyliking?Child,

HisnameisFriedland.

THEKLA.MynametooisFriedland.Heshallhavefoundagenuinedaughterinme.

COUNTESS.What!hehasvanquishedallimpediment,AndinthewilfulmoodofhisowndaughterShallanewstruggleriseforhim?Child!child!



Asyetthouhastseenthyfather'ssmilesalone;Theeyeofhisragethouhastnotseen.Dearchild,Iwillnotfrightenthee.Tothatextreme,Itrustitne'ershallcome.HiswillisyetUnknowntome;'tispossiblehisaimsMayhavethesamedirectionasthywish.Butthiscannever,neverbehiswill,Thatthou,thedaughterofhishaughtyfortunes,Shouldeste'erdemeantheeasalovesickmaidenAndlikesomepoorcost-nothing,flingthyselfTowardtheman,who,ifthathighprizeeverBedestinedtoawaithim,yetwithsacrificesThehighestlovecanbring,mustpayforit.

[ExitCOUNTESS.

SCENEIX.

THEKLA(whoduringthelastspeechhadbeenstandingevidentlylostinherreflections).Ithanktheeforthehint.ItturnsMysadpresentimenttocertainty.

Anditisso!Notonefriendhavewehere,Notonetrueheart!we'venothingbutourselves!Oh,shesaidrightly--noauspicioussignsBeamonthiscovenantofouraffections.ThisisnotheatrewherehopeabidesThedullthicknoiseofwaralonestirshere,Andlovehimself,ashewerearmedinsteel,Stepsforth,andgirdshimforthestrifeofdeath.[Musicfromthebanquet-roomisheard.There'sadarkspiritwalkinginourhouse.Andswiftlywillthedestinycloseonus.Itdrovemehitherfrommycalmasylum,Itmocksmysoulwithcharmingwitchery,

Itluresmeforwardinaseraph'sshape,Iseeitnear,Iseeitnearerfloating,Itdraws,itpullsmewithagodlikepower--Andlo!theabyss--andthitheramImoving--Ihavenopowerwithinmenottomove![Themusicfromthebanquet-roombecomeslouder.Oh,whenahouseis,doomedinfiretoperish,ManyanddarkHeavendriveshiscloudstogether,Yea,shootshislightningsdownfromsunnyheights,Flamesburstfromoutthesubterraneouschasms,Andfiendsandangels,minglingintheirfury,Slingfirebrandsattheburningedifice.[13]

[ExitTHEKLA.

ACTIV.

SCENEI.

Alargesaloonlightedupwithfestalsplendor;inthemidstofit,



andinthecentreofthestageatablerichlysetout,atwhicheightgeneralsaresitting,amongwhomareOCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,TERZKY,andMARADAS.Rightandleftofthis,butfurtherback,twoothertables,ateachofwhichsixpersonsareplaced.Themiddledoor,whichisstandingopen,givestotheprospectafourthtablewiththesamenumberofpersons.Moreforwardstandsthesideboard.Thewholefrontofthestageiskeptopen,forthepagesandservants-in-waiting.Allisinmotion.ThebandofmusicbelongingtoTERZKY'sregimentmarchacrossthestage,anddrawuparoundthetables.Beforetheyarequiteofffromthefrontofthestage,MAX.PICCOLOMINIappears,TERZKYadvancestowardshimwithapaper,ISOLANIcomesuptomeethimwithabeaker,orservice-cup.

TERZKY,ISOLANI,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.

ISOLANI.Here,brother,whatwelove!Why,wherehastbeen?Offtothyplace--quick!TerzkyherehasgivenThemother'sholidaywineuptofreebooty.HereitgoesonasattheHeidelbergcastle.Alreadyhastthoulostthebest.They'regivingAtyondertableducalcrownsinshares;ThereSternberg'slandsandchattelsareputup,WithEggenberg's,Stawata's,Lichtenstein's,

AndallthegreatBohemianfeudalities.Benimble,lad!andsomethingmayturnupForthee,whoknows?off--tothyplace!quick!march!

TIEFENBACHandGOETZ(calloutfromthesecondandthirdtables).CountPiccolomini!

TERZKY.Stop,yeshallhavehiminaninstant.ReadThisoathhere,whetheras'tisheresetforth,Thewordingsatisfiesyou.They'veallreadit,Eachinhisturn,andeachonewillsubscribeHisindividualsignature.

MAX.(reads)."Ingratisservirenefas."

ISOLANI.ThatsoundstomyearsverymuchlikeLatin,Andbeinginterpreted,praywhatmayitmean?

TERZKY.Nohonestmanwillserveathanklessmaster.

MAX."Inasmuchasoursupremecommander,theillustriousDukeofFriedland,inconsequenceofthemanifoldaffrontsandgrievanceswhich

hehasreceived,hadexpressedhisdeterminationtoquittheemperor,butonourunanimousentreatyhasgraciouslyconsentedtoremainstillwiththearmy,andnottopartfromuswithoutourapprobationthereof,sowe,collectivelyandeachinparticular,inthesteadofanoathpersonallytaken,do,herebyobligeourselves--likewisebyhimhonorablyandfaithfullytohold,andinnowisewhatsoeverfromhimtopart,andtobereadytoshedforhisintereststhelastdropofourblood,sofar,namely,asouroathtotheemperorwillpermitit.(TheselastwordsarerepeatedbyISOLANI.)Intestimonyofwhichwesubscribeournames."



TERZKY.Now!areyouwillingtosubscribetothispaper?

ISOLANI.Whyshouldhenot?AllofficersofhonorCandoit,ay,mustdoit.Penandinkhere!

TERZKY.Nay,letitresttillaftermeal.

ISOLANI(drawingMAX.along).Come,Max!

[Bothseatthemselvesattheirtable.

SCENEII.

TERZKY,NEUMANN.

TERZKY(beckonstoNEUMANN,whoiswaitingattheside-tableandstepsforwardwithhimtotheedgeofthestage).Haveyouthecopywithyou,Neumann?Giveit.

Itmaybechangedfortheother?

NEUMANN.IhavecopieditLetterbyletter,linebyline;noeyeWoulde'erdiscoverotherdifference,Saveonlytheomissionofthatclause,Accordingtoyourexcellency'sorder.

TERZKY.RightIlayityonderandawaywiththis--Ithasperformeditsbusiness--tothefirewithit.

[NEUMANNlaysthecopyonthetable,andstepsbackagaintotheside-table.

SCENEIII.

ILLO(comesoutfromthesecondchamber),TERZKY.

ILLO.HowgoesitwithyoungPiccolomini!

TERZKY.

Allright,Ithink.Hehasstartednoobject.

ILLO.HeistheonlyoneIfearabout--Heandhisfather.Haveaneyeonboth!

TERZKY.Howlooksitatyourtable:youforgetnotTokeepthemwarmandstirring?



ILLO.Oh,quitecordial,Theyarequitecordialinthescheme.WehavethemAnd'tisasIpredictedtoo.AlreadyItisthetalk,notmerelytomaintainThedukeinstation."Sincewe'reonceforallTogetherandunanimous,whynot,"SaysMontecuculi,"ay,whynotonward,AndmakeconditionswiththeemperorThereinhisownVenice?"Trustme,count,WereitnotforthesesaidPiccolomini,Wemighthavesparedourselvesthecheat.

TERZEY.AndButler?Howgoesitthere?Hush!

SCENEIV.

TothementerBUTLERfromasecondtable.

BUTLER.

Don'tdisturbyourselves;Field-marshal,Ihaveunderstoodyouperfectly.Goodluckbetothescheme;andastome,[Withanairofmystery.Youmaydependuponme.

ILLO(withvivacity).Maywe,Butler?

BUTLER.Withorwithouttheclause,allonetome!Youunderstandme!MyfidelityThedukemayputtoanyproof--I'mwithhim

Tellhimso!I'mtheemperor'sofficer,Aslongas'tishispleasuretoremainTheemperor'sgeneral!andFriedland'sservant,AssoonasitshallpleasehimtobecomeHisownlord.

TERZKY.Youwouldmakeagoodexchange.Nosterneconomist,noFerdinand,Ishetowhomyouplightyourservices.

BUTLER(withahaughtylook).Idonotputupmyfidelity

Tosale,CountTerzky!HalfayearagoIwouldnothaveadvisedyoutohavemademeAnoverturetothat,towhichInowOffermyselfofmyownfreeaccord.Butthatispast!andtotheduke,field-marshal,Ibringmyself,togetherwithmyregiment.Andmarkyou,'tismyhumortobelieve,TheexamplewhichIgivewillnotremainWithoutaninfluence.



ILLO.Whoisignorant,ThatthewholearmylookstoColonelButlerAstoalightthatmovesbeforethem?

BUTLER.Ay?ThenIrepentmenotofthatfidelityWhichforthelengthoffortyyearsIheld,IfinmysixtiethyearmygoodoldnameCanpurchaseformearevengesofull.StartnotatwhatIsay,sirgenerals!Myrealmotives--theyconcernnotyou.Andyouyourselves,Itrust,couldnotexpectThatthisyourgamehadcrookedmyjudgment--orThatfickleness,quickblood,orsuchlikecause,Hasdriventheoldmanfromthetrackofhonor,Whichhesolonghadtrodden.Come,myfriends!I'mnottheretodeterminedwithlessfirmness,BecauseIknowandhavelookedsteadilyAtthatonwhichIhavedetermined.

ILLO.Say,

Andspeakroundly,whatarewetodeemyou?

BUTLER.Afriend!Igiveyouheremyhand!I'myoursWithallIhave.Notonlymen,butmoneyWillthedukewant.Go,tellhim,sirs!I'veearnedandlaidupsomewhatinhisservice,Ilendithim;andishemysurvivor,Ithasbeenalreadylongagobequeathedtohim;Heismyheir.Forme,IstandaloneHereintheworld;naughtknowIofthefeelingThatbindsthehusbandtoawifeandchildren.Mynamedieswithme,myexistenceends.

ILLO.'Tisnotyourmoneythatheneeds--aheartLikeyoursweighstonsofgolddown,weighsdownmillions!

BUTLER.Icameasimplesoldier'sboyfromIrelandToPrague--andwithamaster,whomIburied.FromloweststabledutyIclimbedup,Suchwasthefateofwar,tothishighrank,Theplaythingofawhimsicalgoodfortune.AndWallensteintooisachildofluck:Iloveafortunethatislikemyown.

ILLO.Allpowerfulsoulshavekindredwitheachother.

BUTLER.Thisisanawfulmoment!tothebrave,Tothedetermined,anauspiciousmoment.ThePrinceofWeimararms,upontheMaine,Tofoundamightydukedom.HeofHalberstadt,ThatMansfeldt,wantedbutalongerlife



TohavemarkedoutwithhisgoodswordalordshipThatshouldrewardhiscourage.WhooftheseEqualsourFriedland?Thereisnothing,nothingSohigh,buthemaysettheladdertoit!

TERZKY.That'sspokenlikeaman!

BUTLER.DoyousecuretheSpaniardandItalian--I'llbeyourwarrantfortheScotchmanLesly.Cometothecompany!

TERZKY.Whereisthemasterofthecellar?Ho!Letthebestwinescomeup.Ho!cheerly,boy!Luckcomesto-day,sogiveherheartywelcome.

[Exeunt,eachtohistable.

SCENEV.

TheMASTEROFTHECELLAR,advancingwithNEUMANN,SERVANTSpassingbackwardsandforwards.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Thebestwine!Oh,ifmyoldmistress,hisladymother,couldbutseethesewildgoingsonshewouldturnherselfroundinhergrave.Yes,yes,sirofficer!'tisalldownthehillwiththisnoblehouse!noend,nomoderation!Andthismarriagewiththeduke'ssister,asplendidconnection,averysplendidconnection!butIwilltellyou,sirofficer,itlooksnogood.

NEUMANN.Heavenforbid!Why,atthisverymomentthewholeprospectisinbudandblossom!

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Youthinkso?Well,well!muchmaybesaidonthathead.

FIRSTSERVANT(comes).Burgundyforthefourthtable.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Now,sirlieutenant,ifthisainttheseventiethflask----

FIRSTSERVANT.Why,thereasonis,thatGermanlord,Tiefenbach,sitsatthattable.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR(continuinghisdiscoursetoNEUMANN).Theyaresoaringtoohigh.Theywouldrivalkingsandelectorsintheirpompand

splendor;andwhereverthedukeleaps,notaminutedoesmygraciousmaster,thecount,loiteronthebrink--(totheSERVANTS).Whatdoyoustandtherelisteningfor?Iwillletyouknowyouhavelegspresently.Off!seetothetables,seetotheflasks!Lookthere!CountPalfihasanemptyglassbeforehim!

RUNNER(comes).Thegreatservice-cupiswanted,sir,thatrichgoldcupwiththeBohemianarmsonit.Thecountsaysyouknowwhichitis.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Ay!thatwasmadeforFrederick'scoronationby



theartistWilliam--therewasnotsuchanotherprizeinthewholebootyatPrague.

RUNNER.Thesame!--ahealthistogoroundinhim.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR(shakinghisheadwhilehefetchesandrinsesthecups).Thiswillbesomethingforthetale-bearers--thisgoestoVienna.

NEUMANN.Permitmetolookatit.Well,thisisacupindeed!Howheavy!aswellitmaybe,beingallgold.Andwhatneatthingsareembossedonit!hownaturalandeleganttheylook!There,onthefirstquarter,letmesee.Thatproudamazonthereonhorseback,shethatistakingaleapoverthecrosierandmitres,andcarriesonawandahattogetherwithabanner,onwhichthere'sagobletrepresented.Canyoutellmewhatallthissignifies?

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.ThewomanyouseethereonhorsebackistheFreeElectionoftheBohemianCrown.Thatissignifiedbytheroundhatandbythatfierysteedonwhichsheisriding.Thehatistheprideofman;forhewhocannotkeephishatonbeforekingsandemperorsisnofreeman.

NEUMANN.Butwhatisthecupthereonthebanner.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.ThecupsignifiesthefreedomoftheBohemianChurch,asitwasinourforefathers'times.OurforefathersinthewarsoftheHussitesforcedfromthepopethisnobleprivilege;forthepope,youknow,willnotgrantthecuptoanylayman.YourtrueMoravianvaluesnothingbeyondthecup;itishiscostlyjewel,andhascosttheBohemianstheirpreciousbloodinmanyandmanyabattle.

NEUMANN.Andwhatsaysthatchartthathangsintheairthere,overitall?

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.ThatsignifiestheBohemianletter-royalwhichweforcedfromtheEmperorRudolph--aprecious,nevertobeenoughvaluedparchment,thatsecurestothenewchurchtheoldprivilegesoffree

ringingandopenpsalmody.ButsinceheofSteiermarkhasruledoverusthatisatanend;andafterthebattleatPrague,inwhichCountPalatineFredericklostcrownandempire,ourfaithhangsuponthepulpitandthealtar--andourbrethrenlookattheirhomesovertheirshoulders;buttheletter-royaltheemperorhimselfcuttopieceswithhisscissors.

NEUMANN.Why,mygoodMasteroftheCellar!youaredeepreadinthechroniclesofyourcountry.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Soweremyforefathers,andforthatreasonweretheyminstrels,andservedunderProcopiusandZiska.Peacebewiththeirashes!Well,well!theyfoughtforagoodcausethough.There!carryitup!

NEUMANN.Stay!letmebutlookatthissecondquarter.Lookthere!Thatis,whenatPragueCastle,theimperialcounsellors,MartinitzandStawata,werehurleddownheadoverheels.'Tisevenso!therestandsCountThurwhocommandsit.

[RUNNERtakestheservice-cupandgoesoffwithit.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Oh,letmenevermorehearofthatday.Itwasthethree-and-twentiethofMayintheyearofourLordonethousandsix



hundredandeighteen.Itseemstomeasitwerebutyesterday--fromthatunluckydayitallbegan,alltheheartachesofthecountry.Sincethatdayitisnowsixteenyears,andtherehasneveroncebeenpeaceontheearth.

[Healthdrunkaloudatthesecondtable.

ThePrinceofWeimar!Hurrah!

[Atthethirdandfourthtables.

LonglivePrinceWilliam!LongliveDukeBernard!Hurrah!

[Musicstrikesup.

FIRSTSERVANT.Hear'em!Hear'em!Whatanuproar!

SECONDSERVANT(comesinrunning).Didyouhear?TheyhavedrunkthePrinceofWeimar'shealth.

THIRDSERVANT.TheSwedishchiefcommander!

FIRSTSERVANT(speakingatthesametime).TheLutheran!

SECONDSERVANT.Justbefore,whenCountDeodatigaveouttheemperor'shealth,theywereallasmumasanibblingmouse.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Po,po!Whenthewinegoesinstrangethingscomeout.Agoodservanthears,andhearsnot!Youshouldbenothingbuteyesandfeet,exceptwhenyouarecalledto.

SECONDSERVANT.[TotheRUNNER,towhomhegivessecretlyaflaskofwine,keepinghiseyeontheMASTEROFTHECELLAR,standingbetweenhimandtheRUNNER.Quick,Thomas!beforetheMasteroftheCellarrunsthisway;'tisaflaskofFrontignac!Snappeditupatthethirdtable.Canstgooff

withit?

RUNNER(hidesitinhis,pocket).Allright!

[ExittheSecondServant.

THIRDSERVANT(asidetotheFIRST).Beonthehark,Jack!thatwemayhaverightplentytotelltoFatherQuivoga.Hewillgiveusrightplentyofabsolutioninreturnforit.

FIRSTSERVANT.ForthatverypurposeIamalwayshavingsomethingtodobehindIllo'schair.Heisthemanforspeechestomakeyoustarewith.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR(toNEUMANN).Who,pray,maythatswarthymanbe,hewiththecross,thatischattingsoconfidentlywithEsterhats?

NEUMANN.Ay,hetooisoneofthosetowhomtheyconfidetoomuch.HecallshimselfMaradas;aSpaniardishe.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR(impatiently).Spaniard!Spaniard!Itellyou,friend,nothinggoodcomesofthoseSpaniards.Alltheseoutlandishfellowsarelittlebetterthanrogues.



NEUMANN.Fy,fy!youshouldnotsayso,friend.Thereareamongthemourverybestgenerals,andthoseonwhomthedukeatthismomentreliesthemost.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR.[TakingtheflaskoutofRUNNER'Spocket.Myson,itwillbebrokentopiecesinyourpocket.

[TERZKYhurriesin,fetchesawaythepaper,andcallstoaservantforpenandink,andgoestothebackofthestage.

MASTEROFTHECELLAR(totheSERVANTS).Thelieutenant-generalstandsup.Beonthewatch.Now!Theybreakup.Off,andmovebacktheforms.

[Theyriseatallthetables,theSERVANTShurryoffthefrontofthestagetothetables;partoftheguestscomeforward.

SCENEVI.

OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINIenters,inconversationwithMARADAS,andbothplacethemselvesquiteontheedgeofthestageononesideofthe

proscenium.Onthesidedirectlyopposite,MAX.PICCOLOMINI,byhimself,lostinthought,andtakingnopartinanythingthatisgoingforward.Themiddlespacebetweenboth,butrathermoredistantfromtheedgeofthestage,isfilledupbyBUTLER,ISOLANI,GOETZ,TIEFENBACH,andKOLATTO.

ISOLANI(whilethecompanyiscomingforward).Good-night,good-night,Kolatto!Good-night,lieutenant-general!Ishouldrathersaygood-morning.

GOETZ(toTIEFENBACH).Noblebrother!(makingtheusualcomplimentaftermeals).

TIEFENBACH.Ay!'twasaroyalfeastindeed.

GOETZ.Yes,myladycountessunderstandsthesematters.Hermother-in-law,heavenresthersoul,taughther!Ah!thatwasahousewifeforyou!

TIEFENBACH.TherewasnotherlikeinallBohemiaforsettingoutatable.

OCTAVIO(asidetoMARADAS).Domethefavortotalktome--talkofwhatyouwill--orofnothing.Onlypreservetheappearanceatleastoftalking.Iwouldnotwishtostandbymyself,andyetIconjecturethattherewillbegoingsonhereworthyofourattentiveobservation.(He

continuestofixhiseyeonthewholefollowingscene.)

ISOLANI(onthepointofgoing).Lights!lights!

TERZKY(advanceswiththepapertoISOLANI).Noblebrother;twominuteslonger!Hereissomethingtosubscribe.

ISOLANI.Subscribeasmuchasyoulike--butyoumustexcusemefromreadingit.



TERZKY.Thereisnoneed.Itistheoathwhichyouhavealreadyread.Onlyafewmarksofyourpen!

[ISOLANIhandsoverthepapertoOCTAVIOrespectfully.

TERZKY.Nay,nay,firstcome,firstserved.Thereisnoprecedencehere.

[OCTAVIOrunsoverthepaperwithapparentindifference.TERZKYwatcheshimatsomedistance.

GOETZ(toTERZKY).Noblecount!withyourpermission--good-night.

TERKZY.Where'sthehurry?Come,oneothercomposingdraught.(TotheSERVANTS).Ho!

GOETZ.Excuseme--aintable.

TERZKY.Athimble-full.

GOETZ.Excuseme.

TIEFENBACH(sitsdown).Pardonme,nobles!Thisstandingdoesnotagreewithme.

TERZKY.Consultyourownconvenience,general.

TIEFENBACH.Clearathead,soundinstomach--onlymylegswon'tcarrymeanylonger.

ISOLANI(pointingathiscorpulence).Poorlegs!howshouldthey!Suchanunmercifulload!

[OCTAVIOsubscribeshisname,andreachesoverthepapertoTERZKY,whogivesittoISOLANI;andhegoestothetabletosignhisname.

TIEFENBACH.'TwasthatwarinPomeraniathatfirstbroughtiton.Out

inallweathers--iceandsnow--nohelpforit.Ishallnevergetthebetterofitallthedaysofmylife.

GOETZ.Why,insimpleverity,yourSwedesmakenoniceinquiriesabouttheseason.

TERZKY(observingISOLANI,whosehandtremblesexcessivelysothathecanscarcedirecthispen).Haveyouhadthatuglycomplaintlong,noblebrother?Despatchit.

ISOLANI.Thesinsofyouth!Ihavealreadytriedthechalybeatewaters.Well--Imustbearit.

[TERZKYgivesthepapertoMARADAS;hestepstothetabletosubscribe.

OCTAVIO(advancingtoBUTLER).Youarenotover-fondoftheorgiesofBacchus,colonel!Ihaveobservedit.Youwould,Ithink,findyourselfmoretoyourlikingintheuproarofabattlethanofafeast.

BUTLER.Imustconfess'tisnotinmyway.

OCTAVIO(steppingnearertohimfriendlily).Norinmineneither,Ican



assureyou;andIamnotalittleglad,mymuch-honoredColonelButler,thatweagreesowellinouropinions.Ahalf-dozengoodfriendsatmost,atasmallroundtable,aglassofgenuineTokay,openhearts,andarationalconversation--that'smytaste.

BUTLER.Andmine,too,whenitcanbehad.

[ThepapercomestoTIEFENBACH,whoglancesoveritatthesametimewithGOETZandKOLATTO.MARADASinthemeantimereturnstoOCTAVIO.Allthistakesplaces,theconversationwithBUTLERproceedinguninterrupted.

OCTAVIO(introducingMADARAStoBUTLER.)DonBalthasarMaradas!likewiseamanofourstamp,andlongagoyouradmirer.

[BUTLERbows.

OCTAVIO(continuing).Youareastrangerhere--'twasbutyesterdayyouarrived--youareignorantofthewaysandmeanshere.'Tisawretchedplace.Iknowatyourageonelovestobesnugandquiet.Whatifyoumoveyourlodgings?Come,bemyvisitor.(BUTLERmakesalowbow.)Nay,withoutcompliment!ForafriendlikeyouIhavestillacornerremaining.

BUTLER(coldly).Yourobligedhumbleservant,mylordlieutenant-general.

[ThepapercomestoBUTLER,whogoestothetabletosubscribeit.Thefrontofthestageisvacant,sothatboththePICCOLOMINIS,eachonthesidewherehehadbeenfromthecommencementofthescene,remainalone.

OCTAVIO(afterhavingsometimewatchedhissoninsilence,advancessomewhatnearertohim).Youwerelongabsentfromus,friend!

MAX.I--urgentbusinessdetainedme.

OCTAVIO.And,Iobserve,youarestillabsent!

MAX.Youknowthiscrowdandbustlealwaysmakesmesilent.

OCTAVIO(advancingstillnearer).MayIbepermittedtoaskwhatthebusinesswasthatdetainedyou?Terzkyknowsitwithoutasking.

MAX.WhatdoesTerzkyknow?

OCTAVIO.Hewastheonlyonewhodidnotmissyou.

ISOLANI(whohasbeenattendingtothemforsomedistancestepsup).Welldone,father!Routouthisbaggage!Beatuphisquarters!thereis

somethingtherethatshouldnotbe.

TERZKY(withthepaper).Istherenonewanting?Havethewholesubscribed?

OCTAVIO.All.

TERZKY(callingaloud).Ho!Whosubscribes?

BUTLER(toTERZKY).Countthenames.Thereoughttobejustthirty.



TERZKY.Hereisacross.

TIEFENBACH.That'smymark!

ISOLANI.Hecannotwrite;buthiscrossisagoodcross,andishonoredbyJewsaswellasChristians.

OCTAVIO(pressesontoMAX.).Come,general!letusgo.Itislate.

TERZKY.OnePiccolominionlyhassigned.

ISOLANI(pointingtoMAX.).Look!thatisyourman,thatstatuethere,whohashadneithereye,ear,nortongueforusthewholeevening.

[MAX.receivesthepaperfromTERZKY,whichhelooksuponvacantly.

SCENEVII.

TotheseenterILLOfromtheinnerroom.Hehasinhishandagoldenservice-cup,andisextremelydistemperedwithdrinking;GOETZandBUTLERfollowhim,endeavoringtokeephimback.

ILLO.Whatdoyouwant!Letmego.

GOETZandBUTLER.Drinknomore,Illo!Forheaven'ssake,drinknomore.

ILLO(goesuptoOCTAVIO,andshakeshimcordiallybythehand,andthendrinks).Octavio!Ibringthistoyou!Letallgrudgebedrownedinthisfriendlybowl!Iknowwellenoughyouneverlovedme--deviltakeme!andIneverlovedyou!Iamalwaysevenwithpeopleinthatway!Letwhat'spastbepast--thatis,youunderstand--forgotten!Iesteemyouinfinitely.(Embracinghimrepeatedly.)Youhavenotadearer

friendonearththanI,butthatyouknow.Thefellowthatcriesroguetoyoucallsmevillain,andI'llstranglehim!mydearfriend!

TERZKY(whisperingtohim).Artinthysenses?Forheaven'ssake,Illo,thinkwhereyouare!

ILLO(aloud).Whatdoyoumean?Therearenonebutfriendshere,arethere?(Looksroundthewholecirclewithajollyandtriumphantair.)Notasneakeramongstus,thankheaven.

TERZKY(toBUTLER,eagerly).Takehimoffwithyou,forcehimoff,Ientreatyou,Butler!

BUTLER(toILLO).Field-marshal!awordwithyou.(Leadstotheside-board.)

ILLO(cordially).Athousandforone.Fill;fillitoncemoreuptothebrim.Tothisgallantman'shealth!

ISOLANI(toMAX.,whoallthewhilehasbeenstaringonthepaperwithfixedbutvacanteyes).Slowandsure,mynoblebrother!Hastparseditallyet?Somewordsyettogothrough?Ha?



MAX.(wakingasfromadream).WhatamItodo?

TERZKY,andatthesametimeISOLANI.Signyourname.(OCTAVIOdirectshiseyesonhimwithintenseanxiety).

MAX.(returnsthepaper).Letitstaytillto-morrow.Itisbusiness;to-dayIamnotsufficientlycollected.Sendittometo-morrow.

TERZKY.Nay,collectyourselfalittle.

ISOLANI.Awakeman,awake!Come,thysignature,andhavedonewithit!What!Thouarttheyoungestinthewholecompany,andwouldbewiserthanallofustogether!Lookthere!thyfatherhassigned;wehaveallsigned.

TERZKY(toOCTAVIO).Useyourinfluence.Instructhim.

OCTAVIO.Mysonisattheageofdiscretion.

ILLO(leavestheservice-cuponthesideboard).What'sthedispute?

TERZKY.Hedeclinessubscribingthepaper.

MAX.Isayitmayaswellstaytillto-morrow.

ILLO.Itcannotstay.Wehaveallsubscribedtoit--andsomustyou.Youmustsubscribe.

MAX.Illo,good-night!

ILLO.No!youcomenotoffso!Thedukeshalllearnwhoarehisfriends.(AllcollectroundILLOandMAX.)

MAX.Whatmysentimentsaretowardstheduke,thedukeknows,everyoneknows--whatneedofthiswildstuff?

ILLO.ThisisthethanksthedukegetsforhispartialitytoItalians

andforeigners.UsBohemiansheholdsforlittlebetterthandullards--nothingpleaseshimbutwhat'soutlandish.

TERZKY(inextremeembarrassment,totheCommanders,whoatILLO'swordsgiveasuddenstartaspreparingtoresentthem).Itisthewinethatspeaks,andnothisreason.Attendnottohim,Ientreatyou.

ISOLANI(withabitterlaugh).Wineinventsnothing:itonlytattles.

ILLO.Hewhoisnotwithmeisagainstme.Yourtenderconsciences!Unlesstheycanslipoutbyaback-door,byapunyproviso----

TERZKY(interruptinghim).Heisstarkmad--don'tlistentohim!

ILLO(raisinghisvoicetothehighestpitch).Unlesstheycanslipoutbyaproviso.Whatoftheproviso?Thedeviltakethisproviso!

MAX.(hashisattentionroused,andlooksagainintothepaper).Whatisthereherethenofsuchperilousimport?Youmakemecurious--Imustlookcloseratit.

TERZKY(inalowvoicetoILLO).Whatareyoudoing,Illo?Youareruiningus.



TIEFENBACH(toKOLATTO).Ay,ay!Iobserved,thatbeforewesatdowntosupper,itwasreaddifferently.

GOETZ.Why,Iseemedtothinksotoo.

ISOLANI.WhatdoIcareforthat?Wheretherestandothernamesminecanstandtoo.

TIEFENBACH.Beforesuppertherewasacertainprovisotherein,orshortclause,concerningourdutiestotheemperor.

BUTLER(tooneoftheCommanders).Forshame,forshame!Bethinkyou.Whatisthemainbusinesshere?Thequestionnowis,whetherweshallkeepourgeneral,orlethimretire.Onemustnottakethesethingstoonicely,andover-scrupulously.

ISOLANI(tooneoftheGenerals).Didthedukemakeanyoftheseprovisoswhenhegaveyouyourregiment?

TERZKY(toGOETZ).Orwhenhegaveyoutheofficeofarmy-purveyancer,whichbringsyouinyearlyathousandpistoles!

ILLO.Heisarascalwhomakesusouttoberogues.Iftherebeanyone

thatwantssatisfaction,lethimsayso,--Iamhisman.

TIEFENBACH.Softly,softly?'Twasbutawordortwo.

MAX.(havingreadthepapergivesitback).Tillto-morrowtherefore!

ILLO(stammeringwithrageandfury,losesallcommandoverhimselfandpresentsthepapertoMAX.Withonehand,andhisswordintheother).Subscribe--Judas!

ISOLANI.Outuponyou,Illo!

OCTAVIO,TERZKY,BUTLER(alltogether).Downwiththesword!

MAX.(rushesonhimsuddenlyanddisarmshim,thentoCOUNTTERZKY).Takehimofftobed!

[MAXleavesthestage.ILLOcursingandravingisheldbackbysomeoftheofficers,andamidstauniversalconfusionthecurtaindrops.

ACTV.

SCENEI.

AChamberinPICCOLOMINI'sMansion.ItisNight.

OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI.AVALETDECHAMBREwithLights.

OCTAVIO.Andwhenmysoncomesin,conducthimhither.Whatisthehour?

VALET.



'Tisonthepointofmorning.

OCTAVIO.Setdownthelight.Wemeannottoundress.Youmayretiretosleep.

[ExitVALET.OCTAVIOpaces,musing,acrossthechamber;MAX.PICCOLOMINIentersunobserved,andlooksathisfatherforsomemomentsinsilence.

MAX.Artthouoffendedwithme?HeavenknowsThatodiousbusinesswasnofaultofmine.'Tistrue,indeed,Isawthysignature,Whatthouhastsanctioned,shouldnot,itmightseem,Havecomeamisstome.But--'tismynature--Thouknow'stthatinsuchmattersImustfollowMyownlight,notanother's.

OCTAVIO(goesuptohimandembraceshim).Followit,Oh,followitstillfurther,mybestson!To-night,dearboy!ithathmorefaithfullyGuidedtheethantheexampleofthyfather.

MAX.Declarethyselflessdarkly.

OCTAVIO.Iwilldoso;Forafterwhathastakenplacethisnight,Theremustremainnosecrets'twixtustwo.[Bothseatthemselves.Max.Piccolomini!whatthinkestthouofTheoaththatwassentroundforsignatures?

MAX.

Iholditforathingofharmlessimport,AlthoughIlovenotthesesetdeclarations.

OCTAVIO.AndonnoothergroundhastthourefusedThesignaturetheyfainhadwrestedfromthee?

MAX.Itwasaseriousbusiness.Iwasabsent--Theaffairitselfseemednotsourgenttome.

OCTAVIO.Beopen,Max.Thouhadstthennosuspicion?

MAX.Suspicion!whatsuspicion?Nottheleast.

OCTAVIO.Thankthygoodangel,Piccolomini;Hedrewtheebackunconsciousfromtheabyss.

MAX.Iknownotwhatthoumeanest.



OCTAVIO.Iwilltellthee.Fainwouldtheyhaveextortedfromthee,son,Thesanctionofthynametovillany;Yes,withasingleflourishofthypen,Madetheerenouncethydutyandthyhonor!

MAX.(rises).Octavio!

OCTAVIO.Patience!SeatYourself.MuchyetHastthoutohearfromme,friend!HastforyearsLivedinincomprehensibleillusion.BeforethineeyesistreasondrawingoutAsblackawebase'erwasspunforvenom:Apowerofhello'ercloudsthyunderstanding.Idarenolongerstandinsilence--dareNolongerseetheewanderingonindarkness,Norpluckthebandagefromthineeyes.

