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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/6787-h.zip b/6787-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2004cd7 --- /dev/null +++ b/6787-h.zip diff --git a/6787-h/6787-h.htm b/6787-h/6787-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..364cc4a --- /dev/null +++ b/6787-h/6787-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9026 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + +<title> + The Death of Wallenstein, + by Friedrich Schiller +</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; text-align: center; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; margin-left: 20%; margin-left: 20%; } + .figleft {float: left;} + .figright {float: right;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 100%; margin-left: 15%;} + // --> +</style> + + +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Death of Wallenstein, by Friedrich Schiller + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Death of Wallenstein + A Play + +Author: Friedrich Schiller + +Release Date: October 26, 2006 [EBook #6787] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN *** + + + + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h1> + THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. +</h1> +<br /> + +<h2> +By Friedrich Schiller +</h2> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h3> +Translated by S. T. Coleridge. +</h3> + + + +<br /> +<br /> +<hr> +<br /> +<br /> + + +<blockquote> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0001"> +DRAMATIS PERSONAE. +</a></p><br /> + + + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0002"> +<b>ACT I.</b> +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0003"> +SCENE I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0004"> +SCENE II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0005"> +SCENE III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0006"> +SCENE IV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0007"> +SCENE V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0008"> +SCENE VI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0009"> +SCENE VII. +</a></p> +<br /> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0010"> +<b>ACT II.</b> +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0011"> +SCENE I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0012"> +SCENE II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0013"> +SCENE III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0014"> +SCENE IV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0015"> +SCENE V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0016"> +SCENE VI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0017"> +SCENE VII. +</a></p> +<br /> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0018"> +<b>ACT III.</b> +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0019"> +SCENE I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0020"> +SCENE II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0021"> +SCENE III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0022"> +SCENE IV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0023"> +SCENE V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0024"> +SCENE VI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0025"> +SCENE VII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0026"> +SCENE VIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0027"> +SCENE X. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0028"> +SCENE XI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0029"> +SCENE XII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0030"> +SCENE XIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0031"> +SCENE XIV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0032"> +SCENE XV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0033"> +SCENE XVI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0034"> +SCENE XVII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0035"> +SCENE XVIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0036"> +SCENE XIX. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0037"> +SCENE XX. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0038"> +SCENE XXI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0039"> +SCENE XXII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0040"> +SCENE XXIII. +</a></p> +<br /> + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0041"> +<b>ACT IV.</b> +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0042"> +SCENE I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0043"> +SCENE II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0044"> +SCENE III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0045"> +SCENE IV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0046"> +SCENE V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0047"> +SCENE VI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0048"> +SCENE VII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0049"> +SCENE VIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0050"> +SCENE IX. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0051"> +SCENE X. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0052"> +SCENE XI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0053"> +SCENE XII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0054"> +SCENE XIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0055"> +SCENE XIV. +</a></p> +<br /> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0056"> +<b>ACT V.</b> +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0057"> +SCENE I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0058"> +SCENE II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0059"> +SCENE III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0060"> +SCENE V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0061"> +SCENE V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0062"> +SCENE VI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0063"> +SCENE VII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0064"> +SCENE VIII. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0065"> +SCENE IX. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0066"> +SCENE X. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0067"> +SCENE XI. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0068"> +SCENE XII. +</a></p> +<br /> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_FOOT"> +FOOTNOTES +</a></p> + +</blockquote> + + + +<a name="2H_4_0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + DRAMATIS PERSONAE. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, Duke of Friedland, Generalissimo of the Imperial Forces in + the Thirty Years' War. + DUCHESS OF FREIDLAND, Wife of Wallenstein. + THEKLA, her Daughter, Princess of Friedland. + THE COUNTESS TERZKY, Sister of the Duchess. + LADY NEUBRUNN. + OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, Lieutenant-General. + MAX. PICCOLOMINI, his Son, Colonel of a Regiment of Cuirassiers. + COUNT TERZKY, the Commander of several Regiments, and + Brother-in-law of Wallenstein. + ILLO, Field-Marshal, Wallenstein's Confidant. + ISOLANI, General of the Croats. + BUTLER, an Irishman, Commander of a Regiment of Dragoons. + GORDON, Governor of Egra. + MAJOR GERALDIN. + CAPTAIN DEVEREUX. + CAPTAIN MACDONALD. + AN ADJUTANT. + NEUMANN, Captain of Cavalry, Aide-de-Camp to TERZKY. + COLONEL WRANGEL, Envoy from the Swedes. + ROSENBURG, Master of Horse. + SWEDISH CAPTAIN. + SENI. + BURGOMASTER of Egra. + ANSPESSADE of the Cuirassiers. + GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. | Belonging + A PAGE. | to the Duke. + Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and Servants. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ACT I. +</h2> +<a name="2H_4_0003"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE I. +</h2> +<pre> + A room fitted up for astrological labors, and provided with + celestial charts, with globes, telescopes, quadrants, and other + mathematical instruments. Seven colossal figures, representing the + planets, each with a transparent star of different color on its + head, stand in a semicircle in the background, so that Mars and + Saturn are nearest the eye. The remainder of the scene and its + disposition is given in the fourth scene of the second act. There + must be a curtain over the figures, which may be dropped and conceal + them on occasions. + + [In the fifth scene of this act it must be dropped; but in the + seventh scene it must be again drawn up wholly or in part.] + + WALLENSTEIN at a black table, on which, a speculum astrologicum is + described with chalk. SENI is taking observations through a window. + + WALLENSTEIN. + All well—and now let it be ended, Seni. Come, + The dawn commences, and Mars rules the hour; + We must give o'er the operation. Come, + We know enough. + + SENI. + Your highness must permit me + Just to contemplate Venus. She is now rising + Like as a sun so shines she in the east. + + WALLENSTEIN. + She is at present in her perigee, + And now shoots down her strongest influences. + [Contemplating the figure on the table. + Auspicious aspect! fateful in conjunction, + At length the mighty three corradiate; + And the two stars of blessing, Jupiter + And Venus, take between them the malignant + Slyly-malicious Mars, and thus compel + Into my service that old mischief-founder: + For long he viewed me hostilely, and ever + With beam oblique, or perpendicular, + Now in the Quartile, now in the Secundan, + Shot his red lightnings at my stars, disturbing + Their blessed influences and sweet aspects: + Now they have conquered the old enemy, + And bring him in the heavens a prisoner to me. + + SENI (who has come down from the window). + And in a corner-house, your highness—think of that! + That makes each influence of double strength. + + WALLENSTEIN. + And sun and moon, too, in the Sextile aspect, + The soft light with the vehement—so I love it. + Sol is the heart, Luna the head of heaven, + Bold be the plan, fiery the execution. + + SENI. + And both the mighty Lumina by no + Maleficus affronted. Lo! Saturnus, + Innocuous, powerless, in cadente Domo. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The empire of Saturnus is gone by; + Lord of the secret birth of things is he; + Within the lap of earth, and in the depths + Of the imagination dominates; + And his are all things that eschew the light. + The time is o'er of brooding and contrivance, + For Jupiter, the lustrous, lordeth now, + And the dark work, complete of preparation, + He draws by force into the realm of light. + Now must we hasten on to action, ere + The scheme, and most auspicious positure + Parts o'er my head, and takes once more its flight, + For the heaven's journey still, and adjourn not. + [There are knocks at the door. + There's some one knocking there. See who it is. + + TERZKY (from without). + Open, and let me in. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Ay—'tis Terzky. + What is there of such urgence? We are busy. + + TERZKY (from without). + Lay all aside at present, I entreat you; + It suffers no delaying. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Open, Seni! + + [While SENI opens the door for TERZKY, WALLENSTEIN draws the curtain + over the figures. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0004"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE II. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, COUNT TERZKY. + + TERZKY (enters). + Hast thou already heard it? He is taken. + Gallas has given him up to the emperor. + + [SENI draws off the black table, and exit. + + WALLENSTEIN (to TERZKY). + Who has been taken? Who is given up? + + TERZKY. + The man who knows our secrets, who knows every + Negotiation with the Swede and Saxon, + Through whose hands all and everything has passed—— + + WALLENSTEIN (drawing back). + Nay, not Sesina? Say, no! I entreat thee. + + TERZKY. + All on his road for Regensburg to the Swede + He was plunged down upon by Gallas' agent, + Who had been long in ambush, lurking for him. + There must have been found on him my whole packet + To Thur, to Kinsky, to Oxenstiern, to Arnheim: + All this is in their hands; they have now an insight + Into the whole—our measures and our motives. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0005"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE III. +</h2> +<pre> + To them enters ILLO. + + ILLO (to TERZKY). + Has he heard it? + + TERZKY. + He has heard it. + + ILLO (to WALLENSTEIN). + Thinkest thou still + To make thy peace with the emperor, to regain + His confidence? E'en were it now thy wish + To abandon all thy plans, yet still they know + What thou hast wished: then forwards thou must press; + Retreat is now no longer in thy power. + + TERZKY. + They have documents against us, and in hands, + Which show beyond all power of contradiction—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Of my handwriting—no iota. Thee + I punish or thy lies. + + ILLO. + And thou believest, + That what this man, and what thy sister's husband, + Did in thy name, will not stand on thy reckoning? + His word must pass for thy word with the Swede, + And not with those that hate thee at Vienna? + + TERZKY. + In writing thou gavest nothing; but bethink thee, + How far thou venturedst by word of mouth + With this Sesina! And will he be silent? + If he can save himself by yielding up + Thy secret purposes, will he retain them? + + ILLO. + Thyself dost not conceive it possible; + And since they now have evidence authentic + How far thou hast already gone, speak! tell us, + What art thou waiting for? Thou canst no longer + Keep thy command; and beyond hope of rescue + Thou'rt lost if thou resign'st it. + + WALLENSTEIN. + In the army + Lies my security. The army will not + Abandon me. Whatever they may know, + The power is mine, and they must gulp it down + And if I give them caution for my fealty, + They must be satisfied, at least appear so. + + ILLO. + The army, duke, is thine now; for this moment + 'Tis thine: but think with terror on the slow, + The quiet power of time. From open violence + The attachment of thy soldiery secures thee + To-day, to-morrow: but grant'st thou them a respite, + Unheard, unseen, they'll undermine that love + On which thou now dost feel so firm a footing, + With wily theft will draw away from thee + One after the other—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis a cursed accident! + Oh! I will call it a most blessed one, + If it work on thee as it ought to do, + Hurry thee on to action—to decision. + The Swedish general? + + WALLENSTEIN. + He's arrived! Know'st + What his commission is—— + + ILLO. + To thee alone + Will he intrust the purpose of his coming. + + WALLENSTEIN. + A cursed, cursed accident! Yes, yes, + Sesina knows too much, and won't be silent. + + TERZKY. + He's a Bohemian fugitive and rebel, + His neck is forfeit. Can he save himself + At thy cost, think you he will scruple it? + And if they put him to the torture, will he, + Will he, that dastardling, have strength enough—— + + WALLENSTEIN (lost in thought). + Their confidence is lost, irreparably! + And I may act which way I will, I shall + Be and remain forever in their thought + A traitor to my country. How sincerely + Soever I return back to my duty, + It will no longer help me—— + + ILLO. + Ruin thee, + That it will do! Not thy fidelity, + Thy weakness will be deemed the sole occasion—— + + WALLENSTEIN (pacing up and down in extreme agitation). + What! I must realize it now in earnest, + Because I toyed too freely with the thought! + Accursed he who dallies with a devil! + And must I—I must realize it now— + Now, while I have the power, it must take place! + + ILLO. + Now—now—ere they can ward and parry it! + + WALLENSTEIN (looking at the paper of Signatures). + I have the generals' word—a written promise! + Max. Piccolomini stands not here—how's that? + + TERZRY. + It was—he fancied—— + + ILLO. + Mere self-willedness. + There needed no such thing 'twixt him and you. + + WALLENSTEIN. + He is quite right; there needed no such thing. + The regiments, too, deny to march for Flanders + Have sent me in a paper of remonstrance, + And openly resist the imperial orders. + The first step to revolt's already taken. + + ILLO. + Believe me, thou wilt find it far more easy + To lead them over to the enemy + Than to the Spaniard. + + WALLENSTEIN. + I will hear, however, + What the Swede has to say to me. + + ILLO (eagerly to TERZKY). + Go, call him, + He stands without the door in waiting. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Stay! + Stay but a little. It hath taken me + All by surprise; it came too quick upon me; + 'Tis wholly novel that an accident, + With its dark lordship, and blind agency, + Should force me on with it. + + ILLO. + First hear him only, + And then weigh it. + + [Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE IV. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN (in soliloquy). + Is it possible? + Is't so? I can no longer what I would? + No longer draw back at my liking? I + Must do the deed, because I thought of it? + And fed this heart here with a dream? + Because I did not scowl temptation from my presence, + Dallied with thoughts of possible fulfilment, + Commenced no movement, left all time uncertain, + And only kept the road, the access open? + By the great God of Heaven! it was not + My serious meaning, it was ne'er resolved. + I but amused myself with thinking of it. + The free-will tempted me, the power to do + Or not to do it. Was it criminal + To make the fancy minister to hope, + To fill the air with pretty toys of air, + And clutch fantastic sceptres moving toward me? + Was not the will kept free? Beheld I not + The road of duty close beside me—but + One little step, and once more I was in it! + Where am I? Whither have I been transported? + No road, no track behind me, but a wall, + Impenetrable, insurmountable, + Rises obedient to the spells I muttered + And meant not—my own doings tower behind me. + [Pauses and remains in deep thought. + A punishable man I seem, the guilt, + Try what I will, I cannot roll off from me; + The equivocal demeanor of my life + Bears witness on my prosecutor's party. + And even my purest acts from purest motives + Suspicion poisons with malicious gloss. + Were I that thing for which I pass, that traitor, + A goodly outside I had sure reserved, + Had drawn the coverings thick and double round me, + Been calm and chary of my utterance; + But being conscious of the innocence + Of my intent, my uncorrupted will, + I gave way to my humors, to my passion: + Bold were my words, because my deeds were not. + Now every planless measure, chance event, + The threat of rage, the vaunt of joy and triumph, + And all the May-games of a heart overflowing, + Will they connect, and weave them all together + Into one web of treason; all will be plan, + My eye ne'er absent from the far-off mark, + Step tracing step, each step a politic progress; + And out of all they'll fabricate a charge + So specious, that I must myself stand dumb. + I am caught in my own net, and only force, + Naught but a sudden rent can liberate me. + + [Pauses again. + + How else! since that the heart's unbiased instinct + Impelled me to the daring deed, which now + Necessity, self-preservation, orders. + Stern is the on-look of necessity, + Not without shudder may a human hand + Grasp the mysterious urn of destiny. + My deed was mine, remaining in my bosom; + Once suffered to escape from its safe corner + Within the heart, its nursery and birthplace, + Sent forth into the foreign, it belongs + Forever to those sly malicious powers + Whom never art of man conciliated. + + [Paces in agitation through the chamber, then pauses, and, after + the pause, breaks out again into audible soliloquy. + + What is thy enterprise? thy aim? thy object? + Hast honestly confessed it to thyself? + Power seated on a quiet throne thou'dst shake, + Power on an ancient, consecrated throne, + Strong in possession, founded in all custom; + Power by a thousand tough and stringy roots + Fixed to the people's pious nursery faith. + This, this will be no strife of strength with strength. + That feared I not. I brave each combatant, + Whom I can look on, fixing eye to eye, + Who, full himself of courage, kindles courage + In me too. 'Tis a foe invisible + The which I fear—a fearful enemy, + Which in the human heart opposes me, + By its coward fear alone made fearful to me. + Not that, which full of life, instinct with power, + Makes known its present being; that is not + The true, the perilously formidable. + O no! it is the common, the quite common, + The thing of an eternal yesterday. + Whatever was, and evermore returns, + Sterling to-morrow, for to-day 'twas sterling! + For of the wholly common is man made, + And custom is his nurse! Woe then to them + Who lay irreverent hands upon his old + House furniture, the dear inheritance + From his forefathers! For time consecrates; + And what is gray with age becomes religion. + Be in possession, and thou hast the right, + And sacred will the many guard it for thee! + + [To the PAGE,—who here enters. + + The Swedish officer? Well, let him enter. + + [The PAGE exit, WALLENSTEIN fixes his eye in deep thought + on the door. + + Yet, it is pure—as yet!—the crime has come + Not o'er this threshold yet—so slender is + The boundary that divideth life's two paths. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0007"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE V. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN and WRANGEL. + + WALLENSTEIN (after having fixed a searching look on him). + Your name is Wrangel? + + WRANGEL. + Gustave Wrangel, General + Of the Sudermanian Blues. + + WALLENSTEIN. + It was a Wrangel + Who injured me materially at Stralsund, + And by his brave resistance was the cause + Of the opposition which that seaport made. + + WRANGEL. + It was the doing of the element + With which you fought, my lord! and not my merit, + The Baltic Neptune did assert his freedom: + The sea and land, it seemed were not to serve + One and the same. + + WALLENSTEIN + You plucked the admiral's hat from off my head. + + WRANGEL. + I come to place a diadem thereon. + + WALLENSTEIN (makes the motion for him to take a seat, and seats himself). + And where are your credentials + Come you provided with full powers, sir general? + + WRANGEL. + There are so many scruples yet to solve—— + + WALLENSTEIN (having read the credentials). + An able letter! Ay—he is a prudent, + Intelligent master whom you serve, sir general! + The chancellor writes me that he but fulfils + His late departed sovereign's own idea + In helping me to the Bohemian crown. + + WRANGEL. + He says the truth. Our great king, now in heaven, + Did ever deem most highly of your grace's + Pre-eminent sense and military genius; + And always the commanding intellect, + He said, should have command, and be the king. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Yes, he might say it safely. General Wrangel, + [Taking his hand affectionately. + Come, fair and open. Trust me, I was always + A Swede at heart. Eh! that did you experience + Both in Silesia and at Nuremberg; + I had you often in my power, and let you + Always slip out by some back door or other. + 'Tis this for which the court can ne'er forgive me, + Which drives me to this present step: and since + Our interests so run in one direction, + E'en let us have a thorough confidence + Each in the other. + + WRANGEL. + Confidence will come + Has each but only first security. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The chancellor still, I see, does not quite trust me; + And, I confess—the game does not lie wholly + To my advantage. Without doubt he thinks, + If I can play false with the emperor, + Who is my sovereign, I can do the like + With the enemy, and that the one, too, were + Sooner to be forgiven me than the other. + Is not this your opinion, too, sir general? + + WRANGEL. + I have here a duty merely, no opinion. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The emperor hath urged me to the uttermost + I can no longer honorably serve him. + For my security, in self-defence, + I take this hard step, which my conscience blames. + + WRANGEL. + That I believe. So far would no one go + Who was not forced to it. + [After a pause. + What may have impelled + Your princely highness in this wise to act + Toward your sovereign lord and emperor, + Beseems not us to expound or criticise. + The Swede is fighting for his good old cause, + With his good sword and conscience. This concurrence, + This opportunity is in our favor, + And all advantages in war are lawful. + We take what offers without questioning; + And if all have its due and just proportions—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Of what then are ye doubting? Of my will? + Or of my power? I pledged me to the chancellor, + Would he trust me with sixteen thousand men, + That I would instantly go over to them + With eighteen thousand of the emperor's troops. + + WRANGEL. + Your grace is known to be a mighty war-chief, + To be a second Attila and Pyrrhus. + 'Tis talked of still with fresh astonishment, + How some years past, beyond all human faith, + You called an army forth like a creation: + But yet—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + But yet? + + WRANGEL. + But still the chancellor thinks + It might yet be an easier thing from nothing + To call forth sixty thousand men of battle, + Than to persuade one-sixtieth part of them—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + What now? Out with it, friend? + + WRANGEL. + To break their oaths. + + WALLENSTEIN. + And he thinks so? He judges like a Swede, + And like a Protestant. You Lutherans + Fight for your Bible. You are interested + About the cause; and with your hearts you follow + Your banners. Among you whoe'er deserts + To the enemy hath broken covenant + With two lords at one time. We've no such fancies. + + WRANGEL. + Great God in heaven! Have then the people here + No house and home, no fireside, no altar? + + WALLENSTEIN. + I will explain that to you, how it stands: + The Austrian has a country, ay, and loves it, + And has good cause to love it—but this army + That calls itself the imperial, this that houses + Here in Bohemia, this has none—no country; + This is an outcast of all foreign lands, + Unclaimed by town or tribe, to whom belongs + Nothing except the universal sun. + And this Bohemian land for which we fight + Loves not the master whom the chance of war, + Not its own choice or will, hath given to it. + Men murmur at the oppression of their conscience, + And power hath only awed but not appeased them. + A glowing and avenging memory lives + Of cruel deeds committed on these plains; + How can the son forget that here his father + Was hunted by the bloodhound to the mass? + A people thus oppressed must still be feared, + Whether they suffer or avenge their wrongs. + + WRANGEL. + But then the nobles and the officers? + Such a desertion, such a felony, + It is without example, my lord duke, + In the world's history. + + WALLENSTEIN. + They are all mine— + Mine unconditionally—mine on all terms. + Not me, your own eyes you must trust. + + [He gives him the paper containing the written oath. WRANGEL reads + it through, and, having read it, lays it on the table,—remaining + silent. + + So then; + Now comprehend you? + + WRANGEL. + Comprehend who can! + My lord duke, I will let the mask drop—yes! + I've full powers for a final settlement. + The Rhinegrave stands but four days' march from here + With fifteen thousand men, and only waits + For orders to proceed and join your army. + These orders I give out immediately + We're compromised. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What asks the chancellor? + + WRANGEL (considerately). + Twelve regiments, every man a Swede—my head + The warranty—and all might prove at last + Only false play—— + + WALLENSTEIN (starting). + Sir Swede! + + WRANGEL (calmly proceeding). + Am therefore forced + To insist thereon, that he do formally, + Irrevocably break with the emperor, + Else not a Swede is trusted to Duke Friedland. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Come, brief and open! What is the demand? + + WRANGEL. + That he forthwith disarm the Spanish regiments + Attached to the emperor, that he seize on Prague, + And to the Swedes give up that city, with + The strong pass Egra. + + WALLENSTEIN. + That is much indeed! + Prague!—Egra's granted—but—but Prague! 'Twon't do. + I give you every security + Which you may ask of me in common reason— + But Prague—Bohemia—these, sir general, + I can myself protect. + + WRANGEL. + We doubt it not. + But 'tis not the protection that is now + Our sole concern. We want security, + That we shall not expend our men and money + All to no purpose. + + WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis but reasonable. + + WRANGEL. + And till we are indemnified, so long + Stays Prague in pledge. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Then trust you us so little? + + WRANGEL (rising). + The Swede, if he would treat well with the German, + Must keep a sharp lookout. We have been called + Over the Baltic, we have saved the empire + From ruin—with our best blood have we sealed + The liberty of faith and gospel truth. + But now already is the benefaction + No longer felt, the load alone is felt. + Ye look askance with evil eye upon us, + As foreigners, intruders in the empire, + And would fain send us with some paltry sum + Of money, home again to our old forests. + No, no! my lord duke! it never was + For Judas' pay, for chinking gold and silver, + That we did leave our king by the Great Stone. <a href="#note-1" name="noteref-1">1</a> + No, not for gold and silver have there bled + So many of our Swedish nobles—neither + Will we, with empty laurels for our payment, + Hoist sail for our own country. Citizens + Will we remain upon the soil, the which + Our monarch conquered for himself and died. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Help to keep down the common enemy, + And the fair border land must needs be yours. + + WRANGEL. + But when the common enemy lies vanquished, + Who knits together our new friendship then? + We know, Duke Friedland! though perhaps the Swede + Ought not to have known it, that you carry on + Secret negotiations with the Saxons. + Who is our warranty that we are not + The sacrifices in those articles + Which 'tis thought needful to conceal from us? + + WALLENSTEIN (rises). + Think you of something better, Gustave Wrangel! + Of Prague no more. + + WRANGEL. + Here my commission ends. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Surrender up to you my capital! + Far liever would I force about, and step + Back to my emperor. + + WRANGEL. + If time yet permits—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + That lies with me, even now, at any hour. + + WRANGEL. + Some days ago, perhaps. To-day, no longer; + No longer since Sesina's been a prisoner. + [WALLENSTEIN is struck, and silenced. + My lord duke, hear me—we believe that you + At present do mean honorably by us. + Since yesterday we're sure of that—and now + This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing + Stands in the way of our full confidence. + Prague shall not part us. Hear! The chancellor + Contents himself with Alstadt; to your grace + He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side. + But Egra above all must open to us, + Ere we can think of any junction. + + WALLENSTEIN. + You, + You therefore must I trust, and not you me? + I will consider of your proposition. + + WRANGEL. + I must entreat that your consideration + Occupy not too long a time. Already + Has this negotiation, my lord duke! + Crept on into the second year. If nothing + Is settled this time, will the chancellor + Consider it as broken off forever? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Ye press me hard. A measure such as this + Ought to be thought of. + + WRANGEL. + Ay! but think of this too, + That sudden action only can procure it. + Success—think first of this, your highness. + + [Exit WRANGEL. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VI. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, and ILLO (re-enter). + + ILLO. + Is't all right? + + TERZKY. + Are you compromised? + + ILLO. + This Swede + Went smiling from you. Yes! you're compromised. + + WALLENSTEIN. + As yet is nothing settled; and (well weighed) + I feel myself inclined to leave it so. + + TERZKY. + How? What is that? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Come on me what will come, + The doing evil to avoid an evil + Cannot be good! + + TERZKY. + Nay, but bethink you, duke. + + WALLENSTEIN. + To live upon the mercy of these Swedes! + Of these proud-hearted Swedes!—I could not bear it. + + ILLO. + Goest thou as fugitive, as mendicant? + Bringest thou not more to them than thou receivest? + + WALLENSTEIN. + How fared it with the brave and royal Bourbon + Who sold himself unto his country's foes, + And pierced the bosom of his father-land? + Curses were his reward, and men's abhorrence + Avenged the unnatural and revolting deed. + + ILLO. + Is that thy case? + + WALLENSTEIN. + True faith, I tell thee, + Must ever be the dearest friend of man + His nature prompts him to assert its rights. + The enmity of sects, the rage of parties, + Long-cherished envy, jealousy, unite;' + And all the struggling elements of evil + Suspend their conflict, and together league + In one alliance 'gainst their common foe— + The savage beast that breaks into the fold, + Where men repose in confidence and peace. + For vain were man's own prudence to protect him. + 'Tis only in the forehead nature plants + The watchful eye; the back, without defence, + Must find its shield in man's fidelity. + + TERZKY. + Think not more meanly off thyself than do + Thy foes, who stretch their hands with joy to greet thee. + Less scrupulous far was the imperial Charles, + The powerful head of this illustrious house; + With open arms he gave the Bourbon welcome; + For still by policy the world is ruled. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0009"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VII. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Who sent for you? There is no business here + For women. + + COUNTESS + I am come to bid you joy. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Use thy authority, Terzky; bid her go. + + COUNTESS. + Come I perhaps too early? I hope not. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you: + You know it is the weapon that destroys me. + I am routed, if a woman but attack me: + I cannot traffic in the trade of words + With that unreasoning sex. + + COUNTESS. + I had already + Given the Bohemians a king. + + WALLENSTEIN (sarcastically). + They have one, + In consequence, no doubt. + + COUNTESS (to the others). + Ha! what new scruple? + + TERZKY. + The duke will not. + + COUNTESS. + He will not what he must! + + ILLO. + It lies with you now. Try. For I am silenced + When folks begin to talk to me of conscience + And of fidelity. + + COUNTESS. + How? then, when all + Lay in the far-off distance, when the road + Stretched out before thine eyes interminably, + Then hadst thou courage and resolve; and now, + Now that the dream is being realized, + The purpose ripe, the issue ascertained, + Dost thou begin to play the dastard now? + Planned merely, 'tis a common felony; + Accomplished, an immortal undertaking: + And with success comes pardon hand in hand, + For all event is God's arbitrament. + + SERVANT (enters). + The Colonel Piccolomini. + + COUNTESS (hastily). + —Must wait. + + WALLENSTEIN. + I cannot see him now. Another time. + + SERVANT. + But for two minutes he entreats an audience + Of the most urgent nature is his business. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Who knows what he may bring us! I will hear him. + + COUNTESS (laughs). + Urgent for him, no doubt? but thou may'st wait. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What is it? + + COUNTESS. + Thou shalt be informed hereafter. + First let the Swede and thee be compromised. + + [Exit SERVANT. + + WALLENSTEIN. + If there were yet a choice! if yet some milder + Way of escape were possible—I still + Will choose it, and avoid the last extreme. + + COUNTESS. + Desirest thou nothing further? Such a way + Lies still before thee. Send this Wrangel off. + Forget thou thy old hopes, cast far away + All thy past life; determine to commence + A new one. Virtue hath her heroes too, + As well as fame and fortune. To Vienna + Hence—to the emperor—kneel before the throne; + Take a full coffer with thee—say aloud, + Thou didst but wish to prove thy fealty; + Thy whole intention but to dupe the Swede. + + ILLO. + For that too 'tis too late. They know too much; + He would but bear his own head to the block. + + COUNTESS. + I fear not that. They have not evidence + To attaint him legally, and they avoid + The avowal of an arbitrary power. + They'll let the duke resign without disturbance. + I see how all will end. The King of Hungary + Makes his appearance, and 'twill of itself + Be understood, and then the duke retires. + There will not want a formal declaration. + The young king will administer the oath + To the whole army; and so all returns + To the old position. On some morrow morning + The duke departs; and now 'tis stir and bustle + Within his castles. He will hunt and build; + Superintend his horses' pedigrees, + Creates himself a court, gives golden keys, + And introduceth strictest ceremony + In fine proportions, and nice etiquette; + Keeps open table with high cheer: in brief, + Commenceth mighty king—in miniature. + And while he prudently demeans himself, + And gives himself no actual importance, + He will be let appear whate'er he likes: + And who dares doubt, that Friedland will appear + A mighty prince to his last dying hour? + Well now, what then? Duke Friedland is as others, + A fire-new noble, whom the war hath raised + To price and currency, a Jonah's gourd, + An over-night creation of court-favor, + Which, with an undistinguishable ease, + Makes baron or makes prince. + + WALLENSTEIN (in extreme agitation). + Take her away. + Let in the young Count Piccolomini. + + COUNTESS. + Art thou in earnest? I entreat thee! + Canst thou consent to bear thyself to thy own grave, + So ignominiously to be dried up? + Thy life, that arrogated such an height + To end in such a nothing! To be nothing, + When one was always nothing, is an evil + That asks no stretch of patience, a light evil; + But to become a nothing, having been—— + + WALLENSTEIN (starts up in violent agitation). + Show me a way out of this stifling crowd, + Ye powers of aidance! Show me such a way + As I am capable of going. I + Am no tongue-hero, no fine virtue-prattler; + I cannot warm by thinking; cannot say + To the good luck that turns her back upon me + Magnanimously: "Go; I need thee not." + Cease I to work, I am annihilated. + Dangers nor sacrifices will I shun, + If so I may avoid the last extreme; + But ere I sink down into nothingness, + Leave off so little, who began so great, + Ere that the world confuses me with those + Poor wretches, whom a day creates and crumbles, + This age and after ages <a href="#note-2" name="noteref-2">2</a> speak my name + With hate and dread; and Friedland be redemption + For each accursed deed. + + COUNTESS. + What is there here, then, + So against nature? Help me to perceive it! + Oh, let not superstition's nightly goblins + Subdue thy clear, bright spirit! Art thou bid + To murder? with abhorred, accursed poniard, + To violate the breasts that nourished thee? + That were against our nature, that might aptly + Make thy flesh shudder, and thy whole heart sicken. <a href="#note-3" name="noteref-3">3</a> + Yet not a few, and for a meaner object, + Have ventured even this, ay, and performed it. + What is there in thy case so black and monstrous? + Thou art accused of treason—whether with + Or without justice is not now the question— + Thou art lost if thou dost not avail thee quickly + Of the power which thou possessest—Friedland! Duke! + Tell me where lives that thing so meek and tame, + That doth not all his living faculties + Put forth in preservation of his life? + What deed so daring, which necessity + And desperation will not sanctify? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Once was this Ferdinand so gracious to me; + He loved me; he esteemed me; I was placed + The nearest to his heart. Full many a time + We like familiar friends, both at one table, + Have banqueted together—he and I; + And the young kings themselves held me the basin + Wherewith to wash me—and is't come to this? + + COUNTESS. + So faithfully preservest thou each small favor, + And hast no memory for contumelies? + Must I remind thee, how at Regensburg + This man repaid thy faithful services? + All ranks and all conditions in the empire + Thou hadst wronged to make him great,—hadst loaded on thee, + On thee, the hate, the curse of the whole world. + No friend existed for thee in all Germany, + And why? because thou hadst existed only + For the emperor. To the emperor alone + Clung Friedland in that storm which gathered round him + At Regensburg in the Diet—and he dropped thee! + He let thee fall! he let thee fall a victim + To the Bavarian, to that insolent! + Deposed, stripped bare of all thy dignity + And power, amid the taunting of thy foe + Thou wert let drop into obscurity. + Say not, the restoration of thy honor + Has made atonement for that first injustice. + No honest good-will was it that replaced thee; + The law of hard necessity replaced thee, + Which they had fain opposed, but that they could not. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Not to their good wishes, that is certain, + Nor yet to his affection I'm indebted + For this high office; and if I abuse it, + I shall therein abuse no confidence. + + COUNTESS. + Affection! confidence!—they needed thee. + Necessity, impetuous remonstrant! + Who not with empty names, or shows of proxy, + Is served, who'll have the thing and not the symbol, + Ever seeks out the greatest and the best, + And at the rudder places him, e'en though + She had been forced to take him from the rabble— + She, this necessity, it was that placed thee + In this high office; it was she that gave thee + Thy letters-patent of inauguration. + For, to the uttermost moment that they can, + This race still help themselves at cheapest rate + With slavish souls, with puppets! At the approach + Of extreme peril, when a hollow image + Is found a hollow image and no more, + Then falls the power into the mighty hands + Of nature, of the spirit-giant born, + Who listens only to himself, knows nothing + Of stipulations, duties, reverences, + And, like the emancipated force of fire, + Unmastered scorches, ere it reaches them, + Their fine-spun webs, their artificial policy. + + WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis true! they saw me always as I am— + Always! I did not cheat them in the bargain. + I never held it worth my pains to hide + The bold all-grasping habit of my soul. + + COUNTESS. + Nay rather—thou hast ever shown thyself + A formidable man, without restraint; + Hast exercised the full prerogatives + Of thy impetuous nature, which had been + Once granted to thee. Therefore, duke, not thou, + Who hast still remained consistent with thyself, + But they are in the wrong, who, fearing thee, + Intrusted such a power in hands they feared. + For, by the laws of spirit, in the right + Is every individual character + That acts in strict consistence with itself: + Self-contradiction is the only wrong. + Wert thou another being, then, when thou + Eight years ago pursuedst thy march with fire, + And sword, and desolation, through the circles + Of Germany, the universal scourge, + Didst mock all ordinances of the empire, + The fearful rights of strength alone exertedst, + Trampledst to earth each rank, each magistracy, + All to extend thy Sultan's domination? + Then was the time to break thee in, to curb + Thy haughty will, to teach thee ordinance. + But no, the emperor felt no touch of conscience; + What served him pleased him, and without a murmur + He stamped his broad seal on these lawless deeds. + What at that time was right, because thou didst it + For him, to-day is all at once become + Opprobrious, foul, because it is directed + Against him. O most flimsy superstition! + + WALLENSTEIN (rising). + I never saw it in this light before, + 'Tis even so. The emperor perpetrated + Deeds through my arm, deeds most unorderly. + And even this prince's mantle, which I wear, + I owe to what were services to him, + But most high misdemeanors 'gainst the empire. + + COUNTESS. + Then betwixt thee and him (confess it, Friedland!) + The point can be no more of right and duty, + Only of power and the opportunity. + That opportunity, lo! it comes yonder + Approaching with swift steeds; then with a swing + Throw thyself up into the chariot-seat, + Seize with firm hand the reins ere thy opponent + Anticipate thee, and himself make conquest + Of the now empty seat. The moment comes; + It is already here, when thou must write + The absolute total of thy life's vast sum. + The constellations stand victorious o'er thee, + The planets shoot good fortune in fair junctions, + And tell thee, "Now's the time!" The starry courses + Hast thou thy life-long measured to no purpose? + The quadrant and the circle, were they playthings? + + [Pointing to the different objects in the room. + + The zodiacs, the rolling orbs of heaven, + Hast pictured on these walls and all around thee. + In dumb, foreboding symbols hast thou placed + These seven presiding lords of destiny— + For toys? Is all this preparation nothing? + Is there no marrow in this hollow art, + That even to thyself it doth avail + Nothing, and has no influence over thee + In the great moment of decision? + + WALLENSTEIN (during this last speech walks up and down with inward + struggles, laboring with passion; stops suddenly, stands still, then + interrupting the COUNTESS). + Send Wrangel to me—I will instantly + Despatch three couriers—— + + ILLO (hurrying out). + God in heaven be praised! + + WALLENSTEIN. + It is his evil genius and mine. + Our evil genius! It chastises him + Through me, the instrument of his ambition; + And I expect no less, than that revenge + E'en now is whetting for my breast the poinard. + Who sows the serpent's teeth let him not hope + To reap a joyous harvest. Every crime + Has, in the moment of its perpetration, + Its own avenging angel—dark misgiving, + An ominous sinking at the inmost heart. + He can no longer trust me. Then no longer + Can I retreat—so come that which must come. + Still destiny preserves its due relations, + The heart within us is its absolute + Vicegerent. [To TERZKY. + Go, conduct you Gustave Wrangel + To my state cabinet. Myself will speak to + The couriers. And despatch immediately + A servant for Octavio Piccolomini. + + [To the COUNTESS, who cannot conceal her triumph. + + No exultation! woman, triumph not! + For jealous are the powers of destiny, + Joy premature, and shouts ere victory, + Encroach upon their rights and privileges. + We sow the seed, and they the growth determine. + + [While he is making his exit the curtain drops. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0010"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ACT II. +</h2> +<a name="2H_4_0011"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE I. +</h2> +<p> +SCENE as in the preceding Act. +</p> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI. + + WALLENSTEIN (coming forward in conversation). + He sends me word from Linz that he lies sick; + But I have sure intelligence that he + Secretes himself at Frauenberg with Gallas. + Secure them both, and send them to me hither. + Remember, thou takest on thee the command + Of those same Spanish regiments,—constantly + Make preparation, and be never ready; + And if they urge thee to draw out against me, + Still answer yes, and stand as thou went fettered. + I know, that it is doing thee a service + To keep thee out of action in this business. + Thou lovest to linger on in fair appearances; + Steps of extremity are not thy province, + Therefore have I sought out this part for thee. + Thou wilt this time be of most service to me + By thy inertness. The meantime, if fortune + Declare itself on my side, thou wilt know + What is to do. + + [Enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + Now go, Octavio. + This night must thou be off, take my own horses + Him here I keep with me—make short farewell— + Trust me, I think we all shall meet again + In joy and thriving fortunes. + + OCTAVIO (to his son). + I shall see you + Yet ere I go. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0012"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE II. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + MAX. (advances to him). + My general! + + WALLENSTEIN. + That I am no longer, if + Thou stylest thyself the emperor's officer. + + MAX. + Then thou wilt leave the army, general? + + WALLENSTEIN. + I have renounced the service of the emperor. + + MAX. + And thou wilt leave the army? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Rather hope I + To bind it nearer still and faster to me. + [He seats himself. + Yes, Max., I have delayed to open it to thee, + Even till the hour of acting 'gins to strike. + Youth's fortunate feeling doth seize easily + The absolute right, yea, and a joy it is + To exercise the single apprehension + Where the sums square in proof; + But where it happens, that of two sure evils + One must be taken, where the heart not wholly + Brings itself back from out the strife of duties, + There 'tis a blessing to have no election, + And blank necessity is grace and favor. + This is now present: do not look behind thee,— + It can no more avail thee. Look thou forwards! + Think not! judge not! prepare thyself to act! + The court—it hath determined on my ruin, + Therefore I will be beforehand with them. + We'll join the Swedes—right gallant fellows are they, + And our good friends. + [He stops himself, expecting PICCOLOMINI's answer. + I have taken thee by surprise. Answer me not: + I grant thee time to recollect thyself. + + [He rises, retires to the back of the stage. MAX. remains + for a long time motionless, in a trance of excessive anguish. + At his first motion WALLENSTEIN returns, and places himself + before him. + + MAX. + My general, this day thou makest me + Of age to speak in my own right and person, + For till this day I have been spared the trouble + To find out my own road. Thee have I followed + With most implicit, unconditional faith, + Sure of the right path if I followed thee. + To-day, for the first time, dost thou refer + Me to myself, and forcest me to make + Election between thee and my own heart. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Soft cradled thee thy fortune till to-day; + Thy duties thou couldst exercise in sport, + Indulge all lovely instincts, act forever + With undivided heart. It can remain + No longer thus. Like enemies, the roads + Start from each other. Duties strive with duties, + Thou must needs choose thy party in the war + Which is now kindling 'twixt thy friend and him + Who is thy emperor. + + MAX. + War! is that the name? + War is as frightful as heaven's pestilence, + Yet it is good, is it heaven's will as that is. + Is that a good war, which against the emperor + Thou wagest with the emperor's own army? + O God of heaven! what a change is this. + Beseems it me to offer such persuasion + To thee, who like the fixed star of the pole + Wert all I gazed at on life's trackless ocean? + O! what a rent thou makest in my heart! + The ingrained instinct of old reverence, + The holy habit of obediency, + Must I pluck life asunder from thy name? + Nay, do not turn thy countenance upon me— + It always was as a god looking upon me! + Duke Wallenstein, its power has not departed; + The senses still are in thy bonds, although + Bleeding, the soul hath freed itself. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Max., hear me. + + MAX. + Oh, do it not, I pray thee, do it not! + There is a pure and noble soul within thee, + Knows not of this unblest unlucky doing. + Thy will is chaste, it is thy fancy only + Which hath polluted thee—and innocence, + It will not let itself be driven away + From that world-awing aspect. Thou wilt not, + Thou canst not end in this. It would reduce + All human creatures to disloyalty + Against the nobleness of their own nature. + 'Twill justify the vulgar misbelief, + Which holdeth nothing noble in free will, + And trusts itself to impotence alone, + Made powerful only in an unknown power. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The world will judge me harshly, I expect it. + Already have I said to my own self + All thou canst say to me. Who but avoids + The extreme, can he by going round avoid it? + But here there is no choice. Yes, I must use + Or suffer violence—so stands the case, + There remains nothing possible but that. + + MAX. + Oh, that is never possible for thee! + 'Tis the last desperate resource of those + Cheap souls, to whom their honor, their good name, + Is their poor saving, their last worthless keep, + Which, having staked and lost, they staked themselves + In the mad rage of gaming. Thou art rich + And glorious; with an unpolluted heart + Thou canst make conquest of whate'er seems highest! + But he who once hath acted infamy + Does nothing more in this world. + + WALLENSTEIN (grasps his hand). + Calmly, Max.! + Much that is great and excellent will we + Perform together yet. And if we only + Stand on the height with dignity, 'tis soon + Forgotten, Max., by what road we ascended. + Believe me, many a crown shines spotless now, + That yet was deeply sullied in the winning. + To the evil spirit doth the earth belong, + Not to the good. All that the powers divine + Send from above are universal blessings + Their light rejoices us, their air refreshes, + But never yet was man enriched by them: + In their eternal realm no property + Is to be struggled for—all there is general. + The jewel, the all-valued gold we win + From the deceiving powers, depraved in nature, + That dwell beneath the day and blessed sunlight. + Not without sacrifices are they rendered + Propitious, and there lives no soul on earth + That e'er retired unsullied from their service. + + MAX. + Whate'er is human to the human being + Do I allow—and to the vehement + And striving spirit readily I pardon + The excess of action; but to thee, my general! + Above all others make I large concession. + For thou must move a world and be the master— + He kills thee who condemns thee to inaction. + So be it then! maintain thee in thy post + By violence. Resist the emperor, + And if it must be force with force repel; + I will not praise it, yet I can forgive it. + But not—not to the traitor—yes! the word + Is spoken out— + Not to the traitor can I yield a pardon. + That is no mere excess! that is no error + Of human nature—that is wholly different, + Oh, that is black, black as the pit of hell! + [WALLENSTEIN betrays a sudden agitation. + Thou canst not hear it named, and wilt thou do it? + O turn back to thy duty. That thou canst, + I hold it certain. Send me to Vienna; + I'll make thy peace for thee with the emperor. + He knows thee not. But I do know thee. He + Shall see thee, duke! with my unclouded eye, + And I bring back his confidence to thee. + + WALLENSTEIN. + It is too late! Thou knowest not what has happened. + + MAX. + Were it too late, and were things gone so far, + That a crime only could prevent thy fall, + Then—fall! fall honorably, even as thou stoodest, + Lose the command. Go from the stage of war! + Thou canst with splendor do it—do it too + With innocence. Thou hast lived much for others, + At length live thou for thy own self. I follow thee. + My destiny I never part from thine. + + WALLENSTEIN. + It is too late! Even now, while thou art losing + Thy words, one after another, are the mile-stones + Left fast behind by my post couriers, + Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra. + + [MAX. stands as convulsed, with a gesture and countenance + expressing the most intense anguish. + + Yield thyself to it. We act as we are forced. + I cannot give assent to my own shame + And ruin. Thou—no—thou canst not forsake me! + So let us do, what must be done, with dignity, + With a firm step. What am I doing worse + Than did famed Caesar at the Rubicon, + When he the legions led against his country, + The which his country had delivered to him? + Had he thrown down the sword, he had been lost. + As I were, if I but disarmed myself. + I trace out something in me of this spirit. + Give me his luck, that other thing I'll bear. + + [MAX. quits him abruptly. WALLENSTEIN startled and overpowered, + continues looking after him, and is still in this posture when + TERZKY enters. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0013"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE III. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY. + + TERZKY. + Max. Piccolomini just left you? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Where is Wrangel? + + TERZKY. + He is already gone. + + WALLENSTEIN. + In such a hurry? + + TERZKY. + It is as if the earth had swallowed him. + He had scarce left thee, when I went to seek him. + I wished some words with him—but he was gone. + How, when, and where, could no one tell me. + Nay, I half believe it was the devil himself; + A human creature could not so at once + Have vanished. + + ILLO (enters). + Is it true that thou wilt send + Octavio? + + TERZKY. + How, Octavio! Whither send him? + + WALLENSTEIN. + He goes to Frauenberg, and will lead hither + The Spanish and Italian regiments. + + ILLO. + No! + Nay, heaven forbid! + + WALLENSTEIN. + And why should heaven forbid? + + ILLO. + Him!—that deceiver! Wouldst thou trust to him + The soldiery? Him wilt thou let slip from thee, + Now in the very instant that decides us—— + + TERZKY. + Thou wilt not do this! No! I pray thee, no! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Ye are whimsical. + + ILLO. + O but for this time, duke, + Yield to our warning! Let him not depart. + + WALLENSTEIN. + And why should I not trust him only this time, + Who have always trusted him? What, then, has happened + That I should lose my good opinion of him? + In complaisance to your whims, not my own, + I must, forsooth, give up a rooted judgment. + Think not I am a woman. Having trusted him + E'en till to-day, to-day too will I trust him. + + TERZKY. + Must it be he—he only? Send another. + + WALLENSTEIN. + It must be he, whom I myself have chosen; + He is well fitted for the business. + Therefore I gave it him. + + ILLO. + Because he's an Italian— + Therefore is he well fitted for the business! + + WALLENSTEIN. + I know you love them not, nor sire nor son, + Because that I esteem them, love them, visibly + Esteem them, love them more than you and others, + E'en as they merit. Therefore are they eye-blights, + Thorns in your footpath. But your jealousies, + In what affect they me or my concerns? + Are they the worse to me because you hate them? + Love or hate one another as you will, + I leave to each man his own moods and likings; + Yet know the worth of each of you to me. + + ILLO. + Von Questenberg, while he was here, was always + Lurking about with this Octavio. + + WALLENSTEIN. + It happened with my knowledge and permission. + + ILLO. + I know that secret messengers came to him + From Gallas—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + That's not true. + + ILLO. + O thou art blind, + With thy deep-seeing eyes! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Thou wilt not shake + My faith for me; my faith, which founds itself + On the profoundest science. If 'tis false, + Then the whole science of the stars is false; + For know, I have a pledge from Fate itself, + That he is the most faithful of my friends. + + ILLO. + Hast thou a pledge that this pledge is not false? + + + </pre +<br /> +<br /> +<center> +<img alt="2pb312 (155K)" src="images/2pb312.jpg" height="772" width="488" /> +</center> +<br /> +<br /> +<pre> + + WALLENSTEIN. + There exist moments in the life of man, + When he is nearer the great Soul of the world + Than is man's custom, and possesses freely + The power of questioning his destiny: + And such a moment 'twas, when in the night + Before the action in the plains of Luetzen, + Leaning against a tree, thoughts crowding thoughts, + I looked out far upon the ominous plain. + My whole life, past and future, in this moment + Before my mind's eye glided in procession, + And to the destiny of the next morning + The spirit, filled with anxious presentiment, + Did knit the most removed futurity. + Then said I also to myself, "So many + Dost thou command. They follow all thy stars, + And as on some great number set their all + Upon thy single head, and only man + The vessel of thy fortune. Yet a day + Will come, when destiny shall once more scatter + All these in many a several direction: + Few be they who will stand out faithful to thee." + I yearned to know which one was faithfulest + Of all, my camp included. Great destiny, + Give me a sign! And he shall be the man, + Who, on the approaching morning, comes the first + To meet me with a token of his love: + And thinking this, I fell into a slumber, + Then midmost in the battle was I led + In spirit. Great the pressure and the tumult! + Then was my horse killed under me: I sank; + And over me away, all unconcernedly, + Drove horse and rider—and thus trod to pieces + I lay, and panted like a dying man; + Then seized me suddenly a savior arm; + It was Octavio's—I woke at once, + 'Twas broad day, and Octavio stood before me. + "My brother," said he, "do not ride to-day + The dapple, as you're wont; but mount the horse + Which I have chosen for thee. Do it, brother! + In love to me. A strong dream warned me so." + It was the swiftness of this horse that snatched me + From the hot pursuit of Bannier's dragoons. + My cousin rode the dapple on that day, + And never more saw I or horse or rider. + + ILLO. + That was a chance. + + WALLENSTEIN (significantly). + There's no such thing as chance + And what to us seems merest accident + Springs from the deepest source of destiny. + In brief, 'tis signed and sealed that this Octavio + Is my good angel—and now no word more. + + [He is retiring. + + TERZKY. + This is my comfort—Max. remains our hostage. + + ILLO. + And he shall never stir from here alive. + + WALLENSTEIN (stops and turns himself round). + Are ye not like the women, who forever + Only recur to their first word, although + One had been talking reason by the hour! + Know, that the human being's thoughts and deeds + Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved. + The inner world, his microcosmus, is + The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally. + They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit— + No juggling chance can metamorphose them. + Have I the human kernel first examined? + Then I know, too, the future will and action. + + [Exeunt. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0014"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE IV. +</h2> +<pre> + Chamber in the residence of Piccolomini: OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI + (attired for travelling), an ADJUTANT. + + OCTAVIO. + Is the detachment here? + + ADJUTANT. + It waits below. + + OCTAVIO. + And are the soldiers trusty, adjutant? + Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them? + + ADJUTANT. + From Tiefenbach's. + + OCTAVIO. + That regiment is loyal, + Keep them in silence in the inner court, + Unseen by all, and when the signal peals + Then close the doors, keep watch upon the house. + And all ye meet be instantly arrested. + [Exit ADJUTANT. + I hope indeed I shall not need their service, + So certain feel I of my well-laid plans; + But when an empire's safety is at stake + 'Twere better too much caution than too little. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0015"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE V. +</h2> +<pre> + A chamber in PICCOLOMINI's dwelling-house: OCTAVIO, + PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI, entering. + + ISOLANI. + Here am I—well! who comes yet of the others? + + OCTAVIO (with an air of mystery). + But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani. + + ISOLANI (assuming the same air of mystery). + Will it explode, ha? Is the duke about + To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place + Full confidence—nay, put me to the proof. + + OCTAVIO. + That may happen. + + ISOLANI. + Noble brother, I am + Not one of those men who in words are valiant, + And when it comes to action skulk away. + The duke has acted towards me as a friend: + God knows it is so; and I owe him all; + He may rely on my fidelity. + + OCTAVIO. + That will be seen hereafter. + + ISOLANI. + Be on your guard, + All think not as I think; and there are many + Who still hold with the court—yes, and they say + That these stolen signatures bind them to nothing. + + OCTAVIO. + Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so; + + ISOLANI. + Plague upon them! all the Germans think so + Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too, + Insist upon obedience to the court. + + OCTAVIO. + I am rejoiced to hear it. + + ISOLANI. + You rejoice? + + OCTAVIO. + That the emperor has yet such gallant servants, + And loving friends. + + ISOLANI. + Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. + They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you. + + OCTAVIO. + I am assured already. God forbid + That I should jest! In very serious earnest, + I am rejoiced to see an honest cause + So strong. + + ISOLANI. + The devil!—what!—why, what means this? + Are you not, then——For what, then, am I here? + + OCTAVIO. + That you may make full declaration, whether + You will be called the friend or enemy + Of the emperor. + + ISOLANI (with an air of defiance). + That declaration, friend, + I'll make to him in whom a right is placed + To put that question to me. + + OCTAVIO. + Whether, count, + That right is mine, this paper may instruct you. + + ISOLANI (stammering). + Why,—why—what! this is the emperor's hand and seal + [Reads. + "Whereas the officers collectively + Throughout our army will obey the orders + Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini, + As from ourselves."—Hem!—Yes! so!—Yes! yes! + I—I give you joy, lieutenant-general! + + OCTAVIO. + And you submit to the order? + + ISOLANI. + I— + But you have taken me so by surprise + Time for reflection one must have—— + + OCTAVIO. + Two minutes. + + ISOLANI. + My God! But then the case is—— + + OCTAVIO. + Plain and simple. + You must declare you, whether you determine + To act a treason 'gainst your lord and sovereign, + Or whether you will serve him faithfully. + + ISOLANI. + Treason! My God! But who talks then of treason? + + OCTAVIO. + That is the case. The prince-duke is a traitor— + Means to lead over to the enemy + The emperor's army. Now, count! brief and full— + Say, will you break your oath to the emperor? + Sell yourself to the enemy? Say, will you? + + ISOLANI. + What mean you? I—I break my oath, d'ye say, + To his imperial majesty? + Did I say so! When, when have I said that? + + OCTAVIO. + You have not said it yet—not yet. This instant + I wait to hear, count, whether you will say it. + + ISOLANI. + Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself + Bear witness for me that I never said so. + + OCTAVIO. + And you renounce the duke then? + + ISOLANI. + If he's planning + Treason—why, treason breaks all bonds asunder. + + OCTAVIO. + And are determined, too, to fight against him? + + ISOLANI. + He has done me service—but if he's a villain, + Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off. + + OCTAVIO. + I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed. + This night break off in the utmost secrecy + With all the light-armed troops—it must appear + As came the order from the duke himself. + At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous; + There will Count Gallas give you further orders. + + ISOLANI. + It shall be done. But you'll remember me + With the emperor—how well disposed you found me. + + OCTAVIO. + I will not fail to mention it honorably. + + [Exit ISOLANI. A SERVANT enters. + + What, Colonel Butler! Show him up. + + ISOLANI (returning). + Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father! + Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great + Person I had before me. + + OCTAVIO. + No excuses! + + ISOLANI. + I am a merry lad, and if at time + A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court + Amidst my wine,—you know no harm was meant. + + OCTAVIO. + You need not be uneasy on that score. + That has succeeded. Fortune favor us + With all the others only but as much. + + [Exit. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0016"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VI. +</h2> +<pre> + OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER. + + BUTLER. + At your command, lieutenant-general. + + OCTAVIO. + Welcome, as honored friend and visitor. + + BUTLER. + You do me too much honor. + + OCTAVIO (after both have seated themselves) + You have not + Returned the advances which I made you yesterday— + Misunderstood them as mere empty forms. + That wish proceeded from my heart—I was + In earnest with you—for 'tis now a time + In which the honest should unite most closely. + + BUTLER. + 'Tis only the like-minded can unite. + + OCTAVIO. + True! and I name all honest men like-minded. + I never charge a man but with those acts + To which his character deliberately + Impels him; for alas! the violence + Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts + The very best of us from the right track. + You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Gallas + Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend. + + BUTLER. + His words were lost on me. + + OCTAVIO. + It grieves me sorely + To hear it: for his counsel was most wise. + I had myself the like to offer. + + BUTLER. + Spare + Yourself the trouble—me the embarrassment. + To have deserved so ill your good opinion. + + OCTAVIO. + The time is precious—let us talk openly. + You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein + Meditates treason—I can tell you further, + He has committed treason; but few hours + Have past since he a covenant concluded + With the enemy. The messengers are now + Full on their way to Egra and to Prague. + To-morrow he intends to lead us over + To the enemy. But he deceives himself; + For prudence wakes—the emperor has still + Many and faithful friends here, and they stand + In closest union, mighty though unseen. + This manifesto sentences the duke— + Recalls the obedience of the army from him, + And summons all the loyal, all the honest, + To join and recognize in me their leader. + Choose—will you share with us an honest cause? + Or with the evil share an evil lot? + + BUTLER (rises). + His lot is mine. + + OCTAVIO. + Is that your last resolve? + + BUTLER. + It is. + + OCTAVIO. + Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler. + As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast + That rashly uttered word remains interred. + Recall it, Butler! choose a better party; + You have not chosen the right one. + + BUTLER (going). + Any other + Commands for me, lieutenant-general? + + OCTAVIO. + See your white hairs; recall that word! + + BUTLER. + Farewell! + + OCTAVIO. + What! Would you draw this good and gallant sword + In such a cause? Into a curse would you + Transform the gratitude which you have earned + By forty years' fidelity from Austria? + + BUTLER (laughing with bitterness). + Gratitude from the House of Austria! + + [He is going. + + OCTAVIO (permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him). + Butler! + + BUTLER. + What wish you? + + OCTAVIO. + How was't with the count? + + BUTLER. + Count? what? + + OCTAVIO (coldly). + The title that you wished, I mean. + + BUTLER (starts in sudden passion). + Hell and damnation! + + OCTAVIO (coldly). + You petitioned for it— + And your petition was repelled—was it so? + + BUTLER. + Your insolent scoff shall not go by unpunished. + Draw! + + OCTAVIO. + Nay! your sword to its sheath! and tell me calmly + How all that happened. I will not refuse you + Your satisfaction afterwards. Calmly, Butler! + + BUTLER. + Be the whole world acquainted with the weakness + For which I never can forgive myself, + Lieutenant-general! Yes; I have ambition. + Ne'er was I able to endure contempt. + It stung me to the quick that birth and title + Should have more weight than merit has in the army. + I would fain not be meaner than my equal, + So in an evil hour I let myself + Be tempted to that measure. It was folly! + But yet so hard a penance it deserved not. + It might have been refused; but wherefore barb + And venom the refusal with contempt? + Why dash to earth and crush with heaviest scorn + The gray-haired man, the faithful veteran? + Why to the baseness of his parentage + Refer him with such cruel roughness, only + Because he had a weak hour and forgot himself? + But nature gives a sting e'en to the worm + Which wanton power treads on in sport and insult. + + OCTAVIO. + You must have been calumniated. Guess you + The enemy who did you this ill service? + + BUTLER. + Be't who it will—a most low-hearted scoundrel! + Some vile court-minion must it be, some Spaniard; + Some young squire of some ancient family, + In whose light I may stand; some envious knave, + Stung to his soul by my fair self-earned honors! + + OCTAVIO. + But tell me, did the duke approve that measure? + + BUTLER. + Himself impelled me to it, used his interest + In my behalf with all the warmth of friendship. + + OCTAVIO. + Ay! are you sure of that? + + BUTLER. + I read the letter. + + OCTAVIO. + And so did I—but the contents were different. + [BUTLER is suddenly struck. + By chance I'm in possession of that letter— + Can leave it to your own eyes to convince you. + + [He gives him the letter. + + BUTLER. + Ha! what is this? + + OCTAVIO. + I fear me, Colonel Butler, + An infamous game have they been playing with you. + The duke, you say, impelled you to this measure? + Now, in this letter, talks he in contempt + Concerning you; counsels the minister + To give sound chastisement to your conceit, + For so he calls it. + + [BUTLER reads through the letter; his knees tremble, he seizes a + chair, and sinks clown in it. + + You have no enemy, no persecutor; + There's no one wishes ill to you. Ascribe + The insult you received to the duke only. + His aim is clear and palpable. He wished + To tear you from your emperor: he hoped + To gain from your revenge what he well knew + (What your long tried fidelity convinced him) + He ne'er could dare expect from your calm reason. + A blind tool would he make you, in contempt + Use you, as means of most abandoned ends. + He has gained his point. Too well has he succeeded + In luring you away from that good path + On which you had been journeying forty years! + + BUTLER (his voice trembling). + Can e'er the emperor's majesty forgive me? + + OCTAVIO. + More than forgive you. He would fain compensate + For that affront, and most unmerited grievance + Sustained by a deserving gallant veteran. + From his free impulse he confirms the present, + Which the duke made you for a wicked purpose. + The regiment, which you now command, is yours. + + [BUTLER attempts to rise, sinks down again. He labors inwardly + with violent emotions; tries to speak and cannot. At length + he takes his sword from the belt, and offers it to PICCOLOMINI. + + OCTAVIO. + What wish you? Recollect yourself, friend. + + BUTLER. + Take it. + + OCTAVIO. + But to what purpose? Calm yourself. + + BUTLER. + O take it! + I am no longer worthy of this sword. + + OCTAVIO. + Receive it then anew, from my hands—and + Wear it with honor for the right cause ever. + + BUTLER. + Perjure myself to such a gracious sovereign? + + OCTAVIO. + You'll make amends. Quick! break off from the duke! + + BUTLER. + Break off from him. + + OCTAVIO. + What now? Bethink thyself. + + BUTLER (no longer governing his emotion). + Only break off from him? He dies! he dies! + + OCTAVIO. + Come after me to Frauenberg, where now + All who are loyal are assembling under + Counts Altringer and Gallas. Many others + I've brought to a remembrance of their duty + This night be sure that you escape from Pilsen. + + BUTLER (strides up and down in excessive agitation, then steps up to + OCTAVIO with resolved countenance). + Count Piccolomini! dare that man speak + Of honor to you, who once broke his troth. + + OCTAVIO. + He who repents so deeply of it dares. + + BUTLER. + Then leave me here upon my word of honor! + + OCTAVIO. + What's your design? + + BUTLER. + Leave me and my regiment. + + OCTAVIO. + I have full confidence in you. But tell me + What are you brooding? + + BUTLER. + That the deed will tell you. + Ask me no more at present. Trust me. + Ye may trust safely. By the living God, + Ye give him over, not to his good angel! + Farewell. + [Exit BUTLER. + + SERVANT (enters with a billet). + A stranger left it, and is gone. + The prince-duke's horses wait for you below. + + [Exit SERVANT. + + OCTAVIO (reads). + "Be sure, make haste! Your faithful Isolani." + —O that I had but left this town behind me. + To split upon a rock so near the haven! + Away! This is no longer a safe place + For me! Where can my son be tarrying! +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0017"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VII. +</h2> +<pre> + OCTAVIO and MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + MAX. enters almost in a state of derangement, from extreme + agitation; his eyes roll wildly, his walk is unsteady, and he + appears not to observe his father, who stands at a distance, + and gazes at him with a countenance expressive of compassion. + He paces with long strides through the chamber, then stands still + again, and at last throws himself into a chair, staring vacantly + at the object directly before him. + + OCTAVIO (advances to him). + I am going off, my son. + [Receiving no answer, he takes his hands + My son, farewell. + + MAX. + Farewell. + + OCTAVIO. + Thou wilt soon follow me? + + MAX. + I follow thee? + Thy way is crooked—it is not my way. + [OCTAVIO drops his hand and starts back. + Oh, hadst thou been but simple and sincere, + Ne'er had it come to this—all had stood otherwise. + He had not done that foul and horrible deed, + The virtuous had retained their influence over him + He had not fallen into the snares of villains. + Wherefore so like a thief, and thief's accomplice + Didst creep behind him lurking for thy prey! + Oh, unblest falsehood! Mother of all evil! + Thou misery-making demon, it is thou + That sinkest us in perdition. Simple truth, + Sustainer of the world, had saved us all! + Father, I will not, I cannot excuse thee! + Wallenstein has deceived me—oh, most foully! + But thou has acted not much better. + + OCTAVIO. + Son + My son, ah! I forgive thy agony! + + MAX. (rises and contemplates his father with looks of suspicion). + Was't possible? hadst thou the heart, my father, + Hadst thou the heart to drive it to such lengths, + With cold premeditated purpose? Thou— + Hadst thou the heart to wish to see him guilty + Rather than saved? Thou risest by his fall. + Octavio, 'twill not please me. + + OCTAVIO. + God in heaven! + + MAX. + Oh, woe is me! sure I have changed my nature. + How comes suspicion here—in the free soul? + Hope, confidence, belief, are gone; for all + Lied to me, all that I e'er loved or honored. + No, no! not all! She—she yet lives for me, + And she is true, and open as the heavens + Deceit is everywhere, hypocrisy, + Murder, and poisoning, treason, perjury: + The single holy spot is our love, + The only unprofaned in human nature. + + OCTAVIO. + Max.!—we will go together. 'Twill be better. + + MAX. + What? ere I've taken a last parting leave, + The very last—no, never! + + OCTAVIO. + Spare thyself + The pang of necessary separation. + Come with me! Come, my son! + + [Attempts to take him with him. + + MAX. + No! as sure as God lives, no! + + OCTAVIO (more urgently). + Come with me, I command thee! I, thy father. + + MAX. + Command me what is human. I stay here. + + OCTAVIO. + Max.! in the emperor's name I bid thee come. + + MAX. + No emperor has power to prescribe + Laws to the heart; and wouldst thou wish to rob me + Of the sole blessing which my fate has left me, + Her sympathy? Must then a cruel deed + Be done with cruelty? The unalterable + Shall I perform ignobly—steal away, + With stealthy coward flight forsake her? No! + She shall behold my suffering, my sore anguish, + Hear the complaints of the disparted soul, + And weep tears o'er me. Oh! the human race + Have steely souls—but she is as an angel. + From the black deadly madness of despair + Will she redeem my soul, and in soft words + Of comfort, plaining, loose this pang of death! + + OCTAVIO. + Thou wilt not tear thyself away; thou canst not. + Oh, come, my son! I bid thee save thy virtue. + + MAX. + Squander not thou thy words in vain. + The heart I follow, for I dare trust to it. + + OCTAVIO (trembling, and losing all self-command). + Max.! Max.! if that most damned thing could be, + If thou—my son—my own blood—(dare I think it?) + Do sell thyself to him, the infamous, + Do stamp this brand upon our noble house, + Then shall the world behold the horrible deed, + And in unnatural combat shall the steel + Of the son trickle with the father's blood. + + MAX. + Oh, hadst thou always better thought of men, + Thou hadst then acted better. Curst suspicion, + Unholy, miserable doubt! To him + Nothing on earth remains unwrenched and firm + Who has no faith. + + OCTAVIO. + And if I trust thy heart, + Will it be always in thy power to follow it? + + MAX. + The heart's voice thou hast not o'erpowered—as little + Will Wallenstein be able to o'erpower it. + + OCTAVIO. + O, Max.! I see thee never more again! + + MAX. + Unworthy of thee wilt thou never see me. + + OCTAVIO. + I go to Frauenberg—the Pappenheimers + I leave thee here, the Lothrings too; Tsokana + And Tiefenbach remain here to protect thee. + They love thee, and are faithful to their oath, + And will far rather fall in gallant contest + Than leave their rightful leader and their honor. + + MAX. + Rely on this, I either leave my life + In the struggle, or conduct them out of Pilsen. + + OCTAVIO. + Farewell, my son! + + MAX. + Farewell! + + OCTAVIO. + How! not one look + Of filial love? No grasp of the hand at parting? + It is a bloody war to which we are going, + And the event uncertain and in darkness. + So used we not to part—it was not so! + Is it then true? I have a son no longer? + + [MAX. falls into his arms, they hold each other for a long time + in a speechless embrace, then go away at different sides. + + (The curtain drops.) +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0018"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ACT III. +</h2> +<a name="2H_4_0019"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE I. +</h2> +<pre> + A chamber in the house of the Duchess of Friedland. + + COUNTESS TERZKY, THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN (the two latter sit + at the same table at work). + + COUNTESS (watching them from the opposite side). + So you have nothing to ask me—nothing? + I have been waiting for a word from you. + And could you then endure in all this time + Not once to speak his name? + + [THEKLA remaining silent, the COUNTESS rises and advances to her. + + Why, how comes this? + Perhaps I am already grown superfluous, + And other ways exist, besides through me + Confess it to me, Thekla: have you seen him? + + THEKLA. + To-day and yesterday I have not seen him. + + COUNTESS. + And not heard from him, either? Come, be open. + + THEKLA. + No Syllable. + + COUNTESS. + And still you are so calm? + + THEKLA. + I am. + + COUNTESS. + May it please you, leave us, Lady Neubrunn. + + [Exit LADY NEUBRUNN. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0020"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE II. +</h2> +<pre> + The COUNTESS, THEKLA. + + COUNTESS. + It does not please me, princess, that he holds + Himself so still, exactly at this time. + + THEKLA. + Exactly at this time? + + COUNTESS. + He now knows all + 'Twere now the moment to declare himself. + + THEKLA. + If I'm to understand you, speak less darkly. + + COUNTESS. + 'Twas for that purpose that I bade her leave us. + Thekla, you are no more a child. Your heart + Is no more in nonage: for you love, + And boldness dwells with love—that you have proved + Your nature moulds itself upon your father's + More than your mother's spirit. Therefore may you + Hear what were too much for her fortitude. + + THEKLA. + Enough: no further preface, I entreat you. + At once, out with it! Be it what it may, + It is not possible that it should torture me + More than this introduction. What have you + To say to me? Tell me the whole, and briefly! + + COUNTESS. + You'll not be frightened—— + + THEKLA. + Name it, I entreat you. + + COUNTESS. + Lies within my power to do your father + A weighty service—— + + THEKLA. + Lies within my power. + + COUNTESS. + Max. Piccolomini loves you. You can link him + Indissolubly to your father. + + THEKLA. + I? + What need of me for that? And is he not + Already linked to him? + + COUNTESS. + He was. + + THEKLA. + And wherefore + Should he not be so now—not be so always? + + COUNTESS. + He cleaves to the emperor too. + + THEKLA. + Not more than duty + And honor may demand of him. + + COUNTESS. + We ask + Proofs of his love, and not proofs of his honor. + Duty and honor! + Those are ambiguous words with many meanings. + You should interpret them for him: his love + Should be the sole definer of his honor. + + THEKLA. + How? + + COUNTESS. + The emperor or you must he renounce. + + THEKLA. + He will accompany my father gladly + In his retirement. From himself you heard, + How much he wished to lay aside the sword. + + COUNTESS. + He must not lay the sword aside, we mean; + He must unsheath it in your father's cause. + + THEKLA. + He'll spend with gladness and alacrity + His life, his heart's blood in my father's cause, + If shame or injury be intended him. + + COUNTESS. + You will not understand me. Well, hear then: + Your father has fallen off from the emperor, + And is about to join the enemy + With the whole soldiery—— + + THEKLA. + Alas, my mother! + + COUNTESS. + There needs a great example to draw on + The army after him. The Piccolomini + Possess the love and reverence of the troops; + They govern all opinions, and wherever + They lead the way, none hesitate to follow. + The son secures the father to our interests— + You've much in your hands at this moment. + + THEKLA. + Ah, + My miserable mother! what a death-stroke + Awaits thee! No! she never will survive it. + + COUNTESS. + She will accommodate her soul to that + Which is and must be. I do know your mother: + The far-off future weighs upon her heart + With torture of anxiety; but is it + Unalterably, actually present, + She soon resigns herself, and bears it calmly. + + THEKLA. + O my foreboding bosom! Even now, + E'en now 'tis here, that icy hand of horror! + And my young hope lies shuddering in its grasp; + I knew it well—no sooner had I entered, + An heavy ominous presentiment + Revealed to me that spirits of death were hovering + Over my happy fortune. But why, think I + First of myself? My mother! O my mother! + + COUNTESS. + + Calm yourself! Break not out in vain lamenting! + Preserve you for your father the firm friend, + And for yourself the lover, all will yet + Prove good and fortunate. + + THEKLA. + Prove good! What good? + Must we not part; part ne'er to meet again? + + COUNTESS. + He parts not from you! He cannot part from you. + + THEKLA. + Alas, for his sore anguish! It will rend + His heart asunder. + + COUNTESS. + If indeed he loves you. + His resolution will be speedily taken. + + THEKLA. + His resolution will be speedily taken— + Oh, do not doubt of that! A resolution! + Does there remain one to be taken? + + COUNTESS. + Hush! + Collect yourself! I hear your mother coming. + + THERLA. + How shall I bear to see her? + + COUNTESS. + Collect yourself. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0021"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE III. +</h2> +<pre> + To them enter the DUCHESS. + + DUCHESS (to the COUNTESS). + Who was here, sister? I heard some one talking, + And passionately, too. + + COUNTESS. + Nay! there was no one. + + DUCHESS. + I am growing so timorous, every trifling noise + Scatters my spirits, and announces to me + The footstep of some messenger of evil. + And you can tell me, sister, what the event is? + Will he agree to do the emperor's pleasure, + And send the horse regiments to the cardinal? + Tell me, has he dismissed von Questenberg + With a favorable answer? + + COUNTESS. + No, he has not. + + DUCHESS. + Alas! then all is lost! I see it coming, + The worst that can come! Yes, they will depose him; + The accursed business of the Regensburg diet + Will all be acted o'er again! + + COUNTESS. + No! never! + Make your heart easy, sister, as to that. + + [THEKLA, in extreme agitation, throws herself upon her mother, + and enfolds her in her arms, weeping. + + DUCHESS. + Yes, my poor child! + Thou too hast lost a most affectionate godmother + In the empress. Oh, that stern, unbending man! + In this unhappy marriage what have I + Not suffered, not endured? For even as if + I had been linked on to some wheel of fire + That restless, ceaseless, whirls impetuous onward, + I have passed a life of frights and horrors with him, + And ever to the brink of some abyss + With dizzy headlong violence he bears me. + Nay, do not weep, my child. Let not my sufferings + Presignify unhappiness to thee, + Nor blacken with their shade the fate that waits thee. + There lives no second Friedland; thou, my child, + Hast not to fear thy mother's destiny. + + THEELA. + Oh, let us supplicate him, dearest mother! + Quick! quick! here's no abiding-place for us. + Here every coming hour broods into life + Some new affrightful monster. + + DUCHESS. + Thou wilt share + An easier, calmer lot, my child! We, too, + I and thy father, witnessed happy days. + Still think I with delight of those first years, + When he was making progress with glad effort, + When his ambition was a genial fire, + Not that consuming flame which now it is. + The emperor loved him, trusted him; and all + He undertook could not but be successful. + But since that ill-starred day at Regensburg, + Which plunged him headlong from his dignity, + A gloomy, uncompanionable spirit, + Unsteady and suspicious, has possessed him. + His quiet mind forsook him, and no longer + Did he yield up himself in joy and faith + To his old luck and individual power; + But thenceforth turned his heart and best affections + All to those cloudy sciences which never + Have yet made happy him who followed them. + + COUNTESS. + You see it, sister! as your eyes permit you, + But surely this is not the conversation + To pass the time in which we are waiting for him. + You know he will be soon here. Would you have him + Find her in this condition? + + DUCHESS. + Come, my child! + Come, wipe away thy tears, and show thy father + A cheerful countenance. See, the tie-knot here + Is off; this hair must not hang so dishevelled. + Come, dearest! dry thy tears up. They deform + Thy gentle eye. Well, now—what was I saying? + Yes, in good truth, this Piccolomini + Is a most noble and deserving gentleman. + + COUNTESS. + That is he, sister! + + THEKLA (to the COUNTESS, with marks of great oppression of spirits). + Aunt, you will excuse me? + + (Is going). + + COUNTESS. + But, whither? See, your father comes! + + THEKLA. + I cannot see him now. + + COUNTESS. + Nay, but bethink you. + + THEKLA. + Believe me, I cannot sustain his presence. + + COUNTESS. + But he will miss you, will ask after you. + + DUCHESS. + What, now? Why is she going? + + COUNTESS. + She's not well. + + DUCHESS (anxiously). + What ails, then, my beloved child? + + [Both follow the PRINCESS, and endeavor to detain her. During + this WALLENSTEIN appears, engaged in conversation with ILLO. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0022"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE IV. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, ILLO, COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA. + + WALLENSTEIN. + All quiet in the camp? + + ILLO. + It is all quiet. + + WALLENSTEIN. + In a few hours may couriers come from Prague + With tidings that this capital is ours. + Then we may drop the mask, and to the troops + Assembled in this town make known the measure + And its result together. In such cases + Example does the whole. Whoever is foremost + Still leads the herd. An imitative creature + Is man. The troops at Prague conceive no other, + Than that the Pilsen army has gone through + The forms of homage to us; and in Pilsen + They shall swear fealty to us, because + The example has been given them by Prague. + Butler, you tell me, has declared himself? + + ILLO. + At his own bidding, unsolicited, + He came to offer you himself and regiment. + + WALLENSTEIN, + I find we must not give implicit credence + To every warning voice that makes itself + Be listened to in the heart. To hold us back, + Oft does the lying spirit counterfeit + The voice of truth and inward revelation, + Scattering false oracles. And thus have I + To entreat forgiveness for that secretly. + I've wronged this honorable gallant man, + This Butler: for a feeling of the which + I am not master (fear I would not call it), + Creeps o'er me instantly, with sense of shuddering, + At his approach, and stops love's joyous motion. + And this same man, against whom I am warned, + This honest man is he who reaches to me + The first pledge of my fortune. + + ILLO. + And doubt not + That his example will win over to you + The best men in the army. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Go and send + Isolani hither. Send him immediately. + He is under recent obligations to me: + With him will I commence the trial. Go. + + [Exit ILLO. + + WALLENSTEIN (turns himself round to the females). + Lo, there's the mother with the darling daughter. + For once we'll have an interval of rest— + Come! my heart yearns to live a cloudless hour + In the beloved circle of my family. + + COUNTESS. + 'Tis long since we've been thus together, brother. + + WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS, aside). + Can she sustain the news? Is she prepared? + + COUNTESS. + Not yet. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Come here, my sweet girl! Seat thee by me, + For there is a good spirit on thy lips. + Thy mother praised to me thy ready skill; + She says a voice of melody dwells in thee, + Which doth enchant the soul. Now such a voice + Will drive away from me the evil demon + That beats his black wings close above my head. + + DUCHESS. + Where is thy lute, my daughter? Let thy father + Hear some small trial of thy skill. + + THEKLA. + My mother + I—— + + DUCHESS. + Trembling? Come, collect thyself. Go, cheer + Thy father. + + THEKLA. + O my mother! I—I cannot. + + COUNTESS. + How, what is that, niece? + + THEKLA (to the COUNTESS). + O spare me—sing—now—in this sore anxiety, + Of the overburdened soul—to sing to him + Who is thrusting, even now, my mother headlong + Into her grave. + + DUCHESS. + How, Thekla! Humorsome! + What! shall thy father have expressed a wish + In vain? + + COUNTESS. + Here is the lute. + + THEKLA. + My God! how can I—— + + [The orchestra plays. During the ritornello THEKLA expresses in her + gestures and countenance the struggle of her feelings; and at the + moment that she should begin to sing, contracts herself together, as + one shuddering, throws the instrument down, and retires abruptly. + + DUCHESS. + My child! Oh, she is ill—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + What ails the maiden? + Say, is she often so? + + COUNTESS. + Since then herself + Has now betrayed it, I too must no longer + Conceal it. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What? + + COUNTESS. + She loves him! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Loves him? Whom? + + COUNTESS. + Max. does she love! Max. Piccolomini! + Hast thou never noticed it? Nor yet my sister? + + DUCHESS. + Was it this that lay so heavy on her heart? + God's blessing on thee,—my sweet child! Thou needest + Never take shame upon thee for thy choice. + + COUNTESS. + This journey, if 'twere not thy aim, ascribe it + To thine own self. Thou shouldst have chosen another + To have attended her. + + WALLENSTEIN. + And does he know it? + + COUNTESS. + Yes, and he hopes to win her. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Hopes to win her! + Is the boy mad? + + COUNTESS. + Well—hear it from themselves. + + WALLENSTEIN. + He thinks to carry off Duke Friedland's daughter! + Ay? The thought pleases me. + The young man has no groveling spirit. + + COUNTESS. + Since + Such and such constant favor you have shown him—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + He chooses finally to be my heir. + And true it is, I love the youth; yea, honor him. + But must he therefore be my daughter's husband? + Is it daughters only? Is it only children + That we must show our favor by? + + DUCHESS. + His noble disposition and his manners—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Win him my heart, but not my daughter. + + DUCHESS. + Then + His rank, his ancestors—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Ancestors! What? + He is a subject, and my son-in-law + I will seek out upon the thrones of Europe. + + DUCHESS + O dearest Albrecht! Climb we not too high + Lest we should fall too low. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What! have I paid + A price so heavy to ascend this eminence, + And jut out high above the common herd, + Only to close the mighty part I play + In life's great drama with a common kinsman? + Have I for this—— + [Stops suddenly, repressing himself. + She is the only thing + That will remain behind of me on earth; + And I will see a crown around her head, + Or die in the attempt to place it there. + I hazard all—all! and for this alone, + To lift her into greatness. + Yea, in this moment, in the which we are speaking + [He recollects himself. + And I must now, like a soft-hearted father, + Couple together in good peasant fashion + The pair that chance to suit each other's liking— + And I must do it now, even now, when I + Am stretching out the wreath that is to twine + My full accomplished work—no! she is the jewel, + Which I have treasured long, my last, my noblest, + And 'tis my purpose not to let her from me + For less than a king's sceptre. + + DUCHESS. + O my husband! + You're ever building, building to the clouds, + Still building higher, and still higher building, + And ne'er reflect, that the poor narrow basis + Cannot sustain the giddy tottering column. + + WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS). + Have you announced the place of residence + Which I have destined for her? + + COUNTESS. + No! not yet, + 'Twere better you yourself disclosed it to her. + + DUCHESS. + How? Do we not return to Carinthia then? + + WALLENSTEIN. + No. + + DUCHESS. + And to no other of your lands or seats? + + WALLENSTEIN. + You would not be secure there. + + DUCHESS. + Not secure. + In the emperor's realms, beneath the emperor's + Protection? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Friedland's wife may be permitted + No longer to hope that. + + DUCHESS. + O God in heaven! + And have you brought it even to this! + + WALLENSTEIN. + In Holland + You'll find protection. + + DUCHESS + In a Lutheran country? + What? And you send us into Lutheran countries? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Duke Franz of Lauenburg conducts you thither. + + DUCHESS. + Duke Franz of Lauenburg? + The ally of Sweden, the emperor's enemy. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The emperor's enemies are mine no longer. + + DUCHESS (casting a look of terror on the DUKE and the COUNTESS). + Is it then true? It is. You are degraded + Deposed from the command? O God in heaven! + + COUNTESS (aside to the DUKE). + Leave her in this belief. Thou seest she cannot + Support the real truth. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0023"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE V. +</h2> +<pre> + To them enter COUNT TERZKY. + + COUNTESS. + Terzky! + What ails him? What an image of affright! + He looks as he had seen a ghost. + + TERZKY (leading WALLENSTEIN aside). + Is it thy command that all the Croats—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Mine! + + TERZKY. + We are betrayed. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What? + + TERZKY. + They are off! This night + The Jaegers likewise—all the villages + In the whole round are empty. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Isolani! + + TERZKY. + Him thou hast sent away. Yes, surely. + + WALLENSTEIN. + I? + + TERZKY. + No? Hast thou not sent him off? Nor Deodati? + They are vanished, both of them. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0024"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VI. +</h2> +<pre> + To them enter ILLO. + + ILLO. + Has Terzky told thee? + + TERZKY. + He knows all. + + ILLO. + And likewise + That Esterhatzy, Goetz, Maradas, Kaunitz, + Kolatto, Palfi, have forsaken thee. + + TERZKY. + Damnation! + + WALLENSTEIN (winks at them). + Hush! + + COUNTESS (who has been watching them anxiously from the distance and + now advances to them). + Terzky! Heaven! What is it? What has happened? + + WALLENSTEIN (scarcely suppressing his emotions). + Nothing! let us be gone! + + TERZKY (following him). + Theresa, it is nothing. + + COUNTESS (holding him back). + Nothing? Do I not see that all the life-blood + Has left your cheeks—look you not like a ghost? + That even my brother but affects a calmness? + + PAGE (enters). + An aide-de-camp inquires for the Count Terzky. + + [TERZKY follows the PAGE. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Go, hear his business. + [To ILLO. + This could not have happened + So unsuspected without mutiny. + Who was on guard at the gates? + + ILLO. + 'Twas Tiefenbach. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Let Tiefenbach leave guard without delay, + And Terzky's grenadiers relieve him. + [ILLO is going. + Stop! + Hast thou heard aught of Butler? + + ILLO. + Him I met + He will be here himself immediately. + Butler remains unshaken, + + [ILLO exit. WALLENSTEIN is following him. + + COUNTESS. + Let him not leave thee, sister! go, detain him! + There's some misfortune. + + DUCHESS (clinging to him). + Gracious Heaven! What is it? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Be tranquil! leave me, sister! dearest wife! + We are in camp, and this is naught unusual; + Here storm and sunshine follow one another + With rapid interchanges. These fierce spirits + Champ the curb angrily, and never yet + Did quiet bless the temples of the leader; + If I am to stay go you. The plaints of women + Ill suit the scene where men must act. + + [He is going: TERZKY returns. + + TERZKY. + Remain here. From this window must we see it. + + WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS). + Sister, retire! + + COUNTESS. + No—never! + + WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis my will. + + TERZKY (leads the COUNTESS aside, and drawing her attention + to the DUCHESS). + Theresa! + + DUCHESS. + Sister, come! since he commands it. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0025"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VII. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY. + + WALLENSTEIN (stepping to the window). + What now, then? + + TERZKY. + There are strange movements among all the troops, + And no one knows the cause. Mysteriously, + With gloomy silentness, the several corps + Marshal themselves, each under its own banners; + Tiefenbach's corps make threatening movements; only + The Pappenheimers still remain aloof + In their own quarters and let no one enter. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Does Piccolomini appear among them? + + TERZKY. + We are seeking him: he is nowhere to be met with. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What did the aide-de-camp deliver to you? + + TERZKY. + My regiments had despatched him; yet once more + They swear fidelity to thee, and wait + The shout for onset, all prepared, and eager. + + WALLENSTEIN. + But whence arose this larum in the camp? + It should have been kept secret from the army + Till fortune had decided for us at Prague. + + TERZKY. + Oh, that thou hadst believed me! Yester-evening + Did we conjure thee not to let that skulker, + That fox, Octavio, pass the gates of Pilsen. + Thou gavest him thy own horses to flee from thee. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The old tune still! Now, once for all, no more + Of this suspicion—it is doting folly. + + TERZKY. + Thou didst confide in Isolani too; + And lo! he was the first that did desert thee. + + WALLENSTEIN. + It was but yesterday I rescued him + From abject wretchedness. Let that go by; + I never reckoned yet on gratitude. + And wherein doth he wrong in going from me? + He follows still the god whom all his life + He has worshipped at the gaming-table. With + My fortune and my seeming destiny + He made the bond and broke it, not with me. + I am but the ship in which his hopes were stowed, + And with the which, well-pleased and confident, + He traversed the open sea; now he beholds it + In eminent jeopardy among the coast-rocks, + And hurries to preserve his wares. As light + As the free bird from the hospitable twig + Where it had nested he flies off from me: + No human tie is snapped betwixt us two. + Yea, he deserves to find himself deceived + Who seeks a heart in the unthinking man. + Like shadows on a stream, the forms of life + Impress their characters on the smooth forehead, + Naught sinks into the bosom's silent depth: + Quick sensibility of pain and pleasure + Moves the light fluids lightly; but no soul + Warmeth the inner frame. + + TERZKY. + Yet, would I rather + Trust the smooth brow than that deep furrowed one. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0026"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VIII. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, ILLO. + + ILLO (who enters agitated with rage). + Treason and mutiny! + + TERZKY. + And what further now? + + ILLO. + Tiefenbach's soldiers, when I gave the orders. + To go off guard—mutinous villains! + + TERZKY. + Well! + + WALLENSTEIN. + What followed? + + ILLO. + They refused obedience to them. + + TERZKY. + Fire on them instantly! Give out the order. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Gently! what cause did they assign? + + ILLO. + No other, + They said, had right to issue orders but + Lieutenant-General Piccolomini. + + WALLENSTEIN (in a convulsion of agony). + What? How is that? + + ILLO. + He takes that office on him by commission, + Under sign-manual from the emperor. + + TERZKY. + From the emperor—hearest thou, duke? + + ILLO. + At his incitement + The generals made that stealthy flight—— + + TERZKY. + Duke, hearest thou? + + ILLO. + Caraffa too, and Montecuculi, + Are missing, with six other generals, + All whom he had induced to follow him. + This plot he has long had in writing by him + From the emperor; but 'twas finally concluded, + With all the detail of the operation, + Some days ago with the Envoy Questenberg. + + [WALLENSTEIN sinks down into a chair and covers his face. + + TERZKY. + Oh, hadst thou but believed me! +</pre> +<center> +SCENE IX. +</center> +<pre> + To them enter the COUNTESS. + + COUNTESS. + This suspense, + This horrid fear—I can no longer bear it. + For heaven's sake tell me what has taken place? + + ILLO. + The regiments are falling off from us. + + TERZKY. + Octavio Piccolomini is a traitor. + + COUNTESS. + O my foreboding! + + [Rushes out of the room. + + TERZKY. + Hadst thou but believed me! + Now seest thou how the stars have lied to thee. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The stars lie not; but we have here a work + Wrought counter to the stars and destiny. + The science is still honest: this false heart + Forces a lie on the truth-telling heaven, + On a divine law divination rests; + Where nature deviates from that law, and stumbles + Out of her limits, there all science errs. + True I did not suspect! Were it superstition + Never by such suspicion to have affronted + The human form, oh, may the time ne'er come + In which I shame me of the infirmity. + The wildest savage drinks not with the victim, + Into whose breast he means to plunge the sword. + This, this, Octavio, was no hero's deed + 'Twas not thy prudence that did conquer mine; + A bad heart triumphed o'er an honest one. + No shield received the assassin stroke; thou plungest + Thy weapon on an unprotected breast— + Against such weapons I am but a child. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0027"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE X. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter BUTLER. + + TERZKY (meeting him). + Oh, look there, Butler! Here we've still a friend! + + WALLENSTEIN (meets him with outspread arms and embraces him with warmth). + Come to my heart, old comrade! Not the sun + Looks out upon us more revivingly, + In the earliest month of spring, + Than a friend's countenance in such an hour. + + BUTLER. + My general; I come—— + + WALLENSTEIN (leaning on BUTLER'S shoulder). + Knowest thou already + That old man has betrayed me to the emperor. + What sayest thou? Thirty years have we together + Lived out, and held out, sharing joy and hardship. + We have slept in one camp-bed, drank from one glass, + One morsel shared! I leaned myself on him, + As now I lean me on thy faithful shoulder, + And now in the very moment when, all love, + All confidence, my bosom beat to his + He sees and takes the advantage, stabs the knife + Slowly into my heart. + + [He hides his face on BUTLER's breast. + + BUTLER. + Forget the false one. + What is your present purpose? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Well remembered! + Courage, my soul! I am still rich in friends, + Still loved by destiny; for in the moment + That it unmasks the plotting hypocrite + It sends and proves to me one faithful heart. + Of the hypocrite no more! Think not his loss + Was that which struck the pang: Oh, no! his treason + Is that which strikes the pang! No more of him! + Dear to my heart, and honored were they both, + And the young man—yes—he did truly love me, + He—he—has not deceived me. But enough, + Enough of this—swift counsel now beseems us. + The courier, whom Count Kinsky sent from Prague, + I expect him every moment: and whatever + He may bring with him we must take good care + To keep it from the mutineers. Quick then! + Despatch some messenger you can rely on + To meet him, and conduct him to me. + + [ILLO is going. + + BUTLER (detaining him). + My general, whom expect you then? + + WALLENSTEIN. + The courier + Who brings me word of the event at Prague. + + BUTLER (hesitating). + Hem! + + WALLENSTEIN. + And what now? + + BUTLER. + You do not know it? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Well? + + BUTLER. + From what that larum in the camp arose? + + WALLENSTEIN. + From what? + + BUTLER. + That courier—— + + WALLENSTEIN (with eager expectation). + Well? + + BUTLER. + Is already here. + + TERZKY and ILLO (at the same time). + Already here? + + WALLENSTEIEN. + My courier? + + BUTLER. + For some hours. + + WALLENSTEIN. + And I not know it? + + BUTLER. + The sentinels detain him + In custody. + + ILLO (stamping with his foot). + Damnation! + + BUTLER. + And his letter + Was broken open, and is circulated + Through the whole camp. + + WALLENSTEIN. + You know what it contains? + + BUTLER. + Question me not. + + TERZKY. + Illo! Alas for us. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Hide nothing from me—I can bear the worst. + Prague then is lost. It is. Confess it freely. + + BUTLER. + Yes! Prague is lost. And all the several regiments + At Budweiss, Tabor, Braunau, Koenigingratz, + At Brunn, and Znaym, have forsaken you, + And taken the oaths of fealty anew + To the emperor. Yourself, with Kinsky, Terzky, + And Illo have been sentenced. + + [TERZKY and ILLO express alarm and fury. WALLENSTEIN remains + firm and collected. + + WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis decided! 'Tis well! I have received a sudden cure + From all the pangs of doubt: with steady stream + Once more my life-blood flows! My soul's secure! + In the night only Friedland stars can beam. + Lingering irresolute, with fitful fears + I drew the sword—'twas with an inward strife, + While yet the choice was mine. The murderous knife + Is lifted for my heart! Doubt disappears! + I fight now for my head and for my life. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN; the others follow him. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0028"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XI. +</h2> +<pre> + COUNTESS TERZKY (enters from a side room). + I can endure no longer. No! + [Looks around her. + Where are they! + No one is here. They leave me all alone, + Alone in this sore anguish of suspense. + And I must wear the outward show of calmness + Before my sister, and shut in within me + The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom. + It is not to be borne. If all should fail; + If—if he must go over to the Swedes, + An empty-handed fugitive, and not + As an ally, a covenanted equal, + A proud commander with his army following, + If we must wander on from land to land, + Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness + An ignominious monument. But no! + That day I will not see! And could himself + Endure to sink so low, I would not bear + To see him so low sunken. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0029"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XII. +</h2> +<pre> + COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA. + + THEKLA (endeavoring to hold back the DUCHESS) + Dear mother, do stay here! + + DUCHESS. + No! Here is yet + Some frightful mystery that is hidden from me. + Why does my sister shun me? Don't I see her + Full of suspense and anguish roam about + From room to room? Art thou not full of terror? + And what import these silent nods and gestures + Which stealthwise thou exchangest with her? + + THEKLA. + Nothing + Nothing, dear mother! + + DUCHESS (to the COUNTESS). + Sister, I will know. + + COUNTESS. + What boots it now to hide it from her? Sooner + Or later she must learn to hear and bear it. + 'Tis not the time now to indulge infirmity; + Courage beseems us now, a heart collect, + And exercise and previous discipline + Of fortitude. One word, and over with it! + Sister, you are deluded. You believe + The duke has been deposed—the duke is not + Deposed—he is—— + + THEKLA (going to the COUNTESS), + What? do you wish to kill her? + + COUNTESS. + The duke is—— + + THEKLA (throwing her arms round her mother). + Oh, stand firm! stand firm, my mother! + + COUNTESS. + Revolted is the duke; he is preparing + To join the enemy; the army leave him, + And all has failed. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0030"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XIII. +</h2> +<pre> + A spacious room in the Duke of Friedland's palace. + + WALLENSTEIN (in armor). + Thou hast gained thy point, Octavio! Once more am I + Almost as friendless as at Regensburg. + There I had nothing left me but myself; + But what one man can do you have now experience. + The twigs have you hewed off, and here I stand + A leafless trunk. But in the sap within + Lives the creating power, and a new world + May sprout forth from it. Once already have I + Proved myself worth an army to you—I alone! + Before the Swedish strength your troops had melted; + Beside the Lech sank Tilly, your last hope; + Into Bavaria, like a winter torrent, + Did that Gustavus pour, and at Vienna + In his own palace did the emperor tremble. + Soldiers were scarce, for still the multitude + Follow the luck: all eyes were turned on me, + Their helper in distress; the emperor's pride + Bowed itself down before the man he had injured. + 'Twas I must rise, and with creative word + Assemble forces in the desolate camps. + I did it. Like a god of war my name + Went through the world. The drum was beat; and, to + The plough, the workshop is forsaken, all + Swarm to the old familiar long loved banners; + And as the wood-choir rich in melody + Assemble quick around the bird of wonder, + When first his throat swells with his magic song, + So did the warlike youth of Germany + Crowd in around the image of my eagle. + I feel myself the being that I was. + It is the soul that builds itself a body, + And Friedland's camp will not remain unfilled. + Lead then your thousands out to meet me—true! + They are accustomed under me to conquer, + But not against me. If the head and limbs + Separate from each other, 'twill be soon + Made manifest in which the soul abode. + + (ILLO and TERZKY enter.) + + Courage, friends! courage! we are still unvanquished; + I feel my footing firm; five regiments, Terzky, + Are still our own, and Butler's gallant troops; + And an host of sixteen thousand Swedes to-morrow. + I was not stronger when, nine years ago, + I marched forth, with glad heart and high of hope, + To conquer Germany for the emperor. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0031"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XIV. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, ILLO, TERZKY. + + (To them enter NEUMANN, who leads TERZKY aside, + and talks with him.) + + TERZKY. + What do they want? + + WALLENSTEIN. + What now? + + TERZKY. + Ten cuirassiers + From Pappenheim request leave to address you + In the name of the regiment. + + WALLENSTEIN (hastily to NEUMANN). + Let them enter. + [Exit NEUMANN. + This + May end in something. Mark you. They are still + Doubtful, and may be won. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0032"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XV. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, ILLO, ten CUIRASSIERS (led by an ANSPESSADE + <a href="#note-4" name="noteref-4">4</a>, march up and arrange themselves, after the word of command, + in one front before the DUKE, and make their obeisance. He takes + his hat off, and immediately covers himself again). + + ANSPESSADE. + Halt! Front! Present! + + WALLENSTEIN (after he has run through them with his eye, to the + ANSPESSADE). + I know thee well. Thou art out of Brueggen in Flanders: + Thy name is Mercy. + + ANSPESSADE. + Henry Mercy. + + WALLENSTEIN. Thou were cut off on the march, surrounded by the Hessians, + and didst fight thy way with an hundred and eighty men through their + thousand. + + ANSPESSADE. 'Twas even so, general! + + WALLENSTEIN. What reward hadst thou for this gallant exploit? + + ANSPESSADE. That which I asked for: the honor to serve in this corps. + + WALLENSTEIN (turning to a second). Thou wert among the volunteers that + seized and made booty of the Swedish battery at Altenburg. + + SECOND CUIRASSIER. Yes, general! + + WALLENSTEIN. I forget no one with whom I have exchanged words. + (A pause.) Who sends you? + + ANSPESSADE. Your noble regiment, the cuirassiers of Piccolomini. + + WALLENSTEIN. Why does not your colonel deliver in your request according + to the custom of service? + + ANSPESSADE. Because we would first know whom we serve. + + WALLENSTEIN. Begin your address. + + ANSPESSADE (giving the word of command). Shoulder your arms! + + WALLENSTEIN (turning to a third). Thy name is Risbeck; Cologne is thy + birthplace. + + THIRD CUIRASSIER. Risbeck of Cologne. + + WALLENSTEIN. It was thou that broughtest in the Swedish colonel Duebald, + prisoner, in the camp at Nuremberg. + + THIRD CUIRASSIER. It was not I, general. + + WALLENSTRIN. Perfectly right! It was thy elder brother: thou hadst a + younger brother, too: where did he stay? + + THIRD CUIRASSIER. He is stationed at Olmutz, with the imperial army. + + WALLENSTEIN (to the ANSPESSADE). Now then—begin. + + ANSPESSADE. + There came to hand a letter from the emperor + Commanding us—— + + WALLENSTEIN (interrupting him). + Who chose you? + + ANSPESSADE. + Every company + Drew its own man by lot. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Now! to the business. + + ANSPESSADE. + There came to hand a letter from the emperor + Commanding us, collectively, from thee + All duties of obedience to withdraw, + Because thou wert an enemy and traitor. + + WALLENSTEIN. + And what did you determine? + + ANSPESSADE. + All our comrades + At Braunau, Budweiss, Prague, and Olmutz, have + Obeyed already; and the regiments here, + Tiefenbach and Toscano, instantly + Did follow their example. But—but we + Do not believe that thou art an enemy + And traitor to thy country, hold it merely + For lie and trick, and a trumped-up Spanish story! + [With warmth. + Thyself shall tell us what thy purpose is, + For we have found thee still sincere and true + No mouth shall interpose itself betwixt + The gallant general and the gallant troops. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Therein I recognize my Pappenheimers. + + ANSPESSADE. + And this proposal makes thy regiment to thee: + Is it thy purpose merely to preserve + In thine own hands this military sceptre, + Which so becomes thee, which the emperor + Made over to thee by a covenant! + Is it thy purpose merely to remain + Supreme commander of the Austrian armies? + We will stand by thee, general! and guarantee + Thy honest rights against all opposition. + And should it chance, that all the other regiments + Turn from thee, by ourselves we will stand forth + Thy faithful soldiers, and, as is our duty, + Far rather let ourselves be cut to pieces + Than suffer thee to fall. But if it be + As the emperor's letter says, if it be true, + That thou in traitorous wise wilt lead us over + To the enemy, which God in heaven forbid! + Then we too will forsake thee, and obey + That letter—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Hear me, children! + + ANSPESSADE. + Yes, or no, + There needs no other answer. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Yield attention. + You're men of sense, examine for yourselves; + Ye think, and do not follow with the herd: + And therefore have I always shown you honor + Above all others, suffered you to reason; + Have treated you as free men, and my orders + Were but the echoes of your prior suffrage. + + ANSPESSADE. + Most fair and noble has thy conduct been + To us, my general! With thy confidence + Thou has honored us, and shown us grace and favor + Beyond all other regiments; and thou seest + We follow not the common herd. We will + Stand by thee faithfully. Speak but one word— + Thy word shall satisfy us that it is not + A treason which thou meditatest—that + Thou meanest not to lead the army over + To the enemy; nor e'er betray thy country. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Me, me are they betraying. The emperor + Hath sacrificed me to my enemies, + And I must fall, unless my gallant troops + Will rescue me. See! I confide in you. + And be your hearts my stronghold! At this breast + The aim is taken, at this hoary head. + This is your Spanish gratitude, this is our + Requital for that murderous fight at Luetzen! + For this we threw the naked breast against + The halbert, made for this the frozen earth + Our bed, and the hard stone our pillow! never stream + Too rapid for us, nor wood too impervious; + With cheerful spirit we pursued that Mansfeldt + Through all the turns and windings of his flight: + Yea, our whole life was but one restless march: + And homeless, as the stirring wind, we travelled + O'er the war-wasted earth. And now, even now, + That we have well-nigh finished the hard toil, + The unthankful, the curse-laden toil of weapons, + With faithful indefatigable arm + Have rolled the heavy war-load up the hill, + Behold! this boy of the emperor's bears away + The honors of the peace, an easy prize! + He'll weave, forsooth, into his flaxen locks + The olive branch, the hard-earned ornament + Of this gray head, grown gray beneath the helmet. + + ANSPESSADE. + That shall he not, while we can hinder it! + No one, but thou, who has conducted it + With fame, shall end this war, this frightful war. + Thou leadest us out to the bloody field + Of death; thou and no other shalt conduct us home, + Rejoicing, to the lovely plains of peace— + Shalt share with us the fruits of the long toil. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What! Think you then at length in late old age + To enjoy the fruits of toil? Believe it not. + Never, no never, will you see the end + Of the contest! you and me, and all of us, + This war will swallow up! War, war, not peace, + Is Austria's wish; and therefore, because I + Endeavored after peace, therefore I fall. + For what cares Austria how long the war + Wears out the armies and lays waste the world! + She will but wax and grow amid the ruin + And still win new domains. + [The CUIRASSIERS express agitation by their gestures. + Ye're moved—I see + A noble rage flash from your eyes, ye warriors! + Oh, that my spirit might possess you now + Daring as once it led you to the battle + Ye would stand by me with your veteran arms, + Protect me in my rights; and this is noble! + But think not that you can accomplish it, + Your scanty number! to no purpose will you + Have sacrificed you for your general. + [Confidentially. + No! let us tread securely, seek for friends; + The Swedes have proffered us assistance, let us + Wear for a while the appearance of good-will, + And use them for your profit, till we both + Carry the fate of Europe in our hands, + And from our camp to the glad jubilant world + Lead peace forth with the garland on her head! + + ANSPESSADE. + 'Tis then but mere appearances which thou + Dost put on with the Swede! Thou'lt not betray + The emperor? Wilt not turn us into Swedes? + This is the only thing which we desire + To learn from thee. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What care I for the Swedes? + I hate them as I hate the pit of hell, + And under Providence I trust right soon + To chase them to their homes across their Baltic. + My cares are only for the whole: I have + A heart—it bleeds within me for the miseries + And piteous groanings of my fellow-Germans. + Ye are but common men, but yet ye think + With minds not common; ye appear to me + Worthy before all others, that I whisper thee + A little word or two in confidence! + See now! already for full fifteen years, + The war-torch has continued burning, yet + No rest, no pause of conflict. Swede and German, + Papist and Lutheran! neither will give way + To the other; every hand's against the other. + Each one is party and no one a judge. + Where shall this end? Where's he that will unravel + This tangle, ever tangling more and more + It must be cut asunder. + I feel that I am the man of destiny, + And trust, with your assistance, to accomplish it. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0033"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XVI. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter BUTLER. + + BUTLER (passionately). + General! this is not right! + + WALLENSTEIN. + What is not right? + + BUTLER. + It must needs injure us with all honest men. + + WALLENSTEIN. + But what? + + BUTLER. + It is an open proclamation + Of insurrection. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Well, well—but what is it? + + BUTLER. + Count Terzky's regiments tear the imperial eagle + From off his banners, and instead of it + Have reared aloft their arms. + + ANSPESSADE (abruptly to the CUIRASSIERS). + Right about! March! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Cursed be this counsel, and accursed who gave it! + [To the CUIRASSIERS, who are retiring. + Halt, children, halt! There's some mistake in this; + Hark! I will punish it severely. Stop + They do not hear. (To ILLO). Go after them, assure them, + And bring them back to me, cost what it may. + + [ILLO hurries out. + + This hurls us headlong. Butler! Butler! + You are my evil genius, wherefore must you + Announce it in their presence? It was all + In a fair way. They were half won! those madmen + With their improvident over-readiness— + A cruel game is Fortune playing with me. + The zeal of friends it is that razes me, + And not the hate of enemies. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0034"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XVII. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter the DUCHESS, who rushes into the chamber; + THEKLA and the COUNTESS follow her. + + DUCHESS. + O Albrecht! + What hast thou done? + + WALLENSTEIN. + And now comes this beside. + + COUNTESS. + Forgive me, brother! It was not in my power— + They know all. + + DUCHESS. + What hast thou done? + + COUNTESS (to TERZKY). + Is there no hope? Is all lost utterly? + + TERZKY. + All lost. No hope. Prague in the emperor's hands, + The soldiery have taken their oaths anew. + + COUNTESS. + That lurking hypocrite, Octavio! + Count Max. is off too. + + TERZKY. + Where can he be? He's + Gone over to the emperor with his father. + + [THEKLA rushes out into the arms of her mother, hiding her face + in her bosom. + + DUCHESS (enfolding her in her arms). + Unhappy child! and more unhappy mother! + + WALLENSTEIN (aside to TERZKY). + Quick! Let a carriage stand in readiness + In the court behind the palace. Scherfenberg, + Be their attendant; he is faithful to us. + To Egra he'll conduct them, and we follow. + [To ILLO, who returns. + Thou hast not brought them back? + + ILLO. + Hear'st thou the uproar? + The whole corps of the Pappenheimers is + Drawn out: the younger Piccolomini, + Their colonel, they require: for they affirm, + That he is in the palace here, a prisoner; + And if thou dost not instantly deliver him, + They will find means to free him with the sword. + + [All stand amazed. + + TERZKY. + What shall we make of this? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Said I not so? + O my prophetic heart! he is still here. + He has not betrayed me—he could not betray me. + I never doubted of it. + + COUNTESS. + If he be + Still here, then all goes well; for I know what + [Embracing THEKLA. + Will keep him here forever. + + TERZKY. + It can't be. + His father has betrayed us, is gone over + To the emperor—the son could not have ventured + To stay behind. + + THEKLA (her eye fixed on the door). + There he is! +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0035"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XVIII. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + MAX. + Yes, here he is! I can endure no longer + To creep on tiptoe round this house, and lurk + In ambush for a favorable moment: + This loitering, this suspense exceeds my powers. + + [Advancing to THEKLA, who has thrown herself into her mother's arms. + + Turn not thine eyes away. O look upon me! + Confess it freely before all. Fear no one. + Let who will hear that we both love each other. + Wherefore continue to conceal it? Secrecy + Is for the happy—misery, hopeless misery, + Needeth no veil! Beneath a thousand suns + It dares act openly. + + [He observes the COUNTESS looking on THEKLA with expressions + of triumph. + + No, lady! No! + Expect not, hope it not. I am not come + To stay: to bid farewell, farewell forever. + For this I come! 'Tis over! I must leave thee! + Thekla, I must—must leave thee! Yet thy hatred + Let me not take with me. I pray thee, grant me + One look of sympathy, only one look. + Say that thou dost not hate me. Say it to me, Thekla! + + [Grasps her hand. + + O God! I cannot leave this spot—I cannot! + Cannot let go this hand. O tell me, Thekla! + That thou dost suffer with me, art convinced + That I cannot act otherwise. + + [THEKLA, avoiding his look, points with her hand to her father. + MAX. turns round to the DUKE, whom he had not till then perceived. + + Thou here? It was not thou whom here I sought. + I trusted never more to have beheld thee, + My business is with her alone. Here will I + Receive a full acquittal from this heart; + For any other I am no more concerned. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Think'st thou that, fool-like, I shall let thee go, + And act the mock-magnanimous with thee? + Thy father is become a villain to me; + I hold thee for his son, and nothing more + Nor to no purpose shalt thou have been given + Into my power. Think not, that I will honor + That ancient love, which so remorselessly + He mangled. They are now passed by, those hours + Of friendship and forgiveness. Hate and vengeance + Succeed—'tis now their turn—I too can throw + All feelings of the man aside—can prove + Myself as much a monster as thy father! + + MAX (calmly). + Thou wilt proceed with me as thou hast power. + Thou knowest I neither brave nor fear thy rage. + What has detained me here, that too thou knowest. + [Taking THEKLA by the hand. + See, duke! All—all would I have owed to thee, + Would have received from thy paternal hand + The lot of blessed spirits. That hast thou + Laid waste forever—that concerns not thee. + Indifferent thou tramplest in the dust + Their happiness who most are thine. The god + Whom thou dost serve is no benignant deity, + Like as the blind, irreconcilable, + Fierce element, incapable of compact. + Thy heart's wild impulse only dost thou follow. <a href="#note-5" name="noteref-5">5</a> + + WALLENSTEIN. + Thou art describing thy own father's heart. + The adder! Oh, the charms of hell o'erpowered me + He dwelt within me, to my inmost soul + Still to and fro he passed, suspected never. + On the wide ocean, in the starry heaven + Did mine eyes seek the enemy, whom I + In my heart's heart had folded! Had I been + To Ferdinand what Octavio was to me, + War had I ne'er denounced against him. + No, I never could have done it. The emperor was + My austere master only, not my friend. + There was already war 'twixt him and me + When he delivered the commander's staff + Into my hands; for there's a natural + Unceasing war twixt cunning and suspicion; + Peace exists only betwixt confidence + And faith. Who poisons confidence, he murders + The future generations. + + MAX. + I will not + Defend my father. Woe is me, I cannot! + Hard deeds and luckless have taken place; one crime + Drags after it the other in close link. + But we are innocent: how have we fallen + Into this circle of mishap and guilt? + To whom have we been faithless? Wherefore must + The evil deeds and guilt reciprocal + Of our two fathers twine like serpents round us? + Why must our fathers' + Unconquerable hate rend us asunder, + Who love each other? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Max., remain with me. + Go you not from me, Max.! Hark! I will tell thee—— + How when at Prague, our winter quarters, thou + Wert brought into my tent a tender boy, + Not yet accustomed to the German winters; + Thy hand was frozen to the heavy colors; + Thou wouldst not let them go. + At that time did I take thee in my arms, + And with my mantle did I cover thee; + I was thy nurse, no woman could have been + A kinder to thee; I was not ashamed + To do for thee all little offices, + However strange to me; I tended thee + Till life returned; and when thine eyes first opened, + I had thee in my arms. Since then, when have + Altered my feelings toward thee? Many thousands + Have I made rich, presented them with lands; + Rewarded them with dignities and honors; + Thee have I loved: my heart, my self, I gave + To thee; They all were aliens: thou wert + Our child and inmate. <a href="#note-6" name="noteref-6">6</a> Max.! Thou canst not leave me; + It cannot be; I may not, will not think + That Max. can leave me. + + MAX. + Oh, my God! + + WALLENSTEIN + I have + Held and sustained thee from thy tottering childhood. + What holy bond is there of natural love, + What human tie that does not knit thee to me? + I love thee, Max.! What did thy father for thee, + Which I too have not done, to the height of duty? + Go hence, forsake me, serve thy emperor; + He will reward thee with a pretty chain + Of gold; with his ram's fleece will he reward thee; + For that the friend, the father of thy youth, + For that the holiest feeling of humanity, + Was nothing worth to thee. + + MAX. + O God! how can I + Do otherwise. Am I not forced to do it, + My oath—my duty—my honor—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + How? Thy duty? + Duty to whom? Who art thou? Max.! bethink thee + What duties may'st thou have? If I am acting + A criminal part toward the emperor, + It is my crime, not thine. Dost thou belong + To thine own self? Art thou thine own commander? + Stand'st thou, like me, a freeman in the world, + That in thy actions thou shouldst plead free agency? + On me thou art planted, I am thy emperor; + To obey me, to belong to me, this is + Thy honor, this a law of nature to thee! + And if the planet on the which thou livest + And hast thy dwelling, from its orbit starts. + It is not in thy choice, whether or no + Thou'lt follow it. Unfelt it whirls thee onward + Together with his ring, and all his moons. + With little guilt steppest thou into this contest; + Thee will the world not censure, it will praise thee, + For that thou held'st thy friend more worth to thee + Than names and influences more removed + For justice is the virtue of the ruler, + Affection and fidelity the subject's. + Not every one doth it beseem to question + The far-off high Arcturus. Most securely + Wilt thou pursue the nearest duty: let + The pilot fix his eye upon the pole-star. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0036"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XIX. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter NEUMANN. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What now? + + NEUMANN. + The Pappenheimers are dismounted, + And are advancing now on foot, determined + With sword in hand to storm the house, and free + The count, their colonel. + + WALLENSTEIN (to TERZKY). + Have the cannon planted. + I will receive them with chain-shot. + [Exit TERZKY. + Prescribe to me with sword in hand! Go, Neumann! + 'Tis my command that they retreat this moment, + And in their ranks in silence wait my pleasure. + + [NEUMANN exit. ILLO steps to the window. + + COUNTESS. + Let him go, I entreat thee, let him go. + + ILLO (at the window). + Hell and perdition! + + WALLENSTEIN. + What is it? + + ILLO. + They scale the council-house, the roof's uncovered, + They level at this house the cannon—— + + MAX. + Madmen + + ILLO. + They are making preparations now to fire on us. + + DUCHESS and COUNTESS. + Merciful heaven! + + MAX. (to WALLENSTEIN). + Let me go to them! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Not a step! + + MAX. (pointing to THEKLA and the DUCHESS). + But their life! Thine! + + WALLENSTEIN. + What tidings bringest thou, Terzky? +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0037"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XX. +</h2> +<pre> + To these TERZKY returning. + + TERZKY. + Message and greeting from our faithful regiments. + Their ardor may no longer be curbed in. + They entreat permission to commence the attack; + And if thou wouldst but give the word of onset + They could now charge the enemy in rear, + Into the city wedge them, and with ease + O'erpower them in the narrow streets. + + ILLO. + Oh come + Let not their ardor cool. The soldiery + Of Butler's corps stand by us faithfully; + We are the greater number. Let us charge them + And finish here in Pilsen the revolt. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What? shall this town become a field of slaughter, + And brother-killing discord, fire-eyed, + Be let loose through its streets to roam and rage? + Shall the decision be delivered over + To deaf remorseless rage, that hears no leader? + Here is not room for battle, only for butchery. + Well, let it be! I have long thought of it, + So let it burst then! + [Turns to MAX. + Well, how is it with thee? + Wilt thou attempt a heat with me. Away! + Thou art free to go. Oppose thyself to me, + Front against front, and lead them to the battle; + Thou'rt skilled in war, thou hast learned somewhat under me, + I need not be ashamed of my opponent, + And never hadst thou fairer opportunity + To pay me for thy schooling. + + COUNTESS. + Is it then, + Can it have come to this? What! Cousin, cousin! + Have you the heart? + + MAX. + The regiments that are trusted to my care + I have pledged my troth to bring away from Pilsen + True to the emperor; and this promise will I + Make good, or perish. More than this no duty + Requires of me. I will not fight against thee, + Unless compelled; for though an enemy, + Thy head is holy to me still, + + [Two reports of cannon. ILLO and TERZKY hurry to the window. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What's that? + + TERZBY. + He falls. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Falls! Who? + + ILLO. + Tiefenbach's corps + Discharged the ordnance. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Upon whom? + + ILLO. + On—Neumann, + Your messenger. + + WALLENSTEIN (starting up). + Ha! Death and hell! I will—— + + TERZKY. + Expose thyself to their blind frenzy? + + DUCHESS and COUNTESS. + No! + For God's sake, no! + + ILLO. + Not yet, my general! + Oh, hold him! hold him! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Leave me—— + + MAX. + Do it not; + Not yet! This rash and bloody deed has thrown them + Into a frenzy-fit—allow them time—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Away! too long already have I loitered. + They are emboldened to these outrages, + Beholding not my face. They shall behold + My countenance, shall hear my voice— + Are they not my troops? Am I not their general, + And their long-feared commander! Let me see, + Whether indeed they do no longer know + That countenance which was their sun in battle! + From the balcony (mark!) I show myself + To these rebellious forces, and at once + Revolt is mounded, and the high-swollen current + Shrinks back into the old bed of obedience. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN; ILLO, TERZKY, and BUTLER follow. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0038"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XXI. +</h2> +<pre> + COUNTESS, DUCHESS, MAX., and THEKLA. + + COUNTESS (to the DUCHESS). + Let them but see him—there is hope still, sister. + + DUCHESS. + Hope! I have none! + + MAX. (who during the last scene has been standing at a distance, in a + visible struggle of feelings advances). + This can I not endure. + With most determined soul did I come hither; + My purposed action seemed unblamable + To my own conscience—and I must stand here + Like one abhorred, a hard, inhuman being: + Yea, loaded with the curse of all I love! + Must see all whom I love in this sore anguish, + Whom I with one word can make happy—O! + My heart revolts within me, and two voices + Make themselves audible within my bosom. + My soul's benighted; I no longer can + Distinguish the right track. Oh, well and truly + Didst thou say, father, I relied too much + On my own heart. My mind moves to and fro— + I know not what to do. + + COUNTESS. + What! you know not? + Does not your own heart tell you? Oh! then I + Will tell it you. Your father is a traitor, + A frightful traitor to us—he has plotted + Against our general's life, has plunged us all + In misery—and you're his son! 'Tis yours + To make the amends. Make you the son's fidelity + Outweigh the father's treason, that the name + Of Piccolomini be not a proverb + Of infamy, a common form of cursing + To the posterity of Wallenstein. + + MAX. + Where is that voice of truth which I dare follow! + It speaks no longer in my heart. We all + But utter what our passionate wishes dictate: + Oh that an angel would descend from heaven, + And scoop for me the right, the uncorrupted, + With a pure hand from the pure Fount of light. + [His eyes glance on THEKLA. + What other angel seek I? To this heart, + To this unerring heart, will I submit it; + Will ask thy love, which has the power to bless + The happy man alone, averted ever + From the disquieted and guilty—canst thou + Still love me, if I stay? Say that thou canst, + And I am the duke's—— + + COUNTESS. + Think, niece—— + + MAX. + Think nothing, Thekla! + Speak what thou feelest. + + COUNTESS. + Think upon your father. + + MAX. + I did not question thee, as Friedland's daughter. + Thee, the beloved and the unerring God + Within thy heart, I question. What's at stake? + Not whether diadem of royalty + Be to be won or not—that mightest thou think on. + Thy friend, and his soul's quiet are at stake: + The fortune of a thousand gallant men, + Who will all follow me; shall I forswear + My oath and duty to the emperor? + Say, shall I send into Octavio's camp + The parricidal ball? For when the ball + Has left its cannon, and is on its flight, + It is no longer a dead instrument! + It lives, a spirit passes into it; + The avenging furies seize possession of it, + And with sure malice, guide it the worst way. + + THEKLA. + Oh! Max.—— + + MAX. (interrupting her). + Nay, not precipitately either, Thekla. + I understand thee. To thy noble heart + The hardest duty might appear the highest. + The human, not the great part, would I act. + Even from my childhood to this present hour, + Think what the duke has done for me, how loved me + And think, too, how my father has repaid him. + Oh likewise the free lovely impulses + Of hospitality, the pious friend's + Faithful attachment, these, too, are a holy + Religion to the heart; and heavily + The shudderings of nature do avenge + Themselves on the barbarian that insults them. + Lay all upon the balance, all—then speak, + And let thy heart decide it. + + THEKLA. + Oh, thy own + Hath long ago decided. Follow thou + Thy heart's first feeling—— + + COUNTESS. + Oh! ill-fated woman! + + THEKLA. + Is it possible, that that can be the right, + The which thy tender heart did not at first + Detect and seize with instant impulse? Go, + Fulfil thy duty! I should ever love thee. + Whate'er thou hast chosen, thou wouldst still have acted + Nobly and worthy of thee—but repentance + Shall ne'er disturb thy soul's fair peace. + + MAX. + Then I + Must leave thee, must part from thee! + + THEKLA. + Being faithful + To thine own self, thou art faithful, too, to me: + If our fates part, our hearts remain united. + A bloody hatred will divide forever + The houses Piccolomini and Friedland; + But we belong not to our houses. Go! + Quick! quick! and separate thy righteous cause + From our unholy and unblessed one! + The curse of heaven lies upon our head: + 'Tis dedicate to ruin. Even me + My father's guilt drags with it to perdition. + Mourn not for me: + My destiny will quickly be decided. + + [MAX. clasps her in his arms in extreme emotion. There is heard + from behind the scene a loud, wild, long-continued cry, Vivat + Ferdinandus! accompanied by warlike instruments. MAX. and THEKLA + remain without motion in each other's embraces. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0039"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XXII. +</h2> +<pre> + To the above enter TERZKY. + + COUNTESS (meeting him). + What meant that cry? What was it? + + TERZKY. + All is lost! + + COUNTESS. + What! they regarded not his countenance? + + TERZKY. + 'Twas all in vain. + + DUCHESS. + They shouted Vivat! + + TERZKY. + To the emperor. + + COUNTESS. + The traitors? + + TERZKY. + Nay! he was not permitted + Even to address them. Soon as he began, + With deafening noise of warlike instruments + They drowned his words. But here he comes. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0040"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XXIII. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter WALLENSTEIN, accompanied by ILLO and BUTLER. + + WALLENSTEIN (as he enters). + Terzky! + + TERZKY. + My general! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Let our regiments hold themselves + In readiness to march; for we shall leave + Pilsen ere evening. + [Exit TERZKY. + Butler! + + BUTLER. + Yes, my general. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The Governor of Egra is your friend + And countryman. Write him instantly + By a post courier. He must be advised, + That we are with him early on the morrow. + You follow us yourself, your regiment with you. + + BUTLER. + It shall be done, my general! + + WALLENSTEIN (steps between MAX. and THEKLA, who have remained during this + time in each other's arms). + Part! + + MAX. + O God! + + [CUIRASSIERS enter with drawn swords, and assemble in the + background. At the same time there are heard from below some + spirited passages out of the Pappenheim March, which seem to + address MAX. + + WALLENSTEIN (to the CUIRASSIERS). + Here he is, he is at liberty: I keep him + No longer. + + [He turns away, and stands so that MAX. cannot pass by him + nor approach the PRINCESS. + + MAX. + Thou know'st that I have not yet learnt to live + Without thee! I go forth into a desert, + Leaving my all behind me. Oh, do not turn + Thine eyes away from me! Oh, once more show me + Thy ever dear and honored countenance. + + [MAX. attempts to take his hand, but is repelled: he + turns to the COUNTESS. + + Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me? + + [The COUNTESS turns away from him; he turns to the DUCHESS. + + My mother! + + DUCHESS. + + Go where duty calls you. Haply + The time may come when you may prove to us + A true friend, a good angel at the throne + Of the emperor. + + MAX. + You give me hope; you would not + Suffer me wholly to despair. No! no! + Mine is a certain misery. Thanks to heaven! + That offers me a means of ending it. + + [The military music begins again. The stage fills more and more + with armed men. MAX. sees BUTLER and addresses him. + + And you here, Colonel Butler—and will you + Not follow me? Well, then, remain more faithful + To your new lord, than you have proved yourself + To the emperor. Come, Butler! promise me. + Give me your hand upon it, that you'll be + The guardian of his life, its shield, its watchman. + He is attainted, and his princely head + Fair booty for each slave that trades in murder. + Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendship, + And those whom here I see—— + + [Casting suspicious looks on ILLO and BUTLER. + + ILLO. + Go—seek for traitors + In Gallas', in your father's quarters. Here + Is only one. Away! away! and free us + From his detested sight! Away! + + [MAX. attempts once more to approach THERLA. WALLENSTEIN prevents + him. MAX. stands irresolute, and in apparent anguish, In the + meantime the stage fills more and more; and the horns sound from + below louder and louder, and each time after a shorter interval. + + MAX. + Blow, blow! Oh, were it but the Swedish trumpets, + And all the naked swords, which I see here, + Were plunged into my breast! What purpose you? + You come to tear me from this place! Beware, + Ye drive me not to desperation. Do it not! + Ye may repent it! + + [The stage is entirely filled with armed men. + + Yet more! weight upon weight to drag me down + Think what ye're doing. It is not well done + To choose a man despairing for your leader; + You tear me from my happiness. Well, then, + I dedicate your souls to vengeance. Mark! + For your own ruin you have chosen me + Who goes with me must be prepared to perish. + + [He turns to the background; there ensues a sudden and violent + movement among the CUIRASSIERS; they surround him, and carry him + off in wild tumult. WALLENSTEIN remains immovable. THERLA sinks + into her mother's arms. The curtain falls. The music becomes + loud and overpowering, and passes into a complete war-march—the + orchestra joins it—and continues during the interval between the + third and fourth acts. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0041"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ACT IV. +</h2> +<a name="2H_4_0042"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE I. +</h2> +<pre> + The BURGOMASTER's house at Egra. + + BUTLER (just arrived). + Here then he is by his destiny conducted. + Here, Friedland! and no further! From Bohemia + Thy meteor rose, traversed the sky awhile, + And here upon the borders of Bohemia + Must sink. + Thou hast forsworn the ancient colors, + Blind man! yet trustest to thy ancient fortunes. + Profaner of the altar and the hearth, + Against thy emperor and fellow-citizens + Thou meanest to wage the war. Friedland, beware— + The evil spirit of revenge impels thee— + Beware thou, that revenge destroy thee not! +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0043"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE II. +</h2> +<pre> + BUTLER and GORDON. + + GORDON. + Is it you? + How my heart sinks! The duke a fugitive traitor! + His princely head attainted! Oh, my God! + Tell me, general, I implore thee, tell me + In full, of all these sad events at Pilsen. + + BUTLER. + You have received the letter which I sent you + By a post-courier? + + GORDON. + Yes: and in obedience to it + Opened the stronghold to him without scruple, + For an imperial letter orders me + To follow your commands implicitly. + But yet forgive me! when even now I saw + The duke himself, my scruples recommenced. + For truly, not like an attainted man, + Into this town did Friedland make his entrance; + His wonted majesty beamed from his brow, + And calm, as in the days when all was right, + Did he receive from me the accounts of office. + 'Tis said, that fallen pride learns condescension. + But sparing and with dignity the duke + Weighed every syllable of approbation, + As masters praise a servant who has done + His duty and no more. + + BUTLER. + 'Tis all precisely + As I related in my letter. Friedland + Has sold the army to the enemy, + And pledged himself to give up Prague and Egra. + On this report the regiments all forsook him, + The five excepted that belong to Terzky, + And which have followed him, as thou hast seen. + The sentence of attainder is passed on him, + And every loyal subject is required + To give him in to justice, dead or living. + + GORDON. + A traitor to the emperor. Such a noble! + Of such high talents! What is human greatness? + I often said, this can't end happily. + His might, his greatness, and this obscure power + Are but a covered pitfall. The human being + May not be trusted to self-government. + The clear and written law, the deep-trod footmarks + Of ancient custom, are all necessary + To keep him in the road of faith and duty. + The authority intrusted to this man + Was unexampled and unnatural, + It placed him on a level with his emperor, + Till the proud soul unlearned submission. Woe is me! + I mourn for him! for where he fell, I deem + Might none stand firm. Alas! dear general, + We in our lucky mediocrity + Have ne'er experienced, cannot calculate, + What dangerous wishes such a height may breed + In the heart of such a man. + + BUTLER. + Spare your laments + Till he need sympathy; for at this present + He is still mighty, and still formidable. + The Swedes advance to Egra by forced marches, + And quickly will the junction be accomplished. + This must not be! The duke must never leave + This stronghold on free footing; for I have + Pledged life and honor here to hold him prisoner, + And your assistance 'tis on which I calculate. + + GORDON. + O that I had not lived to see this day! + From his hand I received this dignity, + He did himself intrust this stronghold to me, + Which I am now required to make his dungeon. + We subalterns have no will of our own: + The free, the mighty man alone may listen + To the fair impulse of his human nature. + Ah! we are but the poor tools of the law, + Obedience the sole virtue we dare aim at! + + BUTLER. + Nay! let it not afflict you, that your power + Is circumscribed. Much liberty, much error! + The narrow path of duty is securest. + And all then have deserted him you say? + He has built up the luck of many thousands + For kingly was his spirit: his full hand + Was ever open! Many a one from dust + [With a sly glance on BUTLER. + Hath he selected, from the very dust + Hath raised him into dignity and honor. + And yet no friend, not one friend hath he purchased, + Whose heart beats true to him in the evil hour. + + BUTLER. + Here's one, I see. + + GORDON. + I have enjoyed from him + No grace or favor. I could almost doubt, + If ever in his greatness he once thought on + An old friend of his youth. For still my office + Kept me at distance from him; and when first + He to this citadel appointed me, + He was sincere and serious in his duty. + I do not then abuse his confidence, + If I preserve my fealty in that + Which to my fealty was first delivered. + + BUTLER. + Say, then, will you fulfil the attainder on him, + And lend your aid to take him in arrest? + + GORDON (pauses, reflecting—then as in deep dejection). + If it be so—if all be as you say— + If he've betrayed the emperor, his master, + Have sold the troops, have purposed to deliver + The strongholds of the country to the enemy— + Yea, truly!—there is no redemption for him! + Yet it is hard, that me the lot should destine + To be the instrument of his perdition; + For we were pages at the court of Bergau + At the same period; but I was the senior. + + BUTLER. + I have heard so—— + + GORDON. + 'Tis full thirty years since then, + A youth who scarce had seen his twentieth year + Was Wallenstein, when he and I were friends + Yet even then he had a daring soul: + His frame of mind was serious and severe + Beyond his years: his dreams were of great objects + He walked amidst us of a silent spirit, + Communing with himself; yet I have known him + Transported on a sudden into utterance + Of strange conceptions; kindling into splendor + His soul revealed itself, and he spake so + That we looked round perplexed upon each other, + Not knowing whether it were craziness, + Or whether it were a god that spoke in him. + + BUTLER. + But was it where he fell two story high + From a window-ledge, on which he had fallen asleep + And rose up free from injury? From this day + (It is reported) he betrayed clear marks + Of a distempered fancy. + + GORDON. + He became + Doubtless more self-enwrapped and melancholy; + He made himself a Catholic. <a href="#note-7" name="noteref-7">7</a> Marvellously + His marvellous preservation had transformed him. + Thenceforth he held himself for an exempted + And privileged being, and, as if he were + Incapable of dizziness or fall, + He ran along the unsteady rope of life. + But now our destinies drove us asunder; + He paced with rapid step the way of greatness, + Was count, and prince, duke-regent, and dictator, + And now is all, all this too little for him; + He stretches forth his hands for a king's crown, + And plunges in unfathomable ruin. + + BUTLER. + No more, he comes. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0044"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE III. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter WALLENSTEIN, in conversation with the + BURGOMASTER of Egra. + + WALLENSTEIN. + You were at one time a free town. I see + Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms. + Why the half eagle only? + + BURGOMASTER. + We were free, + But for these last two hundred years has Egra + Remained in pledge to the Bohemian crown; + Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half + Being cancelled till the empire ransom us, + If ever that should be. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Ye merit freedom. + Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears + To no designing whispering court-minions. + What may your imposts be? + + BURGOMASTER. + So heavy that + We totter under them. The garrison + Lives at our costs. + + WALLENSTEIN. + I will relieve you. Tell me, + There are some Protestants among you still? + [The BURGOMASTER hesitates. + Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie concealed + Within these walls. Confess now, you yourself—— + [Fixes, his eye on him. The BURGOMASTER alarmed. + Be not alarmed. I hate the Jesuits. + Could my will have determined it they had + Been long ago expelled the empire. Trust me— + Mass-book or Bible, 'tis all one to me. + Of that the world has had sufficient proof. + I built a church for the Reformed in Glogau + At my own instance. Hark ye, burgomaster! + What is your name? + + BURGOMASTER. + Pachhalbel, may it please you. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Hark ye! But let it go no further, what I now + Disclose to you in confidence. + [Laying his hand on the BURGOMASTER'S shoulder with a certain + solemnity. + The times + Draw near to their fulfilment, burgomaster! + The high will fall, the low will be exalted. + Hark ye! But keep it to yourself! The end + Approaches of the Spanish double monarchy— + A new arrangement is at hand. You saw + The three moons that appeared at once in the heaven? + + BURGOMASTER. + With wonder and affright! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Whereof did two + Strangely transform themselves to bloody daggers, + And only one, the middle moon, remained + Steady and clear. + + BURGOMASTER. + We applied it to the Turks. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The Turks! That all? I tell you that two empires + Will set in blood, in the East and in the West, + And Lutherism alone remain. + [Observing GORDON and BUTLER. + I'faith, + 'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard + This evening, as we journeyed hitherward: + 'Twas on our left hand. Did ye hear it here? + + GORDON. + Distinctly. The wind brought it from the south. + + BUTLER. + It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt. + + WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking. + How strong is the garrison? + + GORDON. + Not quite two hundred + Competent men, the rest are invalids. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim? + + GORDON. + Two hundred arquebusiers have I sent thither + To fortify the posts against the Swedes. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too + You have done somewhat? + + GORDON. + Two additional batteries + I caused to be run up. They were needless; + The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, general! + + WALLENSTEIN. + You have been watchful in your emperor's service. + I am content with you, lieutenant-colonel. + [To BUTLER. + Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim, + With all the stations in the enemy's route. + [To GORDON. + Governor, in your faithful hands I leave + My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I + Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival + Of letters to take leave of you, together + With all the regiments. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0045"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE IV. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter COUNT TERZKY. + + TERZKY. + Joy, general, joy! I bring you welcome tidings. + + WALLENSTEIN. + And what may they be? + + TERZKY. + There has been an engagement + At Neustadt; the Swedes gained the victory. + + WALLENSTEIN. + From whence did you receive the intelligence? + + TERZKY. + A countryman from Tirschenreut conveyed it. + Soon after sunrise did the fight begin + A troop of the imperialists from Tachau + Had forced their way into the Swedish camp; + The cannonade continued full two hours; + There were left dead upon the field a thousand + Imperialists, together with their colonel; + Further than this he did not know. + + WALLENSTEIN. + How came + Imperial troops at Neustadt? Altringer, + But yesterday, stood sixty miles from there. + Count Gallas' force collects at Frauenberg, + And have not the full complement. Is it possible + That Suys perchance had ventured so far onward? + It cannot be. + + TERZKY. + We shall soon know the whole, + For here comes Illo, full of haste, and joyous. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0046"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE V. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter ILLO. + + ILLO (to WALLENSTEIN). + A courier, duke! he wishes to speak with thee. + + TERZKY (eagerly). + Does he bring confirmation of the victory? + + WALLENSTEIN (at the same time). + What does he bring? Whence comes he? + + ILLO. + From the Rhinegrave, + And what he brings I can announce to you + Beforehand. Seven leagues distant are the Swedes; + At Neustadt did Max. Piccolomini + Throw himself on them with the cavalry; + A murderous fight took place! o'erpowered by numbers + The Pappenheimers all, with Max. their leader, + [WALLENSTEIN shudders and turns pale. + Were left dead on the field. + + WALLENSTEIN (after a pause, in a low voice). + Where is the messenger? Conduct me to him. + + [WALLENSTEIN is going, when LADY NEUBRUNN rushes into the room. + Some servants follow her and run across the stage. + + NEUBRUNN. + Help! Help! + + ILLO and TERZKY (at the same time). + What now? + + NEUBRUNN. + The princess! + + WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY. + Does she know it? + + NEUBRUNN (at the same time with them). + She is dying! + + [Hurries off the stage, when WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY follow her. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0047"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VI. +</h2> +<pre> + BUTLER and GORDON. + + GORDON. + What's this? + + BUTLER. + She has lost the man she loved— + Young Piccolomini, who fell in the battle. + + GORDON. + Unfortunate lady! + + BUTLER. + You have heard what Illo + Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerers, + And marching hitherward. + + GORDON. + Too well I heard it. + + BUTLER. + They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five + Close by us to protect the duke. We have + Only my single regiment; and the garrison + Is not two hundred strong. + + GORDON. + 'Tis even so. + + BUTLER. + It is not possible with such small force + To hold in custody a man like him. + + GORDON. + I grant it. + + BUTLER. + Soon the numbers would disarm us, + And liberate him. + + GORDON. + It were to be feared. + + BUTLER (after a pause). + Know, I am warranty for the event; + With my head have I pledged myself for his, + Must make my word good, cost it what it will, + And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner, + Why—death makes all things certain! + + GORDON. + Sutler! What? + Do I understand you? Gracious God! You could—— + + BUTLER. + He must not live. + + GORDON. + And you can do the deed? + + BUTLER. + Either you or I. This morning was his last. + + GORDON. + You would assassinate him? + + BUTLER. + 'Tis my purpose. + + GORDON. + Who leans with his whole confidence upon you! + + BUTLER. + Such is his evil destiny! + + GORDON. + Your general! + The sacred person of your general! + + BUTLER. + My general he has been. + + GORDON. + That 'tis only + An "has been" washes out no villany, + And without judgment passed. + + BUTLER. + The execution + Is here instead of judgment. + + GORDON. + This were murder, + Not justice. The most guilty should be heard. + + BUTLER. + His guilt is clear, the emperor has passed judgment, + And we but execute his will. + + GORDON. + We should not + Hurry to realize a bloody sentence. + A word may be recalled, a life never can be. + + BUTLER. + Despatch in service pleases sovereigns. + + GORDON. + No honest man's ambitious to press forward + To the hangman's service. + + BUTLER. + And no brave man loses + His color at a daring enterprise. + + GORDON. + A brave man hazards life, but not his conscience. + + BUTLER. + What then? Shall he go forth anew to kindle + The unextinguishable flame of war? + + GORDON. + Seize him, and hold him prisoner—do not kill him. + + BUTLER. + Had not the emperor's army been defeated + I might have done so. But 'tis now passed by. + + GORDON. + Oh, wherefore opened I the stronghold to him? + + BUTLER. + His destiny, and not the place destroys him. + + GORDON. + Upon these ramparts, as beseemed a soldier— + I had fallen, defending the emperor's citadel! + + BUTLER. + Yes! and a thousand gallant men have perished! + + GORDON. + Doing their duty—that adorns the man! + But murder's a black deed, and nature curses it. + + BUTLER (brings out a paper). + Here is the manifesto which commands us + To gain possession of his person. See— + It is addressed to you as well as me. + Are you content to take the consequences, + If through our fault he escape to the enemy? + + GORDON. + I? Gracious God! + + BUTLER. + Take it on yourself. + Come of it what may, on you I lay it. + + GORDON. + Oh, God in heaven! + + BUTLER. + Can you advise aught else + Wherewith to execute the emperor's purpose? + Say if you can. For I desire his fall, + Not his destruction. + + GORDON. + Merciful heaven! what must be + I see as clear as you. Yet still the heart + Within my bosom beats with other feelings! + + BUTLER. + Mine is of harder stuff! Necessity + In her rough school hath steeled me. And this Illo, + And Terzky likewise, they must not survive him. + + GORDON. + I feel no pang for these. Their own bad hearts + Impelled them, not the influence of the stars. + 'Twas they who strewed the seeds of evil passions + In his calm breast, and with officious villany + Watered and nursed the poisonous plants. May they + Receive their earnests to the uttermost mite! + + BUTLER. + And their death shall precede his! + We meant to have taken them alive this evening + Amid the merrymaking of a feast, + And keep them prisoners in the citadel, + But this makes shorter work. I go this instant + To give the necessary orders. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0048"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VII. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter ILLO and TERZKY. + + TERZKY. + Our luck is on the turn. To-morrow come + The Swedes—twelve thousand gallant warriors, Illo! + Then straightwise for Vienna. Cheerily, friend! + What! meet such news with such a moody face? + + ILLO. + It lies with us at present to prescribe + Laws, and take vengeance on those worthless traitors + Those skulking cowards that deserted us; + One has already done his bitter penance, + The Piccolomini: be his the fate + Of all who wish us evil! This flies sure + To the old man's heart; he has his whole life long + Fretted and toiled to raise his ancient house + From a count's title to the name of prince; + And now must seek a grave for his only son. + + BUTLER. + 'Twas pity, though! A youth of such heroic + And gentle temperament! The duke himself, + 'Twas easily seen, how near it went to his heart. + + ILLO. + Hark ye, old friend! That is the very point + That never pleased me in our general— + He ever gave the preference to the Italians. + Yea, at this very moment, by my soul! + He'd gladly see us all dead ten times over, + Could he thereby recall his friend to life. + + TERZKY. + Hush, hush! Let the dead rest! This evening's business + Is, who can fairly drink the other down— + Your regiment, Illo! gives the entertainment. + Come! we will keep a merry carnival + The night for once be day, and 'mid full glasses + Will we expect the Swedish avant-garde. + + ILLO. + Yes, let us be of good cheer for to-day, + For there's hot work before us, friends! This sword + Shall have no rest till it is bathed to the hilt + In Austrian blood. + + GORDON. + Shame, shame! what talk is this, + My lord field-marshal? Wherefore foam you so + Against your emperor? + + BUTLER. + Hope not too much + From this first victory. Bethink you, sirs! + How rapidly the wheel of fortune turns; + The emperor still is formidably strong. + + ILLO. + The emperor has soldiers, no commander, + For this King Ferdinand of Hungary + Is but a tyro. Gallas? He's no luck, + And was of old the ruiner of armies. + And then this viper, this Octavio, + Is excellent at stabbing in the back, + But ne'er meets Friedland in the open field. + + TERZKY. + Trust me, my friends, it cannot but succeed; + Fortune, we know, can ne'er forsake the duke!