MAX.Myfather!

Yet,erethouspeakest,amoment'spauseofthought!IfyourdisclosuresshouldappeartobeConjecturesonly--andalmostIfearTheywillbenothingfurther--sparethem!IAmnotinthatcollectedmoodatpresent,ThatIcouldlistentothemquietly.

OCTAVIO.Thedeepercausethouhasttohatethislight,ThemoreimpatientcausehaveI,myson,Toforceitonthee.TotheinnocenceAndwisdomofthyheartIcouldhavetrustedtheeWithcalmassurance--butIseethenet

Preparing--anditisthyheartitselfAlarmsme,forthineinnocence--thatsecret,[Fixinghiseyessteadfastlyonhisson'sface.Whichthouconcealest,forcesminefromme.

[MAX.attemptstoanswer,buthesitates,andcastshiseyestothegroundembarrassed.

OCTAVIO(afterapause).Know,then,theyaredupingthee!--amostfoulgameWiththeeandwithusall--nay,hearmecalmly--Thedukeevennowisplaying.HeassumesThemask,asifhewouldforsakethearmy;

AndinthismomentmakeshepreparationsThatarmyfromtheemperortosteal,Andcarryitovertotheenemy!

MAX.Thatlowpriest'slegendIknowwell,butdidnotExpecttohearitfromthymouth.

OCTAVIO.Thatmouth,



Fromwhichthouhearestitatthispresentmoment,Dothwarranttheethatitisnopriest'slegend.

MAX.Howmereamaniactheysupposedtheduke;What,hecanmeditate?--theduke?--candreamThathecanlureawayfullthirtythousandTriedtroopsandtrue,allhonorablesoldiers,Morethanathousandnoblemenamongthem,Fromoaths,fromduty,fromtheirhonorlurethem,AndmakethemallunanimoustodoAdeedthatbrandsthemscoundrels?

OCTAVIO.Suchadeed,Withsuchafrontofinfamy,thedukeNowaydesires--whatherequiresofusBearsafargentlerappellation.NothingHewishesbuttogivetheempirepeace.Andso,becausetheemperorhatesthispeace,Thereforetheduke--thedukewillforcehimtoit.Allpartsoftheempirewillhepacify,Andforhistroublewillretaininpayment(Whathehasalreadyinhisgripe)--Bohemia!

MAX.Hashe,Octavio,meritedofus,Thatwe--thatweshouldthinksovilelyofhim?

OCTAVIO.Whatwewouldthinkisnotthequestionhere,Theaffairspeaksforitself--andclearestproofs!Hearme,myson--'tisnotunknowntothee,Inwhatillcreditwiththecourtwestand.Butlittledostthouknow,orguesswhattricks,Whatbaseintrigues,whatlyingartifices,Havebeenemployed--forthissoleend--tosow

Mutinyinthecamp!Allbandsareloosed--LoosedallthebandsthatlinktheofficerTohisliegeemperor,allthatbindthesoldierAffectionatelytothecitizen.Lawlesshestands,andthreateninglybeleaguersThestatehe'sboundtoguard.Tosuchaheight'Tisswollen,thatatthishourtheemperorBeforehisarmies--hisownarmies--trembles;Yea,inhiscapital,hispalace,fearsThetraitor'sponiard,andismeditatingTohurryoffandhidehistenderoffspring--NotfromtheSwedes,notfromtheLutherans--no,Fromhisowntroopstohideandhurrythem!

MAX.Cease,cease!thoutorturest,shatterestme.IknowThatoftwetrembleatanemptyterror;Butthefalsephantasmbringsarealmisery.

OCTAVIO.Itisnophantasm.Anintestinewar,Ofallthemostunnaturalandcruel,Willburstoutintoflames,ifinstantly



Wedonotflyandstifleit.ThegeneralsAremanyofthemlongagowonover;Thesubalternsarevacillating;wholeRegimentsandgarrisonsarevacillating.Toforeignersourstrongholdsareintrusted;TothatsuspectedSchafgotchisthewholeForceofSilesiagivenup:toTerzkyFiveregiments,footandhorse;toIsolani,ToIllo,Kinsky,Butler,thebesttroops.

MAX.Likewisetobothofus.

OCTAVIO.BecausethedukeBelieveshehassecuredus,meanstolureusStillfurtheronbysplendidpromises.Tomeheportionsforththeprincedoms,GlatzAndSagan;andtooplainIseethebaitWithwhichhedoubtsnotbuttocatchthee.

MAX.No!no!Itellthee,no!

OCTAVIO.Oh,openyetthineeyes!Andtowhatpurposethink'stthouhehascalledHithertoPilsen?toavailhimselfOfouradvice?Oh,whendidFriedlandeverNeedouradvice?Becalm,andlistentome.Tosellourselvesarewecalledhither,andDeclinewethat,tobehishostages.ThereforedothnobleGallasstandaloof;Thyfather,too,thouwouldstnothaveseenhere,Ifhigherdutieshadnotheldhimfettered.

MAX.Hemakesnosecretofit--needsmakenone--Thatwe'recalledhitherforhissake--heownsit.Heneedsouraidancetomaintainhimself--Hedidsomuchforus;and'tisbutfairThatwe,too,shoulddosomewhatnowforhim.

OCTAVIO.Andknow'stthouwhatitiswhichwemustdo?ThatIllo'sdrunkenmoodbetrayedittothee.Bethinkthyself,whathastthouheard,whatseen?Thecounterfeitedpaper,theomissionOfthatparticularclause,sofullofmeaning,

DoesitnotprovethattheywouldbindusdownTonothinggood?

MAX.ThatcounterfeitedpaperAppearstomenootherthanatrickOfIllo'sowndevice.TheseunderhandTradersingreatmen'sinterestseveruseTourgeandhurryallthingstotheextreme.Theyseethedukeatvariancewiththecourt,



Andfondlythinktoservehim,whentheywidenThebreachirreparably.Trustme,father,Thedukeknowsnothingofallthis.

OCTAVIO.ItgrievesmeThatImustdashtoearth,thatImustshatterAfaithsospecious;butImaynotsparethee!Forthisisnotatimefortenderness.Thoumusttakemeasured,speedyones,mustact.IthereforewillconfesstotheethatallWhichI'veintrustedtotheenow,thatallWhichseemstotheesounbelievable,That--yes,Iwilltellthee,(apause)Max.!IhaditallFromhisownmouth,fromtheduke'smouthIhadit.

MAX(inexcessiveagitation).No!no!never!

OCTAVIO.HimselfconfidedtomeWhatI,'tistrue,hadlongbeforediscoveredByothermeans;himselfconfidedtome,That'twashissettledplantojointheSwedes;

And,attheheadoftheunitedarmies,Compeltheemperor----

MAX.Heispassionate,Thecourthasstunghim;heissorealloverWithinjuriesandaffronts;andinamomentOfirritation,whatifhe,foronce,Forgothimself?He'sanimpetuousman.

OCTAVIO.Nay,incoldbloodhedidconfessthistomeAndhavingconstruedmyastonishment

Intoascrupleofhispower,heshowedmeHiswrittenevidences--showedmeletters,BothfromtheSaxonandtheSwede,thatgavePromiseofaidance,anddefinedtheamount.

MAX.Itcannotbe!--cannotbe!cannotbe!Dostthounotsee,itcannot!ThouwouldstofnecessityhaveshownhimSuchhorror,suchdeeploathing--thatorheHadtakentheeforhisbettergenius,orThoustood'stnotnowalivingmanbeforeme.

OCTAVIO.Ihavelaidopenmyobjectionstohim,Dissuadedhimwithpressingearnestness;Butmyabhorrence,thefullsentimentOfmywholeheart--thatIhavestillkeptsafeTomyownconsciousness.

MAX.AndthouhastbeenSotreacherous?Thatlooksnotlikemyfather!



Itrustednotthywords,whenthoudidsttellmeEvilofhim;muchlesscanInowdoit,Thatthoucalumniatestthyownself.

OCTAVIO.Ididnotthrustmyselfintohissecrecy.

MAX.Uprightnessmeritedhisconfidence.

OCTAVIO.Hewasnolongerworthyofsincerity.

MAX.Dissimulation,sure,wasstilllessworthyOfthee,Octavio!

OCTAVIO.GaveIhimacauseToentertainascrupleofmyhonor?

MAX.Thathedidnotevincehisconfidence.

OCTAVIO.Dearson,itisnotalwayspossibleStilltopreservethatinfantpurityWhichthevoiceteachesinourinmostheart,Stillinalarm,foreveronthewatchAgainstthewilesofwickedmen:e'envirtueWillsometimesbearawayheroutwardrobesSoiledinthewrestlewithiniquity.ThisisthecurseofeveryevildeedThat,propagatingstill,itbringsforthevil.Idonotcheatmybettersoulwithsophisms;Ibutperformmyorders;theemperorPrescribesmyconducttome.Dearestboy,

Farbetterwereit,doubtless,ifweallObeyedtheheartatalltimes;butsodoing,Inthisourpresentsojournwithbadmen,Wemustabandonmanyanhonestobject.'Tisnowourcalltoservetheemperor;Bywhatmeanshecanbestbeserved--theheartMaywhisperwhatitwill--thisisourcall!

MAX.Itseemsathingappointed,thatto-dayIshouldnotcomprehend,notunderstandthee.Theduke,thousayest,didhonestlypouroutHishearttothee,butforanevilpurpose:

AndthoudishonestlyhastcheatedhimForagoodpurpose!Silence,Ientreatthee--Myfriend,thoustealestnotfromme--Letmenotlosemyfather!

OCTAVIO(suppressingresentment).Asyetthouknowestnotall,myson.IhaveYetsomewhattodisclosetothee.[Afterapause.DukeFriedland



Hathmadehispreparations.HereliesUponthestars.Hedeemsusunprovided,Andthinkstofalluponusbysurprise.Yea,inhisdreamofhope,hegraspsalreadyThegoldencircleinhishand.Heerrs,We,too,havebeeninaction--hebutgraspsHisevilfate,mostevil,mostmysterious!

MAX.Oh,nothingrash,mysire!Byallthat'sgood,Letmeinvokethee--noprecipitation!

OCTAVIO.Withlighttreadstoleheonhisevilway,Andlightoftreadhathvengeancestoleonafterhim.Unseenshestandsalready,darkbehindhimButonestepmore--heshuddersinhergrasp!ThouhastseenQuestenbergwithme.AsyetThouknowestbuthisostensiblecommission:Hebroughtwithhimaprivateone,myson!Andthatwasformeonly.

MAX.MayIknowit?

OCTAVIO(seizesthepatent).Max!InthisdisclosureplaceIinthyhands[Apause.Theempire'swelfareandthyfather'slife.DeartothyinmostheartisWallensteinApowerfultieoflove,ofveneration,Hathknittheetohimfromthyearliestyouth.Thounourishestthewish,--OletmestillAnticipatethyloiteringconfidence!ThehopethounourishesttoknitthyselfYetclosertohim----

MAX.Father----

OCTAVIO.Oh,myson!Itrustthyheartundoubtingly.ButamIEquallysureofthycollectedness?Wiltthoubeable,withcalmcountenance,Toenterthisman'spresence,whenthatIHavetrustedtotheehiswholefate?

MAX.

AccordingAsthoudosttrustme,father,withhiscrime.

[OCTAVIOtakesapaperoutofhisescritoireandgivesittohim.

MAX.What!how!afullimperialpatent!

OCTAVIO.Readit.



MAX.(justglancesonit).DukeFriedlandsentencedandcondemned!

OCTAVIO.Evenso.

MAX.(throwsdownthepaper).Oh,thisistoomuch!Ounhappyerror!

OCTAVIO.Readon.Collectthyself.

MAX.(afterhehasreadfurther,withalookofaffrightandastonishmentonhisfather).How!what!Thou!thou!

OCTAVIO.Butforthepresentmoment,tilltheKingOfHungarymaysafelyjointhearmy,Isthecommandassignedtome.

MAX.Andthink'stthou,

Dostthoubelieve,thatthouwilttearitfromhim?Oh,neverhopeit!Father!father!father!Aninauspiciousofficeisenjoinedthee.Thispaperhere!--this!andwiltthouenforceit?Themightyinthemiddleofhishost,Surroundedbyhisthousands,himwouldstthouDisarm--degrade!Thouartlost,boththouandallofus.

OCTAVIO.WhathazardIincurthereby,Iknow.InthegreathandofGodIstand.TheAlmightyWillcoverwithhisshieldtheimperialhouse,Andshatter,inhiswrath,theworkofdarkness.

Theemperorhathtrueservantsstill;andevenHereinthecamp,thereareenoughbravemenWhoforthegoodcausewillfightgallantly.Thefaithfulhavebeenwarned--thedangerousArecloselywatched.Iwaitbutthefirststep,Andthenimmediately----

Max.What?Onsuspicion?Immediately?

OCTAVIO.Theemperorisnotyrant.

Thedeedalonehe'llpunish,notthewish.Thedukehathyethisdestinyinhispower.Lethimbutleavethetreasonuncompleted,Hewillbesilentlydisplacedfromoffice,Andmakewaytohisemperor'sroyalson.AnhonorableexiletohiscastlesWillbeabenefactiontohimratherThanpunishment.Butthefirstopenstep----

MAX.



Whatcallestthousuchastep?AwickedstepNe'erwillhetake;butthoumightesteasily,Yea,thouhastdoneit,misinterprethim.

OCTAVIO.Nay,howsoeverpunishablewereDukeFriedland'spurposes,yetstillthestepsWhichhehathtakenopenlypermitAmildconstruction.ItismyintentionToleavethispaperwhollyunenforcedTillsomeactiscommittedwhichconvictshimOfhightreason,withoutdoubtorplea,Andthatshallsentencehim.

MAX.Butwhothejudge

OCTAVIO.Thyself.

MAX.Forever,then,thispaperwilllieidle.

OCTAVIO.

Toosoon,Ifear,itspowersmustallbeproved.Afterthecounter-promiseofthisevening,ItcannotbebuthemustdeemhimselfSecureofthemajoritywithus;Andofthearmy'sgeneralsentimentHehathapleasingproofinthatpetition,Whichthoudelivered'sttohimfromtheregiments.Addthistoo--IhavelettersthattheRhinegraveHathchangedhisroute,andtravelsbyforcedmarchesTotheBohemianforests.WhatthispurportsRemainsunknown;and,toconfirmsuspicion,ThisnightaSwedishnoblemanarrivedhere.

MAX.Ihavethyword.Thou'ltnotproceedtoactionBeforethouhastconvincedme--memyself.

OCTAVIO.Isitpossible?Still,afterallthouknow'st,Canstthoubelievestillinhisinnocence?

MAX.(withenthusiasm).Thyjudgmentmaymistake;myheartcannot.[Moderateshisvoiceandmanner.Thesereasonsmightexpoundthyspiritormine;ButtheyexpoundnotFriedland--Ihavefaith:

Forasheknitshisfortunestothestars,Evensodothheresembletheminsecret,Wonderful,stillinexplicablecourses!Trustme,theydohimwrong.Allwillbesolved.Thesesmokesatoncewillkindleintoflame--TheedgesofthisblackandstormycloudWillbrightensuddenly,andweshallviewTheunapproachableglideoutinsplendor.

OCTAVIO.



Iwillawaitit.

SCENEII.

OCTAVIOandMAX.asbefore.TothentheVALETOFTHECHAMBER.

OCTAVIO.Hownow,then?

VALET.Adespatchisatthedoor.

OCTAVIO.Soearly?Fromwhomcomeshethen?Whoisit?

VALET.Thatherefusedtotellme.

OCTAVIO.Leadhimin:And,harkyou--letitnottranspire.

[ExitVALET:theCORNETstepsin.

OCTAVIO.Ha!cornet--isityou;andfromCountGallas?Givemeyourletters.

CORNET.Thelieutenant-generalTrusteditnottoletters.

OCTAVIO.Andwhatisit?

CORNET.Hebademetellyou--DareIspeakopenlyhere?

OCTAVIO.Mysonknowsall.

CORNET.Wehavehim.

OCTAVIO.Whom?

CORNET.Sesina,Theoldnegotiator.

OCTAVIO(eagerly).Andyouhavehim?

CORNET.IntheBohemianForestCaptainMohrbrandFoundandsecuredhimyester-morningearly.



HewasproceedingthentoRegensburg,AndonhimweredespatchesfortheSwede.

OCTAVIO.Andthedespatches----

CORNET.Thelieutenant-generalSentthemthatinstanttoVienna,andTheprisonerwiththem.

OCTAVIO.Thisis,indeed,atiding!Thatfellowisapreciouscaskettous,Enclosingweightythings.Wasmuchfoundonhim?

CORNET.Ithink,sixpackets,withCountTerzky'sarms.

OCTAVIO.Noneintheduke'sownhand?

CORNET.NotthatIknow.

OCTAVIO.AndoldSesina.

CORNET.Hewassorelyfrightened.WhenitwastoldhimhemusttoVienna;ButtheCountAltringerbadehimtakeheart,Wouldhebutmakeafullandfreeconfession.

OCTAVIO.IsAltringerthenwithyourlord?IheardThathelaysickatLinz.

CORNET.ThesethreedayspastHe'swithmymaster,thelieutenant-general,AtFrauenburg.AlreadyhavetheysixtySmallcompaniestogether,chosenmen;Respectfullytheygreetyouwithassurances,Thattheyareonlywaitingyourcommands.

OCTAVIO.Inafewdaysmaygreateventstakeplace.Andwhenmustyoureturn?

CORNET.Iwaityourorders.

OCTAVIO.Remaintillevening.[CORNETsignifieshisassentandobeisance,andisgoing.Noonesawyou--ha?

CORNET.Nolivingcreature.Throughthecloisterwicket





Thelawsofwarexcusing?Nothing,saveHisownmouthshallconvicthim--nothingless!AndfacetofacewillIgoquestionhim.

OCTAVIO.Thouwilt.

MAX.Iwill,assureasthisheartbeats.

OCTAVIO.Ihave,indeed,miscalculatedonthee.Icalculatedonaprudentson,WhowouldhaveblessedthehandbeneficentThatpluckedhimbackfromtheabyss--andlo!AfascinatedbeingIdiscover,Whomhistwoeyesbefool,whompassionwilders,Whomnotthebroadestlightofnooncanheal.Go,questionhim!Bemadenough,Ipraythee.Thepurposeofthyfather,ofthyemperor,Go,giveitupfreebooty!Forceme,drivemeToanopenbreachbeforethetime.Andnow,NowthatamiracleofheavenhadguardedMysecretpurposeeventothishour,

Andlaidtosleepsuspicion'spiercingeyes,Letmehavelivedtoseethatmineownson,Withfranticenterprise,annihilatesMytoilsomelaborsandstatepolicy.

MAX.Ay--thisstatepolicy!Oh,howIcurseit!Youwillsometime,withyourstatepolicy,Compelhimtothemeasure:itmayhappen,Becauseyearedeterminedthatheisguilty,Guiltyye'llmakehim.Allretreatcutoff,Youcloseupeveryoutlet,hemhiminNarrowerandnarrower,tillatlengthyeforcehim--

Yes,ye,yeforcehim,inhisdesperation,Tosetfiretohisprison.Father!father!Thatnevercanendwell--itcannot--willnot!Andletitbedecidedasitmay,IseewithbodingheartthenearapproachOfanill-starred,unblestcatastrophe.Forthisgreatmonarch-spirit,ifhefall,Willdragaworldintotheruinwithhim.AndasashipthatmidwayontheoceanTakesfire,atonce,andwithathunder-burstExplodes,andwithitselfshootsoutitscrewInsmokeandruinbetwixtseaandheaven!Sowillhe,falling,drawdowninhisfall

Allus,who'refixedandmortisedtohisfortune,Deemofitwhatthouwilt;butpardonme,ThatImustbearmeoninmyownway.Allmustremainpurebetwixthimandme;And,erethedaylightdawns,itmustbeknownWhichImustlose--myfatherormyfriend.

[Duringhisexitthecurtaindrops.



THEDEATHOFWALLENSTEIN.

TranslatedbyS.T.Coleridge.

DRAMATISPERSONAE.

WALLENSTEIN,DukeofFriedland,GeneralissimooftheImperialForcesintheThirtyYears'War.DUCHESSOFFREIDLAND,WifeofWallenstein.THEKLA,herDaughter,PrincessofFriedland.THECOUNTESSTERZKY,SisteroftheDuchess.LADYNEUBRUNN.OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,Lieutenant-General.MAX.PICCOLOMINI,hisSon,ColonelofaRegimentofCuirassiers.COUNTTERZKY,theCommanderofseveralRegiments,andBrother-in-lawofWallenstein.ILLO,Field-Marshal,Wallenstein'sConfidant.ISOLANI,GeneraloftheCroats.

BUTLER,anIrishman,CommanderofaRegimentofDragoons.GORDON,GovernorofEgra.MAJORGERALDIN.CAPTAINDEVEREUX.CAPTAINMACDONALD.ANADJUTANT.NEUMANN,CaptainofCavalry,Aide-de-CamptoTERZKY.COLONELWRANGEL,EnvoyfromtheSwedes.ROSENBURG,MasterofHorse.SWEDISHCAPTAIN.SENI.BURGOMASTERofEgra.ANSPESSADEoftheCuirassiers.

GROOMOFTHECHAMBER.|BelongingAPAGE.|totheDuke.Cuirassiers,Dragoons,andServants.

ACTI.

SCENEI.

Aroomfittedupforastrologicallabors,andprovidedwithcelestialcharts,withglobes,telescopes,quadrants,andother

mathematicalinstruments.Sevencolossalfigures,representingtheplanets,eachwithatransparentstarofdifferentcoloronitshead,standinasemicircleinthebackground,sothatMarsandSaturnarenearesttheeye.Theremainderofthesceneanditsdispositionisgiveninthefourthsceneofthesecondact.Theremustbeacurtainoverthefigures,whichmaybedroppedandconcealthemonoccasions.

[Inthefifthsceneofthisactitmustbedropped;butintheseventhsceneitmustbeagaindrawnupwhollyorinpart.]





Partso'ermyhead,andtakesoncemoreitsflight,Fortheheaven'sjourneystill,andadjournnot.[Thereareknocksatthedoor.There'ssomeoneknockingthere.Seewhoitis.

TERZKY(fromwithout).Open,andletmein.

WALLENSTEIN.Ay--'tisTerzky.Whatisthereofsuchurgence?Wearebusy.

TERZKY(fromwithout).Layallasideatpresent,Ientreatyou;Itsuffersnodelaying.

WALLENSTEIN.Open,Seni!

[WhileSENIopensthedoorforTERZKY,WALLENSTEINdrawsthecurtainoverthefigures.

SCENEII.

WALLENSTEIN,COUNTTERZKY.

TERZKY(enters).Hastthoualreadyheardit?Heistaken.Gallashasgivenhimuptotheemperor.

[SENIdrawsofftheblacktable,andexit.

WALLENSTEIN(toTERZKY).Whohasbeentaken?Whoisgivenup?

TERZKY.Themanwhoknowsoursecrets,whoknowseveryNegotiationwiththeSwedeandSaxon,Throughwhosehandsallandeverythinghaspassed----

WALLENSTEIN(drawingback).Nay,notSesina?Say,no!Ientreatthee.

TERZKY.AllonhisroadforRegensburgtotheSwedeHewasplungeddownuponbyGallas'agent,Whohadbeenlonginambush,lurkingforhim.Theremusthavebeenfoundonhimmywholepacket

ToThur,toKinsky,toOxenstiern,toArnheim:Allthisisintheirhands;theyhavenowaninsightIntothewhole--ourmeasuresandourmotives.

SCENEIII.

TothementersILLO.



ILLO(toTERZKY).Hasheheardit?

TERZKY.Hehasheardit.

ILLO(toWALLENSTEIN).ThinkestthoustillTomakethypeacewiththeemperor,toregainHisconfidence?E'enwereitnowthywishToabandonallthyplans,yetstilltheyknowWhatthouhastwished:thenforwardsthoumustpress;Retreatisnownolongerinthypower.

TERZKY.Theyhavedocumentsagainstus,andinhands,Whichshowbeyondallpowerofcontradiction----

WALLENSTEIN.Ofmyhandwriting--noiota.TheeIpunishorthylies.

ILLO.Andthoubelievest,

Thatwhatthisman,andwhatthysister'shusband,Didinthyname,willnotstandonthyreckoning?HiswordmustpassforthywordwiththeSwede,AndnotwiththosethathatetheeatVienna?

TERZKY.Inwritingthougavestnothing;butbethinkthee,HowfarthouventuredstbywordofmouthWiththisSesina!Andwillhebesilent?IfhecansavehimselfbyyieldingupThysecretpurposes,willheretainthem?

ILLO.

Thyselfdostnotconceiveitpossible;AndsincetheynowhaveevidenceauthenticHowfarthouhastalreadygone,speak!tellus,Whatartthouwaitingfor?ThoucanstnolongerKeepthycommand;andbeyondhopeofrescueThou'rtlostifthouresign'stit.

WALLENSTEIN.InthearmyLiesmysecurity.ThearmywillnotAbandonme.Whatevertheymayknow,Thepowerismine,andtheymustgulpitdownAndifIgivethemcautionformyfealty,

Theymustbesatisfied,atleastappearso.

ILLO.Thearmy,duke,isthinenow;forthismoment'Tisthine:butthinkwithterrorontheslow,Thequietpoweroftime.FromopenviolenceTheattachmentofthysoldierysecurestheeTo-day,to-morrow:butgrant'stthouthemarespite,Unheard,unseen,they'llunderminethatloveOnwhichthounowdostfeelsofirmafooting,



WithwilytheftwilldrawawayfromtheeOneaftertheother----

WALLENSTEIN.'Tisacursedaccident!Oh!Iwillcallitamostblessedone,Ifitworkontheeasitoughttodo,Hurrytheeontoaction--todecision.TheSwedishgeneral?

WALLENSTEIN.He'sarrived!Know'stWhathiscommissionis----

ILLO.TotheealoneWillheintrustthepurposeofhiscoming.

WALLENSTEIN.Acursed,cursedaccident!Yes,yes,Sesinaknowstoomuch,andwon'tbesilent.

TERZKY.He'saBohemianfugitiveandrebel,

Hisneckisforfeit.CanhesavehimselfAtthycost,thinkyouhewillscrupleit?Andiftheyputhimtothetorture,willhe,Willhe,thatdastardling,havestrengthenough----

WALLENSTEIN(lostinthought).Theirconfidenceislost,irreparably!AndImayactwhichwayIwill,IshallBeandremainforeverintheirthoughtAtraitortomycountry.HowsincerelySoeverIreturnbacktomyduty,Itwillnolongerhelpme----

ILLO.Ruinthee,Thatitwilldo!Notthyfidelity,Thyweaknesswillbedeemedthesoleoccasion----

WALLENSTEIN(pacingupanddowninextremeagitation).What!Imustrealizeitnowinearnest,BecauseItoyedtoofreelywiththethought!Accursedhewhodallieswithadevil!AndmustI--Imustrealizeitnow--Now,whileIhavethepower,itmusttakeplace!

ILLO.

Now--now--eretheycanwardandparryit!

WALLENSTEIN(lookingatthepaperofSignatures).Ihavethegenerals'word--awrittenpromise!Max.Piccoloministandsnothere--how'sthat?

TERZRY.Itwas--befancied----

ILLO.



Mereself-willedness.Thereneedednosuchthing'twixthimandyou.

WALLENSTEIN.Heisquiteright;thereneedednosuchthing.Theregiments,too,denytomarchforFlandersHavesentmeinapaperofremonstrance,Andopenlyresisttheimperialorders.Thefirststeptorevolt'salreadytaken.

ILLO.Believeme,thouwiltfinditfarmoreeasyToleadthemovertotheenemyThantotheSpaniard.

WALLENSTEIN.Iwillhear,however,WhattheSwedehastosaytome.

ILLO(eagerlytoTERZKY).Go,callhim,Hestandswithoutthedoorinwaiting.

WALLENSTEIN.

Stay!Staybutalittle.IthathtakenmeAllbysurprise;itcametooquickuponme;'Tiswhollynovelthatanaccident,Withitsdarklordship,andblindagency,Shouldforcemeonwithit.

ILLO.Firsthearhimonly,Andthenweighit.


SCENEIV.

WALLENSTEIN(insoliloquy).Isitpossible?Is'tso?IcannolongerwhatIwould?Nolongerdrawbackatmyliking?IMustdothedeed,becauseIthoughtofit?Andfedthisheartherewithadream?BecauseIdidnotscowltemptationfrommypresence,Dalliedwiththoughtsofpossiblefulfilment,Commencednomovement,leftalltimeuncertain,

Andonlykepttheroad,theaccessopen?BythegreatGodofHeaven!itwasnotMyseriousmeaning,itwasne'erresolved.Ibutamusedmyselfwiththinkingofit.Thefree-willtemptedme,thepowertodoOrnottodoit.WasitcriminalTomakethefancyministertohope,Tofilltheairwithprettytoysofair,Andclutchfantasticsceptresmovingtowardme?Wasnotthewillkeptfree?BeheldInot



Theroadofdutyclosebesideme--butOnelittlestep,andoncemoreIwasinit!WhereamI?WhitherhaveIbeentransported?Noroad,notrackbehindme,butawall,Impenetrable,insurmountable,RisesobedienttothespellsImutteredAndmeantnot--myowndoingstowerbehindme.[Pausesandremainsindeepthought.ApunishablemanIseem,theguilt,TrywhatIwill,Icannotrollofffromme;TheequivocaldemeanorofmylifeBearswitnessonmyprosecutor'sparty.AndevenmypurestactsfrompurestmotivesSuspicionpoisonswithmaliciousgloss.WereIthatthingforwhichIpass,thattraitor,AgoodlyoutsideIhadsurereserved,Haddrawnthecoveringsthickanddoubleroundme,Beencalmandcharyofmyutterance;ButbeingconsciousoftheinnocenceOfmyintent,myuncorruptedwill,Igavewaytomyhumors,tomypassion:Boldweremywords,becausemydeedswerenotNoweveryplanlessmeasure,chanceevent,Thethreatofrage,thevauntofjoyandtriumph,

AndalltheMay-gamesofaheartoverflowing,Willtheyconnect,andweavethemalltogetherIntooneweboftreason;allwillbeplan,Myeyene'erabsentfromthefar-offmark,Steptracingstep,eachstepapoliticprogress;Andoutofallthey'llfabricateachargeSospecious,thatImustmyselfstanddumb.Iamcaughtinmyownnet,andonlyforce,Naughtbutasuddenrentcanliberateme.

[Pausesagain.

Howelse!sincethattheheart'sunbiasedinstinct

Impelledmetothedaringdeed,whichnowNecessity,self-preservation,orders.Sternistheon-lookofnecessity,NotwithoutshuddermayahumanhandGraspthemysteriousurnofdestiny.Mydeedwasmine,remaininginmybosom;OncesufferedtoescapefromitssafecornerWithintheheart,itsnurseryandbirthplace,Sentforthintotheforeign,itbelongsForevertothoseslymaliciouspowersWhomneverartofmanconciliated.

[Pacesinagitationthroughthechamber,thenpauses,and,after

thepause,breaksoutagainintoaudiblesoliloquy.

Whatitthyenterprise?thyaim?thyobject?Hasthonestlyconfessedittothyself?Powerseatedonaquietthronethou'dstshake,Poweronanancient,consecratedthrone,Stronginpossession,foundedinallcustom;PowerbyathousandtoughandstringyrootsFixedtothepeople'spiousnurseryfaith.This,thiswillbenostrifeofstrengthwithstrength.



ThatfearedInot.Ibraveeachcombatant,WhomIcanlookon,fixingeyetoeye,Who,fullhimselfofcourage,kindlescourageInmetoo.'TisafoeinvisibleThewhichIfear--afearfulenemy,Whichinthehumanheartopposesme,Byitscowardfearalonemadefearfultome.Notthat,whichfulloflife,instinctwithpower,Makesknownitspresentbeing;thatisnotThetrue,theperilouslyformidable.Ono!itisthecommon,thequitecommon,Thethingofaneternalyesterday.Whateverwas,andevermorereturns,Sterlingto-morrow,forto-day'twassterling!Forofthewhollycommonismanmade,Andcustomishisnurse!WoethentothemWholayirreverenthandsuponhisoldHousefurniture,thedearinheritanceFromhisforefathers!Fortimeconsecrates;Andwhatisgraywithagebecomesreligion.Beinpossession,andthouhasttheright,Andsacredwillthemanyguarditforthee!

[TothePAGE,--whohereenters.

TheSwedishofficer?Well,lethimenter.

[ThePAGEexit,WALLENSTEINfixeshiseyeindeepthoughtonthedoor.

Yet,itispure--asyet!--thecrimehascomeNoto'erthisthresholdyet--soslenderisTheboundarythatdividethlife'stwopaths.

SCENEV.

WALLENSTEINandWRANGEL.

WALLENSTEIN(afterhavingfixedasearchinglookonhim).YournameisWrangel?

WRANGEL.GustaveWrangel,GeneralOftheSudermanianBlues.

WALLENSTEIN.ItwasaWrangelWhoinjuredmemateriallyatStralsund,

AndbyhisbraveresistancewasthecauseOftheoppositionwhichthatseaportmade.

WRANGEL.ItwasthedoingoftheelementWithwhichyoufought,mylord!andnotmymerit,TheBalticNeptunedidasserthisfreedom:Theseaandland,itseemedwerenottoserveOneandthesame.



WALLENSTEINYoupluckedtheadmiral'shatfromoffmyhead.

WRANGEL.Icometoplaceadiademthereon.

WALLENSTEIN(makesthemotionforhimtotakeaseat,andseatshimself).AndwhereareyourcredentialsComeyouprovidedwithfullpowers,sirgeneral?

WRANGEL.Therearesomanyscruplesyettosolve----

WALLENSTEIN(havingreadthecredentials).Anableletter!Ay--heisaprudent,Intelligentmasterwhomyouserve,sirgeneral!ThechancellorwritesmethathebutfulfilsHislatedepartedsovereign'sownideaInhelpingmetotheBohemiancrown.

WRANGEL.Hesaysthetruth.Ourgreatking,nowinheaven,Dideverdeemmosthighlyofyourgrace'sPre-eminentsenseandmilitarygenius;

Andalwaysthecommandingintellect,Hesaid,shouldhavecommand,andbetheking.

WALLENSTEIN.Yes,hemightsayitsafely.GeneralWrangel,[Takinghishandaffectionately.Come,fairandopen.Trustme,IwasalwaysASwedeatheart.Eh!thatdidyouexperienceBothinSilesiaandatNuremberg;Ihadyouofteninmypower,andletyouAlwaysslipoutbysomebackdoororother.'Tisthisforwhichthecourtcanne'erforgiveme,Whichdrivesmetothispresentstep:andsince

Ourinterestssoruninonedirection,E'enletushaveathoroughconfidenceEachintheother.

WRANGEL.ConfidencewillcomeHaseachbutonlyfirstsecurity.

WALLENSTEIN.Thechancellorstill,Isee,doesnotquitetrustme;And,Iconfess--thegamedoesnotliewhollyTomyadvantage.Withoutdoubthethinks,IfIcanplayfalsewiththeemperor,

Whoismysovereign,IcandothelikeWiththeenemy,andthattheone,too,wereSoonertobeforgivenmethantheother.Isnotthisyouropinion,too,sirgeneral?

WRANGEL.Ihavehereadutymerely,noopinion.

WALLENSTEIN.Theemperorhathurgedmetotheuttermost



Icannolongerhonorablyservehim.Formysecurity,inself-defence,Itakethishardstep,whichmyconscienceblames.

WRANGEL.ThatIbelieve.SofarwouldnoonegoWhowasnotforcedtoit.[Afterapause.WhatmayhaveimpelledYourprincelyhighnessinthiswisetoactTowardyoursovereignlordandemperor,Beseemsnotustoexpoundorcriticise.TheSwedeisfightingforhisgoodoldcause,Withhisgoodswordandconscience.Thisconcurrence,Thisopportunityisinourfavor,Andalladvantagesinwararelawful.Wetakewhatofferswithoutquestioning;Andifallhaveitsdueandjustproportions----

WALLENSTEIN.Ofwhatthenareyedoubting?Ofmywill?Orofmypower?Ipledgedmetothechancellor,Wouldhetrustmewithsixteenthousandmen,ThatIwouldinstantlygoovertothem

Witheighteenthousandoftheemperor'stroops.

WRANGEL.Yourgraceisknowntobeamightywar-chief,TobeasecondAttilaandPyrrhus.'Tistalkedofstillwithfreshastonishment,Howsomeyearspast,beyondallhumanfaith,Youcalledanarmyforthlikeacreation:Butyet----

WALLENSTEIN.Butyet?

WRANGEL.ButstillthechancellorthinksItmightyetbeaneasierthingfromnothingTocallforthsixtythousandmenofbattle,Thantopersuadeone-sixtiethpartofthem----

WALLENSTEIN.Whatnow?Outwithit,friend?

WRANGEL.Tobreaktheiroaths.

WALLENSTEIN.

Andhethinksso?HejudgeslikeaSwede,AndlikeaProtestant.YouLutheransFightforyourBible.YouareinterestedAboutthecause;andwithyourheartsyoufollowYourbanners.Amongyouwhoe'erdesertsTotheenemyhathbrokencovenantWithtwolordsatonetime.We'venosuchfancies.

WRANGEL.GreatGodinheaven!Havethenthepeoplehere



Nohouseandhome,nofireside,noaltar?

WALLENSTEIN.Iwillexplainthattoyou,howitstands:TheAustrianhasacountry,ay,andlovesit,Andhasgoodcausetoloveit--butthisarmyThatcallsitselftheimperial,thisthathousesHereinBohemia,thishasnone--nocountry;Thisisanoutcastofallforeignlands,Unclaimedbytownortribe,towhombelongsNothingexcepttheuniversalsun.AndthisBohemianlandforwhichwefightLovesnotthemasterwhomthechanceofwar,Notitsownchoiceorwill,hathgiventoit.Menmurmurattheoppressionoftheirconscience,Andpowerhathonlyawedbutnotappeasedthem.AglowingandavengingmemorylivesOfcrueldeedscommittedontheseplains;HowcanthesonforgetthatherehisfatherWashuntedbythebloodhoundtothemass?Apeoplethusoppressedmuststillbefeared,Whethertheysufferoravengetheirwrongs.

WRANGEL.

Butthenthenoblesandtheofficers?Suchadesertion,suchafelony,Itiswithoutexample,mylordduke,Intheworld'shistory.

WALLENSTEIN.Theyareallmine--Mineunconditionally--mineonallterms.Notme,yourowneyesyoumusttrust.

[Hegiveshimthepapercontainingthewrittenoath.WRANGELreadsitthrough,and,havingreadit,laysitonthetable,--remainingsilent.

Sothen;Nowcomprehendyou?

WRANGEL.Comprehendwhocan!Mylordduke,Iwillletthemaskdrop--yes!I'vefullpowersforafinalsettlement.TheRhinegravestandsbutfourdays'marchfromhereWithfifteenthousandmen,andonlywaitsFororderstoproceedandjoinyourarmy.TheseordersIgiveoutimmediatelyWe'recompromised.

WALLENSTEIN.Whatasksthechancellor?

WRANGEL(considerately).Twelveregiments,everymanaSwede--myheadThewarranty--andallmightproveatlastOnlyfalseplay----

WALLENSTEIN(starting).



SirSwede!

WRANGEL(calmlyproceeding).AmthereforeforcedToinsistthereon,thathedoformally,Irrevocablybreakwiththeemperor,ElsenotaSwedeistrustedtoDukeFriedland.

WALLENSTEIN.Come,briefandopen!Whatisthedemand?

WRANGEL.ThatheforthwithdisarmtheSpanishregimentsAttachedtotheemperor,thatheseizeonPrague,AndtotheSwedesgiveupthatcity,withThestrongpassEgra.

WALLENSTEIN.Thatismuchindeed!Prague!--Egra'sgranted--but--butPrague!'Twon'tdo.IgiveyoueverysecurityWhichyoumayaskofmeincommonreason--ButPrague--Bohemia--these,sirgeneral,Icanmyselfprotect.

WRANGEL.Wedoubtitnot.But'tisnottheprotectionthatisnowOursoleconcern.Wewantsecurity,ThatweshallnotexpendourmenandmoneyAlltonopurpose.

WALLENSTEIN.'Tisbutreasonable.

WRANGEL.Andtillweareindemnified,solong

StaysPragueinpledge.

WALLENSTEIN.Thentrustyouussolittle?

WRANGEL(rising).TheSwede,ifhewouldtreatwellwiththeGerman,Mustkeepasharplookout.WehavebeencalledOvertheBaltic,wehavesavedtheempireFromruin--withourbestbloodhavewesealedThelibertyoffaithandgospeltruth.ButnowalreadyisthebenefactionNolongerfelt,theloadaloneisfelt.

Yelookaskancewithevileyeuponus,Asforeigners,intrudersintheempire,AndwouldfainsenduswithsomepaltrysumOfmoney,homeagaintoouroldforests.No,no!mylordduke!itneverwasForJudas'pay,forchinkinggoldandsilver,ThatwedidleaveourkingbytheGreatStone.[1]No,notforgoldandsilverhavetherebledSomanyofourSwedishnobles--neitherWillwe,withemptylaurelsforourpayment,



Hoistsailforourowncountry.CitizensWillweremainuponthesoil,thewhichOurmonarchconqueredforhimselfanddied.

WALLENSTEIN.Helptokeepdownthecommonenemy,Andthefairborderlandmustneedsbeyours.

WRANGEL.Butwhenthecommonenemyliesvanquished,Whoknitstogetherournewfriendshipthen?Weknow,DukeFriedland!thoughperhapstheSwedeOughtnottohaveknownit,thatyoucarryonSecretnegotiationswiththeSaxons.WhoisourwarrantythatwearenotThesacrificesinthosearticlesWhich'tisthoughtneedfultoconcealfromus?

WALLENSTEIN(rises).Thinkyouofsomethingbetter,GustaveWrangel!OfPraguenomore.

WRANGEL.Heremycommissionends.

WALLENSTEIN.Surrenderuptoyoumycapital!FarlieverwouldIforceabout,andstepBacktomyemperor.

WRANGEL.Iftimeyetpermits----

WALLENSTEIN.Thatlieswithme,evennow,atanyhour.

WRANGEL.

Somedaysago,perhaps.To-day,nolonger;NolongersinceSesina'sbeenaprisoner.[WALLENSTEINisstruck,andsilenced.Mylordduke,hearme--webelievethatyouAtpresentdomeanhonorablybyus.Sinceyesterdaywe'resureofthat--andnowThispaperwarrantsforthetroops,there'snothingStandsinthewayofourfullconfidence.Pragueshallnotpartus.Hear!ThechancellorContentshimselfwithAlstadt;toyourgraceHegivesupRatschinandthenarrowside.ButEgraaboveallmustopentous,Erewecanthinkofanyjunction.

WALLENSTEIN.You,YouthereforemustItrust,andnotyoume?Iwillconsiderofyourproposition.

WRANGEL.ImustentreatthatyourconsiderationOccupynottoolongatime.AlreadyHasthisnegotiation,mylordduke!



Creptonintothesecondyear.IfnothingIssettledthistime,willthechancellorConsideritasbrokenoffforever?

WALLENSTEIN.Yepressmehard.AmeasuresuchasthisOughttobethoughtof.

WRANGEL.Ay!butthinkofthistoo,Thatsuddenactiononlycanprocureit.Success--thinkfirstofthis,yourhighness.

[ExitWRANGEL.

SCENEVI.

WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY,andILLO(re-enter).

ILLO.Is'tallright?

TERZKY.Areyoucompromised?

ILLO.ThisSwedeWentsmilingfromyou.Yes!you'recompromised.

WALLENSTEIN.Asyetisnothingsettled;and(wellweighed)Ifeelmyselfinclinedtoleaveitso.

TERZKY.How?Whatisthat?

WALLENSTEIN.Comeonmewhatwillcome,ThedoingeviltoavoidanevilCannotbegood!

TERZKY.Nay,butbethinkyou,duke.

WALLENSTEIN.ToliveuponthemercyoftheseSwedes!Oftheseproud-heartedSwedes!--Icouldnotbearit.

ILLO.Goestthouasfugitive,asmendicant?Bringestthounotmoretothemthanthoureceivest?

WALLENSTEIN.HowfareditwiththebraveandroyalBourbonWhosoldhimselfuntohiscountry'sfoes,Andpiercedthebosomofhisfather-land?Curseswerehisreward,andmen'sabhorrenceAvengedtheunnaturalandrevoltingdeed.



ILLO.Isthatthycase?

WALLENSTEIN.Truefaith,Itellthee,MusteverbethedearestfriendofmanHisnaturepromptshimtoassertitsrights.Theenmityofsects,therageofparties,Long-cherishedenvy,jealousy,unite;'AndallthestrugglingelementsofevilSuspendtheirconflict,andtogetherleagueInonealliance'gainsttheircommonfoe--Thesavagebeastthatbreaksintothefold,Wheremenreposeinconfidenceandpeace.Forvainwereman'sownprudencetoprotecthim.'TisonlyintheforeheadnatureplantsThewatchfuleye;theback,withoutdefence,Mustfinditsshieldinman'sfidelity.

TERZKY.ThinknotmoremeanlyoffthyselfthandoThyfoes,whostretchtheirhandswithjoytogreetthee.LessscrupulousfarwastheimperialCharles,

Thepowerfulheadofthisillustrioushouse;WithopenarmshegavetheBourbonwelcome;Forstillbypolicytheworldisruled.

SCENEVII.

TotheseentertheCOUNTESSTERZKY.

WALLENSTEIN.Whosentforyou?ThereisnobusinesshereForwomen.

COUNTESSIamcometobidyoujoy.

WALLENSTEIN.Usethyauthority,Terzky;bidhergo.

COUNTESS.ComeIperhapstooearly?Ihopenot.

WALLENSTEIN.Setnotthistongueuponme,Ientreatyou:Youknowitistheweaponthatdestroysme.

Iamrouted,ifawomanbutattackme:IcannottrafficinthetradeofwordsWiththatunreasoningsex.

COUNTESS.IhadalreadyGiventheBohemiansaking.

WALLENSTEIN(sarcastically).Theyhaveone,



Inconsequence,nodoubt.

COUNTESS(totheothers).Ha!whatnewscruple?

TERZKY.Thedukewillnot.

COUNTESS.Hewillnotwhathemust!

ILLO.Itlieswithyounow.Try.ForIamsilencedWhenfolksbegintotalktomeofconscienceAndoffidelity.

COUNTESS.How?then,whenallLayinthefar-offdistance,whentheroadStretchedoutbeforethineeyesinterminably,Thenhadstthoucourageandresolve;andnow,Nowthatthedreamisbeingrealized,Thepurposeripe,theissueascertained,Dostthoubegintoplaythedastardnow?

Plannedmerely,'tisacommonfelony;Accomplished,animmortalundertaking:Andwithsuccesscomespardonhandinhand,ForalleventisGod'sarbitrament.

SERVANT(enters).TheColonelPiccolomini.

COUNTESS(hastily).--Mustwait.

WALLENSTEIN.Icannotseehimnow.Anothertime.

SERVANT.ButfortwominutesheentreatsanaudienceOfthemosturgentnatureishisbusiness.

WALLENSTEIN.Whoknowswhathemaybringus!Iwillhearhim.

COUNTESS(laughs).Urgentforhim,nodoubt?butthoumay'stwait.

WALLENSTEIN.Whatisit?

COUNTESS.Thoushaltbeinformedhereafter.FirstlettheSwedeandtheebecompromised.

[ExitSERVANT.

WALLENSTEIN.Iftherewereyetachoice!ifyetsomemilderWayofescapewerepossible--Istill



Willchooseit,andavoidthelastextreme.

COUNTESS.Desirestthounothingfurther?SuchawayLiesstillbeforethee.SendthisWrangeloff.Forgetthouthyoldhopes,castfarawayAllthypastlife;determinetocommenceAnewone.Virtuehathherheroestoo,Aswellasfameandfortune.ToViennaHence--totheemperor--kneelbeforethethrone;Takeafullcofferwiththee--sayaloud,Thoudidstbutwishtoprovethyfealty;ThywholeintentionbuttodupetheSwede.

ILLO.Forthattoo'tistoolate.Theyknowtoomuch;Hewouldbutbearhisownheadtotheblock.

COUNTESS.Ifearnotthat.TheyhavenotevidenceToattainthimlegally,andtheyavoidTheavowalofanarbitrarypower.They'llletthedukeresignwithoutdisturbance.Iseehowallwillend.TheKingofHungary

Makeshisappearance,and'twillofitselfBeunderstood,andthenthedukeretires.Therewillnotwantaformaldeclaration.TheyoungkingwilladministertheoathTothewholearmy;andsoallreturnsTotheoldposition.OnsomemorrowmorningThedukedeparts;andnow'tisstirandbustleWithinhiscastles.Hewillhuntandbuild;Superintendhishorses'pedigrees,Createshimselfacourt,givesgoldenkeys,AndintroducethstrictestceremonyInfineproportions,andniceetiquette;Keepsopentablewithhighcheer:inbrief,

Commencethmightyking--inminiature.Andwhileheprudentlydemeanshimself,Andgiveshimselfnoactualimportance,Hewillbeletappearwhate'erhelikes:Andwhodaresdoubt,thatFriedlandwillappearAmightyprincetohislastdyinghour?Wellnow,whatthen?DukeFriedlandisasothers,Afire-newnoble,whomthewarhathraisedTopriceandcurrency,aJonah'sgourd,Anover-nightcreationofcourt-favor,Which,withanundistinguishableease,Makesbaronormakesprince.

WALLENSTEIN(inextremeagitation).Takeheraway.LetintheyoungCountPiccolomini.

COUNTESS.Artthouinearnest?Ientreatthee!Canstthouconsenttobearthyselftothyowngrave,Soignominiouslytobedriedup?Thylife,thatarrogatedsuchanheightToendinsuchanothing!Tobenothing,



Whenonewasalwaysnothing,isanevilThatasksnostretchofpatience,alightevil;Buttobecomeanothing,havingbeen----

WALLENSTEIN(startsupinviolentagitation).Showmeawayoutofthisstiflingcrowd,Yepowersofaidance!ShowmesuchawayAsIamcapableofgoing.IAmnotongue-hero,nofinevirtue-prattler;Icannotwarmbythinking;cannotsayTothegoodluckthatturnsherbackuponmeMagnanimously:"Go;Ineedtheenot."CeaseItowork,Iamannihilated.DangersnorsacrificeswillIshun,IfsoImayavoidthelastextreme;ButereIsinkdownintonothingness,Leaveoffsolittle,whobegansogreat,ErethattheworldconfusesmewiththosePoorwretches,whomadaycreatesandcrumbles,Thisageandafterages[2]speakmynameWithhateanddread;andFriedlandberedemptionForeachaccurseddeed.

COUNTESS.

Whatistherehere,then,Soagainstnature?Helpmetoperceiveit!Oh,letnotsuperstition'snightlygoblinsSubduethyclear,brightspirit!ArtthoubidTomurder?withabhorred,accursedponiard,Toviolatethebreaststhatnourishedthee?Thatwereagainstournature,thatmightaptlyMakethyfleshshudder,andthywholeheartsicken.[3]Yetnotafew,andforameanerobject,Haveventuredeventhis,ay,andperformedit.Whatisthereinthycasesoblackandmonstrous?Thouartaccusedoftreason--whetherwithOrwithoutjusticeisnotnowthequestion--

ThouartlostifthoudostnotavailtheequicklyOfthepowerwhichthoupossessest--Friedland!Duke!Tellmewherelivesthatthingsomeekandtame,ThatdothnotallhislivingfacultiesPutforthinpreservationofhislife?Whatdeedsodaring,whichnecessityAnddesperationwillnotsanctify?

WALLENSTEIN.OncewasthisFerdinandsogracioustome;Helovedme;heesteemedme;IwasplacedThenearesttohisheart.FullmanyatimeWelikefamiliarfriends,bothatonetable,

Havebanquetedtogether--heandI;AndtheyoungkingsthemselvesheldmethebasinWherewithtowashme--andis'tcometothis?

COUNTESS.Sofaithfullypreservestthoueachsmallfavor,Andhastnomemoryforcontumelies?MustIremindthee,howatRegensburgThismanrepaidthyfaithfulservices?Allranksandallconditionsintheempire



Thouhadstwrongedtomakehimgreat,--hadstloadedonthee,Onthee,thehate,thecurseofthewholeworld.NofriendexistedfortheeinallGermany,Andwhy?becausethouhadstexistedonlyFortheemperor.TotheemperoraloneClungFriedlandinthatstormwhichgatheredroundhimAtRegensburgintheDiet--andhedroppedthee!Helettheefall!helettheefallavictimTotheBavarian,tothatinsolent!Deposed,strippedbareofallthydignityAndpower,amidthetauntingofthyfoeThouwertletdropintoobscurity.Saynot,therestorationofthyhonorHasmadeatonementforthatfirstinjustice.Nohonestgood-willwasitthatreplacedthee;Thelawofhardnecessityreplacedthee,Whichtheyhadfainopposed,butthattheycouldnot.

WALLENSTEIN.Nottotheirgoodwishes,thatiscertain,NoryettohisaffectionI'mindebtedForthishighoffice;andifIabuseit,Ishallthereinabusenoconfidence.

COUNTESS.Affection!confidence!--theyneededthee.Necessity,impetuousremonstrant!Whonotwithemptynames,orshowsofproxy,Isserved,who'llhavethethingandnotthesymbol,Everseeksoutthegreatestandthebest,Andattherudderplaceshim,e'enthoughShehadbeenforcedtotakehimfromtherabble--She,thisnecessity,itwasthatplacedtheeInthishighoffice;itwasshethatgavetheeThyletters-patentofinauguration.For,totheuttermostmomentthattheycan,Thisracestillhelpthemselvesatcheapestrate

Withslavishsouls,withpuppets!AttheapproachOfextremeperil,whenahollowimageIsfoundahollowimageandnomore,ThenfallsthepowerintothemightyhandsOfnature,ofthespirit-giantborn,Wholistensonlytohimself,knowsnothingOfstipulations,duties,reverences,And,liketheemancipatedforceoffire,Unmasteredscorches,ereitreachesthem,Theirfine-spunwebs,theirartificialpolicy.

WALLENSTEIN.'Tistrue!theysawmealwaysasIam--

Always!Ididnotcheattheminthebargain.IneverhelditworthmypainstohideTheboldall-graspinghabitofmysoul.

COUNTESS.Nayrather--thouhastevershownthyselfAformidableman,withoutrestraint;HastexercisedthefullprerogativesOfthyimpetuousnature,whichhadbeenOncegrantedtothee.Therefore,duke,notthou,



Whohaststillremainedconsistentwiththyself,Buttheyareinthewrong,who,fearingthee,Intrustedsuchapowerinhandstheyfeared.For,bythelawsofspirit,intherightIseveryindividualcharacterThatactsinstrictconsistencewithitself:Self-contradictionistheonlywrong.Wertthouanotherbeing,then,whenthouEightyearsagopursuedstthymarchwithfire,Andsword,anddesolation,throughthecirclesOfGermany,theuniversalscourge,Didstmockallordinancesoftheempire,Thefearfulrightsofstrengthaloneexertedst,Trampledsttoeartheachrank,eachmagistracy,AlltoextendthySultan'sdomination?Thenwasthetimetobreaktheein,tocurbThyhaughtywill,toteachtheeordinance.Butno,theemperorfeltnotouchofconscience;Whatservedhimpleasedhim,andwithoutamurmurHestampedhisbroadsealontheselawlessdeeds.Whatatthattimewasright,becausethoudidstitForhim,to-dayisallatoncebecomeOpprobrious,foul,becauseitisdirectedAgainsthim.Omostflimsysuperstition!

WALLENSTEIN(rising).Ineversawitinthislightbefore,'Tisevenso.TheemperorperpetratedDeedsthroughmyarm,deedsmostunorderly.Andeventhisprince'smantle,whichIwear,Iowetowhatwereservicestohim,Butmosthighmisdemeanors'gainsttheempire.

COUNTESS.Thenbetwixttheeandhim(confessit,Friedland!)Thepointcanbenomoreofrightandduty,Onlyofpowerandtheopportunity.

Thatopportunity,lo!itcomesyonderApproachingwithswiftsteeds;thenwithaswingThrowthyselfupintothechariot-seat,SeizewithfirmhandthereinserethyopponentAnticipatethee,andhimselfmakeconquestOfthenowemptyseat.Themomentcomes;Itisalreadyhere,whenthoumustwriteTheabsolutetotalofthylife'svastsum.Theconstellationsstandvictoriouso'erthee,Theplanetsshootgoodfortuneinfairjunctions,Andtellthee,"Now'sthetime!"ThestarrycoursesHastthouthylife-longmeasuredtonopurpose?Thequadrantandthecircle,weretheyplaythings?

[Pointingtothedifferentobjectsintheroom.

Thezodiacs,therollingorbsofheaven,Hastpicturedonthesewallsandallaroundthee.Indumb,forebodingsymbolshastthouplacedThesesevenpresidinglordsofdestiny--Fortoys?Isallthispreparationnothing?Istherenomarrowinthishollowart,Thateventothyselfitdothavail



Nothing,andhasnoinfluenceovertheeInthegreatmomentofdecision?

WALLENSTEIN(duringthislastspeechwalksupanddownwithinwardstruggles,laboringwithpassion;stopssuddenly,standsstill,theninterruptingtheCOUNTESS).SendWrangeltome--IwillinstantlyDespatchthreecouriers----

ILLO(hurryingout).Godinheavenbepraised!

WALLENSTEIN.Itishisevilgeniusandmine.Ourevilgenius!ItchastiseshimThroughme,theinstrumentofhisambition;AndIexpectnoless,thanthatrevengeE'ennowiswhettingformybreastthepoinard.Whosowstheserpent'steethlethimnothopeToreapajoyousharvest.EverycrimeHas,inthemomentofitsperpetration,Itsownavengingangel--darkmisgiving,Anominoussinkingattheinmostheart.Hecannolongertrustme.Thennolonger

CanIretreat--socomethatwhichmustcome.Stilldestinypreservesitsduerelations,TheheartwithinusisitsabsoluteVicegerent.[ToTERZKY.Go,conductyouGustaveWrangelTomystatecabinet.MyselfwillspeaktoThecouriers.AnddespatchimmediatelyAservantforOctavioPiccolomini.

[TotheCOUNTESS,whocannotconcealhertriumph.

Noexultation!woman,triumphnot!Forjealousarethepowersofdestiny,

Joypremature,andshoutserevictory,Encroachupontheirrightsandprivileges.Wesowtheseed,andtheythegrowthdetermine.

[Whileheismakinghisexitthecurtaindrops.

ACTII.

SCENEI.

SceneasintheprecedingAct.

WALLENSTEIN,OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI.

WALLENSTEIN(comingforwardinconversation).HesendsmewordfromLinzthatheliessick;ButIhavesureintelligencethatheSecreteshimselfatFrauenbergwithGallas.Securethemboth,andsendthemtomehither.Remember,thoutakestontheethecommand



OfthosesameSpanishregiments,--constantlyMakepreparation,andbeneverready;Andiftheyurgetheetodrawoutagainstme,Stillansweryes,andstandasthouwentfettered.Iknow,thatitisdoingtheeaserviceTokeeptheeoutofactioninthisbusiness.Thoulovesttolingeroninfairappearances;Stepsofextremityarenotthyprovince,ThereforehaveIsoughtoutthispartforthee.ThouwiltthistimebeofmostservicetomeBythyinertness.Themeantime,iffortuneDeclareitselfonmyside,thouwiltknowWhatistodo.

[EnterMAX.PICCOLOMINI.

Nowgo,Octavio.Thisnightmustthoubeoff,takemyownhorsesHimhereIkeepwithme--makeshortfarewell--Trustme,IthinkweallshallmeetagainInjoyandthrivingfortunes.

OCTAVIO(tohisson).Ishallseeyou

YetereIgo.

SCENEII.

WALLENSTEIN,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.

MAX.(advancestohim).Mygeneral!

WALLENSTEIN.ThatIamnolonger,if

Thoustylestthyselftheemperor'sofficer.

MAX.Thenthouwiltleavethearmy,general?

WALLENSTEIN.Ihaverenouncedtheserviceoftheemperor.

MAX.Andthouwiltleavethearmy?

WALLENSTEIN.RatherhopeI

Tobinditnearerstillandfastertome.[Heseatshimself.Yes,Max.,Ihavedelayedtoopenittothee,Eventillthehourofacting'ginstostrike.Youth'sfortunatefeelingdothseizeeasilyTheabsoluteright,yea,andajoyitisToexercisethesingleapprehensionWherethesumssquareinproof;Butwhereithappens,thatoftwosureevilsOnemustbetaken,wheretheheartnotwholly



Bringsitselfbackfromoutthestrifeofduties,There'tisablessingtohavenoelection,Andblanknecessityisgraceandfavor.Thisisnowpresent:donotlookbehindthee,--Itcannomoreavailthee.Lookthouforwards!Thinknot!judgenot!preparethyselftoact!Thecourt--ithathdeterminedonmyruin,ThereforeIwillbebeforehandwiththem.We'lljointheSwedes--rightgallantfellowsarethey,Andourgoodfriends.[Hestopshimself,expectingPICCOLOMINI'sanswer.Ihavetakentheebysurprise.Answermenot:Igranttheetimetorecollectthyself.

[Herises,retirestothebackofthestage.MAX.remainsforalongtimemotionless,inatranceofexcessiveanguish.AthisfirstmotionWALLENSTEINreturns,andplaceshimselfbeforehim.

MAX.Mygeneral,thisdaythoumakestmeOfagetospeakinmyownrightandperson,FortillthisdayIhavebeensparedthetroubleTofindoutmyownroad.TheehaveIfollowed

Withmostimplicit,unconditionalfaith,SureoftherightpathifIfollowedthee.To-day,forthefirsttime,dostthoureferMetomyself,andforcestmetomakeElectionbetweentheeandmyownheart.

WALLENSTEIN.Softcradledtheethyfortunetillto-day;Thydutiesthoucouldstexerciseinsport,Indulgealllovelyinstincts,actforeverWithundividedheart.ItcanremainNolongerthus.Likeenemies,theroadsStartfromeachother.Dutiesstrivewithduties,

ThoumustneedschoosethypartyinthewarWhichisnowkindling'twixtthyfriendandhimWhoisthyemperor.

MAX.War!isthatthename?Warisasfrightfulasheaven'spestilence,Yetitisgood,isitheaven'swillasthatis.Isthatagoodwar,whichagainsttheemperorThouwagestwiththeemperor'sownarmy?OGodofheaven!whatachangeisthis.BeseemsitmetooffersuchpersuasionTothee,wholikethefixedstarofthepole

WertallIgazedatonlife'stracklessocean?O!whatarentthoumakestinmyheart!Theingrainedinstinctofoldreverence,Theholyhabitofobediency,MustIplucklifeasunderfromthyname?Nay,donotturnthycountenanceuponme--Italwayswasasagodlookinguponme!DukeWallenstein,itspowerhasnotdeparted;Thesensesstillareinthybonds,althoughBleeding,thesoulhathfreeditself.



WALLENSTEIN.Max.,hearme.

MAX.Oh,doitnot,Ipraythee,doitnot!Thereisapureandnoblesoulwithinthee,Knowsnotofthisunblestunluckydoing.Thywillischaste,itisthyfancyonlyWhichhathpollutedthee--andinnocence,ItwillnotletitselfbedrivenawayFromthatworld-awingaspect.Thouwiltnot,Thoucanstnotendinthis.ItwouldreduceAllhumancreaturestodisloyaltyAgainstthenoblenessoftheirownnature.'Twilljustifythevulgarmisbelief,Whichholdethnothingnobleinfreewill,Andtrustsitselftoimpotencealone,Madepowerfulonlyinanunknownpower.

WALLENSTEIN.Theworldwilljudgemeharshly,Iexpectit.AlreadyhaveIsaidtomyownselfAllthoucanstsaytome.Whobutavoids

Theextreme,canhebygoingroundavoidit?Butherethereisnochoice.Yes,ImustuseOrsufferviolence--sostandsthecase,Thereremainsnothingpossiblebutthat.

MAX.Oh,thatisneverpossibleforthee!'TisthelastdesperateresourceofthoseCheapsouls,towhomtheirhonor,theirgoodname,Istheirpoorsaving,theirlastworthlesskeep,Which,havingstakedandlost,theystakedthemselvesInthemadrageofgaming.ThouartrichAndglorious;withanunpollutedheart

Thoucanstmakeconquestofwhate'erseemshighest!ButhewhooncehathactedinfamyDoesnothingmoreinthisworld.

WALLENSTEIN(graspshishand).Calmly,Max.!MuchthatisgreatandexcellentwillwePerformtogetheryet.AndifweonlyStandontheheightwithdignity,'tissoonForgotten,Max.,bywhatroadweascended.Believeme,manyacrownshinesspotlessnow,Thatyetwasdeeplysulliedinthewinning.Totheevilspiritdoththeearthbelong,

Nottothegood.AllthatthepowersdivineSendfromaboveareuniversalblessingsTheirlightrejoicesus,theirairrefreshes,Butneveryetwasmanenrichedbythem:IntheireternalrealmnopropertyIstobestruggledfor--allthereisgeneral.Thejewel,theall-valuedgoldwewinFromthedeceivingpowers,depravedinnature,Thatdwellbeneaththedayandblessedsunlight.Notwithoutsacrificesaretheyrendered



Propitious,andtherelivesnosoulonearthThate'erretiredunsulliedfromtheirservice.

MAX.Whate'erishumantothehumanbeingDoIallow--andtothevehementAndstrivingspiritreadilyIpardonTheexcessofaction;buttothee,mygeneral!AboveallothersmakeIlargeconcession.Forthoumustmoveaworldandbethemaster--Hekillstheewhocondemnstheetoinaction.Sobeitthen!maintaintheeinthypostByviolence.Resisttheemperor,Andifitmustbeforcewithforcerepel;Iwillnotpraiseit,yetIcanforgiveit.Butnot--nottothetraitor--yes!thewordIsspokenout--NottothetraitorcanIyieldapardon.Thatisnomereexcess!thatisnoerrorOfhumannature--thatiswhollydifferent,Oh,thatisblack,blackasthepitofhell![WALLENSTEINbetraysasuddenagitation.Thoucanstnothearitnamed,andwiltthoudoit?Oturnbacktothyduty.Thatthoucanst,

Iholditcertain.SendmetoVienna;I'llmakethypeacefortheewiththeemperor.Heknowstheenot.ButIdoknowthee.HeShallseethee,duke!withmyuncloudedeye,AndIbringbackhisconfidencetothee.

WALLENSTEIN.Itistoolate!Thouknowestnotwhathashappened.

MAX.Wereittoolate,andwerethingsgonesofar,Thatacrimeonlycouldpreventthyfall,Then--fall!fallhonorably,evenasthoustoodest,

Losethecommand.Gofromthestageofwar!Thoucanstwithsplendordoit--doittooWithinnocence.Thouhastlivedmuchforothers,Atlengthlivethouforthyownself.Ifollowthee.MydestinyIneverpartfromthine.

WALLENSTEIN.Itistoolate!Evennow,whilethouartlosingThywords,oneafteranother,arethemile-stonesLeftfastbehindbymypostcouriers,WhobeartheorderontoPragueandEgra.

[MAX.standsasconvulsed,withagestureandcountenance

expressingthemostintenseanguish.

Yieldthyselftoit.Weactasweareforced.IcannotgiveassenttomyownshameAndruin.Thou--no--thoucanstnotforsakeme!Soletusdo,whatmustbedone,withdignity,Withafirmstep.WhatamIdoingworseThandidfamedCaesarattheRubicon,Whenhethelegionsledagainsthiscountry,Thewhichhiscountryhaddeliveredtohim?