— + And only under Wallenstein can Austria + Be conqueror. + + ILLO. + The duke will soon assemble + A mighty army: all come crowding, streaming + To banners, dedicate by destiny + To fame, and prosperous fortune. I behold + Old times come back again! he will become + Once more the mighty lord which he has been. + How will the fools, who've how deserted him, + Look then? I can't but laugh to think of them, + For lands will he present to all his friends, + And like a king and emperor reward + True services; but we've the nearest claims. + [To GORDON. + You will not be forgotten, governor! + He'll take from you this nest, and bid you shine + In higher station: your fidelity + Well merits it. + + GORDON. + I am content already, + And wish to climb no higher; where great height is, + The fall must needy be great. "Great height, great depth." + + ILLO. + Here you have no more business, for to-morrow + The Swedes will take possession of the citadel. + Come, Terzky, it is supper-time. What think you? + Nay, shall we have the town illuminated + In honor of the Swede? And who refuses + To do it is a Spaniard and a traitor. + + TERZKY. + Nay! nay! not that, it will not please the duke—— + + ILLO. + What; we are masters here; no soul shall dare + Avow himself imperial where we've the rule. + Gordon! good-night, and for the last time take + A fair leave of the place. Send out patrols + To make secure, the watchword may be altered. + At the stroke of ten deliver in the keys + To the duke himself, and then you've quit forever + Your wardship of the gates, for on to-morrow + The Swedes will take possession of the citadel. + + TERZKY (as he is going, to BUTLER). + You come, though, to the castle? + + BUTLER. + At the right time. + + [Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0049"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VIII. +</h2> +<pre> + GORDON and BUTLER. + + GORDON (looking after them). + Unhappy men! How free from all foreboding + They rush into the outspread net of murder + In the blind drunkenness of victory; + I have no pity for their fate. This Illo, + This overflowing and foolhardy villain, + That would fain bathe himself in his emperor's blood. + + BUTLER. + Do as he ordered you. Send round patrols, + Take measures for the citadel's security; + When they are within I close the castle-gate + That nothing may transpire. + + GORDON (with earnest anxiety). + Oh! haste not so! + Nay, stop; first tell me—— + + BUTLER. + You have heard already, + To-morrow to the Swedes belongs. This night + Alone is ours. They make good expedition. + But we will make still greater. Fare you well. + + GORDON. + Ah! your looks tell me nothing good. Nay, Butler, + I pray you promise me! + + BUTLER. + The sun has set; + A fateful evening doth descend upon us, + And brings on their long night! Their evil stars + Deliver them unarmed into our hands, + And from their drunken dream of golden fortunes + The dagger at their hearts shall rouse them. Well, + The duke was ever a great calculator; + His fellow-men were figures on his chess-board + To move and station, as his game required. + Other men's honor, dignity, good name, + Did he shift like pawns, and made no conscience of + Still calculating, calculating still; + And yet at last his calculation proves + Erroneous; the whole game is lost; and low! + His own life will be found among the forfeits. + + GORDON. + Oh, think not of his errors now! remember + His greatness, his munificence; think on all + The lovely features of his character, + On all the noble exploits of his life, + And let them, like an angel's arm, unseen, + Arrest the lifted sword. + + BUTLER. + It is too late. + I suffer not myself to feel compassion, + Dark thoughts and bloody are my duty now. + [Grasping GORDON's hand. + Gordon! 'tis not my hatred (I pretend not + To love the duke, and have no cause to love him). + Yet 'tis not now my hatred that impels me + To be his murderer. 'Tis his evil fate. + Hostile occurrences of many events + Control and subjugate me to the office. + In vain the human being meditates + Free action. He is but the wire-worked <a href="#note-8" name="noteref-8">8</a> puppet + Of the blind Power, which, out of its own choice, + Creates for him a dread necessity. + What too would it avail him if there were + A something pleading for him in my heart— + Still I must kill him. + + GORDON. + If your heart speak to you + Follow its impulse. 'Tis the voice of God. + Think you your fortunes will grow prosperous + Bedewed with blood—his blood? Believe it not! + + BUTLER. + You know not. Ask not! Wherefore should it happen + That the Swedes gained the victory, and hasten + With such forced marches hitherwards? Fain would I + Have given him to the emperor's mercy. Gordon! + I do not wish his blood,—but I must ransom + The honor of my word,—it lies in pledge— + And he must die, or—— + [Passionately grasping GORDON's hand. + Listen, then, and know + I am dishonored if the duke escape us. + + GORDON. + Oh! to save such a man—— + + BUTLER. + What! + + GORDON. + It is worth + A sacrifice. Come, friend! Be noble-minded! + Our own heart, and not other men's opinions, + Forms our true honor. + + BUTLER (with a cold and haughty air). + He is a great lord, + This duke, and I am of but mean importance. + This is what you would say! Wherein concerns it + The world at large, you mean to hint to me, + Whether the man of low extraction keeps + Or blemishes his honor— + So that the man of princely rank be saved? + We all do stamp our value on ourselves: + The price we challenge for ourselves is given us. + There does not live on earth the man so stationed + That I despise myself compared with him. + Man is made great or little by his own will; + Because I am true to mine therefore he dies! + + GORDON. + I am endeavoring to move a rock. + Thou hadst a mother, yet no human feelings. + I cannot hinder you, but may some God + Rescue him from you! + + [Exit GORDON. + BUTLER <a href="#note-9" name="noteref-9">9</a> (alone). + I treasured my good name all my life long; + The duke has cheated me of life's best jewel, + So that I blush before this poor weak Gordon! + He prizes above all his fealty; + His conscious soul accuses him of nothing; + In opposition to his own soft heart + He subjugates himself to an iron duty. + Me in a weaker moment passion warped; + I stand beside him, and must feel myself + The worst man of the two. What though the world + Is ignorant of my purposed treason, yet + One man does know it, and can prove it, too— + High-minded Piccolomini! + There lives the man who can dishonor me! + This ignominy blood alone can cleanse! + Duke Friedland, thou or I. Into my own hands + Fortune delivers me. The dearest thing a man has is himself. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0050"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE IX. +</h2> +<pre> + [A gothic and gloomy apartment at the DUCHESS FRIEDLAND's. + THEKLA on a seat, pale, her eyes closed. The DUCHESS and LADY + NEUBRUNN busied about her. WALLENSTEIN and the COUNTESS in + conversation. + + WALLENSTEIN. + How knew she it so soon? + + COUNTESS. + She seems to have + Foreboded some misfortune. The report + Of an engagement, in which had fallen + A colonel of the imperial army, frightened her. + I saw it instantly. She flew to meet + The Swedish courier, and with sudden questioning, + Soon wrested from him the disastrous secret. + Too late we missed her, hastened after her, + We found her lying in his arms, all pale, + And in a swoon. + + WALLENSTEIN. + A heavy, heavy blow! + And she so unprepared! Poor child! how is it? + [Turning to the DUCHESS. + Is she coming to herself? + + DUCHESS. + Her eyes are opening—— + + COUNTESS. + She lives! + + THEKLA (looking around her). + Where am I? + + WALLENSTEIN (steps to her, raising her up in his arms). + Come, cheerly, Thekla! be my own brave girl! + See, there's thy loving mother. Thou art in + Thy father's arms. + + THEKLA (standing up). + Where is he? Is he gone? + + DUCHESS. + Who gone, my daughter? + + THEKLA. + He—the man who uttered + That word of misery. + + DUCHESS. + Oh, think not of it! + My Thekla! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Give her sorrow leave to talk! + Let her complain—mingle your tears with hers, + For she hath suffered a deep anguish; but + She'll rise superior to it, for my Thekla + Hath all her father's unsubdued heart. + + THEKLA. + I am not ill. See, I have power to stand. + Why does my mother weep? Have I alarmed her? + It is gone by—I recollect myself. + [She casts her eyes round the room, as seeking some one. + Where is he? Please you, do not hide him from me. + You see I have strength enough: now I will hear him. + + DUCHESS. + No; never shall this messenger of evil + Enter again into thy presence, Thekla! + + THEKLA. + My father—— + + WALLENSTEIN. + Dearest daughter! + + THEKLA. + I'm not weak. + Shortly I shall be quite myself again. + You'll grant me one request? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Name it, my daughter. + + THEKLA. + Permit the stranger to be called to me, + And grant me leave, that by myself I may + Hear his report and question him. + + DUCHESS. + No, never! + + COUNTESS. + 'Tis not advisable—assent not to it. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Hush! Wherefore wouldst thou speak with him, my daughter? + + THEKLA. + Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected; + I will not be deceived. My mother wishes + Only to spare me. I will not be spared— + The worst is said already: I can hear + Nothing of deeper anguish! + + COUNTESS and DUCHESS. + Do it not. + + THEKLA. + The horror overpowered me by surprise, + My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence: + He was a witness of my weakness, yea, + I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me. + I must replace myself in his esteem, + And I must speak with him, perforce, that he, + The stranger, may not think ungently of me. + + WALLENSTEIN. + I see she is in the right, and am inclined + To grant her this request of hers. Go, call him. + + [LADY NEUBRUNN goes to call him. + + DUCHESS. + But I, thy mother, will be present—— + + THEKLA. + 'Twere + More pleasing to me if alone I saw him; + Trust me, I shall behave myself the more + Collectedly. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Permit her her own will. + Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows, + Where of necessity the soul must be + Its own support. A strong heart will rely + On its own strength alone. In her own bosom, + Not in her mother's arms, must she collect + The strength to rise superior to this blow. + It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treated + Not as the woman, but the heroine. + + [Going. + + COUNTESS (detaining him). + Where art thou going? I heard Terzky say + That 'tis thy purpose to depart from hence + To-morrow early, but to leave us here. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protection + Of gallant men. + + COUNTESS. + Oh, take us with you, brother. + Leave us not in this gloomy solitude. + To brood o'er anxious thoughts. The mists of doubt + Magnify evils to a shape of horror. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Who speaks of evil? I entreat you, sister, + Use words of better omen. + + COUNTESS. + Then take us with you. + Oh leave us not behind you in a place + That forces us to such sad omens. Heavy + And sick within me is my heart— + These walls breathe on me like a churchyard vault. + I cannot tell you, brother, how this place + Doth go against my nature. Take us with you. + Come, sister, join you your entreaty! Niece, + Yours too. We all entreat you, take us with you! + + WALLENSTEIN. + The place's evil omens will I change, + Making it that which shields and shelters for me + My best beloved. + + LADY NEUBRUNN (returning). + The Swedish officer. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Leave her alone with me. + + DUCHESS (to THEKLA, who starts and shivers). + There—pale as death! Child, 'tis impossible + That thou shouldst speak with him. Follow thy mother. + + THEKLA. + The Lady Neubrunn then may stay with me. + + [Exeunt DUCHESS and COUNTESS. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0051"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE X. +</h2> +<pre> + THEKLA, THE SWEDISH CAPTAIN, LADY NEUBRUNN. + + CAPTAIN (respectfully approaching her). + Princess—I must entreat your gentle pardon— + My inconsiderate rash speech. How could!—— + + THEKLA (with dignity). + You have beheld me in my agony. + A most distressful accident occasioned + You from a stranger to become at once + My confidant. + + CAPTAIN. + I fear you hate my presence, + For my tongue spake a melancholy word. + + THEKLA. + The fault is mine. Myself did wrest it from you. + The horror which came o'er me interrupted + Your tale at its commencement. May it please you, + Continue it to the end. + + CAPTAIN. + Princess, 'twill + Renew your anguish. + + THEKLA. + I am firm,— + I will be firm. Well—how began the engagement? + + CAPTAIN. + We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt, + Intrenched but insecurely in our camp, + When towards evening rose a cloud of dust + From the wood thitherward; our vanguard fled + Into the camp, and sounded the alarm. + Scarce had we mounted ere the Pappenheimers, + Their horses at full speed, broke through the lines, + And leaped the trenches; but their heedless courage + Had borne them onward far before the others— + The infantry were still at distance, only + The Pappenheimers followed daringly + Their daring leader—— + + [THEKLA betrays agitation in her gestures. The officer pauses + till she makes a sign to him to proceed. + +</pre> +<br /> +<br /> +<center> +<img alt="2pb408 (137K)" src="images/2pb408.jpg" height="755" width="478" /> +</center> +<br /> +<br /> +<pre> + + + + CAPTAIN. + Both in van and flanks + With our whole cavalry we now received them; + Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot + Stretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them. + They neither could advance, nor yet retreat; + And as they stood on every side wedged in, + The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud, + Inviting a surrender; but their leader, + Young Piccolomini—— + [THEKLA, as giddy, grasps a chair. + Known by his plume, + And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches; + Himself leaped first: the regiment all plunged after. + His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up, + Flung him with violence off, and over him + The horses, now no longer to be curbed,—— + + [THEKLA, who has accompanied the last speech with all + the marks of increasing agony, trembles through her whole + frame and is falling. The LADY NEUBRUNN runs to her, and + receives her in her arms. + + NEUBRUNN. + My dearest lady! + + CAPTAIN. + I retire. + + THERLA. + 'Tis over. + Proceed to the conclusion. + + CAPTAIN. + Wild despair + Inspired the troops with frenzy when they saw + Their leader perish; every thought of rescue + Was spurned; they fought like wounded tigers; their + Frantic resistance roused our soldiery; + A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest + Finished before their last man fell. + + THEKLA (faltering). + And where— + Where is—you have not told me all. + + CAPTAIN (after a pause). + This morning + We buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birth + Did bear him to interment; the whole army + Followed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin; + The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, + In mark of honor by the Rhinegrave's self, + Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us + Many, who had themselves experienced + The greatness of his mind and gentle manners; + All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave + Would willingly have saved him; but himself + Made vain the attempt—'tis said he wished to die. + + NEUBRUNN (to THEKLA, who has hidden her countenance). + Look up, my dearest lady—— + + THEKLA. + Where is his grave? + + CAPTAIN. + At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church + Are his remains deposited, until + We can receive directions from his father. + + THEKLA. + What is the cloister's name? + + CAPTAIN. + Saint Catherine's. + + THEKLA. + And how far is it thither? + + CAPTAIN. + Near twelve leagues. + + THEKLA. + And which the way? + + CAPTAIN. + You go by Tirschenreut + And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts. + + THEKLA + Who + Is their commander? + + CAPTAIN. + Colonel Seckendorf. + + [THEKLA steps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket. + + THEKLA. + You have beheld me in my agony, + And shown a feeling heart. Please you, accept + [Giving him the ring. + A small memorial of this hour. Now go! + + CAPTAIN (confusedly). + Princess—— + + [THEKLA silently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him. + The captain lingers, and is about to speak. LADY NEUBRUNN repeats + the signal, and he retires. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0052"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XI. +</h2> +<pre> + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN. + + THEKLA (falls on LADY NEUBRUNN's neck). + Now gentle Neubrunn, show me the affection + Which thou hast ever promised—prove thyself + My own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim. + This night we must away! + + NEUBRUNN. + Away! and whither? + + THEKLA. + Whither! There is but one place in the world. + Thither, where he lies buried! To his coffin! + + NEUBRUNN. + What would you do there? + + THEKLA. + What do there? + That wouldst thou not have asked, hadst thou e'er loved. + There, that is all that still remains of him! + That single spot is the whole earth to me. + + NEUBRUNN. + That place of death—— + + THEKLA. + Is now the only place + Where life yet dwells for me: detain me not! + Come and make preparations; let us think + Of means to fly from hence. + + NEUBRUNN. + Your father's rage + + THEKLA. + That time is past— + And now I fear no human being's rage. + + NEUBRUNN. + The sentence of the world! The tongue of calumny! + + THEKLA. + Whom am I seeking? Him who is no more. + Am I then hastening to the arms—O God! + I haste—but to the grave of the beloved. + + NEUBRUNN. + And we alone, two helpless, feeble women? + + THEKLA. + We will take weapons: my arm shall protect thee. + + NEUBRUNN. + In the dark night-time? + + THEKLA. + Darkness will conceal us. + + NEUBRUNN. + This rough tempestuous night—— + + THEKLA. + Had he a soft bed + Under the hoofs of his war-horses? + + NEUBRUNN. + Heaven! + And then the many posts of the enemy! + + THEKLA. + They are human beings. Misery travels free + Through the whole earth. + + NEUBRUNN. + The journey's weary length—— + + THEKLA. + The pilgrim, travelling to a distant shrine + Of hope and healing doth not count the leagues. + + NEUBRUNN. + How can we pass the gates? + + THEKLA. + Gold opens them. + Go, do but go. + + NEUBRUNN. + Should we be recognized—— + + THEKLA. + In a despairing woman, a poor fugitive, + Will no one seek the daughter of Duke Friedland. + + NEUBRUNN. + And where procure we horses for our flight? + + THEKLA. + My equerry procures them. Go and fetch him. + + NEUBRUNN. + Dares he, without the knowledge of his lord? + + THEKLA. + He will. Go, only go. Delay no longer. + + NEUBRUNN. + Dear lady! and your mother? + + THEKLA. + Oh! my mother! + + NEUBRUNN. + So much as she has suffered too already; + Your tender mother. Ah! how ill prepared + For this last anguish! + + THEKLA. + Woe is me! My mother! + [Pauses. + Go instantly. + + NEUBRUNN. + But think what you are doing! + + THEKLA. + What can be thought, already has been thought. + + NEUBRUNN. + And being there, what purpose you to do? + + THEKLA. + There a divinity will prompt my soul. + + NEUBRUNN. + Your heart, dear lady, is disquieted! + And this is not the way that leads to quiet. + + THEKLA. + To a deep quiet, such as he has found, + It draws me on, I know not what to name it, + Resistless does it draw me to his grave. + There will my heart be eased, my tears will flow. + Oh hasten, make no further questioning! + There is no rest for me till I have left + These walls—they fall in on me—a dim power + Drives me from hence—oh mercy! What a feeling! + What pale and hollow forms are those! They fill, + They crowd the place! I have no longer room here! + Mercy! Still more! More still! The hideous swarm, + They press on me; they chase me from these walls— + Those hollow, bodiless forms of living men! + + NEUBRUNN. + You frighten me so, lady, that no longer + I dare stay here myself. I go and call + Rosenberg instantly. + + [Exit LADY NEUBRUNN. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0053"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XII. +</h2> +<pre> + THEKLA. + His spirit 'tis that calls me: 'tis the troop + Of his true followers, who offered up + Themselves to avenge his death: and they accuse me + Of an ignoble loitering—they would not + Forsake their leader even in his death; they died for him, + And shall I live? + For me too was that laurel garland twined + That decks his bier. Life is an empty casket: + I throw it from me. Oh, my only hope; + To die beneath the hoofs of trampling steeds— + That is a lot of heroes upon earth! + + [Exit THEKLA. [10] + + (The Curtain drops.) +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0054"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XIII. +</h2> +<pre> + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, and ROSENBERG. + + NEUBRUNN. + He is here, lady, and he will procure them. + + THEKLA. + Wilt thou provide us horses, Rosenberg? + + ROSENBERG. + I will, my lady. + + THEKLA. + And go with us as well? + + ROSENBERG. + To the world's end, my lady. + + THEKLA. + But consider, + Thou never canst return unto the duke. + + ROSENBERG. + I will remain with thee. + + THEKLA. + I will reward thee. + And will commend thee to another master. + Canst thou unseen conduct us from the castle? + + ROSENBERG. + I can. + + THEKLA. + When can I go? + + ROSENBERG. + This very hour. + But whither would you, lady? + + THEKLA. + To—Tell him, Neubrunn. + + NEUBRUNN. + To Neustadt. + + ROSENBERG. + So; I leave you to get ready. + + [Exit. + + NEUBRUNN. + Oh, see, your mother comes. + + THEKLA. + Indeed! O Heaven! +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0055"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XIV. +</h2> +<pre> + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, the DUCHESS. + + DUCHESS. + He's gone! I find thee more composed, my child. + + THEKLA. + I am so, mother; let me only now + Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me. + I want repose. + + DUCHESS. + My Thekla, thou shalt have it. + I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm + Thy father's heart. + + THEKLA. + Good night, beloved mother! + + (Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion). + + DUCHESS. + Thou scarcely art composed e'en now, my daughter. + Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart + Beat audibly on mine. + + THEKLA. + Sleep will appease + Its beating: now good-night, good-night, dear mother. + + (As she withdraws from her mother's arms the curtain falls). +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0056"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ACT V. +</h2> +<a name="2H_4_0057"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE I. +</h2> +<pre> + Butler's Chamber. + + BUTLER, and MAJOR GERALDIN. + + BUTLER. + Find me twelve strong dragoons, arm them with pikes + For there must be no firing— + Conceal them somewhere near the banquet-room, + And soon as the dessert is served up, rush all in + And cry—"Who is loyal to the emperor?" + I will overturn the table—while you attack + Illo and Terzky, and despatch them both. + The castle-palace is well barred and guarded, + That no intelligence of this proceeding + May make its way to the duke. Go instantly; + Have you yet sent for Captain Devereux + And the Macdonald? + + GERALDIN. + They'll be here anon. + + [Exit GERALDIN. + + BUTLER. + Here's no room for delay. The citizens + Declare for him—a dizzy drunken spirit + Possesses the whole town. They see in the duke + A prince of peace, a founder of new ages + And golden times. Arms, too, have been given out + By the town-council, and a hundred citizens + Have volunteered themselves to stand on guard. + Despatch! then, be the word; for enemies + Threaten us from without and from within. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0058"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE II. +</h2> +<pre> + BUTLER, CAPTAIN DEVEREUX, and MACDONALD. + + MACDONALD. + Here we are, general. + + DEVEREUX. + What's to be the watchword? + + BUTLER. + Long live the emperor! + + BOTH (recoiling). + How? + + BUTLER. + Live the house of Austria. + + DEVEREUX. + Have we not sworn fidelity to Friedland? + + MACDONALD. + Have we not marched to this place to protect him? + + BUTLER. + Protect a traitor and his country's enemy? + + DEVEREUX. + Why, yes! in his name you administered + Our oath. + + MACDONALD. + And followed him yourself to Egra. + + BUTLER. + I did it the more surely to destroy him. + + DEVEREUX. + So then! + + MACDONALD. + An altered case! + + BUTLER (to DEVEREUX). + Thou wretched man + So easily leavest thou thy oath and colors? + + DEVEREUX. + The devil! I but followed your example; + If you could prove a villain, why not we? + + MACDONALD. + We've naught to do with thinking—that's your business. + You are our general, and give out the orders; + We follow you, though the track lead to hell. + + BUTLER (appeased). + Good, then! we know each other. + + MACDONALD. + I should hope so. + + DEVEREUX. + Soldiers of fortune are we—who bids most + He has us. + + MACDONALD. + 'Tis e'en so! + + BUTLER. + Well, for the present + You must remain honest and faithful soldiers. + + DEVEREUX. + We wish no other. + + BUTLER. + Ay, and make your fortunes. + + MACDONALD. + That is still better. + + BUTLER. + Listen! + + BOTH. + We attend. + + BUTLER. + It is the emperor's will and ordinance + To seize the person of the Prince-Duke Friedland + Alive or dead. + + DEVEREUX. + It runs so in the letter. + + MACDONALD. + Alive or dead—these were the very words. + + BUTLER. + And he shall be rewarded from the state + In land and gold who proffers aid thereto. + + DEVEREUX. + Ay! that sounds well. The words sound always well + That travel hither from the court. Yes! yes! + We know already what court-words import. + A golden chain perhaps in sign of favor, + Or an old charger, or a parchment-patent, + And such like. The prince-duke pays better. + + MACDONALD. + Yes, + The duke's a splendid paymaster. + + BUTLER. + All over + With that, my friends. His lucky stars are set. + + MACDONALD. + And is that certain? + + BUTLER. + You have my word for it. + + DEVEREUX. + His lucky fortune's all passed by? + + BUTLER. + Forever. + He is as poor as we. + + MACDONALD. + As poor as we? + + DEVEREUX. + Macdonald, we'll desert him. + + BUTLER. + We'll desert him? + Full twenty thousand have done that already; + We must do more, my countrymen! In short— + We—we must kill him. + + BOTH (starting back) + Kill him! + + BUTLER. + Yes, must kill him; + And for that purpose have I chosen you. + + BOTH. + Us! + + BUTLER. + You, Captain Devereux, and thee, Macdonald. + + DEVEREUX (after a pause). + Choose you some other. + + BUTLER. + What! art dastardly? + Thou, with full thirty lives to answer for— + Thou conscientious of a sudden? + + DEVEREUX. + Nay + To assassinate our lord and general—— + + MACDONALD. + To whom we swore a soldier's oath—— + + BUTLER. + The oath + Is null, for Friedland is a traitor. + + DEVEREUX. + No, no! it is too bad! + + MACDONALD. + Yes, by my soul! + It is too bad. One has a conscience too—— + + DEVEREUX. + If it were not our chieftain, who so long + Has issued the commands, and claimed our duty—— + + BUTLER. + Is that the objection? + + DEVEREUX. + Were it my own father, + And the emperor's service should demand it of me, + It might be done perhaps—but we are soldiers, + And to assassinate our chief commander, + That is a sin, a foul abomination, + From which no monk or confessor absolves us. + + BUTLER. + I am your pope, and give you absolution. + Determine quickly! + + DEVEREUX. + 'Twill not do. + + MACDONALD. + 'Twont do! + + BUTLER. + Well, off then! and—send Pestalutz to me. + + DEVEREUX (hesitates). + The Pestalutz—— + + MACDONALD. + What may you want with him? + + BUTLER. + If you reject it, we can find enough—— + + DEVEREUX. + Nay, if he must fall, we may earn the bounty + As well as any other. What think you, + Brother Macdonald? + + MACDONALD. + Why, if he must fall, + And will fall, and it can't be otherwise, + One would not give place to this Pestalutz. + + DEVEREUX (after some reflection). + When do you purpose he should fall? + + BUTLER. + This night. + To-morrow will the Swedes be at our gates. + + DEVEREUX. + You take upon you all the consequences? + + BUTLER. + I take the whole upon me. + + DEVEREUX. + And it is + The emperor's will, his express absolute will? + For we have instances that folks may like + The murder, and yet hang the murderer. + + BUTLER. + The manifesto says—"alive or dead." + Alive—'tis not possible—you see it is not. + + DEVEREUX. + Well, dead then! dead! But how can we come at him. + The town is filled with Terzky's soldiery. + + MACDONALD. + Ay! and then Terzky still remains, and Illo—— + + BUTLER. + With these you shall begin—you understand me? + + DEVEREUX. + How! And must they too perish? + + BUTLER. + They the first. + + MACDONALD. + Hear, Devereux! A bloody evening this. + + DEVEREUX. + Have you a man for that? Commission me—— + + BUTLER. + 'Tis given in trust to Major Geraldin; + This is a carnival night, and there's a feast + Given at the castle—there we shall surprise them, + And hew them down. The Pestalutz and Lesley + Have that commission. Soon as that is finished—— + + DEVEREUX. + Hear, general! It will be all one to you— + Hark ye, let me exchange with Geraldin. + + BUTLER. + 'Twill be the lesser danger with the duke. + + DEVEREUX. + Danger! The devil! What do you think me, general, + 'Tis the duke's eye, and not his sword, I fear. + + BUTLER. + What can his eye do to thee? + + DEVEREUX. + Death and hell! + Thou knowest that I'm no milksop, general! + But 'tis not eight days since the duke did send me + Twenty gold pieces for this good warm coat + Which I have on! and then for him to see me + Standing before him with the pike, his murderer. + That eye of his looking upon this coat— + Why—why—the devil fetch me! I'm no milksop! + + BUTLER. + The duke presented thee this good warm coat, + And thou, a needy wight, hast pangs of conscience + To run him through the body in return, + A coat that is far better and far warmer + Did the emperor give to him, the prince's mantle. + How doth he thank the emperor? With revolt + And treason. + + DEVEREUX. + That is true. The devil take + Such thankers! I'll despatch him. + + BUTLER. + And would'st quiet + Thy conscience, thou hast naught to do but simply + Pull off the coat; so canst thou do the deed + With light heart and good spirits. + + DEVEREUX. + You are right, + That did not strike me. I'll pull off the coat— + So there's an end of it. + + MACDONALD. + Yes, but there's another + Point to be thought of. + + BUTLER. + And what's that, Macdonald? + + MACDONALD. + What avails sword or dagger against him? + He is not to be wounded—he is—— + + BUTLER (starting up). + What! + + MACDONALD. + Safe against shot, and stab, and flash! Hard frozen. + Secured and warranted by the black art + His body is impenetrable, I tell you. + + DEVEREUX. + In Ingolstadt there was just such another: + His whole skin was the same as steel; at last + We were obliged to beat him down with gunstocks. + + MACDONALD. + Hear what I'll do. + + DEVEREUX. + Well. + + MACDONALD. + In the cloister here + There's a Dominican, my countryman. + I'll make him dip my sword and pike for me + In holy water, and say over them + One of his strongest blessings. That's probatum! + Nothing can stand 'gainst that. + + BUTLER. + So do, Macdonald! + But now go and select from out the regiment + Twenty or thirty able-bodied fellows, + And let them take the oaths to the emperor. + Then when it strikes eleven, when the first rounds + Are passed, conduct them silently as may be + To the house. I will myself be not far off. + + DEVEREUX. + But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon, + That stand on guard there in the inner chamber? + + BUTLER. + I have made myself acquainted with the place, + I lead you through a back door that's defended + By one man only. Me my rank and office + Give access to the duke at every hour. + I'll go before you—with one poinard-stroke + Cut Hartschier's windpipe, and make way for you. + + DEVEREUX. + And when we are there, by what means shall we gain + The duke's bed-chamber, without his alarming + The servants of the court? for he has here + A numerous company of followers. + + BUTLER. + The attendants fill the right wing: he hates bustle, + And lodges in the left wing quite alone. + + DEVEREUX. + Were it well over—hey, Macdonald! I + Feel queerly on the occasion, devil knows. + + MACDONALD. + And I, too. 'Tis too great a personage. + People will hold us for a brace of villains. + + BUTLER. + In plenty, honor, splendor—you may safely + Laugh at the people's babble. + + DEVEREUX. + If the business + Squares with one's honor—if that be quite certain. + + BUTLER. + Set your hearts quite at ease. Ye save for Ferdinand + His crown and empire. The reward can be + No small one. + + DEVEREUX. + And 'tis his purpose to dethrone the emperor? + + BUTLER. + Yes! Yes! to rob him of his crown and life. + + DEVEREUX. + And must he fall by the executioner's hands, + Should we deliver him up to the emperor + Alive? + + BUTLER. + It were his certain destiny. + + DEVEREUX. + Well! Well! Come then, Macdonald, he shall not + Lie long in pain. + + [Exeunt BUTLER through one door, MACDONALD and DEVEREUX + through the other. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0059"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE III. +</h2> +<pre> + A saloon, terminated by a gallery, which extends far + into the background. + + WALLENSTIN sitting at a table. The SWEDISH CAPTAIN + standing before him. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Commend me to your lord. I sympathize + In his good fortune; and if you have seen me + Deficient in the expressions of that joy, + Which such a victory might well demand, + Attribute it to no lack of good-will, + For henceforth are our fortunes one. Farewell, + And for your trouble take my thanks. To-morrow + The citadel shall be surrendered to you + On your arrival. + + [The SWEDISH CAPTAIN retires. WALLENSTEIN sits lost in thought, + his eyes fixed vacantly, and his head sustained by his hand. The + COUNTESS TERZKY enters, stands before him for awhile, unobserved + by him; at length he starts, sees her and recollects himself. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Comest thou from her? Is she restored? How is she? + + COUNTESS. + My sister tells me she was more collected + After her conversation with the Swede. + She has now retired to rest. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The pang will soften + She will shed tears. + + COUNTESS. + I find thee altered, too, + My brother! After such a victory + I had expected to have found in thee + A cheerful spirit. Oh, remain thou firm! + Sustain, uphold us! For our light thou art, + Our sun. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Be quiet. I ail nothing. Where's + Thy husband? + + COUNTESS. + At a banquet—he and Illo. + + WALLENSTEIN (rises and strides across the saloon). + The night's far spent. Betake thee to thy chamber. + + COUNTESS. + Bid me not go, oh, let me stay with thee! + + WALLENSTEIN (moves to the window). + There is a busy motion in the heaven, + The wind doth chase the flag upon the tower, + Fast sweep the clouds, the sickle <a href="#note-11" name="noteref-11">11</a> of the moon, + Struggling, darts snatches of uncertain light. + No form of star is visible! That one + White stain of light, that single glimmering yonder, + Is from Cassiopeia, and therein + Is Jupiter. (A pause.) But now + The blackness of the troubled element hides him! + + [He sinks into profound melancholy, and looks vacantly + into the distance. + + COUNTESS (looks on him mournfully, then grasps his hand). + What art thou brooding on? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Methinks + If I but saw him, 'twould be well with me. + He is the star of my nativity, + And often marvellously hath his aspect + Shot strength into my heart. + + COUNTESS. + Thou'lt see him again. + + WALLENSTEIN (remains for awhile with absent mind, then assumes a livelier + manner, and turning suddenly to the COUNTESS). + See him again? Oh, never, never again! + + COUNTESS. + How? + + WALLENSTEIN. + He is gone—is dust. + + COUNTESS. + Whom meanest thou, then? + + WALLENSTEIN. + He, the more fortunate! yea, he hath finished! + For him there is no longer any future, + His life is bright—bright without spot it was, + And cannot cease to be. No ominous hour + Knocks at his door with tidings of mishap, + Far off is he, above desire and fear; + No more submitted to the change and chance + Of the unsteady planets. Oh, 'tis well + With him! but who knows what the coming hour + Veiled in thick darkness brings us? + + COUNTESS. + Thou speakest of Piccolomini. What was his death? + The courier had just left thee as I came. + + [WALLENSTEIN by a motion of his hand makes signs to her + to be silent. + + Turn not thine eyes upon the backward view, + Let us look forward into sunny days, + Welcome with joyous heart the victory, + Forget what it has cost thee. Not to-day, + For the first time, thy friend was to thee dead; + To thee he died when first he parted from thee. + + WALLENSTEIN. + This anguish will be wearied down <a href="#note-12" name="noteref-12">12</a>, I know; + What pang is permanent with man? From the highest, + As from the vilest thing of every day, + He learns to wean himself: for the strong hours + Conquer him. Yet I feel what I have lost + In him. The bloom is vanished from my life, + For oh, he stood beside me, like my youth, + Transformed for me the real to a dream, + Clothing the palpable and the familiar + With golden exhalations of the dawn, + Whatever fortunes wait my future toils, + The beautiful is vanished—and returns not. + + COUNTESS. + Oh, be not treacherous to thy own power. + Thy heart is rich enough to vivify + Itself. Thou lovest and prizest virtues in him, + The which thyself didst plant, thyself unfold. + + WALLENSTEIN (stepping to the door). + Who interrupts us now at this late hour? + It is the governor. He brings the keys + Of the citadel. 'Tis midnight. Leave me, sister! + + COUNTESS. + Oh, 'tis so hard to me this night to leave thee; + A boding fear possesses me! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Fear! Wherefore? + + COUNTESS. + Shouldst thou depart this night, and we at waking + Never more find thee! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Fancies! + + COUNTESS. + Oh, my soul + Has long been weighed down by these dark forebodings, + And if I combat and repel them waking, + They still crush down upon my heart in dreams, + I saw thee, yesternight with thy first wife + Sit at a banquet, gorgeously attired. + + WALLENSTHIN. + This was a dream of favorable omen, + That marriage being the founder of my fortunes. + + COUNTESS. + To-day I dreamed that I was seeking thee + In thy own chamber. As I entered, lo! + It was no more a chamber: the Chartreuse + At Gitschin 'twas, which thou thyself hast founded, + And where it is thy will that thou shouldst be + Interred. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Thy soul is busy with these thoughts. + + COUNTESS. + What! dost thou not believe that oft in dreams + A voice of warning speaks prophetic to us? + + WALLENSTEIN. + There is no doubt that there exist such voices, + Yet I would not call them + Voices of warning that announce to us + Only the inevitable. As the sun, + Ere it is risen, sometimes paints its image + In the atmosphere, so often do the spirits + Of great events stride on before the events, + And in to-day already walks to-morrow. + That which we read of the fourth Henry's death + Did ever vex and haunt me like a tale + Of my own future destiny. The king + Felt in his breast the phantom of the knife + Long ere Ravaillac armed himself therewith. + His quiet mind forsook him; the phantasma + Started him in his Louvre, chased him forth + Into the open air; like funeral knells + Sounded that coronation festival; + And still with boding sense he heard the tread + Of those feet that even then were seeking him + Throughout the streets of Paris. + + COUNTESS. + And to thee + The voice within thy soul bodes nothing? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Nothing. + Be wholly tranquil. + + COUNTESS. + And another time + I hastened after thee, and thou rann'st from me + Through a long suite, through many a spacious hall. + There seemed no end of it; doors creaked and clapped; + I followed panting, but could not overtake thee; + When on a sudden did I feel myself + Grasped from behind,—the hand was cold that grasped me; + 'Twas thou, and thou didst kiss me, and there seemed + A crimson covering to envelop us. + + WALLENSTEIN. + That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber. + + COUNTESS (gazing on him). + If it should come to that—if I should see thee, + Who standest now before me in the fulness + Of life—— + + [She falls on his breast and weeps. + + WALLENSTEIN. + The emperor's proclamation weighs upon thee— + Alphabets wound not—and he finds no hands. + + COUNTESS. + If he should find them, my resolve is taken— + I bear about me my support and refuge. + + [Exit COUNTESS. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0060"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE V. +</h2> +<pre> + WALLENSTEIN, GORDON. + + WALLENSTEIN. + All quiet in the town? + + GORDON. + The town is quiet. + + WALLENSTEIN. + I hear a boisterous music! and the castle + Is lighted up. Who are the revellers? + + GORDON. + There is a banquet given at the castle + To the Count Terzky and Field-Marshal Illo. + + WALLENSTEIN. + In honor of the victory—this tribe + Can show their joy in nothing else but feasting. + [Rings. The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER enters. + Unrobe me. I will lay me down to sleep. + [WALLENSTEIN takes the keys from GORDON. + So we are guarded from all enemies, + And shut in with sure friends. + For all must cheat me, or a face like this + [Fixing his eyes on GORDON. + Was ne'er a hypocrite's mask. + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER takes off his mantle, collar, and scarf. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Take care—what is that? + + GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. + The golden chain is snapped in two. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Well, it has lasted long enough. Here—give it. + [He takes and looks at the chain. + 'Twas the first present of the emperor. + He hung it round me in the war of Friule, + He being then archduke; and I have worn it + Till now from habit— + From superstition, if you will. Belike, + It was to be a talisman to me; + And while I wore it on my neck in faith, + It was to chain to me all my life-long + The volatile fortune, whose first pledge it was. + Well, be it so! Henceforward a new fortune + Must spring up for me; for the potency + Of this charm is dissolved. + + [GROOM OF THE CHAMBER retires with the vestments. WALLENSTEIN + rises, takes a stride across the room, and stands at last before + GORDON in a posture of meditation. + + How the old time returns upon me! I + Behold myself once more at Burgau, where + We two were pages of the court together. + We oftentimes disputed: thy intention + Was ever good; but thou were wont to play + The moralist and preacher, and wouldst rail at me— + That I strove after things too high for me, + Giving my faith to bold, unlawful dreams, + And still extol to me the golden mean. + Thy wisdom hath been proved a thriftless friend + To thy own self. See, it has made thee early + A superannuated man, and (but + That my munificent stars will intervene) + Would let thee in some miserable corner + Go out like an untended lamp. + + GORDON. + My prince + With light heart the poor fisher moors his boat, + And watches from the shore the lofty ship + Stranded amid the storm. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Art thou already + In harbor, then, old man? Well! I am not. + The unconquered spirit drives me o'er life's billows; + My planks still firm, my canvas swelling proudly. + Hope is my goddess still, and youth my inmate; + And while we stand thus front to front almost, + I might presume to say, that the swift years + Have passed by powerless o'er my unblanched hair. + + [He moves with long strides across the saloon, and remains + on the opposite side over against GORDON. + + Who now persists in calling fortune false? + To me she has proved faithful; with fond love + Took me from out the common ranks of men, + And like a mother goddess, with strong arm + Carried me swiftly up the steps of life. + Nothing is common in my destiny, + Nor in the furrows of my hand. Who dares + Interpret then my life for me as 'twere + One of the undistinguishable many? + True, in this present moment I appear + Fallen low indeed; but I shall rise again. + The high flood will soon follow on this ebb; + The fountain of my fortune, which now stops, + Repressed and bound by some malicious star, + Will soon in joy play forth from all its pipes. + + GORDON. + And yet remember I the good old proverb, + "Let the night come before we praise the day." + I would be slow from long-continued fortune + To gather hope: for hope is the companion + Given to the unfortunate by pitying heaven. + Fear hovers round the head of prosperous men, + For still unsteady are the scales of fate. + + WALLENSTEIN (smiling). + I hear the very Gordon that of old + Was wont to preach, now once more preaching; + I know well, that all sublunary things + Are still the vassals of vicissitude. + The unpropitious gods demand their tribute. + This long ago the ancient pagans knew + And therefore of their own accord they offered + To themselves injuries, so to atone + The jealousy of their divinities + And human sacrifices bled to Typhon. + [After a pause, serious, and in a more subdued manner. + I too have sacrificed to him—for me + There fell the dearest friend, and through my fault + He fell! No joy from favorable fortune + Can overweigh the anguish of this stroke. + The envy of my destiny is glutted: + Life pays for life. On his pure head the lightning + Was drawn off which would else have shattered me. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0061"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE V. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter SENI. + + WALLENSTEIN. + Is not that Seni! and beside himself, + If one can trust his looks? What brings thee hither + At this late hour, Baptista? + + SENI. + Terror, duke! + On thy account. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What now? + + SENI. + Flee ere the day break! + Trust not thy person to the Swedes! + + WALLENSTEIN. + What now + Is in thy thoughts? + + SENI (with louder voice). + Trust not thy person to the Swedes. + + WALLENSTEIN. + What is it, then? + + SENI (still more urgently). + Oh, wait not the arrival of these Swedes! + An evil near at hand is threatening thee + From false friends. All the signs stand full of horror! + Near, near at hand the net-work of perdition— + Yea, even now 'tis being cast around thee! + + WALLENSTEIN. + Baptista, thou art dreaming!—fear befools thee. + + SENI. + Believe not that an empty fear deludes me. + Come, read it in the planetary aspects; + Read it thyself, that ruin threatens thee + From false friends. + + WALLENSTEIN. + From the falseness of my friends + Has risen the whole of my unprosperous fortunes. + The warning should have come before! At present + I need no revelation from the stars + To know that. + + SENI. + Come and see! trust thine own eyes. + A fearful sign stands in the house of life— + An enemy; a fiend lurks close behind + The radiance of thy planet. Oh, be warned! + Deliver not up thyself to these heathens, + To wage a war against our holy church. + + WALLENSTEIN (laughing gently). + The oracle rails that way! Yes, yes! Now + I recollect. This junction with the Swedes + Did never please thee—lay thyself to sleep, + Baptista! Signs like these I do not fear. + + GORDON (who during the whole of this dialogue has shown marks + of extreme agitation, and now turns to WALLENSTEIN). + My duke and general! May I dare presume? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Speak freely. + + GORDON. + What if 'twere no mere creation + Of fear, if God's high providence vouchsafed + To interpose its aid for your deliverance, + And made that mouth its organ? + + WALLENSTEIN. + Ye're both feverish! + How can mishap come to me from the Swedes? + They sought this junction with me—'tis their interest. + + GORDON (with difficulty suppressing his emotion). + But what if the arrival of these Swedes— + What if this were the very thing that winged + The ruin that is flying to your temples? + + [Flings himself at his feet. + + There is yet time, my prince. + + SENI. + Oh hear him! hear him! + + GORDON (rises). + The Rhinegrave's still far off. Give but the orders, + This citadel shall close its gates upon him. + If then he will besiege us, let him try it. + But this I say; he'll find his own destruction, + With his whole force before these ramparts, sooner + Than weary down the valor of our spirit. + He shall experience what a band of heroes, + Inspirited by an heroic leader, + Is able to perform. And if indeed + It be thy serious wish to make amend + For that which thou hast done amiss,—this, this + Will touch and reconcile the emperor, + Who gladly turns his heart to thoughts of mercy; + And Friedland, who returns repentant to him, + Will stand yet higher in his emperor's favor + Then e'er he stood when he had never fallen. + + WALLENSTEIN (contemplates him with surprise, remains silent a while, + betraying strong emotion). + Gordon—your zeal and fervor lead you far. + Well, well—an old friend has a privilege. + Blood, Gordon, has been flowing. Never, never + Can the emperor pardon me: and if he could, + Yet I—I ne'er could let myself be pardoned. + Had I foreknown what now has taken place, + That he, my dearest friend, would fall for me, + My first death offering; and had the heart + Spoken to me, as now it has done—Gordon, + It may be, I might have bethought myself. + It may be too, I might not. Might or might not + Is now an idle question. All too seriously + Has it begun to end in nothing, Gordon! + Let it then have its course. + [Stepping to the window. + All dark and silent—at the castle too + All is now hushed. Light me, chamberlain? + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER, who had entered during the last dialogue, + and had been standing at a distance and listening to it with visible + expressions of the deepest interest, advances in extreme agitation + and throws himself at the DUKE's feet. + + And thou too! But I know why thou dost wish + My reconcilement with the emperor. + Poor man! he hath a small estate in Carinthia, + And fears it will be forfeited because + He's in my service. Am I then so poor + That I no longer can indemnify + My servants? Well! to no one I employ + Means of compulsion. If 'tis thy belief + That fortune has fled from me, go! forsake me. + This night for the last time mayst thou unrobe me, + And then go over to the emperor. + Gordon, good-night! I think to make a long + Sleep of it: for the struggle and the turmoil + Of this last day or two was great. May't please you + Take care that they awake me not too early. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN, the GROOM OF THE CHAMBER lighting him. SENI + follows, GORDON remains on the darkened stage, following the DUKE + with his eye, till he disappears at the further end of the gallery: + then by his gestures the old man expresses the depth of his anguish, + and stands leaning against a pillar. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0062"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VI. +</h2> +<pre> + GORDON, BUTLER (at first behind the scenes). + + BUTLER (not yet come into view of the stage). + Here stand in silence till I give the signal. + + GORDON (starts up). + 'Tis he! he has already brought the murderers. + + BUTLER. + The lights are out. All lies in profound sleep. + + GORDON. + What shall I do, shall I attempt to save him? + Shall I call up the house? alarm the guards? + + BUTLER (appears, but scarcely on the stage). + A light gleams hither from the corridor. + It leads directly to the duke's bed-chamber. + + GORDON. + But then I break my oath to the emperor; + If he escape and strengthen the enemy, + Do I not hereby call down on my head + All the dread consequences. + + BUTLER (stepping forward). + Hark! Who speaks there? + + GORDON. + 'Tis better, I resign it to the hands + Of Providence. For what am I, that I + Should take upon myself so great a deed? + I have not murdered him, if he be murdered; + But all his rescue were my act and deed; + Mine—and whatever be the consequences + I must sustain them. + + BUTLER (advances). + I should know that voice. + + GORDON. + Butler! + + BUTLER. + 'Tis Gordon. What do you want here? + Was it so late, then, when the duke dismissed you? + + GORDON. + Your hand bound up and in a scarf? + + BUTLER. + 'Tis wounded. + That Illo fought as he were frantic, till + At last we threw him on the ground. + + GORDON (shuddering). + Both dead? + + BUTLER. + Is he in bed? + + GORDON. + Ah, Butler! + + BUTLER. + Is he? speak. + + GORDON. + He shall not perish! Not through you! The heaven + Refuses your arm. See—'tis wounded! + + BUTLER. + There is no need of my arm. + + GORDON. + The most guilty + Have perished, and enough is given to justice. + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER advances from the gallery with his finger + on his mouth commanding silence. + + GORDON. + He sleeps! Oh, murder not the holy sleep! + + BUTLER. + No! he shall die awake. + [Is going. + + GORDON. + His heart still cleaves + To earthly things: he's not prepared to step + Into the presence of his God! + + BUTLER (going). + God's merciful! + + GORDON (holds him). + Grant him but this night's respite. + + BUTLER (hurrying of). + The next moment + May ruin all. + + GORDON (holds him still). + One hour! + + BUTLER. + Unhold me! What + Can that short respite profit him? + + GORDON. + Oh, time + Works miracles. In one hour many thousands + Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they + Thought follows thought within the human soul. + Only one hour! Your heart may change its purpose, + His heart may change its purpose—some new tidings + May come; some fortunate event, decisive, + May fall from heaven and rescue him. Oh, what + May not one hour achieve! + + BUTLER. + You but remind me + How precious every minute is! + + [He stamps on the floor. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0063"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VII. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter MACDONALD and DEVEREUX, with the HALBERDIERS. + + GORDON (throwing himself between him and them). + No, monster! + First over my dead body thou shalt tread. I will + Not live to see the accursed deed! + + BUTLER (forcing him out of the way). + Weak-hearted dotard! + + [Trumpets are heard in the distance. + + DEVEREUX and MACDONALD. + Hark! The Swedish trumpets! + The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten! + + GORDON (rushes out). + Oh, God of mercy! + + BUTLER (calling after him). + Governor, to your post! + + GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (hurries in). + Who dares make larum here? Hush! The duke sleeps. + + DEVEREUX (with loud, harsh voice). + Friend, it is time now to make larum. + + GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. + Help! + Murder! + + BUTLER. + Down with him! + + GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (run through the body by DEVEREUX, falls at + the entrance of the gallery). + Jesus Maria! + + BUTLER. + Burst the doors open. + + [They rush over the body into the gallery—two doors are heard to + crash one after the other. Voices, deadened by the distance—clash + of arms—then all at once a profound silence: +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0064"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE VIII. +</h2> +<pre> + COUNTESS TERZKY (with a light). + Her bedchamber is empty; she herself + Is nowhere to be found! The Neubrunn too, + Who watched by her, is missing. If she should + Be flown—but whither flown? We must call up + Every soul in the house. How will the duke + Bear up against these worst bad tidings? Oh, + If that my husband now were but returned + Home from the banquet! Hark! I wonder whether + The duke is still awake! I thought I heard + Voices and tread of feet here! I will go + And listen at the door. Hark! what is that? + 'Tis hastening up the steps! +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0065"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE IX. +</h2> +<pre> + COUNTESS, GORDON. + + GORDON (rushes in out of breath) + 'Tis a mistake! + 'Tis not the Swedes; ye must proceed no further— + Butler! Oh, God! where is he? + [Observing the COUNTESS. + Countess! Say—— + + COUNTESS. + You're come then from the castle? Where's my husband? + + GORDON (in an agony of affright). + Your husband! Ask not! To the duke—— + + COUNTESS. + Not till + You have discovered to me—— + + GORDON. + On this moment + Does the world hang. For God's sake! to the duke. + While we are speaking—— + [Calling loudly. + Butler! Butler! God! + + COUNTESS. + Why, he is at the castle with my husband. + + [BUTLER comes from the gallery. + + GORDON. + 'Twas a mistake. 'Tis not the Swedes—it is + The imperialists' lieutenant-general + Has sent me hither—will be here himself + Instantly. You must not proceed. + + BUTLER. + He comes + Too late. + + [GORDON dashes himself against the wall. + + GORDON. + Oh, God of mercy! + + COUNTESS. + What, too late? + Who will be here himself? Octavio + In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the duke? + + [She rushes to the gallery. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0066"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE X. +</h2> +<pre> + Servants run across the stage full of terror. The whole scene + must be spoken entirely without pauses. + + SENI (from the gallery). + Oh, bloody, frightful deed! + + COUNTESS. + What is it, Seni? + + PAGE (from the gallery). + Oh, piteous sight! + + [Other servants hasten in with torches. + + COUNTESS. + What is it? For God's sake! + + SENI. + And do you ask? + Within the duke lies murdered—and your husband + Assassinated at the castle. + + [The COUNTESS stands motionless. + + FEMALE SERVANT (rushing across the stage). + Help! help! the duchess! + + BURGOMASTER (enters). + What mean these confused + Loud cries that wake the sleepers of this house? + + GORDON. + Your house is cursed to all eternity. + In your house doth the duke lie murdered! + + BURGOMASTER (rushing out) + Heaven forbid! + + FIRST SERVANT. + Fly! fly! they murder us all! + + SECOND SERVANT (carrying silver-plate). + That way! the lower + Passages are blocked up. + + VOICE (from behind the scene). + Make room for the lieutenant-general! + + [At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects + herself, and retires suddenly. + + VOICE (from behind the scene). + Keep back the people! Guard the door! +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0067"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XI. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI with all his train. At the same + time DEVEREUX and MACDONALD enter from out the corridor with the + Halberdiers. WALLENSTEIN's dead body is carried over the back part + of the stage, wrapped in a piece of crimson tapestry. + + OCTAVIO (entering abruptly). + It must not be! It is not possible! + Butler! Gordon! + I'll not believe it. Say no! + + [GORDON, without answering, points with his hand to the body of + WALLENSTEIN as it is carried over the back of the stage. OCTAVIO + looks that way, and stands overpowered with horror. + + DEVEREUX (to BUTLER). + Here is the golden fleece—the duke's sword—— + + MACDONALD. + Is it your order—— + + BUTLER (pointing to OCTAVIO). + Here stands he who now + Hath the sole power to issue orders. + + [DEVEREUX and MACDONALD retire with marks of obeisance. One drops + away after the other, till only BUTLER, OCTAVIO, and GORDON remain + on the stage. + + OCTAVIO (turning to BUTLER). + Was that my purpose, Butler, when we parted? + Oh, God of Justice! + To thee I lift my hand! I am not guilty + Of this foul deed. + + BUTLER. + Your hand is pure. You have + Availed yourself of mine. + + OCTAVIO. + Merciless man! + Thus to abuse the orders of thy lord— + And stain thy emperor's holy name with murder, + With bloody, most accursed assassination! + + BUTLER (calmly). + I've but fulfilled the emperor's own sentence. + + OCTAVIO. + Oh, curse of kings, + Infusing a dread life into their words, + And linking to the sudden, transient thought + The unchanging, irrevocable deed. + Was there necessity for such an eager + Despatch? Couldst thou not grant the merciful + A time for mercy? Time is man's good angel. + To leave no interval between the sentence, + And the fulfilment of it, doth beseem + God only, the immutable! + + BUTLER. + For what + Rail you against me? What is my offence? + The empire from a fearful enemy + Have I delivered, and expect reward. + The single difference betwixt you and me + Is this: you placed the arrow in the bow; + I pulled the string. You sowed blood, and yet stand + Astonished that blood is come up. I always + Knew what I did, and therefore no result + Hath power to frighten or surprise my spirit. + Have you aught else to order; for this instant + I make my best speed to Vienna; place + My bleeding sword before my emperor's throne, + And hope to gain the applause which undelaying + And punctual obedience may demand + From a just judge. + + [Exit BUTLER. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0068"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SCENE XII. +</h2> +<pre> + To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY, pale and disordered. + Her utterance is slow and feeble, and unimpassioned. + + OCTAVIO (meeting her). + Oh, Countess Terzky! These are the results + Of luckless, unblest deeds. + + COUNTESS. + They are the fruits + Of your contrivances. The duke is dead, + My husband too is dead, the duchess struggles + In the pangs of death, my niece has disappeared; + This house of splendor, and of princely glory, + Doth now stand desolated: the affrighted servants + Rush forth through all its doors. I am the last + Therein; I shut it up, and here deliver + The keys. + + OCTAVIO (with a deep anguish). + Oh, countess! my house, too, is desolate. + + COUNTESS. + Who next is to be murdered? Who is next + To be maltreated? Lo! the duke is dead. + The emperor's vengeance may be pacified! + Spare the old servants; let not their fidelity + Be imputed to the faithful as a crime— + The evil destiny surprised my brother + Too suddenly: he could not think on them. + + OCTAVIO. + Speak not of vengeance! Speak not of maltreatment! + The emperor is appeased; the heavy fault + Hath heavily been expiated—nothing + Descended from the father to the daughter, + Except his glory and his services. + The empress honors your adversity, + Takes part in your afflictions, opens to you + Her motherly arms. Therefore no further fears. + Yield yourself up in hope and confidence + To the imperial grace! + + COUNTESS (with her eye raised to heaven) + To the grace and mercy of a greater master + Do I yield up myself. Where shall the body + Of the duke have its place of final rest? + In the Chartreuse, which he himself did found + At Gitschin, rests the Countess Wallenstein; + And by her side, to whom he was indebted + For his first fortunes, gratefully he wished + He might sometime repose in death! Oh, let him + Be buried there. And likewise, for my husband's + Remains I ask the like grace. The emperor + Is now the proprietor of all our castles; + This sure may well be granted us—one sepulchre + Beside the sepulchres of our forefathers! + + OCTAVIO. + Countess, you tremble, you turn pale! + + COUNTESS (reassembles all her powers, and speaks with energy and + dignity). + You think + More worthily of me than to believe + I would survive the downfall of my house. + We did not hold ourselves too mean to grasp + After a monarch's crown—the crown did fate + Deny, but not the feeling and the spirit + That to the crown belong! We deem a + Courageous death more worthy of our free station + Than a dishonored life. I have taken poison. + + OCTAVIO. + Help! Help! Support her! + + COUNTESS. + Nay, it is too late. + In a few moments is my fate accomplished. + + [Exit COUNTESS. + + GORDON. + Oh, house of death and horrors! + + [An OFFICER enters, and brings a letter with the great seal. + GORDON steps forward and meets him. + + What is this + It is the imperial seal. + + [He reads the address, and delivers the letter to OCTAVIO with + a look of reproach, and with an emphasis on the word. + + To the Prince Piccolomini. + + [OCTAVIO, with his whole frame expressive of sudden anguish, + raises his eyes to heaven. + + The Curtain drops. +</pre> +<a name="2H_FOOT"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + FOOTNOTES. +</h2> +<pre> + <a href="#noteref-1" name="note-1">1</a> A great stone near Luetzen, since called the Swede's Stone, the body + of their great king having been found at the foot of it, after the + battle in which he lost his life. + + <a href="#noteref-2" name="note-2">2</a> Could I have hazarded such a Germanism as the use of the word + afterworld for posterity,—"Es spreche Welt und Nachwelt meinen + Namen"—might have been rendered with more literal fidelity: Let + world and afterworld speak out my name, etc. + + <a href="#noteref-3" name="note-3">3</a> I have not ventured to affront the fastidious delicacy of our age + with a literal translation of this line, + + werth + Die Eingeweide schaudernd aufzuregen. + + <a href="#noteref-4" name="note-4">4</a> Anspessade, in German, Gefreiter, a soldier inferior to a corporal, + but above the sentinels. The German name implies that he is exempt + from mounting guard. + + <a href="#noteref-5" name="note-5">5</a> I have here ventured to omit a considerable number of lines. I fear + that I should not have done amiss had I taken this liberty more + frequently. It is, however, incumbent on me to give the original, + with a literal translation. + + "Weh denen, die auf Dich vertraun, an Dich + Die sichre Huette ihres Glueckes lehnen, + Gelockt von deiner geistlichen Gestalt. + Schnell unverhofft, bei naechtlich stiller Weile, + Gaehrts in dem tueckschen Feuerschlunde, ladet, + Sich aus mit tobender Gewalt, und weg + Treibt ueber alle Pflanzungen der Menschen + Der wilde Strom in grausender Zerstoerung." + + WALLENSTEIN. + "Du schilderst deines Vaters Herz. Wie Du's + Beschreibst, so ist's in seinem Eingeweide, + In dieser schwarzen Heuchlers Brust gestaltet. + Oh, mich hat Hoellenkunst getaeuscht! Mir sandte + Der Abgrund den verflecktesten der Geister, + Den Luegenkundigsten herauf, und stellt' ihn + Als Freund an meiner Seite. Wer vermag + Der Hoelle Macht zu widersthn! Ich zog + Den Basilisken auf an meinem Busen, + Mit meinem Herzblut naehrt' ich ihn, er sog + Sich schwelgend voll an meiner Liebe Bruesten, + Ich hatte nimmer Arges gegen ihn, + Weit offen liess ich des Gedankens Thore, + Und warf die Schluessel weiser Vorsicht weg, + Am Sternenhimmel," etc. + + LITERAL TRANSLATION. + + "Alas! for those who place their confidence on thee, against thee + lean their secure hut of their fortune, allured by thy hospitable + form. Suddenly, unexpectedly, in a moment still as night, there is + a fermentation in the treacherous gulf of fire; it discharges + itself with raging force, and away over all the plantations of men + drives the wild stream in frightful devastation." + + WALLENSTEIN.—"Thou art portraying thy father's heart; as thou + describest, even so is it shaped in its entrails, in this black + hypocrite's breast. Oh, the art of hell has deceived me! The abyss + sent up to me the most the most spotted of the spirits, the most + skilful in lies, and placed him as a friend by my side. Who may + withstand the power of hell? I took the basilisk to my bosom, with + my heart's blood I nourished him; he sucked himself glutfull at the + breasts of my love. I never harbored evil towards him; wide open + did I leave the door of my thoughts; I threw away the key of wise + foresight. In the starry heaven, etc." We find a difficulty in + believing this to have been written by Schiller. + + <a href="#noteref-6" name="note-6">6</a> This is a poor and inadequate translation of the affectionate + simplicity of the original— + + Sie alle waren Fremdlinge, Du warst + Das Kind des Hauses. + + Indeed the whole speech is in the best style of Massinger. + O si sic omnia! + + <a href="#noteref-7" name="note-7">7</a> It appears that the account of his conversion being caused by + such a fall, and other stories of his juvenile character, are not + well authenticated. + + <a href="#noteref-8" name="note-8">8</a> We doubt the propriety of putting so blasphemous a statement in the + mouth of any character.—T. + + <a href="#noteref-9" name="note-9">9</a> [This soliloquy, which, according to the former arrangement, + constituted the whole of scene ix., and concluded the fourth act, + is omitted in all the printed German editions. It seems probable + that it existed in the original manuscript from which Mr. Coleridge + translated.—ED.] + + 10 The soliloquy of Thekla consists in the original of six-and-twenty + lines twenty of which are in rhymes of irregular recurrence. I + thought it prudent to abridge it. Indeed the whole scene between + Thekla and Lady Neubrunn might, perhaps, have been omitted without + injury to the play.—C. + + <a href="#noteref-11" name="note-11">11</a> These four lines are expressed in the original with exquisite + felicity:— + + Am Himmel ist geschaeftige Bewegung. + Des Thurmes Fahne jagt der Wind, schnell geht + Der Wolken Zug, die Mondessichel wankt + Und durch die Nacht zuckt ungewisse Helle. + + The word "moon-sickle" reminds me of a passage in Harris, as quoted + by Johnson, under the word "falcated." "The enlightened part of the + moon appears in the form of a sickle or reaping-hook, which is while + she is moving from the conjunction to the opposition, or from the + new moon to the full: but from full to a new again the enlightened + part appears gibbous, and the dark falcated." + + The words "wanken" and "schweben" are not easily translated. The + English words, by which we attempt to render them, are either vulgar + or antic, or not of sufficiently general application. So "der + Wolken Zug"—The Draft, the Procession of Clouds. The Masses of the + Clouds sweep onward in swift stream. + + <a href="#noteref-12" name="note-12">12</a> A very inadequate translation of the original:— + + Verschmerzen werd' ich diesen Schlag, das weiss ich, + Denn was verschmerzte nicht der Mensch! + + LITERALLY. + + I shall grieve down this blow, of that I'm conscious: + What does not man grieve down? +</pre> + + +<div style="height: 6em;"><br><br><br><br><br><br></div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Death of Wallenstein, by Friedrich Schiller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN *** + +***** This file should be named 6787-h.htm or 6787-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/6/7/8/6787/ + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Death of Wallenstein + A Play + +Author: Frederich Schiller + +Release Date: October 26, 2006 [EBook #6787] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN *** + + + + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + + + + + + THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. + + Translated by S. T. Coleridge. + + + +DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + + +WALLENSTEIN, Duke of Friedland, Generalissimo of the Imperial Forces in + the Thirty Years' War. +DUCHESS OF FREIDLAND, Wife of Wallenstein. +THEKLA, her Daughter, Princess of Friedland. +THE COUNTESS TERZKY, Sister of the Duchess. +LADY NEUBRUNN. +OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, Lieutenant-General. +MAX. PICCOLOMINI, his Son, Colonel of a Regiment of Cuirassiers. +COUNT TERZKY, the Commander of several Regiments, and + Brother-in-law of Wallenstein. +ILLO, Field-Marshal, Wallenstein's Confidant. +ISOLANI, General of the Croats. +BUTLER, an Irishman, Commander of a Regiment of Dragoons. +GORDON, Governor of Egra. +MAJOR GERALDIN. +CAPTAIN DEVEREUX. +CAPTAIN MACDONALD. +AN ADJUTANT. +NEUMANN, Captain of Cavalry, Aide-de-Camp to TERZKY. +COLONEL WRANGEL, Envoy from the Swedes. +ROSENBURG, Master of Horse. +SWEDISH CAPTAIN. +SENI. +BURGOMASTER of Egra. +ANSPESSADE of the Cuirassiers. +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. | Belonging +A PAGE. | to the Duke. +Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and Servants. + + + + +ACT I. + +SCENE I. + + A room fitted up for astrological labors, and provided with + celestial charts, with globes, telescopes, quadrants, and other + mathematical instruments. Seven colossal figures, representing the + planets, each with a transparent star of different color on its + head, stand in a semicircle in the background, so that Mars and + Saturn are nearest the eye. The remainder of the scene and its + disposition is given in the fourth scene of the second act. There + must be a curtain over the figures, which may be dropped and conceal + them on occasions. + + [In the fifth scene of this act it must be dropped; but in the + seventh scene it must be again drawn up wholly or in part.] + + WALLENSTEIN at a black table, on which, a speculum astrologicum is + described with chalk. SENI is taking observations through a window. + +WALLENSTEIN. +All well--and now let it be ended, Seni. Come, +The dawn commences, and Mars rules the hour; +We must give o'er the operation. Come, +We know enough. + +SENI. + Your highness must permit me +Just to contemplate Venus. She is now rising +Like as a sun so shines she in the east. + +WALLENSTEIN. +She is at present in her perigee, +And now shoots down her strongest influences. + [Contemplating the figure on the table. +Auspicious aspect! fateful in conjunction, +At length the mighty three corradiate; +And the two stars of blessing, Jupiter +And Venus, take between them the malignant +Slyly-malicious Mars, and thus compel +Into my service that old mischief-founder: +For long he viewed me hostilely, and ever +With beam oblique, or perpendicular, +Now in the Quartile, now in the Secundan, +Shot his red lightnings at my stars, disturbing +Their blessed influences and sweet aspects: +Now they have conquered the old enemy, +And bring him in the heavens a prisoner to me. + +SENI (who has come down from the window). +And in a corner-house, your highness--think of that! +That makes each influence of double strength. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And sun and moon, too, in the Sextile aspect, +The soft light with the vehement--so I love it. +Sol is the heart, Luna the head of heaven, +Bold be the plan, fiery the execution. + +SENI. +And both the mighty Lumina by no +Maleficus affronted. Lo! Saturnus, +Innocuous, powerless, in cadente Domo. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The empire of Saturnus is gone by; +Lord of the secret birth of things is he; +Within the lap of earth, and in the depths +Of the imagination dominates; +And his are all things that eschew the light. +The time is o'er of brooding and contrivance, +For Jupiter, the lustrous, lordeth now, +And the dark work, complete of preparation, +He draws by force into the realm of light. +Now must we hasten on to action, ere +The scheme, and most auspicious positure +Parts o'er my head, and takes once more its flight, +For the heaven's journey still, and adjourn not. + [There are knocks at the door. +There's some one knocking there. See who it is. + +TERZKY (from without). +Open, and let me in. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ay--'tis Terzky. +What is there of such urgence? We are busy. + +TERZKY (from without). +Lay all aside at present, I entreat you; +It suffers no delaying. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Open, Seni! + + [While SENI opens the door for TERZKY, WALLENSTEIN draws the curtain + over the figures. + + + +SCENE II. + + WALLENSTEIN, COUNT TERZKY. + +TERZKY (enters). +Hast thou already heard it? He is taken. +Gallas has given him up to the emperor. + + [SENI draws off the black table, and exit. + +WALLENSTEIN (to TERZKY). +Who has been taken? Who is given up? + +TERZKY. +The man who knows our secrets, who knows every +Negotiation with the Swede and Saxon, +Through whose hands all and everything has passed---- + +WALLENSTEIN (drawing back). +Nay, not Sesina? Say, no! I entreat thee. + +TERZKY. +All on his road for Regensburg to the Swede +He was plunged down upon by Gallas' agent, +Who had been long in ambush, lurking for him. +There must have been found on him my whole packet +To Thur, to Kinsky, to Oxenstiern, to Arnheim: +All this is in their hands; they have now an insight +Into the whole--our measures and our motives. + + + +SCENE III. + + To them enters ILLO. + +ILLO (to TERZKY). +Has he heard it? + +TERZKY. +He has heard it. + +ILLO (to WALLENSTEIN). + Thinkest thou still +To make thy peace with the emperor, to regain +His confidence? E'en were it now thy wish +To abandon all thy plans, yet still they know +What thou hast wished: then forwards thou must press; +Retreat is now no longer in thy power. + +TERZKY. +They have documents against us, and in hands, +Which show beyond all power of contradiction---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Of my handwriting--no iota. Thee +I punish or thy lies. + +ILLO. + And thou believest, +That what this man, and what thy sister's husband, +Did in thy name, will not stand on thy reckoning? +His word must pass for thy word with the Swede, +And not with those that hate thee at Vienna? + +TERZKY. +In writing thou gavest nothing; but bethink thee, +How far thou venturedst by word of mouth +With this Sesina! And will he be silent? +If he can save himself by yielding up +Thy secret purposes, will he retain them? + +ILLO. +Thyself dost not conceive it possible; +And since they now have evidence authentic +How far thou hast already gone, speak! tell us, +What art thou waiting for? Thou canst no longer +Keep thy command; and beyond hope of rescue +Thou'rt lost if thou resign'st it. + +WALLENSTEIN. + In the army +Lies my security. The army will not +Abandon me. Whatever they may know, +The power is mine, and they must gulp it down +And if I give them caution for my fealty, +They must be satisfied, at least appear so. + +ILLO. +The army, duke, is thine now; for this moment +'Tis thine: but think with terror on the slow, +The quiet power of time. From open violence +The attachment of thy soldiery secures thee +To-day, to-morrow: but grant'st thou them a respite, +Unheard, unseen, they'll undermine that love +On which thou now dost feel so firm a footing, +With wily theft will draw away from thee +One after the other---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis a cursed accident! +Oh! I will call it a most blessed one, +If it work on thee as it ought to do, +Hurry thee on to action--to decision. +The Swedish general? + +WALLENSTEIN. + He's arrived! Know'st +What his commission is---- + +ILLO. + To thee alone +Will he intrust the purpose of his coming. + +WALLENSTEIN. +A cursed, cursed accident! Yes, yes, +Sesina knows too much, and won't be silent. + +TERZKY. +He's a Bohemian fugitive and rebel, +His neck is forfeit. Can he save himself +At thy cost, think you he will scruple it? +And if they put him to the torture, will he, +Will he, that dastardling, have strength enough---- + +WALLENSTEIN (lost in thought). +Their confidence is lost, irreparably! +And I may act which way I will, I shall +Be and remain forever in their thought +A traitor to my country. How sincerely +Soever I return back to my duty, +It will no longer help me---- + +ILLO. + Ruin thee, +That it will do! Not thy fidelity, +Thy weakness will be deemed the sole occasion---- + +WALLENSTEIN (pacing up and down in extreme agitation). +What! I must realize it now in earnest, +Because I toyed too freely with the thought! +Accursed he who dallies with a devil! +And must I--I must realize it now-- +Now, while I have the power, it must take place! + +ILLO. +Now--now--ere they can ward and parry it! + +WALLENSTEIN (looking at the paper of Signatures). +I have the generals' word--a written promise! +Max. Piccolomini stands not here--how's that? + +TERZRY. +It was--he fancied---- + +ILLO. + Mere self-willedness. +There needed no such thing 'twixt him and you. + +WALLENSTEIN. +He is quite right; there needed no such thing. +The regiments, too, deny to march for Flanders +Have sent me in a paper of remonstrance, +And openly resist the imperial orders. +The first step to revolt's already taken. + +ILLO. +Believe me, thou wilt find it far more easy +To lead them over to the enemy +Than to the Spaniard. + +WALLENSTEIN. + I will hear, however, +What the Swede has to say to me. + +ILLO (eagerly to TERZKY). + Go, call him, +He stands without the door in waiting. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Stay! +Stay but a little. It hath taken me +All by surprise; it came too quick upon me; +'Tis wholly novel that an accident, +With its dark lordship, and blind agency, +Should force me on with it. + +ILLO. + First hear him only, +And then weigh it. + + [Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO. + + + +SCENE IV. + +WALLENSTEIN (in soliloquy). + Is it possible? +Is't so? I can no longer what I would? +No longer draw back at my liking? I +Must do the deed, because I thought of it? +And fed this heart here with a dream? +Because I did not scowl temptation from my presence, +Dallied with thoughts of possible fulfilment, +Commenced no movement, left all time uncertain, +And only kept the road, the access open? +By the great God of Heaven! it was not +My serious meaning, it was ne'er resolved. +I but amused myself with thinking of it. +The free-will tempted me, the power to do +Or not to do it. Was it criminal +To make the fancy minister to hope, +To fill the air with pretty toys of air, +And clutch fantastic sceptres moving toward me? +Was not the will kept free? Beheld I not +The road of duty close beside me--but +One little step, and once more I was in it! +Where am I? Whither have I been transported? +No road, no track behind me, but a wall, +Impenetrable, insurmountable, +Rises obedient to the spells I muttered +And meant not--my own doings tower behind me. + [Pauses and remains in deep thought. +A punishable man I seem, the guilt, +Try what I will, I cannot roll off from me; +The equivocal demeanor of my life +Bears witness on my prosecutor's party. +And even my purest acts from purest motives +Suspicion poisons with malicious gloss. +Were I that thing for which I pass, that traitor, +A goodly outside I had sure reserved, +Had drawn the coverings thick and double round me, +Been calm and chary of my utterance; +But being conscious of the innocence +Of my intent, my uncorrupted will, +I gave way to my humors, to my passion: +Bold were my words, because my deeds were not. +Now every planless measure, chance event, +The threat of rage, the vaunt of joy and triumph, +And all the May-games of a heart overflowing, +Will they connect, and weave them all together +Into one web of treason; all will be plan, +My eye ne'er absent from the far-off mark, +Step tracing step, each step a politic progress; +And out of all they'll fabricate a charge +So specious, that I must myself stand dumb. +I am caught in my own net, and only force, +Naught but a sudden rent can liberate me. + + [Pauses again. + +How else! since that the heart's unbiased instinct +Impelled me to the daring deed, which now +Necessity, self-preservation, orders. +Stern is the on-look of necessity, +Not without shudder may a human hand +Grasp the mysterious urn of destiny. +My deed was mine, remaining in my bosom; +Once suffered to escape from its safe corner +Within the heart, its nursery and birthplace, +Sent forth into the foreign, it belongs +Forever to those sly malicious powers +Whom never art of man conciliated. + + [Paces in agitation through the chamber, then pauses, and, after + the pause, breaks out again into audible soliloquy. + +What is thy enterprise? thy aim? thy object? +Hast honestly confessed it to thyself? +Power seated on a quiet throne thou'dst shake, +Power on an ancient, consecrated throne, +Strong in possession, founded in all custom; +Power by a thousand tough and stringy roots +Fixed to the people's pious nursery faith. +This, this will be no strife of strength with strength. +That feared I not. I brave each combatant, +Whom I can look on, fixing eye to eye, +Who, full himself of courage, kindles courage +In me too. 'Tis a foe invisible +The which I fear--a fearful enemy, +Which in the human heart opposes me, +By its coward fear alone made fearful to me. +Not that, which full of life, instinct with power, +Makes known its present being; that is not +The true, the perilously formidable. +O no! it is the common, the quite common, +The thing of an eternal yesterday. +Whatever was, and evermore returns, +Sterling to-morrow, for to-day 'twas sterling! +For of the wholly common is man made, +And custom is his nurse! Woe then to them +Who lay irreverent hands upon his old +House furniture, the dear inheritance +From his forefathers! For time consecrates; +And what is gray with age becomes religion. +Be in possession, and thou hast the right, +And sacred will the many guard it for thee! + + [To the PAGE,--who here enters. + +The Swedish officer? Well, let him enter. + + [The PAGE exit, WALLENSTEIN fixes his eye in deep thought + on the door. + +Yet, it is pure--as yet!--the crime has come +Not o'er this threshold yet--so slender is +The boundary that divideth life's two paths. + + + +SCENE V. + + WALLENSTEIN and WRANGEL. + +WALLENSTEIN (after having fixed a searching look on him). +Your name is Wrangel? + +WRANGEL. + Gustave Wrangel, General +Of the Sudermanian Blues. + +WALLENSTEIN. + It was a Wrangel +Who injured me materially at Stralsund, +And by his brave resistance was the cause +Of the opposition which that seaport made. + +WRANGEL. +It was the doing of the element +With which you fought, my lord! and not my merit, +The Baltic Neptune did assert his freedom: +The sea and land, it seemed were not to serve +One and the same. + +WALLENSTEIN +You plucked the admiral's hat from off my head. + +WRANGEL. +I come to place a diadem thereon. + +WALLENSTEIN (makes the motion for him to take a seat, and seats himself). + And where are your credentials +Come you provided with full powers, sir general? + +WRANGEL. +There are so many scruples yet to solve---- + +WALLENSTEIN (having read the credentials). +An able letter! Ay--he is a prudent, +Intelligent master whom you serve, sir general! +The chancellor writes me that he but fulfils +His late departed sovereign's own idea +In helping me to the Bohemian crown. + +WRANGEL. +He says the truth. Our great king, now in heaven, +Did ever deem most highly of your grace's +Pre-eminent sense and military genius; +And always the commanding intellect, +He said, should have command, and be the king. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Yes, he might say it safely. General Wrangel, + [Taking his hand affectionately. +Come, fair and open. Trust me, I was always +A Swede at heart. Eh! that did you experience +Both in Silesia and at Nuremberg; +I had you often in my power, and let you +Always slip out by some back door or other. +'Tis this for which the court can ne'er forgive me, +Which drives me to this present step: and since +Our interests so run in one direction, +E'en let us have a thorough confidence +Each in the other. + +WRANGEL. + Confidence will come +Has each but only first security. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The chancellor still, I see, does not quite trust me; +And, I confess--the game does not lie wholly +To my advantage. Without doubt he thinks, +If I can play false with the emperor, +Who is my sovereign, I can do the like +With the enemy, and that the one, too, were +Sooner to be forgiven me than the other. +Is not this your opinion, too, sir general? + +WRANGEL. +I have here a duty merely, no opinion. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The emperor hath urged me to the uttermost +I can no longer honorably serve him. +For my security, in self-defence, +I take this hard step, which my conscience blames. + +WRANGEL. +That I believe. So far would no one go +Who was not forced to it. + [After a pause. + What may have impelled +Your princely highness in this wise to act +Toward your sovereign lord and emperor, +Beseems not us to expound or criticise. +The Swede is fighting for his good old cause, +With his good sword and conscience. This concurrence, +This opportunity is in our favor, +And all advantages in war are lawful. +We take what offers without questioning; +And if all have its due and just proportions---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Of what then are ye doubting? Of my will? +Or of my power? I pledged me to the chancellor, +Would he trust me with sixteen thousand men, +That I would instantly go over to them +With eighteen thousand of the emperor's troops. + +WRANGEL. +Your grace is known to be a mighty war-chief, +To be a second Attila and Pyrrhus. +'Tis talked of still with fresh astonishment, +How some years past, beyond all human faith, +You called an army forth like a creation: +But yet---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + But yet? + +WRANGEL. + But still the chancellor thinks +It might yet be an easier thing from nothing +To call forth sixty thousand men of battle, +Than to persuade one-sixtieth part of them---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +What now? Out with it, friend? + +WRANGEL. + To break their oaths. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And he thinks so? He judges like a Swede, +And like a Protestant. You Lutherans +Fight for your Bible. You are interested +About the cause; and with your hearts you follow +Your banners. Among you whoe'er deserts +To the enemy hath broken covenant +With two lords at one time. We've no such fancies. + +WRANGEL. +Great God in heaven! Have then the people here +No house and home, no fireside, no altar? + +WALLENSTEIN. +I will explain that to you, how it stands: +The Austrian has a country, ay, and loves it, +And has good cause to love it--but this army +That calls itself the imperial, this that houses +Here in Bohemia, this has none--no country; +This is an outcast of all foreign lands, +Unclaimed by town or tribe, to whom belongs +Nothing except the universal sun. +And this Bohemian land for which we fight +Loves not the master whom the chance of war, +Not its own choice or will, hath given to it. +Men murmur at the oppression of their conscience, +And power hath only awed but not appeased them. +A glowing and avenging memory lives +Of cruel deeds committed on these plains; +How can the son forget that here his father +Was hunted by the bloodhound to the mass? +A people thus oppressed must still be feared, +Whether they suffer or avenge their wrongs. + +WRANGEL. +But then the nobles and the officers? +Such a desertion, such a felony, +It is without example, my lord duke, +In the world's history. + +WALLENSTEIN. + They are all mine-- +Mine unconditionally--mine on all terms. +Not me, your own eyes you must trust. + + [He gives him the paper containing the written oath. WRANGEL reads + it through, and, having read it, lays it on the table,--remaining + silent. + + So then; +Now comprehend you? + +WRANGEL. + Comprehend who can! +My lord duke, I will let the mask drop--yes! +I've full powers for a final settlement. +The Rhinegrave stands but four days' march from here +With fifteen thousand men, and only waits +For orders to proceed and join your army. +These orders I give out immediately +We're compromised. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What asks the chancellor? + +WRANGEL (considerately). +Twelve regiments, every man a Swede--my head +The warranty--and all might prove at last +Only false play---- + +WALLENSTEIN (starting). + Sir Swede! + +WRANGEL (calmly proceeding). + Am therefore forced +To insist thereon, that he do formally, +Irrevocably break with the emperor, +Else not a Swede is trusted to Duke Friedland. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Come, brief and open! What is the demand? + +WRANGEL. +That he forthwith disarm the Spanish regiments +Attached to the emperor, that he seize on Prague, +And to the Swedes give up that city, with +The strong pass Egra. + +WALLENSTEIN. + That is much indeed! +Prague!--Egra's granted--but--but Prague! 'Twon't do. +I give you every security +Which you may ask of me in common reason-- +But Prague--Bohemia--these, sir general, +I can myself protect. + +WRANGEL. + We doubt it not. +But 'tis not the protection that is now +Our sole concern. We want security, +That we shall not expend our men and money +All to no purpose. + +WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis but reasonable. + +WRANGEL. +And till we are indemnified, so long +Stays Prague in pledge. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Then trust you us so little? + +WRANGEL (rising). +The Swede, if he would treat well with the German, +Must keep a sharp lookout. We have been called +Over the Baltic, we have saved the empire +From ruin--with our best blood have we sealed +The liberty of faith and gospel truth. +But now already is the benefaction +No longer felt, the load alone is felt. +Ye look askance with evil eye upon us, +As foreigners, intruders in the empire, +And would fain send us with some paltry sum +Of money, home again to our old forests. +No, no! my lord duke! it never was +For Judas' pay, for chinking gold and silver, +That we did leave our king by the Great Stone. [1] +No, not for gold and silver have there bled +So many of our Swedish nobles--neither +Will we, with empty laurels for our payment, +Hoist sail for our own country. Citizens +Will we remain upon the soil, the which +Our monarch conquered for himself and died. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Help to keep down the common enemy, +And the fair border land must needs be yours. + +WRANGEL. +But when the common enemy lies vanquished, +Who knits together our new friendship then? +We know, Duke Friedland! though perhaps the Swede +Ought not to have known it, that you carry on +Secret negotiations with the Saxons. +Who is our warranty that we are not +The sacrifices in those articles +Which 'tis thought needful to conceal from us? + +WALLENSTEIN (rises). +Think you of something better, Gustave Wrangel! +Of Prague no more. + +WRANGEL. + Here my commission ends. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Surrender up to you my capital! +Far liever would I force about, and step +Back to my emperor. + +WRANGEL. + If time yet permits---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +That lies with me, even now, at any hour. + +WRANGEL. +Some days ago, perhaps. To-day, no longer; +No longer since Sesina's been a prisoner. + [WALLENSTEIN is struck, and silenced. +My lord duke, hear me--we believe that you +At present do mean honorably by us. +Since yesterday we're sure of that--and now +This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing +Stands in the way of our full confidence. +Prague shall not part us. Hear! The chancellor +Contents himself with Alstadt; to your grace +He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side. +But Egra above all must open to us, +Ere we can think of any junction. + +WALLENSTEIN. + You, +You therefore must I trust, and not you me? +I will consider of your proposition. + +WRANGEL. +I must entreat that your consideration +Occupy not too long a time. Already +Has this negotiation, my lord duke! +Crept on into the second year. If nothing +Is settled this time, will the chancellor +Consider it as broken off forever? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Ye press me hard. A measure such as this +Ought to be thought of. + +WRANGEL. + Ay! but think of this too, +That sudden action only can procure it. +Success--think first of this, your highness. + + [Exit WRANGEL. + + + +SCENE VI. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, and ILLO (re-enter). + +ILLO. +Is't all right? + +TERZKY. + Are you compromised? + +ILLO. + This Swede +Went smiling from you. Yes! you're compromised. + +WALLENSTEIN. +As yet is nothing settled; and (well weighed) +I feel myself inclined to leave it so. + +TERZKY. +How? What is that? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Come on me what will come, +The doing evil to avoid an evil +Cannot be good! + +TERZKY. + Nay, but bethink you, duke. + +WALLENSTEIN. +To live upon the mercy of these Swedes! +Of these proud-hearted Swedes!--I could not bear it. + +ILLO. +Goest thou as fugitive, as mendicant? +Bringest thou not more to them than thou receivest? + +WALLENSTEIN. +How fared it with the brave and royal Bourbon +Who sold himself unto his country's foes, +And pierced the bosom of his father-land? +Curses were his reward, and men's abhorrence +Avenged the unnatural and revolting deed. + +ILLO. +Is that thy case? + +WALLENSTEIN. + True faith, I tell thee, +Must ever be the dearest friend of man +His nature prompts him to assert its rights. +The enmity of sects, the rage of parties, +Long-cherished envy, jealousy, unite;' +And all the struggling elements of evil +Suspend their conflict, and together league +In one alliance 'gainst their common foe-- +The savage beast that breaks into the fold, +Where men repose in confidence and peace. +For vain were man's own prudence to protect him. +'Tis only in the forehead nature plants +The watchful eye; the back, without defence, +Must find its shield in man's fidelity. + +TERZKY. +Think not more meanly off thyself than do +Thy foes, who stretch their hands with joy to greet thee. +Less scrupulous far was the imperial Charles, +The powerful head of this illustrious house; +With open arms he gave the Bourbon welcome; +For still by policy the world is ruled. + + + +SCENE VII. + + To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Who sent for you? There is no business here +For women. + +COUNTESS + I am come to bid you joy. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Use thy authority, Terzky; bid her go. + +COUNTESS. +Come I perhaps too early? I hope not. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you: +You know it is the weapon that destroys me. +I am routed, if a woman but attack me: +I cannot traffic in the trade of words +With that unreasoning sex. + +COUNTESS. + I had already +Given the Bohemians a king. + +WALLENSTEIN (sarcastically). + They have one, +In consequence, no doubt. + +COUNTESS (to the others). + Ha! what new scruple? + +TERZKY. +The duke will not. + +COUNTESS. + He will not what he must! + +ILLO. +It lies with you now. Try. For I am silenced +When folks begin to talk to me of conscience +And of fidelity. + +COUNTESS. + How? then, when all +Lay in the far-off distance, when the road +Stretched out before thine eyes interminably, +Then hadst thou courage and resolve; and now, +Now that the dream is being realized, +The purpose ripe, the issue ascertained, +Dost thou begin to play the dastard now? +Planned merely, 'tis a common felony; +Accomplished, an immortal undertaking: +And with success comes pardon hand in hand, +For all event is God's arbitrament. + +SERVANT (enters). +The Colonel Piccolomini. + +COUNTESS (hastily). + --Must wait. + +WALLENSTEIN. +I cannot see him now. Another time. + +SERVANT. +But for two minutes he entreats an audience +Of the most urgent nature is his business. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Who knows what he may bring us! I will hear him. + +COUNTESS (laughs). +Urgent for him, no doubt? but thou may'st wait. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What is it? + +COUNTESS. + Thou shalt be informed hereafter. +First let the Swede and thee be compromised. + + [Exit SERVANT. + +WALLENSTEIN. +If there were yet a choice! if yet some milder +Way of escape were possible--I still +Will choose it, and avoid the last extreme. + +COUNTESS. +Desirest thou nothing further? Such a way +Lies still before thee. Send this Wrangel off. +Forget thou thy old hopes, cast far away +All thy past life; determine to commence +A new one. Virtue hath her heroes too, +As well as fame and fortune. To Vienna +Hence--to the emperor--kneel before the throne; +Take a full coffer with thee--say aloud, +Thou didst but wish to prove thy fealty; +Thy whole intention but to dupe the Swede. + +ILLO. +For that too 'tis too late. They know too much; +He would but bear his own head to the block. + +COUNTESS. +I fear not that. They have not evidence +To attaint him legally, and they avoid +The avowal of an arbitrary power. +They'll let the duke resign without disturbance. +I see how all will end. The King of Hungary +Makes his appearance, and 'twill of itself +Be understood, and then the duke retires. +There will not want a formal declaration. +The young king will administer the oath +To the whole army; and so all returns +To the old position. On some morrow morning +The duke departs; and now 'tis stir and bustle +Within his castles. He will hunt and build; +Superintend his horses' pedigrees, +Creates himself a court, gives golden keys, +And introduceth strictest ceremony +In fine proportions, and nice etiquette; +Keeps open table with high cheer: in brief, +Commenceth mighty king--in miniature. +And while he prudently demeans himself, +And gives himself no actual importance, +He will be let appear whate'er he likes: +And who dares doubt, that Friedland will appear +A mighty prince to his last dying hour? +Well now, what then? Duke Friedland is as others, +A fire-new noble, whom the war hath raised +To price and currency, a Jonah's gourd, +An over-night creation of court-favor, +Which, with an undistinguishable ease, +Makes baron or makes prince. + +WALLENSTEIN (in extreme agitation). + Take her away. +Let in the young Count Piccolomini. + +COUNTESS. +Art thou in earnest? I entreat thee! +Canst thou consent to bear thyself to thy own grave, +So ignominiously to be dried up? +Thy life, that arrogated such an height +To end in such a nothing! To be nothing, +When one was always nothing, is an evil +That asks no stretch of patience, a light evil; +But to become a nothing, having been---- + +WALLENSTEIN (starts up in violent agitation). +Show me a way out of this stifling crowd, +Ye powers of aidance! Show me such a way +As I am capable of going. I +Am no tongue-hero, no fine virtue-prattler; +I cannot warm by thinking; cannot say +To the good luck that turns her back upon me +Magnanimously: "Go; I need thee not." +Cease I to work, I am annihilated. +Dangers nor sacrifices will I shun, +If so I may avoid the last extreme; +But ere I sink down into nothingness, +Leave off so little, who began so great, +Ere that the world confuses me with those +Poor wretches, whom a day creates and crumbles, +This age and after ages [2] speak my name +With hate and dread; and Friedland be redemption +For each accursed deed. + +COUNTESS. + What is there here, then, +So against nature? Help me to perceive it! +Oh, let not superstition's nightly goblins +Subdue thy clear, bright spirit! Art thou bid +To murder? with abhorred, accursed poniard, +To violate the breasts that nourished thee? +That were against our nature, that might aptly +Make thy flesh shudder, and thy whole heart sicken. [3] +Yet not a few, and for a meaner object, +Have ventured even this, ay, and performed it. +What is there in thy case so black and monstrous? +Thou art accused of treason--whether with +Or without justice is not now the question-- +Thou art lost if thou dost not avail thee quickly +Of the power which thou possessest--Friedland! Duke! +Tell me where lives that thing so meek and tame, +That doth not all his living faculties +Put forth in preservation of his life? +What deed so daring, which necessity +And desperation will not sanctify? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Once was this Ferdinand so gracious to me; +He loved me; he esteemed me; I was placed +The nearest to his heart. Full many a time +We like familiar friends, both at one table, +Have banqueted together--he and I; +And the young kings themselves held me the basin +Wherewith to wash me--and is't come to this? + +COUNTESS. +So faithfully preservest thou each small favor, +And hast no memory for contumelies? +Must I remind thee, how at Regensburg +This man repaid thy faithful services? +All ranks and all conditions in the empire +Thou hadst wronged to make him great,--hadst loaded on thee, +On thee, the hate, the curse of the whole world. +No friend existed for thee in all Germany, +And why? because thou hadst existed only +For the emperor. To the emperor alone +Clung Friedland in that storm which gathered round him +At Regensburg in the Diet--and he dropped thee! +He let thee fall! he let thee fall a victim +To the Bavarian, to that insolent! +Deposed, stripped bare of all thy dignity +And power, amid the taunting of thy foe +Thou wert let drop into obscurity. +Say not, the restoration of thy honor +Has made atonement for that first injustice. +No honest good-will was it that replaced thee; +The law of hard necessity replaced thee, +Which they had fain opposed, but that they could not. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Not to their good wishes, that is certain, +Nor yet to his affection I'm indebted +For this high office; and if I abuse it, +I shall therein abuse no confidence. + +COUNTESS. +Affection! confidence!--they needed thee. +Necessity, impetuous remonstrant! +Who not with empty names, or shows of proxy, +Is served, who'll have the thing and not the symbol, +Ever seeks out the greatest and the best, +And at the rudder places him, e'en though +She had been forced to take him from the rabble-- +She, this necessity, it was that placed thee +In this high office; it was she that gave thee +Thy letters-patent of inauguration. +For, to the uttermost moment that they can, +This race still help themselves at cheapest rate +With slavish souls, with puppets! At the approach +Of extreme peril, when a hollow image +Is found a hollow image and no more, +Then falls the power into the mighty hands +Of nature, of the spirit-giant born, +Who listens only to himself, knows nothing +Of stipulations, duties, reverences, +And, like the emancipated force of fire, +Unmastered scorches, ere it reaches them, +Their fine-spun webs, their artificial policy. + +WALLENSTEIN. +'Tis true! they saw me always as I am-- +Always! I did not cheat them in the bargain. +I never held it worth my pains to hide +The bold all-grasping habit of my soul. + +COUNTESS. +Nay rather--thou hast ever shown thyself +A formidable man, without restraint; +Hast exercised the full prerogatives +Of thy impetuous nature, which had been +Once granted to thee. Therefore, duke, not thou, +Who hast still remained consistent with thyself, +But they are in the wrong, who, fearing thee, +Intrusted such a power in hands they feared. +For, by the laws of spirit, in the right +Is every individual character +That acts in strict consistence with itself: +Self-contradiction is the only wrong. +Wert thou another being, then, when thou +Eight years ago pursuedst thy march with fire, +And sword, and desolation, through the circles +Of Germany, the universal scourge, +Didst mock all ordinances of the empire, +The fearful rights of strength alone exertedst, +Trampledst to earth each rank, each magistracy, +All to extend thy Sultan's domination? +Then was the time to break thee in, to curb +Thy haughty will, to teach thee ordinance. +But no, the emperor felt no touch of conscience; +What served him pleased him, and without a murmur +He stamped his broad seal on these lawless deeds. +What at that time was right, because thou didst it +For him, to-day is all at once become +Opprobrious, foul, because it is directed +Against him. O most flimsy superstition! + +WALLENSTEIN (rising). +I never saw it in this light before, +'Tis even so. The emperor perpetrated +Deeds through my arm, deeds most unorderly. +And even this prince's mantle, which I wear, +I owe to what were services to him, +But most high misdemeanors 'gainst the empire. + +COUNTESS. +Then betwixt thee and him (confess it, Friedland!) +The point can be no more of right and duty, +Only of power and the opportunity. +That opportunity, lo! it comes yonder +Approaching with swift steeds; then with a swing +Throw thyself up into the chariot-seat, +Seize with firm hand the reins ere thy opponent +Anticipate thee, and himself make conquest +Of the now empty seat. The moment comes; +It is already here, when thou must write +The absolute total of thy life's vast sum. +The constellations stand victorious o'er thee, +The planets shoot good fortune in fair junctions, +And tell thee, "Now's the time!" The starry courses +Hast thou thy life-long measured to no purpose? +The quadrant and the circle, were they playthings? + + [Pointing to the different objects in the room. + +The zodiacs, the rolling orbs of heaven, +Hast pictured on these walls and all around thee. +In dumb, foreboding symbols hast thou placed +These seven presiding lords of destiny-- +For toys? Is all this preparation nothing? +Is there no marrow in this hollow art, +That even to thyself it doth avail +Nothing, and has no influence over thee +In the great moment of decision? + +WALLENSTEIN (during this last speech walks up and down with inward + struggles, laboring with passion; stops suddenly, stands still, then + interrupting the COUNTESS). +Send Wrangel to me--I will instantly +Despatch three couriers---- + +ILLO (hurrying out). + God in heaven be praised! + +WALLENSTEIN. +It is his evil genius and mine. +Our evil genius! It chastises him +Through me, the instrument of his ambition; +And I expect no less, than that revenge +E'en now is whetting for my breast the poinard. +Who sows the serpent's teeth let him not hope +To reap a joyous harvest. Every crime +Has, in the moment of its perpetration, +Its own avenging angel--dark misgiving, +An ominous sinking at the inmost heart. +He can no longer trust me. Then no longer +Can I retreat--so come that which must come. +Still destiny preserves its due relations, +The heart within us is its absolute +Vicegerent. [To TERZKY. + Go, conduct you Gustave Wrangel +To my state cabinet. Myself will speak to +The couriers. And despatch immediately +A servant for Octavio Piccolomini. + + [To the COUNTESS, who cannot conceal her triumph. + +No exultation! woman, triumph not! +For jealous are the powers of destiny, +Joy premature, and shouts ere victory, +Encroach upon their rights and privileges. +We sow the seed, and they the growth determine. + + [While he is making his exit the curtain drops. + + + + +ACT II. + +SCENE I. + + Scene as in the preceding Act. + + WALLENSTEIN, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI. + +WALLENSTEIN (coming forward in conversation). +He sends me word from Linz that he lies sick; +But I have sure intelligence that he +Secretes himself at Frauenberg with Gallas. +Secure them both, and send them to me hither. +Remember, thou takest on thee the command +Of those same Spanish regiments,--constantly +Make preparation, and be never ready; +And if they urge thee to draw out against me, +Still answer yes, and stand as thou went fettered. +I know, that it is doing thee a service +To keep thee out of action in this business. +Thou lovest to linger on in fair appearances; +Steps of extremity are not thy province, +Therefore have I sought out this part for thee. +Thou wilt this time be of most service to me +By thy inertness. The meantime, if fortune +Declare itself on my side, thou wilt know +What is to do. + + [Enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + Now go, Octavio. +This night must thou be off, take my own horses +Him here I keep with me--make short farewell-- +Trust me, I think we all shall meet again +In joy and thriving fortunes. + +OCTAVIO (to his son). + I shall see you +Yet ere I go. + + + +SCENE II. + + WALLENSTEIN, MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + +MAX. (advances to him). +My general! + +WALLENSTEIN. + That I am no longer, if +Thou stylest thyself the emperor's officer. + +MAX. +Then thou wilt leave the army, general? + +WALLENSTEIN. +I have renounced the service of the emperor. + +MAX. +And thou wilt leave the army? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Rather hope I +To bind it nearer still and faster to me. + [He seats himself. +Yes, Max., I have delayed to open it to thee, +Even till the hour of acting 'gins to strike. +Youth's fortunate feeling doth seize easily +The absolute right, yea, and a joy it is +To exercise the single apprehension +Where the sums square in proof; +But where it happens, that of two sure evils +One must be taken, where the heart not wholly +Brings itself back from out the strife of duties, +There 'tis a blessing to have no election, +And blank necessity is grace and favor. +This is now present: do not look behind thee,-- +It can no more avail thee. Look thou forwards! +Think not! judge not! prepare thyself to act! +The court--it hath determined on my ruin, +Therefore I will be beforehand with them. +We'll join the Swedes--right gallant fellows are they, +And our good friends. + [He stops himself, expecting PICCOLOMINI's answer. +I have taken thee by surprise. Answer me not: +I grant thee time to recollect thyself. + + [He rises, retires to the back of the stage. MAX. remains + for a long time motionless, in a trance of excessive anguish. + At his first motion WALLENSTEIN returns, and places himself + before him. + +MAX. +My general, this day thou makest me +Of age to speak in my own right and person, +For till this day I have been spared the trouble +To find out my own road. Thee have I followed +With most implicit, unconditional faith, +Sure of the right path if I followed thee. +To-day, for the first time, dost thou refer +Me to myself, and forcest me to make +Election between thee and my own heart. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Soft cradled thee thy fortune till to-day; +Thy duties thou couldst exercise in sport, +Indulge all lovely instincts, act forever +With undivided heart. It can remain +No longer thus. Like enemies, the roads +Start from each other. Duties strive with duties, +Thou must needs choose thy party in the war +Which is now kindling 'twixt thy friend and him +Who is thy emperor. + +MAX. + War! is that the name? +War is as frightful as heaven's pestilence, +Yet it is good, is it heaven's will as that is. +Is that a good war, which against the emperor +Thou wagest with the emperor's own army? +O God of heaven! what a change is this. +Beseems it me to offer such persuasion +To thee, who like the fixed star of the pole +Wert all I gazed at on life's trackless ocean? +O! what a rent thou makest in my heart! +The ingrained instinct of old reverence, +The holy habit of obediency, +Must I pluck life asunder from thy name? +Nay, do not turn thy countenance upon me-- +It always was as a god looking upon me! +Duke Wallenstein, its power has not departed; +The senses still are in thy bonds, although +Bleeding, the soul hath freed itself. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Max., hear me. + +MAX. +Oh, do it not, I pray thee, do it not! +There is a pure and noble soul within thee, +Knows not of this unblest unlucky doing. +Thy will is chaste, it is thy fancy only +Which hath polluted thee--and innocence, +It will not let itself be driven away +From that world-awing aspect. Thou wilt not, +Thou canst not end in this. It would reduce +All human creatures to disloyalty +Against the nobleness of their own nature. +'Twill justify the vulgar misbelief, +Which holdeth nothing noble in free will, +And trusts itself to impotence alone, +Made powerful only in an unknown power. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The world will judge me harshly, I expect it. +Already have I said to my own self +All thou canst say to me. Who but avoids +The extreme, can he by going round avoid it? +But here there is no choice. Yes, I must use +Or suffer violence--so stands the case, +There remains nothing possible but that. + +MAX. +Oh, that is never possible for thee! +'Tis the last desperate resource of those +Cheap souls, to whom their honor, their good name, +Is their poor saving, their last worthless keep, +Which, having staked and lost, they staked themselves +In the mad rage of gaming. Thou art rich +And glorious; with an unpolluted heart +Thou canst make conquest of whate'er seems highest! +But he who once hath acted infamy +Does nothing more in this world. + +WALLENSTEIN (grasps his hand). + Calmly, Max.! +Much that is great and excellent will we +Perform together yet. And if we only +Stand on the height with dignity, 'tis soon +Forgotten, Max., by what road we ascended. +Believe me, many a crown shines spotless now, +That yet was deeply sullied in the winning. +To the evil spirit doth the earth belong, +Not to the good. All that the powers divine +Send from above are universal blessings +Their light rejoices us, their air refreshes, +But never yet was man enriched by them: +In their eternal realm no property +Is to be struggled for--all there is general. +The jewel, the all-valued gold we win +From the deceiving powers, depraved in nature, +That dwell beneath the day and blessed sunlight. +Not without sacrifices are they rendered +Propitious, and there lives no soul on earth +That e'er retired unsullied from their service. + +MAX. +Whate'er is human to the human being +Do I allow--and to the vehement +And striving spirit readily I pardon +The excess of action; but to thee, my general! +Above all others make I large concession. +For thou must move a world and be the master-- +He kills thee who condemns thee to inaction. +So be it then! maintain thee in thy post +By violence. Resist the emperor, +And if it must be force with force repel; +I will not praise it, yet I can forgive it. +But not--not to the traitor--yes! the word +Is spoken out-- +Not to the traitor can I yield a pardon. +That is no mere excess! that is no error +Of human nature--that is wholly different, +Oh, that is black, black as the pit of hell! + [WALLENSTEIN betrays a sudden agitation. +Thou canst not hear it named, and wilt thou do it? +O turn back to thy duty. That thou canst, +I hold it certain. Send me to Vienna; +I'll make thy peace for thee with the emperor. +He knows thee not. But I do know thee. He +Shall see thee, duke! with my unclouded eye, +And I bring back his confidence to thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It is too late! Thou knowest not what has happened. + +MAX. +Were it too late, and were things gone so far, +That a crime only could prevent thy fall, +Then--fall! fall honorably, even as thou stoodest, +Lose the command. Go from the stage of war! +Thou canst with splendor do it--do it too +With innocence. Thou hast lived much for others, +At length live thou for thy own self. I follow thee. +My destiny I never part from thine. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It is too late! Even now, while thou art losing +Thy words, one after another, are the mile-stones +Left fast behind by my post couriers, +Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra. + + [MAX. stands as convulsed, with a gesture and countenance + expressing the most intense anguish. + +Yield thyself to it. We act as we are forced. +I cannot give assent to my own shame +And ruin. Thou--no--thou canst not forsake me! +So let us do, what must be done, with dignity, +With a firm step. What am I doing worse +Than did famed Caesar at the Rubicon, +When he the legions led against his country, +The which his country had delivered to him? +Had he thrown down the sword, he had been lost. +As I were, if I but disarmed myself. +I trace out something in me of this spirit. +Give me his luck, that other thing I'll bear. + + [MAX. quits him abruptly. WALLENSTEIN startled and overpowered, + continues looking after him, and is still in this posture when + TERZKY enters. + + + +SCENE III. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY. + +TERZKY. +Max. Piccolomini just left you? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Where is Wrangel? + +TERZKY. +He is already gone. + +WALLENSTEIN. + In such a hurry? + +TERZKY. +It is as if the earth had swallowed him. +He had scarce left thee, when I went to seek him. +I wished some words with him--but he was gone. +How, when, and where, could no one tell me. +Nay, I half believe it was the devil himself; +A human creature could not so at once +Have vanished. + +ILLO (enters). + Is it true that thou wilt send +Octavio? + +TERZKY. + How, Octavio! Whither send him? + +WALLENSTEIN. +He goes to Frauenberg, and will lead hither +The Spanish and Italian regiments. + +ILLO. + No! +Nay, heaven forbid! + +WALLENSTEIN. + And why should heaven forbid? + +ILLO. +Him!--that deceiver! Wouldst thou trust to him +The soldiery? Him wilt thou let slip from thee, +Now in the very instant that decides us---- + +TERZKY. +Thou wilt not do this! No! I pray thee, no! + +WALLENSTEIN. +Ye are whimsical. + +ILLO. + O but for this time, duke, +Yield to our warning! Let him not depart. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And why should I not trust him only this time, +Who have always trusted him? What, then, has happened +That I should lose my good opinion of him? +In complaisance to your whims, not my own, +I must, forsooth, give up a rooted judgment. +Think not I am a woman. Having trusted him +E'en till to-day, to-day too will I trust him. + +TERZKY. +Must it be he--he only? Send another. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It must be he, whom I myself have chosen; +He is well fitted for the business. +Therefore I gave it him. + +ILLO. + Because he's an Italian-- +Therefore is he well fitted for the business! + +WALLENSTEIN. +I know you love them not, nor sire nor son, +Because that I esteem them, love them, visibly +Esteem them, love them more than you and others, +E'en as they merit. Therefore are they eye-blights, +Thorns in your footpath. But your jealousies, +In what affect they me or my concerns? +Are they the worse to me because you hate them? +Love or hate one another as you will, +I leave to each man his own moods and likings; +Yet know the worth of each of you to me. + +ILLO. +Von Questenberg, while he was here, was always +Lurking about with this Octavio. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It happened with my knowledge and permission. + +ILLO. +I know that secret messengers came to him +From Gallas---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + That's not true. + +ILLO. + O thou art blind, +With thy deep-seeing eyes! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Thou wilt not shake +My faith for me; my faith, which founds itself +On the profoundest science. If 'tis false, +Then the whole science of the stars is false; +For know, I have a pledge from Fate itself, +That he is the most faithful of my friends. + +ILLO. +Hast thou a pledge that this pledge is not false? + +WALLENSTEIN. +There exist moments in the life of man, +When he is nearer the great Soul of the world +Than is man's custom, and possesses freely +The power of questioning his destiny: +And such a moment 'twas, when in the night +Before the action in the plains of Luetzen, +Leaning against a tree, thoughts crowding thoughts, +I looked out far upon the ominous plain. +My whole life, past and future, in this moment +Before my mind's eye glided in procession, +And to the destiny of the next morning +The spirit, filled with anxious presentiment, +Did knit the most removed futurity. +Then said I also to myself, "So many +Dost thou command. They follow all thy stars, +And as on some great number set their all +Upon thy single head, and only man +The vessel of thy fortune. Yet a day +Will come, when destiny shall once more scatter +All these in many a several direction: +Few be they who will stand out faithful to thee." +I yearned to know which one was faithfulest +Of all, my camp included. Great destiny, +Give me a sign! And he shall be the man, +Who, on the approaching morning, comes the first +To meet me with a token of his love: +And thinking this, I fell into a slumber, +Then midmost in the battle was I led +In spirit. Great the pressure and the tumult! +Then was my horse killed under me: I sank; +And over me away, all unconcernedly, +Drove horse and rider--and thus trod to pieces +I lay, and panted like a dying man; +Then seized me suddenly a savior arm; +It was Octavio's--I woke at once, +'Twas broad day, and Octavio stood before me. +"My brother," said he, "do not ride to-day +The dapple, as you're wont; but mount the horse +Which I have chosen for thee. Do it, brother! +In love to me. A strong dream warned me so." +It was the swiftness of this horse that snatched me +From the hot pursuit of Bannier's dragoons. +My cousin rode the dapple on that day, +And never more saw I or horse or rider. + +ILLO. +That was a chance. + +WALLENSTEIN (significantly). + There's no such thing as chance +And what to us seems merest accident +Springs from the deepest source of destiny. +In brief, 'tis signed and sealed that this Octavio +Is my good angel--and now no word more. + + [He is retiring. + +TERZKY. +This is my comfort--Max. remains our hostage. + +ILLO. +And he shall never stir from here alive. + +WALLENSTEIN (stops and turns himself round). +Are ye not like the women, who forever +Only recur to their first word, although +One had been talking reason by the hour! +Know, that the human being's thoughts and deeds +Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved. +The inner world, his microcosmus, is +The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally. +They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit-- +No juggling chance can metamorphose them. +Have I the human kernel first examined? +Then I know, too, the future will and action. + + [Exeunt. + + + +SCENE IV. + + Chamber in the residence of Piccolomini: OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI + (attired for travelling), an ADJUTANT. + +OCTAVIO. +Is the detachment here? + +ADJUTANT. + It waits below. + +OCTAVIO. +And are the soldiers trusty, adjutant? +Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them? + +ADJUTANT. +From Tiefenbach's. + +OCTAVIO. +That regiment is loyal, +Keep them in silence in the inner court, +Unseen by all, and when the signal peals +Then close the doors, keep watch upon the house. +And all ye meet be instantly arrested. + [Exit ADJUTANT. +I hope indeed I shall not need their service, +So certain feel I of my well-laid plans; +But when an empire's safety is at stake +'Twere better too much caution than too little. + + + +SCENE V. + + A chamber in PICCOLOMINI's dwelling-house: OCTAVIO, + PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI, entering. + +ISOLANI. +Here am I--well! who comes yet of the others? + +OCTAVIO (with an air of mystery). +But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani. + +ISOLANI (assuming the same air of mystery). +Will it explode, ha? Is the duke about +To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place +Full confidence--nay, put me to the proof. + +OCTAVIO. +That may happen. + +ISOLANI. + Noble brother, I am +Not one of those men who in words are valiant, +And when it comes to action skulk away. +The duke has acted towards me as a friend: +God knows it is so; and I owe him all; +He may rely on my fidelity. + +OCTAVIO. +That will be seen hereafter. + +ISOLANI. + Be on your guard, +All think not as I think; and there are many +Who still hold with the court--yes, and they say +That these stolen signatures bind them to nothing. + +OCTAVIO. +Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so; + +ISOLANI. +Plague upon them! all the Germans think so +Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too, +Insist upon obedience to the court. + +OCTAVIO. +I am rejoiced to hear it. + +ISOLANI. + You rejoice? + +OCTAVIO. +That the emperor has yet such gallant servants, +And loving friends. + +ISOLANI. + Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. +They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you. + +OCTAVIO. +I am assured already. God forbid +That I should jest! In very serious earnest, +I am rejoiced to see an honest cause +So strong. + +ISOLANI. + The devil!--what!--why, what means this? +Are you not, then----For what, then, am I here? + +OCTAVIO. +That you may make full declaration, whether +You will be called the friend or enemy +Of the emperor. + +ISOLANI (with an air of defiance). + That declaration, friend, +I'll make to him in whom a right is placed +To put that question to me. + +OCTAVIO. + Whether, count, +That right is mine, this paper may instruct you. + +ISOLANI (stammering). +Why,--why--what! this is the emperor's hand and seal + [Reads. +"Whereas the officers collectively +Throughout our army will obey the orders +Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini, +As from ourselves."--Hem!--Yes! so!--Yes! yes! +I--I give you joy, lieutenant-general! + +OCTAVIO. +And you submit to the order? + +ISOLANI. + I-- +But you have taken me so by surprise +Time for reflection one must have---- + +OCTAVIO. + Two minutes. + +ISOLANI. +My God! But then the case is---- + +OCTAVIO. + Plain and simple. +You must declare you, whether you determine +To act a treason 'gainst your lord and sovereign, +Or whether you will serve him faithfully. + +ISOLANI. +Treason! My God! But who talks then of treason? + +OCTAVIO. +That is the case. The prince-duke is a traitor-- +Means to lead over to the enemy +The emperor's army. Now, count! brief and full-- +Say, will you break your oath to the emperor? +Sell yourself to the enemy? Say, will you? + +ISOLANI. +What mean you? I--I break my oath, d'ye say, +To his imperial majesty? +Did I say so! When, when have I said that? + +OCTAVIO. +You have not said it yet--not yet. This instant +I wait to hear, count, whether you will say it. + +ISOLANI. +Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself +Bear witness for me that I never said so. + +OCTAVIO. +And you renounce the duke then? + +ISOLANI. + If he's planning +Treason--why, treason breaks all bonds asunder. + +OCTAVIO. +And are determined, too, to fight against him? + +ISOLANI. +He has done me service--but if he's a villain, +Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off. + +OCTAVIO. +I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed. +This night break off in the utmost secrecy +With all the light-armed troops--it must appear +As came the order from the duke himself. +At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous; +There will Count Gallas give you further orders. + +ISOLANI. +It shall be done. But you'll remember me +With the emperor--how well disposed you found me. + +OCTAVIO. +I will not fail to mention it honorably. + + [Exit ISOLANI. A SERVANT enters. + +What, Colonel Butler! Show him up. + +ISOLANI (returning). +Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father! +Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great +Person I had before me. + +OCTAVIO. + No excuses! + +ISOLANI. +I am a merry lad, and if at time +A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court +Amidst my wine,--you know no harm was meant. + +OCTAVIO. +You need not be uneasy on that score. +That has succeeded. Fortune favor us +With all the others only but as much. + + [Exit. + + + +SCENE VI. + + OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER. + +BUTLER. +At your command, lieutenant-general. + +OCTAVIO. +Welcome, as honored friend and visitor. + +BUTLER. +You do me too much honor. + +OCTAVIO (after both have seated themselves) + You have not +Returned the advances which I made you yesterday-- +Misunderstood them as mere empty forms. +That wish proceeded from my heart--I was +In earnest with you--for 'tis now a time +In which the honest should unite most closely. + +BUTLER. +'Tis only the like-minded can unite. + +OCTAVIO. +True! and I name all honest men like-minded. +I never charge a man but with those acts +To which his character deliberately +Impels him; for alas! the violence +Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts +The very best of us from the right track. +You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Gallas +Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend. + +BUTLER. +His words were lost on me. + +OCTAVIO. + It grieves me sorely +To hear it: for his counsel was most wise. +I had myself the like to offer. + +BUTLER. + Spare +Yourself the trouble--me the embarrassment. +To have deserved so ill your good opinion. + +OCTAVIO. +The time is precious--let us talk openly. +You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein +Meditates treason--I can tell you further, +He has committed treason; but few hours +Have past since he a covenant concluded +With the enemy. The messengers are now +Full on their way to Egra and to Prague. +To-morrow he intends to lead us over +To the enemy. But he deceives himself; +For prudence wakes--the emperor has still +Many and faithful friends here, and they stand +In closest union, mighty though unseen. +This manifesto sentences the duke-- +Recalls the obedience of the army from him, +And summons all the loyal, all the honest, +To join and recognize in me their leader. +Choose--will you share with us an honest cause? +Or with the evil share an evil lot? + +BUTLER (rises). +His lot is mine. + +OCTAVIO. + Is that your last resolve? + +BUTLER. +It is. + +OCTAVIO. + Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler. +As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast +That rashly uttered word remains interred. +Recall it, Butler! choose a better party; +You have not chosen the right one. + +BUTLER (going). + Any other +Commands for me, lieutenant-general? + +OCTAVIO. +See your white hairs; recall that word! + +BUTLER. + Farewell! + +OCTAVIO. +What! Would you draw this good and gallant sword +In such a cause? Into a curse would you +Transform the gratitude which you have earned +By forty years' fidelity from Austria? + +BUTLER (laughing with bitterness). +Gratitude from the House of Austria! + + [He is going. + +OCTAVIO (permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him). +Butler! + +BUTLER. + What wish you? + +OCTAVIO. + How was't with the count? + +BUTLER. +Count? what? + +OCTAVIO (coldly). + The title that you wished, I mean. + +BUTLER (starts in sudden passion). +Hell and damnation! + +OCTAVIO (coldly). + You petitioned for it-- +And your petition was repelled--was it so? + +BUTLER. +Your insolent scoff shall not go by unpunished. +Draw! + +OCTAVIO. +Nay! your sword to its sheath! and tell me calmly +How all that happened. I will not refuse you +Your satisfaction afterwards. Calmly, Butler! + +BUTLER. +Be the whole world acquainted with the weakness +For which I never can forgive myself, +Lieutenant-general! Yes; I have ambition. +Ne'er was I able to endure contempt. +It stung me to the quick that birth and title +Should have more weight than merit has in the army. +I would fain not be meaner than my equal, +So in an evil hour I let myself +Be tempted to that measure. It was folly! +But yet so hard a penance it deserved not. +It might have been refused; but wherefore barb +And venom the refusal with contempt? +Why dash to earth and crush with heaviest scorn +The gray-haired man, the faithful veteran? +Why to the baseness of his parentage +Refer him with such cruel roughness, only +Because he had a weak hour and forgot himself? +But nature gives a sting e'en to the worm +Which wanton power treads on in sport and insult. + +OCTAVIO. +You must have been calumniated. Guess you +The enemy who did you this ill service? + +BUTLER. +Be't who it will--a most low-hearted scoundrel! +Some vile court-minion must it be, some Spaniard; +Some young squire of some ancient family, +In whose light I may stand; some envious knave, +Stung to his soul by my fair self-earned honors! + +OCTAVIO. +But tell me, did the duke approve that measure? + +BUTLER. +Himself impelled me to it, used his interest +In my behalf with all the warmth of friendship. + +OCTAVIO. +Ay! are you sure of that? + +BUTLER. + I read the letter. + +OCTAVIO. +And so did I--but the contents were different. + [BUTLER is suddenly struck. +By chance I'm in possession of that letter-- +Can leave it to your own eyes to convince you. + + [He gives him the letter. + +BUTLER. +Ha! what is this? + +OCTAVIO. + I fear me, Colonel Butler, +An infamous game have they been playing with you. +The duke, you say, impelled you to this measure? +Now, in this letter, talks he in contempt +Concerning you; counsels the minister +To give sound chastisement to your conceit, +For so he calls it. + + [BUTLER reads through the letter; his knees tremble, he seizes a + chair, and sinks clown in it. + +You have no enemy, no persecutor; +There's no one wishes ill to you. Ascribe +The insult you received to the duke only. +His aim is clear and palpable. He wished +To tear you from your emperor: he hoped +To gain from your revenge what he well knew +(What your long tried fidelity convinced him) +He ne'er could dare expect from your calm reason. +A blind tool would he make you, in contempt +Use you, as means of most abandoned ends. +He has gained his point. Too well has he succeeded +In luring you away from that good path +On which you had been journeying forty years! + +BUTLER (his voice trembling). +Can e'er the emperor's majesty forgive me? + +OCTAVIO. +More than forgive you. He would fain compensate +For that affront, and most unmerited grievance +Sustained by a deserving gallant veteran. +From his free impulse he confirms the present, +Which the duke made you for a wicked purpose. +The regiment, which you now command, is yours. + + [BUTLER attempts to rise, sinks down again. He labors inwardly + with violent emotions; tries to speak and cannot. At length + he takes his sword from the belt, and offers it to PICCOLOMINI. + +OCTAVIO. +What wish you? Recollect yourself, friend. + +BUTLER. + Take it. + +OCTAVIO. +But to what purpose? Calm yourself. + +BUTLER. + O take it! +I am no longer worthy of this sword. + +OCTAVIO. +Receive it then anew, from my hands--and +Wear it with honor for the right cause ever. + +BUTLER. +Perjure myself to such a gracious sovereign? + +OCTAVIO. +You'll make amends. Quick! break off from the duke! + +BUTLER. +Break off from him. + +OCTAVIO. + What now? Bethink thyself. + +BUTLER (no longer governing his emotion). +Only break off from him? He dies! he dies! + +OCTAVIO. +Come after me to Frauenberg, where now +All who are loyal are assembling under +Counts Altringer and Gallas. Many others +I've brought to a remembrance of their duty +This night be sure that you escape from Pilsen. + +BUTLER (strides up and down in excessive agitation, then steps up to + OCTAVIO with resolved countenance). +Count Piccolomini! dare that man speak +Of honor to you, who once broke his troth. + +OCTAVIO. +He who repents so deeply of it dares. + +BUTLER. +Then leave me here upon my word of honor! + +OCTAVIO. +What's your design? + +BUTLER. + Leave me and my regiment. + +OCTAVIO. +I have full confidence in you. But tell me +What are you brooding? + +BUTLER. + That the deed will tell you. +Ask me no more at present. Trust me. +Ye may trust safely. By the living God, +Ye give him over, not to his good angel! +Farewell. + [Exit BUTLER. + +SERVANT (enters with a billet). + A stranger left it, and is gone. +The prince-duke's horses wait for you below. + + [Exit SERVANT. + +OCTAVIO (reads). +"Be sure, make haste! Your faithful Isolani." +--O that I had but left this town behind me. +To split upon a rock so near the haven! +Away! This is no longer a safe place +For me! Where can my son be tarrying! + + + +SCENE VII. + + OCTAVIO and MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + MAX. enters almost in a state of derangement, from extreme + agitation; his eyes roll wildly, his walk is unsteady, and he + appears not to observe his father, who stands at a distance, + and gazes at him with a countenance expressive of compassion. + He paces with long strides through the chamber, then stands still + again, and at last throws himself into a chair, staring vacantly + at the object directly before him. + +OCTAVIO (advances to him). +I am going off, my son. + [Receiving no answer, he takes his hands + My son, farewell. + +MAX. + Farewell. + +OCTAVIO. +Thou wilt soon follow me? + +MAX. + I follow thee? +Thy way is crooked--it is not my way. + [OCTAVIO drops his hand and starts back. +Oh, hadst thou been but simple and sincere, +Ne'er had it come to this--all had stood otherwise. +He had not done that foul and horrible deed, +The virtuous had retained their influence over him +He had not fallen into the snares of villains. +Wherefore so like a thief, and thief's accomplice +Didst creep behind him lurking for thy prey! +Oh, unblest falsehood! Mother of all evil! +Thou misery-making demon, it is thou +That sinkest us in perdition. Simple truth, +Sustainer of the world, had saved us all! +Father, I will not, I cannot excuse thee! +Wallenstein has deceived me--oh, most foully! +But thou has acted not much better. + +OCTAVIO. + Son +My son, ah! I forgive thy agony! + +MAX. (rises and contemplates his father with looks of suspicion). +Was't possible? hadst thou the heart, my father, +Hadst thou the heart to drive it to such lengths, +With cold premeditated purpose? Thou-- +Hadst thou the heart to wish to see him guilty +Rather than saved? Thou risest by his fall. +Octavio, 'twill not please me. + +OCTAVIO. + God in heaven! + +MAX. +Oh, woe is me! sure I have changed my nature. +How comes suspicion here--in the free soul? +Hope, confidence, belief, are gone; for all +Lied to me, all that I e'er loved or honored. +No, no! not all! She--she yet lives for me, +And she is true, and open as the heavens +Deceit is everywhere, hypocrisy, +Murder, and poisoning, treason, perjury: +The single holy spot is our love, +The only unprofaned in human nature. + +OCTAVIO. +Max.!--we will go together. 'Twill be better. + +MAX. +What? ere I've taken a last parting leave, +The very last--no, never! + +OCTAVIO. + Spare thyself +The pang of necessary separation. +Come with me! Come, my son! + + [Attempts to take him with him. + +MAX. +No! as sure as God lives, no! + +OCTAVIO (more urgently). +Come with me, I command thee! I, thy father. + +MAX. +Command me what is human. I stay here. + +OCTAVIO. +Max.! in the emperor's name I bid thee come. + +MAX. +No emperor has power to prescribe +Laws to the heart; and wouldst thou wish to rob me +Of the sole blessing which my fate has left me, +Her sympathy? Must then a cruel deed +Be done with cruelty? The unalterable +Shall I perform ignobly--steal away, +With stealthy coward flight forsake her? No! +She shall behold my suffering, my sore anguish, +Hear the complaints of the disparted soul, +And weep tears o'er me. Oh! the human race +Have steely souls--but she is as an angel. +From the black deadly madness of despair +Will she redeem my soul, and in soft words +Of comfort, plaining, loose this pang of death! + +OCTAVIO. +Thou wilt not tear thyself away; thou canst not. +Oh, come, my son! I bid thee save thy virtue. + +MAX. +Squander not thou thy words in vain. +The heart I follow, for I dare trust to it. + +OCTAVIO (trembling, and losing all self-command). +Max.! Max.! if that most damned thing could be, +If thou--my son--my own blood--(dare I think it?) +Do sell thyself to him, the infamous, +Do stamp this brand upon our noble house, +Then shall the world behold the horrible deed, +And in unnatural combat shall the steel +Of the son trickle with the father's blood. + +MAX. +Oh, hadst thou always better thought of men, +Thou hadst then acted better. Curst suspicion, +Unholy, miserable doubt! To him +Nothing on earth remains unwrenched and firm +Who has no faith. + +OCTAVIO. + And if I trust thy heart, +Will it be always in thy power to follow it? + +MAX. +The heart's voice thou hast not o'erpowered--as little +Will Wallenstein be able to o'erpower it. + +OCTAVIO. +O, Max.! I see thee never more again! + +MAX. +Unworthy of thee wilt thou never see me. + +OCTAVIO. +I go to Frauenberg--the Pappenheimers +I leave thee here, the Lothrings too; Tsokana +And Tiefenbach remain here to protect thee. +They love thee, and are faithful to their oath, +And will far rather fall in gallant contest +Than leave their rightful leader and their honor. + +MAX. +Rely on this, I either leave my life +In the struggle, or conduct them out of Pilsen. + +OCTAVIO. +Farewell, my son! + +MAX. + Farewell! + +OCTAVIO. + How! not one look +Of filial love? No grasp of the hand at parting? +It is a bloody war to which we are going, +And the event uncertain and in darkness. +So used we not to part--it was not so! +Is it then true? I have a son no longer? + + [MAX. falls into his arms, they hold each other for a long time + in a speechless embrace, then go away at different sides. + + (The curtain drops.) + + + + +ACT III. + +SCENE I. + + A chamber in the house of the Duchess of Friedland. + + COUNTESS TERZKY, THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN (the two latter sit + at the same table at work). + +COUNTESS (watching them from the opposite side). +So you have nothing to ask me--nothing? +I have been waiting for a word from you. +And could you then endure in all this time +Not once to speak his name? + + [THEKLA remaining silent, the COUNTESS rises and advances to her. + + Why, how comes this? +Perhaps I am already grown superfluous, +And other ways exist, besides through me +Confess it to me, Thekla: have you seen him? + +THEKLA. +To-day and yesterday I have not seen him. + +COUNTESS. +And not heard from him, either? Come, be open. + +THEKLA. +No Syllable. + +COUNTESS. + And still you are so calm? + +THEKLA. +I am. + +COUNTESS. + May it please you, leave us, Lady Neubrunn. + + [Exit LADY NEUBRUNN. + + + +SCENE II. + + The COUNTESS, THEKLA. + +COUNTESS. +It does not please me, princess, that he holds +Himself so still, exactly at this time. + +THEKLA. +Exactly at this time? + +COUNTESS. + He now knows all +'Twere now the moment to declare himself. + +THEKLA. +If I'm to understand you, speak less darkly. + +COUNTESS. +'Twas for that purpose that I bade her leave us. +Thekla, you are no more a child. Your heart +Is no more in nonage: for you love, +And boldness dwells with love--that you have proved +Your nature moulds itself upon your father's +More than your mother's spirit. Therefore may you +Hear what were too much for her fortitude. + +THEKLA. +Enough: no further preface, I entreat you. +At once, out with it! Be it what it may, +It is not possible that it should torture me +More than this introduction. What have you +To say to me? Tell me the whole, and briefly! + +COUNTESS. +You'll not be frightened---- + +THEKLA. + Name it, I entreat you. + +COUNTESS. +Lies within my power to do your father +A weighty service---- + +THEKLA. + Lies within my power. + +COUNTESS. +Max. Piccolomini loves you. You can link him +Indissolubly to your father. + +THEKLA. + I? +What need of me for that? And is he not +Already linked to him? + +COUNTESS. + He was. + +THEKLA. + And wherefore +Should he not be so now--not be so always? + +COUNTESS. +He cleaves to the emperor too. + +THEKLA. + Not more than duty +And honor may demand of him. + +COUNTESS. + We ask +Proofs of his love, and not proofs of his honor. +Duty and honor! +Those are ambiguous words with many meanings. +You should interpret them for him: his love +Should be the sole definer of his honor. + +THEKLA. +How? + +COUNTESS. +The emperor or you must he renounce. + +THEKLA. +He will accompany my father gladly +In his retirement. From himself you heard, +How much he wished to lay aside the sword. + +COUNTESS. +He must not lay the sword aside, we mean; +He must unsheath it in your father's cause. + +THEKLA. +He'll spend with gladness and alacrity +His life, his heart's blood in my father's cause, +If shame or injury be intended him. + +COUNTESS. +You will not understand me. Well, hear then: +Your father has fallen off from the emperor, +And is about to join the enemy +With the whole soldiery---- + +THEKLA. + Alas, my mother! + +COUNTESS. +There needs a great example to draw on +The army after him. The Piccolomini +Possess the love and reverence of the troops; +They govern all opinions, and wherever +They lead the way, none hesitate to follow. +The son secures the father to our interests-- +You've much in your hands at this moment. + +THEKLA. + Ah, +My miserable mother! what a death-stroke +Awaits thee! No! she never will survive it. + +COUNTESS. +She will accommodate her soul to that +Which is and must be. I do know your mother: +The far-off future weighs upon her heart +With torture of anxiety; but is it +Unalterably, actually present, +She soon resigns herself, and bears it calmly. + +THEKLA. +O my foreboding bosom! Even now, +E'en now 'tis here, that icy hand of horror! +And my young hope lies shuddering in its grasp; +I knew it well--no sooner had I entered, +An heavy ominous presentiment +Revealed to me that spirits of death were hovering +Over my happy fortune. But why, think I +First of myself? My mother! O my mother! + +COUNTESS. + +Calm yourself! Break not out in vain lamenting! +Preserve you for your father the firm friend, +And for yourself the lover, all will yet +Prove good and fortunate. + +THEKLA. + Prove good! What good? +Must we not part; part ne'er to meet again? + +COUNTESS. +He parts not from you! He cannot part from you. + +THEKLA. +Alas, for his sore anguish! It will rend +His heart asunder. + +COUNTESS. + If indeed he loves you. +His resolution will be speedily taken. + +THEKLA. +His resolution will be speedily taken-- +Oh, do not doubt of that! A resolution! +Does there remain one to be taken? + +COUNTESS. + Hush! +Collect yourself! I hear your mother coming. + +THERLA. +How shall I bear to see her? + +COUNTESS. + Collect yourself. + + + +SCENE III. + + To them enter the DUCHESS. + +DUCHESS (to the COUNTESS). +Who was here, sister? I heard some one talking, +And passionately, too. + +COUNTESS. + Nay! there was no one. + +DUCHESS. +I am growing so timorous, every trifling noise +Scatters my spirits, and announces to me +The footstep of some messenger of evil. +And you can tell me, sister, what the event is? +Will he agree to do the emperor's pleasure, +And send the horse regiments to the cardinal? +Tell me, has he dismissed von Questenberg +With a favorable answer? + +COUNTESS. + No, he has not. + +DUCHESS. +Alas! then all is lost! I see it coming, +The worst that can come! Yes, they will depose him; +The accursed business of the Regensburg diet +Will all be acted o'er again! + +COUNTESS. + No! never! +Make your heart easy, sister, as to that. + + [THEKLA, in extreme agitation, throws herself upon her mother, + and enfolds her in her arms, weeping. + +DUCHESS. + Yes, my poor child! +Thou too hast lost a most affectionate godmother +In the empress. Oh, that stern, unbending man! +In this unhappy marriage what have I +Not suffered, not endured? For even as if +I had been linked on to some wheel of fire +That restless, ceaseless, whirls impetuous onward, +I have passed a life of frights and horrors with him, +And ever to the brink of some abyss +With dizzy headlong violence he bears me. +Nay, do not weep, my child. Let not my sufferings +Presignify unhappiness to thee, +Nor blacken with their shade the fate that waits thee. +There lives no second Friedland; thou, my child, +Hast not to fear thy mother's destiny. + +THEELA. +Oh, let us supplicate him, dearest mother! +Quick! quick! here's no abiding-place for us. +Here every coming hour broods into life +Some new affrightful monster. + +DUCHESS. + Thou wilt share +An easier, calmer lot, my child! We, too, +I and thy father, witnessed happy days. +Still think I with delight of those first years, +When he was making progress with glad effort, +When his ambition was a genial fire, +Not that consuming flame which now it is. +The emperor loved him, trusted him; and all +He undertook could not but be successful. +But since that ill-starred day at Regensburg, +Which plunged him headlong from his dignity, +A gloomy, uncompanionable spirit, +Unsteady and suspicious, has possessed him. +His quiet mind forsook him, and no longer +Did he yield up himself in joy and faith +To his old luck and individual power; +But thenceforth turned his heart and best affections +All to those cloudy sciences which never +Have yet made happy him who followed them. + +COUNTESS. +You see it, sister! as your eyes permit you, +But surely this is not the conversation +To pass the time in which we are waiting for him. +You know he will be soon here. Would you have him +Find her in this condition? + +DUCHESS. + Come, my child! +Come, wipe away thy tears, and show thy father +A cheerful countenance. See, the tie-knot here +Is off; this hair must not hang so dishevelled. +Come, dearest! dry thy tears up. They deform +Thy gentle eye. Well, now--what was I saying? +Yes, in good truth, this Piccolomini +Is a most noble and deserving gentleman. + +COUNTESS. +That is he, sister! + +THEKLA (to the COUNTESS, with marks of great oppression of spirits). + Aunt, you will excuse me? + + (Is going). + +COUNTESS. +But, whither? See, your father comes! + +THEKLA. +I cannot see him now. + +COUNTESS. + Nay, but bethink you. + +THEKLA. +Believe me, I cannot sustain his presence. + +COUNTESS. +But he will miss you, will ask after you. + +DUCHESS. +What, now? Why is she going? + +COUNTESS. + She's not well. + +DUCHESS (anxiously). +What ails, then, my beloved child? + + [Both follow the PRINCESS, and endeavor to detain her. During + this WALLENSTEIN appears, engaged in conversation with ILLO. + + + +SCENE IV. + + WALLENSTEIN, ILLO, COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA. + +WALLENSTEIN. +All quiet in the camp? + +ILLO. + It is all quiet. + +WALLENSTEIN. +In a few hours may couriers come from Prague +With tidings that this capital is ours. +Then we may drop the mask, and to the troops +Assembled in this town make known the measure +And its result together. In such cases +Example does the whole. Whoever is foremost +Still leads the herd. An imitative creature +Is man. The troops at Prague conceive no other, +Than that the Pilsen army has gone through +The forms of homage to us; and in Pilsen +They shall swear fealty to us, because +The example has been given them by Prague. +Butler, you tell me, has declared himself? + +ILLO. +At his own bidding, unsolicited, +He came to offer you himself and regiment. + +WALLENSTEIN, +I find we must not give implicit credence +To every warning voice that makes itself +Be listened to in the heart. To hold us back, +Oft does the lying spirit counterfeit +The voice of truth and inward revelation, +Scattering false oracles. And thus have I +To entreat forgiveness for that secretly. +I've wronged this honorable gallant man, +This Butler: for a feeling of the which +I am not master (fear I would not call it), +Creeps o'er me instantly, with sense of shuddering, +At his approach, and stops love's joyous motion. +And this same man, against whom I am warned, +This honest man is he who reaches to me +The first pledge of my fortune. + +ILLO. + And doubt not +That his example will win over to you +The best men in the army. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Go and send +Isolani hither. Send him immediately. +He is under recent obligations to me: +With him will I commence the trial. Go. + + [Exit ILLO. + +WALLENSTEIN (turns himself round to the females). +Lo, there's the mother with the darling daughter. +For once we'll have an interval of rest-- +Come! my heart yearns to live a cloudless hour +In the beloved circle of my family. + +COUNTESS. +'Tis long since we've been thus together, brother. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS, aside). +Can she sustain the news? Is she prepared? + +COUNTESS. +Not yet. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Come here, my sweet girl! Seat thee by me, +For there is a good spirit on thy lips. +Thy mother praised to me thy ready skill; +She says a voice of melody dwells in thee, +Which doth enchant the soul. Now such a voice +Will drive away from me the evil demon +That beats his black wings close above my head. + +DUCHESS. +Where is thy lute, my daughter? Let thy father +Hear some small trial of thy skill. + +THEKLA. + My mother +I---- + +DUCHESS. +Trembling? Come, collect thyself. Go, cheer +Thy father. + +THEKLA. + O my mother! I--I cannot. + +COUNTESS. +How, what is that, niece? + +THEKLA (to the COUNTESS). +O spare me--sing--now--in this sore anxiety, +Of the overburdened soul--to sing to him +Who is thrusting, even now, my mother headlong +Into her grave. + +DUCHESS. + How, Thekla! Humorsome! +What! shall thy father have expressed a wish +In vain? + +COUNTESS. + Here is the lute. + +THEKLA. + My God! how can I---- + + [The orchestra plays. During the ritornello THEKLA expresses in her + gestures and countenance the struggle of her feelings; and at the + moment that she should begin to sing, contracts herself together, as + one shuddering, throws the instrument down, and retires abruptly. + +DUCHESS. +My child! Oh, she is ill---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + What ails the maiden? +Say, is she often so? + +COUNTESS. + Since then herself +Has now betrayed it, I too must no longer +Conceal it. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What? + +COUNTESS. + She loves him! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Loves him? Whom? + +COUNTESS. +Max. does she love! Max. Piccolomini! +Hast thou never noticed it? Nor yet my sister? + +DUCHESS. +Was it this that lay so heavy on her heart? +God's blessing on thee,--my sweet child! Thou needest +Never take shame upon thee for thy choice. + +COUNTESS. +This journey, if 'twere not thy aim, ascribe it +To thine own self. Thou shouldst have chosen another +To have attended her. + +WALLENSTEIN. + And does he know it? + +COUNTESS. +Yes, and he hopes to win her. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Hopes to win her! +Is the boy mad? + +COUNTESS. + Well--hear it from themselves. + +WALLENSTEIN. +He thinks to carry off Duke Friedland's daughter! +Ay? The thought pleases me. +The young man has no groveling spirit. + +COUNTESS. + Since +Such and such constant favor you have shown him---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +He chooses finally to be my heir. +And true it is, I love the youth; yea, honor him. +But must he therefore be my daughter's husband? +Is it daughters only? Is it only children +That we must show our favor by? + +DUCHESS. +His noble disposition and his manners---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Win him my heart, but not my daughter. + +DUCHESS. + Then +His rank, his ancestors---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ancestors! What? +He is a subject, and my son-in-law +I will seek out upon the thrones of Europe. + +DUCHESS +O dearest Albrecht! Climb we not too high +Lest we should fall too low. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What! have I paid +A price so heavy to ascend this eminence, +And jut out high above the common herd, +Only to close the mighty part I play +In life's great drama with a common kinsman? +Have I for this---- + [Stops suddenly, repressing himself. + She is the only thing +That will remain behind of me on earth; +And I will see a crown around her head, +Or die in the attempt to place it there. +I hazard all--all! and for this alone, +To lift her into greatness. +Yea, in this moment, in the which we are speaking + [He recollects himself. +And I must now, like a soft-hearted father, +Couple together in good peasant fashion +The pair that chance to suit each other's liking-- +And I must do it now, even now, when I +Am stretching out the wreath that is to twine +My full accomplished work--no! she is the jewel, +Which I have treasured long, my last, my noblest, +And 'tis my purpose not to let her from me +For less than a king's sceptre. + +DUCHESS. + O my husband! +You're ever building, building to the clouds, +Still building higher, and still higher building, +And ne'er reflect, that the poor narrow basis +Cannot sustain the giddy tottering column. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS). +Have you announced the place of residence +Which I have destined for her? + +COUNTESS. + No! not yet, +'Twere better you yourself disclosed it to her. + +DUCHESS. +How? Do we not return to Carinthia then? + +WALLENSTEIN. + No. + +DUCHESS. +And to no other of your lands or seats? + +WALLENSTEIN. +You would not be secure there. + +DUCHESS. + Not secure. +In the emperor's realms, beneath the emperor's +Protection? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Friedland's wife may be permitted +No longer to hope that. + +DUCHESS. + O God in heaven! +And have you brought it even to this! + +WALLENSTEIN. + In Holland +You'll find protection. + +DUCHESS + In a Lutheran country? +What? And you send us into Lutheran countries? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Duke Franz of Lauenburg conducts you thither. + +DUCHESS. +Duke Franz of Lauenburg? +The ally of Sweden, the emperor's enemy. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The emperor's enemies are mine no longer. + +DUCHESS (casting a look of terror on the DUKE and the COUNTESS). +Is it then true? It is. You are degraded +Deposed from the command? O God in heaven! + +COUNTESS (aside to the DUKE). +Leave her in this belief. Thou seest she cannot +Support the real truth. + + + +SCENE V. + + To them enter COUNT TERZKY. + +COUNTESS. + Terzky! +What ails him? What an image of affright! +He looks as he had seen a ghost. + +TERZKY (leading WALLENSTEIN aside). +Is it thy command that all the Croats---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Mine! + +TERZKY. +We are betrayed. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What? + +TERZKY. + They are off! This night +The Jaegers likewise--all the villages +In the whole round are empty. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Isolani! + +TERZKY. +Him thou hast sent away. Yes, surely. + +WALLENSTEIN. + I? + +TERZKY. +No? Hast thou not sent him off? Nor Deodati? +They are vanished, both of them. + + + +SCENE VI. + + To them enter ILLO. + +ILLO. +Has Terzky told thee? + +TERZKY. + He knows all. + +ILLO. + And likewise +That Esterhatzy, Goetz, Maradas, Kaunitz, +Kolatto, Palfi, have forsaken thee. + +TERZKY. +Damnation! + +WALLENSTEIN (winks at them). +Hush! + +COUNTESS (who has been watching them anxiously from the distance and + now advances to them). +Terzky! Heaven! What is it? What has happened? + +WALLENSTEIN (scarcely suppressing his emotions). +Nothing! let us be gone! + +TERZKY (following him). + Theresa, it is nothing. + +COUNTESS (holding him back). +Nothing? Do I not see that all the life-blood +Has left your cheeks--look you not like a ghost? +That even my brother but affects a calmness? + +PAGE (enters). +An aide-de-camp inquires for the Count Terzky. + + [TERZKY follows the PAGE. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Go, hear his business. + [To ILLO. + This could not have happened +So unsuspected without mutiny. +Who was on guard at the gates? + +ILLO. + 'Twas Tiefenbach. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Let Tiefenbach leave guard without delay, +And Terzky's grenadiers relieve him. + [ILLO is going. + Stop! +Hast thou heard aught of Butler? + +ILLO. + Him I met +He will be here himself immediately. +Butler remains unshaken, + + [ILLO exit. WALLENSTEIN is following him. + +COUNTESS. +Let him not leave thee, sister! go, detain him! +There's some misfortune. + +DUCHESS (clinging to him). + Gracious Heaven! What is it? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Be tranquil! leave me, sister! dearest wife! +We are in camp, and this is naught unusual; +Here storm and sunshine follow one another +With rapid interchanges. These fierce spirits +Champ the curb angrily, and never yet +Did quiet bless the temples of the leader; +If I am to stay go you. The plaints of women +Ill suit the scene where men must act. + + [He is going: TERZKY returns. + +TERZKY. +Remain here. From this window must we see it. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS). +Sister, retire! + +COUNTESS. + No--never! + +WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis my will. + +TERZKY (leads the COUNTESS aside, and drawing her attention + to the DUCHESS). +Theresa! + +DUCHESS. + Sister, come! since he commands it. + + + +SCENE VII. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY. + +WALLENSTEIN (stepping to the window). +What now, then? + +TERZKY. +There are strange movements among all the troops, +And no one knows the cause. Mysteriously, +With gloomy silentness, the several corps +Marshal themselves, each under its own banners; +Tiefenbach's corps make threatening movements; only +The Pappenheimers still remain aloof +In their own quarters and let no one enter. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Does Piccolomini appear among them? + +TERZKY. +We are seeking him: he is nowhere to be met with. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What did the aide-de-camp deliver to you? + +TERZKY. +My regiments had despatched him; yet once more +They swear fidelity to thee, and wait +The shout for onset, all prepared, and eager. + +WALLENSTEIN. +But whence arose this larum in the camp? +It should have been kept secret from the army +Till fortune had decided for us at Prague. + +TERZKY. +Oh, that thou hadst believed me! Yester-evening +Did we conjure thee not to let that skulker, +That fox, Octavio, pass the gates of Pilsen. +Thou gavest him thy own horses to flee from thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The old tune still! Now, once for all, no more +Of this suspicion--it is doting folly. + +TERZKY. +Thou didst confide in Isolani too; +And lo! he was the first that did desert thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It was but yesterday I rescued him +From abject wretchedness. Let that go by; +I never reckoned yet on gratitude. +And wherein doth he wrong in going from me? +He follows still the god whom all his life +He has worshipped at the gaming-table. With +My fortune and my seeming destiny +He made the bond and broke it, not with me. +I am but the ship in which his hopes were stowed, +And with the which, well-pleased and confident, +He traversed the open sea; now he beholds it +In eminent jeopardy among the coast-rocks, +And hurries to preserve his wares. As light +As the free bird from the hospitable twig +Where it had nested he flies off from me: +No human tie is snapped betwixt us two. +Yea, he deserves to find himself deceived +Who seeks a heart in the unthinking man. +Like shadows on a stream, the forms of life +Impress their characters on the smooth forehead, +Naught sinks into the bosom's silent depth: +Quick sensibility of pain and pleasure +Moves the light fluids lightly; but no soul +Warmeth the inner frame. + +TERZKY. + Yet, would I rather +Trust the smooth brow than that deep furrowed one. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, ILLO. + +ILLO (who enters agitated with rage). +Treason and mutiny! + +TERZKY. + And what further now? + +ILLO. +Tiefenbach's soldiers, when I gave the orders. +To go off guard--mutinous villains! + +TERZKY. +Well! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What followed? + +ILLO. +They refused obedience to them. + +TERZKY. +Fire on them instantly! Give out the order. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Gently! what cause did they assign? + +ILLO. + No other, +They said, had right to issue orders but +Lieutenant-General Piccolomini. + +WALLENSTEIN (in a convulsion of agony). +What? How is that? + +ILLO. +He takes that office on him by commission, +Under sign-manual from the emperor. + +TERZKY. +From the emperor--hearest thou, duke? + +ILLO. + At his incitement +The generals made that stealthy flight---- + +TERZKY. + Duke, hearest thou? + +ILLO. +Caraffa too, and Montecuculi, +Are missing, with six other generals, +All whom he had induced to follow him. +This plot he has long had in writing by him +From the emperor; but 'twas finally concluded, +With all the detail of the operation, +Some days ago with the Envoy Questenberg. + + [WALLENSTEIN sinks down into a chair and covers his face. + +TERZKY. +Oh, hadst thou but believed me! + + +SCENE IX. + + To them enter the COUNTESS. + +COUNTESS. + This suspense, +This horrid fear--I can no longer bear it. +For heaven's sake tell me what has taken place? + +ILLO. +The regiments are falling off from us. + +TERZKY. +Octavio Piccolomini is a traitor. + +COUNTESS. +O my foreboding! + + [Rushes out of the room. + +TERZKY. + Hadst thou but believed me! +Now seest thou how the stars have lied to thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The stars lie not; but we have here a work +Wrought counter to the stars and destiny. +The science is still honest: this false heart +Forces a lie on the truth-telling heaven, +On a divine law divination rests; +Where nature deviates from that law, and stumbles +Out of her limits, there all science errs. +True I did not suspect! Were it superstition +Never by such suspicion to have affronted +The human form, oh, may the time ne'er come +In which I shame me of the infirmity. +The wildest savage drinks not with the victim, +Into whose breast he means to plunge the sword. +This, this, Octavio, was no hero's deed +'Twas not thy prudence that did conquer mine; +A bad heart triumphed o'er an honest one. +No shield received the assassin stroke; thou plungest +Thy weapon on an unprotected breast-- +Against such weapons I am but a child. + + + +SCENE X. + + To these enter BUTLER. + +TERZKY (meeting him). +Oh, look there, Butler! Here we've still a friend! + +WALLENSTEIN (meets him with outspread arms and embraces him with warmth). +Come to my heart, old comrade! Not the sun +Looks out upon us more revivingly, +In the earliest month of spring, +Than a friend's countenance in such an hour. + +BUTLER. +My general; I come---- + +WALLENSTEIN (leaning on BUTLER'S shoulder). + Knowest thou already +That old man has betrayed me to the emperor. +What sayest thou? Thirty years have we together +Lived out, and held out, sharing joy and hardship. +We have slept in one camp-bed, drank from one glass, +One morsel shared! I leaned myself on him, +As now I lean me on thy faithful shoulder, +And now in the very moment when, all love, +All confidence, my bosom beat to his +He sees and takes the advantage, stabs the knife +Slowly into my heart. + + [He hides his face on BUTLER's breast. + +BUTLER. + Forget the false one. +What is your present purpose? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Well remembered! +Courage, my soul! I am still rich in friends, +Still loved by destiny; for in the moment +That it unmasks the plotting hypocrite +It sends and proves to me one faithful heart. +Of the hypocrite no more! Think not his loss +Was that which struck the pang: Oh, no! his treason +Is that which strikes the pang! No more of him! +Dear to my heart, and honored were they both, +And the young man--yes--he did truly love me, +He--he--has not deceived me. But enough, +Enough of this--swift counsel now beseems us. +The courier, whom Count Kinsky sent from Prague, +I expect him every moment: and whatever +He may bring with him we must take good care +To keep it from the mutineers. Quick then! +Despatch some messenger you can rely on +To meet him, and conduct him to me. + + [ILLO is going. + +BUTLER (detaining him). +My general, whom expect you then? + +WALLENSTEIN. + The courier +Who brings me word of the event at Prague. + +BUTLER (hesitating). +Hem! + +WALLENSTEIN. + And what now? + +BUTLER. + You do not know it? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Well? + +BUTLER. +From what that larum in the camp arose? + +WALLENSTEIN. +From what? + +BUTLER. + That courier---- + +WALLENSTEIN (with eager expectation). + Well? + +BUTLER. + Is already here. + +TERZKY and ILLO (at the same time). +Already here? + +WALLENSTEIEN. + My courier? + +BUTLER. + For some hours. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And I not know it? + +BUTLER. + The sentinels detain him +In custody. + +ILLO (stamping with his foot). + Damnation! + +BUTLER. + And his letter +Was broken open, and is circulated +Through the whole camp. + +WALLENSTEIN. + You know what it contains? + +BUTLER. +Question me not. + +TERZKY. + Illo! Alas for us. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Hide nothing from me--I can bear the worst. +Prague then is lost. It is. Confess it freely. + +BUTLER. +Yes! Prague is lost. And all the several regiments +At Budweiss, Tabor, Braunau, Koenigingratz, +At Brunn, and Znaym, have forsaken you, +And taken the oaths of fealty anew +To the emperor. Yourself, with Kinsky, Terzky, +And Illo have been sentenced. + + [TERZKY and ILLO express alarm and fury. WALLENSTEIN remains + firm and collected. + +WALLENSTEIN. +'Tis decided! 'Tis well! I have received a sudden cure +From all the pangs of doubt: with steady stream +Once more my life-blood flows! My soul's secure! +In the night only Friedland stars can beam. +Lingering irresolute, with fitful fears +I drew the sword--'twas with an inward strife, +While yet the choice was mine. The murderous knife +Is lifted for my heart! Doubt disappears! +I fight now for my head and for my life. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN; the others follow him. + + + +SCENE XI. + +COUNTESS TERZKY (enters from a side room). +I can endure no longer. No! + [Looks around her. + Where are they! +No one is here. They leave me all alone, +Alone in this sore anguish of suspense. +And I must wear the outward show of calmness +Before my sister, and shut in within me +The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom. +It is not to be borne. If all should fail; +If--if he must go over to the Swedes, +An empty-handed fugitive, and not +As an ally, a covenanted equal, +A proud commander with his army following, +If we must wander on from land to land, +Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness +An ignominious monument. But no! +That day I will not see! And could himself +Endure to sink so low, I would not bear +To see him so low sunken. + + + +SCENE XII. + + COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA. + +THEKLA (endeavoring to hold back the DUCHESS) +Dear mother, do stay here! + +DUCHESS. + No! Here is yet +Some frightful mystery that is hidden from me. +Why does my sister shun me? Don't I see her +Full of suspense and anguish roam about +From room to room? Art thou not full of terror? +And what import these silent nods and gestures +Which stealthwise thou exchangest with her? + +THEKLA. + Nothing +Nothing, dear mother! + +DUCHESS (to the COUNTESS). + Sister, I will know. + +COUNTESS. +What boots it now to hide it from her? Sooner +Or later she must learn to hear and bear it. +'Tis not the time now to indulge infirmity; +Courage beseems us now, a heart collect, +And exercise and previous discipline +Of fortitude. One word, and over with it! +Sister, you are deluded. You believe +The duke has been deposed--the duke is not +Deposed--he is---- + +THEKLA (going to the COUNTESS), + What? do you wish to kill her? + +COUNTESS. +The duke is---- + +THEKLA (throwing her arms round her mother). + Oh, stand firm! stand firm, my mother! + +COUNTESS. +Revolted is the duke; he is preparing +To join the enemy; the army leave him, +And all has failed. + + + +SCENE XIII. + + A spacious room in the Duke of Friedland's palace. + +WALLENSTEIN (in armor). +Thou hast gained thy point, Octavio! Once more am I +Almost as friendless as at Regensburg. +There I had nothing left me but myself; +But what one man can do you have now experience. +The twigs have you hewed off, and here I stand +A leafless trunk. But in the sap within +Lives the creating power, and a new world +May sprout forth from it. Once already have I +Proved myself worth an army to you--I alone! +Before the Swedish strength your troops had melted; +Beside the Lech sank Tilly, your last hope; +Into Bavaria, like a winter torrent, +Did that Gustavus pour, and at Vienna +In his own palace did the emperor tremble. +Soldiers were scarce, for still the multitude +Follow the luck: all eyes were turned on me, +Their helper in distress; the emperor's pride +Bowed itself down before the man he had injured. +'Twas I must rise, and with creative word +Assemble forces in the desolate camps. +I did it. Like a god of war my name +Went through the world. The drum was beat; and, to +The plough, the workshop is forsaken, all +Swarm to the old familiar long loved banners; +And as the wood-choir rich in melody +Assemble quick around the bird of wonder, +When first his throat swells with his magic song, +So did the warlike youth of Germany +Crowd in around the image of my eagle. +I feel myself the being that I was. +It is the soul that builds itself a body, +And Friedland's camp will not remain unfilled. +Lead then your thousands out to meet me--true! +They are accustomed under me to conquer, +But not against me. If the head and limbs +Separate from each other, 'twill be soon +Made manifest in which the soul abode. + + (ILLO and TERZKY enter.) + +Courage, friends! courage! we are still unvanquished; +I feel my footing firm; five regiments, Terzky, +Are still our own, and Butler's gallant troops; +And an host of sixteen thousand Swedes to-morrow. +I was not stronger when, nine years ago, +I marched forth, with glad heart and high of hope, +To conquer Germany for the emperor. + + + +SCENE XIV. + + WALLENSTEIN, ILLO, TERZKY. + + (To them enter NEUMANN, who leads TERZKY aside, + and talks with him.) + +TERZKY. +What do they want? + +WALLENSTEIN. + What now? + +TERZKY. + Ten cuirassiers +From Pappenheim request leave to address you +In the name of the regiment. + +WALLENSTEIN (hastily to NEUMANN). + Let them enter. + [Exit NEUMANN. + This +May end in something. Mark you. They are still +Doubtful, and may be won. + + + +SCENE XV. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, ILLO, ten CUIRASSIERS (led by an ANSPESSADE + [4], march up and arrange themselves, after the word of command, + in one front before the DUKE, and make their obeisance. He takes + his hat off, and immediately covers himself again). + +ANSPESSADE. +Halt! Front! Present! + +WALLENSTEIN (after he has run through them with his eye, to the + ANSPESSADE). +I know thee well. Thou art out of Brueggen in Flanders: +Thy name is Mercy. + +ANSPESSADE. + Henry Mercy. + +WALLENSTEIN. Thou were cut off on the march, surrounded by the Hessians, +and didst fight thy way with an hundred and eighty men through their +thousand. + +ANSPESSADE. 'Twas even so, general! + +WALLENSTEIN. What reward hadst thou for this gallant exploit? + +ANSPESSADE. That which I asked for: the honor to serve in this corps. + +WALLENSTEIN (turning to a second). Thou wert among the volunteers that +seized and made booty of the Swedish battery at Altenburg. + +SECOND CUIRASSIER. Yes, general! + +WALLENSTEIN. I forget no one with whom I have exchanged words. +(A pause.) Who sends you? + +ANSPESSADE. Your noble regiment, the cuirassiers of Piccolomini. + +WALLENSTEIN. Why does not your colonel deliver in your request according +to the custom of service? + +ANSPESSADE. Because we would first know whom we serve. + +WALLENSTEIN. Begin your address. + +ANSPESSADE (giving the word of command). Shoulder your arms! + +WALLENSTEIN (turning to a third). Thy name is Risbeck; Cologne is thy +birthplace. + +THIRD CUIRASSIER. Risbeck of Cologne. + +WALLENSTEIN. It was thou that broughtest in the Swedish colonel Duebald, +prisoner, in the camp at Nuremberg. + +THIRD CUIRASSIER. It was not I, general. + +WALLENSTRIN. Perfectly right! It was thy elder brother: thou hadst a +younger brother, too: where did he stay? + +THIRD CUIRASSIER. He is stationed at Olmutz, with the imperial army. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the ANSPESSADE). Now then--begin. + +ANSPESSADE. +There came to hand a letter from the emperor +Commanding us---- + +WALLENSTEIN (interrupting him). + Who chose you? + +ANSPESSADE. + Every company +Drew its own man by lot. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Now! to the business. + +ANSPESSADE. +There came to hand a letter from the emperor +Commanding us, collectively, from thee +All duties of obedience to withdraw, +Because thou wert an enemy and traitor. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And what did you determine? + +ANSPESSADE. + All our comrades +At Braunau, Budweiss, Prague, and Olmutz, have +Obeyed already; and the regiments here, +Tiefenbach and Toscano, instantly +Did follow their example. But--but we +Do not believe that thou art an enemy +And traitor to thy country, hold it merely +For lie and trick, and a trumped-up Spanish story! + [With warmth. +Thyself shall tell us what thy purpose is, +For we have found thee still sincere and true +No mouth shall interpose itself betwixt +The gallant general and the gallant troops. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Therein I recognize my Pappenheimers. + +ANSPESSADE. +And this proposal makes thy regiment to thee: +Is it thy purpose merely to preserve +In thine own hands this military sceptre, +Which so becomes thee, which the emperor +Made over to thee by a covenant! +Is it thy purpose merely to remain +Supreme commander of the Austrian armies? +We will stand by thee, general! and guarantee +Thy honest rights against all opposition. +And should it chance, that all the other regiments +Turn from thee, by ourselves we will stand forth +Thy faithful soldiers, and, as is our duty, +Far rather let ourselves be cut to pieces +Than suffer thee to fall. But if it be +As the emperor's letter says, if it be true, +That thou in traitorous wise wilt lead us over +To the enemy, which God in heaven forbid! +Then we too will forsake thee, and obey +That letter---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Hear me, children! + +ANSPESSADE. + Yes, or no, +There needs no other answer. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Yield attention. +You're men of sense, examine for yourselves; +Ye think, and do not follow with the herd: +And therefore have I always shown you honor +Above all others, suffered you to reason; +Have treated you as free men, and my orders +Were but the echoes of your prior suffrage. + +ANSPESSADE. +Most fair and noble has thy conduct been +To us, my general! With thy confidence +Thou has honored us, and shown us grace and favor +Beyond all other regiments; and thou seest +We follow not the common herd. We will +Stand by thee faithfully. Speak but one word-- +Thy word shall satisfy us that it is not +A treason which thou meditatest--that +Thou meanest not to lead the army over +To the enemy; nor e'er betray thy country. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Me, me are they betraying. The emperor +Hath sacrificed me to my enemies, +And I must fall, unless my gallant troops +Will rescue me. See! I confide in you. +And be your hearts my stronghold! At this breast +The aim is taken, at this hoary head. +This is your Spanish gratitude, this is our +Requital for that murderous fight at Luetzen! +For this we threw the naked breast against +The halbert, made for this the frozen earth +Our bed, and the hard stone our pillow! never stream +Too rapid for us, nor wood too impervious; +With cheerful spirit we pursued that Mansfeldt +Through all the turns and windings of his flight: +Yea, our whole life was but one restless march: +And homeless, as the stirring wind, we travelled +O'er the war-wasted earth. And now, even now, +That we have well-nigh finished the hard toil, +The unthankful, the curse-laden toil of weapons, +With faithful indefatigable arm +Have rolled the heavy war-load up the hill, +Behold! this boy of the emperor's bears away +The honors of the peace, an easy prize! +He'll weave, forsooth, into his flaxen locks +The olive branch, the hard-earned ornament +Of this gray head, grown gray beneath the helmet. + +ANSPESSADE. +That shall he not, while we can hinder it! +No one, but thou, who has conducted it +With fame, shall end this war, this frightful war. +Thou leadest us out to the bloody field +Of death; thou and no other shalt conduct us home, +Rejoicing, to the lovely plains of peace-- +Shalt share with us the fruits of the long toil. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What! Think you then at length in late old age +To enjoy the fruits of toil? Believe it not. +Never, no never, will you see the end +Of the contest! you and me, and all of us, +This war will swallow up! War, war, not peace, +Is Austria's wish; and therefore, because I +Endeavored after peace, therefore I fall. +For what cares Austria how long the war +Wears out the armies and lays waste the world! +She will but wax and grow amid the ruin +And still win new domains. + [The CUIRASSIERS express agitation by their gestures. + Ye're moved--I see +A noble rage flash from your eyes, ye warriors! +Oh, that my spirit might possess you now +Daring as once it led you to the battle +Ye would stand by me with your veteran arms, +Protect me in my rights; and this is noble! +But think not that you can accomplish it, +Your scanty number! to no purpose will you +Have sacrificed you for your general. + [Confidentially. +No! let us tread securely, seek for friends; +The Swedes have proffered us assistance, let us +Wear for a while the appearance of good-will, +And use them for your profit, till we both +Carry the fate of Europe in our hands, +And from our camp to the glad jubilant world +Lead peace forth with the garland on her head! + +ANSPESSADE. +'Tis then but mere appearances which thou +Dost put on with the Swede! Thou'lt not betray +The emperor? Wilt not turn us into Swedes? +This is the only thing which we desire +To learn from thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What care I for the Swedes? +I hate them as I hate the pit of hell, +And under Providence I trust right soon +To chase them to their homes across their Baltic. +My cares are only for the whole: I have +A heart--it bleeds within me for the miseries +And piteous groanings of my fellow-Germans. +Ye are but common men, but yet ye think +With minds not common; ye appear to me +Worthy before all others, that I whisper thee +A little word or two in confidence! +See now! already for full fifteen years, +The war-torch has continued burning, yet +No rest, no pause of conflict. Swede and German, +Papist and Lutheran! neither will give way +To the other; every hand's against the other. +Each one is party and no one a judge. +Where shall this end? Where's he that will unravel +This tangle, ever tangling more and more +It must be cut asunder. +I feel that I am the man of destiny, +And trust, with your assistance, to accomplish it. + + + +SCENE XVI. + + To these enter BUTLER. + +BUTLER (passionately). +General! this is not right! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What is not right? + +BUTLER. +It must needs injure us with all honest men. + +WALLENSTEIN. +But what? + +BUTLER. + It is an open proclamation +Of insurrection. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Well, well--but what is it? + +BUTLER. +Count Terzky's regiments tear the imperial eagle +From off his banners, and instead of it +Have reared aloft their arms. + +ANSPESSADE (abruptly to the CUIRASSIERS). + Right about! March! + +WALLENSTEIN. +Cursed be this counsel, and accursed who gave it! + [To the CUIRASSIERS, who are retiring. +Halt, children, halt! There's some mistake in this; +Hark! I will punish it severely. Stop +They do not hear. (To ILLO). Go after them, assure them, +And bring them back to me, cost what it may. + + [ILLO hurries out. + +This hurls us headlong. Butler! Butler! +You are my evil genius, wherefore must you +Announce it in their presence? It was all +In a fair way. They were half won! those madmen +With their improvident over-readiness-- +A cruel game is Fortune playing with me. +The zeal of friends it is that razes me, +And not the hate of enemies. + + + +SCENE XVII. + + To these enter the DUCHESS, who rushes into the chamber; + THEKLA and the COUNTESS follow her. + +DUCHESS. + O Albrecht! +What hast thou done? + +WALLENSTEIN. + And now comes this beside. + +COUNTESS. +Forgive me, brother! It was not in my power-- +They know all. + +DUCHESS. + What hast thou done? + +COUNTESS (to TERZKY). +Is there no hope? Is all lost utterly? + +TERZKY. +All lost. No hope. Prague in the emperor's hands, +The soldiery have taken their oaths anew. + +COUNTESS. +That lurking hypocrite, Octavio! +Count Max. is off too. + +TERZKY. + Where can he be? He's +Gone over to the emperor with his father. + + [THEKLA rushes out into the arms of her mother, hiding her face + in her bosom. + +DUCHESS (enfolding her in her arms). +Unhappy child! and more unhappy mother! + +WALLENSTEIN (aside to TERZKY). +Quick! Let a carriage stand in readiness +In the court behind the palace. Scherfenberg, +Be their attendant; he is faithful to us. +To Egra he'll conduct them, and we follow. + [To ILLO, who returns. +Thou hast not brought them back? + +ILLO. + Hear'st thou the uproar? +The whole corps of the Pappenheimers is +Drawn out: the younger Piccolomini, +Their colonel, they require: for they affirm, +That he is in the palace here, a prisoner; +And if thou dost not instantly deliver him, +They will find means to free him with the sword. + + [All stand amazed. + +TERZKY. +What shall we make of this? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Said I not so? +O my prophetic heart! he is still here. +He has not betrayed me--he could not betray me. +I never doubted of it. + +COUNTESS. + If he be +Still here, then all goes well; for I know what + [Embracing THEKLA. +Will keep him here forever. + +TERZKY. + It can't be. +His father has betrayed us, is gone over +To the emperor--the son could not have ventured +To stay behind. + +THEKLA (her eye fixed on the door). + There he is! + + + +SCENE XVIII. + + To these enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + +MAX. +Yes, here he is! I can endure no longer +To creep on tiptoe round this house, and lurk +In ambush for a favorable moment: +This loitering, this suspense exceeds my powers. + + [Advancing to THEKLA, who has thrown herself into her mother's arms. + +Turn not thine eyes away. O look upon me! +Confess it freely before all. Fear no one. +Let who will hear that we both love each other. +Wherefore continue to conceal it? Secrecy +Is for the happy--misery, hopeless misery, +Needeth no veil! Beneath a thousand suns +It dares act openly. + + [He observes the COUNTESS looking on THEKLA with expressions + of triumph. + + No, lady! No! +Expect not, hope it not. I am not come +To stay: to bid farewell, farewell forever. +For this I come! 'Tis over! I must leave thee! +Thekla, I must--must leave thee! Yet thy hatred +Let me not take with me. I pray thee, grant me +One look of sympathy, only one look. +Say that thou dost not hate me. Say it to me, Thekla! + + [Grasps her hand. + +O God! I cannot leave this spot--I cannot! +Cannot let go this hand. O tell me, Thekla! +That thou dost suffer with me, art convinced +That I cannot act otherwise. + + [THEKLA, avoiding his look, points with her hand to her father. + MAX. turns round to the DUKE, whom he had not till then perceived. + +Thou here? It was not thou whom here I sought. +I trusted never more to have beheld thee, +My business is with her alone. Here will I +Receive a full acquittal from this heart; +For any other I am no more concerned. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Think'st thou that, fool-like, I shall let thee go, +And act the mock-magnanimous with thee? +Thy father is become a villain to me; +I hold thee for his son, and nothing more +Nor to no purpose shalt thou have been given +Into my power. Think not, that I will honor +That ancient love, which so remorselessly +He mangled. They are now passed by, those hours +Of friendship and forgiveness. Hate and vengeance +Succeed--'tis now their turn--I too can throw +All feelings of the man aside--can prove +Myself as much a monster as thy father! + +MAX (calmly). +Thou wilt proceed with me as thou hast power. +Thou knowest I neither brave nor fear thy rage. +What has detained me here, that too thou knowest. + [Taking THEKLA by the hand. +See, duke! All--all would I have owed to thee, +Would have received from thy paternal hand +The lot of blessed spirits. That hast thou +Laid waste forever--that concerns not thee. +Indifferent thou tramplest in the dust +Their happiness who most are thine. The god +Whom thou dost serve is no benignant deity, +Like as the blind, irreconcilable, +Fierce element, incapable of compact. +Thy heart's wild impulse only dost thou follow. [5] + +WALLENSTEIN. +Thou art describing thy own father's heart. +The adder! Oh, the charms of hell o'erpowered me +He dwelt within me, to my inmost soul +Still to and fro he passed, suspected never. +On the wide ocean, in the starry heaven +Did mine eyes seek the enemy, whom I +In my heart's heart had folded! Had I been +To Ferdinand what Octavio was to me, +War had I ne'er denounced against him. +No, I never could have done it. The emperor was +My austere master only, not my friend. +There was already war 'twixt him and me +When he delivered the commander's staff +Into my hands; for there's a natural +Unceasing war twixt cunning and suspicion; +Peace exists only betwixt confidence +And faith. Who poisons confidence, he murders +The future generations. + +MAX. + I will not +Defend my father. Woe is me, I cannot! +Hard deeds and luckless have taken place; one crime +Drags after it the other in close link. +But we are innocent: how have we fallen +Into this circle of mishap and guilt? +To whom have we been faithless? Wherefore must +The evil deeds and guilt reciprocal +Of our two fathers twine like serpents round us? + Why must our fathers' +Unconquerable hate rend us asunder, +Who love each other? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Max., remain with me. +Go you not from me, Max.! Hark! I will tell thee---- +How when at Prague, our winter quarters, thou +Wert brought into my tent a tender boy, +Not yet accustomed to the German winters; +Thy hand was frozen to the heavy colors; +Thou wouldst not let them go. +At that time did I take thee in my arms, +And with my mantle did I cover thee; +I was thy nurse, no woman could have been +A kinder to thee; I was not ashamed +To do for thee all little offices, +However strange to me; I tended thee +Till life returned; and when thine eyes first opened, +I had thee in my arms. Since then, when have +Altered my feelings toward thee? Many thousands +Have I made rich, presented them with lands; +Rewarded them with dignities and honors; +Thee have I loved: my heart, my self, I gave +To thee; They all were aliens: thou wert +Our child and inmate. [6] Max.! Thou canst not leave me; +It cannot be; I may not, will not think +That Max. can leave me. + +MAX. + Oh, my God! + +WALLENSTEIN + I have +Held and sustained thee from thy tottering childhood. +What holy bond is there of natural love, +What human tie that does not knit thee to me? +I love thee, Max.! What did thy father for thee, +Which I too have not done, to the height of duty? +Go hence, forsake me, serve thy emperor; +He will reward thee with a pretty chain +Of gold; with his ram's fleece will he reward thee; +For that the friend, the father of thy youth, +For that the holiest feeling of humanity, +Was nothing worth to thee. + +MAX. + O God! how can I +Do otherwise. Am I not forced to do it, +My oath--my duty--my honor---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + How? Thy duty? +Duty to whom? Who art thou? Max.! bethink thee +What duties may'st thou have? If I am acting +A criminal part toward the emperor, +It is my crime, not thine. Dost thou belong +To thine own self? Art thou thine own commander? +Stand'st thou, like me, a freeman in the world, +That in thy actions thou shouldst plead free agency? +On me thou art planted, I am thy emperor; +To obey me, to belong to me, this is +Thy honor, this a law of nature to thee! +And if the planet on the which thou livest +And hast thy dwelling, from its orbit starts. +It is not in thy choice, whether or no +Thou'lt follow it. Unfelt it whirls thee onward +Together with his ring, and all his moons. +With little guilt steppest thou into this contest; +Thee will the world not censure, it will praise thee, +For that thou held'st thy friend more worth to thee +Than names and influences more removed +For justice is the virtue of the ruler, +Affection and fidelity the subject's. +Not every one doth it beseem to question +The far-off high Arcturus. Most securely +Wilt thou pursue the nearest duty: let +The pilot fix his eye upon the pole-star. + + + +SCENE XIX. + + To these enter NEUMANN. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What now? + +NEUMANN. + The Pappenheimers are dismounted, +And are advancing now on foot, determined +With sword in hand to storm the house, and free +The count, their colonel. + +WALLENSTEIN (to TERZKY). + Have the cannon planted. +I will receive them with chain-shot. + [Exit TERZKY. +Prescribe to me with sword in hand! Go, Neumann! +'Tis my command that they retreat this moment, +And in their ranks in silence wait my pleasure. + + [NEUMANN exit. ILLO steps to the window. + +COUNTESS. +Let him go, I entreat thee, let him go. + +ILLO (at the window). +Hell and perdition! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What is it? + +ILLO. +They scale the council-house, the roof's uncovered, +They level at this house the cannon---- + +MAX. + Madmen + +ILLO. +They are making preparations now to fire on us. + +DUCHESS and COUNTESS. +Merciful heaven! + +MAX. (to WALLENSTEIN). + Let me go to them! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Not a step! + +MAX. (pointing to THEKLA and the DUCHESS). +But their life! Thine! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What tidings bringest thou, Terzky? + + + +SCENE XX. + + To these TERZKY returning. + +TERZKY. +Message and greeting from our faithful regiments. +Their ardor may no longer be curbed in. +They entreat permission to commence the attack; +And if thou wouldst but give the word of onset +They could now charge the enemy in rear, +Into the city wedge them, and with ease +O'erpower them in the narrow streets. + +ILLO. + Oh come +Let not their ardor cool. The soldiery +Of Butler's corps stand by us faithfully; +We are the greater number. Let us charge them +And finish here in Pilsen the revolt. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What? shall this town become a field of slaughter, +And brother-killing discord, fire-eyed, +Be let loose through its streets to roam and rage? +Shall the decision be delivered over +To deaf remorseless rage, that hears no leader? +Here is not room for battle, only for butchery. +Well, let it be! I have long thought of it, +So let it burst then! + [Turns to MAX. + Well, how is it with thee? +Wilt thou attempt a heat with me. Away! +Thou art free to go. Oppose thyself to me, +Front against front, and lead them to the battle; +Thou'rt skilled in war, thou hast learned somewhat under me, +I need not be ashamed of my opponent, +And never hadst thou fairer opportunity +To pay me for thy schooling. + +COUNTESS. + Is it then, +Can it have come to this? What! Cousin, cousin! +Have you the heart? + +MAX. +The regiments that are trusted to my care +I have pledged my troth to bring away from Pilsen +True to the emperor; and this promise will I +Make good, or perish. More than this no duty +Requires of me. I will not fight against thee, +Unless compelled; for though an enemy, +Thy head is holy to me still, + + [Two reports of cannon. ILLO and TERZKY hurry to the window. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What's that? + +TERZBY. + He falls. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Falls! Who? + +ILLO. + Tiefenbach's corps +Discharged the ordnance. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Upon whom? + +ILLO. + On--Neumann, +Your messenger. + +WALLENSTEIN (starting up). + Ha! Death and hell! I will---- + +TERZKY. +Expose thyself to their blind frenzy? + +DUCHESS and COUNTESS. + No! +For God's sake, no! + +ILLO. + Not yet, my general! +Oh, hold him! hold him! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Leave me---- + +MAX. + Do it not; +Not yet! This rash and bloody deed has thrown them +Into a frenzy-fit--allow them time---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Away! too long already have I loitered. +They are emboldened to these outrages, +Beholding not my face. They shall behold +My countenance, shall hear my voice-- +Are they not my troops? Am I not their general, +And their long-feared commander! Let me see, +Whether indeed they do no longer know +That countenance which was their sun in battle! +From the balcony (mark!) I show myself +To these rebellious forces, and at once +Revolt is mounded, and the high-swollen current +Shrinks back into the old bed of obedience. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN; ILLO, TERZKY, and BUTLER follow. + + + +SCENE XXI. + + COUNTESS, DUCHESS, MAX., and THEKLA. + +COUNTESS (to the DUCHESS). +Let them but see him--there is hope still, sister. + +DUCHESS. +Hope! I have none! + +MAX. (who during the last scene has been standing at a distance, in a +visible struggle of feelings advances). + This can I not endure. +With most determined soul did I come hither; +My purposed action seemed unblamable +To my own conscience--and I must stand here +Like one abhorred, a hard, inhuman being: +Yea, loaded with the curse of all I love! +Must see all whom I love in this sore anguish, +Whom I with one word can make happy--O! +My heart revolts within me, and two voices +Make themselves audible within my bosom. +My soul's benighted; I no longer can +Distinguish the right track. Oh, well and truly +Didst thou say, father, I relied too much +On my own heart. My mind moves to and fro-- +I know not what to do. + +COUNTESS. + What! you know not? +Does not your own heart tell you? Oh! then I +Will tell it you. Your father is a traitor, +A frightful traitor to us--he has plotted +Against our general's life, has plunged us all +In misery--and you're his son! 'Tis yours +To make the amends. Make you the son's fidelity +Outweigh the father's treason, that the name +Of Piccolomini be not a proverb +Of infamy, a common form of cursing +To the posterity of Wallenstein. + +MAX. +Where is that voice of truth which I dare follow! +It speaks no longer in my heart. We all +But utter what our passionate wishes dictate: +Oh that an angel would descend from heaven, +And scoop for me the right, the uncorrupted, +With a pure hand from the pure Fount of light. + [His eyes glance on THEKLA. +What other angel seek I? To this heart, +To this unerring heart, will I submit it; +Will ask thy love, which has the power to bless +The happy man alone, averted ever +From the disquieted and guilty--canst thou +Still love me, if I stay? Say that thou canst, +And I am the duke's---- + +COUNTESS. + Think, niece---- + +MAX. + Think nothing, Thekla! +Speak what thou feelest. + +COUNTESS. + Think upon your father. + +MAX. +I did not question thee, as Friedland's daughter. +Thee, the beloved and the unerring God +Within thy heart, I question. What's at stake? +Not whether diadem of royalty +Be to be won or not--that mightest thou think on. +Thy friend, and his soul's quiet are at stake: +The fortune of a thousand gallant men, +Who will all follow me; shall I forswear +My oath and duty to the emperor? +Say, shall I send into Octavio's camp +The parricidal ball? For when the ball +Has left its cannon, and is on its flight, +It is no longer a dead instrument! +It lives, a spirit passes into it; +The avenging furies seize possession of it, +And with sure malice, guide it the worst way. + +THEKLA. +Oh! Max.---- + +MAX. (interrupting her). + Nay, not precipitately either, Thekla. +I understand thee. To thy noble heart +The hardest duty might appear the highest. +The human, not the great part, would I act. +Even from my childhood to this present hour, +Think what the duke has done for me, how loved me +And think, too, how my father has repaid him. +Oh likewise the free lovely impulses +Of hospitality, the pious friend's +Faithful attachment, these, too, are a holy +Religion to the heart; and heavily +The shudderings of nature do avenge +Themselves on the barbarian that insults them. +Lay all upon the balance, all--then speak, +And let thy heart decide it. + +THEKLA. + Oh, thy own +Hath long ago decided. Follow thou +Thy heart's first feeling---- + +COUNTESS. + Oh! ill-fated woman! + +THEKLA. +Is it possible, that that can be the right, +The which thy tender heart did not at first +Detect and seize with instant impulse? Go, +Fulfil thy duty! I should ever love thee. +Whate'er thou hast chosen, thou wouldst still have acted +Nobly and worthy of thee--but repentance +Shall ne'er disturb thy soul's fair peace. + +MAX. + Then I +Must leave thee, must part from thee! + +THEKLA. + Being faithful +To thine own self, thou art faithful, too, to me: +If our fates part, our hearts remain united. +A bloody hatred will divide forever +The houses Piccolomini and Friedland; +But we belong not to our houses. Go! +Quick! quick! and separate thy righteous cause +From our unholy and unblessed one! +The curse of heaven lies upon our head: +'Tis dedicate to ruin. Even me +My father's guilt drags with it to perdition. +Mourn not for me: +My destiny will quickly be decided. + + [MAX. clasps her in his arms in extreme emotion. There is heard + from behind the scene a loud, wild, long-continued cry, Vivat + Ferdinandus! accompanied by warlike instruments. MAX. and THEKLA + remain without motion in each other's embraces. + + + +SCENE XXII. + + To the above enter TERZKY. + +COUNTESS (meeting him). +What meant that cry? What was it? + +TERZKY. + All is lost! + +COUNTESS. +What! they regarded not his countenance? + +TERZKY. +'Twas all in vain. + +DUCHESS. + They shouted Vivat! + +TERZKY. + To the emperor. + +COUNTESS. +The traitors? + +TERZKY. + Nay! he was not permitted +Even to address them. Soon as he began, +With deafening noise of warlike instruments +They drowned his words. But here he comes. + + + +SCENE XXIII. + + To these enter WALLENSTEIN, accompanied by ILLO and BUTLER. + +WALLENSTEIN (as he enters). +Terzky! + +TERZKY. + My general! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Let our regiments hold themselves +In readiness to march; for we shall leave +Pilsen ere evening. + [Exit TERZKY. + Butler! + +BUTLER. + Yes, my general. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The Governor of Egra is your friend +And countryman. Write him instantly +By a post courier. He must be advised, +That we are with him early on the morrow. +You follow us yourself, your regiment with you. + +BUTLER. +It shall be done, my general! + +WALLENSTEIN (steps between MAX. and THEKLA, who have remained during this +time in each other's arms). + Part! + +MAX. + O God! + + [CUIRASSIERS enter with drawn swords, and assemble in the + background. At the same time there are heard from below some + spirited passages out of the Pappenheim March, which seem to + address MAX. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the CUIRASSIERS). +Here he is, he is at liberty: I keep him +No longer. + + [He turns away, and stands so that MAX. cannot pass by him + nor approach the PRINCESS. + +MAX. +Thou know'st that I have not yet learnt to live +Without thee! I go forth into a desert, +Leaving my all behind me. Oh, do not turn +Thine eyes away from me! Oh, once more show me +Thy ever dear and honored countenance. + + [MAX. attempts to take his hand, but is repelled: he + turns to the COUNTESS. + +Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me? + + [The COUNTESS turns away from him; he turns to the DUCHESS. + +My mother! + +DUCHESS. + + Go where duty calls you. Haply +The time may come when you may prove to us +A true friend, a good angel at the throne +Of the emperor. + +MAX. + You give me hope; you would not +Suffer me wholly to despair. No! no! +Mine is a certain misery. Thanks to heaven! +That offers me a means of ending it. + + [The military music begins again. The stage fills more and more + with armed men. MAX. sees BUTLER and addresses him. + +And you here, Colonel Butler--and will you +Not follow me? Well, then, remain more faithful +To your new lord, than you have proved yourself +To the emperor. Come, Butler! promise me. +Give me your hand upon it, that you'll be +The guardian of his life, its shield, its watchman. +He is attainted, and his princely head +Fair booty for each slave that trades in murder. +Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendship, +And those whom here I see---- + + [Casting suspicious looks on ILLO and BUTLER. + +ILLO. + Go--seek for traitors +In Gallas', in your father's quarters. Here +Is only one. Away! away! and free us +From his detested sight! Away! + + [MAX. attempts once more to approach THERLA. WALLENSTEIN prevents + him. MAX. stands irresolute, and in apparent anguish, In the + meantime the stage fills more and more; and the horns sound from + below louder and louder, and each time after a shorter interval. + +MAX. +Blow, blow! Oh, were it but the Swedish trumpets, +And all the naked swords, which I see here, +Were plunged into my breast! What purpose you? +You come to tear me from this place! Beware, +Ye drive me not to desperation. Do it not! +Ye may repent it! + + [The stage is entirely filled with armed men. + +Yet more! weight upon weight to drag me down +Think what ye're doing. It is not well done +To choose a man despairing for your leader; +You tear me from my happiness. Well, then, +I dedicate your souls to vengeance. Mark! +For your own ruin you have chosen me +Who goes with me must be prepared to perish. + + [He turns to the background; there ensues a sudden and violent + movement among the CUIRASSIERS; they surround him, and carry him + off in wild tumult. WALLENSTEIN remains immovable. THERLA sinks + into her mother's arms. The curtain falls. The music becomes + loud and overpowering, and passes into a complete war-march--the + orchestra joins it--and continues during the interval between the + third and fourth acts. + + + + +ACT IV. + +SCENE I. + + The BURGOMASTER's house at Egra. + +BUTLER (just arrived). +Here then he is by his destiny conducted. +Here, Friedland! and no further! From Bohemia +Thy meteor rose, traversed the sky awhile, +And here upon the borders of Bohemia +Must sink. + Thou hast forsworn the ancient colors, +Blind man! yet trustest to thy ancient fortunes. +Profaner of the altar and the hearth, +Against thy emperor and fellow-citizens +Thou meanest to wage the war. Friedland, beware-- +The evil spirit of revenge impels thee-- +Beware thou, that revenge destroy thee not! + + + +SCENE II. + + BUTLER and GORDON. + +GORDON. + Is it you? +How my heart sinks! The duke a fugitive traitor! +His princely head attainted! Oh, my God! +Tell me, general, I implore thee, tell me +In full, of all these sad events at Pilsen. + +BUTLER. +You have received the letter which I sent you +By a post-courier? + +GORDON. + Yes: and in obedience to it +Opened the stronghold to him without scruple, +For an imperial letter orders me +To follow your commands implicitly. +But yet forgive me! when even now I saw +The duke himself, my scruples recommenced. +For truly, not like an attainted man, +Into this town did Friedland make his entrance; +His wonted majesty beamed from his brow, +And calm, as in the days when all was right, +Did he receive from me the accounts of office. +'Tis said, that fallen pride learns condescension. +But sparing and with dignity the duke +Weighed every syllable of approbation, +As masters praise a servant who has done +His duty and no more. + +BUTLER. + 'Tis all precisely +As I related in my letter. Friedland +Has sold the army to the enemy, +And pledged himself to give up Prague and Egra. +On this report the regiments all forsook him, +The five excepted that belong to Terzky, +And which have followed him, as thou hast seen. +The sentence of attainder is passed on him, +And every loyal subject is required +To give him in to justice, dead or living. + +GORDON. +A traitor to the emperor. Such a noble! +Of such high talents! What is human greatness? +I often said, this can't end happily. +His might, his greatness, and this obscure power +Are but a covered pitfall. The human being +May not be trusted to self-government. +The clear and written law, the deep-trod footmarks +Of ancient custom, are all necessary +To keep him in the road of faith and duty. +The authority intrusted to this man +Was unexampled and unnatural, +It placed him on a level with his emperor, +Till the proud soul unlearned submission. Woe is me! +I mourn for him! for where he fell, I deem +Might none stand firm. Alas! dear general, +We in our lucky mediocrity +Have ne'er experienced, cannot calculate, +What dangerous wishes such a height may breed +In the heart of such a man. + +BUTLER. + Spare your laments +Till he need sympathy; for at this present +He is still mighty, and still formidable. +The Swedes advance to Egra by forced marches, +And quickly will the junction be accomplished. +This must not be! The duke must never leave +This stronghold on free footing; for I have +Pledged life and honor here to hold him prisoner, +And your assistance 'tis on which I calculate. + +GORDON. +O that I had not lived to see this day! +From his hand I received this dignity, +He did himself intrust this stronghold to me, +Which I am now required to make his dungeon. +We subalterns have no will of our own: +The free, the mighty man alone may listen +To the fair impulse of his human nature. +Ah! we are but the poor tools of the law, +Obedience the sole virtue we dare aim at! + +BUTLER. +Nay! let it not afflict you, that your power +Is circumscribed. Much liberty, much error! +The narrow path of duty is securest. +And all then have deserted him you say? +He has built up the luck of many thousands +For kingly was his spirit: his full hand +Was ever open! Many a one from dust + [With a sly glance on BUTLER. +Hath he selected, from the very dust +Hath raised him into dignity and honor. +And yet no friend, not one friend hath he purchased, +Whose heart beats true to him in the evil hour. + +BUTLER. +Here's one, I see. + +GORDON. + I have enjoyed from him +No grace or favor. I could almost doubt, +If ever in his greatness he once thought on +An old friend of his youth. For still my office +Kept me at distance from him; and when first +He to this citadel appointed me, +He was sincere and serious in his duty. +I do not then abuse his confidence, +If I preserve my fealty in that +Which to my fealty was first delivered. + +BUTLER. +Say, then, will you fulfil the attainder on him, +And lend your aid to take him in arrest? + +GORDON (pauses, reflecting--then as in deep dejection). +If it be so--if all be as you say-- +If he've betrayed the emperor, his master, +Have sold the troops, have purposed to deliver +The strongholds of the country to the enemy-- +Yea, truly!--there is no redemption for him! +Yet it is hard, that me the lot should destine +To be the instrument of his perdition; +For we were pages at the court of Bergau +At the same period; but I was the senior. + +BUTLER. +I have heard so---- + +GORDON. + 'Tis full thirty years since then, +A youth who scarce had seen his twentieth year +Was Wallenstein, when he and I were friends +Yet even then he had a daring soul: +His frame of mind was serious and severe +Beyond his years: his dreams were of great objects +He walked amidst us of a silent spirit, +Communing with himself; yet I have known him +Transported on a sudden into utterance +Of strange conceptions; kindling into splendor +His soul revealed itself, and he spake so +That we looked round perplexed upon each other, +Not knowing whether it were craziness, +Or whether it were a god that spoke in him. + +BUTLER. +But was it where he fell two story high +From a window-ledge, on which he had fallen asleep +And rose up free from injury? From this day +(It is reported) he betrayed clear marks +Of a distempered fancy. + +GORDON. + He became +Doubtless more self-enwrapped and melancholy; +He made himself a Catholic. [7] Marvellously +His marvellous preservation had transformed him. +Thenceforth he held himself for an exempted +And privileged being, and, as if he were +Incapable of dizziness or fall, +He ran along the unsteady rope of life. +But now our destinies drove us asunder; +He paced with rapid step the way of greatness, +Was count, and prince, duke-regent, and dictator, +And now is all, all this too little for him; +He stretches forth his hands for a king's crown, +And plunges in unfathomable ruin. + +BUTLER. +No more, he comes. + + + +SCENE III. + + To these enter WALLENSTEIN, in conversation with the + BURGOMASTER of Egra. + +WALLENSTEIN. +You were at one time a free town. I see +Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms. +Why the half eagle only? + +BURGOMASTER. + We were free, +But for these last two hundred years has Egra +Remained in pledge to the Bohemian crown; +Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half +Being cancelled till the empire ransom us, +If ever that should be. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ye merit freedom. +Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears +To no designing whispering court-minions. +What may your imposts be? + +BURGOMASTER. + So heavy that +We totter under them. The garrison +Lives at our costs. + +WALLENSTEIN. + I will relieve you. Tell me, +There are some Protestants among you still? + [The BURGOMASTER hesitates. +Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie concealed +Within these walls. Confess now, you yourself---- + [Fixes, his eye on him. The BURGOMASTER alarmed. +Be not alarmed. I hate the Jesuits. +Could my will have determined it they had +Been long ago expelled the empire. Trust me-- +Mass-book or Bible, 'tis all one to me. +Of that the world has had sufficient proof. +I built a church for the Reformed in Glogau +At my own instance. Hark ye, burgomaster! +What is your name? + +BURGOMASTER. + Pachhalbel, may it please you. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Hark ye! But let it go no further, what I now +Disclose to you in confidence. + [Laying his hand on the BURGOMASTER'S shoulder with a certain + solemnity. + The times +Draw near to their fulfilment, burgomaster! +The high will fall, the low will be exalted. +Hark ye! But keep it to yourself! The end +Approaches of the Spanish double monarchy-- +A new arrangement is at hand. You saw +The three moons that appeared at once in the heaven? + +BURGOMASTER. +With wonder and affright! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Whereof did two +Strangely transform themselves to bloody daggers, +And only one, the middle moon, remained +Steady and clear. + +BURGOMASTER. + We applied it to the Turks. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The Turks! That all? I tell you that two empires +Will set in blood, in the East and in the West, +And Lutherism alone remain. + [Observing GORDON and BUTLER. + I'faith, +'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard +This evening, as we journeyed hitherward: +'Twas on our left hand. Did ye hear it here? + +GORDON. +Distinctly. The wind brought it from the south. + +BUTLER. +It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt. + +WALLENSTEIN. +'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking. +How strong is the garrison? + +GORDON. + Not quite two hundred +Competent men, the rest are invalids. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim? + +GORDON. +Two hundred arquebusiers have I sent thither +To fortify the posts against the Swedes. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too +You have done somewhat? + +GORDON. + Two additional batteries +I caused to be run up. They were needless; +The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, general! + +WALLENSTEIN. +You have been watchful in your emperor's service. +I am content with you, lieutenant-colonel. + [To BUTLER. +Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim, +With all the stations in the enemy's route. + [To GORDON. +Governor, in your faithful hands I leave +My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I +Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival +Of letters to take leave of you, together +With all the regiments. + + + +SCENE IV. + + To these enter COUNT TERZKY. + +TERZKY. +Joy, general, joy! I bring you welcome tidings. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And what may they be? + +TERZKY. + There has been an engagement +At Neustadt; the Swedes gained the victory. + +WALLENSTEIN. +From whence did you receive the intelligence? + +TERZKY. +A countryman from Tirschenreut conveyed it. +Soon after sunrise did the fight begin +A troop of the imperialists from Tachau +Had forced their way into the Swedish camp; +The cannonade continued full two hours; +There were left dead upon the field a thousand +Imperialists, together with their colonel; +Further than this he did not know. + +WALLENSTEIN. + How came +Imperial troops at Neustadt? Altringer, +But yesterday, stood sixty miles from there. +Count Gallas' force collects at Frauenberg, +And have not the full complement. Is it possible +That Suys perchance had ventured so far onward? +It cannot be. + +TERZKY. + We shall soon know the whole, +For here comes Illo, full of haste, and joyous. + + + +SCENE V. + + To these enter ILLO. + +ILLO (to WALLENSTEIN). +A courier, duke! he wishes to speak with thee. + +TERZKY (eagerly). +Does he bring confirmation of the victory? + +WALLENSTEIN (at the same time). +What does he bring? Whence comes he? + +ILLO. + From the Rhinegrave, +And what he brings I can announce to you +Beforehand. Seven leagues distant are the Swedes; +At Neustadt did Max. Piccolomini +Throw himself on them with the cavalry; +A murderous fight took place! o'erpowered by numbers +The Pappenheimers all, with Max. their leader, + [WALLENSTEIN shudders and turns pale. +Were left dead on the field. + +WALLENSTEIN (after a pause, in a low voice). +Where is the messenger? Conduct me to him. + + [WALLENSTEIN is going, when LADY NEUBRUNN rushes into the room. + Some servants follow her and run across the stage. + +NEUBRUNN. +Help! Help! + +ILLO and TERZKY (at the same time). + What now? + +NEUBRUNN. + The princess! + +WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY. + Does she know it? + +NEUBRUNN (at the same time with them). +She is dying! + + [Hurries off the stage, when WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY follow her. + + + +SCENE VI. + + BUTLER and GORDON. + +GORDON. +What's this? + +BUTLER. +She has lost the man she loved-- +Young Piccolomini, who fell in the battle. + +GORDON. +Unfortunate lady! + +BUTLER. + You have heard what Illo +Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerers, +And marching hitherward. + +GORDON. + Too well I heard it. + +BUTLER. +They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five +Close by us to protect the duke. We have +Only my single regiment; and the garrison +Is not two hundred strong. + +GORDON. + 'Tis even so. + +BUTLER. +It is not possible with such small force +To hold in custody a man like him. + +GORDON. +I grant it. + +BUTLER. + Soon the numbers would disarm us, +And liberate him. + +GORDON. + It were to be feared. + +BUTLER (after a pause). +Know, I am warranty for the event; +With my head have I pledged myself for his, +Must make my word good, cost it what it will, +And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner, +Why--death makes all things certain! + +GORDON. + Sutler! What? +Do I understand you? Gracious God! You could---- + +BUTLER. +He must not live. + +GORDON. + And you can do the deed? + +BUTLER. +Either you or I. This morning was his last. + +GORDON. +You would assassinate him? + +BUTLER. + 'Tis my purpose. + +GORDON. +Who leans with his whole confidence upon you! + +BUTLER. +Such is his evil destiny! + +GORDON. + Your general! +The sacred person of your general! + +BUTLER. +My general he has been. + +GORDON. + That 'tis only +An "has been" washes out no villany, +And without judgment passed. + +BUTLER. + The execution +Is here instead of judgment. + +GORDON. + This were murder, +Not justice. The most guilty should be heard. + +BUTLER. +His guilt is clear, the emperor has passed judgment, +And we but execute his will. + +GORDON. + We should not +Hurry to realize a bloody sentence. +A word may be recalled, a life never can be. + +BUTLER. +Despatch in service pleases sovereigns. + +GORDON. +No honest man's ambitious to press forward +To the hangman's service. + +BUTLER. + And no brave man loses +His color at a daring enterprise. + +GORDON. +A brave man hazards life, but not his conscience. + +BUTLER. +What then? Shall he go forth anew to kindle +The unextinguishable flame of war? + +GORDON. +Seize him, and hold him prisoner--do not kill him. + +BUTLER. +Had not the emperor's army been defeated +I might have done so. But 'tis now passed by. + +GORDON. +Oh, wherefore opened I the stronghold to him? + +BUTLER. +His destiny, and not the place destroys him. + +GORDON. +Upon these ramparts, as beseemed a soldier-- +I had fallen, defending the emperor's citadel! + +BUTLER. +Yes! and a thousand gallant men have perished! + +GORDON. +Doing their duty--that adorns the man! +But murder's a black deed, and nature curses it. + +BUTLER (brings out a paper). +Here is the manifesto which commands us +To gain possession of his person. See-- +It is addressed to you as well as me. +Are you content to take the consequences, +If through our fault he escape to the enemy? + +GORDON. +I? Gracious God! + +BUTLER. + Take it on yourself. +Come of it what may, on you I lay it. + +GORDON. +Oh, God in heaven! + +BUTLER. + Can you advise aught else +Wherewith to execute the emperor's purpose? +Say if you can. For I desire his fall, +Not his destruction. + +GORDON. + Merciful heaven! what must be +I see as clear as you. Yet still the heart +Within my bosom beats with other feelings! + +BUTLER. +Mine is of harder stuff! Necessity +In her rough school hath steeled me. And this Illo, +And Terzky likewise, they must not survive him. + +GORDON. +I feel no pang for these. Their own bad hearts +Impelled them, not the influence of the stars. +'Twas they who strewed the seeds of evil passions +In his calm breast, and with officious villany +Watered and nursed the poisonous plants. May they +Receive their earnests to the uttermost mite! + +BUTLER. +And their death shall precede his! +We meant to have taken them alive this evening +Amid the merrymaking of a feast, +And keep them prisoners in the citadel, +But this makes shorter work. I go this instant +To give the necessary orders. + + + +SCENE VII. + + To these enter ILLO and TERZKY. + +TERZKY. +Our luck is on the turn. To-morrow come +The Swedes--twelve thousand gallant warriors, Illo! +Then straightwise for Vienna. Cheerily, friend! +What! meet such news with such a moody face? + +ILLO. +It lies with us at present to prescribe +Laws, and take vengeance on those worthless traitors +Those skulking cowards that deserted us; +One has already done his bitter penance, +The Piccolomini: be his the fate +Of all who wish us evil! This flies sure +To the old man's heart; he has his whole life long +Fretted and toiled to raise his ancient house +From a count's title to the name of prince; +And now must seek a grave for his only son. + +BUTLER. +'Twas pity, though! A youth of such heroic +And gentle temperament! The duke himself, +'Twas easily seen, how near it went to his heart. + +ILLO. +Hark ye, old friend! That is the very point +That never pleased me in our general-- +He ever gave the preference to the Italians. +Yea, at this very moment, by my soul! +He'd gladly see us all dead ten times over, +Could he thereby recall his friend to life. + +TERZKY. +Hush, hush! Let the dead rest! This evening's business +Is, who can fairly drink the other down-- +Your regiment, Illo! gives the entertainment. +Come! we will keep a merry carnival +The night for once be day, and 'mid full glasses +Will we expect the Swedish avant-garde. + +ILLO. +Yes, let us be of good cheer for to-day, +For there's hot work before us, friends! This sword +Shall have no rest till it is bathed to the hilt +In Austrian blood. + +GORDON. +Shame, shame! what talk is this, +My lord field-marshal? Wherefore foam you so +Against your emperor? + +BUTLER. + Hope not too much +From this first victory. Bethink you, sirs! +How rapidly the wheel of fortune turns; +The emperor still is formidably strong. + +ILLO. +The emperor has soldiers, no commander, +For this King Ferdinand of Hungary +Is but a tyro. Gallas? He's no luck, +And was of old the ruiner of armies. +And then this viper, this Octavio, +Is excellent at stabbing in the back, +But ne'er meets Friedland in the open field. + +TERZKY. +Trust me, my friends, it cannot but succeed; +Fortune, we know, can ne'er forsake the duke!-- +And only under Wallenstein can Austria +Be conqueror. + +ILLO. +The duke will soon assemble +A mighty army: all come crowding, streaming +To banners, dedicate by destiny +To fame, and prosperous fortune. I behold +Old times come back again! he will become +Once more the mighty lord which he has been. +How will the fools, who've how deserted him, +Look then? I can't but laugh to think of them, +For lands will he present to all his friends, +And like a king and emperor reward +True services; but we've the nearest claims. + [To GORDON. +You will not be forgotten, governor! +He'll take from you this nest, and bid you shine +In higher station: your fidelity +Well merits it. + +GORDON. + I am content already, +And wish to climb no higher; where great height is, +The fall must needy be great. "Great height, great depth." + +ILLO. +Here you have no more business, for to-morrow +The Swedes will take possession of the citadel. +Come, Terzky, it is supper-time. What think you? +Nay, shall we have the town illuminated +In honor of the Swede? And who refuses +To do it is a Spaniard and a traitor. + +TERZKY. +Nay! nay! not that, it will not please the duke---- + +ILLO. +What; we are masters here; no soul shall dare +Avow himself imperial where we've the rule. +Gordon! good-night, and for the last time take +A fair leave of the place. Send out patrols +To make secure, the watchword may be altered. +At the stroke of ten deliver in the keys +To the duke himself, and then you've quit forever +Your wardship of the gates, for on to-morrow +The Swedes will take possession of the citadel. + +TERZKY (as he is going, to BUTLER). +You come, though, to the castle? + +BUTLER. + At the right time. + + [Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + GORDON and BUTLER. + +GORDON (looking after them). +Unhappy men! How free from all foreboding +They rush into the outspread net of murder +In the blind drunkenness of victory; +I have no pity for their fate. This Illo, +This overflowing and foolhardy villain, +That would fain bathe himself in his emperor's blood. + +BUTLER. +Do as he ordered you. Send round patrols, +Take measures for the citadel's security; +When they are within I close the castle-gate +That nothing may transpire. + +GORDON (with earnest anxiety). + Oh! haste not so! +Nay, stop; first tell me---- + +BUTLER. + You have heard already, +To-morrow to the Swedes belongs. This night +Alone is ours. They make good expedition. +But we will make still greater. Fare you well. + +GORDON. +Ah! your looks tell me nothing good. Nay, Butler, +I pray you promise me! + +BUTLER. + The sun has set; +A fateful evening doth descend upon us, +And brings on their long night! Their evil stars +Deliver them unarmed into our hands, +And from their drunken dream of golden fortunes +The dagger at their hearts shall rouse them. Well, +The duke was ever a great calculator; +His fellow-men were figures on his chess-board +To move and station, as his game required. +Other men's honor, dignity, good name, +Did he shift like pawns, and made no conscience of +Still calculating, calculating still; +And yet at last his calculation proves +Erroneous; the whole game is lost; and low! +His own life will be found among the forfeits. + +GORDON. +Oh, think not of his errors now! remember +His greatness, his munificence; think on all +The lovely features of his character, +On all the noble exploits of his life, +And let them, like an angel's arm, unseen, +Arrest the lifted sword. + +BUTLER. + It is too late. +I suffer not myself to feel compassion, +Dark thoughts and bloody are my duty now. + [Grasping GORDON's hand. +Gordon! 'tis not my hatred (I pretend not +To love the duke, and have no cause to love him). +Yet 'tis not now my hatred that impels me +To be his murderer. 'Tis his evil fate. +Hostile occurrences of many events +Control and subjugate me to the office. +In vain the human being meditates +Free action. He is but the wire-worked [8] puppet +Of the blind Power, which, out of its own choice, +Creates for him a dread necessity. +What too would it avail him if there were +A something pleading for him in my heart-- +Still I must kill him. + +GORDON. + If your heart speak to you +Follow its impulse. 'Tis the voice of God. +Think you your fortunes will grow prosperous +Bedewed with blood--his blood? Believe it not! + +BUTLER. +You know not. Ask not! Wherefore should it happen +That the Swedes gained the victory, and hasten +With such forced marches hitherwards? Fain would I +Have given him to the emperor's mercy. Gordon! +I do not wish his blood,--but I must ransom +The honor of my word,--it lies in pledge-- +And he must die, or---- + [Passionately grasping GORDON's hand. + Listen, then, and know +I am dishonored if the duke escape us. + +GORDON. +Oh! to save such a man---- + +BUTLER. + What! + +GORDON. + It is worth +A sacrifice. Come, friend! Be noble-minded! +Our own heart, and not other men's opinions, +Forms our true honor. + +BUTLER (with a cold and haughty air). + He is a great lord, +This duke, and I am of but mean importance. +This is what you would say! Wherein concerns it +The world at large, you mean to hint to me, +Whether the man of low extraction keeps +Or blemishes his honor-- +So that the man of princely rank be saved? +We all do stamp our value on ourselves: +The price we challenge for ourselves is given us. +There does not live on earth the man so stationed +That I despise myself compared with him. +Man is made great or little by his own will; +Because I am true to mine therefore he dies! + +GORDON. +I am endeavoring to move a rock. +Thou hadst a mother, yet no human feelings. +I cannot hinder you, but may some God +Rescue him from you! + + [Exit GORDON. +BUTLER [9] (alone). +I treasured my good name all my life long; +The duke has cheated me of life's best jewel, +So that I blush before this poor weak Gordon! +He prizes above all his fealty; +His conscious soul accuses him of nothing; +In opposition to his own soft heart +He subjugates himself to an iron duty. +Me in a weaker moment passion warped; +I stand beside him, and must feel myself +The worst man of the two. What though the world +Is ignorant of my purposed treason, yet +One man does know it, and can prove it, too-- +High-minded Piccolomini! +There lives the man who can dishonor me! +This ignominy blood alone can cleanse! +Duke Friedland, thou or I. Into my own hands +Fortune delivers me. The dearest thing a man has is himself. + + + +SCENE IX. + + [A gothic and gloomy apartment at the DUCHESS FRIEDLAND's. + THEKLA on a seat, pale, her eyes closed. The DUCHESS and LADY + NEUBRUNN busied about her. WALLENSTEIN and the COUNTESS in + conversation. + +WALLENSTEIN. +How knew she it so soon? + +COUNTESS. + She seems to have +Foreboded some misfortune. The report +Of an engagement, in which had fallen +A colonel of the imperial army, frightened her. +I saw it instantly. She flew to meet +The Swedish courier, and with sudden questioning, +Soon wrested from him the disastrous secret. +Too late we missed her, hastened after her, +We found her lying in his arms, all pale, +And in a swoon. + +WALLENSTEIN. + A heavy, heavy blow! +And she so unprepared! Poor child! how is it? + [Turning to the DUCHESS. +Is she coming to herself? + +DUCHESS. + Her eyes are opening---- + +COUNTESS. +She lives! + +THEKLA (looking around her). + Where am I? + +WALLENSTEIN (steps to her, raising her up in his arms). +Come, cheerly, Thekla! be my own brave girl! +See, there's thy loving mother. Thou art in +Thy father's arms. + +THEKLA (standing up). + Where is he? Is he gone? + +DUCHESS. +Who gone, my daughter? + +THEKLA. + He--the man who uttered +That word of misery. + +DUCHESS. + Oh, think not of it! +My Thekla! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Give her sorrow leave to talk! +Let her complain--mingle your tears with hers, +For she hath suffered a deep anguish; but +She'll rise superior to it, for my Thekla +Hath all her father's unsubdued heart. + +THEKLA. +I am not ill. See, I have power to stand. +Why does my mother weep? Have I alarmed her? +It is gone by--I recollect myself. + [She casts her eyes round the room, as seeking some one. +Where is he? Please you, do not hide him from me. +You see I have strength enough: now I will hear him. + +DUCHESS. +No; never shall this messenger of evil +Enter again into thy presence, Thekla! + +THEKLA. +My father---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Dearest daughter! + +THEKLA. + I'm not weak. +Shortly I shall be quite myself again. +You'll grant me one request? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Name it, my daughter. + +THEKLA. +Permit the stranger to be called to me, +And grant me leave, that by myself I may +Hear his report and question him. + +DUCHESS. + No, never! + +COUNTESS. +'Tis not advisable--assent not to it. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Hush! Wherefore wouldst thou speak with him, my daughter? + +THEKLA. +Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected; +I will not be deceived. My mother wishes +Only to spare me. I will not be spared-- +The worst is said already: I can hear +Nothing of deeper anguish! + +COUNTESS and DUCHESS. + Do it not. + +THEKLA. +The horror overpowered me by surprise, +My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence: +He was a witness of my weakness, yea, +I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me. +I must replace myself in his esteem, +And I must speak with him, perforce, that he, +The stranger, may not think ungently of me. + +WALLENSTEIN. +I see she is in the right, and am inclined +To grant her this request of hers. Go, call him. + + [LADY NEUBRUNN goes to call him. + +DUCHESS. +But I, thy mother, will be present---- + +THEKLA. + 'Twere +More pleasing to me if alone I saw him; +Trust me, I shall behave myself the more +Collectedly. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Permit her her own will. +Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows, +Where of necessity the soul must be +Its own support. A strong heart will rely +On its own strength alone. In her own bosom, +Not in her mother's arms, must she collect +The strength to rise superior to this blow. +It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treated +Not as the woman, but the heroine. + + [Going. + +COUNTESS (detaining him). +Where art thou going? I heard Terzky say +That 'tis thy purpose to depart from hence +To-morrow early, but to leave us here. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protection +Of gallant men. + +COUNTESS. + Oh, take us with you, brother. +Leave us not in this gloomy solitude. +To brood o'er anxious thoughts. The mists of doubt +Magnify evils to a shape of horror. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Who speaks of evil? I entreat you, sister, +Use words of better omen. + +COUNTESS. + Then take us with you. +Oh leave us not behind you in a place +That forces us to such sad omens. Heavy +And sick within me is my heart-- +These walls breathe on me like a churchyard vault. +I cannot tell you, brother, how this place +Doth go against my nature. Take us with you. +Come, sister, join you your entreaty! Niece, +Yours too. We all entreat you, take us with you! + +WALLENSTEIN. +The place's evil omens will I change, +Making it that which shields and shelters for me +My best beloved. + +LADY NEUBRUNN (returning). + The Swedish officer. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Leave her alone with me. + +DUCHESS (to THEKLA, who starts and shivers). +There--pale as death! Child, 'tis impossible +That thou shouldst speak with him. Follow thy mother. + +THEKLA. +The Lady Neubrunn then may stay with me. + + [Exeunt DUCHESS and COUNTESS. + + + +SCENE X. + + THEKLA, THE SWEDISH CAPTAIN, LADY NEUBRUNN. + +CAPTAIN (respectfully approaching her). +Princess--I must entreat your gentle pardon-- +My inconsiderate rash speech. How could!---- + +THEKLA (with dignity). +You have beheld me in my agony. +A most distressful accident occasioned +You from a stranger to become at once +My confidant. + +CAPTAIN. + I fear you hate my presence, +For my tongue spake a melancholy word. + +THEKLA. +The fault is mine. Myself did wrest it from you. +The horror which came o'er me interrupted +Your tale at its commencement. May it please you, +Continue it to the end. + +CAPTAIN. + Princess, 'twill +Renew your anguish. + +THEKLA. + I am firm,-- +I will be firm. Well--how began the engagement? + +CAPTAIN. +We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt, +Intrenched but insecurely in our camp, +When towards evening rose a cloud of dust +From the wood thitherward; our vanguard fled +Into the camp, and sounded the alarm. +Scarce had we mounted ere the Pappenheimers, +Their horses at full speed, broke through the lines, +And leaped the trenches; but their heedless courage +Had borne them onward far before the others-- +The infantry were still at distance, only +The Pappenheimers followed daringly +Their daring leader---- + + [THEKLA betrays agitation in her gestures. The officer pauses + till she makes a sign to him to proceed. + +CAPTAIN. + Both in van and flanks +With our whole cavalry we now received them; +Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot +Stretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them. +They neither could advance, nor yet retreat; +And as they stood on every side wedged in, +The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud, +Inviting a surrender; but their leader, +Young Piccolomini---- + [THEKLA, as giddy, grasps a chair. + Known by his plume, +And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches; +Himself leaped first: the regiment all plunged after. +His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up, +Flung him with violence off, and over him +The horses, now no longer to be curbed,---- + + [THEKLA, who has accompanied the last speech with all + the marks of increasing agony, trembles through her whole + frame and is falling. The LADY NEUBRUNN runs to her, and + receives her in her arms. + +NEUBRUNN. +My dearest lady! + +CAPTAIN. + I retire. + +THERLA. + 'Tis over. +Proceed to the conclusion. + +CAPTAIN. + Wild despair +Inspired the troops with frenzy when they saw +Their leader perish; every thought of rescue +Was spurned; they fought like wounded tigers; their +Frantic resistance roused our soldiery; +A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest +Finished before their last man fell. + +THEKLA (faltering). + And where-- +Where is--you have not told me all. + +CAPTAIN (after a pause). + This morning +We buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birth +Did bear him to interment; the whole army +Followed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin; +The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, +In mark of honor by the Rhinegrave's self, +Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us +Many, who had themselves experienced +The greatness of his mind and gentle manners; +All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave +Would willingly have saved him; but himself +Made vain the attempt--'tis said he wished to die. + +NEUBRUNN (to THEKLA, who has hidden her countenance). +Look up, my dearest lady---- + +THEKLA. + Where is his grave? + +CAPTAIN. +At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church +Are his remains deposited, until +We can receive directions from his father. + +THEKLA. +What is the cloister's name? + +CAPTAIN. + Saint Catherine's. + +THEKLA. +And how far is it thither? + +CAPTAIN. + Near twelve leagues. + +THEKLA. +And which the way? + +CAPTAIN. + You go by Tirschenreut +And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts. + +THEKLA + Who +Is their commander? + +CAPTAIN. + Colonel Seckendorf. + + [THEKLA steps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket. + +THEKLA. +You have beheld me in my agony, +And shown a feeling heart. Please you, accept + [Giving him the ring. +A small memorial of this hour. Now go! + +CAPTAIN (confusedly). +Princess---- + + [THEKLA silently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him. + The captain lingers, and is about to speak. LADY NEUBRUNN repeats + the signal, and he retires. + + + +SCENE XI. + + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN. + +THEKLA (falls on LADY NEUBRUNN's neck). +Now gentle Neubrunn, show me the affection +Which thou hast ever promised--prove thyself +My own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim. +This night we must away! + +NEUBRUNN. + Away! and whither? + +THEKLA. +Whither! There is but one place in the world. +Thither, where he lies buried! To his coffin! + +NEUBRUNN. +What would you do there? + +THEKLA. + What do there? +That wouldst thou not have asked, hadst thou e'er loved. +There, that is all that still remains of him! +That single spot is the whole earth to me. + +NEUBRUNN. +That place of death---- + +THEKLA. + Is now the only place +Where life yet dwells for me: detain me not! +Come and make preparations; let us think +Of means to fly from hence. + +NEUBRUNN. + Your father's rage + +THEKLA. +That time is past-- +And now I fear no human being's rage. + +NEUBRUNN. +The sentence of the world! The tongue of calumny! + +THEKLA. +Whom am I seeking? Him who is no more. +Am I then hastening to the arms--O God! +I haste--but to the grave of the beloved. + +NEUBRUNN. +And we alone, two helpless, feeble women? + +THEKLA. +We will take weapons: my arm shall protect thee. + +NEUBRUNN. +In the dark night-time? + +THEKLA. + Darkness will conceal us. + +NEUBRUNN. +This rough tempestuous night---- + +THEKLA. + Had he a soft bed +Under the hoofs of his war-horses? + +NEUBRUNN. + Heaven! +And then the many posts of the enemy! + +THEKLA. +They are human beings. Misery travels free +Through the whole earth. + +NEUBRUNN. + The journey's weary length---- + +THEKLA. +The pilgrim, travelling to a distant shrine +Of hope and healing doth not count the leagues. + +NEUBRUNN. +How can we pass the gates? + +THEKLA. + Gold opens them. +Go, do but go. + +NEUBRUNN. + Should we be recognized---- + +THEKLA. +In a despairing woman, a poor fugitive, +Will no one seek the daughter of Duke Friedland. + +NEUBRUNN. +And where procure we horses for our flight? + +THEKLA. +My equerry procures them. Go and fetch him. + +NEUBRUNN. +Dares he, without the knowledge of his lord? + +THEKLA. +He will. Go, only go. Delay no longer. + +NEUBRUNN. +Dear lady! and your mother? + +THEKLA. + Oh! my mother! + +NEUBRUNN. +So much as she has suffered too already; +Your tender mother. Ah! how ill prepared +For this last anguish! + +THEKLA. + Woe is me! My mother! + [Pauses. +Go instantly. + +NEUBRUNN. + But think what you are doing! + +THEKLA. +What can be thought, already has been thought. + +NEUBRUNN. +And being there, what purpose you to do? + +THEKLA. +There a divinity will prompt my soul. + +NEUBRUNN. +Your heart, dear lady, is disquieted! +And this is not the way that leads to quiet. + +THEKLA. +To a deep quiet, such as he has found, +It draws me on, I know not what to name it, +Resistless does it draw me to his grave. +There will my heart be eased, my tears will flow. +Oh hasten, make no further questioning! +There is no rest for me till I have left +These walls--they fall in on me--a dim power +Drives me from hence--oh mercy! What a feeling! +What pale and hollow forms are those! They fill, +They crowd the place! I have no longer room here! +Mercy! Still more! More still! The hideous swarm, +They press on me; they chase me from these walls-- +Those hollow, bodiless forms of living men! + +NEUBRUNN. +You frighten me so, lady, that no longer +I dare stay here myself. I go and call +Rosenberg instantly. + + [Exit LADY NEUBRUNN. + + + +SCENE XII. + +THEKLA. +His spirit 'tis that calls me: 'tis the troop +Of his true followers, who offered up +Themselves to avenge his death: and they accuse me +Of an ignoble loitering--they would not +Forsake their leader even in his death; they died for him, +And shall I live? +For me too was that laurel garland twined +That decks his bier. Life is an empty casket: +I throw it from me. Oh, my only hope; +To die beneath the hoofs of trampling steeds-- +That is a lot of heroes upon earth! + + [Exit THEKLA. [10] + + (The Curtain drops.) + + + +SCENE XIII. + + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, and ROSENBERG. + +NEUBRUNN. +He is here, lady, and he will procure them. + +THEKLA. +Wilt thou provide us horses, Rosenberg? + +ROSENBERG. +I will, my lady. + +THEKLA. + And go with us as well? + +ROSENBERG. +To the world's end, my lady. + +THEKLA. + But consider, +Thou never canst return unto the duke. + +ROSENBERG. +I will remain with thee. + +THEKLA. + I will reward thee. +And will commend thee to another master. +Canst thou unseen conduct us from the castle? + +ROSENBERG. +I can. + +THEKLA. + When can I go? + +ROSENBERG. + This very hour. +But whither would you, lady? + +THEKLA. + To--Tell him, Neubrunn. + +NEUBRUNN. +To Neustadt. + +ROSENBERG. + So; I leave you to get ready. + + [Exit. + +NEUBRUNN. +Oh, see, your mother comes. + +THEKLA. + Indeed! O Heaven! + + + +SCENE XIV. + + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, the DUCHESS. + +DUCHESS. +He's gone! I find thee more composed, my child. + +THEKLA. +I am so, mother; let me only now +Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me. +I want repose. + +DUCHESS. + My Thekla, thou shalt have it. +I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm +Thy father's heart. + +THEKLA. + Good night, beloved mother! + + (Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion). + +DUCHESS. +Thou scarcely art composed e'en now, my daughter. +Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart +Beat audibly on mine. + +THEKLA. + Sleep will appease +Its beating: now good-night, good-night, dear mother. + + (As she withdraws from her mother's arms the curtain falls). + + + + +ACT V. + +SCENE I. + + Butler's Chamber. + + BUTLER, and MAJOR GERALDIN. + +BUTLER. +Find me twelve strong dragoons, arm them with pikes +For there must be no firing-- +Conceal them somewhere near the banquet-room, +And soon as the dessert is served up, rush all in +And cry--"Who is loyal to the emperor?" +I will overturn the table--while you attack +Illo and Terzky, and despatch them both. +The castle-palace is well barred and guarded, +That no intelligence of this proceeding +May make its way to the duke. Go instantly; +Have you yet sent for Captain Devereux +And the Macdonald? + +GERALDIN. + They'll be here anon. + + [Exit GERALDIN. + +BUTLER. +Here's no room for delay. The citizens +Declare for him--a dizzy drunken spirit +Possesses the whole town. They see in the duke +A prince of peace, a founder of new ages +And golden times. Arms, too, have been given out +By the town-council, and a hundred citizens +Have volunteered themselves to stand on guard. +Despatch! then, be the word; for enemies +Threaten us from without and from within. + + + +SCENE II. + + BUTLER, CAPTAIN DEVEREUX, and MACDONALD. + +MACDONALD. +Here we are, general. + +DEVEREUX. + What's to be the watchword? + +BUTLER. +Long live the emperor! + +BOTH (recoiling). + How? + +BUTLER. + Live the house of Austria. + +DEVEREUX. +Have we not sworn fidelity to Friedland? + +MACDONALD. +Have we not marched to this place to protect him? + +BUTLER. +Protect a traitor and his country's enemy? + +DEVEREUX. +Why, yes! in his name you administered +Our oath. + +MACDONALD. + And followed him yourself to Egra. + +BUTLER. +I did it the more surely to destroy him. + +DEVEREUX. +So then! + +MACDONALD. + An altered case! + +BUTLER (to DEVEREUX). + Thou wretched man +So easily leavest thou thy oath and colors? + +DEVEREUX. +The devil! I but followed your example; +If you could prove a villain, why not we? + +MACDONALD. +We've naught to do with thinking--that's your business. +You are our general, and give out the orders; +We follow you, though the track lead to hell. + +BUTLER (appeased). +Good, then! we know each other. + +MACDONALD. + I should hope so. + +DEVEREUX. +Soldiers of fortune are we--who bids most +He has us. + +MACDONALD. + 'Tis e'en so! + +BUTLER. + Well, for the present +You must remain honest and faithful soldiers. + +DEVEREUX. +We wish no other. + +BUTLER. + Ay, and make your fortunes. + +MACDONALD. +That is still better. + +BUTLER. + Listen! + +BOTH. + We attend. + +BUTLER. +It is the emperor's will and ordinance +To seize the person of the Prince-Duke Friedland +Alive or dead. + +DEVEREUX. + It runs so in the letter. + +MACDONALD. +Alive or dead--these were the very words. + +BUTLER. +And he shall be rewarded from the state +In land and gold who proffers aid thereto. + +DEVEREUX. +Ay! that sounds well. The words sound always well +That travel hither from the court. Yes! yes! +We know already what court-words import. +A golden chain perhaps in sign of favor, +Or an old charger, or a parchment-patent, +And such like. The prince-duke pays better. + +MACDONALD. + Yes, +The duke's a splendid paymaster. + +BUTLER. + All over +With that, my friends. His lucky stars are set. + +MACDONALD. +And is that certain? + +BUTLER. + You have my word for it. + +DEVEREUX. +His lucky fortune's all passed by? + +BUTLER. + Forever. +He is as poor as we. + +MACDONALD. + As poor as we? + +DEVEREUX. +Macdonald, we'll desert him. + +BUTLER. + We'll desert him? +Full twenty thousand have done that already; +We must do more, my countrymen! In short-- +We--we must kill him. + +BOTH (starting back) + Kill him! + +BUTLER. + Yes, must kill him; +And for that purpose have I chosen you. + +BOTH. + Us! + +BUTLER. +You, Captain Devereux, and thee, Macdonald. + +DEVEREUX (after a pause). +Choose you some other. + +BUTLER. + What! art dastardly? +Thou, with full thirty lives to answer for-- +Thou conscientious of a sudden? + +DEVEREUX. + Nay +To assassinate our lord and general---- + +MACDONALD. +To whom we swore a soldier's oath---- + +BUTLER. + The oath +Is null, for Friedland is a traitor. + +DEVEREUX. +No, no! it is too bad! + +MACDONALD. + Yes, by my soul! +It is too bad. One has a conscience too---- + +DEVEREUX. +If it were not our chieftain, who so long +Has issued the commands, and claimed our duty---- + +BUTLER. +Is that the objection? + +DEVEREUX. + Were it my own father, +And the emperor's service should demand it of me, +It might be done perhaps--but we are soldiers, +And to assassinate our chief commander, +That is a sin, a foul abomination, +From which no monk or confessor absolves us. + +BUTLER. +I am your pope, and give you absolution. +Determine quickly! + +DEVEREUX. + 'Twill not do. + +MACDONALD. + 'Twont do! + +BUTLER. +Well, off then! and--send Pestalutz to me. + +DEVEREUX (hesitates). +The Pestalutz---- + +MACDONALD. + What may you want with him? + +BUTLER. +If you reject it, we can find enough---- + +DEVEREUX. +Nay, if he must fall, we may earn the bounty +As well as any other. What think you, +Brother Macdonald? + +MACDONALD. + Why, if he must fall, +And will fall, and it can't be otherwise, +One would not give place to this Pestalutz. + +DEVEREUX (after some reflection). +When do you purpose he should fall? + +BUTLER. + This night. +To-morrow will the Swedes be at our gates. + +DEVEREUX. +You take upon you all the consequences? + +BUTLER. +I take the whole upon me. + +DEVEREUX. + And it is +The emperor's will, his express absolute will? +For we have instances that folks may like +The murder, and yet hang the murderer. + +BUTLER. +The manifesto says--"alive or dead." +Alive--'tis not possible--you see it is not. + +DEVEREUX. +Well, dead then! dead! But how can we come at him. +The town is filled with Terzky's soldiery. + +MACDONALD. +Ay! and then Terzky still remains, and Illo---- + +BUTLER. +With these you shall begin--you understand me? + +DEVEREUX. +How! And must they too perish? + +BUTLER. + They the first. + +MACDONALD. +Hear, Devereux! A bloody evening this. + +DEVEREUX. +Have you a man for that? Commission me---- + +BUTLER. +'Tis given in trust to Major Geraldin; +This is a carnival night, and there's a feast +Given at the castle--there we shall surprise them, +And hew them down. The Pestalutz and Lesley +Have that commission. Soon as that is finished---- + +DEVEREUX. +Hear, general! It will be all one to you-- +Hark ye, let me exchange with Geraldin. + +BUTLER. +'Twill be the lesser danger with the duke. + +DEVEREUX. +Danger! The devil! What do you think me, general, +'Tis the duke's eye, and not his sword, I fear. + +BUTLER. +What can his eye do to thee? + +DEVEREUX. + Death and hell! +Thou knowest that I'm no milksop, general! +But 'tis not eight days since the duke did send me +Twenty gold pieces for this good warm coat +Which I have on! and then for him to see me +Standing before him with the pike, his murderer. +That eye of his looking upon this coat-- +Why--why--the devil fetch me! I'm no milksop! + +BUTLER. +The duke presented thee this good warm coat, +And thou, a needy wight, hast pangs of conscience +To run him through the body in return, +A coat that is far better and far warmer +Did the emperor give to him, the prince's mantle. +How doth he thank the emperor? With revolt +And treason. + +DEVEREUX. + That is true. The devil take +Such thankers! I'll despatch him. + +BUTLER. + And would'st quiet +Thy conscience, thou hast naught to do but simply +Pull off the coat; so canst thou do the deed +With light heart and good spirits. + +DEVEREUX. + You are right, +That did not strike me. I'll pull off the coat-- +So there's an end of it. + +MACDONALD. + Yes, but there's another +Point to be thought of. + +BUTLER. + And what's that, Macdonald? + +MACDONALD. +What avails sword or dagger against him? +He is not to be wounded--he is---- + +BUTLER (starting up). + What! + +MACDONALD. +Safe against shot, and stab, and flash! Hard frozen. +Secured and warranted by the black art +His body is impenetrable, I tell you. + +DEVEREUX. +In Ingolstadt there was just such another: +His whole skin was the same as steel; at last +We were obliged to beat him down with gunstocks. + +MACDONALD. +Hear what I'll do. + +DEVEREUX. + Well. + +MACDONALD. + In the cloister here +There's a Dominican, my countryman. +I'll make him dip my sword and pike for me +In holy water, and say over them +One of his strongest blessings. That's probatum! +Nothing can stand 'gainst that. + +BUTLER. + So do, Macdonald! +But now go and select from out the regiment +Twenty or thirty able-bodied fellows, +And let them take the oaths to the emperor. +Then when it strikes eleven, when the first rounds +Are passed, conduct them silently as may be +To the house. I will myself be not far off. + +DEVEREUX. +But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon, +That stand on guard there in the inner chamber? + +BUTLER. +I have made myself acquainted with the place, +I lead you through a back door that's defended +By one man only. Me my rank and office +Give access to the duke at every hour. +I'll go before you--with one poinard-stroke +Cut Hartschier's windpipe, and make way for you. + +DEVEREUX. +And when we are there, by what means shall we gain +The duke's bed-chamber, without his alarming +The servants of the court? for he has here +A numerous company of followers. + +BUTLER. +The attendants fill the right wing: he hates bustle, +And lodges in the left wing quite alone. + +DEVEREUX. +Were it well over--hey, Macdonald! I +Feel queerly on the occasion, devil knows. + +MACDONALD. +And I, too. 