Hadhethrowndownthesword,hehadbeenlost.AsIwere,ifIbutdisarmedmyself.Itraceoutsomethinginmeofthisspirit.Givemehisluck,thatotherthingI'llbear.

[MAX.quitshimabruptly.WALLENSTEINstartledandoverpowered,continueslookingafterhim,andisstillinthisposturewhenTERZKYenters.

SCENEIII.

WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY.

TERZKY.Max.Piccolominijustleftyou?

WALLENSTEIN.WhereisWrangel?

TERZKY.Heisalreadygone.

WALLENSTEIN.Insuchahurry?

TERZKY.Itisasiftheearthhadswallowedhim.Hehadscarceleftthee,whenIwenttoseekhim.Iwishedsomewordswithhim--buthewasgone.How,when,andwhere,couldnoonetellme.Nay,Ihalfbelieveitwasthedevilhimself;AhumancreaturecouldnotsoatonceHavevanished.

ILLO(enters).

IsittruethatthouwiltsendOctavio?

TERZKY.How,Octavio!Whithersendhim?

WALLENSTEIN.HegoestoFrauenberg,andwillleadhitherTheSpanishandItalianregiments.

ILLO.No!Nay,heavenforbid!

WALLENSTEIN.Andwhyshouldheavenforbid?

ILLO.Him!--thatdeceiver!WouldstthoutrusttohimThesoldiery?Himwiltthouletslipfromthee,Nowintheveryinstantthatdecidesus----

TERZKY.



Thouwiltnotdothis!No!Ipraythee,no!

WALLENSTEIN.Yearewhimsical.

ILLO.Obutforthistime,duke,Yieldtoourwarning!Lethimnotdepart.

WALLENSTEIN.AndwhyshouldInottrusthimonlythistime,Whohavealwaystrustedhim?What,then,hashappenedThatIshouldlosemygoodopinionofhim?Incomplaisancetoyourwhims,notmyown,Imust,forsooth,giveuparootedjudgment.ThinknotIamawoman.HavingtrustedhimE'entillto-day,to-daytoowillItrusthim.

TERZKY.Mustitbehe--heonly?Sendanother.

WALLENSTEIN.Itmustbehe,whomImyselfhavechosen;Heiswellfittedforthebusiness.

ThereforeIgaveithim.

ILLO.Becausehe'sanItalian--Thereforeishewellfittedforthebusiness!

WALLENSTEIN.Iknowyoulovethemnot,norsirenorson,BecausethatIesteemthem,lovethem,visiblyEsteemthem,lovethemmorethanyouandothers,E'enastheymerit.Thereforearetheyeye-blights,Thornsinyourfootpath.Butyourjealousies,Inwhataffecttheymeormyconcerns?

Aretheytheworsetomebecauseyouhatethem?Loveorhateoneanotherasyouwill,Ileavetoeachmanhisownmoodsandlikings;Yetknowtheworthofeachofyoutome.

ILLO.VonQuestenberg,whilehewashere,wasalwaysLurkingaboutwiththisOctavio.

WALLENSTEIN.Ithappenedwithmyknowledgeandpermission.

ILLO.

IknowthatsecretmessengerscametohimFromGallas----

WALLENSTEIN.That'snottrue.

ILLO.Othouartblind,Withthydeep-seeingeyes!



WALLENSTEIN.ThouwiltnotshakeMyfaithforme;myfaith,whichfoundsitselfOntheprofoundestscience.If'tisfalse,Thenthewholescienceofthestarsisfalse;Forknow,IhaveapledgefromFateitself,Thatheisthemostfaithfulofmyfriends.

ILLO.Hastthouapledgethatthispledgeisnotfalse?

WALLENSTEIN.Thereexistmomentsinthelifeofman,WhenheisnearerthegreatSouloftheworldThanisman'scustom,andpossessesfreelyThepowerofquestioninghisdestiny:Andsuchamoment'twas,wheninthenightBeforetheactionintheplainsofLuetzen,Leaningagainstatree,thoughtscrowdingthoughts,Ilookedoutfarupontheominousplain.Mywholelife,pastandfuture,inthismomentBeforemymind'seyeglidedinprocession,AndtothedestinyofthenextmorningThespirit,filledwithanxiouspresentiment,

Didknitthemostremovedfuturity.ThensaidIalsotomyself,"SomanyDostthoucommand.Theyfollowallthystars,AndasonsomegreatnumbersettheirallUponthysinglehead,andonlymanThevesselofthyfortune.YetadayWillcome,whendestinyshalloncemorescatterAlltheseinmanyaseveraldirection:Fewbetheywhowillstandoutfaithfultothee."IyearnedtoknowwhichonewasfaithfulestOfall,mycampincluded.Greatdestiny,Givemeasign!Andheshallbetheman,Who,ontheapproachingmorning,comesthefirst

Tomeetmewithatokenofhislove:Andthinkingthis,Ifellintoaslumber,ThenmidmostinthebattlewasIledInspirit.Greatthepressureandthetumult!Thenwasmyhorsekilledunderme:Isank;Andovermeaway,allunconcernedly,Drovehorseandrider--andthustrodtopiecesIlay,andpantedlikeadyingman;Thenseizedmesuddenlyasaviorarm;ItwasOctavio's--Iwokeatonce,'Twasbroadday,andOctaviostoodbeforeme."Mybrother,"saidhe,"donotrideto-dayThedapple,asyou'rewont;butmountthehorse

WhichIhavechosenforthee.Doit,brother!Inlovetome.Astrongdreamwarnedmeso."ItwastheswiftnessofthishorsethatsnatchedmeFromthehotpursuitofBannier'sdragoons.Mycousinrodethedappleonthatday,AndnevermoresawIorhorseorrider.

ILLO.Thatwasachance.





'Twerebettertoomuchcautionthantoolittle.

SCENEV.

AchamberinPICCOLOMINI'sdwelling-house:OCTAVIO,PICCOLOMINI,ISOLANI,entering.

ISOLANI.HereamI--well!whocomesyetoftheothers?

OCTAVIO(withanairofmystery).But,first,awordwithyou,CountIsolani.

ISOLANI(assumingthesameairofmystery).Willitexplode,ha?IsthedukeaboutTomaketheattempt?Inme,friend,youmayplaceFullconfidence--nay,putmetotheproof.

OCTAVIO.Thatmayhappen.

ISOLANI.

Noblebrother,IamNotoneofthosemenwhoinwordsarevaliant,Andwhenitcomestoactionskulkaway.Thedukehasactedtowardsmeasafriend:Godknowsitisso;andIowehimall;Hemayrelyonmyfidelity.

OCTAVIO.Thatwillbeseenhereafter.

ISOLANI.Beonyourguard,AllthinknotasIthink;andtherearemany

Whostillholdwiththecourt--yes,andtheysayThatthesestolensignaturesbindthemtonothing.

OCTAVIO.Indeed!Praynametomethechiefsthatthinkso;

ISOLANI.Plagueuponthem!alltheGermansthinksoEsterhazy,Kaunitz,Deodati,too,Insistuponobediencetothecourt.

OCTAVIO.Iamrejoicedtohearit.

ISOLANI.Yourejoice?

OCTAVIO.Thattheemperorhasyetsuchgallantservants,Andlovingfriends.

ISOLANI.Nay,jeernot,Ientreatyou.



Theyarenosuchworthlessfellows,Iassureyou.

OCTAVIO.Iamassuredalready.GodforbidThatIshouldjest!Inveryseriousearnest,IamrejoicedtoseeanhonestcauseSostrong.

ISOLANI.Thedevil!--what!--why,whatmeansthis?Areyounot,then----Forwhat,then,amIhere?

OCTAVIO.Thatyoumaymakefulldeclaration,whetherYouwillbecalledthefriendorenemyOftheemperor.

ISOLANI(withanairofdefiance).Thatdeclaration,friend,I'llmaketohiminwhomarightisplacedToputthatquestiontome.

OCTAVIO.Whether,count,

Thatrightismine,thispapermayinstructyou.

ISOLANI(stammering).Why,--why--what!thisistheemperor'shandandseal[Reads."WhereastheofficerscollectivelyThroughoutourarmywillobeytheordersOftheLieutenant-GeneralPiccolomini,Asfromourselves."--Hem!--Yes!so!--Yes!yes!I--Igiveyoujoy,lieutenant-general!

OCTAVIO.Andyousubmittotheorder?

ISOLANI.I--ButyouhavetakenmesobysurpriseTimeforreflectiononemusthave----

OCTAVIO.Twominutes.

ISOLANI.MyGod!Butthenthecaseis----

OCTAVIO.

Plainandsimple.Youmustdeclareyou,whetheryoudetermineToactatreason'gainstyourlordandsovereign,Orwhetheryouwillservehimfaithfully.

ISOLANI.Treason!MyGod!Butwhotalksthenoftreason?

OCTAVIO.Thatisthecase.Theprince-dukeisatraitor--



MeanstoleadovertotheenemyTheemperor'sarmy.Now,count!briefandfull--Say,willyoubreakyouroathtotheemperor?Sellyourselftotheenemy?Say,willyou?

ISOLANI.Whatmeanyou?I--Ibreakmyoath,d'yesay,Tohisimperialmajesty?DidIsayso!When,whenhaveIsaidthat?

OCTAVIO.Youhavenotsaidityet--notyet.ThisinstantIwaittohear,count,whetheryouwillsayit.

ISOLANI.Ay!thatdelightsmenow,thatyouyourselfBearwitnessformethatIneversaidso.

OCTAVIO.Andyourenouncethedukethen?

ISOLANI.Ifhe'splanningTreason--why,treasonbreaksallbondsasunder.

OCTAVIO.Andaredetermined,too,tofightagainsthim?

ISOLANI.Hehasdonemeservice--butifhe'savillain,Perditionseizehim!Allscoresarerubbedoff.

OCTAVIO.Iamrejoicedthatyouaresowelldisposed.ThisnightbreakoffintheutmostsecrecyWithallthelight-armedtroops--itmustappearAscametheorderfromthedukehimself.

AtFrauenberg'stheplaceofrendezvous;TherewillCountGallasgiveyoufurtherorders.

ISOLANI.Itshallbedone.Butyou'llremembermeWiththeemperor--howwelldisposedyoufoundme.

OCTAVIO.Iwillnotfailtomentionithonorably.

[ExitISOLANI.ASERVANTenters.

What,ColonelButler!Showhimup.

ISOLANI(returning).Forgivemetoomybearishways,oldfather!LordGod!howshouldIknow,then,whatagreatPersonIhadbeforeme.

OCTAVIO.Noexcuses!

ISOLANI.



Iamamerrylad,andifattimeArashwordmightescapeme'gainstthecourtAmidstmywine,--youknownoharmwasmeant.

OCTAVIO.Youneednotbeuneasyonthatscore.Thathassucceeded.FortunefavorusWithalltheothersonlybutasmuch.

[Exit.

SCENEVI.

OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,BUTLER.

BUTLER.Atyourcommand,lieutenant-general.

OCTAVIO.Welcome,ashonoredfriendandvisitor.

BUTLER.

Youdometoomuchhonor.

OCTAVIO(afterbothhaveseatedthemselves)YouhavenotReturnedtheadvanceswhichImadeyouyesterday--Misunderstoodthemasmereemptyforms.Thatwishproceededfrommyheart--IwasInearnestwithyou--for'tisnowatimeInwhichthehonestshouldunitemostclosely.

BUTLER.'Tisonlythelike-mindedcanunite.

OCTAVIO.True!andInameallhonestmenlike-minded.IneverchargeamanbutwiththoseactsTowhichhischaracterdeliberatelyImpelshim;foralas!theviolenceOfblindmisunderstandingsoftenthrustsTheverybestofusfromtherighttrack.YoucamethroughFrauenberg.DidtheCountGallasSaynothingtoyou?Tellme.He'smyfriend.

BUTLER.Hiswordswerelostonme.

OCTAVIO.ItgrievesmesorelyTohearit:forhiscounselwasmostwise.Ihadmyselftheliketooffer.

BUTLER.SpareYourselfthetrouble--metheembarrassment.Tohavedeservedsoillyourgoodopinion.



OCTAVIO.Thetimeisprecious--letustalkopenly.Youknowhowmattersstandhere.WallensteinMeditatestreason--Icantellyoufurther,Hehascommittedtreason;butfewhoursHavepastsinceheacovenantconcludedWiththeenemy.ThemessengersarenowFullontheirwaytoEgraandtoPrague.To-morrowheintendstoleadusoverTotheenemy.Buthedeceiveshimself;Forprudencewakes--theemperorhasstillManyandfaithfulfriendshere,andtheystandInclosestunion,mightythoughunseen.Thismanifestosentencestheduke--Recallstheobedienceofthearmyfromhim,Andsummonsalltheloyal,allthehonest,Tojoinandrecognizeinmetheirleader.Choose--willyousharewithusanhonestcause?Orwiththeevilshareanevillot?

BUTLER(rises).Hislotismine.

OCTAVIO.

Isthatyourlastresolve?

BUTLER.Itis.

OCTAVIO.Nay,butbethinkyou,ColonelButler.Asyetyouhavetime.WithinmyfaithfulbreastThatrashlyutteredwordremainsinterred.Recallit,Butler!chooseabetterparty;Youhavenotchosentherightone.

BUTLER(going).

AnyotherCommandsforme,lieutenant-general?

OCTAVIO.Seeyourwhitehairs;recallthatword!

BUTLER.Farewell!

OCTAVIO.What!WouldyoudrawthisgoodandgallantswordInsuchacause?IntoacursewouldyouTransformthegratitudewhichyouhaveearned

Byfortyyears'fidelityfromAustria?

BUTLER(laughingwithbitterness).GratitudefromtheHouseofAustria!

[Heisgoing.

OCTAVIO(permitshimtogoasfarasthedoor,thencallsafterhim).Butler!



BUTLER.Whatwishyou?

OCTAVIO.Howwas'twiththecount?

BUTLER.Count?what?

OCTAVIO(coldly).Thetitlethatyouwished,Imean.

BUTLER(startsinsuddenpassion).Hellanddamnation!

OCTAVIO(coldly).Youpetitionedforit--Andyourpetitionwasrepelled--wasitso?

BUTLER.Yourinsolentscoffshallnotgobyunpunished.Draw!

OCTAVIO.

Nay!yourswordtoitssheath!andtellmecalmlyHowallthathappened.IwillnotrefuseyouYoursatisfactionafterwards.Calmly,Butler!

BUTLER.BethewholeworldacquaintedwiththeweaknessForwhichInevercanforgivemyself,Lieutenant-general!Yes;Ihaveambition.Ne'erwasIabletoendurecontempt.ItstungmetothequickthatbirthandtitleShouldhavemoreweightthanmerithasinthearmy.Iwouldfainnotbemeanerthanmyequal,SoinanevilhourIletmyself

Betemptedtothatmeasure.Itwasfolly!Butyetsohardapenanceitdeservednot.Itmighthavebeenrefused;butwhereforebarbAndvenomtherefusalwithcontempt?WhydashtoearthandcrushwithheaviestscornThegray-hairedman,thefaithfulveteran?WhytothebasenessofhisparentageReferhimwithsuchcruelroughness,onlyBecausehehadaweakhourandforgothimself?Butnaturegivesastinge'entothewormWhichwantonpowertreadsoninsportandinsult.

OCTAVIO.

Youmusthavebeencalumniated.GuessyouTheenemywhodidyouthisillservice?

BUTLER.Be'twhoitwill--amostlow-heartedscoundrel!Somevilecourt-minionmustitbe,someSpaniard;Someyoungsquireofsomeancientfamily,InwhoselightImaystand;someenviousknave,Stungtohissoulbymyfairself-earnedhonors!



OCTAVIO.Buttellme,didthedukeapprovethatmeasure?

BUTLER.Himselfimpelledmetoit,usedhisinterestInmybehalfwithallthewarmthoffriendship.

OCTAVIO.Ay!areyousureofthat?

BUTLER.Ireadtheletter.

OCTAVIO.AndsodidI--butthecontentsweredifferent.[BUTLERissuddenlystruck.BychanceI'minpossessionofthatletter--Canleaveittoyourowneyestoconvinceyou.

[Hegiveshimtheletter.

BUTLER.Ha!whatisthis?

OCTAVIO.Ifearme,ColonelButler,Aninfamousgamehavetheybeenplayingwithyou.Theduke,yousay,impelledyoutothismeasure?Now,inthisletter,talksheincontemptConcerningyou;counselstheministerTogivesoundchastisementtoyourconceit,Forsohecallsit.

[BUTLERreadsthroughtheletter;hiskneestremble,heseizesachair,andsinksclowninit.

Youhavenoenemy,nopersecutor;

There'snoonewishesilltoyou.AscribeTheinsultyoureceivedtothedukeonly.Hisaimisclearandpalpable.HewishedTotearyoufromyouremperor:hehopedTogainfromyourrevengewhathewellknew(Whatyourlongtriedfidelityconvincedhim)Hene'ercoulddareexpectfromyourcalmreason.Ablindtoolwouldhemakeyou,incontemptUseyou,asmeansofmostabandonedends.Hehasgainedhispoint.ToowellhashesucceededInluringyouawayfromthatgoodpathOnwhichyouhadbeenjourneyingfortyyears!

BUTLER(hisvoicetrembling).Cane'ertheemperor'smajestyforgiveme?

OCTAVIO.Morethanforgiveyou.HewouldfaincompensateForthataffront,andmostunmeritedgrievanceSustainedbyadeservinggallantveteran.Fromhisfreeimpulseheconfirmsthepresent,Whichthedukemadeyouforawickedpurpose.Theregiment,whichyounowcommand,isyours.





OCTAVIO.Ihavefullconfidenceinyou.ButtellmeWhatareyoubrooding?

BUTLER.Thatthedeedwilltellyou.Askmenomoreatpresent.Trustme.Yemaytrustsafely.BythelivingGod,Yegivehimover,nottohisgoodangel!Farewell.[ExitBUTLER.

SERVANT(enterswithabillet).Astrangerleftit,andisgone.Theprince-duke'shorseswaitforyoubelow.

[ExitSERVANT.

OCTAVIO(reads)."Besure,makehaste!YourfaithfulIsolani."--OthatIhadbutleftthistownbehindme.Tosplituponarocksonearthehaven!Away!Thisisnolongerasafeplace

Forme!Wherecanmysonbetarrying!

SCENEVII.

OCTAVIOandMAX.PICCOLOMINI.

MAX.entersalmostinastateofderangement,fromextremeagitation;hiseyesrollwildly,hiswalkisunsteady,andheappearsnottoobservehisfather,whostandsatadistance,andgazesathimwithacountenanceexpressiveofcompassion.Hepaceswithlongstridesthroughthechamber,thenstandsstill

again,andatlastthrowshimselfintoachair,staringvacantlyattheobjectdirectlybeforehim.

OCTAVIO(advancestohim).Iamgoingoff,myson.[Receivingnoanswer,hetakeshishandsMyson,farewell.

MAX.Farewell.

OCTAVIO.Thouwiltsoonfollowme?

MAX.Ifollowthee?Thywayiscrooked--itisnotmyway.[OCTAVIOdropshishandandstartsback.Oh,hadstthoubeenbutsimpleandsincere,Ne'erhaditcometothis--allhadstoodotherwise.Hehadnotdonethatfoulandhorribledeed,ThevirtuoushadretainedtheirinfluenceoverhimHehadnotfallenintothesnaresofvillains.



Whereforesolikeathief,andthief'saccompliceDidstcreepbehindhimlurkingforthyprey!Oh,unblestfalsehood!Motherofallevil!Thoumisery-makingdemon,itisthouThatsinkestusinperdition.Simpletruth,Sustaineroftheworld,hadsavedusall!Father,Iwillnot,Icannotexcusethee!Wallensteinhasdeceivedme--oh,mostfoully!Butthouhasactednotmuchbetter.

OCTAVIO.SonMyson,ah!Iforgivethyagony!

MAX.(risesandcontemplateshisfatherwithlooksofsuspicion).Was'tpossible?hadstthoutheheart,myfather,Hadstthouthehearttodriveittosuchlengths,Withcoldpremeditatedpurpose?Thou--HadstthouthehearttowishtoseehimguiltyRatherthansaved?Thourisestbyhisfall.Octavio,'twillnotpleaseme.

OCTAVIO.Godinheaven!

MAX.Oh,woeisme!sureIhavechangedmynature.Howcomessuspicionhere--inthefreesoul?Hope,confidence,belief,aregone;forallLiedtome,allthatIe'erlovedorhonored.No,no!notall!She--sheyetlivesforme,Andsheistrue,andopenastheheavensDeceitiseverywhere,hypocrisy,Murder,andpoisoning,treason,perjury:Thesingleholyspotisourlove,Theonlyunprofanedinhumannature.

OCTAVIO.Max.!--wewillgotogether.'Twillbebetter.

MAX.What?ereI'vetakenalastpartingleave,Theverylast--no,never!

OCTAVIO.SparethyselfThepangofnecessaryseparation.Comewithme!Come,myson!

[Attemptstotakehimwithhim.

MAX.No!assureasGodlives,no!

OCTAVIO(moreurgently).Comewithme,Icommandthee!I,thyfather.

MAX.Commandmewhatishuman.Istayhere.



OCTAVIO.Max.!intheemperor'snameIbidtheecome.

MAX.NoemperorhaspowertoprescribeLawstotheheart;andwouldstthouwishtorobmeOfthesoleblessingwhichmyfatehasleftme,Hersympathy?MustthenacrueldeedBedonewithcruelty?TheunalterableShallIperformignobly--stealaway,Withstealthycowardflightforsakeher?No!Sheshallbeholdmysuffering,mysoreanguish,Hearthecomplaintsofthedispartedsoul,Andweeptearso'erme.Oh!thehumanraceHavesteelysouls--butsheisasanangel.FromtheblackdeadlymadnessofdespairWillsheredeemmysoul,andinsoftwordsOfcomfort,plaining,loosethispangofdeath!

OCTAVIO.Thouwiltnottearthyselfaway;thoucanstnot.Oh,come,myson!Ibidtheesavethyvirtue.

MAX.

Squandernotthouthywordsinvain.TheheartIfollow,forIdaretrusttoit.

OCTAVIO(trembling,andlosingallself-command).Max.!Max.!ifthatmostdamnedthingcouldbe,Ifthou--myson--myownblood--(dareIthinkit?)Dosellthyselftohim,theinfamous,Dostampthisbranduponournoblehouse,Thenshalltheworldbeholdthehorribledeed,AndinunnaturalcombatshallthesteelOfthesontricklewiththefather'sblood.

MAX.

Oh,hadstthoualwaysbetterthoughtofmen,Thouhadstthenactedbetter.Curstsuspicion,Unholy,miserabledoubt!TohimNothingonearthremainsunwrenchedandfirmWhohasnofaith.

OCTAVIO.AndifItrustthyheart,Willitbealwaysinthypowertofollowit?

MAX.Theheart'svoicethouhastnoto'erpowered--aslittleWillWallensteinbeabletoo'erpowerit.

OCTAVIO.O,Max.!Iseetheenevermoreagain!

MAX.Unworthyoftheewiltthouneverseeme.

OCTAVIO.IgotoFrauenberg--thePappenheimersIleavetheehere,theLothringstoo;Tsokana



AndTiefenbachremainheretoprotectthee.Theylovethee,andarefaithfultotheiroath,AndwillfarratherfallingallantcontestThanleavetheirrightfulleaderandtheirhonor.

MAX.Relyonthis,IeitherleavemylifeInthestruggle,orconductthemoutofPilsen.

OCTAVIO.Farewell,myson!

MAX.Farewell!

OCTAVIO.How!notonelookOffiliallove?Nograspofthehandatparting?Itisabloodywartowhichwearegoing,Andtheeventuncertainandindarkness.Sousedwenottopart--itwasnotso!Isitthentrue?Ihaveasonnolonger?

[MAX.fallsintohisarms,theyholdeachotherforalongtime

inaspeechlessembrace,thengoawayatdifferentsides.

(Thecurtaindrops.)

ACTIII.

SCENEI.

AchamberinthehouseoftheDuchessofFriedland.

COUNTESSTERZKY,THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN(thetwolattersitatthesametableatwork).

COUNTESS(watchingthemfromtheoppositeside).Soyouhavenothingtoaskme--nothing?Ihavebeenwaitingforawordfromyou.AndcouldyouthenendureinallthistimeNotoncetospeakhisname?

[THEKLAremainingsilent,theCOUNTESSrisesandadvancestoher.

Why,howcomesthis?PerhapsIamalreadygrownsuperfluous,

Andotherwaysexist,besidesthroughmeConfessittome,Thekla:haveyouseenhim?

THEKLA.To-dayandyesterdayIhavenotseenhim.

COUNTESS.Andnotheardfromhim,either?Come,beopen.

THEKLA.



NoSyllable.

COUNTESS.Andstillyouaresocalm?

THEKLA.Iam.

COUNTESS.Mayitpleaseyou,leaveus,LadyNeubrunn.

[ExitLADYNEUBRUNN.

SCENEII.

TheCOUNTESS,THEKLA.

COUNTESS.Itdoesnotpleaseme,princess,thatheholdsHimselfsostill,exactlyatthistime.

THEKLA.

Exactlyatthistime?

COUNTESS.Henowknowsall'Twerenowthemomenttodeclarehimself.

THEKLA.IfI'mtounderstandyou,speaklessdarkly.

COUNTESS.'TwasforthatpurposethatIbadeherleaveus.Thekla,youarenomoreachild.YourheartIsnomoreinnonage:foryoulove,

Andboldnessdwellswithlove--thatyouhaveprovedYournaturemouldsitselfuponyourfather'sMorethanyourmother'sspirit.ThereforemayyouHearwhatweretoomuchforherfortitude.

THEKLA.Enough:nofurtherpreface,Ientreatyou.Atonce,outwithit!Beitwhatitmay,ItisnotpossiblethatitshouldtorturemeMorethanthisintroduction.WhathaveyouTosaytome?Tellmethewhole,andbriefly!

COUNTESS.

You'llnotbefrightened----

THEKLA.Nameit,Ientreatyou.

COUNTESS.LieswithinmypowertodoyourfatherAweightyservice----

THEKLA.



Lieswithinmypower.

COUNTESS.Max.Piccolominilovesyou.YoucanlinkhimIndissolublytoyourfather.

THEKLA.I?Whatneedofmeforthat?AndishenotAlreadylinkedtohim?

COUNTESS.Hewas.

THEKLA.AndwhereforeShouldhenotbesonow--notbesoalways?

COUNTESS.Hecleavestotheemperortoo.

THEKLA.NotmorethandutyAndhonormaydemandofhim.

COUNTESS.WeaskProofsofhislove,andnotproofsofhishonor.Dutyandhonor!Thoseareambiguouswordswithmanymeanings.Youshouldinterpretthemforhim:hisloveShouldbethesoledefinerofhishonor.

THEKLA.How?

COUNTESS.

Theemperororyoumustherenounce.

THEKLA.HewillaccompanymyfathergladlyInhisretirement.Fromhimselfyouheard,Howmuchhewishedtolayasidethesword.

COUNTESS.Hemustnotlaytheswordaside,wemean;Hemustunsheathitinyourfather'scause.

THEKLA.He'llspendwithgladnessandalacrity

Hislife,hisheart'sbloodinmyfather'scause,Ifshameorinjurybeintendedhim.

COUNTESS.Youwillnotunderstandme.Well,hearthen:Yourfatherhasfallenofffromtheemperor,AndisabouttojointheenemyWiththewholesoldiery----

THEKLA.



Alas,mymother!

COUNTESS.ThereneedsagreatexampletodrawonThearmyafterhim.ThePiccolominiPossesstheloveandreverenceofthetroops;Theygovernallopinions,andwhereverTheyleadtheway,nonehesitatetofollow.Thesonsecuresthefathertoourinterests--You'vemuchinyourhandsatthismoment.

THEKLA.Ah,Mymiserablemother!whatadeath-strokeAwaitsthee!No!sheneverwillsurviveit.

COUNTESS.ShewillaccommodatehersoultothatWhichisandmustbe.Idoknowyourmother:Thefar-offfutureweighsuponherheartWithtortureofanxiety;butisitUnalterably,actuallypresent,Shesoonresignsherself,andbearsitcalmly.

THEKLA.Omyforebodingbosom!Evennow,E'ennow'tishere,thaticyhandofhorror!Andmyyounghopeliesshudderinginitsgrasp;Iknewitwell--nosoonerhadIentered,AnheavyominouspresentimentRevealedtomethatspiritsofdeathwerehoveringOvermyhappyfortune.Butwhy,thinkIFirstofmyself?Mymother!Omymother!

COUNTESS.

Calmyourself!Breaknotoutinvainlamenting!

Preserveyouforyourfatherthefirmfriend,Andforyourselfthelover,allwillyetProvegoodandfortunate.

THEKLA.Provegood!Whatgood?Mustwenotpart;partne'ertomeetagain?

COUNTESS.Hepartsnotfromyou!Hecannotpartfromyou.

THEKLA.Alas,forhissoreanguish!Itwillrend

Hisheartasunder.

COUNTESS.Ifindeedhelovesyou.Hisresolutionwillbespeedilytaken.

THEKLA.Hisresolutionwillbespeedilytaken--Oh,donotdoubtofthat!Aresolution!Doesthereremainonetobetaken?



COUNTESS.Hush!Collectyourself!Ihearyourmothercoming.

THERLA.HowshallIbeartoseeher?

COUNTESS.Collectyourself.

SCENEIII.

TothementertheDUCHESS.

DUCHESS(totheCOUNTESS).Whowashere,sister?Iheardsomeonetalking,Andpassionately,too.

COUNTESS.Nay!therewasnoone.

DUCHESS.Iamgrowingsotimorous,everytriflingnoiseScattersmyspirits,andannouncestomeThefootstepofsomemessengerofevil.Andyoucantellme,sister,whattheeventis?Willheagreetodotheemperor'spleasure,Andsendthehorseregimentstothecardinal?Tellme,hashedismissedvonQuestenbergWithafavorableanswer?

COUNTESS.No,hehasnot.

DUCHESS.Alas!thenallislost!Iseeitcoming,Theworstthatcancome!Yes,theywilldeposehim;TheaccursedbusinessoftheRegensburgdietWillallbeactedo'eragain!

COUNTESS.No!never!Makeyourhearteasy,sister,astothat.

[THEKLA,inextremeagitation,throwsherselfuponhermother,andenfoldsherinherarms,weeping.

DUCHESS.Yes,mypoorchild!ThoutoohastlostamostaffectionategodmotherIntheempress.Oh,thatstern,unbendingman!InthisunhappymarriagewhathaveINotsuffered,notendured?ForevenasifIhadbeenlinkedontosomewheeloffireThatrestless,ceaseless,whirlsimpetuousonward,Ihavepassedalifeoffrightsandhorrorswithhim,Andevertothebrinkofsomeabyss



Withdizzyheadlongviolencehebearsme.Nay,donotweep,mychild.LetnotmysufferingsPresignifyunhappinesstothee,Norblackenwiththeirshadethefatethatwaitsthee.TherelivesnosecondFriedland;thou,mychild,Hastnottofearthymother'sdestiny.

THEELA.Oh,letussupplicatehim,dearestmother!Quick!quick!here'snoabiding-placeforus.HereeverycominghourbroodsintolifeSomenewaffrightfulmonster.

DUCHESS.ThouwiltshareAneasier,calmerlot,mychild!We,too,Iandthyfather,witnessedhappydays.StillthinkIwithdelightofthosefirstyears,Whenhewasmakingprogresswithgladeffort,Whenhisambitionwasagenialfire,Notthatconsumingflamewhichnowitis.Theemperorlovedhim,trustedhim;andallHeundertookcouldnotbutbesuccessful.Butsincethatill-starreddayatRegensburg,

Whichplungedhimheadlongfromhisdignity,Agloomy,uncompanionablespirit,Unsteadyandsuspicious,haspossessedhim.Hisquietmindforsookhim,andnolongerDidheyielduphimselfinjoyandfaithTohisoldluckandindividualpower;ButthenceforthturnedhisheartandbestaffectionsAlltothosecloudyscienceswhichneverHaveyetmadehappyhimwhofollowedthem.

COUNTESS.Youseeit,sister!asyoureyespermityou,Butsurelythisisnottheconversation

Topassthetimeinwhichwearewaitingforhim.Youknowhewillbesoonhere.WouldyouhavehimFindherinthiscondition?

DUCHESS.Come,mychild!Come,wipeawaythytears,andshowthyfatherAcheerfulcountenance.See,thetie-knothereIsoff;thishairmustnothangsodishevelled.Come,dearest!drythytearsup.TheydeformThygentleeye.Well,now--whatwasIsaying?Yes,ingoodtruth,thisPiccolominiIsamostnobleanddeservinggentleman.

COUNTESS.Thatishe,sister!

THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS,withnarksofgreatoppressionofspirits).Aunt,youwillexcuseme?

(Isgoing).

COUNTESS.



But,whither?See,yourfathercomes!

THEKLA.Icannotseehimnow.

COUNTESS.Nay,butbethinkyou.

THEKLA.Believeme,Icannotsustainhispresence.

COUNTESS.Buthewillmissyou,willaskafteryou.

DUCHESS.What,now?Whyisshegoing?

COUNTESS.She'snotwell.

DUCHESS(anxiously).Whatails,then,mybelovedchild?

[BothfollowthePRINCESS,andendeavortodetainher.During

thisWALLENSTEINappears,engagedinconversationwithILLO.

SCENEIV.

WALLENSTEIN,ILLO,COUNTESS,DUCHESS,THEKLA.

WALLENSTEIN.Allquietinthecamp?

ILLO.Itisallquiet.

WALLENSTEIN.InafewhoursmaycourierscomefromPragueWithtidingsthatthiscapitalisours.Thenwemaydropthemask,andtothetroopsAssembledinthistownmakeknownthemeasureAnditsresulttogether.InsuchcasesExampledoesthewhole.WhoeverisforemostStillleadstheherd.AnimitativecreatureIsman.ThetroopsatPragueconceivenoother,ThanthatthePilsenarmyhasgonethroughTheformsofhomagetous;andinPilsenTheyshallswearfealtytous,because

TheexamplehasbeengiventhembyPrague.Butler,youtellme,hasdeclaredhimself?

ILLO.Athisownbidding,unsolicited,Hecametoofferyouhimselfandregiment.

WALLENSTEIN,IfindwemustnotgiveimplicitcredenceToeverywarningvoicethatmakesitself



Belistenedtointheheart.Toholdusback,OftdoesthelyingspiritcounterfeitThevoiceoftruthandinwardrevelation,Scatteringfalseoracles.AndthushaveIToentreatforgivenessforthatsecretly.I'vewrongedthishonorablegallantman,ThisButler:forafeelingofthewhichIamnotmaster(fearIwouldnotcallit),Creepso'ermeinstantly,withsenseofshuddering,Athisapproach,andstopslove'sjoyousmotion.Andthissameman,againstwhomIamwarned,ThishonestmanishewhoreachestomeThefirstpledgeofmyfortune.

ILLO.AnddoubtnotThathisexamplewillwinovertoyouThebestmeninthearmy.

WALLENSTEIN.GoandsendIsolanihither.Sendhimimmediately.Heisunderrecentobligationstome:WithhimwillIcommencethetrial.Go.

[ExitILLO.

WALLENSTEIN(turnshimselfroundtothefemales).Lo,there'sthemotherwiththedarlingdaughter.Foroncewe'llhaveanintervalofrest--Come!myheartyearnstoliveacloudlesshourInthebelovedcircleofmyfamily.

COUNTESS.'Tislongsincewe'vebeenthustogether,brother.

WALLENSTEIN(totheCOUNTESS,aside).

Canshesustainthenews?Issheprepared?

COUNTESS.Notyet.

WALLENSTEIN.Comehere,mysweetgirl!Seattheebyme,Forthereisagoodspiritonthylips.Thymotherpraisedtomethyreadyskill;Shesaysavoiceofmelodydwellsinthee,Whichdothenchantthesoul.NowsuchavoiceWilldriveawayfrommetheevildemonThatbeatshisblackwingscloseabovemyhead.

DUCHESS.Whereisthylute,mydaughter?LetthyfatherHearsomesmalltrialofthyskill.

THEKLA.MymotherI----

DUCHESS.



Trembling?Come,collectthyself.Go,cheerThyfather.

THEKLA.Omymother!I--Icannot.

COUNTESS.How,whatisthat,niece?

THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS).Ospareme--sing--now--inthissoreanxiety,Oftheoverburdenedsoul--tosingtohimWhoisthrusting,evennow,mymotherheadlongIntohergrave.

DUCHESS.How,Thekla!Humorsome!What!shallthyfatherhaveexpressedawishInvain?

COUNTESS.Hereisthelute.

THEKLA.

MyGod!howcanI----

[Theorchestraplays.DuringtheritornelloTHEKLAexpressesinhergesturesandcountenancethestruggleofherfeelings;andatthemomentthatsheshouldbegintosing,contractsherselftogether,asoneshuddering,throwstheinstrumentdown,andretiresabruptly.

DUCHESS.Mychild!Oh,sheisill----

WALLENSTEIN.Whatailsthemaiden?Say,issheoftenso?

COUNTESS.SincethenherselfHasnowbetrayedit,ItoomustnolongerConcealit.

WALLENSTEIN.What?

COUNTESS.Sheloveshim!

WALLENSTEIN.

Loveshim?Whom?

COUNTESS.Max.doesshelove!Max.Piccolomini!Hastthounevernoticedit?Noryetmysister?

DUCHESS.Wasitthisthatlaysoheavyonherheart?God'sblessingonthee,--mysweetchild!ThouneedestNevertakeshameupontheeforthychoice.



COUNTESS.Thisjourney,if'twerenotthyaim,ascribeitTothineownself.ThoushouldsthavechosenanotherTohaveattendedher.

WALLENSTEIN.Anddoesheknowit?

COUNTESS.Yes,andhehopestowinher.

WALLENSTEIN.Hopestowinher!Istheboymad?

COUNTESS.Well--hearitfromthemselves.

WALLENSTEIN.HethinkstocarryoffDukeFriedland'sdaughter!Ay?Thethoughtpleasesme.Theyoungmanhasnogrovelingspirit.

COUNTESS.SinceSuchandsuchconstantfavoryouhaveshownhim----

WALLENSTEIN.Hechoosesfinallytobemyheir.Andtrueitis,Ilovetheyouth;yea,honorhim.Butmusthethereforebemydaughter'shusband?Isitdaughtersonly?IsitonlychildrenThatwemustshowourfavorby?

DUCHESS.Hisnobledispositionandhismanners----

WALLENSTEIN.Winhimmyheart,butnotmydaughter.

DUCHESS.ThenHisrank,hisancestors----

WALLENSTEIN.Ancestors!What?Heisasubject,andmyson-in-lawIwillseekoutuponthethronesofEurope.

DUCHESSOdearestAlbrecht!ClimbwenottoohighLestweshouldfalltoolow.

WALLENSTEIN.What!haveIpaidApricesoheavytoascendthiseminence,Andjutouthighabovethecommonherd,OnlytoclosethemightypartIplayInlife'sgreatdramawithacommonkinsman?



HaveIforthis----[Stopssuddenly,repressinghimself.SheistheonlythingThatwillremainbehindofmeonearth;AndIwillseeacrownaroundherhead,Ordieintheattempttoplaceitthere.Ihazardall--all!andforthisalone,Toliftherintogreatness.Yea,inthismoment,inthewhichwearespeaking[Herecollectshimself.AndImustnow,likeasoft-heartedfather,CoupletogetheringoodpeasantfashionThepairthatchancetosuiteachother'sliking--AndImustdoitnow,evennow,whenIAmstretchingoutthewreaththatistotwineMyfullaccomplishedwork--no!sheisthejewel,WhichIhavetreasuredlong,mylast,mynoblest,And'tismypurposenottoletherfrommeForlessthanaking'ssceptre.

DUCHESS.Omyhusband!You'reeverbuilding,buildingtotheclouds,Stillbuildinghigher,andstillhigherbuilding,

Andne'erreflect,thatthepoornarrowbasisCannotsustainthegiddytotteringcolumn.

WALLENSTEIN(totheCOUNTESS).HaveyouannouncedtheplaceofresidenceWhichIhavedestinedforher?

COUNTESS.No!notyet,'Twerebetteryouyourselfdisclosedittoher.

DUCHESS.How?DowenotreturntoCarinthiathen?

WALLENSTEIN.No.

DUCHESS.Andtonootherofyourlandsorseats?

WALLENSTEIN.Youwouldnotbesecurethere.

DUCHESS.Notsecure.Intheemperor'srealms,beneaththeemperor's

Protection?

WALLENSTEIN.Friedland'swifemaybepermittedNolongertohopethat.

DUCHESS.OGodinheaven!Andhaveyoubroughtiteventothis!



WALLENSTEIN.InHollandYou'llfindprotection.

DUCHESSInaLutherancountry?What?AndyousendusintoLutherancountries?

WALLENSTEIN.DukeFranzofLauenburgconductsyouthither.

DUCHESS.DukeFranzofLauenburg?TheallyofSweden,theemperor'senemy.

WALLENSTEIN.Theemperor'senemiesareminenolonger.

DUCHESS(castingalookofterrorontheDUKEandtheCOUNTESS).Isitthentrue?Itis.YouaredegradedDeposedfromthecommand?OGodinheaven!

COUNTESS(asidetotheDUKE).Leaveherinthisbelief.Thouseestshecannot

Supporttherealtruth.

SCENEV.

TothementerCOUNTTERZKY.

COUNTESS.Terzky!Whatailshim?Whatanimageofaffright!Helooksashehadseenaghost.

TERZKY(leadingWALLENSTEINaside).IsitthycommandthatalltheCroats----

WALLENSTEIN.Mine!

TERZKY.Wearebetrayed.

WALLENSTEIN.What?

TERZKY.

Theyareoff!ThisnightTheJaegerslikewise--allthevillagesInthewholeroundareempty.

WALLENSTEIN.Isolani!

TERZKY.Himthouhastsentaway.Yes,surely.



WALLENSTEIN.I?

TERZKY.No?Hastthounotsenthimoff?NorDeodati?Theyarevanished,bothofthem.

SCENEVI.

TothementerILLO.

ILLO.HasTerzkytoldthee?

TERZKY.Heknowsall.

ILLO.AndlikewiseThatEsterhatzy,Goetz,Maradas,Kaunitz,Kolatto,Palfi,haveforsakenthee.

TERZKY.Damnation!

WALLENSTEIN(winksatthem).Hush!

COUNTESS(whohasbeenwatchingthemanxiouslyfromthedistanceandnowadvancestothem).Terzky!Heaven!Whatisit?Whathashappened?

WALLENSTEIN(scarcelysuppressinghisemotions).Nothing!letusbegone!

TERZKY(followinghim).Theresa,itisnothing.

COUNTESS(holdinghimback).Nothing?DoInotseethatallthelife-bloodHasleftyourcheeks--lookyounotlikeaghost?Thatevenmybrotherbutaffectsacalmness?

PAGE(enters).Anaide-de-campinquiresfortheCountTerzky.

[TERZKYfollowsthePAGE.

WALLENSTEIN.Go,hearhisbusiness.[ToILLO.ThiscouldnothavehappenedSounsuspectedwithoutmutiny.Whowasonguardatthegates?

ILLO.'TwasTiefenbach.



WALLENSTEIN.LetTiefenbachleaveguardwithoutdelay,AndTerzky'sgrenadiersrelievehim.[ILLOisgoing.Stop!HastthouheardaughtofButler?

ILLO.HimImetHewillbeherehimselfimmediately.Butlerremainsunshaken,

[ILLOexit.WALLENSTEINisfollowinghim.

COUNTESS.Lethimnotleavethee,sister!go,detainhim!There'ssomemisfortune.

DUCHESS(clingingtohim).GraciousHeaven!Whatisit?

WALLENSTEIN.Betranquil!leaveme,sister!dearestwife!Weareincamp,andthisisnaughtunusual;

HerestormandsunshinefollowoneanotherWithrapidinterchanges.ThesefiercespiritsChampthecurbangrily,andneveryetDidquietblessthetemplesoftheleader;IfIamtostaygoyou.TheplaintsofwomenIllsuitthescenewheremenmustact.

[Heisgoing:TERZKYreturns.

TERZKY.Remainhere.Fromthiswindowmustweseeit.

WALLENSTEIN(totheCOUNTESS).

Sister,retire!

COUNTESS.No--never!

WALLENSTEIN.'Tismywill.

TERZKY(leadstheCOUNTESSaside,anddrawingherattentiontotheDUCHESS).Theresa!

DUCHESS.

Sister,come!sincehecommandsit.

SCENEVII.

WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY.

WALLENSTEIN(steppingtothewindow).Whatnow,then?



TERZKY.Therearestrangemovementsamongallthetroops,Andnooneknowsthecause.Mysteriously,Withgloomysilentness,theseveralcorpsMarshalthemselves,eachunderitsownbanners;Tiefenbach'scorpsmakethreateningmovements;onlyThePappenheimersstillremainaloofIntheirownquartersandletnooneenter.

WALLENSTEIN.DoesPiccolominiappearamongthem?

TERZKY.Weareseekinghim:heisnowheretobemetwith.

WALLENSTEIN.Whatdidtheaide-de-campdelivertoyou?

TERZKY.Myregimentshaddespatchedhim;yetoncemoreTheyswearfidelitytothee,andwaitTheshoutforonset,allprepared,andeager.

WALLENSTEIN.Butwhencearosethislaruminthecamp?ItshouldhavebeenkeptsecretfromthearmyTillfortunehaddecidedforusatPrague.

TERZKY.Oh,thatthouhadstbelievedme!Yester-eveningDidweconjuretheenottoletthatskulker,Thatfox,Octavio,passthegatesofPilsen.Thougavesthimthyownhorsestofleefromthee.

WALLENSTEIN.Theoldtunestill!Now,onceforall,nomore

Ofthissuspicion--itisdotingfolly.

TERZKY.ThoudidstconfideinIsolanitoo;Andlo!hewasthefirstthatdiddesertthee.

WALLENSTEIN.ItwasbutyesterdayIrescuedhimFromabjectwretchedness.Letthatgoby;Ineverreckonedyetongratitude.Andwhereindothhewrongingoingfromme?HefollowsstillthegodwhomallhislifeHehasworshippedatthegaming-table.With

MyfortuneandmyseemingdestinyHemadethebondandbrokeit,notwithme.Iambuttheshipinwhichhishopeswerestowed,Andwiththewhich,well-pleasedandconfident,Hetraversedtheopensea;nowhebeholdsitIneminentjeopardyamongthecoast-rocks,Andhurriestopreservehiswares.AslightAsthefreebirdfromthehospitabletwigWhereithadnestedhefliesofffromme:Nohumantieissnappedbetwixtustwo.



Yea,hedeservestofindhimselfdeceivedWhoseeksaheartintheunthinkingman.Likeshadowsonastream,theformsoflifeImpresstheircharactersonthesmoothforehead,Naughtsinksintothebosom'ssilentdepth:QuicksensibilityofpainandpleasureMovesthelightfluidslightly;butnosoulWarmeththeinnerframe.

TERZKY.Yet,wouldIratherTrustthesmoothbrowthanthatdeepfurrowedone.

SCENEVIII.

WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY,ILLO.

ILLO(whoentersagitatedwithrage).Treasonandmutiny!

TERZKY.Andwhatfurthernow?

ILLO.Tiefenbach'ssoldiers,whenIgavetheorders.Togooffguard--mutinousvillains!

TERZKY.Well!

WALLENSTEIN.Whatfollowed?

ILLO.Theyrefusedobediencetothem.

TERZKY.Fireontheminstantly!Giveouttheorder.

WALLENSTEIN.Gently!whatcausedidtheyassign?

ILLO.Noother,Theysaid,hadrighttoissueordersbutLieutenant-GeneralPiccolomini.

WALLENSTEIN(inaconvulsionofagony).

What?Howisthat?

ILLO.Hetakesthatofficeonhimbycommission,Undersign-manualfromtheemperor.

TERZKY.Fromtheemperor--hearestthou,duke?

ILLO.



AthisincitementThegeneralsmadethatstealthyflight----

TERZKY.Duke,hearestthou?

ILLO.Caraffatoo,andMontecuculi,Aremissing,withsixothergenerals,Allwhomhehadinducedtofollowhim.ThisplothehaslonghadinwritingbyhimFromtheemperor;but'twasfinallyconcluded,Withallthedetailoftheoperation,SomedaysagowiththeEnvoyQuestenberg.

[WALLENSTEINsinksdownintoachairandcovershisface.

TERZKY.Oh,hadstthoubutbelievedme!

SCENEIX.

TothementertheCOUNTESS.

COUNTESS.Thissuspense,Thishorridfear--Icannolongerbearit.Forheaven'ssaketellmewhathastakenplace?

ILLO.Theregimentsarefallingofffromus.

TERZKY.OctavioPiccolominiisatraitor.

COUNTESS.

Omyforeboding!

[Rushesoutoftheroom.

TERZKY.Hadstthoubutbelievedme!Nowseestthouhowthestarshaveliedtothee.

WALLENSTEIN.Thestarslienot;butwehavehereaworkWroughtcountertothestarsanddestiny.Thescienceisstillhonest:thisfalseheartForcesalieonthetruth-tellingheaven,

Onadivinelawdivinationrests;Wherenaturedeviatesfromthatlaw,andstumblesOutofherlimits,thereallscienceerrs.TrueIdidnotsuspect!WereitsuperstitionNeverbysuchsuspiciontohaveaffrontedThehumanform,oh,maythetimene'ercomeInwhichIshamemeoftheinfirmity.Thewildestsavagedrinksnotwiththevictim,Intowhosebreasthemeanstoplungethesword.This,this,Octavio,wasnohero'sdeed





DespatchsomemessengeryoucanrelyonTomeethim,andconducthimtome.

[ILLOisgoing.

BUTLER(detaininghim).Mygeneral,whomexpectyouthen?

WALLENSTEIN.ThecourierWhobringsmewordoftheeventatPrague.

BUTLER(hesitating).Hem!

WALLENSTEIN.Andwhatnow?

BUTLER.Youdonotknowit?

WALLENSTEIN.Well?

BUTLER.Fromwhatthatlaruminthecamparose?

WALLENSTEIN.Fromwhat?

BUTLER.Thatcourier----

WALLENSTEIN(witheagerexpectation).Well?

BUTLER.

Isalreadyhere.

TERZKYandILLO(atthesametime).Alreadyhere?

WALLENSTEIEN.Mycourier?

BUTLER.Forsomehours.

WALLENSTEIN.AndInotknowit?

BUTLER.ThesentinelsdetainhimIncustody.

ILLO(stampingwithhisfoot).Damnation!

BUTLER.Andhisletter



Wasbrokenopen,andiscirculatedThroughthewholecamp.

WALLENSTEIN.Youknowwhatitcontains?

BUTLER.Questionmenot.

TERZKY.Illo!Alasforus.

WALLENSTEIN.Hidenothingfromme--Icanbeartheworst.Praguethenislost.Itis.Confessitfreely.

BUTLER.Yes!Pragueislost.AndalltheseveralregimentsAtBudweiss,Tabor,Braunau,Koenigingratz,AtBrunn,andZnaym,haveforsakenyou,AndtakentheoathsoffealtyanewTotheemperor.Yourself,withKinsky,Terzky,AndIllohavebeensentenced.

[TERZKYandILLOexpressalarmandfury.WALLENSTEINremainsfirmandcollected.

WALLENSTEIN.'Tisdecided!'Tiswell!IhavereceivedasuddencureFromallthepangsofdoubt:withsteadystreamOncemoremylife-bloodflows!Mysoul'ssecure!InthenightonlyFriedlandstarscanbeam.Lingeringirresolute,withfitfulfearsIdrewthesword--'twaswithaninwardstrife,Whileyetthechoicewasmine.ThemurderousknifeIsliftedformyheart!Doubtdisappears!Ifightnowformyheadandformylife.

[ExitWALLENSTEIN;theothersfollowhim.

SCENEXI.

COUNTESSTERZKY(entersfromasideroom).Icanendurenolonger.No![Looksaroundher.Wherearethey!Nooneishere.Theyleavemeallalone,Aloneinthissoreanguishofsuspense.

AndImustweartheoutwardshowofcalmnessBeforemysister,andshutinwithinmeThepangsandagoniesofmycrowdedbosom.Itisnottobeborne.Ifallshouldfail;If--ifhemustgoovertotheSwedes,Anempty-handedfugitive,andnotAsanally,acovenantedequal,Aproudcommanderwithhisarmyfollowing,Ifwemustwanderonfromlandtoland,LiketheCountPalatine,offallengreatness



Anignominiousmonument.Butno!ThatdayIwillnotsee!AndcouldhimselfEnduretosinksolow,IwouldnotbearToseehimsolowsunken.

SCENEXII.

COUNTESS,DUCHESS,THEKLA.

THEKLA(endeavoringtoholdbacktheDUCHESS)Dearmother,dostayhere!

DUCHESS.No!HereisyetSomefrightfulmysterythatishiddenfromme.Whydoesmysistershunme?Don'tIseeherFullofsuspenseandanguishroamaboutFromroomtoroom?Artthounotfullofterror?AndwhatimportthesesilentnodsandgesturesWhichstealthwisethouexchangestwithher?

THEKLA.

NothingNothing,dearmother!

DUCHESS(totheCOUNTESS).Sister,Iwillknow.

COUNTESS.Whatbootsitnowtohideitfromher?SoonerOrlatershemustlearntohearandbearit.'Tisnotthetimenowtoindulgeinfirmity;Couragebeseemsusnow,aheartcollect,AndexerciseandpreviousdisciplineOffortitude.Oneword,andoverwithit!

Sister,youaredeluded.YoubelieveThedukehasbeendeposed--thedukeisnotDeposed--heis----

THEKLA(goingtotheCOUNTESS),What?doyouwishtokillher?

COUNTESS.Thedukeis----

THEKLA(throwingherarmsroundhermother).Oh,standfirm!standfirm,mymother!

COUNTESS.Revoltedistheduke;heispreparingTojointheenemy;thearmyleavehim,Andallhasfailed.

SCENEXIII.

AspaciousroomintheDukeofFriedland'spalace.



WALLENSTEIN(inarmor).Thouhastgainedthypoint,Octavio!OncemoreamIAlmostasfriendlessasatRegensburg.ThereIhadnothingleftmebutmyself;Butwhatonemancandoyouhavenowexperience.Thetwigshaveyouhewedoff,andhereIstandAleaflesstrunk.ButinthesapwithinLivesthecreatingpower,andanewworldMaysproutforthfromit.OncealreadyhaveIProvedmyselfworthanarmytoyou--Ialone!BeforetheSwedishstrengthyourtroopshadmelted;BesidetheLechsankTilly,yourlasthope;IntoBavaria,likeawintertorrent,DidthatGustavuspour,andatViennaInhisownpalacedidtheemperortremble.Soldierswerescarce,forstillthemultitudeFollowtheluck:alleyeswereturnedonme,Theirhelperindistress;theemperor'sprideBoweditselfdownbeforethemanhehadinjured.'TwasImustrise,andwithcreativewordAssembleforcesinthedesolatecamps.Ididit.LikeagodofwarmynameWentthroughtheworld.Thedrumwasbeat;and,to

Theplough,theworkshopisforsaken,allSwarmtotheoldfamiliarlonglovedbanners;Andasthewood-choirrichinmelodyAssemblequickaroundthebirdofwonder,Whenfirsthisthroatswellswithhismagicsong,SodidthewarlikeyouthofGermanyCrowdinaroundtheimageofmyeagle.IfeelmyselfthebeingthatIwas.Itisthesoulthatbuildsitselfabody,AndFriedland'scampwillnotremainunfilled.Leadthenyourthousandsouttomeetme--true!Theyareaccustomedundermetoconquer,Butnotagainstme.Iftheheadandlimbs

Separatefromeachother,'twillbesoonMademanifestinwhichthesoulabode.

(ILLOandTERZKYenter.)

Courage,friends!courage!wearestillunvanquished;Ifeelmyfootingfirm;fiveregiments,Terzky,Arestillourown,andButler'sgallanttroops;AndanhostofsixteenthousandSwedesto-morrow.Iwasnotstrongerwhen,nineyearsago,Imarchedforth,withgladheartandhighofhope,ToconquerGermanyfortheemperor.

SCENEXIV.

WALLENSTEIN,ILLO,TERZKY.

(TothementerNEUMANN,wholeadsTERZKYaside,andtalkswithhim.)

TERZKY.



Whatdotheywant?

WALLENSTEIN.Whatnow?

TERZKY.TencuirassiersFromPappenheimrequestleavetoaddressyouInthenameoftheregiment.

WALLENSTEIN(hastilytoNEUMANN).Letthementer.[ExitNEUMANN.ThisMayendinsomething.Markyou.TheyarestillDoubtful,andmaybewon.

SCENEXV.

WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY,ILLO,tenCUIRASSIERS(ledbyanANSPESSADE[4],marchupandarrangethemselves,afterthewordofcommand,inonefrontbeforetheDUKE,andmaketheirobeisance.Hetakes

hishatoff,andimmediatelycovershimselfagain).

ANSPESSADE.Halt!Front!Present!

WALLENSTEIN(afterhehasrunthroughthemwithhiseye,totheNSPESSADE).Iknowtheewell.ThouartoutofBrueggeninFlanders:ThynameisMercy.

ANSPESSADE.HenryMercy.

WALLENSTEIN.Thouwerecutoffonthemarch,surroundedbytheHessians,anddidstfightthywaywithanhundredandeightymenthroughtheirthousand.

ANSPESSADE.'Twasevenso,general!

WALLENSTEIN.Whatrewardhadstthouforthisgallantexploit?

ANSPESSADE.ThatwhichIaskedfor:thehonortoserveinthiscorps.

WALLENSTEIN(turningtoasecond).ThouwertamongthevolunteersthatseizedandmadebootyoftheSwedishbatteryatAltenburg.

SECONDCUIRASSIER.Yes,general!

WALLENSTEIN.IforgetnoonewithwhomIhaveexchangedwords.(Apause.)Whosendsyou?

ANSPESSADE.Yournobleregiment,thecuirassiersofPiccolomini.

WALLENSTEIN.Whydoesnotyourcoloneldeliverinyourrequestaccordingtothecustomofservice?



ANSPESSADE.Becausewewouldfirstknowwhomweserve.

WALLENSTEIN.Beginyouraddress.

ANSPESSADE(givingthewordofcommand).Shoulderyourarms!

WALLENSTEIN(turningtoathird).ThynameisRisbeck;Cologneisthybirthplace.

THIRDCUIRASSIER.RisbeckofCologne.

WALLENSTEIN.ItwasthouthatbroughtestintheSwedishcolonelDuebald,prisoner,inthecampatNuremberg.

THIRDCUIRASSIER.ItwasnotI,general.

WALLENSTRIN.Perfectlyright!Itwasthyelderbrother:thouhadstayoungerbrother,too:wheredidhestay?

THIRDCUIRASSIER.HeisstationedatOlmutz,withtheimperialarmy.

WALLENSTEIN(totheANSPESSADE).Nowthen--begin.

ANSPESSADE.

TherecametohandaletterfromtheemperorCommandingus----

WALLENSTEIN(interruptinghim).Whochoseyou?

ANSPESSADE.EverycompanyDrewitsownmanbylot.

WALLENSTEIN.Now!tothebusiness.

ANSPESSADE.TherecametohandaletterfromtheemperorCommandingus,collectively,fromtheeAlldutiesofobediencetowithdraw,Becausethouwertanenemyandtraitor.

WALLENSTEIN.Andwhatdidyoudetermine?

ANSPESSADE.AllourcomradesAtBraunau,Budweiss,Prague,andOlmutz,haveObeyedalready;andtheregimentshere,

TiefenbachandToscano,instantlyDidfollowtheirexample.But--butweDonotbelievethatthouartanenemyAndtraitortothycountry,holditmerelyForlieandtrick,andatrumped-upSpanishstory![Withwarmth.Thyselfshalltelluswhatthypurposeis,ForwehavefoundtheestillsincereandtrueNomouthshallinterposeitselfbetwixtThegallantgeneralandthegallanttroops.



WALLENSTEIN.ThereinIrecognizemyPappenheimers.

ANSPESSADE.Andthisproposalmakesthyregimenttothee:IsitthypurposemerelytopreserveInthineownhandsthismilitarysceptre,Whichsobecomesthee,whichtheemperorMadeovertotheebyacovenant!IsitthypurposemerelytoremainSupremecommanderoftheAustrianarmies?Wewillstandbythee,general!andguaranteeThyhonestrightsagainstallopposition.Andshoulditchance,thatalltheotherregimentsTurnfromthee,byourselveswewillstandforthThyfaithfulsoldiers,and,asisourduty,FarratherletourselvesbecuttopiecesThansuffertheetofall.ButifitbeAstheemperor'slettersays,ifitbetrue,ThatthouintraitorouswisewiltleadusoverTotheenemy,whichGodinheavenforbid!Thenwetoowillforsakethee,andobeyThatletter----

WALLENSTEIN.Hearme,children!

ANSPESSADE.Yes,orno,Thereneedsnootheranswer.

WALLENSTEIN.Yieldattention.You'remenofsense,examineforyourselves;Yethink,anddonotfollowwiththeherd:AndthereforehaveIalwaysshownyouhonor

Aboveallothers,sufferedyoutoreason;Havetreatedyouasfreemen,andmyordersWerebuttheechoesofyourpriorsuffrage.

ANSPESSADE.MostfairandnoblehasthyconductbeenTous,mygeneral!WiththyconfidenceThouhashonoredus,andshownusgraceandfavorBeyondallotherregiments;andthouseestWefollownotthecommonherd.WewillStandbytheefaithfully.Speakbutoneword--ThywordshallsatisfyusthatitisnotAtreasonwhichthoumeditatest--that

ThoumeanestnottoleadthearmyoverTotheenemy;nore'erbetraythycountry.

WALLENSTEIN.Me,mearetheybetraying.TheemperorHathsacrificedmetomyenemies,AndImustfall,unlessmygallanttroopsWillrescueme.See!Iconfideinyou.Andbeyourheartsmystronghold!AtthisbreastTheaimistaken,atthishoaryhead.





ANSPESSADE.'TisthenbutmereappearanceswhichthouDostputonwiththeSwede!Thou'ltnotbetrayTheemperor?WiltnotturnusintoSwedes?ThisistheonlythingwhichwedesireTolearnfromthee.

WALLENSTEIN.WhatcareIfortheSwedes?IhatethemasIhatethepitofhell,AndunderProvidenceItrustrightsoonTochasethemtotheirhomesacrosstheirBaltic.Mycaresareonlyforthewhole:IhaveAheart--itbleedswithinmeforthemiseriesAndpiteousgroaningsofmyfellow-Germans.Yearebutcommonmen,butyetyethinkWithmindsnotcommon;yeappeartomeWorthybeforeallothers,thatIwhispertheeAlittlewordortwoinconfidence!Seenow!alreadyforfullfifteenyears,Thewar-torchhascontinuedburning,yetNorest,nopauseofconflict.SwedeandGerman,PapistandLutheran!neitherwillgiveway

Totheother;everyhand'sagainsttheother.Eachoneispartyandnooneajudge.Whereshallthisend?Where'shethatwillunravelThistangle,evertanglingmoreandmoreItmustbecutasunder.IfeelthatIamthemanofdestiny,Andtrust,withyourassistance,toaccomplishit.

SCENEXVI.

TotheseenterBUTLER.

BUTLER(passionately).General!thisisnotright!

WALLENSTEIN.Whatisnotright?

BUTLER.Itmustneedsinjureuswithallhonestmen.

WALLENSTEIN.Butwhat?

BUTLER.ItisanopenproclamationOfinsurrection.

WALLENSTEIN.Well,well--butwhatisit?

BUTLER.CountTerzky'sregimentsteartheimperialeagleFromoffhisbanners,andinsteadofit



Haverearedalofttheirarms.

ANSPESSADE(abruptlytotheCUIRASSIERS).Rightabout!March!

WALLENSTEIN.Cursedbethiscounsel,andaccursedwhogaveit![TotheCUIRASSIERS,whoareretiring.Halt,children,halt!There'ssomemistakeinthis;Hark!Iwillpunishitseverely.StopTheydonothear.(ToILLO).Goafterthem,assurethem,Andbringthembacktome,costwhatitmay.

[ILLOhurriesout.

Thishurlsusheadlong.Butler!Butler!Youaremyevilgenius,whereforemustyouAnnounceitintheirpresence?ItwasallInafairway.Theywerehalfwon!thosemadmenWiththeirimprovidentover-readiness--AcruelgameisFortuneplayingwithme.Thezealoffriendsitisthatrazesme,Andnotthehateofenemies.

SCENEXVII.

TotheseentertheDUCHESS,whorushesintothechamber;THEKLAandtheCOUNTESSfollowher.

DUCHESS.OAlbrecht!Whathastthoudone?

WALLENSTEIN.Andnowcomesthisbeside.

COUNTESS.Forgiveme,brother!Itwasnotinmypower--Theyknowall.

DUCHESS.Whathastthoudone?

COUNTESS(toTERZKY).Istherenohope?Isalllostutterly?

TERZKY.Alllost.Nohope.Pragueintheemperor'shands,

Thesoldieryhavetakentheiroathsanew.

COUNTESS.Thatlurkinghypocrite,Octavio!CountMax.isofftoo.

TERZKY.Wherecanhebe?He'sGoneovertotheemperorwithhisfather.



[THEKLArushesoutintothearmsofhermother,hidingherfaceinherbosom.

DUCHESS(enfoldingherinherarms).Unhappychild!andmoreunhappymother!

WALLENSTEIN(asidetoTERZKY).Quick!LetacarriagestandinreadinessInthecourtbehindthepalace.Scherfenberg,Betheirattendant;heisfaithfultous.ToEgrahe'llconductthem,andwefollow.[ToILLO,whoreturns.Thouhastnotbroughtthemback?

ILLO.Hear'stthoutheuproar?ThewholecorpsofthePappenheimersisDrawnout:theyoungerPiccolomini,Theircolonel,theyrequire:fortheyaffirm,Thatheisinthepalacehere,aprisoner;Andifthoudostnotinstantlydeliverhim,Theywillfindmeanstofreehimwiththesword.

[Allstandamazed.

TERZKY.Whatshallwemakeofthis?

WALLENSTEIN.SaidInotso?Omypropheticheart!heisstillhere.Hehasnotbetrayedme--hecouldnotbetrayme.Ineverdoubtedofit.

COUNTESS.IfhebeStillhere,thenallgoeswell;forIknowwhat

[EmbracingTHEKLA.Willkeephimhereforever.

TERZKY.Itcan'tbe.Hisfatherhasbetrayedus,isgoneoverTotheemperor--thesoncouldnothaveventuredTostaybehind.

THEKLA(hereyefixedonthedoor).Thereheis!

SCENEXVIII.

TotheseenterMAX.PICCOLOMINI.

MAX.Yes,hereheis!IcanendurenolongerTocreepontiptoeroundthishouse,andlurkInambushforafavorablemoment:Thisloitering,thissuspenseexceedsmypowers.



[AdvancingtoTHEKLA,whohasthrownherselfintohermother'sarms.

Turnnotthineeyesaway.Olookuponme!Confessitfreelybeforeall.Fearnoone.Letwhowillhearthatwebothloveeachother.Whereforecontinuetoconcealit?SecrecyIsforthehappy--misery,hopelessmisery,Needethnoveil!BeneathathousandsunsItdaresactopenly.

[HeobservestheCOUNTESSlookingonTHEKLAwithexpressionsoftriumph.

No,lady!No!Expectnot,hopeitnot.IamnotcomeTostay:tobidfarewell,farewellforever.ForthisIcome!'Tisover!Imustleavethee!Thekla,Imust--mustleavethee!YetthyhatredLetmenottakewithme.Ipraythee,grantmeOnelookofsympathy,onlyonelook.Saythatthoudostnothateme.Sayittome,Thekla!

[Graspsherhand.