'Tis too great a personage. +People will hold us for a brace of villains. + +BUTLER. +In plenty, honor, splendor--you may safely +Laugh at the people's babble. + +DEVEREUX. + If the business +Squares with one's honor--if that be quite certain. + +BUTLER. +Set your hearts quite at ease. Ye save for Ferdinand +His crown and empire. The reward can be +No small one. + +DEVEREUX. +And 'tis his purpose to dethrone the emperor? + +BUTLER. +Yes! Yes! to rob him of his crown and life. + +DEVEREUX. +And must he fall by the executioner's hands, +Should we deliver him up to the emperor +Alive? + +BUTLER. + It were his certain destiny. + +DEVEREUX. +Well! Well! Come then, Macdonald, he shall not +Lie long in pain. + + [Exeunt BUTLER through one door, MACDONALD and DEVEREUX + through the other. + + + +SCENE III. + + A saloon, terminated by a gallery, which extends far + into the background. + + WALLENSTIN sitting at a table. The SWEDISH CAPTAIN + standing before him. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Commend me to your lord. I sympathize +In his good fortune; and if you have seen me +Deficient in the expressions of that joy, +Which such a victory might well demand, +Attribute it to no lack of good-will, +For henceforth are our fortunes one. Farewell, +And for your trouble take my thanks. To-morrow +The citadel shall be surrendered to you +On your arrival. + + [The SWEDISH CAPTAIN retires. WALLENSTEIN sits lost in thought, + his eyes fixed vacantly, and his head sustained by his hand. The + COUNTESS TERZKY enters, stands before him for awhile, unobserved + by him; at length he starts, sees her and recollects himself. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Comest thou from her? Is she restored? How is she? + +COUNTESS. +My sister tells me she was more collected +After her conversation with the Swede. +She has now retired to rest. + +WALLENSTEIN. + The pang will soften +She will shed tears. + +COUNTESS. + I find thee altered, too, +My brother! After such a victory +I had expected to have found in thee +A cheerful spirit. Oh, remain thou firm! +Sustain, uphold us! For our light thou art, +Our sun. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Be quiet. I ail nothing. Where's +Thy husband? + +COUNTESS. + At a banquet--he and Illo. + +WALLENSTEIN (rises and strides across the saloon). +The night's far spent. Betake thee to thy chamber. + +COUNTESS. +Bid me not go, oh, let me stay with thee! + +WALLENSTEIN (moves to the window). +There is a busy motion in the heaven, +The wind doth chase the flag upon the tower, +Fast sweep the clouds, the sickle [11] of the moon, +Struggling, darts snatches of uncertain light. +No form of star is visible! That one +White stain of light, that single glimmering yonder, +Is from Cassiopeia, and therein +Is Jupiter. (A pause.) But now +The blackness of the troubled element hides him! + + [He sinks into profound melancholy, and looks vacantly + into the distance. + +COUNTESS (looks on him mournfully, then grasps his hand). +What art thou brooding on? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Methinks +If I but saw him, 'twould be well with me. +He is the star of my nativity, +And often marvellously hath his aspect +Shot strength into my heart. + +COUNTESS. +Thou'lt see him again. + +WALLENSTEIN (remains for awhile with absent mind, then assumes a livelier +manner, and turning suddenly to the COUNTESS). +See him again? Oh, never, never again! + +COUNTESS. +How? + +WALLENSTEIN. + He is gone--is dust. + +COUNTESS. + Whom meanest thou, then? + +WALLENSTEIN. +He, the more fortunate! yea, he hath finished! +For him there is no longer any future, +His life is bright--bright without spot it was, +And cannot cease to be. No ominous hour +Knocks at his door with tidings of mishap, +Far off is he, above desire and fear; +No more submitted to the change and chance +Of the unsteady planets. Oh, 'tis well +With him! but who knows what the coming hour +Veiled in thick darkness brings us? + +COUNTESS. +Thou speakest of Piccolomini. What was his death? +The courier had just left thee as I came. + + [WALLENSTEIN by a motion of his hand makes signs to her + to be silent. + +Turn not thine eyes upon the backward view, +Let us look forward into sunny days, +Welcome with joyous heart the victory, +Forget what it has cost thee. Not to-day, +For the first time, thy friend was to thee dead; +To thee he died when first he parted from thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +This anguish will be wearied down [12], I know; +What pang is permanent with man? From the highest, +As from the vilest thing of every day, +He learns to wean himself: for the strong hours +Conquer him. Yet I feel what I have lost +In him. The bloom is vanished from my life, +For oh, he stood beside me, like my youth, +Transformed for me the real to a dream, +Clothing the palpable and the familiar +With golden exhalations of the dawn, +Whatever fortunes wait my future toils, +The beautiful is vanished--and returns not. + +COUNTESS. +Oh, be not treacherous to thy own power. +Thy heart is rich enough to vivify +Itself. Thou lovest and prizest virtues in him, +The which thyself didst plant, thyself unfold. + +WALLENSTEIN (stepping to the door). +Who interrupts us now at this late hour? +It is the governor. He brings the keys +Of the citadel. 'Tis midnight. Leave me, sister! + +COUNTESS. +Oh, 'tis so hard to me this night to leave thee; +A boding fear possesses me! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Fear! Wherefore? + +COUNTESS. +Shouldst thou depart this night, and we at waking +Never more find thee! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Fancies! + +COUNTESS. + Oh, my soul +Has long been weighed down by these dark forebodings, +And if I combat and repel them waking, +They still crush down upon my heart in dreams, +I saw thee, yesternight with thy first wife +Sit at a banquet, gorgeously attired. + +WALLENSTHIN. +This was a dream of favorable omen, +That marriage being the founder of my fortunes. + +COUNTESS. +To-day I dreamed that I was seeking thee +In thy own chamber. As I entered, lo! +It was no more a chamber: the Chartreuse +At Gitschin 'twas, which thou thyself hast founded, +And where it is thy will that thou shouldst be +Interred. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Thy soul is busy with these thoughts. + +COUNTESS. +What! dost thou not believe that oft in dreams +A voice of warning speaks prophetic to us? + +WALLENSTEIN. +There is no doubt that there exist such voices, +Yet I would not call them +Voices of warning that announce to us +Only the inevitable. As the sun, +Ere it is risen, sometimes paints its image +In the atmosphere, so often do the spirits +Of great events stride on before the events, +And in to-day already walks to-morrow. +That which we read of the fourth Henry's death +Did ever vex and haunt me like a tale +Of my own future destiny. The king +Felt in his breast the phantom of the knife +Long ere Ravaillac armed himself therewith. +His quiet mind forsook him; the phantasma +Started him in his Louvre, chased him forth +Into the open air; like funeral knells +Sounded that coronation festival; +And still with boding sense he heard the tread +Of those feet that even then were seeking him +Throughout the streets of Paris. + +COUNTESS. + And to thee +The voice within thy soul bodes nothing? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Nothing. +Be wholly tranquil. + +COUNTESS. + And another time +I hastened after thee, and thou rann'st from me +Through a long suite, through many a spacious hall. +There seemed no end of it; doors creaked and clapped; +I followed panting, but could not overtake thee; +When on a sudden did I feel myself +Grasped from behind,--the hand was cold that grasped me; +'Twas thou, and thou didst kiss me, and there seemed +A crimson covering to envelop us. + +WALLENSTEIN. +That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber. + +COUNTESS (gazing on him). +If it should come to that--if I should see thee, +Who standest now before me in the fulness +Of life---- + + [She falls on his breast and weeps. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The emperor's proclamation weighs upon thee-- +Alphabets wound not--and he finds no hands. + +COUNTESS. +If he should find them, my resolve is taken-- +I bear about me my support and refuge. + + [Exit COUNTESS. + + + +SCENE V. + + WALLENSTEIN, GORDON. + +WALLENSTEIN. +All quiet in the town? + +GORDON. + The town is quiet. + +WALLENSTEIN. +I hear a boisterous music! and the castle +Is lighted up. Who are the revellers? + +GORDON. +There is a banquet given at the castle +To the Count Terzky and Field-Marshal Illo. + +WALLENSTEIN. +In honor of the victory--this tribe +Can show their joy in nothing else but feasting. + [Rings. The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER enters. +Unrobe me. I will lay me down to sleep. + [WALLENSTEIN takes the keys from GORDON. +So we are guarded from all enemies, +And shut in with sure friends. +For all must cheat me, or a face like this + [Fixing his eyes on GORDON. +Was ne'er a hypocrite's mask. + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER takes off his mantle, collar, and scarf. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Take care--what is that? + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. + The golden chain is snapped in two. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Well, it has lasted long enough. Here--give it. + [He takes and looks at the chain. +'Twas the first present of the emperor. +He hung it round me in the war of Friule, +He being then archduke; and I have worn it +Till now from habit-- +From superstition, if you will. Belike, +It was to be a talisman to me; +And while I wore it on my neck in faith, +It was to chain to me all my life-long +The volatile fortune, whose first pledge it was. +Well, be it so! Henceforward a new fortune +Must spring up for me; for the potency +Of this charm is dissolved. + + [GROOM OF THE CHAMBER retires with the vestments. WALLENSTEIN + rises, takes a stride across the room, and stands at last before + GORDON in a posture of meditation. + +How the old time returns upon me! I +Behold myself once more at Burgau, where +We two were pages of the court together. +We oftentimes disputed: thy intention +Was ever good; but thou were wont to play +The moralist and preacher, and wouldst rail at me-- +That I strove after things too high for me, +Giving my faith to bold, unlawful dreams, +And still extol to me the golden mean. +Thy wisdom hath been proved a thriftless friend +To thy own self. See, it has made thee early +A superannuated man, and (but +That my munificent stars will intervene) +Would let thee in some miserable corner +Go out like an untended lamp. + +GORDON. + My prince +With light heart the poor fisher moors his boat, +And watches from the shore the lofty ship +Stranded amid the storm. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Art thou already +In harbor, then, old man? Well! I am not. +The unconquered spirit drives me o'er life's billows; +My planks still firm, my canvas swelling proudly. +Hope is my goddess still, and youth my inmate; +And while we stand thus front to front almost, +I might presume to say, that the swift years +Have passed by powerless o'er my unblanched hair. + + [He moves with long strides across the saloon, and remains + on the opposite side over against GORDON. + +Who now persists in calling fortune false? +To me she has proved faithful; with fond love +Took me from out the common ranks of men, +And like a mother goddess, with strong arm +Carried me swiftly up the steps of life. +Nothing is common in my destiny, +Nor in the furrows of my hand. Who dares +Interpret then my life for me as 'twere +One of the undistinguishable many? +True, in this present moment I appear +Fallen low indeed; but I shall rise again. +The high flood will soon follow on this ebb; +The fountain of my fortune, which now stops, +Repressed and bound by some malicious star, +Will soon in joy play forth from all its pipes. + +GORDON. +And yet remember I the good old proverb, +"Let the night come before we praise the day." +I would be slow from long-continued fortune +To gather hope: for hope is the companion +Given to the unfortunate by pitying heaven. +Fear hovers round the head of prosperous men, +For still unsteady are the scales of fate. + +WALLENSTEIN (smiling). +I hear the very Gordon that of old +Was wont to preach, now once more preaching; +I know well, that all sublunary things +Are still the vassals of vicissitude. +The unpropitious gods demand their tribute. +This long ago the ancient pagans knew +And therefore of their own accord they offered +To themselves injuries, so to atone +The jealousy of their divinities +And human sacrifices bled to Typhon. + [After a pause, serious, and in a more subdued manner. +I too have sacrificed to him--for me +There fell the dearest friend, and through my fault +He fell! No joy from favorable fortune +Can overweigh the anguish of this stroke. +The envy of my destiny is glutted: +Life pays for life. On his pure head the lightning +Was drawn off which would else have shattered me. + + + +SCENE V. + + To these enter SENI. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Is not that Seni! and beside himself, +If one can trust his looks? What brings thee hither +At this late hour, Baptista? + +SENI. + Terror, duke! +On thy account. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What now? + +SENI. + Flee ere the day break! +Trust not thy person to the Swedes! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What now +Is in thy thoughts? + +SENI (with louder voice). +Trust not thy person to the Swedes. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What is it, then? + +SENI (still more urgently). +Oh, wait not the arrival of these Swedes! +An evil near at hand is threatening thee +From false friends. All the signs stand full of horror! +Near, near at hand the net-work of perdition-- +Yea, even now 'tis being cast around thee! + +WALLENSTEIN. +Baptista, thou art dreaming!--fear befools thee. + +SENI. +Believe not that an empty fear deludes me. +Come, read it in the planetary aspects; +Read it thyself, that ruin threatens thee +From false friends. + +WALLENSTEIN. + From the falseness of my friends +Has risen the whole of my unprosperous fortunes. +The warning should have come before! At present +I need no revelation from the stars +To know that. + +SENI. + Come and see! trust thine own eyes. +A fearful sign stands in the house of life-- +An enemy; a fiend lurks close behind +The radiance of thy planet. Oh, be warned! +Deliver not up thyself to these heathens, +To wage a war against our holy church. + +WALLENSTEIN (laughing gently). +The oracle rails that way! Yes, yes! Now +I recollect. This junction with the Swedes +Did never please thee--lay thyself to sleep, +Baptista! Signs like these I do not fear. + +GORDON (who during the whole of this dialogue has shown marks + of extreme agitation, and now turns to WALLENSTEIN). +My duke and general! May I dare presume? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Speak freely. + +GORDON. + What if 'twere no mere creation +Of fear, if God's high providence vouchsafed +To interpose its aid for your deliverance, +And made that mouth its organ? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ye're both feverish! +How can mishap come to me from the Swedes? +They sought this junction with me--'tis their interest. + +GORDON (with difficulty suppressing his emotion). +But what if the arrival of these Swedes-- +What if this were the very thing that winged +The ruin that is flying to your temples? + + [Flings himself at his feet. + +There is yet time, my prince. + +SENI. + Oh hear him! hear him! + +GORDON (rises). +The Rhinegrave's still far off. Give but the orders, +This citadel shall close its gates upon him. +If then he will besiege us, let him try it. +But this I say; he'll find his own destruction, +With his whole force before these ramparts, sooner +Than weary down the valor of our spirit. +He shall experience what a band of heroes, +Inspirited by an heroic leader, +Is able to perform. And if indeed +It be thy serious wish to make amend +For that which thou hast done amiss,--this, this +Will touch and reconcile the emperor, +Who gladly turns his heart to thoughts of mercy; +And Friedland, who returns repentant to him, +Will stand yet higher in his emperor's favor +Then e'er he stood when he had never fallen. + +WALLENSTEIN (contemplates him with surprise, remains silent a while, + betraying strong emotion). +Gordon--your zeal and fervor lead you far. +Well, well--an old friend has a privilege. +Blood, Gordon, has been flowing. Never, never +Can the emperor pardon me: and if he could, +Yet I--I ne'er could let myself be pardoned. +Had I foreknown what now has taken place, +That he, my dearest friend, would fall for me, +My first death offering; and had the heart +Spoken to me, as now it has done--Gordon, +It may be, I might have bethought myself. +It may be too, I might not. Might or might not +Is now an idle question. All too seriously +Has it begun to end in nothing, Gordon! +Let it then have its course. + [Stepping to the window. +All dark and silent--at the castle too +All is now hushed. Light me, chamberlain? + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER, who had entered during the last dialogue, + and had been standing at a distance and listening to it with visible + expressions of the deepest interest, advances in extreme agitation + and throws himself at the DUKE's feet. + +And thou too! But I know why thou dost wish +My reconcilement with the emperor. +Poor man! he hath a small estate in Carinthia, +And fears it will be forfeited because +He's in my service. Am I then so poor +That I no longer can indemnify +My servants? Well! to no one I employ +Means of compulsion. If 'tis thy belief +That fortune has fled from me, go! forsake me. +This night for the last time mayst thou unrobe me, +And then go over to the emperor. +Gordon, good-night! I think to make a long +Sleep of it: for the struggle and the turmoil +Of this last day or two was great. May't please you +Take care that they awake me not too early. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN, the GROOM OF THE CHAMBER lighting him. SENI + follows, GORDON remains on the darkened stage, following the DUKE + with his eye, till he disappears at the further end of the gallery: + then by his gestures the old man expresses the depth of his anguish, + and stands leaning against a pillar. + + + +SCENE VI. + + GORDON, BUTLER (at first behind the scenes). + +BUTLER (not yet come into view of the stage). +Here stand in silence till I give the signal. + +GORDON (starts up). +'Tis he! he has already brought the murderers. + +BUTLER. +The lights are out. All lies in profound sleep. + +GORDON. +What shall I do, shall I attempt to save him? +Shall I call up the house? alarm the guards? + +BUTLER (appears, but scarcely on the stage). +A light gleams hither from the corridor. +It leads directly to the duke's bed-chamber. + +GORDON. +But then I break my oath to the emperor; +If he escape and strengthen the enemy, +Do I not hereby call down on my head +All the dread consequences. + +BUTLER (stepping forward). + Hark! Who speaks there? + +GORDON. +'Tis better, I resign it to the hands +Of Providence. For what am I, that I +Should take upon myself so great a deed? +I have not murdered him, if he be murdered; +But all his rescue were my act and deed; +Mine--and whatever be the consequences +I must sustain them. + +BUTLER (advances). + I should know that voice. + +GORDON. +Butler! + +BUTLER. + 'Tis Gordon. What do you want here? +Was it so late, then, when the duke dismissed you? + +GORDON. +Your hand bound up and in a scarf? + +BUTLER. + 'Tis wounded. +That Illo fought as he were frantic, till +At last we threw him on the ground. + +GORDON (shuddering). + Both dead? + +BUTLER. +Is he in bed? + +GORDON. + Ah, Butler! + +BUTLER. + Is he? speak. + +GORDON. +He shall not perish! Not through you! The heaven +Refuses your arm. See--'tis wounded! + +BUTLER. +There is no need of my arm. + +GORDON. + The most guilty +Have perished, and enough is given to justice. + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER advances from the gallery with his finger + on his mouth commanding silence. + +GORDON. +He sleeps! Oh, murder not the holy sleep! + +BUTLER. +No! he shall die awake. + [Is going. + +GORDON. +His heart still cleaves +To earthly things: he's not prepared to step +Into the presence of his God! + +BUTLER (going). + God's merciful! + +GORDON (holds him). +Grant him but this night's respite. + +BUTLER (hurrying of). + The next moment +May ruin all. + +GORDON (holds him still). + One hour! + +BUTLER. + Unhold me! What +Can that short respite profit him? + +GORDON. + Oh, time +Works miracles. In one hour many thousands +Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they +Thought follows thought within the human soul. +Only one hour! Your heart may change its purpose, +His heart may change its purpose--some new tidings +May come; some fortunate event, decisive, +May fall from heaven and rescue him. Oh, what +May not one hour achieve! + +BUTLER. + You but remind me +How precious every minute is! + + [He stamps on the floor. + + + +SCENE VII. + + To these enter MACDONALD and DEVEREUX, with the HALBERDIERS. + +GORDON (throwing himself between him and them). + No, monster! +First over my dead body thou shalt tread. I will +Not live to see the accursed deed! + +BUTLER (forcing him out of the way). +Weak-hearted dotard! + + [Trumpets are heard in the distance. + +DEVEREUX and MACDONALD. + Hark! The Swedish trumpets! +The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten! + +GORDON (rushes out). +Oh, God of mercy! + +BUTLER (calling after him). + Governor, to your post! + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (hurries in). +Who dares make larum here? Hush! The duke sleeps. + +DEVEREUX (with loud, harsh voice). +Friend, it is time now to make larum. + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. + Help! +Murder! + +BUTLER. + Down with him! + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (run through the body by DEVEREUX, falls at + the entrance of the gallery). + Jesus Maria! + +BUTLER. +Burst the doors open. + + [They rush over the body into the gallery--two doors are heard to + crash one after the other. Voices, deadened by the distance--clash + of arms--then all at once a profound silence: + + + +SCENE VIII. + +COUNTESS TERZKY (with a light). +Her bedchamber is empty; she herself +Is nowhere to be found! The Neubrunn too, +Who watched by her, is missing. If she should +Be flown--but whither flown? We must call up +Every soul in the house. How will the duke +Bear up against these worst bad tidings? Oh, +If that my husband now were but returned +Home from the banquet! Hark! I wonder whether +The duke is still awake! I thought I heard +Voices and tread of feet here! I will go +And listen at the door. Hark! what is that? +'Tis hastening up the steps! + + + +SCENE IX. + + COUNTESS, GORDON. + +GORDON (rushes in out of breath) + 'Tis a mistake! +'Tis not the Swedes; ye must proceed no further-- +Butler! Oh, God! where is he? + [Observing the COUNTESS. + Countess! Say---- + +COUNTESS. +You're come then from the castle? Where's my husband? + +GORDON (in an agony of affright). +Your husband! Ask not! To the duke---- + +COUNTESS. + Not till +You have discovered to me---- + +GORDON. + On this moment +Does the world hang. For God's sake! to the duke. +While we are speaking---- + [Calling loudly. + Butler! Butler! God! + +COUNTESS. +Why, he is at the castle with my husband. + + [BUTLER comes from the gallery. + +GORDON. +'Twas a mistake. 'Tis not the Swedes--it is +The imperialists' lieutenant-general +Has sent me hither--will be here himself +Instantly. You must not proceed. + +BUTLER. + He comes +Too late. + + [GORDON dashes himself against the wall. + +GORDON. + Oh, God of mercy! + +COUNTESS. + What, too late? +Who will be here himself? Octavio +In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the duke? + + [She rushes to the gallery. + + + +SCENE X. + + Servants run across the stage full of terror. The whole scene + must be spoken entirely without pauses. + +SENI (from the gallery). +Oh, bloody, frightful deed! + +COUNTESS. + What is it, Seni? + +PAGE (from the gallery). +Oh, piteous sight! + + [Other servants hasten in with torches. + +COUNTESS. +What is it? For God's sake! + +SENI. + And do you ask? +Within the duke lies murdered--and your husband +Assassinated at the castle. + + [The COUNTESS stands motionless. + +FEMALE SERVANT (rushing across the stage). +Help! help! the duchess! + +BURGOMASTER (enters). + What mean these confused +Loud cries that wake the sleepers of this house? + +GORDON. +Your house is cursed to all eternity. +In your house doth the duke lie murdered! + +BURGOMASTER (rushing out) + Heaven forbid! + +FIRST SERVANT. +Fly! fly! they murder us all! + +SECOND SERVANT (carrying silver-plate). + That way! the lower +Passages are blocked up. + +VOICE (from behind the scene). +Make room for the lieutenant-general! + + [At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects + herself, and retires suddenly. + +VOICE (from behind the scene). +Keep back the people! Guard the door! + + + +SCENE XI. + + To these enter OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI with all his train. At the same + time DEVEREUX and MACDONALD enter from out the corridor with the + Halberdiers. WALLENSTEIN's dead body is carried over the back part + of the stage, wrapped in a piece of crimson tapestry. + +OCTAVIO (entering abruptly). +It must not be! It is not possible! +Butler! Gordon! +I'll not believe it. Say no! + + [GORDON, without answering, points with his hand to the body of + WALLENSTEIN as it is carried over the back of the stage. OCTAVIO + looks that way, and stands overpowered with horror. + +DEVEREUX (to BUTLER). +Here is the golden fleece--the duke's sword---- + +MACDONALD. +Is it your order---- + +BUTLER (pointing to OCTAVIO). + Here stands he who now +Hath the sole power to issue orders. + + [DEVEREUX and MACDONALD retire with marks of obeisance. One drops + away after the other, till only BUTLER, OCTAVIO, and GORDON remain + on the stage. + +OCTAVIO (turning to BUTLER). +Was that my purpose, Butler, when we parted? +Oh, God of Justice! +To thee I lift my hand! I am not guilty +Of this foul deed. + +BUTLER. + Your hand is pure. You have +Availed yourself of mine. + +OCTAVIO. + Merciless man! +Thus to abuse the orders of thy lord-- +And stain thy emperor's holy name with murder, +With bloody, most accursed assassination! + +BUTLER (calmly). +I've but fulfilled the emperor's own sentence. + +OCTAVIO. +Oh, curse of kings, +Infusing a dread life into their words, +And linking to the sudden, transient thought +The unchanging, irrevocable deed. +Was there necessity for such an eager +Despatch? Couldst thou not grant the merciful +A time for mercy? Time is man's good angel. +To leave no interval between the sentence, +And the fulfilment of it, doth beseem +God only, the immutable! + +BUTLER. + For what +Rail you against me? What is my offence? +The empire from a fearful enemy +Have I delivered, and expect reward. +The single difference betwixt you and me +Is this: you placed the arrow in the bow; +I pulled the string. You sowed blood, and yet stand +Astonished that blood is come up. I always +Knew what I did, and therefore no result +Hath power to frighten or surprise my spirit. +Have you aught else to order; for this instant +I make my best speed to Vienna; place +My bleeding sword before my emperor's throne, +And hope to gain the applause which undelaying +And punctual obedience may demand +From a just judge. + + [Exit BUTLER. + + + +SCENE XII. + + To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY, pale and disordered. + Her utterance is slow and feeble, and unimpassioned. + +OCTAVIO (meeting her). +Oh, Countess Terzky! These are the results +Of luckless, unblest deeds. + +COUNTESS. + They are the fruits +Of your contrivances. The duke is dead, +My husband too is dead, the duchess struggles +In the pangs of death, my niece has disappeared; +This house of splendor, and of princely glory, +Doth now stand desolated: the affrighted servants +Rush forth through all its doors. I am the last +Therein; I shut it up, and here deliver +The keys. + +OCTAVIO (with a deep anguish). + Oh, countess! my house, too, is desolate. + +COUNTESS. +Who next is to be murdered? Who is next +To be maltreated? Lo! the duke is dead. +The emperor's vengeance may be pacified! +Spare the old servants; let not their fidelity +Be imputed to the faithful as a crime-- +The evil destiny surprised my brother +Too suddenly: he could not think on them. + +OCTAVIO. +Speak not of vengeance! Speak not of maltreatment! +The emperor is appeased; the heavy fault +Hath heavily been expiated--nothing +Descended from the father to the daughter, +Except his glory and his services. +The empress honors your adversity, +Takes part in your afflictions, opens to you +Her motherly arms. Therefore no further fears. +Yield yourself up in hope and confidence +To the imperial grace! + +COUNTESS (with her eye raised to heaven) +To the grace and mercy of a greater master +Do I yield up myself. Where shall the body +Of the duke have its place of final rest? +In the Chartreuse, which he himself did found +At Gitschin, rests the Countess Wallenstein; +And by her side, to whom he was indebted +For his first fortunes, gratefully he wished +He might sometime repose in death! Oh, let him +Be buried there. And likewise, for my husband's +Remains I ask the like grace. The emperor +Is now the proprietor of all our castles; +This sure may well be granted us--one sepulchre +Beside the sepulchres of our forefathers! + +OCTAVIO. +Countess, you tremble, you turn pale! + +COUNTESS (reassembles all her powers, and speaks with energy and + dignity). + You think +More worthily of me than to believe +I would survive the downfall of my house. +We did not hold ourselves too mean to grasp +After a monarch's crown--the crown did fate +Deny, but not the feeling and the spirit +That to the crown belong! We deem a +Courageous death more worthy of our free station +Than a dishonored life. I have taken poison. + +OCTAVIO. +Help! Help! Support her! + +COUNTESS. + Nay, it is too late. +In a few moments is my fate accomplished. + + [Exit COUNTESS. + +GORDON. +Oh, house of death and horrors! + + [An OFFICER enters, and brings a letter with the great seal. + GORDON steps forward and meets him. + + What is this +It is the imperial seal. + + [He reads the address, and delivers the letter to OCTAVIO with + a look of reproach, and with an emphasis on the word. + +To the Prince Piccolomini. + + [OCTAVIO, with his whole frame expressive of sudden anguish, + raises his eyes to heaven. + + The Curtain drops. + + + +FOOTNOTES. + + +[1] A great stone near Luetzen, since called the Swede's Stone, the body + of their great king having been found at the foot of it, after the + battle in which he lost his life. + +[2] Could I have hazarded such a Germanism as the use of the word + afterworld for posterity,--"Es spreche Welt und Nachwelt meinen + Namen"--might have been rendered with more literal fidelity: Let + world and afterworld speak out my name, etc. + +[3] I have not ventured to affront the fastidious delicacy of our age + with a literal translation of this line, + + werth + Die Eingeweide schaudernd aufzuregen. + +[4] Anspessade, in German, Gefreiter, a soldier inferior to a corporal, + but above the sentinels. The German name implies that he is exempt + from mounting guard. + +[5] I have here ventured to omit a considerable number of lines. I fear + that I should not have done amiss had I taken this liberty more + frequently. It is, however, incumbent on me to give the original, + with a literal translation. + + "Weh denen, die auf Dich vertraun, an Dich + Die sichre Huette ihres Glueckes lehnen, + Gelockt von deiner geistlichen Gestalt. + Schnell unverhofft, bei naechtlich stiller Weile, + Gaehrts in dem tueckschen Feuerschlunde, ladet, + Sich aus mit tobender Gewalt, und weg + Treibt ueber alle Pflanzungen der Menschen + Der wilde Strom in grausender Zerstoerung." + + WALLENSTEIN. + "Du schilderst deines Vaters Herz. Wie Du's + Beschreibst, so ist's in seinem Eingeweide, + In dieser schwarzen Heuchlers Brust gestaltet. + Oh, mich hat Hoellenkunst getaeuscht! Mir sandte + Der Abgrund den verflecktesten der Geister, + Den Luegenkundigsten herauf, und stellt' ihn + Als Freund an meiner Seite. Wer vermag + Der Hoelle Macht zu widersthn! Ich zog + Den Basilisken auf an meinem Busen, + Mit meinem Herzblut naehrt' ich ihn, er sog + Sich schwelgend voll an meiner Liebe Bruesten, + Ich hatte nimmer Arges gegen ihn, + Weit offen liess ich des Gedankens Thore, + Und warf die Schluessel weiser Vorsicht weg, + Am Sternenhimmel," etc. + + LITERAL TRANSLATION. + + "Alas! for those who place their confidence on thee, against thee + lean their secure hut of their fortune, allured by thy hospitable + form. Suddenly, unexpectedly, in a moment still as night, there is + a fermentation in the treacherous gulf of fire; it discharges + itself with raging force, and away over all the plantations of men + drives the wild stream in frightful devastation." + + WALLENSTEIN.--"Thou art portraying thy father's heart; as thou + describest, even so is it shaped in its entrails, in this black + hypocrite's breast. Oh, the art of hell has deceived me! The abyss + sent up to me the most the most spotted of the spirits, the most + skilful in lies, and placed him as a friend by my side. Who may + withstand the power of hell? I took the basilisk to my bosom, with + my heart's blood I nourished him; he sucked himself glutfull at the + breasts of my love. I never harbored evil towards him; wide open + did I leave the door of my thoughts; I threw away the key of wise + foresight. In the starry heaven, etc." We find a difficulty in + believing this to have been written by Schiller. + +[6] This is a poor and inadequate translation of the affectionate + simplicity of the original-- + + Sie alle waren Fremdlinge, Du warst + Das Kind des Hauses. + + Indeed the whole speech is in the best style of Massinger. + O si sic omnia! + +[7] It appears that the account of his conversion being caused by + such a fall, and other stories of his juvenile character, are not + well authenticated. + +[8] We doubt the propriety of putting so blasphemous a statement in the + mouth of any character.--T. + +[9] [This soliloquy, which, according to the former arrangement, + constituted the whole of scene ix., and concluded the fourth act, + is omitted in all the printed German editions. It seems probable + that it existed in the original manuscript from which Mr. Coleridge + translated.--ED.] + +[10] The soliloquy of Thekla consists in the original of six-and-twenty + lines twenty of which are in rhymes of irregular recurrence. I + thought it prudent to abridge it. Indeed the whole scene between + Thekla and Lady Neubrunn might, perhaps, have been omitted without + injury to the play.--C. + +[11] These four lines are expressed in the original with exquisite + felicity:-- + + Am Himmel ist geschaeftige Bewegung. + Des Thurmes Fahne jagt der Wind, schnell geht + Der Wolken Zug, die Mondessichel wankt + Und durch die Nacht zuckt ungewisse Helle. + + The word "moon-sickle" reminds me of a passage in Harris, as quoted + by Johnson, under the word "falcated." "The enlightened part of the + moon appears in the form of a sickle or reaping-hook, which is while + she is moving from the conjunction to the opposition, or from the + new moon to the full: but from full to a new again the enlightened + part appears gibbous, and the dark falcated." + + The words "wanken" and "schweben" are not easily translated. The + English words, by which we attempt to render them, are either vulgar + or antic, or not of sufficiently general application. So "der + Wolken Zug"--The Draft, the Procession of Clouds. The Masses of the + Clouds sweep onward in swift stream. + +[12] A very inadequate translation of the original:-- + + Verschmerzen werd' ich diesen Schlag, das weiss ich, + Denn was verschmerzte nicht der Mensch! + + LITERALLY. + + I shall grieve down this blow, of that I'm conscious: + What does not man grieve down? + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Death of Wallenstein, by Frederich Schiller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN *** + +***** This file should be named 6787.txt or 6787.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/6/7/8/6787/ + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers***** + + +Title: The Death of Wallenstein + +Author: Frederich Schiller + +Release Date: Oct, 2004 [EBook #6787] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on January 21, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + + + + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN *** + + + +This eBook was produced by Tapio Riikonen +and David Widger, widger@cecomet.net + + + + + + THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. + + Translated by S. T. Coleridge. + + + +DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + + +WALLENSTEIN, Duke of Friedland, Generalissimo of the Imperial Forces in + the Thirty Years' War. +DUCHESS OF FREIDLAND, Wife of Wallenstein. +THEKLA, her Daughter, Princess of Friedland. +THE COUNTESS TERZKY, Sister of the Duchess. +LADY NEUBRUNN. +OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, Lieutenant-General. +MAX. PICCOLOMINI, his Son, Colonel of a Regiment of Cuirassiers. +COUNT TERZKY, the Commander of several Regiments, and + Brother-in-law of Wallenstein. +ILLO, Field-Marshal, Wallenstein's Confidant. +ISOLANI, General of the Croats. +BUTLER, an Irishman, Commander of a Regiment of Dragoons. +GORDON, Governor of Egra. +MAJOR GERALDIN. +CAPTAIN DEVEREUX. +CAPTAIN MACDONALD. +AN ADJUTANT. +NEUMANN, Captain of Cavalry, Aide-de-Camp to TERZKY. +COLONEL WRANGEL, Envoy from the Swedes. +ROSENBURG, Master of Horse. +SWEDISH CAPTAIN. +SENI. +BURGOMASTER of Egra. +ANSPESSADE of the Cuirassiers. +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. | Belonging +A PAGE. | to the Duke. +Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and Servants. + + + + +ACT I. + +SCENE I. + + A room fitted up for astrological labors, and provided with + celestial charts, with globes, telescopes, quadrants, and other + mathematical instruments. Seven colossal figures, representing the + planets, each with a transparent star of different color on its + head, stand in a semicircle in the background, so that Mars and + Saturn are nearest the eye. The remainder of the scene and its + disposition is given in the fourth scene of the second act. There + must be a curtain over the figures, which may be dropped and conceal + them on occasions. + + [In the fifth scene of this act it must be dropped; but in the + seventh scene it must be again drawn up wholly or in part.] + + WALLENSTEIN at a black table, on which, a speculum astrologicum is + described with chalk. SENI is taking observations through a window. + +WALLENSTEIN. +All well--and now let it be ended, Seni. Come, +The dawn commences, and Mars rules the hour; +We must give o'er the operation. Come, +We know enough. + +SENI. + Your highness must permit me +Just to contemplate Venus. She is now rising +Like as a sun so shines she in the east. + +WALLENSTEIN. +She is at present in her perigee, +And now shoots down her strongest influences. + [Contemplating the figure on the table. +Auspicious aspect! fateful in conjunction, +At length the mighty three corradiate; +And the two stars of blessing, Jupiter +And Venus, take between them the malignant +Slyly-malicious Mars, and thus compel +Into my service that old mischief-founder: +For long he viewed me hostilely, and ever +With beam oblique, or perpendicular, +Now in the Quartile, now in the Secundan, +Shot his red lightnings at my stars, disturbing +Their blessed influences and sweet aspects: +Now they have conquered the old enemy, +And bring him in the heavens a prisoner to me. + +SENI (who has come down from the window). +And in a corner-house, your highness--think of that! +That makes each influence of double strength. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And sun and moon, too, in the Sextile aspect, +The soft light with the vehement--so I love it. +Sol is the heart, Luna the head of heaven, +Bold be the plan, fiery the execution. + +SENI. +And both the mighty Lumina by no +Maleficus affronted. Lo! Saturnus, +Innocuous, powerless, in cadente Domo. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The empire of Saturnus is gone by; +Lord of the secret birth of things is he; +Within the lap of earth, and in the depths +Of the imagination dominates; +And his are all things that eschew the light. +The time is o'er of brooding and contrivance, +For Jupiter, the lustrous, lordeth now, +And the dark work, complete of preparation, +He draws by force into the realm of light. +Now must we hasten on to action, ere +The scheme, and most auspicious positure +Parts o'er my head, and takes once more its flight, +For the heaven's journey still, and adjourn not. + [There are knocks at the door. +There's some one knocking there. See who it is. + +TERZKY (from without). +Open, and let me in. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ay--'tis Terzky. +What is there of such urgence? We are busy. + +TERZKY (from without). +Lay all aside at present, I entreat you; +It suffers no delaying. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Open, Seni! + + [While SENI opens the door for TERZKY, WALLENSTEIN draws the curtain + over the figures. + + + +SCENE II. + + WALLENSTEIN, COUNT TERZKY. + +TERZKY (enters). +Hast thou already heard it? He is taken. +Gallas has given him up to the emperor. + + [SENI draws off the black table, and exit. + +WALLENSTEIN (to TERZKY). +Who has been taken? Who is given up? + +TERZKY. +The man who knows our secrets, who knows every +Negotiation with the Swede and Saxon, +Through whose hands all and everything has passed---- + +WALLENSTEIN (drawing back). +Nay, not Sesina? Say, no! I entreat thee. + +TERZKY. +All on his road for Regensburg to the Swede +He was plunged down upon by Gallas' agent, +Who had been long in ambush, lurking for him. +There must have been found on him my whole packet +To Thur, to Kinsky, to Oxenstiern, to Arnheim: +All this is in their hands; they have now an insight +Into the whole--our measures and our motives. + + + +SCENE III. + + To them enters ILLO. + +ILLO (to TERZKY). +Has he heard it? + +TERZKY. +He has heard it. + +ILLO (to WALLENSTEIN). + Thinkest thou still +To make thy peace with the emperor, to regain +His confidence? E'en were it now thy wish +To abandon all thy plans, yet still they know +What thou hast wished: then forwards thou must press; +Retreat is now no longer in thy power. + +TERZKY. +They have documents against us, and in hands, +Which show beyond all power of contradiction---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Of my handwriting--no iota. Thee +I punish or thy lies. + +ILLO. + And thou believest, +That what this man, and what thy sister's husband, +Did in thy name, will not stand on thy reckoning? +His word must pass for thy word with the Swede, +And not with those that hate thee at Vienna? + +TERZKY. +In writing thou gavest nothing; but bethink thee, +How far thou venturedst by word of mouth +With this Sesina! And will he be silent? +If he can save himself by yielding up +Thy secret purposes, will he retain them? + +ILLO. +Thyself dost not conceive it possible; +And since they now have evidence authentic +How far thou hast already gone, speak! tell us, +What art thou waiting for? Thou canst no longer +Keep thy command; and beyond hope of rescue +Thou'rt lost if thou resign'st it. + +WALLENSTEIN. + In the army +Lies my security. The army will not +Abandon me. Whatever they may know, +The power is mine, and they must gulp it down +And if I give them caution for my fealty, +They must be satisfied, at least appear so. + +ILLO. +The army, duke, is thine now; for this moment +'Tis thine: but think with terror on the slow, +The quiet power of time. From open violence +The attachment of thy soldiery secures thee +To-day, to-morrow: but grant'st thou them a respite, +Unheard, unseen, they'll undermine that love +On which thou now dost feel so firm a footing, +With wily theft will draw away from thee +One after the other---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis a cursed accident! +Oh! I will call it a most blessed one, +If it work on thee as it ought to do, +Hurry thee on to action--to decision. +The Swedish general? + +WALLENSTEIN. + He's arrived! Know'st +What his commission is---- + +ILLO. + To thee alone +Will he intrust the purpose of his coming. + +WALLENSTEIN. +A cursed, cursed accident! Yes, yes, +Sesina knows too much, and won't be silent. + +TERZKY. +He's a Bohemian fugitive and rebel, +His neck is forfeit. Can he save himself +At thy cost, think you he will scruple it? +And if they put him to the torture, will he, +Will he, that dastardling, have strength enough---- + +WALLENSTEIN (lost in thought). +Their confidence is lost, irreparably! +And I may act which way I will, I shall +Be and remain forever in their thought +A traitor to my country. How sincerely +Soever I return back to my duty, +It will no longer help me---- + +ILLO. + Ruin thee, +That it will do! Not thy fidelity, +Thy weakness will be deemed the sole occasion---- + +WALLENSTEIN (pacing up and down in extreme agitation). +What! I must realize it now in earnest, +Because I toyed too freely with the thought! +Accursed he who dallies with a devil! +And must I--I must realize it now-- +Now, while I have the power, it must take place! + +ILLO. +Now--now--ere they can ward and parry it! + +WALLENSTEIN (looking at the paper of Signatures). +I have the generals' word--a written promise! +Max. Piccolomini stands not here--how's that? + +TERZRY. +It was--be fancied---- + +ILLO. + Mere self-willedness. +There needed no such thing 'twixt him and you. + +WALLENSTEIN. +He is quite right; there needed no such thing. +The regiments, too, deny to march for Flanders +Have sent me in a paper of remonstrance, +And openly resist the imperial orders. +The first step to revolt's already taken. + +ILLO. +Believe me, thou wilt find it far more easy +To lead them over to the enemy +Than to the Spaniard. + +WALLENSTEIN. + I will hear, however, +What the Swede has to say to me. + +ILLO (eagerly to TERZKY). + Go, call him, +He stands without the door in waiting. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Stay! +Stay but a little. It hath taken me +All by surprise; it came too quick upon me; +'Tis wholly novel that an accident, +With its dark lordship, and blind agency, +Should force me on with it. + +ILLO. + First hear him only, +And then weigh it. + + [Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO. + + + +SCENE IV. + +WALLENSTEIN (in soliloquy). + Is it possible? +Is't so? I can no longer what I would? +No longer draw back at my liking? I +Must do the deed, because I thought of it? +And fed this heart here with a dream? +Because I did not scowl temptation from my presence, +Dallied with thoughts of possible fulfilment, +Commenced no movement, left all time uncertain, +And only kept the road, the access open? +By the great God of Heaven! it was not +My serious meaning, it was ne'er resolved. +I but amused myself with thinking of it. +The free-will tempted me, the power to do +Or not to do it. Was it criminal +To make the fancy minister to hope, +To fill the air with pretty toys of air, +And clutch fantastic sceptres moving toward me? +Was not the will kept free? Beheld I not +The road of duty close beside me--but +One little step, and once more I was in it! +Where am I? Whither have I been transported? +No road, no track behind me, but a wall, +Impenetrable, insurmountable, +Rises obedient to the spells I muttered +And meant not--my own doings tower behind me. + [Pauses and remains in deep thought. +A punishable man I seem, the guilt, +Try what I will, I cannot roll off from me; +The equivocal demeanor of my life +Bears witness on my prosecutor's party. +And even my purest acts from purest motives +Suspicion poisons with malicious gloss. +Were I that thing for which I pass, that traitor, +A goodly outside I had sure reserved, +Had drawn the coverings thick and double round me, +Been calm and chary of my utterance; +But being conscious of the innocence +Of my intent, my uncorrupted will, +I gave way to my humors, to my passion: +Bold were my words, because my deeds were not +Now every planless measure, chance event, +The threat of rage, the vaunt of joy and triumph, +And all the May-games of a heart overflowing, +Will they connect, and weave them all together +Into one web of treason; all will be plan, +My eye ne'er absent from the far-off mark, +Step tracing step, each step a politic progress; +And out of all they'll fabricate a charge +So specious, that I must myself stand dumb. +I am caught in my own net, and only force, +Naught but a sudden rent can liberate me. + + [Pauses again. + +How else! since that the heart's unbiased instinct +Impelled me to the daring deed, which now +Necessity, self-preservation, orders. +Stern is the on-look of necessity, +Not without shudder may a human hand +Grasp the mysterious urn of destiny. +My deed was mine, remaining in my bosom; +Once suffered to escape from its safe corner +Within the heart, its nursery and birthplace, +Sent forth into the foreign, it belongs +Forever to those sly malicious powers +Whom never art of man conciliated. + + [Paces in agitation through the chamber, then pauses, and, after + the pause, breaks out again into audible soliloquy. + +What it thy enterprise? thy aim? thy object? +Hast honestly confessed it to thyself? +Power seated on a quiet throne thou'dst shake, +Power on an ancient, consecrated throne, +Strong in possession, founded in all custom; +Power by a thousand tough and stringy roots +Fixed to the people's pious nursery faith. +This, this will be no strife of strength with strength. +That feared I not. I brave each combatant, +Whom I can look on, fixing eye to eye, +Who, full himself of courage, kindles courage +In me too. 'Tis a foe invisible +The which I fear--a fearful enemy, +Which in the human heart opposes me, +By its coward fear alone made fearful to me. +Not that, which full of life, instinct with power, +Makes known its present being; that is not +The true, the perilously formidable. +O no! it is the common, the quite common, +The thing of an eternal yesterday. +Whatever was, and evermore returns, +Sterling to-morrow, for to-day 'twas sterling! +For of the wholly common is man made, +And custom is his nurse! Woe then to them +Who lay irreverent hands upon his old +House furniture, the dear inheritance +From his forefathers! For time consecrates; +And what is gray with age becomes religion. +Be in possession, and thou hast the right, +And sacred will the many guard it for thee! + + [To the PAGE,--who here enters. + +The Swedish officer? Well, let him enter. + + [The PAGE exit, WALLENSTEIN fixes his eye in deep thought + on the door. + +Yet, it is pure--as yet!--the crime has come +Not o'er this threshold yet--so slender is +The boundary that divideth life's two paths. + + + +SCENE V. + + WALLENSTEIN and WRANGEL. + +WALLENSTEIN (after having fixed a searching look on him). +Your name is Wrangel? + +WRANGEL. + Gustave Wrangel, General +Of the Sudermanian Blues. + +WALLENSTEIN. + It was a Wrangel +Who injured me materially at Stralsund, +And by his brave resistance was the cause +Of the opposition which that seaport made. + +WRANGEL. +It was the doing of the element +With which you fought, my lord! and not my merit, +The Baltic Neptune did assert his freedom: +The sea and land, it seemed were not to serve +One and the same. + +WALLENSTEIN +You plucked the admiral's hat from off my head. + +WRANGEL. +I come to place a diadem thereon. + +WALLENSTEIN (makes the motion for him to take a seat, and seats himself). + And where are your credentials +Come you provided with full powers, sir general? + +WRANGEL. +There are so many scruples yet to solve---- + +WALLENSTEIN (having read the credentials). +An able letter! Ay--he is a prudent, +Intelligent master whom you serve, sir general! +The chancellor writes me that he but fulfils +His late departed sovereign's own idea +In helping me to the Bohemian crown. + +WRANGEL. +He says the truth. Our great king, now in heaven, +Did ever deem most highly of your grace's +Pre-eminent sense and military genius; +And always the commanding intellect, +He said, should have command, and be the king. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Yes, he might say it safely. General Wrangel, + [Taking his hand affectionately. +Come, fair and open. Trust me, I was always +A Swede at heart. Eh! that did you experience +Both in Silesia and at Nuremberg; +I had you often in my power, and let you +Always slip out by some back door or other. +'Tis this for which the court can ne'er forgive me, +Which drives me to this present step: and since +Our interests so run in one direction, +E'en let us have a thorough confidence +Each in the other. + +WRANGEL. + Confidence will come +Has each but only first security. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The chancellor still, I see, does not quite trust me; +And, I confess--the game does not lie wholly +To my advantage. Without doubt he thinks, +If I can play false with the emperor, +Who is my sovereign, I can do the like +With the enemy, and that the one, too, were +Sooner to be forgiven me than the other. +Is not this your opinion, too, sir general? + +WRANGEL. +I have here a duty merely, no opinion. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The emperor hath urged me to the uttermost +I can no longer honorably serve him. +For my security, in self-defence, +I take this hard step, which my conscience blames. + +WRANGEL. +That I believe. So far would no one go +Who was not forced to it. + [After a pause. + What may have impelled +Your princely highness in this wise to act +Toward your sovereign lord and emperor, +Beseems not us to expound or criticise. +The Swede is fighting for his good old cause, +With his good sword and conscience. This concurrence, +This opportunity is in our favor, +And all advantages in war are lawful. +We take what offers without questioning; +And if all have its due and just proportions---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Of what then are ye doubting? Of my will? +Or of my power? I pledged me to the chancellor, +Would he trust me with sixteen thousand men, +That I would instantly go over to them +With eighteen thousand of the emperor's troops. + +WRANGEL. +Your grace is known to be a mighty war-chief, +To be a second Attila and Pyrrhus. +'Tis talked of still with fresh astonishment, +How some years past, beyond all human faith, +You called an army forth like a creation: +But yet---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + But yet? + +WRANGEL. + But still the chancellor thinks +It might yet be an easier thing from nothing +To call forth sixty thousand men of battle, +Than to persuade one-sixtieth part of them---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +What now? Out with it, friend? + +WRANGEL. + To break their oaths. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And he thinks so? He judges like a Swede, +And like a Protestant. You Lutherans +Fight for your Bible. You are interested +About the cause; and with your hearts you follow +Your banners. Among you whoe'er deserts +To the enemy hath broken covenant +With two lords at one time. We've no such fancies. + +WRANGEL. +Great God in heaven! Have then the people here +No house and home, no fireside, no altar? + +WALLENSTEIN. +I will explain that to you, how it stands: +The Austrian has a country, ay, and loves it, +And has good cause to love it--but this army +That calls itself the imperial, this that houses +Here in Bohemia, this has none--no country; +This is an outcast of all foreign lands, +Unclaimed by town or tribe, to whom belongs +Nothing except the universal sun. +And this Bohemian land for which we fight +Loves not the master whom the chance of war, +Not its own choice or will, hath given to it. +Men murmur at the oppression of their conscience, +And power hath only awed but not appeased them. +A glowing and avenging memory lives +Of cruel deeds committed on these plains; +How can the son forget that here his father +Was hunted by the bloodhound to the mass? +A people thus oppressed must still be feared, +Whether they suffer or avenge their wrongs. + +WRANGEL. +But then the nobles and the officers? +Such a desertion, such a felony, +It is without example, my lord duke, +In the world's history. + +WALLENSTEIN. + They are all mine-- +Mine unconditionally--mine on all terms. +Not me, your own eyes you must trust. + + [He gives him the paper containing the written oath. WRANGEL reads + it through, and, having read it, lays it on the table,--remaining + silent. + + So then; +Now comprehend you? + +WRANGEL. + Comprehend who can! +My lord duke, I will let the mask drop--yes! +I've full powers for a final settlement. +The Rhinegrave stands but four days' march from here +With fifteen thousand men, and only waits +For orders to proceed and join your army. +These orders I give out immediately +We're compromised. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What asks the chancellor? + +WRANGEL (considerately). +Twelve regiments, every man a Swede--my head +The warranty--and all might prove at last +Only false play---- + +WALLENSTEIN (starting). + Sir Swede! + +WRANGEL (calmly proceeding). + Am therefore forced +To insist thereon, that he do formally, +Irrevocably break with the emperor, +Else not a Swede is trusted to Duke Friedland. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Come, brief and open! What is the demand? + +WRANGEL. +That he forthwith disarm the Spanish regiments +Attached to the emperor, that he seize on Prague, +And to the Swedes give up that city, with +The strong pass Egra. + +WALLENSTEIN. + That is much indeed! +Prague!--Egra's granted--but--but Prague! 'Twon't do. +I give you every security +Which you may ask of me in common reason-- +But Prague--Bohemia--these, sir general, +I can myself protect. + +WRANGEL. + We doubt it not. +But 'tis not the protection that is now +Our sole concern. We want security, +That we shall not expend our men and money +All to no purpose. + +WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis but reasonable. + +WRANGEL. +And till we are indemnified, so long +Stays Prague in pledge. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Then trust you us so little? + +WRANGEL (rising). +The Swede, if he would treat well with the German, +Must keep a sharp lookout. We have been called +Over the Baltic, we have saved the empire +From ruin--with our best blood have we sealed +The liberty of faith and gospel truth. +But now already is the benefaction +No longer felt, the load alone is felt. +Ye look askance with evil eye upon us, +As foreigners, intruders in the empire, +And would fain send us with some paltry sum +Of money, home again to our old forests. +No, no! my lord duke! it never was +For Judas' pay, for chinking gold and silver, +That we did leave our king by the Great Stone. [1] +No, not for gold and silver have there bled +So many of our Swedish nobles--neither +Will we, with empty laurels for our payment, +Hoist sail for our own country. Citizens +Will we remain upon the soil, the which +Our monarch conquered for himself and died. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Help to keep down the common enemy, +And the fair border land must needs be yours. + +WRANGEL. +But when the common enemy lies vanquished, +Who knits together our new friendship then? +We know, Duke Friedland! though perhaps the Swede +Ought not to have known it, that you carry on +Secret negotiations with the Saxons. +Who is our warranty that we are not +The sacrifices in those articles +Which 'tis thought needful to conceal from us? + +WALLENSTEIN (rises). +Think you of something better, Gustave Wrangel! +Of Prague no more. + +WRANGEL. + Here my commission ends. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Surrender up to you my capital! +Far liever would I force about, and step +Back to my emperor. + +WRANGEL. + If time yet permits---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +That lies with me, even now, at any hour. + +WRANGEL. +Some days ago, perhaps. To-day, no longer; +No longer since Sesina's been a prisoner. + [WALLENSTEIN is struck, and silenced. +My lord duke, hear me--we believe that you +At present do mean honorably by us. +Since yesterday we're sure of that--and now +This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing +Stands in the way of our full confidence. +Prague shall not part us. Hear! The chancellor +Contents himself with Alstadt; to your grace +He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side. +But Egra above all must open to us, +Ere we can think of any junction. + +WALLENSTEIN. + You, +You therefore must I trust, and not you me? +I will consider of your proposition. + +WRANGEL. +I must entreat that your consideration +Occupy not too long a time. Already +Has this negotiation, my lord duke! +Crept on into the second year. If nothing +Is settled this time, will the chancellor +Consider it as broken off forever? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Ye press me hard. A measure such as this +Ought to be thought of. + +WRANGEL. + Ay! but think of this too, +That sudden action only can procure it. +Success--think first of this, your highness. + + [Exit WRANGEL. + + + +SCENE VI. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, and ILLO (re-enter). + +ILLO. +Is't all right? + +TERZKY. + Are you compromised? + +ILLO. + This Swede +Went smiling from you. Yes! you're compromised. + +WALLENSTEIN. +As yet is nothing settled; and (well weighed) +I feel myself inclined to leave it so. + +TERZKY. +How? What is that? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Come on me what will come, +The doing evil to avoid an evil +Cannot be good! + +TERZKY. + Nay, but bethink you, duke. + +WALLENSTEIN. +To live upon the mercy of these Swedes! +Of these proud-hearted Swedes!--I could not bear it. + +ILLO. +Goest thou as fugitive, as mendicant? +Bringest thou not more to them than thou receivest? + +WALLENSTEIN. +How fared it with the brave and royal Bourbon +Who sold himself unto his country's foes, +And pierced the bosom of his father-land? +Curses were his reward, and men's abhorrence +Avenged the unnatural and revolting deed. + +ILLO. +Is that thy case? + +WALLENSTEIN. + True faith, I tell thee, +Must ever be the dearest friend of man +His nature prompts him to assert its rights. +The enmity of sects, the rage of parties, +Long-cherished envy, jealousy, unite;' +And all the struggling elements of evil +Suspend their conflict, and together league +In one alliance 'gainst their common foe-- +The savage beast that breaks into the fold, +Where men repose in confidence and peace. +For vain were man's own prudence to protect him. +'Tis only in the forehead nature plants +The watchful eye; the back, without defence, +Must find its shield in man's fidelity. + +TERZKY. +Think not more meanly off thyself than do +Thy foes, who stretch their hands with joy to greet thee. +Less scrupulous far was the imperial Charles, +The powerful head of this illustrious house; +With open arms he gave the Bourbon welcome; +For still by policy the world is ruled. + + + +SCENE VII. + + To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Who sent for you? There is no business here +For women. + +COUNTESS + I am come to bid you joy. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Use thy authority, Terzky; bid her go. + +COUNTESS. +Come I perhaps too early? I hope not. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you: +You know it is the weapon that destroys me. +I am routed, if a woman but attack me: +I cannot traffic in the trade of words +With that unreasoning sex. + +COUNTESS. + I had already +Given the Bohemians a king. + +WALLENSTEIN (sarcastically). + They have one, +In consequence, no doubt. + +COUNTESS (to the others). + Ha! what new scruple? + +TERZKY. +The duke will not. + +COUNTESS. + He will not what he must! + +ILLO. +It lies with you now. Try. For I am silenced +When folks begin to talk to me of conscience +And of fidelity. + +COUNTESS. + How? then, when all +Lay in the far-off distance, when the road +Stretched out before thine eyes interminably, +Then hadst thou courage and resolve; and now, +Now that the dream is being realized, +The purpose ripe, the issue ascertained, +Dost thou begin to play the dastard now? +Planned merely, 'tis a common felony; +Accomplished, an immortal undertaking: +And with success comes pardon hand in hand, +For all event is God's arbitrament. + +SERVANT (enters). +The Colonel Piccolomini. + +COUNTESS (hastily). + --Must wait. + +WALLENSTEIN. +I cannot see him now. Another time. + +SERVANT. +But for two minutes he entreats an audience +Of the most urgent nature is his business. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Who knows what he may bring us! I will hear him. + +COUNTESS (laughs). +Urgent for him, no doubt? but thou may'st wait. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What is it? + +COUNTESS. + Thou shalt be informed hereafter. +First let the Swede and thee be compromised. + + [Exit SERVANT. + +WALLENSTEIN. +If there were yet a choice! if yet some milder +Way of escape were possible--I still +Will choose it, and avoid the last extreme. + +COUNTESS. +Desirest thou nothing further? Such a way +Lies still before thee. Send this Wrangel off. +Forget thou thy old hopes, cast far away +All thy past life; determine to commence +A new one. Virtue hath her heroes too, +As well as fame and fortune. To Vienna +Hence--to the emperor--kneel before the throne; +Take a full coffer with thee--say aloud, +Thou didst but wish to prove thy fealty; +Thy whole intention but to dupe the Swede. + +ILLO. +For that too 'tis too late. They know too much; +He would but bear his own head to the block. + +COUNTESS. +I fear not that. They have not evidence +To attaint him legally, and they avoid +The avowal of an arbitrary power. +They'll let the duke resign without disturbance. +I see how all will end. The King of Hungary +Makes his appearance, and 'twill of itself +Be understood, and then the duke retires. +There will not want a formal declaration. +The young king will administer the oath +To the whole army; and so all returns +To the old position. On some morrow morning +The duke departs; and now 'tis stir and bustle +Within his castles. He will hunt and build; +Superintend his horses' pedigrees, +Creates himself a court, gives golden keys, +And introduceth strictest ceremony +In fine proportions, and nice etiquette; +Keeps open table with high cheer: in brief, +Commenceth mighty king--in miniature. +And while he prudently demeans himself, +And gives himself no actual importance, +He will be let appear whate'er he likes: +And who dares doubt, that Friedland will appear +A mighty prince to his last dying hour? +Well now, what then? Duke Friedland is as others, +A fire-new noble, whom the war hath raised +To price and currency, a Jonah's gourd, +An over-night creation of court-favor, +Which, with an undistinguishable ease, +Makes baron or makes prince. + +WALLENSTEIN (in extreme agitation). + Take her away. +Let in the young Count Piccolomini. + +COUNTESS. +Art thou in earnest? I entreat thee! +Canst thou consent to bear thyself to thy own grave, +So ignominiously to be dried up? +Thy life, that arrogated such an height +To end in such a nothing! To be nothing, +When one was always nothing, is an evil +That asks no stretch of patience, a light evil; +But to become a nothing, having been---- + +WALLENSTEIN (starts up in violent agitation). +Show me a way out of this stifling crowd, +Ye powers of aidance! Show me such a way +As I am capable of going. I +Am no tongue-hero, no fine virtue-prattler; +I cannot warm by thinking; cannot say +To the good luck that turns her back upon me +Magnanimously: "Go; I need thee not." +Cease I to work, I am annihilated. +Dangers nor sacrifices will I shun, +If so I may avoid the last extreme; +But ere I sink down into nothingness, +Leave off so little, who began so great, +Ere that the world confuses me with those +Poor wretches, whom a day creates and crumbles, +This age and after ages [2] speak my name +With hate and dread; and Friedland be redemption +For each accursed deed. + +COUNTESS. + What is there here, then, +So against nature? Help me to perceive it! +Oh, let not superstition's nightly goblins +Subdue thy clear, bright spirit! Art thou bid +To murder? with abhorred, accursed poniard, +To violate the breasts that nourished thee? +That were against our nature, that might aptly +Make thy flesh shudder, and thy whole heart sicken. [3] +Yet not a few, and for a meaner object, +Have ventured even this, ay, and performed it. +What is there in thy case so black and monstrous? +Thou art accused of treason--whether with +Or without justice is not now the question-- +Thou art lost if thou dost not avail thee quickly +Of the power which thou possessest--Friedland! Duke! +Tell me where lives that thing so meek and tame, +That doth not all his living faculties +Put forth in preservation of his life? +What deed so daring, which necessity +And desperation will not sanctify? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Once was this Ferdinand so gracious to me; +He loved me; he esteemed me; I was placed +The nearest to his heart. Full many a time +We like familiar friends, both at one table, +Have banqueted together--he and I; +And the young kings themselves held me the basin +Wherewith to wash me--and is't come to this? + +COUNTESS. +So faithfully preservest thou each small favor, +And hast no memory for contumelies? +Must I remind thee, how at Regensburg +This man repaid thy faithful services? +All ranks and all conditions in the empire +Thou hadst wronged to make him great,--hadst loaded on thee, +On thee, the hate, the curse of the whole world. +No friend existed for thee in all Germany, +And why? because thou hadst existed only +For the emperor. To the emperor alone +Clung Friedland in that storm which gathered round him +At Regensburg in the Diet--and he dropped thee! +He let thee fall! he let thee fall a victim +To the Bavarian, to that insolent! +Deposed, stripped bare of all thy dignity +And power, amid the taunting of thy foe +Thou wert let drop into obscurity. +Say not, the restoration of thy honor +Has made atonement for that first injustice. +No honest good-will was it that replaced thee; +The law of hard necessity replaced thee, +Which they had fain opposed, but that they could not. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Not to their good wishes, that is certain, +Nor yet to his affection I'm indebted +For this high office; and if I abuse it, +I shall therein abuse no confidence. + +COUNTESS. +Affection! confidence!--they needed thee. +Necessity, impetuous remonstrant! +Who not with empty names, or shows of proxy, +Is served, who'll have the thing and not the symbol, +Ever seeks out the greatest and the best, +And at the rudder places him, e'en though +She had been forced to take him from the rabble-- +She, this necessity, it was that placed thee +In this high office; it was she that gave thee +Thy letters-patent of inauguration. +For, to the uttermost moment that they can, +This race still help themselves at cheapest rate +With slavish souls, with puppets! At the approach +Of extreme peril, when a hollow image +Is found a hollow image and no more, +Then falls the power into the mighty hands +Of nature, of the spirit-giant born, +Who listens only to himself, knows nothing +Of stipulations, duties, reverences, +And, like the emancipated force of fire, +Unmastered scorches, ere it reaches them, +Their fine-spun webs, their artificial policy. + +WALLENSTEIN. +'Tis true! they saw me always as I am-- +Always! I did not cheat them in the bargain. +I never held it worth my pains to hide +The bold all-grasping habit of my soul. + +COUNTESS. +Nay rather--thou hast ever shown thyself +A formidable man, without restraint; +Hast exercised the full prerogatives +Of thy impetuous nature, which had been +Once granted to thee. Therefore, duke, not thou, +Who hast still remained consistent with thyself, +But they are in the wrong, who, fearing thee, +Intrusted such a power in hands they feared. +For, by the laws of spirit, in the right +Is every individual character +That acts in strict consistence with itself: +Self-contradiction is the only wrong. +Wert thou another being, then, when thou +Eight years ago pursuedst thy march with fire, +And sword, and desolation, through the circles +Of Germany, the universal scourge, +Didst mock all ordinances of the empire, +The fearful rights of strength alone exertedst, +Trampledst to earth each rank, each magistracy, +All to extend thy Sultan's domination? +Then was the time to break thee in, to curb +Thy haughty will, to teach thee ordinance. +But no, the emperor felt no touch of conscience; +What served him pleased him, and without a murmur +He stamped his broad seal on these lawless deeds. +What at that time was right, because thou didst it +For him, to-day is all at once become +Opprobrious, foul, because it is directed +Against him. O most flimsy superstition! + +WALLENSTEIN (rising). +I never saw it in this light before, +'Tis even so. The emperor perpetrated +Deeds through my arm, deeds most unorderly. +And even this prince's mantle, which I wear, +I owe to what were services to him, +But most high misdemeanors 'gainst the empire. + +COUNTESS. +Then betwixt thee and him (confess it, Friedland!) +The point can be no more of right and duty, +Only of power and the opportunity. +That opportunity, lo! it comes yonder +Approaching with swift steeds; then with a swing +Throw thyself up into the chariot-seat, +Seize with firm hand the reins ere thy opponent +Anticipate thee, and himself make conquest +Of the now empty seat. The moment comes; +It is already here, when thou must write +The absolute total of thy life's vast sum. +The constellations stand victorious o'er thee, +The planets shoot good fortune in fair junctions, +And tell thee, "Now's the time!" The starry courses +Hast thou thy life-long measured to no purpose? +The quadrant and the circle, were they playthings? + + [Pointing to the different objects in the room. + +The zodiacs, the rolling orbs of heaven, +Hast pictured on these walls and all around thee. +In dumb, foreboding symbols hast thou placed +These seven presiding lords of destiny-- +For toys? Is all this preparation nothing? +Is there no marrow in this hollow art, +That even to thyself it doth avail +Nothing, and has no influence over thee +In the great moment of decision? + +WALLENSTEIN (during this last speech walks up and down with inward + struggles, laboring with passion; stops suddenly, stands still, then + interrupting the COUNTESS). +Send Wrangel to me--I will instantly +Despatch three couriers---- + +ILLO (hurrying out). + God in heaven be praised! + +WALLENSTEIN. +It is his evil genius and mine. +Our evil genius! It chastises him +Through me, the instrument of his ambition; +And I expect no less, than that revenge +E'en now is whetting for my breast the poinard. +Who sows the serpent's teeth let him not hope +To reap a joyous harvest. Every crime +Has, in the moment of its perpetration, +Its own avenging angel--dark misgiving, +An ominous sinking at the inmost heart. +He can no longer trust me. Then no longer +Can I retreat--so come that which must come. +Still destiny preserves its due relations, +The heart within us is its absolute +Vicegerent. [To TERZKY. + Go, conduct you Gustave Wrangel +To my state cabinet. Myself will speak to +The couriers. And despatch immediately +A servant for Octavio Piccolomini. + + [To the COUNTESS, who cannot conceal her triumph. + +No exultation! woman, triumph not! +For jealous are the powers of destiny, +Joy premature, and shouts ere victory, +Encroach upon their rights and privileges. +We sow the seed, and they the growth determine. + + [While he is making his exit the curtain drops. + + + + +ACT II. + +SCENE I. + + Scene as in the preceding Act. + + WALLENSTEIN, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI. + +WALLENSTEIN (coming forward in conversation). +He sends me word from Linz that he lies sick; +But I have sure intelligence that he +Secretes himself at Frauenberg with Gallas. +Secure them both, and send them to me hither. +Remember, thou takest on thee the command +Of those same Spanish regiments,--constantly +Make preparation, and be never ready; +And if they urge thee to draw out against me, +Still answer yes, and stand as thou went fettered. +I know, that it is doing thee a service +To keep thee out of action in this business. +Thou lovest to linger on in fair appearances; +Steps of extremity are not thy province, +Therefore have I sought out this part for thee. +Thou wilt this time be of most service to me +By thy inertness. The meantime, if fortune +Declare itself on my side, thou wilt know +What is to do. + + [Enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + Now go, Octavio. +This night must thou be off, take my own horses +Him here I keep with me--make short farewell-- +Trust me, I think we all shall meet again +In joy and thriving fortunes. + +OCTAVIO (to his son). + I shall see you +Yet ere I go. + + + +SCENE II. + + WALLENSTEIN, MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + +MAX. (advances to him). +My general! + +WALLENSTEIN. + That I am no longer, if +Thou stylest thyself the emperor's officer. + +MAX. +Then thou wilt leave the army, general? + +WALLENSTEIN. +I have renounced the service of the emperor. + +MAX. +And thou wilt leave the army? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Rather hope I +To bind it nearer still and faster to me. + [He seats himself. +Yes, Max., I have delayed to open it to thee, +Even till the hour of acting 'gins to strike. +Youth's fortunate feeling doth seize easily +The absolute right, yea, and a joy it is +To exercise the single apprehension +Where the sums square in proof; +But where it happens, that of two sure evils +One must be taken, where the heart not wholly +Brings itself back from out the strife of duties, +There 'tis a blessing to have no election, +And blank necessity is grace and favor. +This is now present: do not look behind thee,-- +It can no more avail thee. Look thou forwards! +Think not! judge not! prepare thyself to act! +The court--it hath determined on my ruin, +Therefore I will be beforehand with them. +We'll join the Swedes--right gallant fellows are they, +And our good friends. + [He stops himself, expecting PICCOLOMINI's answer. +I have taken thee by surprise. Answer me not: +I grant thee time to recollect thyself. + + [He rises, retires to the back of the stage. MAX. remains + for a long time motionless, in a trance of excessive anguish. + At his first motion WALLENSTEIN returns, and places himself + before him. + +MAX. +My general, this day thou makest me +Of age to speak in my own right and person, +For till this day I have been spared the trouble +To find out my own road. Thee have I followed +With most implicit, unconditional faith, +Sure of the right path if I followed thee. +To-day, for the first time, dost thou refer +Me to myself, and forcest me to make +Election between thee and my own heart. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Soft cradled thee thy fortune till to-day; +Thy duties thou conldst exercise in sport, +Indulge all lovely instincts, act forever +With undivided heart. It can remain +No longer thus. Like enemies, the roads +Start from each other. Duties strive with duties, +Thou must needs choose thy party in the war +Which is now kindling 'twixt thy friend and him +Who is thy emperor. + +MAX. + War! is that the name? +War is as frightful as heaven's pestilence, +Yet it is good, is it heaven's will as that is. +Is that a good war, which against the emperor +Thou wagest with the emperor's own army? +O God of heaven! what a change is this. +Beseems it me to offer such persuasion +To thee, who like the fixed star of the pole +Wert all I gazed at on life's trackless ocean? +O! what a rent thou makest in my heart! +The ingrained instinct of old reverence, +The holy habit of obediency, +Must I pluck life asunder from thy name? +Nay, do not turn thy countenance upon me-- +It always was as a god looking upon me! +Duke Wallenstein, its power has not departed; +The senses still are in thy bonds, although +Bleeding, the soul hath freed itself. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Max., hear me. + +MAX. +Oh, do it not, I pray thee, do it not! +There is a pure and noble soul within thee, +Knows not of this unblest unlucky doing. +Thy will is chaste, it is thy fancy only +Which hath polluted thee--and innocence, +It will not let itself be driven away +From that world-awing aspect. Thou wilt not, +Thou canst not end in this. It would reduce +All human creatures to disloyalty +Against the nobleness of their own nature. +'Twill justify the vulgar misbelief, +Which holdeth nothing noble in free will, +And trusts itself to impotence alone, +Made powerful only in an unknown power. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The world will judge me harshly, I expect it. +Already have I said to my own self +All thou canst say to me. Who but avoids +The extreme, can he by going round avoid it? +But here there is no choice. Yes, I must use +Or suffer violence--so stands the case, +There remains nothing possible but that. + +MAX. +Oh, that is never possible for thee! +'Tis the last desperate resource of those +Cheap souls, to whom their honor, their good name, +Is their poor saving, their last worthless keep, +Which, having staked and lost, they staked themselves +In the mad rage of gaming. Thou art rich +And glorious; with an unpolluted heart +Thou canst make conquest of whate'er seems highest! +But he who once hath acted infamy +Does nothing more in this world. + +WALLENSTEIN (grasps his hand). + Calmly, Max.! +Much that is great and excellent will we +Perform together yet. And if we only +Stand on the height with dignity, 'tis soon +Forgotten, Max., by what road we ascended. +Believe me, many a crown shines spotless now, +That yet was deeply sullied in the winning. +To the evil spirit doth the earth belong, +Not to the good. All that the powers divine +Send from above are universal blessings +Their light rejoices us, their air refreshes, +But never yet was man enriched by them: +In their eternal realm no property +Is to be struggled for--all there is general. +The jewel, the all-valued gold we win +From the deceiving powers, depraved in nature, +That dwell beneath the day and blessed sunlight. +Not without sacrifices are they rendered +Propitious, and there lives no soul on earth +That e'er retired unsullied from their service. + +MAX. +Whate'er is human to the human being +Do I allow--and to the vehement +And striving spirit readily I pardon +The excess of action; but to thee, my general! +Above all others make I large concession. +For thou must move a world and be the master-- +He kills thee who condemns thee to inaction. +So be it then! maintain thee in thy post +By violence. Resist the emperor, +And if it must be force with force repel; +I will not praise it, yet I can forgive it. +But not--not to the traitor--yes! the word +Is spoken out-- +Not to the traitor can I yield a pardon. +That is no mere excess! that is no error +Of human nature--that is wholly different, +Oh, that is black, black as the pit of hell! + [WALLENSTEIN betrays a sudden agitation. +Thou canst not hear it named, and wilt thou do it? +O turn back to thy duty. That thou canst, +I hold it certain. Send me to Vienna; +I'll make thy peace for thee with the emperor. +He knows thee not. But I do know thee. He +Shall see thee, duke! with my unclouded eye, +And I bring back his confidence to thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It is too late! Thou knowest not what has happened. + +MAX. +Were it too late, and were things gone so far, +That a crime only could prevent thy fall, +Then--fall! fall honorably, even as thou stoodest, +Lose the command. Go from the stage of war! +Thou canst with splendor do it--do it too +With innocence. Thou hast lived much for others, +At length live thou for thy own self. I follow thee. +My destiny I never part from thine. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It is too late! Even now, while thou art losing +Thy words, one after another, are the mile-stones +Left fast behind by my post couriers, +Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra. + + [MAX. stands as convulsed, with a gesture and countenance + expressing the most intense anguish. + +Yield thyself to it. We act as we are forced. +I cannot give assent to my own shame +And ruin. Thou--no--thou canst not forsake me! +So let us do, what must be done, with dignity, +With a firm step. What am I doing worse +Than did famed Caesar at the Rubicon, +When he the legions led against his country, +The which his country had delivered to him? +Had he thrown down the sword, he had been lost. +As I were, if I but disarmed myself. +I trace out something in me of this spirit. +Give me his luck, that other thing I'll bear. + + [MAX. quits him abruptly. WALLENSTEIN startled and overpowered, + continues looking after him, and is still in this posture when + TERZKY enters. + + + +SCENE III. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY. + +TERZKY. +Max. Piccolomini just left you? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Where is Wrangel? + +TERZKY. +He is already gone. + +WALLENSTEIN. + In such a hurry? + +TERZKY. +It is as if the earth had swallowed him. +He had scarce left thee, when I went to seek him. +I wished some words with him--but he was gone. +How, when, and where, could no one tell me. +Nay, I half believe it was the devil himself; +A human creature could not so at once +Have vanished. + +ILLO (enters). + Is it true that thou wilt send +Octavio? + +TERZKY. + How, Octavio! Whither send him? + +WALLENSTEIN. +He goes to Frauenberg, and will lead hither +The Spanish and Italian regiments. + +ILLO. + No! +Nay, heaven forbid! + +WALLENSTEIN. + And why should heaven forbid? + +ILLO. +Him!