OGod!Icannotleavethisspot--Icannot!Cannotletgothishand.Otellme,Thekla!Thatthoudostsufferwithme,artconvincedThatIcannotactotherwise.

[THEKLA,avoidinghislook,pointswithherhandtoherfather.MAX.turnsroundtotheDUKE,whomhehadnottillthenperceived.

Thouhere?ItwasnotthouwhomhereIsought.Itrustednevermoretohavebeheldthee,Mybusinessiswithheralone.HerewillIReceiveafullacquittalfromthisheart;

ForanyotherIamnomoreconcerned.

WALLENSTEIN.Think'stthouthat,fool-like,Ishalllettheego,Andactthemock-magnanimouswiththee?Thyfatherisbecomeavillaintome;Iholdtheeforhisson,andnothingmoreNortonopurposeshaltthouhavebeengivenIntomypower.Thinknot,thatIwillhonorThatancientlove,whichsoremorselesslyHemangled.Theyarenowpassedby,thosehoursOffriendshipandforgiveness.HateandvengeanceSucceed--'tisnowtheirturn--Itoocanthrow

Allfeelingsofthemanaside--canproveMyselfasmuchamonsterasthyfather!

MAX(calmly).Thouwiltproceedwithmeasthouhastpower.ThouknowestIneitherbravenorfearthyrage.Whathasdetainedmehere,thattoothouknowest.[TakingTHEKLAbythehand.See,duke!All--allwouldIhaveowedtothee,Wouldhavereceivedfromthypaternalhand



Thelotofblessedspirits.ThathastthouLaidwasteforever--thatconcernsnotthee.IndifferentthoutramplestinthedustTheirhappinesswhomostarethine.ThegodWhomthoudostserveisnobenignantdeity,Likeastheblind,irreconcilable,Fierceelement,incapableofcompact.Thyheart'swildimpulseonlydostthoufollow.[5]

WALLENSTEIN.Thouartdescribingthyownfather'sheart.Theadder!Oh,thecharmsofhello'erpoweredmeHedweltwithinme,tomyinmostsoulStilltoandfrohepassed,suspectednever.Onthewideocean,inthestarryheavenDidmineeyesseektheenemy,whomIInmyheart'shearthadfolded!HadIbeenToFerdinandwhatOctaviowastome,WarhadIne'erdenouncedagainsthim.No,Inevercouldhavedoneit.TheemperorwasMyausteremasteronly,notmyfriend.Therewasalreadywar'twixthimandmeWhenhedeliveredthecommander'sstaffIntomyhands;forthere'sanatural

Unceasingwartwixtcunningandsuspicion;PeaceexistsonlybetwixtconfidenceAndfaith.Whopoisonsconfidence,hemurdersThefuturegenerations.

MAX.IwillnotDefendmyfather.Woeisme,Icannot!Harddeedsandlucklesshavetakenplace;onecrimeDragsafterittheotherincloselink.Butweareinnocent:howhavewefallenIntothiscircleofmishapandguilt?Towhomhavewebeenfaithless?Whereforemust

TheevildeedsandguiltreciprocalOfourtwofatherstwinelikeserpentsroundus?Whymustourfathers'Unconquerablehaterendusasunder,Wholoveeachother?

WALLENSTEIN.Max.,remainwithme.Goyounotfromme,Max.!Hark!Iwilltellthee----HowwhenatPrague,ourwinterquarters,thouWertbroughtintomytentatenderboy,NotyetaccustomedtotheGermanwinters;Thyhandwasfrozentotheheavycolors;

Thouwouldstnotletthemgo.AtthattimedidItaketheeinmyarms,AndwithmymantledidIcoverthee;Iwasthynurse,nowomancouldhavebeenAkindertothee;IwasnotashamedTodofortheealllittleoffices,Howeverstrangetome;ItendedtheeTilllifereturned;andwhenthineeyesfirstopened,Ihadtheeinmyarms.Sincethen,whenhaveAlteredmyfeelingstowardthee?Manythousands



HaveImaderich,presentedthemwithlands;Rewardedthemwithdignitiesandhonors;TheehaveIloved:myheart,myself,IgaveTothee;Theyallwerealiens:thouwertOurchildandinmate.[6]Max.!Thoucanstnotleaveme;Itcannotbe;Imaynot,willnotthinkThatMax.canleaveme.

MAX.Ob,myGod!

WALLENSTEINIhaveHeldandsustainedtheefromthytotteringchildhood.Whatholybondisthereofnaturallove,Whathumantiethatdoesnotknittheetome?Ilovethee,Max.!Whatdidthyfatherforthee,WhichItoohavenotdone,totheheightofduty?Gohence,forsakeme,servethyemperor;HewillrewardtheewithaprettychainOfgold;withhisram'sfleecewillherewardthee;Forthatthefriend,thefatherofthyyouth,Forthattheholiestfeelingofhumanity,Wasnothingworthtothee.

MAX.OGod!howcanIDootherwise.AmInotforcedtodoit,Myoath--myduty--myhonor----

WALLENSTEIN.How?Thyduty?Dutytowhom?Whoartthou?Max.!bethinktheeWhatdutiesmay'stthouhave?IfIamactingAcriminalparttowardtheemperor,Itismycrime,notthine.DostthoubelongTothineownself?Artthouthineowncommander?

Stand'stthou,likeme,afreemanintheworld,Thatinthyactionsthoushouldstpleadfreeagency?Onmethouartplanted,Iamthyemperor;Toobeyme,tobelongtome,thisisThyhonor,thisalawofnaturetothee!AndiftheplanetonthewhichthoulivestAndhastthydwelling,fromitsorbitstarts.Itisnotinthychoice,whetherornoThou'ltfollowit.UnfeltitwhirlstheeonwardTogetherwithhisring,andallhismoons.Withlittleguiltsteppestthouintothiscontest;Theewilltheworldnotcensure,itwillpraisethee,Forthatthouheld'stthyfriendmoreworthtothee

ThannamesandinfluencesmoreremovedForjusticeisthevirtueoftheruler,Affectionandfidelitythesubject's.NoteveryonedothitbeseemtoquestionThefar-offhighArcturus.MostsecurelyWiltthoupursuethenearestduty:letThepilotfixhiseyeuponthepole-star.



SCENEXIX.

TotheseenterNEUMANN.


NEUMANN.ThePappenheimersaredismounted,Andareadvancingnowonfoot,determinedWithswordinhandtostormthehouse,andfreeThecount,theircolonel.

WALLENSTEIN(toTERZKY).Havethecannonplanted.Iwillreceivethemwithchain-shot.[ExitTERZKY.Prescribetomewithswordinhand!Go,Neumann!'Tismycommandthattheyretreatthismoment,Andintheirranksinsilencewaitmypleasure.

[NEUMANNexit.ILLOstepstothewindow.

COUNTESS.

Lethimgo,Ientreatthee,lethimgo.

ILLO(atthewindow).Hellandperdition!

WALLENSTEIN.Whatisit?

ILLO.Theyscalethecouncil-house,theroof'suncovered,Theylevelatthishousethecannon----

MAX.

Madmen

ILLO.Theyaremakingpreparationsnowtofireonus.

DUCHESSandCOUNTESS.Mercifulheaven!

MAX.(toWALLENSTEIN).Letmegotothem!

WALLENSTEIN.Notastep!

MAX.(pointingtoTHEKLAandtheDUCHESS).Buttheirlife!Thine!

WALLENSTEIN.Whattidingsbringestthou,Terzky?

SCENEXX.



TotheseTERZKYreturning.

TERZKY.Messageandgreetingfromourfaithfulregiments.Theirardormaynolongerbecurbedin.Theyentreatpermissiontocommencetheattack;AndifthouwouldstbutgivethewordofonsetTheycouldnowchargetheenemyinrear,Intothecitywedgethem,andwitheaseO'erpowertheminthenarrowstreets.

ILLO.OhcomeLetnottheirardorcool.ThesoldieryOfButler'scorpsstandbyusfaithfully;Wearethegreaternumber.LetuschargethemAndfinishhereinPilsentherevolt.

WALLENSTEIN.What?shallthistownbecomeafieldofslaughter,Andbrother-killingdiscord,fire-eyed,Beletloosethroughitsstreetstoroamandrage?Shallthedecisionbedeliveredover

Todeafremorselessrage,thathearsnoleader?Hereisnotroomforbattle,onlyforbutchery.Well,letitbe!Ihavelongthoughtofit,Soletitburstthen![TurnstoMAX.Well,howisitwiththee?Wiltthouattemptaheatwithme.Away!Thouartfreetogo.Opposethyselftome,Frontagainstfront,andleadthemtothebattle;Thou'rtskilledinwar,thouhastlearnedsomewhatunderme,Ineednotbeashamedofmyopponent,AndneverhadstthoufaireropportunityTopaymeforthyschooling.

COUNTESS.Isitthen,Canithavecometothis?What!Cousin,cousin!Haveyoutheheart?

MAX.TheregimentsthataretrustedtomycareIhavepledgedmytrothtobringawayfromPilsenTruetotheemperor;andthispromisewillIMakegood,orperish.MorethanthisnodutyRequiresofme.Iwillnotfightagainstthee,Unlesscompelled;forthoughanenemy,

Thyheadisholytomestill,

[Tworeportsofcannon.ILLOandTERZKYhurrytothewindow.

WALLENSTEIN.What'sthat?

TERZBY.Hefalls.



WALLENSTEIN.Falls!Who?

ILLO.Tiefenbach'scorpsDischargedtheordnance.

WALLENSTEIN.Uponwhom?

ILLO.On--Neumann,Yourmessenger.

WALLENSTEIN(startingup).Ha!Deathandhell!Iwill----

TERZKY.Exposethyselftotheirblindfrenzy?

DUCHESSandCOUNTESS.No!ForGod'ssake,no!

ILLO.Notyet,mygeneral!Oh,holdhim!holdhim!

WALLENSTEIN.Leaveme----

MAX.Doitnot;Notyet!ThisrashandbloodydeedhasthrownthemIntoafrenzy-fit--allowthemtime----

WALLENSTEIN.

Away!toolongalreadyhaveIloitered.Theyareemboldenedtotheseoutrages,Beholdingnotmyface.TheyshallbeholdMycountenance,shallhearmyvoice--Aretheynotmytroops?AmInottheirgeneral,Andtheirlong-fearedcommander!Letmesee,WhetherindeedtheydonolongerknowThatcountenancewhichwastheirsuninbattle!Fromthebalcony(mark!)IshowmyselfTotheserebelliousforces,andatonceRevoltismounded,andthehigh-swollencurrentShrinksbackintotheoldbedofobedience.

[ExitWALLENSTEIN;ILLO,TERZKY,andBUTLERfollow.

SCENEXXI.

COUNTESS,DUCHESS,MAX.,andTHEKLA.

COUNTESS(totheDUCHESS).Letthembutseehim--thereishopestill,sister.





MAX.Ididnotquestionthee,asFriedland'sdaughter.Thee,thebelovedandtheunerringGodWithinthyheart,Iquestion.What'satstake?NotwhetherdiademofroyaltyBetobewonornot--thatmightestthouthinkon.Thyfriend,andhissoul'squietareatstake:Thefortuneofathousandgallantmen,Whowillallfollowme;shallIforswearMyoathanddutytotheemperor?Say,shallIsendintoOctavio'scampTheparricidalball?ForwhentheballHasleftitscannon,andisonitsflight,Itisnolongeradeadinstrument!Itlives,aspiritpassesintoit;Theavengingfuriesseizepossessionofit,Andwithsuremalice,guideittheworstway.

THEKLA.Oh!Max.----

MAX.(interruptingher).Nay,notprecipitatelyeither,Thekla.

Iunderstandthee.TothynobleheartThehardestdutymightappearthehighest.Thehuman,notthegreatpart,wouldIact.Evenfrommychildhoodtothispresenthour,Thinkwhatthedukehasdoneforme,howlovedmeAndthink,too,howmyfatherhasrepaidhim.OhlikewisethefreelovelyimpulsesOfhospitality,thepiousfriend'sFaithfulattachment,these,too,areaholyReligiontotheheart;andheavilyTheshudderingsofnaturedoavengeThemselvesonthebarbarianthatinsultsthem.Layalluponthebalance,all--thenspeak,

Andletthyheartdecideit.

THEKLA.Oh,thyownHathlongagodecided.FollowthouThyheart'sfirstfeeling----

COUNTESS.Oh!ill-fatedwoman!

THEKLA.Isitpossible,thatthatcanbetheright,Thewhichthytenderheartdidnotatfirst

Detectandseizewithinstantimpulse?Go,Fulfilthyduty!Ishouldeverlovethee.Whate'erthouhastchosen,thouwouldststillhaveactedNoblyandworthyofthee--butrepentanceShallne'erdisturbthysoul'sfairpeace.

MAX.ThenIMustleavethee,mustpartfromthee!



THEKLA.BeingfaithfulTothineownself,thouartfaithful,too,tome:Ifourfatespart,ourheartsremainunited.AbloodyhatredwilldivideforeverThehousesPiccolominiandFriedland;Butwebelongnottoourhouses.Go!Quick!quick!andseparatethyrighteouscauseFromourunholyandunblessedone!Thecurseofheavenliesuponourhead:'Tisdedicatetoruin.EvenmeMyfather'sguiltdragswithittoperdition.Mournnotforme:Mydestinywillquicklybedecided.

[MAX.claspsherinhisarmsinextremeemotion.Thereisheardfrombehindthescenealoud,wild,long-continuedcry,VivatFerdinandus!accompaniedbywarlikeinstruments.MAX.andTHEKLAremainwithoutmotionineachother'sembraces.

SCENEXXII.

TotheaboveenterTERZKY.

COUNTESS(meetinghim).Whatmeantthatcry?Whatwasit?

TERZKY.Allislost!

COUNTESS.What!theyregardednothiscountenance?

TERZKY.'Twasallinvain.

DUCHESS.TheyshoutedVivat!

TERZKY.Totheemperor.

COUNTESS.Thetraitors?

TERZKY.Nay!hewasnotpermittedEventoaddressthem.Soonashebegan,

WithdeafeningnoiseofwarlikeinstrumentsTheydrownedhiswords.Butherehecomes.

SCENEXXIII.

TotheseenterWALLENSTEIN,accompaniedbyILLOandBUTLER.

WALLENSTEIN(asheenters).



Terzky!

TERZKY.Mygeneral!

WALLENSTEIN.LetourregimentsholdthemselvesInreadinesstomarch;forweshallleavePilsenereevening.[ExitTERZKY.Butler!

BUTLER.Yes,mygeneral.

WALLENSTEIN.TheGovernorofEgraisyourfriendAndcountryman.WritehiminstantlyByapostcourier.Hemustbeadvised,Thatwearewithhimearlyonthemorrow.Youfollowusyourself,yourregimentwithyou.

BUTLER.Itshallbedone,mygeneral!

WALLENSTEIN(stepsbetweenMAX.andTHEKLA,whohaveremainedduringthistimeineachother'sarms).Part!

MAX.OGod!

[CUIRASSIERSenterwithdrawnswords,andassembleinthebackground.AtthesametimethereareheardfrombelowsomespiritedpassagesoutofthePappenheimMarch,whichseemtoaddressMAX.

WALLENSTEIN(totheCUIRASSIERS).Hereheis,heisatliberty:IkeephimNolonger.

[Heturnsaway,andstandssothatMAX.cannotpassbyhimnorapproachthePRINCESS.

MAX.Thouknow'stthatIhavenotyetlearnttoliveWithoutthee!Igoforthintoadesert,Leavingmyallbehindme.Oh,donotturnThineeyesawayfromme!Oh,oncemoreshowmeThyeverdearandhonoredcountenance.

[MAX.attemptstotakehishand,butisrepelled:heturnstotheCOUNTESS.

Istherenoeyethathasalookofpityforme?

[TheCOUNTESSturnsawayfromhim;heturnstotheDUCHESS.

Mymother!





offinwildtumult.WALLENSTEINremainsimmovable.THERLAsinksintohermother'sarms.Thecurtainfalls.Themusicbecomesloudandoverpowering,andpassesintoacompletewar-march--theorchestrajoinsit--andcontinuesduringtheintervalbetweenthesecondandthirdacts.

ACTIV.

SCENEI.

TheBURGOMASTER'shouseatEgra.

BUTLER(justarrived).Herethenheisbyhisdestinyconducted.Here,Friedland!andnofurther!FromBohemiaThymeteorrose,traversedtheskyawhile,AndhereuponthebordersofBohemiaMustsink.Thouhastforsworntheancientcolors,Blindman!yettrustesttothyancientfortunes.Profanerofthealtarandthehearth,

Againstthyemperorandfellow-citizensThoumeanesttowagethewar.Friedland,beware--Theevilspiritofrevengeimpelsthee--Bewarethou,thatrevengedestroytheenot!

SCENEII.

BUTLERandGORDON.

GORDON.Isityou?

Howmyheartsinks!Thedukeafugitivetraitor!Hisprincelyheadattainted!Oh,myGod!Tellme,general,Iimplorethee,tellmeInfull,ofallthesesadeventsatPilsen.

BUTLER.YouhavereceivedtheletterwhichIsentyouByapost-courier?

GORDON.Yes:andinobediencetoitOpenedthestrongholdtohimwithoutscruple,Foranimperialletterordersme

Tofollowyourcommandsimplicitly.Butyetforgiveme!whenevennowIsawThedukehimself,myscruplesrecommenced.Fortruly,notlikeanattaintedman,IntothistowndidFriedlandmakehisentrance;Hiswontedmajestybeamedfromhisbrow,Andcalm,asinthedayswhenallwasright,Didhereceivefrommetheaccountsofoffice.'Tissaid,thatfallenpridelearnscondescension.Butsparingandwithdignitytheduke



Weighedeverysyllableofapprobation,AsmasterspraiseaservantwhohasdoneHisdutyandnomore.

BUTLER.'TisallpreciselyAsIrelatedinmyletter.FriedlandHassoldthearmytotheenemy,AndpledgedhimselftogiveupPragueandEgra.Onthisreporttheregimentsallforsookhim,ThefiveexceptedthatbelongtoTerzky,Andwhichhavefollowedhim,asthouhastseen.Thesentenceofattainderispassedonhim,AndeveryloyalsubjectisrequiredTogivehimintojustice,deadorliving.

GORDON.Atraitortotheemperor.Suchanoble!Ofsuchhightalents!Whatishumangreatness?Ioftensaid,thiscan'tendhappily.Hismight,hisgreatness,andthisobscurepowerArebutacoveredpitfall.ThehumanbeingMaynotbetrustedtoself-government.Theclearandwrittenlaw,thedeep-trodfootmarks

Ofancientcustom,areallnecessaryTokeephimintheroadoffaithandduty.TheauthorityintrustedtothismanWasunexampledandunnatural,Itplacedhimonalevelwithhisemperor,Tilltheproudsoulunlearnedsubmission.Woeisme!Imournforhim!forwherehefell,IdeemMightnonestandfirm.Alas!deargeneral,WeinourluckymediocrityHavene'erexperienced,cannotcalculate,WhatdangerouswishessuchaheightmaybreedIntheheartofsuchaman.

BUTLER.SpareyourlamentsTillheneedsympathy;foratthispresentHeisstillmighty,andstillformidable.TheSwedesadvancetoEgrabyforcedmarches,Andquicklywillthejunctionbeaccomplished.Thismustnotbe!ThedukemustneverleaveThisstrongholdonfreefooting;forIhavePledgedlifeandhonorheretoholdhimprisoner,Andyourassistance'tisonwhichIcalculate.

GORDON.OthatIhadnotlivedtoseethisday!

FromhishandIreceivedthisdignity,Hedidhimselfintrustthisstrongholdtome,WhichIamnowrequiredtomakehisdungeon.Wesubalternshavenowillofourown:Thefree,themightymanalonemaylistenTothefairimpulseofhishumannature.Ah!wearebutthepoortoolsofthelaw,Obediencethesolevirtuewedareaimat!

BUTLER.



Nay!letitnotafflictyou,thatyourpowerIscircumscribed.Muchliberty,mucherror!Thenarrowpathofdutyissecurest.Andallthenhavedesertedhimyousay?HehasbuiltuptheluckofmanythousandsForkinglywashisspirit:hisfullhandWaseveropen!Manyaonefromdust[WithaslyglanceonBUTLER.Hathheselected,fromtheverydustHathraisedhimintodignityandhonor.Andyetnofriend,notonefriendhathhepurchased,Whoseheartbeatstruetohimintheevilhour.

BUTLER.Here'sone,Isee.

GORDON.IhaveenjoyedfromhimNograceorfavor.Icouldalmostdoubt,IfeverinhisgreatnessheoncethoughtonAnoldfriendofhisyouth.ForstillmyofficeKeptmeatdistancefromhim;andwhenfirstHetothiscitadelappointedme,Hewassincereandseriousinhisduty.

Idonotthenabusehisconfidence,IfIpreservemyfealtyinthatWhichtomyfealtywasfirstdelivered.

BUTLER.Say,then,willyoufulfiltheattainderonhim,Andlendyouraidtotakehiminarrest?

GORDON(pauses,reflecting--thenasindeepdejection).Ifitbeso--ifallbeasyousay--Ifhe'vebetrayedtheemperor,hismaster,Havesoldthetroops,havepurposedtodeliverThestrongholdsofthecountrytotheenemy--

Yea,truly!--thereisnoredemptionforhim!Yetitishard,thatmethelotshoulddestineTobetheinstrumentofhisperdition;ForwewerepagesatthecourtofBergauAtthesameperiod;butIwasthesenior.

BUTLER.Ihaveheardso----

GORDON.'Tisfullthirtyyearssincethen,AyouthwhoscarcehadseenhistwentiethyearWasWallenstein,whenheandIwerefriends

Yeteventhenhehadadaringsoul:HisframeofmindwasseriousandsevereBeyondhisyears:hisdreamswereofgreatobjectsHewalkedamidstusofasilentspirit,Communingwithhimself;yetIhaveknownhimTransportedonasuddenintoutteranceOfstrangeconceptions;kindlingintosplendorHissoulrevealeditself,andhespakesoThatwelookedroundperplexeduponeachother,Notknowingwhetheritwerecraziness,



Orwhetheritwereagodthatspokeinhim.

BUTLER.ButwasitwherehefelltwostoryhighFromawindow-ledge,onwhichhehadfallenasleepAndroseupfreefrominjury?Fromthisday(Itisreported)hebetrayedclearmarksOfadistemperedfancy.

GORDON.HebecameDoubtlessmoreself-enwrappedandmelancholy;HemadehimselfaCatholic.[7]MarvellouslyHismarvellouspreservationhadtransformedhim.ThenceforthheheldhimselfforanexemptedAndprivilegedbeing,and,asifhewereIncapableofdizzinessorfall,Heranalongtheunsteadyropeoflife.Butnowourdestiniesdroveusasunder;Hepacedwithrapidstepthewayofgreatness,Wascount,andprince,duke-regent,anddictator,Andnowisall,allthistoolittleforhim;Hestretchesforthhishandsforaking'scrown,Andplungesinunfathomableruin.

BUTLER.Nomore,hecomes.

SCENEIII.

TotheseenterWALLENSTEIN,inconversationwiththeBURGOMASTERofEgra.

WALLENSTEIN.Youwereatonetimeafreetown.Isee

Yebearthehalfeagleinyourcityarms.Whythehalfeagleonly?

BURGOMASTER.Wewerefree,ButfortheselasttwohundredyearshasEgraRemainedinpledgetotheBohemiancrown;Thereforewebearthehalfeagle,theotherhalfBeingcancelledtilltheempireransomus,Ifeverthatshouldbe.

WALLENSTEIN.Yemeritfreedom.

Onlybefirmanddauntless.LendyourearsTonodesigningwhisperingcourt-minions.Whatmayyourimpostsbe?

BURGOMASTER.SoheavythatWetotterunderthem.ThegarrisonLivesatourcosts.

WALLENSTEIN.



Iwillrelieveyou.Tellme,TherearesomeProtestantsamongyoustill?[TheBURGOMASTERhesitates.Yes,yes;Iknowit.ManylieconcealedWithinthesewalls.Confessnow,youyourself----[Fixes,hiseyeonhim.TheBURGOMASTERalarmed.Benotalarmed.IhatetheJesuits.CouldmywillhavedeterminedittheyhadBeenlongagoexpelledtheempire.Trustme--Mass-bookorBible,'tisallonetome.Ofthattheworldhashadsufficientproof.IbuiltachurchfortheReformedinGlogauAtmyowninstance.Harkye,burgomaster!Whatisyourname?

BURGOMASTER.Pachhalbel,myitpleaseyou.

WALLENSTEIN.Harkye!Butletitgonofurther,whatInowDisclosetoyouinconfidence.[LayinghishandontheBURGOMASTER'Sshoulderwithacertainsolemnity.Thetimes

Drawneartotheirfulfilment,burgomaster!Thehighwillfall,thelowwillbeexalted.Harkye!Butkeepittoyourself!TheendApproachesoftheSpanishdoublemonarchy--Anewarrangementisathand.YousawThethreemoonsthatappearedatonceintheheaven?

BURGOMASTER.Withwonderandaffright!

WALLENSTEIN.WhereofdidtwoStrangelytransformthemselvestobloodydaggers,

Andonlyone,themiddlemoon,remainedSteadyandclear.

BURGOMASTER.WeappliedittotheTurks.

WALLENSTEIN.TheTurks!Thatall?ItellyouthattwoempiresWillsetinblood,intheEastandintheWest,AndLutherismaloneremain.[ObservingGORDONandBUTLER.I'faith,'Twasasmartcannonadingthatweheard

Thisevening,aswejourneyedhitherward:'Twasonourlefthand.Didyehearithere?

GORDON.Distinctly.Thewindbroughtitfromthesouth.

BUTLER.ItseemedtocomefromWeidenorfromNeustadt.

WALLENSTEIN.



'Tislikely.That'stheroutetheSwedesaretaking.Howstrongisthegarrison?

GORDON.NotquitetwohundredCompetentmen,therestareinvalids.

WALLENSTEIN.Good!AndhowmanyinthevaleofJochim?

GORDON.TwohundredarquebusiershaveIsentthitherTofortifythepostsagainsttheSwedes.

WALLENSTEIN.Good!Icommendyourforesight.AttheworkstooYouhavedonesomewhat?

GORDON.TwoadditionalbatteriesIcausedtoberunup.Theywereneedless;TheRhinegravepressesharduponus,general!

WALLENSTEIN.

Youhavebeenwatchfulinyouremperor'sservice.Iamcontentwithyou,lieutenant-colonel.[ToBUTLER.ReleasetheoutpostsinthevaleofJochim,Withallthestationsintheenemy'sroute.[ToGORDON.Governor,inyourfaithfulhandsIleaveMywife,mydaughter,andmysister.IShallmakenostayhere,andwaitbutthearrivalOfletterstotakeleaveofyou,togetherWithalltheregiments.

SCENEIV.

TotheseenterCOUNTTERZKY.

TERZKY.Joy,general,joy!Ibringyouwelcometidings.

WALLENSTEIN.Andwhatmaytheybe?

TERZKY.Therehasbeenanengagement

AtNeustadt;theSwedesgainedthevictory.

WALLENSTEIN.Fromwhencedidyoureceivetheintelligence?

TERZKY.AcountrymanfromTirschenreutconveyedit.SoonaftersunrisedidthefightbeginAtroopoftheimperialistsfromTachauHadforcedtheirwayintotheSwedishcamp;



Thecannonadecontinuedfulltwohours;TherewereleftdeaduponthefieldathousandImperialists,togetherwiththeircolonel;Furtherthanthishedidnotknow.

WALLENSTEIN.HowcameImperialtroopsatNeustadt?Altringer,Butyesterday,stoodsixtymilesfromthere.CountGallas'forcecollectsatFrauenberg,Andhavenotthefullcomplement.IsitpossibleThatSuysperchancehadventuredsofaronward?Itcannotbe.

TERZKY.Weshallsoonknowthewhole,ForherecomesIllo,fullofhaste,andjoyous.

SCENEV.

TotheseenterILLO.

ILLO(toWALLENSTEIN).Acourier,duke!hewishestospeakwiththee.

TERZKY(eagerly).Doeshebringconfirmationofthevictory?

WALLENSTEIN(atthesametime).Whatdoeshebring?Whencecomeshe?

ILLO.FromtheRhinegrave,AndwhathebringsIcanannouncetoyouBeforehand.SevenleaguesdistantaretheSwedes;

AtNeustadtdidMax.PiccolominiThrowhimselfonthemwiththecavalry;Amurderousfighttookplace!o'erpoweredbynumbersThePappenheimersall,withMax.theirleader,[WALLENSTEINshuddersandturnspale.Wereleftdeadonthefield.

WALLENSTEIN(afterapause,inalowvoice).Whereisthemessenger?Conductmetohim.

[WALLENSTEINisgoing,whenLADYNEUBRUNNrushesintotheroom.Someservantsfollowherandrunacrossthestage.

NEUBRUNN.Help!Help!

ILLOandTERZKY(atthesametime).Whatnow?

NEUBRUNN.Theprincess!

WALLENSTEINandTERZKY.



Doessheknowit?

NEUBRUNN(atthesametimewiththem).Sheisdying!

[Hurriesoffthestage,whenWALLENSTEINandTERZKYfollowher.

SCENEVI.

BUTLERandGORDON.

GORDON.What'sthis?

BUTLER.Shehaslostthemansheloved--YoungPiccolomini,whofellinthebattle.

GORDON.Unfortunatelady!

BUTLER.

YouhaveheardwhatIlloReporteth,thattheSwedesareconquerers,Andmarchinghitherward.

GORDON.ToowellIheardit.

BUTLER.Theyaretwelveregimentsstrong,andtherearefiveClosebyustoprotecttheduke.WehaveOnlymysingleregiment;andthegarrisonIsnottwohundredstrong.

GORDON.'Tisevenso.

BUTLER.ItisnotpossiblewithsuchsmallforceToholdincustodyamanlikehim.

GORDON.Igrantit.

BUTLER.Soonthenumberswoulddisarmus,Andliberatehim.

GORDON.Itweretobefeared.

BUTLER(afterapause).Know,Iamwarrantyfortheevent;WithmyheadhaveIpledgedmyselfforhis,Mustmakemywordgood,costitwhatitwill,Andifalivewecannotholdhimprisoner,Why--deathmakesallthingscertain!



GORDON.Sutler!What?DoIunderstandyou?GraciousGod!Youcould----

BUTLER.Hemustnotlive.

GORDON.Andyoucandothedeed?

BUTLER.EitheryouorI.Thismorningwashislast.

GORDON.Youwouldassassinatehim?

BUTLER.'Tismypurpose.

GORDON.Wholeanswithhiswholeconfidenceuponyou!

BUTLER.

Suchishisevildestiny!

GORDON.Yourgeneral!Thesacredpersonofyourgeneral!

BUTLER.Mygeneralhehasbeen.

GORDON.That'tisonlyAn"hasbeen"washesoutnovillany,Andwithoutjudgmentpassed.

BUTLER.TheexecutionIshereinsteadofjudgment.

GORDON.Thisweremurder,Notjustice.Themostguiltyshouldbeheard.

BUTLER.Hisguiltisclear,theemperorhaspassedjudgment,Andwebutexecutehiswill.

GORDON.WeshouldnotHurrytorealizeabloodysentence.Awordmayberecalled,alifenevercanbe.

BUTLER.Despatchinservicepleasessovereigns.

GORDON.Nohonestman'sambitioustopressforward



Tothehangman'sservice.

BUTLER.AndnobravemanlosesHiscoloratadaringenterprise.

GORDON.Abravemanhazardslife,butnothisconscience.

BUTLER.Whatthen?ShallhegoforthanewtokindleTheunextinguishableflameofwar?

GORDON.Seizehim,andholdhimprisoner--donotkillhim.

BUTLER.Hadnottheemperor'sarmybeendefeatedImighthavedoneso.But'tisnowpassedby.

GORDON.Oh,whereforeopenedIthestrongholdtohim?

BUTLER.

Hisdestiny,andnottheplacedestroyshim.

GORDON.Upontheseramparts,asbeseemedasoldier--Ihadfallen,defendingtheemperor'scitadel!

BUTLER.Yes!andathousandgallantmenhaveperished!

GORDON.Doingtheirduty--thatadornstheman!Butmurder'sablackdeed,andnaturecursesit.

BUTLER(bringsoutapaper).HereisthemanifestowhichcommandsusTogainpossessionofhisperson.See--Itisaddressedtoyouaswellasme.Areyoucontenttotaketheconsequences,Ifthroughourfaultheescapetotheenemy?

GORDON.I?GraciousGod!

BUTLER.Takeitonyourself.Comeofitwhatmay,onyouIlayit.

GORDON.Oh,Godinheaven!

BUTLER.CanyouadviseaughtelseWherewithtoexecutetheemperor'spurpose?Sayifyoucan.ForIdesirehisfall,Nothisdestruction.



GORDON.Mercifulheaven!whatmustbeIseeasclearasyou.YetstilltheheartWithinmybosombeatswithotherfeelings!

BUTLER.Mineisofharderstuff!NecessityInherroughschoolhathsteeledme.AndthisIllo,AndTerzkylikewise,theymustnotsurvivehim.

GORDON.Ifeelnopangforthese.TheirownbadheartsImpelledthem,nottheinfluenceofthestars.'TwastheywhostrewedtheseedsofevilpassionsInhiscalmbreast,andwithofficiousvillanyWateredandnursedthepoisonousplants.MaytheyReceivetheirearneststotheuttermostmite!

BUTLER.Andtheirdeathshallprecedehis!WemeanttohavetakenthemalivethiseveningAmidthemerrymakingofafeast,Andkeepthemprisonersinthecitadel,Butthismakesshorterwork.Igothisinstant

Togivethenecessaryorders.

SCENEVII.

TotheseenterILLOandTERZKY.

TERZKY.Ourluckisontheturn.To-morrowcomeTheSwedes--twelvethousandgallantwarriors,Illo!ThenstraightwiseforVienna.Cheerily,friend!What!meetsuchnewswithsuchamoodyface?

ILLO.ItlieswithusatpresenttoprescribeLaws,andtakevengeanceonthoseworthlesstraitorsThoseskulkingcowardsthatdesertedus;Onehasalreadydonehisbitterpenance,ThePiccolomini:behisthefateOfallwhowishusevil!ThisfliessureTotheoldman'sheart;hehashiswholelifelongFrettedandtoiledtoraisehisancienthouseFromacount'stitletothenameofprince;Andnowmustseekagraveforhisonlyson.

BUTLER.'Twaspity,though!AyouthofsuchheroicAndgentletemperament!Thedukehimself,'Twaseasilyseen,hownearitwenttohisheart.

ILLO.Harkye,oldfriend!ThatistheverypointThatneverpleasedmeinourgeneral--HeevergavethepreferencetotheItalians.Yea,atthisverymoment,bymysoul!



He'dgladlyseeusalldeadtentimesover,Couldhetherebyrecallhisfriendtolife.

TERZKY.Hush,hush!Letthedeadrest!Thisevening'sbusinessIs,whocanfairlydrinktheotherdown--Yourregiment,Illo!givestheentertainment.Come!wewillkeepamerrycarnivalThenightforoncebeday,and'midfullglassesWillweexpecttheSwedishavant-garde.

ILLO.Yes,letusbeofgoodcheerforto-day,Forthere'shotworkbeforeus,friends!ThisswordShallhavenoresttillitisbathedtothehiltInAustrianblood.

GORDON.Shame,shame!whattalkisthis,Mylordfield-marshal?WhereforefoamyousoAgainstyouremperor?

BUTLER.Hopenottoomuch

Fromthisfirstvictory.Bethinkyou,sirs!Howrapidlythewheeloffortuneturns;Theemperorstillisformidablystrong.

ILLO.Theemperorhassoldiers,nocommander,ForthisKingFerdinandofHungaryIsbutatyro.Gallas?He'snoluck,Andwasofoldtheruinerofarmies.Andthenthisviper,thisOctavio,Isexcellentatstabbingintheback,Butne'ermeetsFriedlandintheopenfield.

TERZKY.Trustme,myfriends,itcannotbutsucceed;Fortune,weknow,canne'erforsaketheduke!--AndonlyunderWallensteincanAustriaBeconqueror.

ILLO.ThedukewillsoonassembleAmightyarmy:allcomecrowding,streamingTobanners,dedicatebydestinyTofame,andprosperousfortune.IbeholdOldtimescomebackagain!hewillbecomeOncemorethemightylordwhichhehasbeen.

Howwillthefools,who'vehowdesertedhim,Lookthen?Ican'tbutlaughtothinkofthem,Forlandswillhepresenttoallhisfriends,AndlikeakingandemperorrewardTrueservices;butwe'vethenearestclaims.[ToGORDON.Youwillnotbeforgotten,governor!He'lltakefromyouthisnest,andbidyoushineInhigherstation:yourfidelityWellmeritsit.



GORDON.Iamcontentalready,Andwishtoclimbnohigher;wheregreatheightis,Thefallmustneedybegreat."Greatheight,greatdepth."

ILLO.Hereyouhavenomorebusiness,forto-morrowTheSwedeswilltakepossessionofthecitadel.Come,Terzky,itissupper-time.Whatthinkyou?Nay,shallwehavethetownilluminatedInhonoroftheSwede?AndwhorefusesTodoitisaSpaniardandatraitor.

TERZKY.Nay!nay!notthat,itwillnotpleasetheduke----

ILLO.What;wearemastershere;nosoulshalldareAvowhimselfimperialwherewe'vetherule.Gordon!good-night,andforthelasttimetakeAfairleaveoftheplace.SendoutpatrolsTomakesecure,thewatchwordmaybealtered.Atthestrokeoftendeliverinthekeys

Tothedukehimself,andthenyou'vequitforeverYourwardshipofthegates,foronto-morrowTheSwedeswilltakepossessionofthecitadel.

TERZKY(asheisgoing,toBUTLER).Youcome,though,tothecastle?

BUTLER.Attherighttime.


SCENEVIII.

GORDONandBUTLER.

GORDON(lookingafterthem).Unhappymen!HowfreefromallforebodingTheyrushintotheoutspreadnetofmurderIntheblinddrunkennessofvictory;Ihavenopityfortheirfate.ThisIllo,Thisoverflowingandfoolhardyvillain,Thatwouldfainbathehimselfinhisemperor'sblood.

BUTLER.Doasheorderedyou.Sendroundpatrols,Takemeasuresforthecitadel'ssecurity;WhentheyarewithinIclosethecastle-gateThatnothingmaytranspire.

GORDON(withearnestanxiety).Oh!hastenotso!Nay,stop;firsttellme----



BUTLER.Youhaveheardalready,To-morrowtotheSwedesbelongs.ThisnightAloneisours.Theymakegoodexpedition.Butwewillmakestillgreater.Fareyouwell.

GORDON.Ah!yourlookstellmenothinggood.Nay,Butler,Iprayyoupromiseme!

BUTLER.Thesunhasset;Afatefuleveningdothdescenduponus,Andbringsontheirlongnight!TheirevilstarsDeliverthemunarmedintoourhands,AndfromtheirdrunkendreamofgoldenfortunesThedaggerattheirheartsshallrousethem.Well,Thedukewaseveragreatcalculator;Hisfellow-menwerefiguresonhischess-boardTomoveandstation,ashisgamerequired.Othermen'shonor,dignity,goodname,Didheshiftlikepawns,andmadenoconscienceofStillcalculating,calculatingstill;Andyetatlasthiscalculationproves

Erroneous;thewholegameislost;andlow!Hisownlifewillbefoundamongtheforfeits.

GORDON.Oh,thinknotofhiserrorsnow!rememberHisgreatness,hismunificence;thinkonallThelovelyfeaturesofhischaracter,Onallthenobleexploitsofhislife,Andletthem,likeanangel'sarm,unseen,Arresttheliftedsword.

BUTLER.Itistoolate.

Isuffernotmyselftofeelcompassion,Darkthoughtsandbloodyaremydutynow.[GraspingGORDON'shand.Gordon!'tisnotmyhatred(IpretendnotTolovetheduke,andhavenocausetolovehim).Yet'tisnotnowmyhatredthatimpelsmeTobehismurderer.'Tishisevilfate.HostileoccurrencesofmanyeventsControlandsubjugatemetotheoffice.InvainthehumanbeingmeditatesFreeaction.Heisbutthewire-worked[8]puppetOftheblindPower,which,outofitsownchoice,Createsforhimadreadnecessity.

WhattoowoulditavailhimiftherewereAsomethingpleadingforhiminmyheart--StillImustkillhim.

GORDON.IfyourheartspeaktoyouFollowitsimpulse.'TisthevoiceofGod.ThinkyouyourfortuneswillgrowprosperousBedewedwithblood--hisblood?Believeitnot!



BUTLER.Youknownot.Asknot!WhereforeshouldithappenThattheSwedesgainedthevictory,andhastenWithsuchforcedmarcheshitherwards?FainwouldIHavegivenhimtotheemperor'smercy.Gordon!Idonotwishhisblood,--butImustransomThehonorofmyword,--itliesinpledge--Andhemustdie,or----[PassionatelygraspingGORDON'shand.Listen,then,andknowIamdishonoredifthedukeescapeus.

GORDON.Oh!tosavesuchaman----

BUTLER.What!

GORDON.ItisworthAsacrifice.Come,friend!Benoble-minded!Ourownheart,andnotothermen'sopinions,Formsourtruehonor.

BUTLER(withacoldandhaughtyair).Heisagreatlord,Thisduke,andIamofbutmeanimportance.Thisiswhatyouwouldsay!WhereinconcernsitTheworldatlarge,youmeantohinttome,WhetherthemanoflowextractionkeepsOrblemisheshishonor--Sothatthemanofprincelyrankbesaved?Wealldostampourvalueonourselves:Thepricewechallengeforourselvesisgivenus.TheredoesnotliveonearththemansostationedThatIdespisemyselfcomparedwithhim.Manismadegreatorlittlebyhisownwill;

BecauseIamtruetominethereforehedies!

GORDON.Iamendeavoringtomovearock.Thouhadstamother,yetnohumanfeelings.Icannothinderyou,butmaysomeGodRescuehimfromyou!

[ExitGORDON.BUTLER[9](alone).Itreasuredmygoodnameallmylifelong;Thedukehascheatedmeoflife'sbestjewel,SothatIblushbeforethispoorweakGordon!

Heprizesaboveallhisfealty;Hisconscioussoulaccuseshimofnothing;InoppositiontohisownsoftheartHesubjugateshimselftoanironduty.Meinaweakermomentpassionwarped;Istandbesidehim,andmustfeelmyselfTheworstmanofthetwo.WhatthoughtheworldIsignorantofmypurposedtreason,yetOnemandoesknowit,andcanproveit,too--High-mindedPiccolomini!



Therelivesthemanwhocandishonorme!Thisignominybloodalonecancleanse!DukeFriedland,thouorI.IntomyownhandsFortunedeliversme.Thedearestthingamanhasishimself.

SCENEIX.

[AgothicandgloomyapartmentattheDUCHESSFRIEDLAND's.THEKLAonaseat,pale,hereyesclosed.TheDUCHESSandLADYNEUBRUNNbusiedabouther.WALLENSTEINandtheCOUNTESSinconversation.

WALLENSTEIN.Howknewsheitsosoon?

COUNTESS.SheseemstohaveForebodedsomemisfortune.ThereportOfanengagement,inwhichhadfallenAcoloneloftheimperialarmy,frightenedher.Isawitinstantly.SheflewtomeetTheSwedishcourier,andwithsuddenquestioning,

Soonwrestedfromhimthedisastroussecret.Toolatewemissedher,hastenedafterher,Wefoundherlyinginhisarms,allpale,Andinaswoon.

WALLENSTEIN.Aheavy,heavyblow!Andshesounprepared!Poorchild!howisit?[TurningtotheDUCHESS.Isshecomingtoherself?

DUCHESS.Hereyesareopening----

COUNTESS.Shelives!

THEKLA(lookingaroundher).WhereamI?

WALLENSTEIN(stepstoher,raisingherupinhisarms).Come,cheerly,Thekla!bemyownbravegirl!See,there'sthylovingmother.ThouartinThyfather'sarms.

THEKLA(standingup).

Whereishe?Ishegone?

DUCHESS.Whogone,mydaughter?

THEKLA.He--themanwhoutteredThatwordofmisery.

DUCHESS.



Oh,thinknotofit!MyThekla!

WALLENSTEIN.Givehersorrowleavetotalk!Lethercomplain--mingleyourtearswithhers,Forshehathsufferedadeepanguish;butShe'llrisesuperiortoit,formyTheklaHathallherfather'sunsubduedheart.

THEKLA.Iamnotill.See,Ihavepowertostand.Whydoesmymotherweep?HaveIalarmedher?Itisgoneby--Irecollectmyself.[Shecastshereyesroundtheroom,asseekingsomeone.Whereishe?Pleaseyou,donothidehimfromme.YouseeIhavestrengthenough:nowIwillhearhim.

DUCHESS.No;nevershallthismessengerofevilEnteragainintothypresence,Thekla!

THEKLA.Myfather----

WALLENSTEIN.Dearestdaughter!

THEKLA.I'mnotweak.ShortlyIshallbequitemyselfagain.You'llgrantmeonerequest?

WALLENSTEIN.Nameit,mydaughter.

THEKLA.

Permitthestrangertobecalledtome,Andgrantmeleave,thatbymyselfImayHearhisreportandquestionhim.

DUCHESS.No,never!

COUNTESS.'Tisnotadvisable--assentnottoit.

WALLENSTEIN.Hush!Whereforewouldstthouspeakwithhim,mydaughter?

THEKLA.Knowingthewhole,Ishallbemorecollected;Iwillnotbedeceived.MymotherwishesOnlytospareme.Iwillnotbespared--Theworstissaidalready:IcanhearNothingofdeeperanguish!

COUNTESSandDUCHESS.Doitnot.



THEKLA.Thehorroroverpoweredmebysurprise,Myheartbetrayedmeinthestranger'spresence:Hewasawitnessofmyweakness,yea,Isankintohisarms;andthathasshamedme.Imustreplacemyselfinhisesteem,AndImustspeakwithhim,perforce,thathe,Thestranger,maynotthinkungentlyofme.

WALLENSTEIN.Iseesheisintheright,andaminclinedTograntherthisrequestofhers.Go,callhim.

[LADYNEUBRUNNgoestocallhim.

DUCHESS.ButI,thymother,willbepresent----

THEKLA.'TwereMorepleasingtomeifaloneIsawhim;Trustme,IshallbehavemyselfthemoreCollectedly.

WALLENSTEIN.Permitherherownwill.Leaveheralonewithhim:fortherearesorrows,WhereofnecessitythesoulmustbeItsownsupport.AstrongheartwillrelyOnitsownstrengthalone.Inherownbosom,Notinhermother'sarms,mustshecollectThestrengthtorisesuperiortothisblow.Itismineownbravegirl.I'llhavehertreatedNotasthewoman,buttheheroine.

[Going.

COUNTESS(detaininghim).Whereartthougoing?IheardTerzkysayThat'tisthypurposetodepartfromhenceTo-morrowearly,buttoleaveushere.

WALLENSTEIN.Yes,yestayhere,placedundertheprotectionOfgallantmen.

COUNTESS.Oh,takeuswithyou,brother.Leaveusnotinthisgloomysolitude.Tobroodo'eranxiousthoughts.Themistsofdoubt

Magnifyevilstoashapeofhorror.

WALLENSTEIN.Whospeaksofevil?Ientreatyou,sister,Usewordsofbetteromen.

COUNTESS.Thentakeuswithyou.OhleaveusnotbehindyouinaplaceThatforcesustosuchsadomens.Heavy



Andsickwithinmeismyheart--Thesewallsbreatheonmelikeachurchyardvault.Icannottellyou,brother,howthisplaceDothgoagainstmynature.Takeuswithyou.Come,sister,joinyouyourentreaty!Niece,Yourstoo.Weallentreatyou,takeuswithyou!

WALLENSTEIN.Theplace'sevilomenswillIchange,MakingitthatwhichshieldsandsheltersformeMybestbeloved.

LADYNEUBRUNN(returning).TheSwedishofficer.

WALLENSTEIN.Leaveheralonewithme.

DUCHESS(toTHEKLA,whostartsandshivers).There--paleasdeath!Child,'tisimpossibleThatthoushouldstspeakwithhim.Followthymother.

THEKLA.TheLadyNeubrunnthenmaystaywithme.

[ExeuntDUCHESSandCOUNTESS.

SCENEX.

THEKLA,THESWEDISHCAPTAIN,LADYNEUBRUNN.

CAPTAIN(respectfullyapproachingher).Princess--Imustentreatyourgentlepardon--Myinconsideraterashspeech.Howcould!----

THEKLA(withdignity).Youhavebeheldmeinmyagony.AmostdistressfulaccidentoccasionedYoufromastrangertobecomeatonceMyconfidant.

CAPTAIN.Ifearyouhatemypresence,Formytonguespakeamelancholyword.

THEKLA.Thefaultismine.Myselfdidwrestitfromyou.Thehorrorwhichcameo'ermeinterrupted

Yourtaleatitscommencement.Mayitpleaseyou,Continueittotheend.

CAPTAIN.Princess,'twillRenewyouranguish.

THEKLA.Iamfirm,--Iwillbefirm.Well--howbegantheengagement?



CAPTAIN.Welay,expectingnoattack,atNeustadt,Intrenchedbutinsecurelyinourcamp,WhentowardseveningroseacloudofdustFromthewoodthitherward;ourvanguardfledIntothecamp,andsoundedthealarm.ScarcehadwemountederethePappenheimers,Theirhorsesatfullspeed,brokethroughthelines,Andleapedthetrenches;buttheirheedlesscourageHadbornethemonwardfarbeforetheothers--Theinfantrywerestillatdistance,onlyThePappenheimersfolloweddaringlyTheirdaringleader----

[THEKLAbetraysagitationinhergestures.Theofficerpausestillshemakesasigntohimtoproceed.

CAPTAIN.BothinvanandflanksWithourwholecavalrywenowreceivedthem;Backtothetrenchesdrovethem,wherethefootStretchedoutasolidridgeofpikestomeetthem.Theyneithercouldadvance,noryetretreat;

Andastheystoodoneverysidewedgedin,TheRhinegravetotheirleadercalledaloud,Invitingasurrender;buttheirleader,YoungPiccolomini----[THEKLA,asgiddy,graspsachair.Knownbyhisplume,Andhislonghair,gavesignalforthetrenches;Himselfleapedfirst:theregimentallplungedafter.Hischarger,byahalbertgored,rearedup,Flunghimwithviolenceoff,andoverhimThehorses,nownolongertobecurbed,----

[THEKLA,whohasaccompaniedthelastspeechwithall

themarksofincreasingagony,tremblesthroughherwholeframeandisfalling.TheLADYNEUBRUNNrunstoher,andreceivesherinherarms.

NEUBRUNN.Mydearestlady!

CAPTAIN.Iretire.

THERLA.'Tisover.Proceedtotheconclusion.

CAPTAIN.WilddespairInspiredthetroopswithfrenzywhentheysawTheirleaderperish;everythoughtofrescueWasspurned;theyfoughtlikewoundedtigers;theirFranticresistancerousedoursoldiery;Amurderousfighttookplace,norwasthecontestFinishedbeforetheirlastmanfell.



THEKLA(faltering).Andwhere--Whereis--youhavenottoldmeall.

CAPTAIN(afterapause).ThismorningWeburiedhim.TwelveyouthsofnoblestbirthDidbearhimtointerment;thewholearmyFollowedthebier.Alaureldeckedhiscoffin;Theswordofthedeceasedwasplaceduponit,InmarkofhonorbytheRhinegrave'sself,Nortearswerewanting;forthereareamongusMany,whohadthemselvesexperiencedThegreatnessofhismindandgentlemanners;Allwereaffectedathisfate.TheRhinegraveWouldwillinglyhavesavedhim;buthimselfMadevaintheattempt--'tissaidhewishedtodie.

NEUBRUNN(toTHEKLA,whohashiddenhercountenance).Lookup,mydearestlady----

THEKLA.Whereishisgrave?

CAPTAIN.AtNeustadt,lady;inacloisterchurchArehisremainsdeposited,untilWecanreceivedirectionsfromhisfather.

THEKLA.Whatisthecloister'sname?

CAPTAIN.SaintCatherine's.

THEKLA.Andhowfarisitthither?

CAPTAIN.Neartwelveleagues.

THEKLA.Andwhichtheway?

CAPTAIN.YougobyTirschenreutAndFalkenberg,throughouradvancedposts.

THEKLAWho

Istheircommander?

CAPTAIN.ColonelSeckendorf.

[THEKLAstepstothetable,andtakesaringfromacasket.

THEKLA.Youhavebeheldmeinmyagony,Andshownafeelingheart.Pleaseyou,accept



[Givinghimthering.Asmallmemorialofthishour.Nowgo!

CAPTAIN(confusedly).Princess----

[THEKLAsilentlymakessignstohimtogo,andturnsfromhim.Thecaptainlingers,andisabouttospeak.LADYNEUBRUNNrepeatsthesignal,andheretires.

SCENEXI.

THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN.

THEKLA(fallsonLADYNEUBRUNN'sneck).NowgentleNeubrunn,showmetheaffectionWhichthouhasteverpromised--provethyselfMyowntruefriendandfaithfulfellow-pilgrim.Thisnightwemustaway!

NEUBRUNN.Away!andwhither?

THEKLA.Whither!Thereisbutoneplaceintheworld.Thither,whereheliesburied!Tohiscoffin!

NEUBRUNN.Whatwouldyoudothere?

THEKLA.Whatdothere?Thatwouldstthounothaveasked,hadstthoue'erloved.There,thatisallthatstillremainsofhim!Thatsinglespotisthewholeearthtome.

NEUBRUNN.Thatplaceofdeath----

THEKLA.IsnowtheonlyplaceWherelifeyetdwellsforme:detainmenot!Comeandmakepreparations;letusthinkOfmeanstoflyfromhence.

NEUBRUNN.Yourfather'srage

THEKLA.Thattimeispast--AndnowIfearnohumanbeing'srage.

NEUBRUNN.Thesentenceoftheworld!Thetongueofcalumny!

THEKLA.WhomamIseeking?Himwhoisnomore.AmIthenhasteningtothearms--OGod!



Ihaste--buttothegraveofthebeloved.

NEUBRUNN.Andwealone,twohelpless,feeblewomen?

THEKLA.Wewilltakeweapons:myarmshallprotectthee.

NEUBRUNN.Inthedarknight-time?

THEKLA.Darknesswillconcealus.

NEUBRUNN.Thisroughtempestuousnight----

THEKLA.HadheasoftbedUnderthehoofsofhiswar-horses?

NEUBRUNN.Heaven!Andthenthemanypostsoftheenemy!

THEKLA.Theyarehumanbeings.MiserytravelsfreeThroughthewholeearth.

NEUBRUNN.Thejourney'swearylength----

THEKLA.Thepilgrim,travellingtoadistantshrineOfhopeandhealingdothnotcounttheleagues.

NEUBRUNN.

Howcanwepassthegates?

THEKLA.Goldopensthem.Go,dobutgo.

NEUBRUNN.Shouldweberecognized----

THEKLA.Inadespairingwoman,apoorfugitive,WillnooneseekthedaughterofDukeFriedland.

NEUBRUNN.Andwhereprocurewehorsesforourflight?

THEKLA.Myequerryprocuresthem.Goandfetchhim.

NEUBRUNN.Dareshe,withouttheknowledgeofhislord?

THEKLA.



Hewill.Go,onlygo.Delaynolonger.

NEUBRUNN.Dearlady!andyourmother?

THEKLA.Oh!mymother!

NEUBRUNN.Somuchasshehassufferedtooalready;Yourtendermother.Ah!howillpreparedForthislastanguish!

THEKLA.Woeisme!Mymother![Pauses.Goinstantly.

NEUBRUNN.Butthinkwhatyouaredoing!

THEKLA.Whatcanbethought,alreadyhasbeenthought.

NEUBRUNN.Andbeingthere,whatpurposeyoutodo?

THEKLA.Thereadivinitywillpromptmysoul.

NEUBRUNN.Yourheart,dearlady,isdisquieted!Andthisisnotthewaythatleadstoquiet.

THEKLA.Toadeepquiet,suchashehasfound,Itdrawsmeon,Iknownotwhattonameit,

Resistlessdoesitdrawmetohisgrave.Therewillmyheartbeeased,mytearswillflow.Ohhasten,makenofurtherquestioning!ThereisnorestformetillIhaveleftThesewalls--theyfallinonme--adimpowerDrivesmefromhence--ohmercy!Whatafeeling!Whatpaleandhollowformsarethose!Theyfill,Theycrowdtheplace!Ihavenolongerroomhere!Mercy!Stillmore!Morestill!Thehideousswarm,Theypressonme;theychasemefromthesewalls--Thosehollow,bodilessformsoflivingmen!

NEUBRUNN.

Youfrightenmeso,lady,thatnolongerIdarestayheremyself.IgoandcallRosenberginstantly.

[ExitLADYNEUBRUNN.

SCENEXII.



THEKLA.Hisspirit'tisthatcallsme:'tisthetroopOfhistruefollowers,whoofferedupThemselvestoavengehisdeath:andtheyaccusemeOfanignobleloitering--theywouldnotForsaketheirleadereveninhisdeath;theydiedforhim,AndshallIlive?FormetoowasthatlaurelgarlandtwinedThatdeckshisbier.Lifeisanemptycasket:Ithrowitfromme.Oh,myonlyhope;Todiebeneaththehoofsoftramplingsteeds--Thatisalotofheroesuponearth!

[ExitTHEKLA.[10]

(TheCurtaindrops.)

SCENEXIII.

THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN,andROSENBERG.

NEUBRUNN.

Heishere,lady,andhewillprocurethem.

THEKLA.Wiltthouprovideushorses,Rosenberg?

ROSENBERG.Iwill,mylady.

THEKLA.Andgowithusaswell?

ROSENBERG.Totheworld'send,mylady.

THEKLA.Butconsider,Thounevercanstreturnuntotheduke.

ROSENBERG.Iwillremainwiththee.

THEKLA.Iwillrewardthee.Andwillcommendtheetoanothermaster.Canstthouunseenconductusfromthecastle?

ROSENBERG.Ican.

THEKLA.WhencanIgo?

ROSENBERG.Thisveryhour.Butwhitherwouldyou,lady?



THEKLA.To--Tellhim,Neubrunn.

NEUBRUNN.ToNeustadt.

ROSENBERG.So;Ileaveyoutogetready.

[Exit.

NEUBRUNN.Oh,see,yourmothercomes.

THEKLA.Indeed!OHeaven!

SCENEXIV.

THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN,theDUCHESS.

DUCHESS.

He'sgone!Ifindtheemorecomposed,mychild.

THEKLA.Iamso,mother;letmeonlynowRetiretorest,andNeubrunnherebewithme.Iwantrepose.

DUCHESS.MyThekla,thoushalthaveit.Ileavetheenowconsoled,sinceIcancalmThyfather'sheart.

THEKLA.

Goodnight,belovedmother!

(Fallingonherneckandembracingherwithdeepemotion).

DUCHESS.Thouscarcelyartcomposede'ennow,mydaughter.Thoutrembleststrongly,andIfeelthyheartBeataudiblyonmine.

THEKLA.SleepwillappeaseItsbeating:nowgood-night,good-night,dearmother.

(Asshewithdrawsfromhermother'sarmsthecurtainfalls).

ACTV.

SCENEI.

Butler'sChamber.



BUTLER,andMAJORGERALDIN.

BUTLER.Findmetwelvestrongdragoons,armthemwithpikesFortheremustbenofiring--Concealthemsomewherenearthebanquet-room,Andsoonasthedessertisservedup,rushallinAndcry--"Whoisloyaltotheemperor?"Iwilloverturnthetable--whileyouattackIlloandTerzky,anddespatchthemboth.Thecastle-palaceiswellbarredandguarded,ThatnointelligenceofthisproceedingMaymakeitswaytotheduke.Goinstantly;HaveyouyetsentforCaptainDevereuxAndtheMacdonald?

GERALDIN.They'llbehereanon.

[ExitGERALDIN.

BUTLER.Here'snoroomfordelay.Thecitizens

Declareforhim--adizzydrunkenspiritPossessesthewholetown.TheyseeinthedukeAprinceofpeace,afounderofnewagesAndgoldentimes.Arms,too,havebeengivenoutBythetown-council,andahundredcitizensHavevolunteeredthemselvestostandonguard.Despatch!then,betheword;forenemiesThreatenusfromwithoutandfromwithin.

SCENEII.

BUTLER,CAPTAINDEVEREUX,andMACDONALD.

MACDONALD.Hereweare,general.

DEVEREUX.What'stobethewatchword?

BUTLER.Longlivetheemperor!

BOTH(recoiling).How?

BUTLER.LivethehouseofAustria.

DEVEREUX.HavewenotswornfidelitytoFriedland?

MACDONALD.Havewenotmarchedtothisplacetoprotecthim?



BUTLER.Protectatraitorandhiscountry'senemy?

DEVEREUX.Why,yes!inhisnameyouadministeredOuroath.

MACDONALD.AndfollowedhimyourselftoEgra.

BUTLER.Ididitthemoresurelytodestroyhim.

DEVEREUX.Sothen!

MACDONALD.Analteredcase!

BUTLER(toDEVEREU%).ThouwretchedmanSoeasilyleavestthouthyoathandcolors?

DEVEREUX.

Thedevil!Ibutfollowedyourexample;Ifyoucouldproveavillain,whynotwe?

MACDONALD.We'venaughttodowiththinking--that'syourbusiness.Youareourgeneral,andgiveouttheorders;Wefollowyou,thoughthetrackleadtohell.

BUTLER(appeased).Good,then!weknoweachother.

MACDONALD.Ishouldhopeso.

DEVEREUX.Soldiersoffortunearewe--whobidsmostHehasus.

MACDONALD.'Tise'enso!

BUTLER.Well,forthepresentYoumustremainhonestandfaithfulsoldiers.

DEVEREUX.

Wewishnoother.

BUTLER.Ay,andmakeyourfortunes.

MACDONALD.Thatisstillbetter.

BUTLER.Listen!



BOTH.Weattend.

BUTLER.Itistheemperor'swillandordinanceToseizethepersonofthePrince-DukeFriedlandAliveordead.

DEVEREUX.Itrunssointheletter.

MACDONALD.Aliveordead--theseweretheverywords.

BUTLER.AndheshallberewardedfromthestateInlandandgoldwhoproffersaidthereto.

DEVEREUX.Ay!thatsoundswell.ThewordssoundalwayswellThattravelhitherfromthecourt.Yes!yes!Weknowalreadywhatcourt-wordsimport.Agoldenchainperhapsinsignoffavor,

Oranoldcharger,oraparchment-patent,Andsuchlike.Theprince-dukepaysbetter.

MACDONALD.Yes,Theduke'sasplendidpaymaster.

BUTLER.AlloverWiththat,myfriends.Hisluckystarsareset.

MACDONALD.Andisthatcertain?

BUTLER.Youhavemywordforit.

DEVEREUX.Hisluckyfortune'sallpassedby?

BUTLER.Forever.Heisaspooraswe.

MACDONALD.Aspooraswe?

DEVEREUX.Macdonald,we'lldeserthim.

BUTLER.We'lldeserthim?Fulltwentythousandhavedonethatalready;Wemustdomore,mycountrymen!Inshort--We--wemustkillhim.



BOTH(startingback)Killhim!

BUTLER.Yes,mustkillhim;AndforthatpurposehaveIchosenyou.

BOTH.Us!

BUTLER.You,CaptainDevereux,andthee,Macdonald.

DEVEREUX(afterapause).Chooseyousomeother.

BUTLER.What!artdastardly?Thou,withfullthirtylivestoanswerfor--Thouconscientiousofasudden?

DEVEREUX.NayToassassinateourlordandgeneral----

MACDONALD.Towhomwesworeasoldier'soath----

BUTLER.TheoathIsnull,forFriedlandisatraitor.

DEVEREUX.No,no!itistoobad!

MACDONALD.Yes,bymysoul!

Itistoobad.Onehasaconsciencetoo----

DEVEREUX.Ifitwerenotourchieftain,whosolongHasissuedthecommands,andclaimedourduty----

BUTLER.Isthattheobjection?

DEVEREUX.Wereitmyownfather,Andtheemperor'sserviceshoulddemanditofme,Itmightbedoneperhaps--butwearesoldiers,

Andtoassassinateourchiefcommander,Thatisasin,afoulabomination,Fromwhichnomonkorconfessorabsolvesus.

BUTLER.Iamyourpope,andgiveyouabsolution.Determinequickly!

DEVEREUX.'Twillnotdo.



MACDONALD.'Twontdo!

BUTLER.Well,offthen!and--sendPestalutztome.

DEVEREUX(hesitates).ThePestalutz----

MACDONALD.Whatmayyouwantwithhim?

BUTLER.Ifyourejectit,wecanfindenough----

DEVEREUX.Nay,ifhemustfall,wemayearnthebountyAswellasanyother.Whatthinkyou,BrotherMacdonald?

MACDONALD.Why,ifhemustfall,Andwillfall,anditcan'tbeotherwise,

OnewouldnotgiveplacetothisPestalutz.

DEVEREUX(aftersomereflection).Whendoyoupurposeheshouldfall?

BUTLER.Thisnight.To-morrowwilltheSwedesbeatourgates.

DEVEREUX.Youtakeuponyoualltheconsequences?

BUTLER.

Itakethewholeuponme.

DEVEREUX.AnditisTheemperor'swill,hisexpressabsolutewill?ForwehaveinstancesthatfolksmaylikeThemurder,andyethangthemurderer.

BUTLER.Themanifestosays--"aliveordead."Alive--'tisnotpossible--youseeitisnot.

DEVEREUX.

Well,deadthen!dead!Butbowcanwecomeathim.ThetownisfilledwithTerzky'ssoldiery.

MACDONALD.Ay!andthenTerzkystillremains,andIllo----

BUTLER.Withtheseyoushallbegin--youunderstandme?

DEVEREUX.



How!Andmusttheytooperish?

BUTLER.Theythefirst.

MACDONALD.Hear,Devereux!Abloodyeveningthis.

DEVEREUX.Haveyouamanforthat?Commissionme----

BUTLER.'TisgivenintrusttoMajorGeraldin;Thisisacarnivalnight,andthere'safeastGivenatthecastle--thereweshallsurprisethem,Andhewthemdown.ThePestalutzandLesleyHavethatcommission.Soonasthatisfinished----

DEVEREUX.Hear,general!Itwillbeallonetoyou--Harkye,letmeexchangewithGeraldin.

BUTLER.'Twillbethelesserdangerwiththeduke.

DEVEREUX.Danger!Thedevil!Whatdoyouthinkme,general,'Tistheduke'seye,andnothissword,Ifear.

BUTLER.Whatcanhiseyedotothee?

DEVEREUX.Deathandhell!ThouknowestthatI'mnomilksop,general!But'tisnoteightdayssincethedukedidsendmeTwentygoldpiecesforthisgoodwarmcoat

WhichIhaveon!andthenforhimtoseemeStandingbeforehimwiththepike,hismurderer.Thateyeofhislookinguponthiscoat--Why--why--thedevilfetchme!I'mnomilksop!

BUTLER.Thedukepresentedtheethisgoodwarmcoat,Andthou,aneedywight,hastpangsofconscienceTorunhimthroughthebodyinreturn,AcoatthatisfarbetterandfarwarmerDidtheemperorgivetohim,theprince'smantle.Howdothhethanktheemperor?WithrevoltAndtreason.

DEVEREUX.Thatistrue.ThedeviltakeSuchthankers!I'lldespatchhim.

BUTLER.Andwould'stquietThyconscience,thouhastnaughttodobutsimplyPulloffthecoat;socanstthoudothedeedWithlightheartandgoodspirits.



DEVEREUX.Youareright,Thatdidnotstrikeme.I'llpulloffthecoat--Sothere'sanendofit.

MACDONALD.Yes,butthere'sanotherPointtobethoughtof.

BUTLER.Andwhat'sthat,Macdonald?

MACDONALD.Whatavailsswordordaggeragainsthim?Heisnottobewounded--heis----

BUTLER(startingup).What!

MACDONALD.Safeagainstshot,andstab,andflash!Hardfrozen.SecuredandwarrantedbytheblackartHisbodyisimpenetrable,Itellyou.

DEVEREUX.InIngolstadttherewasjustsuchanother:Hiswholeskinwasthesameassteel;atlastWewereobligedtobeathimdownwithgunstocks.

MACDONALD.HearwhatI'lldo.

DEVEREUX.Well.

MACDONALD.

InthecloisterhereThere'saDominican,mycountryman.I'llmakehimdipmyswordandpikeformeInholywater,andsayoverthemOneofhisstrongestblessings.That'sprobatum!Nothingcanstand'gainstthat.

BUTLER.Sodo,Macdonald!ButnowgoandselectfromouttheregimentTwentyorthirtyable-bodiedfellows,Andletthemtaketheoathstotheemperor.Thenwhenitstrikeseleven,whenthefirstrounds

Arepassed,conductthemsilentlyasmaybeTothehouse.Iwillmyselfbenotfaroff.

DEVEREUX.ButhowdowegetthroughHartschierandGordon,Thatstandonguardthereintheinnerchamber?

BUTLER.Ihavemademyselfacquaintedwiththeplace,Ileadyouthroughabackdoorthat'sdefended



Byonemanonly.MemyrankandofficeGiveaccesstothedukeateveryhour.I'llgobeforeyou--withonepoinard-strokeCutHartschier'swindpipe,andmakewayforyou.

DEVEREUX.Andwhenwearethere,bywhatmeansshallwegainTheduke'sbed-chamber,withouthisalarmingTheservantsofthecourt?forhehashereAnumerouscompanyoffollowers.

BUTLER.Theattendantsfillstherightwing:hehatesbustle,Andlodgesintheleftwingquitealone.

DEVEREUX.Wereitwellover--hey,Macdonald!IFeelqueerlyontheoccasion,devilknows.

MACDONALD.AndI,too.'Tistoogreatapersonage.Peoplewillholdusforabraceofvillains.

BUTLER.

Inplenty,honor,splendor--youmaysafelyLaughatthepeople'sbabble.

DEVEREUX.IfthebusinessSquareswithone'shonor--ifthatbequitecertain.

BUTLER.Setyourheartsquiteatease.YesaveforFerdinandHiscrownandempire.TherewardcanbeNosmallone.

DEVEREUX.

And'tishispurposetodethronetheemperor?

BUTLER.Yes!Yes!torobhimofhiscrownandlife.

DEVEREUX.Andmusthefallbytheexecutioner'shands,ShouldwedeliverhimuptotheemperorAlive?

BUTLER.Itwerehiscertaindestiny.

DEVEREUX.Well!Well!Comethen,Macdonald,heshallnotLielonginpain.

[ExeuntBUTLERthroughonedoor,MACDONALDandDEVEREUXthroughtheother.

SCENEIII.



Asaloon,terminatedbyagallery,whichextendsfarintothebackground.

WALLENSTINsittingatatable.TheSWEDISHCAPTAINstandingbeforehim.

WALLENSTEIN.Commendmetoyourlord.IsympathizeInhisgoodfortune;andifyouhaveseenmeDeficientintheexpressionsofthatjoy,Whichsuchavictorymightwelldemand,Attributeittonolackofgood-will,Forhenceforthareourfortunesone.Farewell,Andforyourtroubletakemythanks.To-morrowThecitadelshallbesurrenderedtoyouOnyourarrival.

[TheSWEDISHCAPTAINretires.WALLENSTEINsitslostinthought,hiseyesfixedvacantly,andhisheadsustainedbyhishand.TheCOUNTESSTERZKYenters,standsbeforehimforawhile,unobservedbyhim;atlengthhestarts,seesherandrecollectshimself.

WALLENSTEIN.

Comestthoufromher?Issherestored?Howisshe?

COUNTESS.MysistertellsmeshewasmorecollectedAfterherconversationwiththeSwede.Shehasnowretiredtorest.

WALLENSTEIN.ThepangwillsoftenShewillshedtears.

COUNTESS.Ifindtheealtered,too,

Mybrother!AftersuchavictoryIhadexpectedtohavefoundintheeAcheerfulspirit.Oh,remainthoufirm!Sustain,upholdus!Forourlightthouart,Oursun.

WALLENSTEIN.Bequiet.Iailnothing.Where'sThyhusband?

COUNTESS.Atabanquet--heandIllo.

WALLENSTEIN(risesandstridesacrossthesaloon).Thenight'sfarspent.Betaketheetothychamber.

COUNTESS.Bidmenotgo,oh,letmestaywiththee!

WALLENSTEIN(movestothewindow).Thereisabusymotionintheheaven,Thewinddothchasetheflaguponthetower,Fastsweeptheclouds,thesickle[11]ofthemoon,



Struggling,dartssnatchesofuncertainlight.Noformofstarisvisible!ThatoneWhitestainoflight,thatsingleglimmeringyonder,IsfromCassiopeia,andthereinIsJupiter.(Apause.)ButnowTheblacknessofthetroubledelementhideshim!

[Hesinksintoprofoundmelancholy,andlooksvacantlyintothedistance.

COUNTESS(looksonhimmournfully,thengraspshishand).Whatartthoubroodingon?

WALLENSTEIN.MethinksIfIbutsawhim,'twouldbewellwithme.Heisthestarofmynativity,AndoftenmarvellouslyhathhisaspectShotstrengthintomyheart.

COUNTESS.Thou'ltseehimagain.

WALLENSTEIN(remainsforawhilewithabsentmind,thenassumesalivelier

manner,andturningsuddenlytotheCOUNTESS).Seehimagain?Oh,never,neveragain!

COUNTESS.How?

WALLENSTEIN.Heisgone--isdust.

COUNTESS.Whommeanestthou,then?

WALLENSTEIN.

He,themorefortunate!yea,hehathfinished!Forhimthereisnolongeranyfuture,Hislifeisbright--brightwithoutspotitwas,Andcannotceasetobe.NoominoushourKnocksathisdoorwithtidingsofmishap,Faroffishe,abovedesireandfear;NomoresubmittedtothechangeandchanceOftheunsteadyplanets.Oh,'tiswellWithhim!butwhoknowswhatthecominghourVeiledinthickdarknessbringsus?

COUNTESS.ThouspeakestofPiccolomini.Whatwashisdeath?

ThecourierhadjustlefttheeasIcame.

[WALLENSTEINbyamotionofhishandmakessignstohertobesilent.

Turnnotthineeyesuponthebackwardview,Letuslookforwardintosunnydays,Welcomewithjoyousheartthevictory,Forgetwhatithascostthee.Notto-day,Forthefirsttime,thyfriendwastotheedead;



Totheehediedwhenfirsthepartedfromthee.

WALLENSTEIN.Thisanguishwillbewearieddown[12],Iknow;Whatpangispermanentwithman?Fromthehighest,Asfromthevilestthingofeveryday,Helearnstoweanhimself:forthestronghoursConquerhim.YetIfeelwhatIhavelostInhim.Thebloomisvanishedfrommylife,Foroh,hestoodbesideme,likemyyouth,Transformedformetherealtoadream,ClothingthepalpableandthefamiliarWithgoldenexhalationsofthedawn,Whateverfortuneswaitmyfuturetoils,Thebeautifulisvanished--andreturnsnot.

COUNTESS.Oh,benottreacheroustothyownpower.ThyheartisrichenoughtovivifyItself.Thoulovestandprizestvirtuesinhim,Thewhichthyselfdidstplant,thyselfunfold.

WALLENSTEIN(steppingtothedoor).Whointerruptsusnowatthislatehour?

Itisthegovernor.HebringsthekeysOfthecitadel.'Tismidnight.Leaveme,sister!

COUNTESS.Oh,'tissohardtomethisnighttoleavethee;Abodingfearpossessesme!

WALLENSTEIN.Fear!Wherefore?

COUNTESS.Shouldstthoudepartthisnight,andweatwakingNevermorefindthee!

WALLENSTEIN.Fancies!

COUNTESS.Ob,mysoulHaslongbeenweigheddownbythesedarkforebodings,AndifIcombatandrepelthemwaking,Theystillcrushdownuponmyheartindreams,Isawthee,yesternightwiththyfirstwifeSitatabanquet,gorgeouslyattired.

WALLENSTHIN.

Thiswasadreamoffavorableomen,Thatmarriagebeingthefounderofmyfortunes.

COUNTESS.To-dayIdreamedthatIwasseekingtheeInthyownchamber.AsIentered,lo!Itwasnomoreachamber:theChartreuseAtGitschin'twas,whichthouthyselfhastfounded,AndwhereitisthywillthatthoushouldstbeInterred.



WALLENSTEIN.Thysoulisbusywiththesethoughts.

COUNTESS.What!dostthounotbelievethatoftindreamsAvoiceofwarningspeaksprophetictous?

WALLENSTEIN.Thereisnodoubtthatthereexistsuchvoices,YetIwouldnotcallthemVoicesofwarningthatannouncetousOnlytheinevitable.Asthesun,Ereitisrisen,sometimespaintsitsimageIntheatmosphere,sooftendothespiritsOfgreateventsstrideonbeforetheevents,Andinto-dayalreadywalksto-morrow.ThatwhichwereadofthefourthHenry'sdeathDidevervexandhauntmelikeataleOfmyownfuturedestiny.ThekingFeltinhisbreastthephantomoftheknifeLongereRavaillacarmedhimselftherewith.Hisquietmindforsookhim;thephantasmaStartedhiminhisLouvre,chasedhimforth

Intotheopenair;likefuneralknellsSoundedthatcoronationfestival;AndstillwithbodingsenseheheardthetreadOfthosefeetthateventhenwereseekinghimThroughoutthestreetsofParis.

COUNTESS.AndtotheeThevoicewithinthysoulbodesnothing?

WALLENSTEIN.Nothing.Bewhollytranquil.

COUNTESS.AndanothertimeIhastenedafterthee,andthourann'stfrommeThroughalongsuite,throughmanyaspacioushall.Thereseemednoendofit;doorscreakedandclapped;Ifollowedpanting,butcouldnotovertakethee;WhenonasuddendidIfeelmyselfGraspedfrombehind,--thehandwascoldthatgraspedme;'Twasthou,andthoudidstkissme,andthereseemedAcrimsoncoveringtoenvelopus.

WALLENSTEIN.

Thatisthecrimsontapestryofmychamber.

COUNTESS(gazingonhim).Ifitshouldcometothat--ifIshouldseethee,WhostandestnowbeforemeinthefulnessOflife----

[Shefallsonhisbreastandweeps.

WALLENSTEIN.



Theemperor'sproclamationweighsuponthee--Alphabetswoundnot--andhefindsnohands.

COUNTESS.Ifheshouldfindthem,myresolveistaken--Ibearaboutmemysupportandrefuge.

[ExitCOUNTESS.

SCENEV.

WALLENSTEIN,GORDON.

WALLENSTEIN.Allquietinthetown?

GORDON.Thetownisquiet.

WALLENSTEIN.Ihearaboisterousmusic!andthecastleIslightedup.Whoaretherevellers?

GORDON.ThereisabanquetgivenatthecastleTotheCountTerzkyandField-MarshalIllo.

WALLENSTEIN.Inhonorofthevictory--thistribeCanshowtheirjoyinnothingelsebutfeasting.[Rings.TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBERenters.Unrobeme.Iwilllaymedowntosleep.[WALLENSTEINtakesthekeysfromGORDON.Soweareguardedfromallenemies,Andshutinwithsurefriends.

Forallmustcheatme,orafacelikethis[FixinghiseyesonGORDON.Wasne'erahypocrite'smask.

[TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBERtakesoffhismantle,collar,andscarf.

WALLENSTEIN.Takecare--whatisthat?

GROOMOFTHECHAMBER.Thegoldenchainissnappedintwo.

WALLENSTEIN.

Well,ithaslastedlongenough.Here--giveit.[Hetakesandlooksatthechain.'Twasthefirstpresentoftheemperor.HehungitroundmeinthewarofFriule,Hebeingthenarchduke;andIhavewornitTillnowfromhabit--Fromsuperstition,ifyouwill.Belike,Itwastobeatalismantome;AndwhileIworeitonmyneckinfaith,Itwastochaintomeallmylife-long



Thevolatilefortune,whosefirstpledgeitwas.Well,beitso!HenceforwardanewfortuneMustspringupforme;forthepotencyOfthischarmisdissolved.

[GROOMOFTHECHAMBERretireswiththevestments.WALLENSTEINrises,takesastrideacrosstheroom,andstandsatlastbeforeGORDONinapostureofmeditation.

Howtheoldtimereturnsuponme!IBeholdmyselfoncemoreatBurgau,whereWetwowerepagesofthecourttogether.Weoftentimesdisputed:thyintentionWasevergood;butthouwerewonttoplayThemoralistandpreacher,andwouldstrailatme--ThatIstroveafterthingstoohighforme,Givingmyfaithtobold,unlawfuldreams,Andstillextoltomethegoldenmean.ThywisdomhathbeenprovedathriftlessfriendTothyownself.See,ithasmadetheeearlyAsuperannuatedman,and(butThatmymunificentstarswillintervene)WouldlettheeinsomemiserablecornerGooutlikeanuntendedlamp.

GORDON.MyprinceWithlightheartthepoorfishermoorshisboat,AndwatchesfromtheshoretheloftyshipStrandedamidthestorm.

WALLENSTEIN.ArtthoualreadyInharbor,then,oldman?Well!Iamnot.Theunconqueredspiritdrivesmeo'erlife'sbillows;Myplanksstillfirm,mycanvasswellingproudly.Hopeismygoddessstill,andyouthmyinmate;

Andwhilewestandthusfronttofrontalmost,Imightpresumetosay,thattheswiftyearsHavepassedbypowerlesso'ermyunblanchedhair.

[Hemoveswithlongstridesacrossthesaloon,andremainsontheoppositesideoveragainstGORDON.

Whonowpersistsincallingfortunefalse?Tomeshehasprovedfaithful;withfondloveTookmefromoutthecommonranksofmen,Andlikeamothergoddess,withstrongarmCarriedmeswiftlyupthestepsoflife.Nothingiscommoninmydestiny,

Norinthefurrowsofmyhand.WhodaresInterpretthenmylifeformeas'twereOneoftheundistinguishablemany?True,inthispresentmomentIappearFallenlowindeed;butIshallriseagain.Thehighfloodwillsoonfollowonthisebb;Thefountainofmyfortune,whichnowstops,Repressedandboundbysomemaliciousstar,Willsooninjoyplayforthfromallitspipes.



GORDON.AndyetrememberIthegoodoldproverb,"Letthenightcomebeforewepraisetheday."Iwouldbeslowfromlong-continuedfortuneTogatherhope:forhopeisthecompanionGiventotheunfortunatebypityingheaven.Fearhoversroundtheheadofprosperousmen,Forstillunsteadyarethescalesoffate.

WALLENSTEIN(smiling).IheartheveryGordonthatofoldWaswonttopreach,nowoncemorepreaching;Iknowwell,thatallsublunarythingsArestillthevassalsofvicissitude.Theunpropitiousgodsdemandtheirtribute.ThislongagotheancientpagansknewAndthereforeoftheirownaccordtheyofferedTothemselvesinjuries,sotoatoneThejealousyoftheirdivinitiesAndhumansacrificesbledtoTyphon.[Afterapause,serious,andinamoresubduedmanner.Itoohavesacrificedtohim--formeTherefellthedearestfriend,andthroughmyfaultHefell!Nojoyfromfavorablefortune

Canoverweightheanguishofthisstroke.Theenvyofmydestinyisglutted:Lifepaysforlife.OnhispureheadthelightningWasdrawnoffwhichwouldelsehaveshatteredme.

SCENEV.

TotheseenterSENI.

WALLENSTEIN.IsnotthatSeni!andbesidehimself,

Ifonecantrusthislooks?WhatbringstheehitherAtthislatehour,Baptista?

SENI.Terror,duke!Onthyaccount.


SENI.Fleeerethedaybreak!TrustnotthypersontotheSwedes!

WALLENSTEIN.WhatnowIsinthythoughts?

SENI(withloudervoice).TrustnotthypersontotheSwedes.

WALLENSTEIN.Whatisit,then?



SENI(stillmoreurgently).Oh,waitnotthearrivaloftheseSwedes!AnevilnearathandisthreateningtheeFromfalsefriends.Allthesignsstandfullofhorror!Near,nearathandthenet-workofperdition--Yea,evennow'tisbeingcastaroundthee!

WALLENSTEIN.Baptista,thouartdreaming!--fearbefoolsthee.

SENI.Believenotthatanemptyfeardeludesme.Come,readitintheplanetaryaspects;Readitthyself,thatruinthreatenstheeFromfalsefriends.

WALLENSTEIN.FromthefalsenessofmyfriendsHasrisenthewholeofmyunprosperousfortunes.Thewarningshouldhavecomebefore!AtpresentIneednorevelationfromthestarsToknowthat.

SENI.Comeandsee!trustthineowneyes.Afearfulsignstandsinthehouseoflife--Anenemy;afiendlurksclosebehindTheradianceofthyplanet.Oh,bewarned!Delivernotupthyselftotheseheathens,Towageawaragainstourholychurch.

WALLENSTEIN(laughinggently).Theoraclerailsthatway!Yes,yes!NowIrecollect.ThisjunctionwiththeSwedesDidneverpleasethee--laythyselftosleep,Baptista!SignsliketheseIdonotfear.

GORDON(whoduringthewholeofthisdialoguehasshownmarksofextremeagitation,andnowturnstoWALLENSTEIN).Mydukeandgeneral!MayIdarepresume?

WALLENSTEIN.Speakfreely.

GORDON.Whatif'twerenomerecreationOffear,ifGod'shighprovidencevouchsafedTointerposeitsaidforyourdeliverance,Andmadethatmouthitsorgan?

WALLENSTEIN.Ye'rebothfeverish!HowcanmishapcometomefromtheSwedes?Theysoughtthisjunctionwithme--'tistheirinterest.

GORDON(withdifficultysuppressinghisemotion).ButwhatifthearrivaloftheseSwedes--WhatifthisweretheverythingthatwingedTheruinthatisflyingtoyourtemples?



[Flingshimselfathisfeet.

Thereisyettime,myprince.

SENI.Ohhearhim!hearhim!

GORDON(rises).TheRhinegrave'sstillfaroff.Givebuttheorders,Thiscitadelshallcloseitsgatesuponhim.Ifthenhewillbesiegeus,lethimtryit.ButthisIsay;he'llfindhisowndestruction,Withhiswholeforcebeforetheseramparts,soonerThanwearydownthevalorofourspirit.Heshallexperiencewhatabandofheroes,Inspiritedbyanheroicleader,Isabletoperform.AndifindeedItbethyseriouswishtomakeamendForthatwhichthouhastdoneamiss,--this,thisWilltouchandreconciletheemperor,Whogladlyturnshishearttothoughtsofmercy;AndFriedland,whoreturnsrepentanttohim,Willstandyethigherinhisemperor'sfavor

Thene'erhestoodwhenhehadneverfallen.

WALLENSTEIN(contemplateshimwithsurprise,remainssilentawhile,betrayingstrongemotion).Gordon--yourzealandfervorleadyoufar.Well,well--anoldfriendhasaprivilege.Blood,Gordon,hasbeenflowing.Never,neverCantheemperorpardonme:andifhecould,YetI--Ine'ercouldletmyselfbepardoned.HadIforeknownwhatnowhastakenplace,Thathe,mydearestfriend,wouldfallforme,Myfirstdeathoffering;andhadtheheartSpokentome,asnowithasdone--Gordon,

Itmaybe,Imighthavebethoughtmyself.Itmaybetoo,Imightnot.MightormightnotIsnowanidlequestion.AlltooseriouslyHasitbeguntoendinnothing,Gordon!Letitthenhaveitscourse.[Steppingtothewindow.Alldarkandsilent--atthecastletooAllisnowhushed.Lightme,chamberlain?

[TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBER,whohadenteredduringthelastdialogue,andhadbeenstandingatadistanceandlisteningtoitwithvisibleexpressionsofthedeepestinterest,advancesinextremeagitationandthrowshimselfattheDUKE'sfeet.

Andthoutoo!ButIknowwhythoudostwishMyreconcilementwiththeemperor.Poorman!hehathasmallestateinCarinthia,AndfearsitwillbeforfeitedbecauseHe'sinmyservice.AmIthensopoorThatInolongercanindemnifyMyservants?Well!tonooneIemployMeansofcompulsion.If'tisthybeliefThatfortunehasfledfromme,go!forsakeme.



Thisnightforthelasttimemaystthouunrobeme,Andthengoovertotheemperor.Gordon,good-night!IthinktomakealongSleepofit:forthestruggleandtheturmoilOfthislastdayortwowasgreat.May'tpleaseyouTakecarethattheyawakemenottooearly.

[ExitWALLENSTEIN,theGROOMOFTHECHAMBERlightinghim.SENIfollows,GORDONremainsonthedarkenedstage,followingtheDUKEwithhiseye,tillhedisappearsatthefurtherendofthegallery:thenbyhisgesturestheoldmanexpressesthedepthofhisanguish,andstandsleaningagainstapillar.

SCENEVI.

GORDON,BUTLER(atfirstbehindthescenes).

BUTLER(notyetcomeintoviewofthestage).HerestandinsilencetillIgivethesignal.

GORDON(startsup).'Tishe!hehasalreadybroughtthemurderers.

BUTLER.Thelightsareout.Allliesinprofoundsleep.

GORDON.WhatshallIdo,shallIattempttosavehim?ShallIcallupthehouse?alarmtheguards?

BUTLER(appears,butscarcelyonthestage).Alightgleamshitherfromthecorridor.Itleadsdirectlytotheduke'sbed-chamber.

GORDON.

ButthenIbreakmyoathtotheemperor;Ifheescapeandstrengthentheenemy,DoInotherebycalldownonmyheadAllthedreadconsequences.

BUTLER(steppingforward).Hark!Whospeaksthere?

GORDON.'Tisbetter,IresignittothehandsOfProvidence.ForwhatamI,thatIShouldtakeuponmyselfsogreatadeed?Ihavenotmurderedhim,ifhebemurdered;

Butallhisrescueweremyactanddeed;Mine--andwhateverbetheconsequencesImustsustainthem.

BUTLER(advances).Ishouldknowthatvoice.

GORDON.Butler!



BUTLER.'TisGordon.Whatdoyouwanthere?Wasitsolate,then,whenthedukedismissedyou?

GORDON.Yourhandboundupandinascarf?

BUTLER.'Tiswounded.ThatIllofoughtashewerefrantic,tillAtlastwethrewhimontheground.

GORDON(shuddering).Bothdead?

BUTLER.Isheinbed?

GORDON.Ah,Butler!

BUTLER.Ishe?speak.

GORDON.Heshallnotperish!Notthroughyou!TheheavenRefusesyourarm.See--'tiswounded!

BUTLER.Thereisnoneedofmyarm.

GORDON.ThemostguiltyHaveperished,andenoughisgiventojustice.

[TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBERadvancesfromthegallerywithhisfingeronhismouthcommandingsilence.

GORDON.Hesleeps!Oh,murdernottheholysleep!

BUTLER.No!heshalldieawake.[Isgoing.

GORDON.HisheartstillcleavesToearthlythings:he'snotpreparedtostepIntothepresenceofhisGod!

BUTLER(going).God'smerciful!

GORDON(holdshim).Granthimbutthisnight'srespite.

BUTLER(hurryingof).ThenextmomentMayruinall.



GORDON(holdshimstill).Onehour!

BUTLER.Unholdme!WhatCanthatshortrespiteprofithim?

GORDON.Oh,timeWorksmiracles.InonehourmanythousandsOfgrainsofsandrunout;andquickastheyThoughtfollowsthoughtwithinthehumansoul.Onlyonehour!Yourheartmaychangeitspurpose,Hisheartmaychangeitspurpose--somenewtidingsMaycome;somefortunateevent,decisive,Mayfallfromheavenandrescuehim.Oh,whatMaynotonehourachieve!

BUTLER.YoubutremindmeHowpreciouseveryminuteis!

[Hestampsonthefloor.

SCENEVII.

TotheseenterMACDONALDandDEVEREUX,withtheHALBERDIERS.

GORDON(throwinghimselfbetweenhimandthem).No,monster!Firstovermydeadbodythoushalttread.IwillHotlivetoseetheaccurseddeed!

BUTLER(forcinghimoutoftheway).Weak-hearteddotard!

[Trumpetsareheardinthedistance.

DEVEREUXandMACDONALD.Hark!TheSwedishtrumpets!TheSwedesbeforetheramparts!Letushasten!

GORDON(rushesout).Oh,Godofmercy!

BUTLER(callingafterhim).Governor,toyourpost!

GROOMOFTHECHAMBER(hurriesin).Whodaresmakelarumhere?Hush!Thedukesleeps.

DEVEREUX(withloud,harshvoice).Friend,itistimenowtomakelarum.

GROOMOFTHECHAMBER.Help!Murder!



BUTLER.Downwithhim!

GROOMOFTHECHAMBER(runthroughthebodybyDEVEREUX,fallsattheentranceofthegallery).JesusMaria!

BUTLER.Burstthedoorsopen.

[Theyrushoverthebodyintothegallery--twodoorsareheardtocrashoneaftertheother.Voices,deadenedbythedistance--clashofarms--thenallatonceaprofoundsilence:

SCENEVIII.

COUNTESSTERZKY(withalight).Herbedchamberisempty;sheherselfIsnowheretobefound!TheNeubrunntoo,Whowatchedbyher,ismissing.IfsheshouldBeflown--butwhitherflown?WemustcallupEverysoulinthehouse.Howwilltheduke

Bearupagainsttheseworstbadtidings?Oh,IfthatmyhusbandnowwerebutreturnedHomefromthebanquet!Hark!IwonderwhetherThedukeisstillawake!IthoughtIheardVoicesandtreadoffeethere!IwillgoAndlistenatthedoor.Hark!whatisthat?'Tishasteningupthesteps!

SCENEIX.

COUNTESS,GORDON.

GORDON(rushesinoutofbreath)'Tisamistake!'TisnottheSwedes;yemustproceednofurther--Butler!Oh,God!whereishe?[ObservingtheCOUNTESS.Countess!Say----

COUNTESS.You'recomethenfromthecastle?Where'smyhusband?

GORDON(inanagonyofaffright).Yourhusband!Asknot!Totheduke----

COUNTESS.NottillYouhavediscoveredtome----

GORDON.OnthismomentDoestheworldhang.ForGod'ssake!totheduke.Whilewearespeaking----[Callingloudly.



Butler!Butler!God!

COUNTESS.Why,heisatthecastlewithmyhusband.

[BUTLERcomesfromthegallery.

GORDON.'Twasamistake.'TisnottheSwedes--itisTheimperialists'lieutenant-generalHassentmehither--willbeherehimselfInstantly.Youmustnotproceed.

BUTLER.HecomesToolate.

[GORDONdasheshimselfagainstthewall.

GORDON.Oh,Godofmercy!

COUNTESS.What,toolate?

Whowillbeherehimself?OctavioInEgra?Treason!Treason!Where'stheduke?

[Sherushestothegallery.

SCENEX.

Servantsrunacrossthestagefullofterror.Thewholescenemustbespokenentirelywithoutpauses.

SENI(fromthegallery).

Oh,bloody,frightfuldeed!

COUNTESS.Whatisit,Seni?

PAGE(fromthegallery).Oh,piteoussight!

[Otherservantshasteninwithtorches.

COUNTESS.Whatisit?ForGod'ssake!

SENI.Anddoyouask?Withinthedukeliesmurdered--andyourhusbandAssassinatedatthecastle.

[TheCOUNTESSstandsmotionless.

FEMALESERVANT(rushingacrossthestage).Help!help!theduchess!



BURGOMASTER(enters).WhatmeantheseconfusedLoudcriesthatwakethesleepersofthishouse?

GORDON.Yourhouseiscursedtoalleternity.Inyourhousedoththedukeliemurdered!

BURGOMASTER(rushingout)Heavenforbid!

FIRSTSERVANT.Fly!fly!theymurderusall!

SECONDSERVANT(carryingsilver-plate).Thatway!thelowerPassagesareblockedup.

VOICE(frombehindthescene).Makeroomforthelieutenant-general!

[AtthesewordstheCOUNTESSstartsfromherstupor,collectsherself,andretiressuddenly.

VOICE(frombehindthescene).Keepbackthepeople!Guardthedoor!

SCENEXI.

TotheseenterOCTAVIOPICCOLOMINIwithallhistrain.AtthesametimeDEVEREUXandMACDONALDenterfromoutthecorridorwiththeHalberdiers.WALLENSTEIN'sdeadbodyiscarriedoverthebackpartofthestage,wrappedinapieceofcrimsontapestry.

OCTAVIO(enteringabruptly).

Itmustnotbe!Itisnotpossible!Butler!Gordon!I'llnotbelieveit.Sayno!

[GORDON,withoutanswering,pointswithhishandtothebodyofWALLENSTEINasitiscarriedoverthebackofthestage.OCTAVIOlooksthatway,andstandsoverpoweredwithhorror.

DEVEREUX(toBUTLER).Hereisthegoldenfleece--theduke'ssword----

MACDONALD.Isityourorder----

BUTLER(pointingtoOCTAVIO).HerestandshewhonowHaththesolepowertoissueorders.

[DEVEREUXandMACDONALDretirewithmarksofobeisance.Onedropsawayaftertheother,tillonlyBUTLER,OCTAVIO,andGORDONremainonthestage.

OCTAVIO(turningtoBUTLER).



Wasthatmypurpose,Butler,whenweparted?Oh,GodofJustice!TotheeIliftmyhand!IamnotguiltyOfthisfouldeed.

BUTLER.Yourhandispure.YouhaveAvailedyourselfofmine.

OCTAVIO.Mercilessman!Thustoabusetheordersofthylord--Andstainthyemperor'sholynamewithmurder,Withbloody,mostaccursedassassination!

BUTLER(calmly).I'vebutfulfilledtheemperor'sownsentence.

OCTAVIO.Oh,curseofkings,Infusingadreadlifeintotheirwords,Andlinkingtothesudden,transientthoughtTheunchanging,irrevocabledeed.Wastherenecessityforsuchaneager

Despatch?CouldstthounotgrantthemercifulAtimeformercy?Timeisman'sgoodangel.Toleavenointervalbetweenthesentence,Andthefulfilmentofit,dothbeseemGodonly,theimmutable!

BUTLER.ForwhatRailyouagainstme?Whatismyoffence?TheempirefromafearfulenemyHaveIdelivered,andexpectreward.ThesingledifferencebetwixtyouandmeIsthis:youplacedthearrowinthebow;

Ipulledthestring.Yousowedblood,andyetstandAstonishedthatbloodiscomeup.IalwaysKnewwhatIdid,andthereforenoresultHathpowertofrightenorsurprisemyspirit.Haveyouaughtelsetoorder;forthisinstantImakemybestspeedtoVienna;placeMybleedingswordbeforemyemperor'sthrone,AndhopetogaintheapplausewhichundelayingAndpunctualobediencemaydemandFromajustjudge.

[ExitBUTLER.

SCENEXII.

TotheseentertheCOUNTESSTERZKY,paleanddisordered.Herutteranceisslowandfeeble,andunimpassioned.

OCTAVIO(meetingher).Oh,CountessTerzky!ThesearetheresultsOfluckless,unblestdeeds.



COUNTESS.TheyarethefruitsOfyourcontrivances.Thedukeisdead,Myhusbandtooisdead,theduchessstrugglesInthepangsofdeath,myniecehasdisappeared;Thishouseofsplendor,andofprincelyglory,Dothnowstanddesolated:theaffrightedservantsRushforththroughallitsdoors.IamthelastTherein;Ishutitup,andheredeliverThekeys.

OCTAVIO(withadeepanguish).Oh,countess!myhouse,too,isdesolate.

COUNTESS.Whonextistobemurdered?WhoisnextTobemaltreated?Lo!thedukeisdead.Theemperor'svengeancemaybepacified!Sparetheoldservants;letnottheirfidelityBeimputedtothefaithfulasacrime--TheevildestinysurprisedmybrotherToosuddenly:hecouldnotthinkonthem.

OCTAVIO.Speaknotofvengeance!Speaknotofmaltreatment!Theemperorisappeased;theheavyfaultHathheavilybeenexpiated--nothingDescendedfromthefathertothedaughter,Excepthisgloryandhisservices.Theempresshonorsyouradversity,Takespartinyourafflictions,openstoyouHermotherlyarms.Thereforenofurtherfears.YieldyourselfupinhopeandconfidenceTotheimperialgrace!

COUNTESS(withhereyeraisedtoheaven)

TothegraceandmercyofagreatermasterDoIyieldupmyself.WhereshallthebodyOfthedukehaveitsplaceoffinalrest?IntheChartreuse,whichhehimselfdidfoundAtGitschin,reststheCountessWallenstein;Andbyherside,towhomhewasindebtedForhisfirstfortunes,gratefullyhewishedHemightsometimereposeindeath!Oh,lethimBeburiedthere.Andlikewise,formyhusband'sRemainsIaskthelikegrace.TheemperorIsnowtheproprietorofallourcastles;Thissuremaywellbegrantedus--onesepulchreBesidethesepulchresofourforefathers!

OCTAVIO.Countess,youtremble,youturnpale!

COUNTESS(reassemblesallherpowers,andspeakswithenergyanddignity).YouthinkMoreworthilyofmethantobelieveIwouldsurvivethedownfallofmyhouse.Wedidnotholdourselvestoomeantograsp



Afteramonarch'scrown--thecrowndidfateDeny,butnotthefeelingandthespiritThattothecrownbelong!WedeemaCourageousdeathmoreworthyofourfreestationThanadishonoredlife.Ihavetakenpoison.

OCTAVIO.Help!Help!Supporther!

COUNTESS.Nay,itistoolate.Inafewmomentsismyfateaccomplished.

[ExitCOUNTESS.

Documents

Schiller Collection - Wallenstein