--that deceiver! Wouldst thou trust to him +The soldiery? Him wilt thou let slip from thee, +Now in the very instant that decides us---- + +TERZKY. +Thou wilt not do this! No! I pray thee, no! + +WALLENSTEIN. +Ye are whimsical. + +ILLO. + O but for this time, duke, +Yield to our warning! Let him not depart. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And why should I not trust him only this time, +Who have always trusted him? What, then, has happened +That I should lose my good opinion of him? +In complaisance to your whims, not my own, +I must, forsooth, give up a rooted judgment. +Think not I am a woman. Having trusted him +E'en till to-day, to-day too will I trust him. + +TERZKY. +Must it be he--he only? Send another. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It must be he, whom I myself have chosen; +He is well fitted for the business. +Therefore I gave it him. + +ILLO. + Because he's an Italian-- +Therefore is he well fitted for the business! + +WALLENSTEIN. +I know you love them not, nor sire nor son, +Because that I esteem them, love them, visibly +Esteem them, love them more than you and others, +E'en as they merit. Therefore are they eye-blights, +Thorns in your footpath. But your jealousies, +In what affect they me or my concerns? +Are they the worse to me because you hate them? +Love or hate one another as you will, +I leave to each man his own moods and likings; +Yet know the worth of each of you to me. + +ILLO. +Von Questenberg, while he was here, was always +Lurking about with this Octavio. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It happened with my knowledge and permission. + +ILLO. +I know that secret messengers came to him +From Gallas---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + That's not true. + +ILLO. + O thou art blind, +With thy deep-seeing eyes! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Thou wilt not shake +My faith for me; my faith, which founds itself +On the profoundest science. If 'tis false, +Then the whole science of the stars is false; +For know, I have a pledge from Fate itself, +That he is the most faithful of my friends. + +ILLO. +Hast thou a pledge that this pledge is not false? + +WALLENSTEIN. +There exist moments in the life of man, +When he is nearer the great Soul of the world +Than is man's custom, and possesses freely +The power of questioning his destiny: +And such a moment 'twas, when in the night +Before the action in the plains of Luetzen, +Leaning against a tree, thoughts crowding thoughts, +I looked out far upon the ominous plain. +My whole life, past and future, in this moment +Before my mind's eye glided in procession, +And to the destiny of the next morning +The spirit, filled with anxious presentiment, +Did knit the most removed futurity. +Then said I also to myself, "So many +Dost thou command. They follow all thy stars, +And as on some great number set their all +Upon thy single head, and only man +The vessel of thy fortune. Yet a day +Will come, when destiny shall once more scatter +All these in many a several direction: +Few be they who will stand out faithful to thee." +I yearned to know which one was faithfulest +Of all, my camp included. Great destiny, +Give me a sign! And he shall be the man, +Who, on the approaching morning, comes the first +To meet me with a token of his love: +And thinking this, I fell into a slumber, +Then midmost in the battle was I led +In spirit. Great the pressure and the tumult! +Then was my horse killed under me: I sank; +And over me away, all unconcernedly, +Drove horse and rider--and thus trod to pieces +I lay, and panted like a dying man; +Then seized me suddenly a savior arm; +It was Octavio's--I woke at once, +'Twas broad day, and Octavio stood before me. +"My brother," said he, "do not ride to-day +The dapple, as you're wont; but mount the horse +Which I have chosen for thee. Do it, brother! +In love to me. A strong dream warned me so." +It was the swiftness of this horse that snatched me +From the hot pursuit of Bannier's dragoons. +My cousin rode the dapple on that day, +And never more saw I or horse or rider. + +ILLO. +That was a chance. + +WALLENSTEIN (significantly). + There's no such thing as chance +And what to us seems merest accident +Springs from the deepest source of destiny. +In brief, 'tis signed and sealed that this Octavio +Is my good angel--and now no word more. + + [He is retiring. + +TERZKY. +This is my comfort--Max. remains our hostage. + +ILLO. +And he shall never stir from here alive. + +WALLENSTEIN (stops and turns himself round). +Are ye not like the women, who forever +Only recur to their first word, although +One had been talking reason by the hour! +Know, that the human being's thoughts and deeds +Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved. +The inner world, his microcosmus, is +The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally. +They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit-- +No juggling chance can metamorphose them. +Have I the human kernel first examined? +Then I know, too, the future will and action. + + [Exeunt. + + + +SCENE IV. + + Chamber in the residence of Piccolomini: OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI + (attired for travelling), an ADJUTANT. + +OCTAVIO. +Is the detachment here? + +ADJUTANT. + It waits below. + +OCTAVIO. +And are the soldiers trusty, adjutant? +Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them? + +ADJUTANT. +From Tiefenbach's. + +OCTAVIO. +That regiment is loyal, +Keep them in silence in the inner court, +Unseen by all, and when the signal peals +Then close the doors, keep watch upon the house. +And all ye meet be instantly arrested. + [Exit ADJUTANT. +I hope indeed I shall not need their service, +So certain feel I of my well-laid plans; +But when an empire's safety is at stake +'Twere better too much caution than too little. + + + +SCENE V. + + A chamber in PICCOLOMINI's dwelling-house: OCTAVIO, + PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI, entering. + +ISOLANI. +Here am I--well! who comes yet of the others? + +OCTAVIO (with an air of mystery). +But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani. + +ISOLANI (assuming the same air of mystery). +Will it explode, ha? Is the duke about +To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place +Full confidence--nay, put me to the proof. + +OCTAVIO. +That may happen. + +ISOLANI. + Noble brother, I am +Not one of those men who in words are valiant, +And when it comes to action skulk away. +The duke has acted towards me as a friend: +God knows it is so; and I owe him all; +He may rely on my fidelity. + +OCTAVIO. +That will be seen hereafter. + +ISOLANI. + Be on your guard, +All think not as I think; and there are many +Who still hold with the court--yes, and they say +That these stolen signatures bind them to nothing. + +OCTAVIO. +Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so; + +ISOLANI. +Plague upon them! all the Germans think so +Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too, +Insist upon obedience to the court. + +OCTAVIO. +I am rejoiced to hear it. + +ISOLANI. + You rejoice? + +OCTAVIO. +That the emperor has yet such gallant servants, +And loving friends. + +ISOLANI. + Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. +They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you. + +OCTAVIO. +I am assured already. God forbid +That I should jest! In very serious earnest, +I am rejoiced to see an honest cause +So strong. + +ISOLANI. + The devil!--what!--why, what means this? +Are you not, then----For what, then, am I here? + +OCTAVIO. +That you may make full declaration, whether +You will be called the friend or enemy +Of the emperor. + +ISOLANI (with an air of defiance). + That declaration, friend, +I'll make to him in whom a right is placed +To put that question to me. + +OCTAVIO. + Whether, count, +That right is mine, this paper may instruct you. + +ISOLANI (stammering). +Why,--why--what! this is the emperor's hand and seal + [Reads. +"Whereas the officers collectively +Throughout our army will obey the orders +Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini, +As from ourselves."--Hem!--Yes! so!--Yes! yes! +I--I give you joy, lieutenant-general! + +OCTAVIO. +And you submit to the order? + +ISOLANI. + I-- +But you have taken me so by surprise +Time for reflection one must have---- + +OCTAVIO. + Two minutes. + +ISOLANI. +My God! But then the case is---- + +OCTAVIO. + Plain and simple. +You must declare you, whether you determine +To act a treason 'gainst your lord and sovereign, +Or whether you will serve him faithfully. + +ISOLANI. +Treason! My God! But who talks then of treason? + +OCTAVIO. +That is the case. The prince-duke is a traitor-- +Means to lead over to the enemy +The emperor's army. Now, count! brief and full-- +Say, will you break your oath to the emperor? +Sell yourself to the enemy? Say, will you? + +ISOLANI. +What mean you? I--I break my oath, d'ye say, +To his imperial majesty? +Did I say so! When, when have I said that? + +OCTAVIO. +You have not said it yet--not yet. This instant +I wait to hear, count, whether you will say it. + +ISOLANI. +Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself +Bear witness for me that I never said so. + +OCTAVIO. +And you renounce the duke then? + +ISOLANI. + If he's planning +Treason--why, treason breaks all bonds asunder. + +OCTAVIO. +And are determined, too, to fight against him? + +ISOLANI. +He has done me service--but if he's a villain, +Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off. + +OCTAVIO. +I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed. +This night break off in the utmost secrecy +With all the light-armed troops--it must appear +As came the order from the duke himself. +At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous; +There will Count Gallas give you further orders. + +ISOLANI. +It shall be done. But you'll remember me +With the emperor--how well disposed you found me. + +OCTAVIO. +I will not fail to mention it honorably. + + [Exit ISOLANI. A SERVANT enters. + +What, Colonel Butler! Show him up. + +ISOLANI (returning). +Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father! +Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great +Person I had before me. + +OCTAVIO. + No excuses! + +ISOLANI. +I am a merry lad, and if at time +A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court +Amidst my wine,--you know no harm was meant. + +OCTAVIO. +You need not be uneasy on that score. +That has succeeded. Fortune favor us +With all the others only but as much. + + [Exit. + + + +SCENE VI. + + OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER. + +BUTLER. +At your command, lieutenant-general. + +OCTAVIO. +Welcome, as honored friend and visitor. + +BUTLER. +You do me too much honor. + +OCTAVIO (after both have seated themselves) + You have not +Returned the advances which I made you yesterday-- +Misunderstood them as mere empty forms. +That wish proceeded from my heart--I was +In earnest with you--for 'tis now a time +In which the honest should unite most closely. + +BUTLER. +'Tis only the like-minded can unite. + +OCTAVIO. +True! and I name all honest men like-minded. +I never charge a man but with those acts +To which his character deliberately +Impels him; for alas! the violence +Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts +The very best of us from the right track. +You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Gallas +Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend. + +BUTLER. +His words were lost on me. + +OCTAVIO. + It grieves me sorely +To hear it: for his counsel was most wise. +I had myself the like to offer. + +BUTLER. + Spare +Yourself the trouble--me the embarrassment. +To have deserved so ill your good opinion. + +OCTAVIO. +The time is precious--let us talk openly. +You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein +Meditates treason--I can tell you further, +He has committed treason; but few hours +Have past since he a covenant concluded +With the enemy. The messengers are now +Full on their way to Egra and to Prague. +To-morrow he intends to lead us over +To the enemy. But he deceives himself; +For prudence wakes--the emperor has still +Many and faithful friends here, and they stand +In closest union, mighty though unseen. +This manifesto sentences the duke-- +Recalls the obedience of the army from him, +And summons all the loyal, all the honest, +To join and recognize in me their leader. +Choose--will you share with us an honest cause? +Or with the evil share an evil lot? + +BUTLER (rises). +His lot is mine. + +OCTAVIO. + Is that your last resolve? + +BUTLER. +It is. + +OCTAVIO. + Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler. +As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast +That rashly uttered word remains interred. +Recall it, Butler! choose a better party; +You have not chosen the right one. + +BUTLER (going). + Any other +Commands for me, lieutenant-general? + +OCTAVIO. +See your white hairs; recall that word! + +BUTLER. + Farewell! + +OCTAVIO. +What! Would you draw this good and gallant sword +In such a cause? Into a curse would you +Transform the gratitude which you have earned +By forty years' fidelity from Austria? + +BUTLER (laughing with bitterness). +Gratitude from the House of Austria! + + [He is going. + +OCTAVIO (permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him). +Butler! + +BUTLER. + What wish you? + +OCTAVIO. + How was't with the count? + +BUTLER. +Count? what? + +OCTAVIO (coldly). + The title that you wished, I mean. + +BUTLER (starts in sudden passion). +Hell and damnation! + +OCTAVIO (coldly). + You petitioned for it-- +And your petition was repelled--was it so? + +BUTLER. +Your insolent scoff shall not go by unpunished. +Draw! + +OCTAVIO. +Nay! your sword to its sheath! and tell me calmly +How all that happened. I will not refuse you +Your satisfaction afterwards. Calmly, Butler! + +BUTLER. +Be the whole world acquainted with the weakness +For which I never can forgive myself, +Lieutenant-general! Yes; I have ambition. +Ne'er was I able to endure contempt. +It stung me to the quick that birth and title +Should have more weight than merit has in the army. +I would fain not be meaner than my equal, +So in an evil hour I let myself +Be tempted to that measure. It was folly! +But yet so hard a penance it deserved not. +It might have been refused; but wherefore barb +And venom the refusal with contempt? +Why dash to earth and crush with heaviest scorn +The gray-haired man, the faithful veteran? +Why to the baseness of his parentage +Refer him with such cruel roughness, only +Because he had a weak hour and forgot himself? +But nature gives a sting e'en to the worm +Which wanton power treads on in sport and insult. + +OCTAVIO. +You must have been calumniated. Guess you +The enemy who did you this ill service? + +BUTLER. +Be't who it will--a most low-hearted scoundrel! +Some vile court-minion must it be, some Spaniard; +Some young squire of some ancient family, +In whose light I may stand; some envious knave, +Stung to his soul by my fair self-earned honors! + +OCTAVIO. +But tell me, did the duke approve that measure? + +BUTLER. +Himself impelled me to it, used his interest +In my behalf with all the warmth of friendship. + +OCTAVIO. +Ay! are you sure of that? + +BUTLER. + I read the letter. + +OCTAVIO. +And so did I--but the contents were different. + [BUTLER is suddenly struck. +By chance I'm in possession of that letter-- +Can leave it to your own eyes to convince you. + + [He gives him the letter. + +BUTLER. +Ha! what is this? + +OCTAVIO. + I fear me, Colonel Butler, +An infamous game have they been playing with you. +The duke, you say, impelled you to this measure? +Now, in this letter, talks he in contempt +Concerning you; counsels the minister +To give sound chastisement to your conceit, +For so he calls it. + + [BUTLER reads through the letter; his knees tremble, he seizes a + chair, and sinks clown in it. + +You have no enemy, no persecutor; +There's no one wishes ill to you. Ascribe +The insult you received to the duke only. +His aim is clear and palpable. He wished +To tear you from your emperor: he hoped +To gain from your revenge what he well knew +(What your long tried fidelity convinced him) +He ne'er could dare expect from your calm reason. +A blind tool would he make you, in contempt +Use you, as means of most abandoned ends. +He has gained his point. Too well has he succeeded +In luring you away from that good path +On which you had been journeying forty years! + +BUTLER (his voice trembling). +Can e'er the emperor's majesty forgive me? + +OCTAVIO. +More than forgive you. He would fain compensate +For that affront, and most unmerited grievance +Sustained by a deserving gallant veteran. +From his free impulse he confirms the present, +Which the duke made you for a wicked purpose. +The regiment, which you now command, is yours. + + [BUTLER attempts to rise, sinks down again. He labors inwardly + with violent emotions; tries to speak and cannot. At length + he takes his sword from the belt, and offers it to PICCOLOMINI. + +OCTAVIO. +What wish you? Recollect yourself, friend. + +BUTLER. + Take it. + +OCTAVIO. +But to what purpose? Calm yourself. + +BUTLER. + O take it! +I am no longer worthy of this sword. + +OCTAVIO. +Receive it then anew, from my hands--and +Wear it with honor for the right cause ever. + +BUTLER. +Perjure myself to such a gracious sovereign? + +OCTAVIO. +You'll make amends. Quick! break off from the duke! + +BUTLER. +Break off from him. + +OCTAVIO. + What now? Bethink thyself. + +BUTLER (no longer governing his emotion). +Only break off from him? He dies! he dies! + +OCTAVIO. +Come after me to Frauenberg, where now +All who are loyal are assembling under +Counts Altringer and Gallas. Many others +I've brought to a remembrance of their duty +This night be sure that you escape from Pilsen. + +BUTLER (strides up and down in excessive agitation, then steps up to + OCTAVIO with resolved countenance). +Count Piccolomini! dare that man speak +Of honor to you, who once broke his troth. + +OCTAVIO. +He who repents so deeply of it dares. + +BUTLER. +Then leave me here upon my word of honor! + +OCTAVIO. +What's your design? + +BUTLER. + Leave me and my regiment. + +OCTAVIO. +I have full confidence in you. But tell me +What are you brooding? + +BUTLER. + That the deed will tell you. +Ask me no more at present. Trust me. +Ye may trust safely. By the living God, +Ye give him over, not to his good angel! +Farewell. + [Exit BUTLER. + +SERVANT (enters with a billet). + A stranger left it, and is gone. +The prince-duke's horses wait for you below. + + [Exit SERVANT. + +OCTAVIO (reads). +"Be sure, make haste! Your faithful Isolani." +--O that I had but left this town behind me. +To split upon a rock so near the haven! +Away! This is no longer a safe place +For me! Where can my son be tarrying! + + + +SCENE VII. + + OCTAVIO and MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + + MAX. enters almost in a state of derangement, from extreme + agitation; his eyes roll wildly, his walk is unsteady, and he + appears not to observe his father, who stands at a distance, + and gazes at him with a countenance expressive of compassion. + He paces with long strides through the chamber, then stands still + again, and at last throws himself into a chair, staring vacantly + at the object directly before him. + +OCTAVIO (advances to him). +I am going off, my son. + [Receiving no answer, he takes his hands + My son, farewell. + +MAX. + Farewell. + +OCTAVIO. +Thou wilt soon follow me? + +MAX. + I follow thee? +Thy way is crooked--it is not my way. + [OCTAVIO drops his hand and starts back. +Oh, hadst thou been but simple and sincere, +Ne'er had it come to this--all had stood otherwise. +He had not done that foul and horrible deed, +The virtuous had retained their influence over him +He had not fallen into the snares of villains. +Wherefore so like a thief, and thief's accomplice +Didst creep behind him lurking for thy prey! +Oh, unblest falsehood! Mother of all evil! +Thou misery-making demon, it is thou +That sinkest us in perdition. Simple truth, +Sustainer of the world, had saved us all! +Father, I will not, I cannot excuse thee! +Wallenstein has deceived me--oh, most foully! +But thou has acted not much better. + +OCTAVIO. + Son +My son, ah! I forgive thy agony! + +MAX. (rises and contemplates his father with looks of suspicion). +Was't possible? hadst thou the heart, my father, +Hadst thou the heart to drive it to such lengths, +With cold premeditated purpose? Thou-- +Hadst thou the heart to wish to see him guilty +Rather than saved? Thou risest by his fall. +Octavio, 'twill not please me. + +OCTAVIO. + God in heaven! + +MAX. +Oh, woe is me! sure I have changed my nature. +How comes suspicion here--in the free soul? +Hope, confidence, belief, are gone; for all +Lied to me, all that I e'er loved or honored. +No, no! not all! She--she yet lives for me, +And she is true, and open as the heavens +Deceit is everywhere, hypocrisy, +Murder, and poisoning, treason, perjury: +The single holy spot is our love, +The only unprofaned in human nature. + +OCTAVIO. +Max.!--we will go together. 'Twill be better. + +MAX. +What? ere I've taken a last parting leave, +The very last--no, never! + +OCTAVIO. + Spare thyself +The pang of necessary separation. +Come with me! Come, my son! + + [Attempts to take him with him. + +MAX. +No! as sure as God lives, no! + +OCTAVIO (more urgently). +Come with me, I command thee! I, thy father. + +MAX. +Command me what is human. I stay here. + +OCTAVIO. +Max.! in the emperor's name I bid thee come. + +MAX. +No emperor has power to prescribe +Laws to the heart; and wouldst thou wish to rob me +Of the sole blessing which my fate has left me, +Her sympathy? Must then a cruel deed +Be done with cruelty? The unalterable +Shall I perform ignobly--steal away, +With stealthy coward flight forsake her? No! +She shall behold my suffering, my sore anguish, +Hear the complaints of the disparted soul, +And weep tears o'er me. Oh! the human race +Have steely souls--but she is as an angel. +From the black deadly madness of despair +Will she redeem my soul, and in soft words +Of comfort, plaining, loose this pang of death! + +OCTAVIO. +Thou wilt not tear thyself away; thou canst not. +Oh, come, my son! I bid thee save thy virtue. + +MAX. +Squander not thou thy words in vain. +The heart I follow, for I dare trust to it. + +OCTAVIO (trembling, and losing all self-command). +Max.! Max.! if that most damned thing could be, +If thou--my son--my own blood--(dare I think it?) +Do sell thyself to him, the infamous, +Do stamp this brand upon our noble house, +Then shall the world behold the horrible deed, +And in unnatural combat shall the steel +Of the son trickle with the father's blood. + +MAX. +Oh, hadst thou always better thought of men, +Thou hadst then acted better. Curst suspicion, +Unholy, miserable doubt! To him +Nothing on earth remains unwrenched and firm +Who has no faith. + +OCTAVIO. + And if I trust thy heart, +Will it be always in thy power to follow it? + +MAX. +The heart's voice thou hast not o'erpowered--as little +Will Wallenstein be able to o'erpower it. + +OCTAVIO. +O, Max.! I see thee never more again! + +MAX. +Unworthy of thee wilt thou never see me. + +OCTAVIO. +I go to Frauenberg--the Pappenheimers +I leave thee here, the Lothrings too; Tsokana +And Tiefenbach remain here to protect thee. +They love thee, and are faithful to their oath, +And will far rather fall in gallant contest +Than leave their rightful leader and their honor. + +MAX. +Rely on this, I either leave my life +In the struggle, or conduct them out of Pilsen. + +OCTAVIO. +Farewell, my son! + +MAX. + Farewell! + +OCTAVIO. + How! not one look +Of filial love? No grasp of the hand at parting? +It is a bloody war to which we are going, +And the event uncertain and in darkness. +So used we not to part--it was not so! +Is it then true? I have a son no longer? + + [MAX. falls into his arms, they hold each other for a long time + in a speechless embrace, then go away at different sides. + + (The curtain drops.) + + + + +ACT III. + +SCENE I. + + A chamber in the house of the Duchess of Friedland. + + COUNTESS TERZKY, THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN (the two latter sit + at the same table at work). + +COUNTESS (watching them from the opposite side). +So you have nothing to ask me--nothing? +I have been waiting for a word from you. +And could you then endure in all this time +Not once to speak his name? + + [THEKLA remaining silent, the COUNTESS rises and advances to her. + + Why, how comes this? +Perhaps I am already grown superfluous, +And other ways exist, besides through me +Confess it to me, Thekla: have you seen him? + +THEKLA. +To-day and yesterday I have not seen him. + +COUNTESS. +And not heard from him, either? Come, be open. + +THEKLA. +No Syllable. + +COUNTESS. + And still you are so calm? + +THEKLA. +I am. + +COUNTESS. + May it please you, leave us, Lady Neubrunn. + + [Exit LADY NEUBRUNN. + + + +SCENE II. + + The COUNTESS, THEKLA. + +COUNTESS. +It does not please me, princess, that he holds +Himself so still, exactly at this time. + +THEKLA. +Exactly at this time? + +COUNTESS. + He now knows all +'Twere now the moment to declare himself. + +THEKLA. +If I'm to understand you, speak less darkly. + +COUNTESS. +'Twas for that purpose that I bade her leave us. +Thekla, you are no more a child. Your heart +Is no more in nonage: for you love, +And boldness dwells with love--that you have proved +Your nature moulds itself upon your father's +More than your mother's spirit. Therefore may you +Hear what were too much for her fortitude. + +THEKLA. +Enough: no further preface, I entreat you. +At once, out with it! Be it what it may, +It is not possible that it should torture me +More than this introduction. What have you +To say to me? Tell me the whole, and briefly! + +COUNTESS. +You'll not be frightened---- + +THEKLA. + Name it, I entreat you. + +COUNTESS. +Lies within my power to do your father +A weighty service---- + +THEKLA. + Lies within my power. + +COUNTESS. +Max. Piccolomini loves you. You can link him +Indissolubly to your father. + +THEKLA. + I? +What need of me for that? And is he not +Already linked to him? + +COUNTESS. + He was. + +THEKLA. + And wherefore +Should he not be so now--not be so always? + +COUNTESS. +He cleaves to the emperor too. + +THEKLA. + Not more than duty +And honor may demand of him. + +COUNTESS. + We ask +Proofs of his love, and not proofs of his honor. +Duty and honor! +Those are ambiguous words with many meanings. +You should interpret them for him: his love +Should be the sole definer of his honor. + +THEKLA. +How? + +COUNTESS. +The emperor or you must he renounce. + +THEKLA. +He will accompany my father gladly +In his retirement. From himself you heard, +How much he wished to lay aside the sword. + +COUNTESS. +He must not lay the sword aside, we mean; +He must unsheath it in your father's cause. + +THEKLA. +He'll spend with gladness and alacrity +His life, his heart's blood in my father's cause, +If shame or injury be intended him. + +COUNTESS. +You will not understand me. Well, hear then: +Your father has fallen off from the emperor, +And is about to join the enemy +With the whole soldiery---- + +THEKLA. + Alas, my mother! + +COUNTESS. +There needs a great example to draw on +The army after him. The Piccolomini +Possess the love and reverence of the troops; +They govern all opinions, and wherever +They lead the way, none hesitate to follow. +The son secures the father to our interests-- +You've much in your hands at this moment. + +THEKLA. + Ah, +My miserable mother! what a death-stroke +Awaits thee! No! she never will survive it. + +COUNTESS. +She will accommodate her soul to that +Which is and must be. I do know your mother: +The far-off future weighs upon her heart +With torture of anxiety; but is it +Unalterably, actually present, +She soon resigns herself, and bears it calmly. + +THEKLA. +O my foreboding bosom! Even now, +E'en now 'tis here, that icy hand of horror! +And my young hope lies shuddering in its grasp; +I knew it well--no sooner had I entered, +An heavy ominous presentiment +Revealed to me that spirits of death were hovering +Over my happy fortune. But why, think I +First of myself? My mother! O my mother! + +COUNTESS. + +Calm yourself! Break not out in vain lamenting! +Preserve you for your father the firm friend, +And for yourself the lover, all will yet +Prove good and fortunate. + +THEKLA. + Prove good! What good? +Must we not part; part ne'er to meet again? + +COUNTESS. +He parts not from you! He cannot part from you. + +THEKLA. +Alas, for his sore anguish! It will rend +His heart asunder. + +COUNTESS. + If indeed he loves you. +His resolution will be speedily taken. + +THEKLA. +His resolution will be speedily taken-- +Oh, do not doubt of that! A resolution! +Does there remain one to be taken? + +COUNTESS. + Hush! +Collect yourself! I hear your mother coming. + +THERLA. +How shall I bear to see her? + +COUNTESS. + Collect yourself. + + + +SCENE III. + + To them enter the DUCHESS. + +DUCHESS (to the COUNTESS). +Who was here, sister? I heard some one talking, +And passionately, too. + +COUNTESS. + Nay! there was no one. + +DUCHESS. +I am growing so timorous, every trifling noise +Scatters my spirits, and announces to me +The footstep of some messenger of evil. +And you can tell me, sister, what the event is? +Will he agree to do the emperor's pleasure, +And send the horse regiments to the cardinal? +Tell me, has he dismissed von Questenberg +With a favorable answer? + +COUNTESS. + No, he has not. + +DUCHESS. +Alas! then all is lost! I see it coming, +The worst that can come! Yes, they will depose him; +The accursed business of the Regensburg diet +Will all be acted o'er again! + +COUNTESS. + No! never! +Make your heart easy, sister, as to that. + + [THEKLA, in extreme agitation, throws herself upon her mother, + and enfolds her in her arms, weeping. + +DUCHESS. + Yes, my poor child! +Thou too hast lost a most affectionate godmother +In the empress. Oh, that stern, unbending man! +In this unhappy marriage what have I +Not suffered, not endured? For even as if +I had been linked on to some wheel of fire +That restless, ceaseless, whirls impetuous onward, +I have passed a life of frights and horrors with him, +And ever to the brink of some abyss +With dizzy headlong violence he bears me. +Nay, do not weep, my child. Let not my sufferings +Presignify unhappiness to thee, +Nor blacken with their shade the fate that waits thee. +There lives no second Friedland; thou, my child, +Hast not to fear thy mother's destiny. + +THEELA. +Oh, let us supplicate him, dearest mother! +Quick! quick! here's no abiding-place for us. +Here every coming hour broods into life +Some new affrightful monster. + +DUCHESS. + Thou wilt share +An easier, calmer lot, my child! We, too, +I and thy father, witnessed happy days. +Still think I with delight of those first years, +When he was making progress with glad effort, +When his ambition was a genial fire, +Not that consuming flame which now it is. +The emperor loved him, trusted him; and all +He undertook could not but be successful. +But since that ill-starred day at Regensburg, +Which plunged him headlong from his dignity, +A gloomy, uncompanionable spirit, +Unsteady and suspicious, has possessed him. +His quiet mind forsook him, and no longer +Did he yield up himself in joy and faith +To his old luck and individual power; +But thenceforth turned his heart and best affections +All to those cloudy sciences which never +Have yet made happy him who followed them. + +COUNTESS. +You see it, sister! as your eyes permit you, +But surely this is not the conversation +To pass the time in which we are waiting for him. +You know he will be soon here. Would you have him +Find her in this condition? + +DUCHESS. + Come, my child! +Come, wipe away thy tears, and show thy father +A cheerful countenance. See, the tie-knot here +Is off; this hair must not hang so dishevelled. +Come, dearest! dry thy tears up. They deform +Thy gentle eye. Well, now--what was I saying? +Yes, in good truth, this Piccolomini +Is a most noble and deserving gentleman. + +COUNTESS. +That is he, sister! + +THEKLA (to the COUNTESS, with narks of great oppression of spirits). + Aunt, you will excuse me? + + (Is going). + +COUNTESS. +But, whither? See, your father comes! + +THEKLA. +I cannot see him now. + +COUNTESS. + Nay, but bethink you. + +THEKLA. +Believe me, I cannot sustain his presence. + +COUNTESS. +But he will miss you, will ask after you. + +DUCHESS. +What, now? Why is she going? + +COUNTESS. + She's not well. + +DUCHESS (anxiously). +What ails, then, my beloved child? + + [Both follow the PRINCESS, and endeavor to detain her. During + this WALLENSTEIN appears, engaged in conversation with ILLO. + + + +SCENE IV. + + WALLENSTEIN, ILLO, COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA. + +WALLENSTEIN. +All quiet in the camp? + +ILLO. + It is all quiet. + +WALLENSTEIN. +In a few hours may couriers come from Prague +With tidings that this capital is ours. +Then we may drop the mask, and to the troops +Assembled in this town make known the measure +And its result together. In such cases +Example does the whole. Whoever is foremost +Still leads the herd. An imitative creature +Is man. The troops at Prague conceive no other, +Than that the Pilsen army has gone through +The forms of homage to us; and in Pilsen +They shall swear fealty to us, because +The example has been given them by Prague. +Butler, you tell me, has declared himself? + +ILLO. +At his own bidding, unsolicited, +He came to offer you himself and regiment. + +WALLENSTEIN, +I find we must not give implicit credence +To every warning voice that makes itself +Be listened to in the heart. To hold us back, +Oft does the lying spirit counterfeit +The voice of truth and inward revelation, +Scattering false oracles. And thus have I +To entreat forgiveness for that secretly. +I've wronged this honorable gallant man, +This Butler: for a feeling of the which +I am not master (fear I would not call it), +Creeps o'er me instantly, with sense of shuddering, +At his approach, and stops love's joyous motion. +And this same man, against whom I am warned, +This honest man is he who reaches to me +The first pledge of my fortune. + +ILLO. + And doubt not +That his example will win over to you +The best men in the army. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Go and send +Isolani hither. Send him immediately. +He is under recent obligations to me: +With him will I commence the trial. Go. + + [Exit ILLO. + +WALLENSTEIN (turns himself round to the females). +Lo, there's the mother with the darling daughter. +For once we'll have an interval of rest-- +Come! my heart yearns to live a cloudless hour +In the beloved circle of my family. + +COUNTESS. +'Tis long since we've been thus together, brother. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS, aside). +Can she sustain the news? Is she prepared? + +COUNTESS. +Not yet. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Come here, my sweet girl! Seat thee by me, +For there is a good spirit on thy lips. +Thy mother praised to me thy ready skill; +She says a voice of melody dwells in thee, +Which doth enchant the soul. Now such a voice +Will drive away from me the evil demon +That beats his black wings close above my head. + +DUCHESS. +Where is thy lute, my daughter? Let thy father +Hear some small trial of thy skill. + +THEKLA. + My mother +I---- + +DUCHESS. +Trembling? Come, collect thyself. Go, cheer +Thy father. + +THEKLA. + O my mother! I--I cannot. + +COUNTESS. +How, what is that, niece? + +THEKLA (to the COUNTESS). +O spare me--sing--now--in this sore anxiety, +Of the overburdened soul--to sing to him +Who is thrusting, even now, my mother headlong +Into her grave. + +DUCHESS. + How, Thekla! Humorsome! +What! shall thy father have expressed a wish +In vain? + +COUNTESS. + Here is the lute. + +THEKLA. + My God! how can I---- + + [The orchestra plays. During the ritornello THEKLA expresses in her + gestures and countenance the struggle of her feelings; and at the + moment that she should begin to sing, contracts herself together, as + one shuddering, throws the instrument down, and retires abruptly. + +DUCHESS. +My child! Oh, she is ill---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + What ails the maiden? +Say, is she often so? + +COUNTESS. + Since then herself +Has now betrayed it, I too must no longer +Conceal it. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What? + +COUNTESS. + She loves him! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Loves him? Whom? + +COUNTESS. +Max. does she love! Max. Piccolomini! +Hast thou never noticed it? Nor yet my sister? + +DUCHESS. +Was it this that lay so heavy on her heart? +God's blessing on thee,--my sweet child! Thou needest +Never take shame upon thee for thy choice. + +COUNTESS. +This journey, if 'twere not thy aim, ascribe it +To thine own self. Thou shouldst have chosen another +To have attended her. + +WALLENSTEIN. + And does he know it? + +COUNTESS. +Yes, and he hopes to win her. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Hopes to win her! +Is the boy mad? + +COUNTESS. + Well--hear it from themselves. + +WALLENSTEIN. +He thinks to carry off Duke Friedland's daughter! +Ay? The thought pleases me. +The young man has no groveling spirit. + +COUNTESS. + Since +Such and such constant favor you have shown him---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +He chooses finally to be my heir. +And true it is, I love the youth; yea, honor him. +But must he therefore be my daughter's husband? +Is it daughters only? Is it only children +That we must show our favor by? + +DUCHESS. +His noble disposition and his manners---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Win him my heart, but not my daughter. + +DUCHESS. + Then +His rank, his ancestors---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ancestors! What? +He is a subject, and my son-in-law +I will seek out upon the thrones of Europe. + +DUCHESS +O dearest Albrecht! Climb we not too high +Lest we should fall too low. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What! have I paid +A price so heavy to ascend this eminence, +And jut out high above the common herd, +Only to close the mighty part I play +In life's great drama with a common kinsman? +Have I for this---- + [Stops suddenly, repressing himself. + She is the only thing +That will remain behind of me on earth; +And I will see a crown around her head, +Or die in the attempt to place it there. +I hazard all--all! and for this alone, +To lift her into greatness. +Yea, in this moment, in the which we are speaking + [He recollects himself. +And I must now, like a soft-hearted father, +Couple together in good peasant fashion +The pair that chance to suit each other's liking-- +And I must do it now, even now, when I +Am stretching out the wreath that is to twine +My full accomplished work--no! she is the jewel, +Which I have treasured long, my last, my noblest, +And 'tis my purpose not to let her from me +For less than a king's sceptre. + +DUCHESS. + O my husband! +You're ever building, building to the clouds, +Still building higher, and still higher building, +And ne'er reflect, that the poor narrow basis +Cannot sustain the giddy tottering column. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS). +Have you announced the place of residence +Which I have destined for her? + +COUNTESS. + No! not yet, +'Twere better you yourself disclosed it to her. + +DUCHESS. +How? Do we not return to Carinthia then? + +WALLENSTEIN. + No. + +DUCHESS. +And to no other of your lands or seats? + +WALLENSTEIN. +You would not be secure there. + +DUCHESS. + Not secure. +In the emperor's realms, beneath the emperor's +Protection? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Friedland's wife may be permitted +No longer to hope that. + +DUCHESS. + O God in heaven! +And have you brought it even to this! + +WALLENSTEIN. + In Holland +You'll find protection. + +DUCHESS + In a Lutheran country? +What? And you send us into Lutheran countries? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Duke Franz of Lauenburg conducts you thither. + +DUCHESS. +Duke Franz of Lauenburg? +The ally of Sweden, the emperor's enemy. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The emperor's enemies are mine no longer. + +DUCHESS (casting a look of terror on the DUKE and the COUNTESS). +Is it then true? It is. You are degraded +Deposed from the command? O God in heaven! + +COUNTESS (aside to the DUKE). +Leave her in this belief. Thou seest she cannot +Support the real truth. + + + +SCENE V. + + To them enter COUNT TERZKY. + +COUNTESS. + Terzky! +What ails him? What an image of affright! +He looks as he had seen a ghost. + +TERZKY (leading WALLENSTEIN aside). +Is it thy command that all the Croats---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Mine! + +TERZKY. +We are betrayed. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What? + +TERZKY. + They are off! This night +The Jaegers likewise--all the villages +In the whole round are empty. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Isolani! + +TERZKY. +Him thou hast sent away. Yes, surely. + +WALLENSTEIN. + I? + +TERZKY. +No? Hast thou not sent him off? Nor Deodati? +They are vanished, both of them. + + + +SCENE VI. + + To them enter ILLO. + +ILLO. +Has Terzky told thee? + +TERZKY. + He knows all. + +ILLO. + And likewise +That Esterhatzy, Goetz, Maradas, Kaunitz, +Kolatto, Palfi, have forsaken thee. + +TERZKY. +Damnation! + +WALLENSTEIN (winks at them). +Hush! + +COUNTESS (who has been watching them anxiously from the distance and + now advances to them). +Terzky! Heaven! What is it? What has happened? + +WALLENSTEIN (scarcely suppressing his emotions). +Nothing! let us be gone! + +TERZKY (following him). + Theresa, it is nothing. + +COUNTESS (holding him back). +Nothing? Do I not see that all the life-blood +Has left your cheeks--look you not like a ghost? +That even my brother but affects a calmness? + +PAGE (enters). +An aide-de-camp inquires for the Count Terzky. + + [TERZKY follows the PAGE. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Go, hear his business. + [To ILLO. + This could not have happened +So unsuspected without mutiny. +Who was on guard at the gates? + +ILLO. + 'Twas Tiefenbach. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Let Tiefenbach leave guard without delay, +And Terzky's grenadiers relieve him. + [ILLO is going. + Stop! +Hast thou heard aught of Butler? + +ILLO. + Him I met +He will be here himself immediately. +Butler remains unshaken, + + [ILLO exit. WALLENSTEIN is following him. + +COUNTESS. +Let him not leave thee, sister! go, detain him! +There's some misfortune. + +DUCHESS (clinging to him). + Gracious Heaven! What is it? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Be tranquil! leave me, sister! dearest wife! +We are in camp, and this is naught unusual; +Here storm and sunshine follow one another +With rapid interchanges. These fierce spirits +Champ the curb angrily, and never yet +Did quiet bless the temples of the leader; +If I am to stay go you. The plaints of women +Ill suit the scene where men must act. + + [He is going: TERZKY returns. + +TERZKY. +Remain here. From this window must we see it. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the COUNTESS). +Sister, retire! + +COUNTESS. + No--never! + +WALLENSTEIN. + 'Tis my will. + +TERZKY (leads the COUNTESS aside, and drawing her attention + to the DUCHESS). +Theresa! + +DUCHESS. + Sister, come! since he commands it. + + + +SCENE VII. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY. + +WALLENSTEIN (stepping to the window). +What now, then? + +TERZKY. +There are strange movements among all the troops, +And no one knows the cause. Mysteriously, +With gloomy silentness, the several corps +Marshal themselves, each under its own banners; +Tiefenbach's corps make threatening movements; only +The Pappenheimers still remain aloof +In their own quarters and let no one enter. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Does Piccolomini appear among them? + +TERZKY. +We are seeking him: he is nowhere to be met with. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What did the aide-de-camp deliver to you? + +TERZKY. +My regiments had despatched him; yet once more +They swear fidelity to thee, and wait +The shout for onset, all prepared, and eager. + +WALLENSTEIN. +But whence arose this larum in the camp? +It should have been kept secret from the army +Till fortune had decided for us at Prague. + +TERZKY. +Oh, that thou hadst believed me! Yester-evening +Did we conjure thee not to let that skulker, +That fox, Octavio, pass the gates of Pilsen. +Thou gavest him thy own horses to flee from thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The old tune still! Now, once for all, no more +Of this suspicion--it is doting folly. + +TERZKY. +Thou didst confide in Isolani too; +And lo! he was the first that did desert thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +It was but yesterday I rescued him +From abject wretchedness. Let that go by; +I never reckoned yet on gratitude. +And wherein doth he wrong in going from me? +He follows still the god whom all his life +He has worshipped at the gaming-table. With +My fortune and my seeming destiny +He made the bond and broke it, not with me. +I am but the ship in which his hopes were stowed, +And with the which, well-pleased and confident, +He traversed the open sea; now he beholds it +In eminent jeopardy among the coast-rocks, +And hurries to preserve his wares. As light +As the free bird from the hospitable twig +Where it had nested he flies off from me: +No human tie is snapped betwixt us two. +Yea, he deserves to find himself deceived +Who seeks a heart in the unthinking man. +Like shadows on a stream, the forms of life +Impress their characters on the smooth forehead, +Naught sinks into the bosom's silent depth: +Quick sensibility of pain and pleasure +Moves the light fluids lightly; but no soul +Warmeth the inner frame. + +TERZKY. + Yet, would I rather +Trust the smooth brow than that deep furrowed one. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, ILLO. + +ILLO (who enters agitated with rage). +Treason and mutiny! + +TERZKY. + And what further now? + +ILLO. +Tiefenbach's soldiers, when I gave the orders. +To go off guard--mutinous villains! + +TERZKY. +Well! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What followed? + +ILLO. +They refused obedience to them. + +TERZKY. +Fire on them instantly! Give out the order. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Gently! what cause did they assign? + +ILLO. + No other, +They said, had right to issue orders but +Lieutenant-General Piccolomini. + +WALLENSTEIN (in a convulsion of agony). +What? How is that? + +ILLO. +He takes that office on him by commission, +Under sign-manual from the emperor. + +TERZKY. +From the emperor--hearest thou, duke? + +ILLO. + At his incitement +The generals made that stealthy flight---- + +TERZKY. + Duke, hearest thou? + +ILLO. +Caraffa too, and Montecuculi, +Are missing, with six other generals, +All whom he had induced to follow him. +This plot he has long had in writing by him +From the emperor; but 'twas finally concluded, +With all the detail of the operation, +Some days ago with the Envoy Questenberg. + + [WALLENSTEIN sinks down into a chair and covers his face. + +TERZKY. +Oh, hadst thou but believed me! + + +SCENE IX. + + To them enter the COUNTESS. + +COUNTESS. + This suspense, +This horrid fear--I can no longer bear it. +For heaven's sake tell me what has taken place? + +ILLO. +The regiments are falling off from us. + +TERZKY. +Octavio Piccolomini is a traitor. + +COUNTESS. +O my foreboding! + + [Rushes out of the room. + +TERZKY. + Hadst thou but believed me! +Now seest thou how the stars have lied to thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The stars lie not; but we have here a work +Wrought counter to the stars and destiny. +The science is still honest: this false heart +Forces a lie on the truth-telling heaven, +On a divine law divination rests; +Where nature deviates from that law, and stumbles +Out of her limits, there all science errs. +True I did not suspect! Were it superstition +Never by such suspicion to have affronted +The human form, oh, may the time ne'er come +In which I shame me of the infirmity. +The wildest savage drinks not with the victim, +Into whose breast he means to plunge the sword. +This, this, Octavio, was no hero's deed +'Twas not thy prudence that did conquer mine; +A bad heart triumphed o'er an honest one. +No shield received the assassin stroke; thou plungest +Thy weapon on an unprotected breast-- +Against such weapons I am but a child. + + + +SCENE X. + + To these enter BUTLER. + +TERZKY (meeting him). +Oh, look there, Butler! Here we've still a friend! + +WALLENSTEIN (meets him with outspread arms and embraces him with warmth). +Come to my heart, old comrade! Not the sun +Looks out upon us more revivingly, +In the earliest month of spring, +Than a friend's countenance in such an hour. + +BUTLER. +My general; I come---- + +WALLENSTEIN (leaning on BUTLER'S shoulder). + Knowest thou already +That old man has betrayed me to the emperor. +What sayest thou? Thirty years have we together +Lived out, and held out, sharing joy and hardship. +We have slept in one camp-bed, drank from one glass, +One morsel shared! I leaned myself on him, +As now I lean me on thy faithful shoulder, +And now in the very moment when, all love, +All confidence, my bosom beat to his +He sees and takes the advantage, stabs the knife +Slowly into my heart. + + [He hides his face on BUTLER's breast. + +BUTLER. + Forget the false one. +What is your present purpose? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Well remembered! +Courage, my soul! I am still rich in friends, +Still loved by destiny; for in the moment +That it unmasks the plotting hypocrite +It sends and proves to me one faithful heart. +Of the hypocrite no more! Think not his loss +Was that which struck the pang: Oh, no! his treason +Is that which strikes the pang! No more of him! +Dear to my heart, and honored were they both, +And the young man--yes--he did truly love me, +He--he--has not deceived me. But enough, +Enough of this--swift counsel now beseems us. +The courier, whom Count Kinsky sent from Prague, +I expect him every moment: and whatever +He may bring with him we must take good care +To keep it from the mutineers. Quick then! +Despatch some messenger you can rely on +To meet him, and conduct him to me. + + [ILLO is going. + +BUTLER (detaining him). +My general, whom expect you then? + +WALLENSTEIN. + The courier +Who brings me word of the event at Prague. + +BUTLER (hesitating). +Hem! + +WALLENSTEIN. + And what now? + +BUTLER. + You do not know it? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Well? + +BUTLER. +From what that larum in the camp arose? + +WALLENSTEIN. +From what? + +BUTLER. + That courier---- + +WALLENSTEIN (with eager expectation). + Well? + +BUTLER. + Is already here. + +TERZKY and ILLO (at the same time). +Already here? + +WALLENSTEIEN. + My courier? + +BUTLER. + For some hours. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And I not know it? + +BUTLER. + The sentinels detain him +In custody. + +ILLO (stamping with his foot). + Damnation! + +BUTLER. + And his letter +Was broken open, and is circulated +Through the whole camp. + +WALLENSTEIN. + You know what it contains? + +BUTLER. +Question me not. + +TERZKY. + Illo! Alas for us. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Hide nothing from me--I can bear the worst. +Prague then is lost. It is. Confess it freely. + +BUTLER. +Yes! Prague is lost. And all the several regiments +At Budweiss, Tabor, Braunau, Koenigingratz, +At Brunn, and Znaym, have forsaken you, +And taken the oaths of fealty anew +To the emperor. Yourself, with Kinsky, Terzky, +And Illo have been sentenced. + + [TERZKY and ILLO express alarm and fury. WALLENSTEIN remains + firm and collected. + +WALLENSTEIN. +'Tis decided! 'Tis well! I have received a sudden cure +From all the pangs of doubt: with steady stream +Once more my life-blood flows! My soul's secure! +In the night only Friedland stars can beam. +Lingering irresolute, with fitful fears +I drew the sword--'twas with an inward strife, +While yet the choice was mine. The murderous knife +Is lifted for my heart! Doubt disappears! +I fight now for my head and for my life. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN; the others follow him. + + + +SCENE XI. + +COUNTESS TERZKY (enters from a side room). +I can endure no longer. No! + [Looks around her. + Where are they! +No one is here. They leave me all alone, +Alone in this sore anguish of suspense. +And I must wear the outward show of calmness +Before my sister, and shut in within me +The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom. +It is not to be borne. If all should fail; +If--if he must go over to the Swedes, +An empty-handed fugitive, and not +As an ally, a covenanted equal, +A proud commander with his army following, +If we must wander on from land to land, +Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness +An ignominious monument. But no! +That day I will not see! And could himself +Endure to sink so low, I would not bear +To see him so low sunken. + + + +SCENE XII. + + COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA. + +THEKLA (endeavoring to hold back the DUCHESS) +Dear mother, do stay here! + +DUCHESS. + No! Here is yet +Some frightful mystery that is hidden from me. +Why does my sister shun me? Don't I see her +Full of suspense and anguish roam about +From room to room? Art thou not full of terror? +And what import these silent nods and gestures +Which stealthwise thou exchangest with her? + +THEKLA. + Nothing +Nothing, dear mother! + +DUCHESS (to the COUNTESS). + Sister, I will know. + +COUNTESS. +What boots it now to hide it from her? Sooner +Or later she must learn to hear and bear it. +'Tis not the time now to indulge infirmity; +Courage beseems us now, a heart collect, +And exercise and previous discipline +Of fortitude. One word, and over with it! +Sister, you are deluded. You believe +The duke has been deposed--the duke is not +Deposed--he is---- + +THEKLA (going to the COUNTESS), + What? do you wish to kill her? + +COUNTESS. +The duke is---- + +THEKLA (throwing her arms round her mother). + Oh, stand firm! stand firm, my mother! + +COUNTESS. +Revolted is the duke; he is preparing +To join the enemy; the army leave him, +And all has failed. + + + +SCENE XIII. + + A spacious room in the Duke of Friedland's palace. + +WALLENSTEIN (in armor). +Thou hast gained thy point, Octavio! Once more am I +Almost as friendless as at Regensburg. +There I had nothing left me but myself; +But what one man can do you have now experience. +The twigs have you hewed off, and here I stand +A leafless trunk. But in the sap within +Lives the creating power, and a new world +May sprout forth from it. Once already have I +Proved myself worth an army to you--I alone! +Before the Swedish strength your troops had melted; +Beside the Lech sank Tilly, your last hope; +Into Bavaria, like a winter torrent, +Did that Gustavus pour, and at Vienna +In his own palace did the emperor tremble. +Soldiers were scarce, for still the multitude +Follow the luck: all eyes were turned on me, +Their helper in distress; the emperor's pride +Bowed itself down before the man he had injured. +'Twas I must rise, and with creative word +Assemble forces in the desolate camps. +I did it. Like a god of war my name +Went through the world. The drum was beat; and, to +The plough, the workshop is forsaken, all +Swarm to the old familiar long loved banners; +And as the wood-choir rich in melody +Assemble quick around the bird of wonder, +When first his throat swells with his magic song, +So did the warlike youth of Germany +Crowd in around the image of my eagle. +I feel myself the being that I was. +It is the soul that builds itself a body, +And Friedland's camp will not remain unfilled. +Lead then your thousands out to meet me--true! +They are accustomed under me to conquer, +But not against me. If the head and limbs +Separate from each other, 'twill be soon +Made manifest in which the soul abode. + + (ILLO and TERZKY enter.) + +Courage, friends! courage! we are still unvanquished; +I feel my footing firm; five regiments, Terzky, +Are still our own, and Butler's gallant troops; +And an host of sixteen thousand Swedes to-morrow. +I was not stronger when, nine years ago, +I marched forth, with glad heart and high of hope, +To conquer Germany for the emperor. + + + +SCENE XIV. + + WALLENSTEIN, ILLO, TERZKY. + + (To them enter NEUMANN, who leads TERZKY aside, + and talks with him.) + +TERZKY. +What do they want? + +WALLENSTEIN. + What now? + +TERZKY. + Ten cuirassiers +From Pappenheim request leave to address you +In the name of the regiment. + +WALLENSTEIN (hastily to NEUMANN). + Let them enter. + [Exit NEUMANN. + This +May end in something. Mark you. They are still +Doubtful, and may be won. + + + +SCENE XV. + + WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, ILLO, ten CUIRASSIERS (led by an ANSPESSADE + [4], march up and arrange themselves, after the word of command, + in one front before the DUKE, and make their obeisance. He takes + his hat off, and immediately covers himself again). + +ANSPESSADE. +Halt! Front! Present! + +WALLENSTEIN (after he has run through them with his eye, to the + NSPESSADE). +I know thee well. Thou art out of Brueggen in Flanders: +Thy name is Mercy. + +ANSPESSADE. + Henry Mercy. + +WALLENSTEIN. Thou were cut off on the march, surrounded by the Hessians, +and didst fight thy way with an hundred and eighty men through their +thousand. + +ANSPESSADE. 'Twas even so, general! + +WALLENSTEIN. What reward hadst thou for this gallant exploit? + +ANSPESSADE. That which I asked for: the honor to serve in this corps. + +WALLENSTEIN (turning to a second). Thou wert among the volunteers that +seized and made booty of the Swedish battery at Altenburg. + +SECOND CUIRASSIER. Yes, general! + +WALLENSTEIN. I forget no one with whom I have exchanged words. +(A pause.) Who sends you? + +ANSPESSADE. Your noble regiment, the cuirassiers of Piccolomini. + +WALLENSTEIN. Why does not your colonel deliver in your request according +to the custom of service? + +ANSPESSADE. Because we would first know whom we serve. + +WALLENSTEIN. Begin your address. + +ANSPESSADE (giving the word of command). Shoulder your arms! + +WALLENSTEIN (turning to a third). Thy name is Risbeck; Cologne is thy +birthplace. + +THIRD CUIRASSIER. Risbeck of Cologne. + +WALLENSTEIN. It was thou that broughtest in the Swedish colonel Duebald, +prisoner, in the camp at Nuremberg. + +THIRD CUIRASSIER. It was not I, general. + +WALLENSTRIN. Perfectly right! It was thy elder brother: thou hadst a +younger brother, too: where did he stay? + +THIRD CUIRASSIER. He is stationed at Olmutz, with the imperial army. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the ANSPESSADE). Now then--begin. + +ANSPESSADE. +There came to hand a letter from the emperor +Commanding us---- + +WALLENSTEIN (interrupting him). + Who chose you? + +ANSPESSADE. + Every company +Drew its own man by lot. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Now! to the business. + +ANSPESSADE. +There came to hand a letter from the emperor +Commanding us, collectively, from thee +All duties of obedience to withdraw, +Because thou wert an enemy and traitor. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And what did you determine? + +ANSPESSADE. + All our comrades +At Braunau, Budweiss, Prague, and Olmutz, have +Obeyed already; and the regiments here, +Tiefenbach and Toscano, instantly +Did follow their example. But--but we +Do not believe that thou art an enemy +And traitor to thy country, hold it merely +For lie and trick, and a trumped-up Spanish story! + [With warmth. +Thyself shall tell us what thy purpose is, +For we have found thee still sincere and true +No mouth shall interpose itself betwixt +The gallant general and the gallant troops. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Therein I recognize my Pappenheimers. + +ANSPESSADE. +And this proposal makes thy regiment to thee: +Is it thy purpose merely to preserve +In thine own hands this military sceptre, +Which so becomes thee, which the emperor +Made over to thee by a covenant! +Is it thy purpose merely to remain +Supreme commander of the Austrian armies? +We will stand by thee, general! and guarantee +Thy honest rights against all opposition. +And should it chance, that all the other regiments +Turn from thee, by ourselves we will stand forth +Thy faithful soldiers, and, as is our duty, +Far rather let ourselves be cut to pieces +Than suffer thee to fall. But if it be +As the emperor's letter says, if it be true, +That thou in traitorous wise wilt lead us over +To the enemy, which God in heaven forbid! +Then we too will forsake thee, and obey +That letter---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Hear me, children! + +ANSPESSADE. + Yes, or no, +There needs no other answer. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Yield attention. +You're men of sense, examine for yourselves; +Ye think, and do not follow with the herd: +And therefore have I always shown you honor +Above all others, suffered you to reason; +Have treated you as free men, and my orders +Were but the echoes of your prior suffrage. + +ANSPESSADE. +Most fair and noble has thy conduct been +To us, my general! With thy confidence +Thou has honored us, and shown us grace and favor +Beyond all other regiments; and thou seest +We follow not the common herd. We will +Stand by thee faithfully. Speak but one word-- +Thy word shall satisfy us that it is not +A treason which thou meditatest--that +Thou meanest not to lead the army over +To the enemy; nor e'er betray thy country. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Me, me are they betraying. The emperor +Hath sacrificed me to my enemies, +And I must fall, unless my gallant troops +Will rescue me. See! I confide in you. +And be your hearts my stronghold! At this breast +The aim is taken, at this hoary head. +This is your Spanish gratitude, this is our +Requital for that murderous fight at Luetzen! +For this we threw the naked breast against +The halbert, made for this the frozen earth +Our bed, and the hard stone our pillow! never stream +Too rapid for us, nor wood too impervious; +With cheerful spirit we pursued that Mansfeldt +Through all the turns and windings of his flight: +Yea, our whole life was but one restless march: +And homeless, as the stirring wind, we travelled +O'er the war-wasted earth. And now, even now, +That we have well-nigh finished the hard toil, +The unthankful, the curse-laden toil of weapons, +With faithful indefatigable arm +Have rolled the heavy war-load up the hill, +Behold! this boy of the emperor's bears away +The honors of the peace, an easy prize! +He'll weave, forsooth, into his flaxen locks +The olive branch, the hard-earned ornament +Of this gray head, grown gray beneath the helmet. + +ANSPESSADE. +That shall he not, while we can hinder it! +No one, but thou, who has conducted it +With fame, shall end this war, this frightful war. +Thou leadest us out to the bloody field +Of death; thou and no other shalt conduct us home, +Rejoicing, to the lovely plains of peace-- +Shalt share with us the fruits of the long toil. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What! Think you then at length in late old age +To enjoy the fruits of toil? Believe it not. +Never, no never, will you see the end +Of the contest! you and me, and all of us, +This war will swallow up! War, war, not peace, +Is Austria's wish; and therefore, because I +Endeavored after peace, therefore I fall. +For what cares Austria how long the war +Wears out the armies and lays waste the world! +She will but wax and grow amid the ruin +And still win new domains. + [The CUIRASSIERS express agitation by their gestures. + Ye're moved--I see +A noble rage flash from your eyes, ye warriors! +Oh, that my spirit might possess you now +Daring as once it led you to the battle +Ye would stand by me with your veteran arms, +Protect me in my rights; and this is noble! +But think not that you can accomplish it, +Your scanty number! to no purpose will you +Have sacrificed you for your general. + [Confidentially. +No! let us tread securely, seek for friends; +The Swedes have proffered us assistance, let us +Wear for a while the appearance of good-will, +And use them for your profit, till we both +Carry the fate of Europe in our hands, +And from our camp to the glad jubilant world +Lead peace forth with the garland on her head! + +ANSPESSADE. +'Tis then but mere appearances which thou +Dost put on with the Swede! Thou'lt not betray +The emperor? Wilt not turn us into Swedes? +This is the only thing which we desire +To learn from thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What care I for the Swedes? +I hate them as I hate the pit of hell, +And under Providence I trust right soon +To chase them to their homes across their Baltic. +My cares are only for the whole: I have +A heart--it bleeds within me for the miseries +And piteous groanings of my fellow-Germans. +Ye are but common men, but yet ye think +With minds not common; ye appear to me +Worthy before all others, that I whisper thee +A little word or two in confidence! +See now! already for full fifteen years, +The war-torch has continued burning, yet +No rest, no pause of conflict. Swede and German, +Papist and Lutheran! neither will give way +To the other; every hand's against the other. +Each one is party and no one a judge. +Where shall this end? Where's he that will unravel +This tangle, ever tangling more and more +It must be cut asunder. +I feel that I am the man of destiny, +And trust, with your assistance, to accomplish it. + + + +SCENE XVI. + + To these enter BUTLER. + +BUTLER (passionately). +General! this is not right! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What is not right? + +BUTLER. +It must needs injure us with all honest men. + +WALLENSTEIN. +But what? + +BUTLER. + It is an open proclamation +Of insurrection. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Well, well--but what is it? + +BUTLER. +Count Terzky's regiments tear the imperial eagle +From off his banners, and instead of it +Have reared aloft their arms. + +ANSPESSADE (abruptly to the CUIRASSIERS). + Right about! March! + +WALLENSTEIN. +Cursed be this counsel, and accursed who gave it! + [To the CUIRASSIERS, who are retiring. +Halt, children, halt! There's some mistake in this; +Hark! I will punish it severely. Stop +They do not hear. (To ILLO). Go after them, assure them, +And bring them back to me, cost what it may. + + [ILLO hurries out. + +This hurls us headlong. Butler! Butler! +You are my evil genius, wherefore must you +Announce it in their presence? It was all +In a fair way. They were half won! those madmen +With their improvident over-readiness-- +A cruel game is Fortune playing with me. +The zeal of friends it is that razes me, +And not the hate of enemies. + + + +SCENE XVII. + + To these enter the DUCHESS, who rushes into the chamber; + THEKLA and the COUNTESS follow her. + +DUCHESS. + O Albrecht! +What hast thou done? + +WALLENSTEIN. + And now comes this beside. + +COUNTESS. +Forgive me, brother! It was not in my power-- +They know all. + +DUCHESS. + What hast thou done? + +COUNTESS (to TERZKY). +Is there no hope? Is all lost utterly? + +TERZKY. +All lost. No hope. Prague in the emperor's hands, +The soldiery have taken their oaths anew. + +COUNTESS. +That lurking hypocrite, Octavio! +Count Max. is off too. + +TERZKY. + Where can he be? He's +Gone over to the emperor with his father. + + [THEKLA rushes out into the arms of her mother, hiding her face + in her bosom. + +DUCHESS (enfolding her in her arms). +Unhappy child! and more unhappy mother! + +WALLENSTEIN (aside to TERZKY). +Quick! Let a carriage stand in readiness +In the court behind the palace. Scherfenberg, +Be their attendant; he is faithful to us. +To Egra he'll conduct them, and we follow. + [To ILLO, who returns. +Thou hast not brought them back? + +ILLO. + Hear'st thou the uproar? +The whole corps of the Pappenheimers is +Drawn out: the younger Piccolomini, +Their colonel, they require: for they affirm, +That he is in the palace here, a prisoner; +And if thou dost not instantly deliver him, +They will find means to free him with the sword. + + [All stand amazed. + +TERZKY. +What shall we make of this? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Said I not so? +O my prophetic heart! he is still here. +He has not betrayed me--he could not betray me. +I never doubted of it. + +COUNTESS. + If he be +Still here, then all goes well; for I know what + [Embracing THEKLA. +Will keep him here forever. + +TERZKY. + It can't be. +His father has betrayed us, is gone over +To the emperor--the son could not have ventured +To stay behind. + +THEKLA (her eye fixed on the door). + There he is! + + + +SCENE XVIII. + + To these enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI. + +MAX. +Yes, here he is! I can endure no longer +To creep on tiptoe round this house, and lurk +In ambush for a favorable moment: +This loitering, this suspense exceeds my powers. + + [Advancing to THEKLA, who has thrown herself into her mother's arms. + +Turn not thine eyes away. O look upon me! +Confess it freely before all. Fear no one. +Let who will hear that we both love each other. +Wherefore continue to conceal it? Secrecy +Is for the happy--misery, hopeless misery, +Needeth no veil! Beneath a thousand suns +It dares act openly. + + [He observes the COUNTESS looking on THEKLA with expressions + of triumph. + + No, lady! No! +Expect not, hope it not. I am not come +To stay: to bid farewell, farewell forever. +For this I come! 'Tis over! I must leave thee! +Thekla, I must--must leave thee! Yet thy hatred +Let me not take with me. I pray thee, grant me +One look of sympathy, only one look. +Say that thou dost not hate me. Say it to me, Thekla! + + [Grasps her hand. + +O God! I cannot leave this spot--I cannot! +Cannot let go this hand. O tell me, Thekla! +That thou dost suffer with me, art convinced +That I cannot act otherwise. + + [THEKLA, avoiding his look, points with her hand to her father. + MAX. turns round to the DUKE, whom he had not till then perceived. + +Thou here? It was not thou whom here I sought. +I trusted never more to have beheld thee, +My business is with her alone. Here will I +Receive a full acquittal from this heart; +For any other I am no more concerned. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Think'st thou that, fool-like, I shall let thee go, +And act the mock-magnanimous with thee? +Thy father is become a villain to me; +I hold thee for his son, and nothing more +Nor to no purpose shalt thou have been given +Into my power. Think not, that I will honor +That ancient love, which so remorselessly +He mangled. They are now passed by, those hours +Of friendship and forgiveness. Hate and vengeance +Succeed--'tis now their turn--I too can throw +All feelings of the man aside--can prove +Myself as much a monster as thy father! + +MAX (calmly). +Thou wilt proceed with me as thou hast power. +Thou knowest I neither brave nor fear thy rage. +What has detained me here, that too thou knowest. + [Taking THEKLA by the hand. +See, duke! All--all would I have owed to thee, +Would have received from thy paternal hand +The lot of blessed spirits. That hast thou +Laid waste forever--that concerns not thee. +Indifferent thou tramplest in the dust +Their happiness who most are thine. The god +Whom thou dost serve is no benignant deity, +Like as the blind, irreconcilable, +Fierce element, incapable of compact. +Thy heart's wild impulse only dost thou follow. [5] + +WALLENSTEIN. +Thou art describing thy own father's heart. +The adder! Oh, the charms of hell o'erpowered me +He dwelt within me, to my inmost soul +Still to and fro he passed, suspected never. +On the wide ocean, in the starry heaven +Did mine eyes seek the enemy, whom I +In my heart's heart had folded! Had I been +To Ferdinand what Octavio was to me, +War had I ne'er denounced against him. +No, I never could have done it. The emperor was +My austere master only, not my friend. +There was already war 'twixt him and me +When he delivered the commander's staff +Into my hands; for there's a natural +Unceasing war twixt cunning and suspicion; +Peace exists only betwixt confidence +And faith. Who poisons confidence, he murders +The future generations. + +MAX. + I will not +Defend my father. Woe is me, I cannot! +Hard deeds and luckless have taken place; one crime +Drags after it the other in close link. +But we are innocent: how have we fallen +Into this circle of mishap and guilt? +To whom have we been faithless? Wherefore must +The evil deeds and guilt reciprocal +Of our two fathers twine like serpents round us? + Why must our fathers' +Unconquerable hate rend us asunder, +Who love each other? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Max., remain with me. +Go you not from me, Max.! Hark! I will tell thee---- +How when at Prague, our winter quarters, thou +Wert brought into my tent a tender boy, +Not yet accustomed to the German winters; +Thy hand was frozen to the heavy colors; +Thou wouldst not let them go. +At that time did I take thee in my arms, +And with my mantle did I cover thee; +I was thy nurse, no woman could have been +A kinder to thee; I was not ashamed +To do for thee all little offices, +However strange to me; I tended thee +Till life returned; and when thine eyes first opened, +I had thee in my arms. Since then, when have +Altered my feelings toward thee? Many thousands +Have I made rich, presented them with lands; +Rewarded them with dignities and honors; +Thee have I loved: my heart, my self, I gave +To thee; They all were aliens: thou wert +Our child and inmate. [6] Max.! Thou canst not leave me; +It cannot be; I may not, will not think +That Max. can leave me. + +MAX. + Ob, my God! + +WALLENSTEIN + I have +Held and sustained thee from thy tottering childhood. +What holy bond is there of natural love, +What human tie that does not knit thee to me? +I love thee, Max.! What did thy father for thee, +Which I too have not done, to the height of duty? +Go hence, forsake me, serve thy emperor; +He will reward thee with a pretty chain +Of gold; with his ram's fleece will he reward thee; +For that the friend, the father of thy youth, +For that the holiest feeling of humanity, +Was nothing worth to thee. + +MAX. + O God! how can I +Do otherwise. Am I not forced to do it, +My oath--my duty--my honor---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + How? Thy duty? +Duty to whom? Who art thou? Max.! bethink thee +What duties may'st thou have? If I am acting +A criminal part toward the emperor, +It is my crime, not thine. Dost thou belong +To thine own self? Art thou thine own commander? +Stand'st thou, like me, a freeman in the world, +That in thy actions thou shouldst plead free agency? +On me thou art planted, I am thy emperor; +To obey me, to belong to me, this is +Thy honor, this a law of nature to thee! +And if the planet on the which thou livest +And hast thy dwelling, from its orbit starts. +It is not in thy choice, whether or no +Thou'lt follow it. Unfelt it whirls thee onward +Together with his ring, and all his moons. +With little guilt steppest thou into this contest; +Thee will the world not censure, it will praise thee, +For that thou held'st thy friend more worth to thee +Than names and influences more removed +For justice is the virtue of the ruler, +Affection and fidelity the subject's. +Not every one doth it beseem to question +The far-off high Arcturus. Most securely +Wilt thou pursue the nearest duty: let +The pilot fix his eye upon the pole-star. + + + +SCENE XIX. + + To these enter NEUMANN. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What now? + +NEUMANN. + The Pappenheimers are dismounted, +And are advancing now on foot, determined +With sword in hand to storm the house, and free +The count, their colonel. + +WALLENSTEIN (to TERZKY). + Have the cannon planted. +I will receive them with chain-shot. + [Exit TERZKY. +Prescribe to me with sword in hand! Go, Neumann! +'Tis my command that they retreat this moment, +And in their ranks in silence wait my pleasure. + + [NEUMANN exit. ILLO steps to the window. + +COUNTESS. +Let him go, I entreat thee, let him go. + +ILLO (at the window). +Hell and perdition! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What is it? + +ILLO. +They scale the council-house, the roof's uncovered, +They level at this house the cannon---- + +MAX. + Madmen + +ILLO. +They are making preparations now to fire on us. + +DUCHESS and COUNTESS. +Merciful heaven! + +MAX. (to WALLENSTEIN). + Let me go to them! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Not a step! + +MAX. (pointing to THEKLA and the DUCHESS). +But their life! Thine! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What tidings bringest thou, Terzky? + + + +SCENE XX. + + To these TERZKY returning. + +TERZKY. +Message and greeting from our faithful regiments. +Their ardor may no longer be curbed in. +They entreat permission to commence the attack; +And if thou wouldst but give the word of onset +They could now charge the enemy in rear, +Into the city wedge them, and with ease +O'erpower them in the narrow streets. + +ILLO. + Oh come +Let not their ardor cool. The soldiery +Of Butler's corps stand by us faithfully; +We are the greater number. Let us charge them +And finish here in Pilsen the revolt. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What? shall this town become a field of slaughter, +And brother-killing discord, fire-eyed, +Be let loose through its streets to roam and rage? +Shall the decision be delivered over +To deaf remorseless rage, that hears no leader? +Here is not room for battle, only for butchery. +Well, let it be! I have long thought of it, +So let it burst then! + [Turns to MAX. + Well, how is it with thee? +Wilt thou attempt a heat with me. Away! +Thou art free to go. Oppose thyself to me, +Front against front, and lead them to the battle; +Thou'rt skilled in war, thou hast learned somewhat under me, +I need not be ashamed of my opponent, +And never hadst thou fairer opportunity +To pay me for thy schooling. + +COUNTESS. + Is it then, +Can it have come to this? What! Cousin, cousin! +Have you the heart? + +MAX. +The regiments that are trusted to my care +I have pledged my troth to bring away from Pilsen +True to the emperor; and this promise will I +Make good, or perish. More than this no duty +Requires of me. I will not fight against thee, +Unless compelled; for though an enemy, +Thy head is holy to me still, + + [Two reports of cannon. ILLO and TERZKY hurry to the window. + +WALLENSTEIN. +What's that? + +TERZBY. + He falls. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Falls! Who? + +ILLO. + Tiefenbach's corps +Discharged the ordnance. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Upon whom? + +ILLO. + On--Neumann, +Your messenger. + +WALLENSTEIN (starting up). + Ha! Death and hell! I will---- + +TERZKY. +Expose thyself to their blind frenzy? + +DUCHESS and COUNTESS. + No! +For God's sake, no! + +ILLO. + Not yet, my general! +Oh, hold him! hold him! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Leave me---- + +MAX. + Do it not; +Not yet! This rash and bloody deed has thrown them +Into a frenzy-fit--allow them time---- + +WALLENSTEIN. +Away! too long already have I loitered. +They are emboldened to these outrages, +Beholding not my face. They shall behold +My countenance, shall hear my voice-- +Are they not my troops? Am I not their general, +And their long-feared commander! Let me see, +Whether indeed they do no longer know +That countenance which was their sun in battle! +From the balcony (mark!) I show myself +To these rebellious forces, and at once +Revolt is mounded, and the high-swollen current +Shrinks back into the old bed of obedience. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN; ILLO, TERZKY, and BUTLER follow. + + + +SCENE XXI. + + COUNTESS, DUCHESS, MAX., and THEKLA. + +COUNTESS (to the DUCHESS). +Let them but see him--there is hope still, sister. + +DUCHESS. +Hope! I have none! + +MAX. (who during the last scene has been standing at a distance, in a +visible struggle of feelings advances). + This can I not endure. +With most determined soul did I come hither; +My purposed action seemed unblamable +To my own conscience--and I must stand here +Like one abhorred, a hard, inhuman being: +Yea, loaded with the curse of all I love! +Must see all whom I love in this sore anguish, +Whom I with one word can make happy--O! +My heart revolts within me, and two voices +Make themselves audible within my bosom. +My soul's benighted; I no longer can +Distinguish the right track. Oh, well and truly +Didst thou say, father, I relied too much +On my own heart. My mind moves to and fro-- +I know not what to do. + +COUNTESS. + What! you know not? +Does not your own heart tell you? Oh! then I +Will tell it you. Your father is a traitor, +A frightful traitor to us--he has plotted +Against our general's life, has plunged us all +In misery--and you're his son! 'Tis yours +To make the amends. Make you the son's fidelity +Outweigh the father's treason, that the name +Of Piccolomini be not a proverb +Of infamy, a common form of cursing +To the posterity of Wallenstein. + +MAX. +Where is that voice of truth which I dare follow! +It speaks no longer in my heart. We all +But utter what our passionate wishes dictate: +Oh that an angel would descend from heaven, +And scoop for me the right, the uncorrupted, +With a pure hand from the pure Fount of light. + [His eyes glance on THEKLA. +What other angel seek I? To this heart, +To this unerring heart, will I submit it; +Will ask thy love, which has the power to bless +The happy man alone, averted ever +From the disquieted and guilty--canst thou +Still love me, if I stay? Say that thou canst, +And I am the duke's---- + +COUNTESS. + Think, niece---- + +MAX. + Think nothing, Thekla! +Speak what thou feelest. + +COUNTESS. + Think upon your father. + +MAX. +I did not question thee, as Friedland's daughter. +Thee, the beloved and the unerring God +Within thy heart, I question. What's at stake? +Not whether diadem of royalty +Be to be won or not--that mightest thou think on. +Thy friend, and his soul's quiet are at stake: +The fortune of a thousand gallant men, +Who will all follow me; shall I forswear +My oath and duty to the emperor? +Say, shall I send into Octavio's camp +The parricidal ball? For when the ball +Has left its cannon, and is on its flight, +It is no longer a dead instrument! +It lives, a spirit passes into it; +The avenging furies seize possession of it, +And with sure malice, guide it the worst way. + +THEKLA. +Oh! Max.---- + +MAX. (interrupting her). + Nay, not precipitately either, Thekla. +I understand thee. To thy noble heart +The hardest duty might appear the highest. +The human, not the great part, would I act. +Even from my childhood to this present hour, +Think what the duke has done for me, how loved me +And think, too, how my father has repaid him. +Oh likewise the free lovely impulses +Of hospitality, the pious friend's +Faithful attachment, these, too, are a holy +Religion to the heart; and heavily +The shudderings of nature do avenge +Themselves on the barbarian that insults them. +Lay all upon the balance, all--then speak, +And let thy heart decide it. + +THEKLA. + Oh, thy own +Hath long ago decided. Follow thou +Thy heart's first feeling---- + +COUNTESS. + Oh! ill-fated woman! + +THEKLA. +Is it possible, that that can be the right, +The which thy tender heart did not at first +Detect and seize with instant impulse? Go, +Fulfil thy duty! I should ever love thee. +Whate'er thou hast chosen, thou wouldst still have acted +Nobly and worthy of thee--but repentance +Shall ne'er disturb thy soul's fair peace. + +MAX. + Then I +Must leave thee, must part from thee! + +THEKLA. + Being faithful +To thine own self, thou art faithful, too, to me: +If our fates part, our hearts remain united. +A bloody hatred will divide forever +The houses Piccolomini and Friedland; +But we belong not to our houses. Go! +Quick! quick! and separate thy righteous cause +From our unholy and unblessed one! +The curse of heaven lies upon our head: +'Tis dedicate to ruin. Even me +My father's guilt drags with it to perdition. +Mourn not for me: +My destiny will quickly be decided. + + [MAX. clasps her in his arms in extreme emotion. There is heard + from behind the scene a loud, wild, long-continued cry, Vivat + Ferdinandus! accompanied by warlike instruments. MAX. and THEKLA + remain without motion in each other's embraces. + + + +SCENE XXII. + + To the above enter TERZKY. + +COUNTESS (meeting him). +What meant that cry? What was it? + +TERZKY. + All is lost! + +COUNTESS. +What! they regarded not his countenance? + +TERZKY. +'Twas all in vain. + +DUCHESS. + They shouted Vivat! + +TERZKY. + To the emperor. + +COUNTESS. +The traitors? + +TERZKY. + Nay! he was not permitted +Even to address them. Soon as he began, +With deafening noise of warlike instruments +They drowned his words. But here he comes. + + + +SCENE XXIII. + + To these enter WALLENSTEIN, accompanied by ILLO and BUTLER. + +WALLENSTEIN (as he enters). +Terzky! + +TERZKY. + My general! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Let our regiments hold themselves +In readiness to march; for we shall leave +Pilsen ere evening. + [Exit TERZKY. + Butler! + +BUTLER. + Yes, my general. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The Governor of Egra is your friend +And countryman. Write him instantly +By a post courier. He must be advised, +That we are with him early on the morrow. +You follow us yourself, your regiment with you. + +BUTLER. +It shall be done, my general! + +WALLENSTEIN (steps between MAX. and THEKLA, who have remained during this +time in each other's arms). + Part! + +MAX. + O God! + + [CUIRASSIERS enter with drawn swords, and assemble in the + background. At the same time there are heard from below some + spirited passages out of the Pappenheim March, which seem to + address MAX. + +WALLENSTEIN (to the CUIRASSIERS). +Here he is, he is at liberty: I keep him +No longer. + + [He turns away, and stands so that MAX. cannot pass by him + nor approach the PRINCESS. + +MAX. +Thou know'st that I have not yet learnt to live +Without thee! I go forth into a desert, +Leaving my all behind me. Oh, do not turn +Thine eyes away from me! Oh, once more show me +Thy ever dear and honored countenance. + + [MAX. attempts to take his hand, but is repelled: he + turns to the COUNTESS. + +Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me? + + [The COUNTESS turns away from him; he turns to the DUCHESS. + +My mother! + +DUCHESS. + + Go where duty calls you. Haply +The time may come when you may prove to us +A true friend, a good angel at the throne +Of the emperor. + +MAX. + You give me hope; you would not +Suffer me wholly to despair. No! no! +Mine is a certain misery. Thanks to heaven! +That offers me a means of ending it. + + [The military music begins again. The stage fills more and more + with armed men. MAX. sees BUTLER and addresses him. + +And you here, Colonel Butler--and will you +Not follow me? Well, then, remain more faithful +To your new lord, than you have proved yourself +To the emperor. Come, Butler! promise me. +Give me your hand upon it, that you'll be +The guardian of his life, its shield, its watchman. +He is attainted, and his princely head +Fair booty for each slave that trades in murder. +Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendship, +And those whom here I see---- + + [Casting suspicious looks on ILLO and BUTLER. + +ILLO. + Go--seek for traitors +In Gallas', in your father's quarters. Here +Is only one. Away! away! and free us +From his detested sight! Away! + + [MAX. attempts once more to approach THERLA. WALLENSTEIN prevents + him. MAX. stands irresolute, and in apparent anguish, In the + meantime the stage fills more and more; and the horns sound from + below louder and louder, and each time after a shorter interval. + +MAX. +Blow, blow! Oh, were it but the Swedish trumpets, +And all the naked swords, which I see here, +Were plunged into my breast! What purpose you? +You come to tear me from this place! Beware, +Ye drive me not to desperation. Do it not! +Ye may repent it! + + [The stage is entirely filled with armed men. + +Yet more! weight upon weight to drag me down +Think what ye're doing. It is not well done +To choose a man despairing for your leader; +You tear me from my happiness. Well, then, +I dedicate your souls to vengeance. Mark! +For your own ruin you have chosen me +Who goes with me must be prepared to perish. + + [He turns to the background; there ensues a sudden and violent + movement among the CUIRASSIERS; they surround him, and carry him + off in wild tumult. WALLENSTEIN remains immovable. THERLA sinks + into her mother's arms. The curtain falls. The music becomes + loud and overpowering, and passes into a complete war-march--the + orchestra joins it--and continues during the interval between the + second and third acts. + + + + +ACT IV. + +SCENE I. + + The BURGOMASTER's house at Egra. + +BUTLER (just arrived). +Here then he is by his destiny conducted. +Here, Friedland! and no further! From Bohemia +Thy meteor rose, traversed the sky awhile, +And here upon the borders of Bohemia +Must sink. + Thou hast forsworn the ancient colors, +Blind man! yet trustest to thy ancient fortunes. +Profaner of the altar and the hearth, +Against thy emperor and fellow-citizens +Thou meanest to wage the war. Friedland, beware-- +The evil spirit of revenge impels thee-- +Beware thou, that revenge destroy thee not! + + + +SCENE II. + + BUTLER and GORDON. + +GORDON. + Is it you? +How my heart sinks! The duke a fugitive traitor! +His princely head attainted! Oh, my God! +Tell me, general, I implore thee, tell me +In full, of all these sad events at Pilsen. + +BUTLER. +You have received the letter which I sent you +By a post-courier? + +GORDON. + Yes: and in obedience to it +Opened the stronghold to him without scruple, +For an imperial letter orders me +To follow your commands implicitly. +But yet forgive me! when even now I saw +The duke himself, my scruples recommenced. +For truly, not like an attainted man, +Into this town did Friedland make his entrance; +His wonted majesty beamed from his brow, +And calm, as in the days when all was right, +Did he receive from me the accounts of office. +'Tis said, that fallen pride learns condescension. +But sparing and with dignity the duke +Weighed every syllable of approbation, +As masters praise a servant who has done +His duty and no more. + +BUTLER. + 'Tis all precisely +As I related in my letter. Friedland +Has sold the army to the enemy, +And pledged himself to give up Prague and Egra. +On this report the regiments all forsook him, +The five excepted that belong to Terzky, +And which have followed him, as thou hast seen. +The sentence of attainder is passed on him, +And every loyal subject is required +To give him in to justice, dead or living. + +GORDON. +A traitor to the emperor. Such a noble! +Of such high talents! What is human greatness? +I often said, this can't end happily. +His might, his greatness, and this obscure power +Are but a covered pitfall. The human being +May not be trusted to self-government. +The clear and written law, the deep-trod footmarks +Of ancient custom, are all necessary +To keep him in the road of faith and duty. +The authority intrusted to this man +Was unexampled and unnatural, +It placed him on a level with his emperor, +Till the proud soul unlearned submission. Woe is me! +I mourn for him! for where he fell, I deem +Might none stand firm. Alas! dear general, +We in our lucky mediocrity +Have ne'er experienced, cannot calculate, +What dangerous wishes such a height may breed +In the heart of such a man. + +BUTLER. + Spare your laments +Till he need sympathy; for at this present +He is still mighty, and still formidable. +The Swedes advance to Egra by forced marches, +And quickly will the junction be accomplished. +This must not be! The duke must never leave +This stronghold on free footing; for I have +Pledged life and honor here to hold him prisoner, +And your assistance 'tis on which I calculate. + +GORDON. +O that I had not lived to see this day! +From his hand I received this dignity, +He did himself intrust this stronghold to me, +Which I am now required to make his dungeon. +We subalterns have no will of our own: +The free, the mighty man alone may listen +To the fair impulse of his human nature. +Ah! we are but the poor tools of the law, +Obedience the sole virtue we dare aim at! + +BUTLER. +Nay! let it not afflict you, that your power +Is circumscribed. Much liberty, much error! +The narrow path of duty is securest. +And all then have deserted him you say? +He has built up the luck of many thousands +For kingly was his spirit: his full hand +Was ever open! Many a one from dust + [With a sly glance on BUTLER. +Hath he selected, from the very dust +Hath raised him into dignity and honor. +And yet no friend, not one friend hath he purchased, +Whose heart beats true to him in the evil hour. + +BUTLER. +Here's one, I see. + +GORDON. + I have enjoyed from him +No grace or favor. I could almost doubt, +If ever in his greatness he once thought on +An old friend of his youth. For still my office +Kept me at distance from him; and when first +He to this citadel appointed me, +He was sincere and serious in his duty. +I do not then abuse his confidence, +If I preserve my fealty in that +Which to my fealty was first delivered. + +BUTLER. +Say, then, will you fulfil the attainder on him, +And lend your aid to take him in arrest? + +GORDON (pauses, reflecting--then as in deep dejection). +If it be so--if all be as you say-- +If he've betrayed the emperor, his master, +Have sold the troops, have purposed to deliver +The strongholds of the country to the enemy-- +Yea, truly!--there is no redemption for him! +Yet it is hard, that me the lot should destine +To be the instrument of his perdition; +For we were pages at the court of Bergau +At the same period; but I was the senior. + +BUTLER. +I have heard so---- + +GORDON. + 'Tis full thirty years since then, +A youth who scarce had seen his twentieth year +Was Wallenstein, when he and I were friends +Yet even then he had a daring soul: +His frame of mind was serious and severe +Beyond his years: his dreams were of great objects +He walked amidst us of a silent spirit, +Communing with himself; yet I have known him +Transported on a sudden into utterance +Of strange conceptions; kindling into splendor +His soul revealed itself, and he spake so +That we looked round perplexed upon each other, +Not knowing whether it were craziness, +Or whether it were a god that spoke in him. + +BUTLER. +But was it where he fell two story high +From a window-ledge, on which he had fallen asleep +And rose up free from injury? From this day +(It is reported) he betrayed clear marks +Of a distempered fancy. + +GORDON. + He became +Doubtless more self-enwrapped and melancholy; +He made himself a Catholic. [7] Marvellously +His marvellous preservation had transformed him. +Thenceforth he held himself for an exempted +And privileged being, and, as if he were +Incapable of dizziness or fall, +He ran along the unsteady rope of life. +But now our destinies drove us asunder; +He paced with rapid step the way of greatness, +Was count, and prince, duke-regent, and dictator, +And now is all, all this too little for him; +He stretches forth his hands for a king's crown, +And plunges in unfathomable ruin. + +BUTLER. +No more, he comes. + + + +SCENE III. + + To these enter WALLENSTEIN, in conversation with the + BURGOMASTER of Egra. + +WALLENSTEIN. +You were at one time a free town. I see +Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms. +Why the half eagle only? + +BURGOMASTER. + We were free, +But for these last two hundred years has Egra +Remained in pledge to the Bohemian crown; +Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half +Being cancelled till the empire ransom us, +If ever that should be. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ye merit freedom. +Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears +To no designing whispering court-minions. +What may your imposts be? + +BURGOMASTER. + So heavy that +We totter under them. The garrison +Lives at our costs. + +WALLENSTEIN. + I will relieve you. Tell me, +There are some Protestants among you still? + [The BURGOMASTER hesitates. +Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie concealed +Within these walls. Confess now, you yourself---- + [Fixes, his eye on him. The BURGOMASTER alarmed. +Be not alarmed. I hate the Jesuits. +Could my will have determined it they had +Been long ago expelled the empire. Trust me-- +Mass-book or Bible, 'tis all one to me. +Of that the world has had sufficient proof. +I built a church for the Reformed in Glogau +At my own instance. Hark ye, burgomaster! +What is your name? + +BURGOMASTER. + Pachhalbel, my it please you. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Hark ye! But let it go no further, what I now +Disclose to you in confidence. + [Laying his hand on the BURGOMASTER'S shoulder with a certain + solemnity. + The times +Draw near to their fulfilment, burgomaster! +The high will fall, the low will be exalted. +Hark ye! But keep it to yourself! The end +Approaches of the Spanish double monarchy-- +A new arrangement is at hand. You saw +The three moons that appeared at once in the heaven? + +BURGOMASTER. +With wonder and affright! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Whereof did two +Strangely transform themselves to bloody daggers, +And only one, the middle moon, remained +Steady and clear. + +BURGOMASTER. + We applied it to the Turks. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The Turks! That all? I tell you that two empires +Will set in blood, in the East and in the West, +And Lutherism alone remain. + [Observing GORDON and BUTLER. + I'faith, +'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard +This evening, as we journeyed hitherward: +'Twas on our left hand. Did ye hear it here? + +GORDON. +Distinctly. The wind brought it from the south. + +BUTLER. +It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt. + +WALLENSTEIN. +'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking. +How strong is the garrison? + +GORDON. + Not quite two hundred +Competent men, the rest are invalids. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim? + +GORDON. +Two hundred arquebusiers have I sent thither +To fortify the posts against the Swedes. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too +You have done somewhat? + +GORDON. + Two additional batteries +I caused to be run up. They were needless; +The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, general! + +WALLENSTEIN. +You have been watchful in your emperor's service. +I am content with you, lieutenant-colonel. + [To BUTLER. +Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim, +With all the stations in the enemy's route. + [To GORDON. +Governor, in your faithful hands I leave +My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I +Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival +Of letters to take leave of you, together +With all the regiments. + + + +SCENE IV. + + To these enter COUNT TERZKY. + +TERZKY. +Joy, general, joy! I bring you welcome tidings. + +WALLENSTEIN. +And what may they be? + +TERZKY. + There has been an engagement +At Neustadt; the Swedes gained the victory. + +WALLENSTEIN. +From whence did you receive the intelligence? + +TERZKY. +A countryman from Tirschenreut conveyed it. +Soon after sunrise did the fight begin +A troop of the imperialists from Tachau +Had forced their way into the Swedish camp; +The cannonade continued full two hours; +There were left dead upon the field a thousand +Imperialists, together with their colonel; +Further than this he did not know. + +WALLENSTEIN. + How came +Imperial troops at Neustadt? Altringer, +But yesterday, stood sixty miles from there. +Count Gallas' force collects at Frauenberg, +And have not the full complement. Is it possible +That Suys perchance had ventured so far onward? +It cannot be. + +TERZKY. + We shall soon know the whole, +For here comes Illo, full of haste, and joyous. + + + +SCENE V. + + To these enter ILLO. + +ILLO (to WALLENSTEIN). +A courier, duke! he wishes to speak with thee. + +TERZKY (eagerly). +Does he bring confirmation of the victory? + +WALLENSTEIN (at the same time). +What does he bring? Whence comes he? + +ILLO. + From the Rhinegrave, +And what he brings I can announce to you +Beforehand. Seven leagues distant are the Swedes; +At Neustadt did Max. Piccolomini +Throw himself on them with the cavalry; +A murderous fight took place! o'erpowered by numbers +The Pappenheimers all, with Max. their leader, + [WALLENSTEIN shudders and turns pale. +Were left dead on the field. + +WALLENSTEIN (after a pause, in a low voice). +Where is the messenger? Conduct me to him. + + [WALLENSTEIN is going, when LADY NEUBRUNN rushes into the room. + Some servants follow her and run across the stage. + +NEUBRUNN. +Help! Help! + +ILLO and TERZKY (at the same time). + What now? + +NEUBRUNN. + The princess! + +WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY. + Does she know it? + +NEUBRUNN (at the same time with them). +She is dying! + + [Hurries off the stage, when WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY follow her. + + + +SCENE VI. + + BUTLER and GORDON. + +GORDON. +What's this? + +BUTLER. +She has lost the man she loved-- +Young Piccolomini, who fell in the battle. + +GORDON. +Unfortunate lady! + +BUTLER. + You have heard what Illo +Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerers, +And marching hitherward. + +GORDON. + Too well I heard it. + +BUTLER. +They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five +Close by us to protect the duke. We have +Only my single regiment; and the garrison +Is not two hundred strong. + +GORDON. + 'Tis even so. + +BUTLER. +It is not possible with such small force +To hold in custody a man like him. + +GORDON. +I grant it. + +BUTLER. + Soon the numbers would disarm us, +And liberate him. + +GORDON. + It were to be feared. + +BUTLER (after a pause). +Know, I am warranty for the event; +With my head have I pledged myself for his, +Must make my word good, cost it what it will, +And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner, +Why--death makes all things certain! + +GORDON. + Sutler! What? +Do I understand you? Gracious God! You could---- + +BUTLER. +He must not live. + +GORDON. + And you can do the deed? + +BUTLER. +Either you or I. This morning was his last. + +GORDON. +You would assassinate him? + +BUTLER. + 'Tis my purpose. + +GORDON. +Who leans with his whole confidence upon you! + +BUTLER. +Such is his evil destiny! + +GORDON. + Your general! +The sacred person of your general! + +BUTLER. +My general he has been. + +GORDON. + That 'tis only +An "has been" washes out no villany, +And without judgment passed. + +BUTLER. + The execution +Is here instead of judgment. + +GORDON. + This were murder, +Not justice. The most guilty should be heard. + +BUTLER. +His guilt is clear, the emperor has passed judgment, +And we but execute his will. + +GORDON. + We should not +Hurry to realize a bloody sentence. +A word may be recalled, a life never can be. + +BUTLER. +Despatch in service pleases sovereigns. + +GORDON. +No honest man's ambitious to press forward +To the hangman's service. + +BUTLER. + And no brave man loses +His color at a daring enterprise. + +GORDON. +A brave man hazards life, but not his conscience. + +BUTLER. +What then? Shall he go forth anew to kindle +The unextinguishable flame of war? + +GORDON. +Seize him, and hold him prisoner--do not kill him. + +BUTLER. +Had not the emperor's army been defeated +I might have done so. But 'tis now passed by. + +GORDON. +Oh, wherefore opened I the stronghold to him? + +BUTLER. +His destiny, and not the place destroys him. + +GORDON. +Upon these ramparts, as beseemed a soldier-- +I had fallen, defending the emperor's citadel! + +BUTLER. +Yes! and a thousand gallant men have perished! + +GORDON. +Doing their duty--that adorns the man! +But murder's a black deed, and nature curses it. + +BUTLER (brings out a paper). +Here is the manifesto which commands us +To gain possession of his person. See-- +It is addressed to you as well as me. +Are you content to take the consequences, +If through our fault he escape to the enemy? + +GORDON. +I? Gracious God! + +BUTLER. + Take it on yourself. +Come of it what may, on you I lay it. + +GORDON. +Oh, God in heaven! + +BUTLER. + Can you advise aught else +Wherewith to execute the emperor's purpose? +Say if you can. For I desire his fall, +Not his destruction. + +GORDON. + Merciful heaven! what must be +I see as clear as you. Yet still the heart +Within my bosom beats with other feelings! + +BUTLER. +Mine is of harder stuff! Necessity +In her rough school hath steeled me. And this Illo, +And Terzky likewise, they must not survive him. + +GORDON. +I feel no pang for these. Their own bad hearts +Impelled them, not the influence of the stars. +'Twas they who strewed the seeds of evil passions +In his calm breast, and with officious villany +Watered and nursed the poisonous plants. May they +Receive their earnests to the uttermost mite! + +BUTLER. +And their death shall precede his! +We meant to have taken them alive this evening +Amid the merrymaking of a feast, +And keep them prisoners in the citadel, +But this makes shorter work. I go this instant +To give the necessary orders. + + + +SCENE VII. + + To these enter ILLO and TERZKY. + +TERZKY. +Our luck is on the turn. To-morrow come +The Swedes--twelve thousand gallant warriors, Illo! +Then straightwise for Vienna. Cheerily, friend! +What! meet such news with such a moody face? + +ILLO. +It lies with us at present to prescribe +Laws, and take vengeance on those worthless traitors +Those skulking cowards that deserted us; +One has already done his bitter penance, +The Piccolomini: be his the fate +Of all who wish us evil! This flies sure +To the old man's heart; he has his whole life long +Fretted and toiled to raise his ancient house +From a count's title to the name of prince; +And now must seek a grave for his only son. + +BUTLER. +'Twas pity, though! A youth of such heroic +And gentle temperament! The duke himself, +'Twas easily seen, how near it went to his heart. + +ILLO. +Hark ye, old friend! That is the very point +That never pleased me in our general-- +He ever gave the preference to the Italians. +Yea, at this very moment, by my soul! +He'd gladly see us all dead ten times over, +Could he thereby recall his friend to life. + +TERZKY. +Hush, hush! Let the dead rest! This evening's business +Is, who can fairly drink the other down-- +Your regiment, Illo! gives the entertainment. +Come! we will keep a merry carnival +The night for once be day, and 'mid full glasses +Will we expect the Swedish avant-garde. + +ILLO. +Yes, let us be of good cheer for to-day, +For there's hot work before us, friends! This sword +Shall have no rest till it is bathed to the hilt +In Austrian blood. + +GORDON. +Shame, shame! what talk is this, +My lord field-marshal? Wherefore foam you so +Against your emperor? + +BUTLER. + Hope not too much +From this first victory. Bethink you, sirs! +How rapidly the wheel of fortune turns; +The emperor still is formidably strong. + +ILLO. +The emperor has soldiers, no commander, +For this King Ferdinand of Hungary +Is but a tyro. Gallas? He's no luck, +And was of old the ruiner of armies. +And then this viper, this Octavio, +Is excellent at stabbing in the back, +But ne'er meets Friedland in the open field. + +TERZKY. +Trust me, my friends, it cannot but succeed; +Fortune, we know, can ne'er forsake the duke!-- +And only under Wallenstein can Austria +Be conqueror. + +ILLO. +The duke will soon assemble +A mighty army: all come crowding, streaming +To banners, dedicate by destiny +To fame, and prosperous fortune. I behold +Old times come back again! he will become +Once more the mighty lord which he has been. +How will the fools, who've how deserted him, +Look then? I can't but laugh to think of them, +For lands will he present to all his friends, +And like a king and emperor reward +True services; but we've the nearest claims. + [To GORDON. +You will not be forgotten, governor! +He'll take from you this nest, and bid you shine +In higher station: your fidelity +Well merits it. + +GORDON. + I am content already, +And wish to climb no higher; where great height is, +The fall must needy be great. "Great height, great depth." + +ILLO. +Here you have no more business, for to-morrow +The Swedes will take possession of the citadel. +Come, Terzky, it is supper-time. What think you? +Nay, shall we have the town illuminated +In honor of the Swede? And who refuses +To do it is a Spaniard and a traitor. + +TERZKY. +Nay! nay! not that, it will not please the duke---- + +ILLO. +What; we are masters here; no soul shall dare +Avow himself imperial where we've the rule. +Gordon! good-night, and for the last time take +A fair leave of the place. Send out patrols +To make secure, the watchword may be altered. +At the stroke of ten deliver in the keys +To the duke himself, and then you've quit forever +Your wardship of the gates, for on to-morrow +The Swedes will take possession of the citadel. + +TERZKY (as he is going, to BUTLER). +You come, though, to the castle? + +BUTLER. + At the right time. + + [Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + GORDON and BUTLER. + +GORDON (looking after them). +Unhappy men! How free from all foreboding +They rush into the outspread net of murder +In the blind drunkenness of victory; +I have no pity for their fate. This Illo, +This overflowing and foolhardy villain, +That would fain bathe himself in his emperor's blood. + +BUTLER. +Do as he ordered you. Send round patrols, +Take measures for the citadel's security; +When they are within I close the castle-gate +That nothing may transpire. + +GORDON (with earnest anxiety). + Oh! haste not so! +Nay, stop; first tell me---- + +BUTLER. + You have heard already, +To-morrow to the Swedes belongs. This night +Alone is ours. They make good expedition. +But we will make still greater. Fare you well. + +GORDON. +Ah! your looks tell me nothing good. Nay, Butler, +I pray you promise me! + +BUTLER. + The sun has set; +A fateful evening doth descend upon us, +And brings on their long night! Their evil stars +Deliver them unarmed into our hands, +And from their drunken dream of golden fortunes +The dagger at their hearts shall rouse them. Well, +The duke was ever a great calculator; +His fellow-men were figures on his chess-board +To move and station, as his game required. +Other men's honor, dignity, good name, +Did he shift like pawns, and made no conscience of +Still calculating, calculating still; +And yet at last his calculation proves +Erroneous; the whole game is lost; and low! +His own life will be found among the forfeits. + +GORDON. +Oh, think not of his errors now! remember +His greatness, his munificence; think on all +The lovely features of his character, +On all the noble exploits of his life, +And let them, like an angel's arm, unseen, +Arrest the lifted sword. + +BUTLER. + It is too late. +I suffer not myself to feel compassion, +Dark thoughts and bloody are my duty now. + [Grasping GORDON's hand. +Gordon! 'tis not my hatred (I pretend not +To love the duke, and have no cause to love him). +Yet 'tis not now my hatred that impels me +To be his murderer. 'Tis his evil fate. +Hostile occurrences of many events +Control and subjugate me to the office. +In vain the human being meditates +Free action. He is but the wire-worked [8] puppet +Of the blind Power, which, out of its own choice, +Creates for him a dread necessity. +What too would it avail him if there were +A something pleading for him in my heart-- +Still I must kill him. + +GORDON. + If your heart speak to you +Follow its impulse. 'Tis the voice of God. +Think you your fortunes will grow prosperous +Bedewed with blood--his blood? Believe it not! + +BUTLER. +You know not. Ask not! Wherefore should it happen +That the Swedes gained the victory, and hasten +With such forced marches hitherwards? Fain would I +Have given him to the emperor's mercy. Gordon! +I do not wish his blood,--but I must ransom +The honor of my word,--it lies in pledge-- +And he must die, or---- + [Passionately grasping GORDON's hand. + Listen, then, and know +I am dishonored if the duke escape us. + +GORDON. +Oh! to save such a man---- + +BUTLER. + What! + +GORDON. + It is worth +A sacrifice. Come, friend! Be noble-minded! +Our own heart, and not other men's opinions, +Forms our true honor. + +BUTLER (with a cold and haughty air). + He is a great lord, +This duke, and I am of but mean importance. +This is what you would say! Wherein concerns it +The world at large, you mean to hint to me, +Whether the man of low extraction keeps +Or blemishes his honor-- +So that the man of princely rank be saved? +We all do stamp our value on ourselves: +The price we challenge for ourselves is given us. +There does not live on earth the man so stationed +That I despise myself compared with him. +Man is made great or little by his own will; +Because I am true to mine therefore he dies! + +GORDON. +I am endeavoring to move a rock. +Thou hadst a mother, yet no human feelings. +I cannot hinder you, but may some God +Rescue him from you! + + [Exit GORDON. +BUTLER [9] (alone). +I treasured my good name all my life long; +The duke has cheated me of life's best jewel, +So that I blush before this poor weak Gordon! +He prizes above all his fealty; +His conscious soul accuses him of nothing; +In opposition to his own soft heart +He subjugates himself to an iron duty. +Me in a weaker moment passion warped; +I stand beside him, and must feel myself +The worst man of the two. What though the world +Is ignorant of my purposed treason, yet +One man does know it, and can prove it, too-- +High-minded Piccolomini! +There lives the man who can dishonor me! +This ignominy blood alone can cleanse! +Duke Friedland, thou or I. Into my own hands +Fortune delivers me. The dearest thing a man has is himself. + + + +SCENE IX. + + [A gothic and gloomy apartment at the DUCHESS FRIEDLAND's. + THEKLA on a seat, pale, her eyes closed. The DUCHESS and LADY + NEUBRUNN busied about her. WALLENSTEIN and the COUNTESS in + conversation. + +WALLENSTEIN. +How knew she it so soon? + +COUNTESS. + She seems to have +Foreboded some misfortune. The report +Of an engagement, in which had fallen +A colonel of the imperial army, frightened her. +I saw it instantly. She flew to meet +The Swedish courier, and with sudden questioning, +Soon wrested from him the disastrous secret. +Too late we missed her, hastened after her, +We found her lying in his arms, all pale, +And in a swoon. + +WALLENSTEIN. + A heavy, heavy blow! +And she so unprepared! Poor child! how is it? + [Turning to the DUCHESS. +Is she coming to herself? + +DUCHESS. + Her eyes are opening---- + +COUNTESS. +She lives! + +THEKLA (looking around her). + Where am I? + +WALLENSTEIN (steps to her, raising her up in his arms). +Come, cheerly, Thekla! be my own brave girl! +See, there's thy loving mother. Thou art in +Thy father's arms. + +THEKLA (standing up). + Where is he? Is he gone? + +DUCHESS. +Who gone, my daughter? + +THEKLA. + He--the man who uttered +That word of misery. + +DUCHESS. + Oh, think not of it! +My Thekla! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Give her sorrow leave to talk! +Let her complain--mingle your tears with hers, +For she hath suffered a deep anguish; but +She'll rise superior to it, for my Thekla +Hath all her father's unsubdued heart. + +THEKLA. +I am not ill. See, I have power to stand. +Why does my mother weep? Have I alarmed her? +It is gone by--I recollect myself. + [She casts her eyes round the room, as seeking some one. +Where is he? Please you, do not hide him from me. +You see I have strength enough: now I will hear him. + +DUCHESS. +No; never shall this messenger of evil +Enter again into thy presence, Thekla! + +THEKLA. +My father---- + +WALLENSTEIN. + Dearest daughter! + +THEKLA. + I'm not weak. +Shortly I shall be quite myself again. +You'll grant me one request? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Name it, my daughter. + +THEKLA. +Permit the stranger to be called to me, +And grant me leave, that by myself I may +Hear his report and question him. + +DUCHESS. + No, never! + +COUNTESS. +'Tis not advisable--assent not to it. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Hush! Wherefore wouldst thou speak with him, my daughter? + +THEKLA. +Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected; +I will not be deceived. My mother wishes +Only to spare me. I will not be spared-- +The worst is said already: I can hear +Nothing of deeper anguish! + +COUNTESS and DUCHESS. + Do it not. + +THEKLA. +The horror overpowered me by surprise, +My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence: +He was a witness of my weakness, yea, +I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me. +I must replace myself in his esteem, +And I must speak with him, perforce, that he, +The stranger, may not think ungently of me. + +WALLENSTEIN. +I see she is in the right, and am inclined +To grant her this request of hers. Go, call him. + + [LADY NEUBRUNN goes to call him. + +DUCHESS. +But I, thy mother, will be present---- + +THEKLA. + 'Twere +More pleasing to me if alone I saw him; +Trust me, I shall behave myself the more +Collectedly. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Permit her her own will. +Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows, +Where of necessity the soul must be +Its own support. A strong heart will rely +On its own strength alone. In her own bosom, +Not in her mother's arms, must she collect +The strength to rise superior to this blow. +It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treated +Not as the woman, but the heroine. + + [Going. + +COUNTESS (detaining him). +Where art thou going? I heard Terzky say +That 'tis thy purpose to depart from hence +To-morrow early, but to leave us here. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protection +Of gallant men. + +COUNTESS. + Oh, take us with you, brother. +Leave us not in this gloomy solitude. +To brood o'er anxious thoughts. The mists of doubt +Magnify evils to a shape of horror. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Who speaks of evil? I entreat you, sister, +Use words of better omen. + +COUNTESS. + Then take us with you. +Oh leave us not behind you in a place +That forces us to such sad omens. Heavy +And sick within me is my heart-- +These walls breathe on me like a churchyard vault. +I cannot tell you, brother, how this place +Doth go against my nature. Take us with you. +Come, sister, join you your entreaty! Niece, +Yours too. We all entreat you, take us with you! + +WALLENSTEIN. +The place's evil omens will I change, +Making it that which shields and shelters for me +My best beloved. + +LADY NEUBRUNN (returning). + The Swedish officer. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Leave her alone with me. + +DUCHESS (to THEKLA, who starts and shivers). +There--pale as death! Child, 'tis impossible +That thou shouldst speak with him. Follow thy mother. + +THEKLA. +The Lady Neubrunn then may stay with me. + + [Exeunt DUCHESS and COUNTESS. + + + +SCENE X. + + THEKLA, THE SWEDISH CAPTAIN, LADY NEUBRUNN. + +CAPTAIN (respectfully approaching her). +Princess--I must entreat your gentle pardon-- +My inconsiderate rash speech. How could!---- + +THEKLA (with dignity). +You have beheld me in my agony. +A most distressful accident occasioned +You from a stranger to become at once +My confidant. + +CAPTAIN. + I fear you hate my presence, +For my tongue spake a melancholy word. + +THEKLA. +The fault is mine. Myself did wrest it from you. +The horror which came o'er me interrupted +Your tale at its commencement. May it please you, +Continue it to the end. + +CAPTAIN. + Princess, 'twill +Renew your anguish. + +THEKLA. + I am firm,-- +I will be firm. Well--how began the engagement? + +CAPTAIN. +We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt, +Intrenched but insecurely in our camp, +When towards evening rose a cloud of dust +From the wood thitherward; our vanguard fled +Into the camp, and sounded the alarm. +Scarce had we mounted ere the Pappenheimers, +Their horses at full speed, broke through the lines, +And leaped the trenches; but their heedless courage +Had borne them onward far before the others-- +The infantry were still at distance, only +The Pappenheimers followed daringly +Their daring leader---- + + [THEKLA betrays agitation in her gestures. The officer pauses + till she makes a sign to him to proceed. + +CAPTAIN. + Both in van and flanks +With our whole cavalry we now received them; +Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot +Stretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them. +They neither could advance, nor yet retreat; +And as they stood on every side wedged in, +The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud, +Inviting a surrender; but their leader, +Young Piccolomini---- + [THEKLA, as giddy, grasps a chair. + Known by his plume, +And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches; +Himself leaped first: the regiment all plunged after. +His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up, +Flung him with violence off, and over him +The horses, now no longer to be curbed,---- + + [THEKLA, who has accompanied the last speech with all + the marks of increasing agony, trembles through her whole + frame and is falling. The LADY NEUBRUNN runs to her, and + receives her in her arms. + +NEUBRUNN. +My dearest lady! + +CAPTAIN. + I retire. + +THERLA. + 'Tis over. +Proceed to the conclusion. + +CAPTAIN. + Wild despair +Inspired the troops with frenzy when they saw +Their leader perish; every thought of rescue +Was spurned; they fought like wounded tigers; their +Frantic resistance roused our soldiery; +A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest +Finished before their last man fell. + +THEKLA (faltering). + And where-- +Where is--you have not told me all. + +CAPTAIN (after a pause). + This morning +We buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birth +Did bear him to interment; the whole army +Followed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin; +The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, +In mark of honor by the Rhinegrave's self, +Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us +Many, who had themselves experienced +The greatness of his mind and gentle manners; +All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave +Would willingly have saved him; but himself +Made vain the attempt--'tis said he wished to die. + +NEUBRUNN (to THEKLA, who has hidden her countenance). +Look up, my dearest lady---- + +THEKLA. + Where is his grave? + +CAPTAIN. +At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church +Are his remains deposited, until +We can receive directions from his father. + +THEKLA. +What is the cloister's name? + +CAPTAIN. + Saint Catherine's. + +THEKLA. +And how far is it thither? + +CAPTAIN. + Near twelve leagues. + +THEKLA. +And which the way? + +CAPTAIN. + You go by Tirschenreut +And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts. + +THEKLA + Who +Is their commander? + +CAPTAIN. + Colonel Seckendorf. + + [THEKLA steps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket. + +THEKLA. +You have beheld me in my agony, +And shown a feeling heart. Please you, accept + [Giving him the ring. +A small memorial of this hour. Now go! + +CAPTAIN (confusedly). +Princess---- + + [THEKLA silently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him. + The captain lingers, and is about to speak. LADY NEUBRUNN repeats + the signal, and he retires. + + + +SCENE XI. + + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN. + +THEKLA (falls on LADY NEUBRUNN's neck). +Now gentle Neubrunn, show me the affection +Which thou hast ever promised--prove thyself +My own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim. +This night we must away! + +NEUBRUNN. + Away! and whither? + +THEKLA. +Whither! There is but one place in the world. +Thither, where he lies buried! To his coffin! + +NEUBRUNN. +What would you do there? + +THEKLA. + What do there? +That wouldst thou not have asked, hadst thou e'er loved. +There, that is all that still remains of him! +That single spot is the whole earth to me. + +NEUBRUNN. +That place of death---- + +THEKLA. + Is now the only place +Where life yet dwells for me: detain me not! +Come and make preparations; let us think +Of means to fly from hence. + +NEUBRUNN. + Your father's rage + +THEKLA. +That time is past-- +And now I fear no human being's rage. + +NEUBRUNN. +The sentence of the world! The tongue of calumny! + +THEKLA. +Whom am I seeking? Him who is no more. +Am I then hastening to the arms--O God! +I haste--but to the grave of the beloved. + +NEUBRUNN. +And we alone, two helpless, feeble women? + +THEKLA. +We will take weapons: my arm shall protect thee. + +NEUBRUNN. +In the dark night-time? + +THEKLA. + Darkness will conceal us. + +NEUBRUNN. +This rough tempestuous night---- + +THEKLA. + Had he a soft bed +Under the hoofs of his war-horses? + +NEUBRUNN. + Heaven! +And then the many posts of the enemy! + +THEKLA. +They are human beings. Misery travels free +Through the whole earth. + +NEUBRUNN. + The journey's weary length---- + +THEKLA. +The pilgrim, travelling to a distant shrine +Of hope and healing doth not count the leagues. + +NEUBRUNN. +How can we pass the gates? + +THEKLA. + Gold opens them. +Go, do but go. + +NEUBRUNN. + Should we be recognized---- + +THEKLA. +In a despairing woman, a poor fugitive, +Will no one seek the daughter of Duke Friedland. + +NEUBRUNN. +And where procure we horses for our flight? + +THEKLA. +My equerry procures them. Go and fetch him. + +NEUBRUNN. +Dares he, without the knowledge of his lord? + +THEKLA. +He will. Go, only go. Delay no longer. + +NEUBRUNN. +Dear lady! and your mother? + +THEKLA. + Oh! my mother! + +NEUBRUNN. +So much as she has suffered too already; +Your tender mother. Ah! how ill prepared +For this last anguish! + +THEKLA. + Woe is me! My mother! + [Pauses. +Go instantly. + +NEUBRUNN. + But think what you are doing! + +THEKLA. +What can be thought, already has been thought. + +NEUBRUNN. +And being there, what purpose you to do? + +THEKLA. +There a divinity will prompt my soul. + +NEUBRUNN. +Your heart, dear lady, is disquieted! +And this is not the way that leads to quiet. + +THEKLA. +To a deep quiet, such as he has found, +It draws me on, I know not what to name it, +Resistless does it draw me to his grave. +There will my heart be eased, my tears will flow. +Oh hasten, make no further questioning! +There is no rest for me till I have left +These walls--they fall in on me--a dim power +Drives me from hence--oh mercy! What a feeling! +What pale and hollow forms are those! They fill, +They crowd the place! I have no longer room here! +Mercy! Still more! More still! The hideous swarm, +They press on me; they chase me from these walls-- +Those hollow, bodiless forms of living men! + +NEUBRUNN. +You frighten me so, lady, that no longer +I dare stay here myself. I go and call +Rosenberg instantly. + + [Exit LADY NEUBRUNN. + + + +SCENE XII. + +THEKLA. +His spirit 'tis that calls me: 'tis the troop +Of his true followers, who offered up +Themselves to avenge his death: and they accuse me +Of an ignoble loitering--they would not +Forsake their leader even in his death; they died for him, +And shall I live? +For me too was that laurel garland twined +That decks his bier. Life is an empty casket: +I throw it from me. Oh, my only hope; +To die beneath the hoofs of trampling steeds-- +That is a lot of heroes upon earth! + + [Exit THEKLA. [10] + + (The Curtain drops.) + + + +SCENE XIII. + + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, and ROSENBERG. + +NEUBRUNN. +He is here, lady, and he will procure them. + +THEKLA. +Wilt thou provide us horses, Rosenberg? + +ROSENBERG. +I will, my lady. + +THEKLA. + And go with us as well? + +ROSENBERG. +To the world's end, my lady. + +THEKLA. + But consider, +Thou never canst return unto the duke. + +ROSENBERG. +I will remain with thee. + +THEKLA. + I will reward thee. +And will commend thee to another master. +Canst thou unseen conduct us from the castle? + +ROSENBERG. +I can. + +THEKLA. + When can I go? + +ROSENBERG. + This very hour. +But whither would you, lady? + +THEKLA. + To--Tell him, Neubrunn. + +NEUBRUNN. +To Neustadt. + +ROSENBERG. + So; I leave you to get ready. + + [Exit. + +NEUBRUNN. +Oh, see, your mother comes. + +THEKLA. + Indeed! O Heaven! + + + +SCENE XIV. + + THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN, the DUCHESS. + +DUCHESS. +He's gone! I find thee more composed, my child. + +THEKLA. +I am so, mother; let me only now +Retire to rest, and Neubrunn here be with me. +I want repose. + +DUCHESS. + My Thekla, thou shalt have it. +I leave thee now consoled, since I can calm +Thy father's heart. + +THEKLA. + Good night, beloved mother! + + (Falling on her neck and embracing her with deep emotion). + +DUCHESS. +Thou scarcely art composed e'en now, my daughter. +Thou tremblest strongly, and I feel thy heart +Beat audibly on mine. + +THEKLA. + Sleep will appease +Its beating: now good-night, good-night, dear mother. + + (As she withdraws from her mother's arms the curtain falls). + + + + +ACT V. + +SCENE I. + + Butler's Chamber. + + BUTLER, and MAJOR GERALDIN. + +BUTLER. +Find me twelve strong dragoons, arm them with pikes +For there must be no firing-- +Conceal them somewhere near the banquet-room, +And soon as the dessert is served up, rush all in +And cry--"Who is loyal to the emperor?" +I will overturn the table--while you attack +Illo and Terzky, and despatch them both. +The castle-palace is well barred and guarded, +That no intelligence of this proceeding +May make its way to the duke. Go instantly; +Have you yet sent for Captain Devereux +And the Macdonald? + +GERALDIN. + They'll be here anon. + + [Exit GERALDIN. + +BUTLER. +Here's no room for delay. The citizens +Declare for him--a dizzy drunken spirit +Possesses the whole town. They see in the duke +A prince of peace, a founder of new ages +And golden times. Arms, too, have been given out +By the town-council, and a hundred citizens +Have volunteered themselves to stand on guard. +Despatch! then, be the word; for enemies +Threaten us from without and from within. + + + +SCENE II. + + BUTLER, CAPTAIN DEVEREUX, and MACDONALD. + +MACDONALD. +Here we are, general. + +DEVEREUX. + What's to be the watchword? + +BUTLER. +Long live the emperor! + +BOTH (recoiling). + How? + +BUTLER. + Live the house of Austria. + +DEVEREUX. +Have we not sworn fidelity to Friedland? + +MACDONALD. +Have we not marched to this place to protect him? + +BUTLER. +Protect a traitor and his country's enemy? + +DEVEREUX. +Why, yes! in his name you administered +Our oath. + +MACDONALD. + And followed him yourself to Egra. + +BUTLER. +I did it the more surely to destroy him. + +DEVEREUX. +So then! + +MACDONALD. + An altered case! + +BUTLER (to DEVEREU%). + Thou wretched man +So easily leavest thou thy oath and colors? + +DEVEREUX. +The devil! I but followed your example; +If you could prove a villain, why not we? + +MACDONALD. +We've naught to do with thinking--that's your business. +You are our general, and give out the orders; +We follow you, though the track lead to hell. + +BUTLER (appeased). +Good, then! we know each other. + +MACDONALD. + I should hope so. + +DEVEREUX. +Soldiers of fortune are we--who bids most +He has us. + +MACDONALD. + 'Tis e'en so! + +BUTLER. + Well, for the present +You must remain honest and faithful soldiers. + +DEVEREUX. +We wish no other. + +BUTLER. + Ay, and make your fortunes. + +MACDONALD. +That is still better. + +BUTLER. + Listen! + +BOTH. + We attend. + +BUTLER. +It is the emperor's will and ordinance +To seize the person of the Prince-Duke Friedland +Alive or dead. + +DEVEREUX. + It runs so in the letter. + +MACDONALD. +Alive or dead--these were the very words. + +BUTLER. +And he shall be rewarded from the state +In land and gold who proffers aid thereto. + +DEVEREUX. +Ay! that sounds well. The words sound always well +That travel hither from the court. Yes! yes! +We know already what court-words import. +A golden chain perhaps in sign of favor, +Or an old charger, or a parchment-patent, +And such like. The prince-duke pays better. + +MACDONALD. + Yes, +The duke's a splendid paymaster. + +BUTLER. + All over +With that, my friends. His lucky stars are set. + +MACDONALD. +And is that certain? + +BUTLER. + You have my word for it. + +DEVEREUX. +His lucky fortune's all passed by? + +BUTLER. + Forever. +He is as poor as we. + +MACDONALD. + As poor as we? + +DEVEREUX. +Macdonald, we'll desert him. + +BUTLER. + We'll desert him? +Full twenty thousand have done that already; +We must do more, my countrymen! In short-- +We--we must kill him. + +BOTH (starting back) + Kill him! + +BUTLER. + Yes, must kill him; +And for that purpose have I chosen you. + +BOTH. + Us! + +BUTLER. +You, Captain Devereux, and thee, Macdonald. + +DEVEREUX (after a pause). +Choose you some other. + +BUTLER. + What! art dastardly? +Thou, with full thirty lives to answer for-- +Thou conscientious of a sudden? + +DEVEREUX. + Nay +To assassinate our lord and general---- + +MACDONALD. +To whom we swore a soldier's oath---- + +BUTLER. + The oath +Is null, for Friedland is a traitor. + +DEVEREUX. +No, no! it is too bad! + +MACDONALD. + Yes, by my soul! +It is too bad. One has a conscience too---- + +DEVEREUX. +If it were not our chieftain, who so long +Has issued the commands, and claimed our duty---- + +BUTLER. +Is that the objection? + +DEVEREUX. + Were it my own father, +And the emperor's service should demand it of me, +It might be done perhaps--but we are soldiers, +And to assassinate our chief commander, +That is a sin, a foul abomination, +From which no monk or confessor absolves us. + +BUTLER. +I am your pope, and give you absolution. +Determine quickly! + +DEVEREUX. + 'Twill not do. + +MACDONALD. + 'Twont do! + +BUTLER. +Well, off then! and--send Pestalutz to me. + +DEVEREUX (hesitates). +The Pestalutz---- + +MACDONALD. + What may you want with him? + +BUTLER. +If you reject it, we can find enough---- + +DEVEREUX. +Nay, if he must fall, we may earn the bounty +As well as any other. What think you, +Brother Macdonald? + +MACDONALD. + Why, if he must fall, +And will fall, and it can't be otherwise, +One would not give place to this Pestalutz. + +DEVEREUX (after some reflection). +When do you purpose he should fall? + +BUTLER. + This night. +To-morrow will the Swedes be at our gates. + +DEVEREUX. +You take upon you all the consequences? + +BUTLER. +I take the whole upon me. + +DEVEREUX. + And it is +The emperor's will, his express absolute will? +For we have instances that folks may like +The murder, and yet hang the murderer. + +BUTLER. +The manifesto says--"alive or dead." +Alive--'tis not possible--you see it is not. + +DEVEREUX. +Well, dead then! dead! But bow can we come at him. +The town is filled with Terzky's soldiery. + +MACDONALD. +Ay! and then Terzky still remains, and Illo---- + +BUTLER. +With these you shall begin--you understand me? + +DEVEREUX. +How! And must they too perish? + +BUTLER. + They the first. + +MACDONALD. +Hear, Devereux! A bloody evening this. + +DEVEREUX. +Have you a man for that? Commission me---- + +BUTLER. +'Tis given in trust to Major Geraldin; +This is a carnival night, and there's a feast +Given at the castle--there we shall surprise them, +And hew them down. The Pestalutz and Lesley +Have that commission. Soon as that is finished---- + +DEVEREUX. +Hear, general! It will be all one to you-- +Hark ye, let me exchange with Geraldin. + +BUTLER. +'Twill be the lesser danger with the duke. + +DEVEREUX. +Danger! The devil! What do you think me, general, +'Tis the duke's eye, and not his sword, I fear. + +BUTLER. +What can his eye do to thee? + +DEVEREUX. + Death and hell! +Thou knowest that I'm no milksop, general! +But 'tis not eight days since the duke did send me +Twenty gold pieces for this good warm coat +Which I have on! and then for him to see me +Standing before him with the pike, his murderer. +That eye of his looking upon this coat-- +Why--why--the devil fetch me! I'm no milksop! + +BUTLER. +The duke presented thee this good warm coat, +And thou, a needy wight, hast pangs of conscience +To run him through the body in return, +A coat that is far better and far warmer +Did the emperor give to him, the prince's mantle. +How doth he thank the emperor? With revolt +And treason. + +DEVEREUX. + That is true. The devil take +Such thankers! I'll despatch him. + +BUTLER. + And would'st quiet +Thy conscience, thou hast naught to do but simply +Pull off the coat; so canst thou do the deed +With light heart and good spirits. + +DEVEREUX. + You are right, +That did not strike me. I'll pull off the coat-- +So there's an end of it. + +MACDONALD. + Yes, but there's another +Point to be thought of. + +BUTLER. + And what's that, Macdonald? + +MACDONALD. +What avails sword or dagger against him? +He is not to be wounded--he is---- + +BUTLER (starting up). + What! + +MACDONALD. +Safe against shot, and stab, and flash! Hard frozen. +Secured and warranted by the black art +His body is impenetrable, I tell you. + +DEVEREUX. +In Ingolstadt there was just such another: +His whole skin was the same as steel; at last +We were obliged to beat him down with gunstocks. + +MACDONALD. +Hear what I'll do. + +DEVEREUX. + Well. + +MACDONALD. + In the cloister here +There's a Dominican, my countryman. +I'll make him dip my sword and pike for me +In holy water, and say over them +One of his strongest blessings. That's probatum! +Nothing can stand 'gainst that. + +BUTLER. + So do, Macdonald! +But now go and select from out the regiment +Twenty or thirty able-bodied fellows, +And let them take the oaths to the emperor. +Then when it strikes eleven, when the first rounds +Are passed, conduct them silently as may be +To the house. I will myself be not far off. + +DEVEREUX. +But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon, +That stand on guard there in the inner chamber? + +BUTLER. +I have made myself acquainted with the place, +I lead you through a back door that's defended +By one man only. Me my rank and office +Give access to the duke at every hour. +I'll go before you--with one poinard-stroke +Cut Hartschier's windpipe, and make way for you. + +DEVEREUX. +And when we are there, by what means shall we gain +The duke's bed-chamber, without his alarming +The servants of the court? for he has here +A numerous company of followers. + +BUTLER. +The attendants fills the right wing: he hates bustle, +And lodges in the left wing quite alone. + +DEVEREUX. +Were it well over--hey, Macdonald! I +Feel queerly on the occasion, devil knows. + +MACDONALD. +And I, too. 'Tis too great a personage. +People will hold us for a brace of villains. + +BUTLER. +In plenty, honor, splendor--you may safely +Laugh at the people's babble. + +DEVEREUX. + If the business +Squares with one's honor--if that be quite certain. + +BUTLER. +Set your hearts quite at ease. Ye save for Ferdinand +His crown and empire. The reward can be +No small one. + +DEVEREUX. +And 'tis his purpose to dethrone the emperor? + +BUTLER. +Yes! Yes! to rob him of his crown and life. + +DEVEREUX. +And must he fall by the executioner's hands, +Should we deliver him up to the emperor +Alive? + +BUTLER. + It were his certain destiny. + +DEVEREUX. +Well! Well! Come then, Macdonald, he shall not +Lie long in pain. + + [Exeunt BUTLER through one door, MACDONALD and DEVEREUX + through the other. + + + +SCENE III. + + A saloon, terminated by a gallery, which extends far + into the background. + + WALLENSTIN sitting at a table. The SWEDISH CAPTAIN + standing before him. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Commend me to your lord. I sympathize +In his good fortune; and if you have seen me +Deficient in the expressions of that joy, +Which such a victory might well demand, +Attribute it to no lack of good-will, +For henceforth are our fortunes one. Farewell, +And for your trouble take my thanks. To-morrow +The citadel shall be surrendered to you +On your arrival. + + [The SWEDISH CAPTAIN retires. WALLENSTEIN sits lost in thought, + his eyes fixed vacantly, and his head sustained by his hand. The + COUNTESS TERZKY enters, stands before him for awhile, unobserved + by him; at length he starts, sees her and recollects himself. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Comest thou from her? Is she restored? How is she? + +COUNTESS. +My sister tells me she was more collected +After her conversation with the Swede. +She has now retired to rest. + +WALLENSTEIN. + The pang will soften +She will shed tears. + +COUNTESS. + I find thee altered, too, +My brother! After such a victory +I had expected to have found in thee +A cheerful spirit. Oh, remain thou firm! +Sustain, uphold us! For our light thou art, +Our sun. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Be quiet. I ail nothing. Where's +Thy husband? + +COUNTESS. + At a banquet--he and Illo. + +WALLENSTEIN (rises and strides across the saloon). +The night's far spent. Betake thee to thy chamber. + +COUNTESS. +Bid me not go, oh, let me stay with thee! + +WALLENSTEIN (moves to the window). +There is a busy motion in the heaven, +The wind doth chase the flag upon the tower, +Fast sweep the clouds, the sickle [11] of the moon, +Struggling, darts snatches of uncertain light. +No form of star is visible! That one +White stain of light, that single glimmering yonder, +Is from Cassiopeia, and therein +Is Jupiter. (A pause.) But now +The blackness of the troubled element hides him! + + [He sinks into profound melancholy, and looks vacantly + into the distance. + +COUNTESS (looks on him mournfully, then grasps his hand). +What art thou brooding on? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Methinks +If I but saw him, 'twould be well with me. +He is the star of my nativity, +And often marvellously hath his aspect +Shot strength into my heart. + +COUNTESS. +Thou'lt see him again. + +WALLENSTEIN (remains for awhile with absent mind, then assumes a livelier +manner, and turning suddenly to the COUNTESS). +See him again? Oh, never, never again! + +COUNTESS. +How? + +WALLENSTEIN. + He is gone--is dust. + +COUNTESS. + Whom meanest thou, then? + +WALLENSTEIN. +He, the more fortunate! yea, he hath finished! +For him there is no longer any future, +His life is bright--bright without spot it was, +And cannot cease to be. No ominous hour +Knocks at his door with tidings of mishap, +Far off is he, above desire and fear; +No more submitted to the change and chance +Of the unsteady planets. Oh, 'tis well +With him! but who knows what the coming hour +Veiled in thick darkness brings us? + +COUNTESS. +Thou speakest of Piccolomini. What was his death? +The courier had just left thee as I came. + + [WALLENSTEIN by a motion of his hand makes signs to her + to be silent. + +Turn not thine eyes upon the backward view, +Let us look forward into sunny days, +Welcome with joyous heart the victory, +Forget what it has cost thee. Not to-day, +For the first time, thy friend was to thee dead; +To thee he died when first he parted from thee. + +WALLENSTEIN. +This anguish will be wearied down [12], I know; +What pang is permanent with man? From the highest, +As from the vilest thing of every day, +He learns to wean himself: for the strong hours +Conquer him. Yet I feel what I have lost +In him. The bloom is vanished from my life, +For oh, he stood beside me, like my youth, +Transformed for me the real to a dream, +Clothing the palpable and the familiar +With golden exhalations of the dawn, +Whatever fortunes wait my future toils, +The beautiful is vanished--and returns not. + +COUNTESS. +Oh, be not treacherous to thy own power. +Thy heart is rich enough to vivify +Itself. Thou lovest and prizest virtues in him, +The which thyself didst plant, thyself unfold. + +WALLENSTEIN (stepping to the door). +Who interrupts us now at this late hour? +It is the governor. He brings the keys +Of the citadel. 'Tis midnight. Leave me, sister! + +COUNTESS. +Oh, 'tis so hard to me this night to leave thee; +A boding fear possesses me! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Fear! Wherefore? + +COUNTESS. +Shouldst thou depart this night, and we at waking +Never more find thee! + +WALLENSTEIN. + Fancies! + +COUNTESS. + Ob, my soul +Has long been weighed down by these dark forebodings, +And if I combat and repel them waking, +They still crush down upon my heart in dreams, +I saw thee, yesternight with thy first wife +Sit at a banquet, gorgeously attired. + +WALLENSTHIN. +This was a dream of favorable omen, +That marriage being the founder of my fortunes. + +COUNTESS. +To-day I dreamed that I was seeking thee +In thy own chamber. As I entered, lo! +It was no more a chamber: the Chartreuse +At Gitschin 'twas, which thou thyself hast founded, +And where it is thy will that thou shouldst be +Interred. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Thy soul is busy with these thoughts. + +COUNTESS. +What! dost thou not believe that oft in dreams +A voice of warning speaks prophetic to us? + +WALLENSTEIN. +There is no doubt that there exist such voices, +Yet I would not call them +Voices of warning that announce to us +Only the inevitable. As the sun, +Ere it is risen, sometimes paints its image +In the atmosphere, so often do the spirits +Of great events stride on before the events, +And in to-day already walks to-morrow. +That which we read of the fourth Henry's death +Did ever vex and haunt me like a tale +Of my own future destiny. The king +Felt in his breast the phantom of the knife +Long ere Ravaillac armed himself therewith. +His quiet mind forsook him; the phantasma +Started him in his Louvre, chased him forth +Into the open air; like funeral knells +Sounded that coronation festival; +And still with boding sense he heard the tread +Of those feet that even then were seeking him +Throughout the streets of Paris. + +COUNTESS. + And to thee +The voice within thy soul bodes nothing? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Nothing. +Be wholly tranquil. + +COUNTESS. + And another time +I hastened after thee, and thou rann'st from me +Through a long suite, through many a spacious hall. +There seemed no end of it; doors creaked and clapped; +I followed panting, but could not overtake thee; +When on a sudden did I feel myself +Grasped from behind,--the hand was cold that grasped me; +'Twas thou, and thou didst kiss me, and there seemed +A crimson covering to envelop us. + +WALLENSTEIN. +That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber. + +COUNTESS (gazing on him). +If it should come to that--if I should see thee, +Who standest now before me in the fulness +Of life---- + + [She falls on his breast and weeps. + +WALLENSTEIN. +The emperor's proclamation weighs upon thee-- +Alphabets wound not--and he finds no hands. + +COUNTESS. +If he should find them, my resolve is taken-- +I bear about me my support and refuge. + + [Exit COUNTESS. + + + +SCENE V. + + WALLENSTEIN, GORDON. + +WALLENSTEIN. +All quiet in the town? + +GORDON. + The town is quiet. + +WALLENSTEIN. +I hear a boisterous music! and the castle +Is lighted up. Who are the revellers? + +GORDON. +There is a banquet given at the castle +To the Count Terzky and Field-Marshal Illo. + +WALLENSTEIN. +In honor of the victory--this tribe +Can show their joy in nothing else but feasting. + [Rings. The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER enters. +Unrobe me. I will lay me down to sleep. + [WALLENSTEIN takes the keys from GORDON. +So we are guarded from all enemies, +And shut in with sure friends. +For all must cheat me, or a face like this + [Fixing his eyes on GORDON. +Was ne'er a hypocrite's mask. + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER takes off his mantle, collar, and scarf. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Take care--what is that? + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. + The golden chain is snapped in two. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Well, it has lasted long enough. Here--give it. + [He takes and looks at the chain. +'Twas the first present of the emperor. +He hung it round me in the war of Friule, +He being then archduke; and I have worn it +Till now from habit-- +From superstition, if you will. Belike, +It was to be a talisman to me; +And while I wore it on my neck in faith, +It was to chain to me all my life-long +The volatile fortune, whose first pledge it was. +Well, be it so! Henceforward a new fortune +Must spring up for me; for the potency +Of this charm is dissolved. + + [GROOM OF THE CHAMBER retires with the vestments. WALLENSTEIN + rises, takes a stride across the room, and stands at last before + GORDON in a posture of meditation. + +How the old time returns upon me! I +Behold myself once more at Burgau, where +We two were pages of the court together. +We oftentimes disputed: thy intention +Was ever good; but thou were wont to play +The moralist and preacher, and wouldst rail at me-- +That I strove after things too high for me, +Giving my faith to bold, unlawful dreams, +And still extol to me the golden mean. +Thy wisdom hath been proved a thriftless friend +To thy own self. See, it has made thee early +A superannuated man, and (but +That my munificent stars will intervene) +Would let thee in some miserable corner +Go out like an untended lamp. + +GORDON. + My prince +With light heart the poor fisher moors his boat, +And watches from the shore the lofty ship +Stranded amid the storm. + +WALLENSTEIN. + Art thou already +In harbor, then, old man? Well! I am not. +The unconquered spirit drives me o'er life's billows; +My planks still firm, my canvas swelling proudly. +Hope is my goddess still, and youth my inmate; +And while we stand thus front to front almost, +I might presume to say, that the swift years +Have passed by powerless o'er my unblanched hair. + + [He moves with long strides across the saloon, and remains + on the opposite side over against GORDON. + +Who now persists in calling fortune false? +To me she has proved faithful; with fond love +Took me from out the common ranks of men, +And like a mother goddess, with strong arm +Carried me swiftly up the steps of life. +Nothing is common in my destiny, +Nor in the furrows of my hand. Who dares +Interpret then my life for me as 'twere +One of the undistinguishable many? +True, in this present moment I appear +Fallen low indeed; but I shall rise again. +The high flood will soon follow on this ebb; +The fountain of my fortune, which now stops, +Repressed and bound by some malicious star, +Will soon in joy play forth from all its pipes. + +GORDON. +And yet remember I the good old proverb, +"Let the night come before we praise the day." +I would be slow from long-continued fortune +To gather hope: for hope is the companion +Given to the unfortunate by pitying heaven. +Fear hovers round the head of prosperous men, +For still unsteady are the scales of fate. + +WALLENSTEIN (smiling). +I hear the very Gordon that of old +Was wont to preach, now once more preaching; +I know well, that all sublunary things +Are still the vassals of vicissitude. +The unpropitious gods demand their tribute. +This long ago the ancient pagans knew +And therefore of their own accord they offered +To themselves injuries, so to atone +The jealousy of their divinities +And human sacrifices bled to Typhon. + [After a pause, serious, and in a more subdued manner. +I too have sacrificed to him--for me +There fell the dearest friend, and through my fault +He fell! No joy from favorable fortune +Can overweigh the anguish of this stroke. +The envy of my destiny is glutted: +Life pays for life. On his pure head the lightning +Was drawn off which would else have shattered me. + + + +SCENE V. + + To these enter SENI. + +WALLENSTEIN. +Is not that Seni! and beside himself, +If one can trust his looks? What brings thee hither +At this late hour, Baptista? + +SENI. + Terror, duke! +On thy account. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What now? + +SENI. + Flee ere the day break! +Trust not thy person to the Swedes! + +WALLENSTEIN. + What now +Is in thy thoughts? + +SENI (with louder voice). +Trust not thy person to the Swedes. + +WALLENSTEIN. + What is it, then? + +SENI (still more urgently). +Oh, wait not the arrival of these Swedes! +An evil near at hand is threatening thee +From false friends. All the signs stand full of horror! +Near, near at hand the net-work of perdition-- +Yea, even now 'tis being cast around thee! + +WALLENSTEIN. +Baptista, thou art dreaming!--fear befools thee. + +SENI. +Believe not that an empty fear deludes me. +Come, read it in the planetary aspects; +Read it thyself, that ruin threatens thee +From false friends. + +WALLENSTEIN. + From the falseness of my friends +Has risen the whole of my unprosperous fortunes. +The warning should have come before! At present +I need no revelation from the stars +To know that. + +SENI. + Come and see! trust thine own eyes. +A fearful sign stands in the house of life-- +An enemy; a fiend lurks close behind +The radiance of thy planet. Oh, be warned! +Deliver not up thyself to these heathens, +To wage a war against our holy church. + +WALLENSTEIN (laughing gently). +The oracle rails that way! Yes, yes! Now +I recollect. This junction with the Swedes +Did never please thee--lay thyself to sleep, +Baptista! Signs like these I do not fear. + +GORDON (who during the whole of this dialogue has shown marks + of extreme agitation, and now turns to WALLENSTEIN). +My duke and general! May I dare presume? + +WALLENSTEIN. +Speak freely. + +GORDON. + What if 'twere no mere creation +Of fear, if God's high providence vouchsafed +To interpose its aid for your deliverance, +And made that mouth its organ? + +WALLENSTEIN. + Ye're both feverish! +How can mishap come to me from the Swedes? +They sought this junction with me--'tis their interest. + +GORDON (with difficulty suppressing his emotion). +But what if the arrival of these Swedes-- +What if this were the very thing that winged +The ruin that is flying to your temples? + + [Flings himself at his feet. + +There is yet time, my prince. + +SENI. + Oh hear him! hear him! + +GORDON (rises). +The Rhinegrave's still far off. Give but the orders, +This citadel shall close its gates upon him. +If then he will besiege us, let him try it. +But this I say; he'll find his own destruction, +With his whole force before these ramparts, sooner +Than weary down the valor of our spirit. +He shall experience what a band of heroes, +Inspirited by an heroic leader, +Is able to perform. And if indeed +It be thy serious wish to make amend +For that which thou hast done amiss,--this, this +Will touch and reconcile the emperor, +Who gladly turns his heart to thoughts of mercy; +And Friedland, who returns repentant to him, +Will stand yet higher in his emperor's favor +Then e'er he stood when he had never fallen. + +WALLENSTEIN (contemplates him with surprise, remains silent a while, + betraying strong emotion). +Gordon--your zeal and fervor lead you far. +Well, well--an old friend has a privilege. +Blood, Gordon, has been flowing. Never, never +Can the emperor pardon me: and if he could, +Yet I--I ne'er could let myself be pardoned. +Had I foreknown what now has taken place, +That he, my dearest friend, would fall for me, +My first death offering; and had the heart +Spoken to me, as now it has done--Gordon, +It may be, I might have bethought myself. +It may be too, I might not. Might or might not +Is now an idle question. All too seriously +Has it begun to end in nothing, Gordon! +Let it then have its course. + [Stepping to the window. +All dark and silent--at the castle too +All is now hushed. Light me, chamberlain? + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER, who had entered during the last dialogue, + and had been standing at a distance and listening to it with visible + expressions of the deepest interest, advances in extreme agitation + and throws himself at the DUKE's feet. + +And thou too! But I know why thou dost wish +My reconcilement with the emperor. +Poor man! he hath a small estate in Carinthia, +And fears it will be forfeited because +He's in my service. Am I then so poor +That I no longer can indemnify +My servants? Well! to no one I employ +Means of compulsion. If 'tis thy belief +That fortune has fled from me, go! forsake me. +This night for the last time mayst thou unrobe me, +And then go over to the emperor. +Gordon, good-night! I think to make a long +Sleep of it: for the struggle and the turmoil +Of this last day or two was great. May't please you +Take care that they awake me not too early. + + [Exit WALLENSTEIN, the GROOM OF THE CHAMBER lighting him. SENI + follows, GORDON remains on the darkened stage, following the DUKE + with his eye, till he disappears at the further end of the gallery: + then by his gestures the old man expresses the depth of his anguish, + and stands leaning against a pillar. + + + +SCENE VI. + + GORDON, BUTLER (at first behind the scenes). + +BUTLER (not yet come into view of the stage). +Here stand in silence till I give the signal. + +GORDON (starts up). +'Tis he! he has already brought the murderers. + +BUTLER. +The lights are out. All lies in profound sleep. + +GORDON. +What shall I do, shall I attempt to save him? +Shall I call up the house? alarm the guards? + +BUTLER (appears, but scarcely on the stage). +A light gleams hither from the corridor. +It leads directly to the duke's bed-chamber. + +GORDON. +But then I break my oath to the emperor; +If he escape and strengthen the enemy, +Do I not hereby call down on my head +All the dread consequences. + +BUTLER (stepping forward). + Hark! Who speaks there? + +GORDON. +'Tis better, I resign it to the hands +Of Providence. For what am I, that I +Should take upon myself so great a deed? +I have not murdered him, if he be murdered; +But all his rescue were my act and deed; +Mine--and whatever be the consequences +I must sustain them. + +BUTLER (advances). + I should know that voice. + +GORDON. +Butler! + +BUTLER. + 'Tis Gordon. What do you want here? +Was it so late, then, when the duke dismissed you? + +GORDON. +Your hand bound up and in a scarf? + +BUTLER. + 'Tis wounded. +That Illo fought as he were frantic, till +At last we threw him on the ground. + +GORDON (shuddering). + Both dead? + +BUTLER. +Is he in bed? + +GORDON. + Ah, Butler! + +BUTLER. + Is he? speak. + +GORDON. +He shall not perish! Not through you! The heaven +Refuses your arm. See--'tis wounded! + +BUTLER. +There is no need of my arm. + +GORDON. + The most guilty +Have perished, and enough is given to justice. + + [The GROOM OF THE CHAMBER advances from the gallery with his finger + on his mouth commanding silence. + +GORDON. +He sleeps! Oh, murder not the holy sleep! + +BUTLER. +No! he shall die awake. + [Is going. + +GORDON. +His heart still cleaves +To earthly things: he's not prepared to step +Into the presence of his God! + +BUTLER (going). + God's merciful! + +GORDON (holds him). +Grant him but this night's respite. + +BUTLER (hurrying of). + The next moment +May ruin all. + +GORDON (holds him still). + One hour! + +BUTLER. + Unhold me! What +Can that short respite profit him? + +GORDON. + Oh, time +Works miracles. In one hour many thousands +Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they +Thought follows thought within the human soul. +Only one hour! Your heart may change its purpose, +His heart may change its purpose--some new tidings +May come; some fortunate event, decisive, +May fall from heaven and rescue him. Oh, what +May not one hour achieve! + +BUTLER. + You but remind me +How precious every minute is! + + [He stamps on the floor. + + + +SCENE VII. + + To these enter MACDONALD and DEVEREUX, with the HALBERDIERS. + +GORDON (throwing himself between him and them). + No, monster! +First over my dead body thou shalt tread. I will +Hot live to see the accursed deed! + +BUTLER (forcing him out of the way). +Weak-hearted dotard! + + [Trumpets are heard in the distance. + +DEVEREUX and MACDONALD. + Hark! The Swedish trumpets! +The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten! + +GORDON (rushes out). +Oh, God of mercy! + +BUTLER (calling after him). + Governor, to your post! + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (hurries in). +Who dares make larum here? Hush! The duke sleeps. + +DEVEREUX (with loud, harsh voice). +Friend, it is time now to make larum. + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. + Help! +Murder! + +BUTLER. + Down with him! + +GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (run through the body by DEVEREUX, falls at + the entrance of the gallery). + Jesus Maria! + +BUTLER. +Burst the doors open. + + [They rush over the body into the gallery--two doors are heard to + crash one after the other. Voices, deadened by the distance--clash + of arms--then all at once a profound silence: + + + +SCENE VIII. + +COUNTESS TERZKY (with a light). +Her bedchamber is empty; she herself +Is nowhere to be found! The Neubrunn too, +Who watched by her, is missing. If she should +Be flown--but whither flown? We must call up +Every soul in the house. How will the duke +Bear up against these worst bad tidings? Oh, +If that my husband now were but returned +Home from the banquet! Hark! I wonder whether +The duke is still awake! I thought I heard +Voices and tread of feet here! I will go +And listen at the door. Hark! what is that? +'Tis hastening up the steps! + + + +SCENE IX. + + COUNTESS, GORDON. + +GORDON (rushes in out of breath) + 'Tis a mistake! +'Tis not the Swedes; ye must proceed no further-- +Butler! Oh, God! where is he? + [Observing the COUNTESS. + Countess! Say---- + +COUNTESS. +You're come then from the castle? Where's my husband? + +GORDON (in an agony of affright). +Your husband! Ask not! To the duke---- + +COUNTESS. + Not till +You have discovered to me---- + +GORDON. + On this moment +Does the world hang. For God's sake! to the duke. +While we are speaking---- + [Calling loudly. + Butler! Butler! God! + +COUNTESS. +Why, he is at the castle with my husband. + + [BUTLER comes from the gallery. + +GORDON. +'Twas a mistake. 'Tis not the Swedes--it is +The imperialists' lieutenant-general +Has sent me hither--will be here himself +Instantly. You must not proceed. + +BUTLER. + He comes +Too late. + + [GORDON dashes himself against the wall. + +GORDON. + Oh, God of mercy! + +COUNTESS. + What, too late? +Who will be here himself? Octavio +In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the duke? + + [She rushes to the gallery. + + + +SCENE X. + + Servants run across the stage full of terror. The whole scene + must be spoken entirely without pauses. + +SENI (from the gallery). +Oh, bloody, frightful deed! + +COUNTESS. + What is it, Seni? + +PAGE (from the gallery). +Oh, piteous sight! + + [Other servants hasten in with torches. + +COUNTESS. +What is it? For God's sake! + +SENI. + And do you ask? +Within the duke lies murdered--and your husband +Assassinated at the castle. + + [The COUNTESS stands motionless. + +FEMALE SERVANT (rushing across the stage). +Help! help! the duchess! + +BURGOMASTER (enters). + What mean these confused +Loud cries that wake the sleepers of this house? + +GORDON. +Your house is cursed to all eternity. +In your house doth the duke lie murdered! + +BURGOMASTER (rushing out) + Heaven forbid! + +FIRST SERVANT. +Fly! fly! they murder us all! + +SECOND SERVANT (carrying silver-plate). + That way! the lower +Passages are blocked up. + +VOICE (from behind the scene). +Make room for the lieutenant-general! + + [At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects + herself, and retires suddenly. + +VOICE (from behind the scene). +Keep back the people! Guard the door! + + + +SCENE XI. + + To these enter OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI with all his train. At the same + time DEVEREUX and MACDONALD enter from out the corridor with the + Halberdiers. WALLENSTEIN's dead body is carried over the back part + of the stage, wrapped in a piece of crimson tapestry. + +OCTAVIO (entering abruptly). +It must not be! It is not possible! +Butler! Gordon! +I'll not believe it. Say no! + + [GORDON, without answering, points with his hand to the body of + WALLENSTEIN as it is carried over the back of the stage. OCTAVIO + looks that way, and stands overpowered with horror. + +DEVEREUX (to BUTLER). +Here is the golden fleece--the duke's sword---- + +MACDONALD. +Is it your order---- + +BUTLER (pointing to OCTAVIO). + Here stands he who now +Hath the sole power to issue orders. + + [DEVEREUX and MACDONALD retire with marks of obeisance. One drops + away after the other, till only BUTLER, OCTAVIO, and GORDON remain + on the stage. + +OCTAVIO (turning to BUTLER). +Was that my purpose, Butler, when we parted? +Oh, God of Justice! +To thee I lift my hand! I am not guilty +Of this foul deed. + +BUTLER. + Your hand is pure. You have +Availed yourself of mine. + +OCTAVIO. + Merciless man! +Thus to abuse the orders of thy lord-- +And stain thy emperor's holy name with murder, +With bloody, most accursed assassination! + +BUTLER (calmly). +I've but fulfilled the emperor's own sentence. + +OCTAVIO. +Oh, curse of kings, +Infusing a dread life into their words, +And linking to the sudden, transient thought +The unchanging, irrevocable deed. +Was there necessity for such an eager +Despatch? Couldst thou not grant the merciful +A time for mercy? Time is man's good angel. +To leave no interval between the sentence, +And the fulfilment of it, doth beseem +God only, the immutable! + +BUTLER. + For what +Rail you against me? What is my offence? +The empire from a fearful enemy +Have I delivered, and expect reward. +The single difference betwixt you and me +Is this: you placed the arrow in the bow; +I pulled the string. You sowed blood, and yet stand +Astonished that blood is come up. I always +Knew what I did, and therefore no result +Hath power to frighten or surprise my spirit. +Have you aught else to order; for this instant +I make my best speed to Vienna; place +My bleeding sword before my emperor's throne, +And hope to gain the applause which undelaying +And punctual obedience may demand +From a just judge. + + [Exit BUTLER. + + + +SCENE XII. + + To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY, pale and disordered. + Her utterance is slow and feeble, and unimpassioned. + +OCTAVIO (meeting her). +Oh, Countess Terzky! These are the results +Of luckless, unblest deeds. + +COUNTESS. + They are the fruits +Of your contrivances. The duke is dead, +My husband too is dead, the duchess struggles +In the pangs of death, my niece has disappeared; +This house of splendor, and of princely glory, +Doth now stand desolated: the affrighted servants +Rush forth through all its doors. I am the last +Therein; I shut it up, and here deliver +The keys. + +OCTAVIO (with a deep anguish). + Oh, countess! my house, too, is desolate. + +COUNTESS. +Who next is to be murdered? Who is next +To be maltreated? Lo! the duke is dead. +The emperor's vengeance may be pacified! +Spare the old servants; let not their fidelity +Be imputed to the faithful as a crime-- +The evil destiny surprised my brother +Too suddenly: he could not think on them. + +OCTAVIO. +Speak not of vengeance! Speak not of maltreatment! +The emperor is appeased; the heavy fault +Hath heavily been expiated--nothing +Descended from the father to the daughter, +Except his glory and his services. +The empress honors your adversity, +Takes part in your afflictions, opens to you +Her motherly arms. Therefore no further fears. +Yield yourself up in hope and confidence +To the imperial grace! + +COUNTESS (with her eye raised to heaven) +To the grace and mercy of a greater master +Do I yield up myself. Where shall the body +Of the duke have its place of final rest? +In the Chartreuse, which he himself did found +At Gitschin, rests the Countess Wallenstein; +And by her side, to whom he was indebted +For his first fortunes, gratefully he wished +He might sometime repose in death! Oh, let him +Be buried there. And likewise, for my husband's +Remains I ask the like grace. The emperor +Is now the proprietor of all our castles; +This sure may well be granted us--one sepulchre +Beside the sepulchres of our forefathers! + +OCTAVIO. +Countess, you tremble, you turn pale! + +COUNTESS (reassembles all her powers, and speaks with energy and + dignity). + You think +More worthily of me than to believe +I would survive the downfall of my house. +We did not hold ourselves too mean to grasp +After a monarch's crown--the crown did fate +Deny, but not the feeling and the spirit +That to the crown belong! We deem a +Courageous death more worthy of our free station +Than a dishonored life. I have taken poison. + +OCTAVIO. +Help! Help! Support her! + +COUNTESS. + Nay, it is too late. +In a few moments is my fate accomplished. + + [Exit COUNTESS. + +GORDON. +Oh, house of death and horrors! + + [An OFFICER enters, and brings a letter with the great seal. + GORDON steps forward and meets him. + + What is this +It is the imperial seal. + + [He reads the address, and delivers the letter to OCTAVIO with + a look of reproach, and with an emphasis on the word. + +To the Prince Piccolomini. + + [OCTAVIO, with his whole frame expressive of sudden anguish, + raises his eyes to heaven. + + The Curtain drops. + + + +FOOTNOTES. + + +[1] A great stone near Luetzen, since called the Swede's Stone, the body + of their great king having been found at the foot of it, after the + battle in which he lost his life. + +[2] Could I have hazarded such a Germanism as the use of the word + afterworld for posterity,--"Es spreche Welt und Nachwelt meinen + Namen"--might have been rendered with more literal fidelity: Let + world and afterworld speak out my name, etc. + +[3] I have not ventured to affront the fastidious delicacy of our age + with a literal translation of this line, + + werth + Die Eingeweide schaudernd aufzuregen. + +[4] Anspessade, in German, Gefreiter, a soldier inferior to a corporal, + but above the sentinels. The German name implies that he is exempt + from mounting guard. + +[5] I have here ventured to omit a considerable number of lines. I fear + that I should not have done amiss had I taken this liberty more + frequently. It is, however, incumbent on me to give the original, + with a literal translation. + + "Weh denen, die auf Dich vertraun, an Dich + Die sichre Huette ihres Glueckes lehnen, + Gelockt von deiner geistlichen Gestalt. + Schnell unverhofft, bei naechtlich stiller Weile, + Gaehrts in dem tueckschen Feuerschlunde, ladet, + Sich aus mit tobender Gewalt, und weg + Treibt ueber alle Pflanzungen der Menschen + Der wilde Strom in grausender Zerstoerung." + + WALLENSTEIN. + "Du schilderst deines Vaters Herz. Wie Du's + Beschreibst, so ist's in seinem Eingeweide, + In dieser schwarzen Heuchlers Brust gestaltet. + Oh, mich hat Hoellenkunst getaeuscht! Mir sandte + Der Abgrund den verflecktesten der Geister, + Den Luegenkundigsten herauf, und stellt' ihn + Als Freund an meiner Seite. Wer vermag + Der Hoelle Macht zu widersthn! Ich zog + Den Basilisken auf an meinem Busen, + Mit meinem Herzblut naehrt' ich ihn, er sog + Sich schwelgend voll an meiner Liebe Bruesten, + Ich hatte nimmer Arges gegen ihn, + Weit offen liess ich des Gedankens Thore, + Und warf die Schluessel weiser Vorsicht weg, + Am Sternenhimmel," etc. + + LITERAL TRANSLATION. + + "Alas! for those who place their confidence on thee, against thee + lean their secure hut of their fortune, allured by thy hospitable + form. Suddenly, unexpectedly, in a moment still as night, there is + a fermentation in the treacherous gulf of fire; it discharges + itself with raging force, and away over all the plantations of men + drives the wild stream in frightful devastation." + + WALLENSTEIN.--"Thou art portraying thy father's heart; as thou + describest, even so is it shaped in its entrails, in this black + hypocrite's breast. Oh, the art of hell has deceived me! The abyss + sent up to me the most the most spotted of the spirits, the most + skilful in lies, and placed him as a friend by my side. Who may + withstand the power of hell? I took the basilisk to my bosom, with + my heart's blood I nourished him; he sucked himself glutfull at the + breasts of my love. I never harbored evil towards him; wide open + did I leave the door of my thoughts; I threw away the key of wise + foresight. In the starry heaven, etc." We find a difficulty in + believing this to have been written by Schiller. + +[6] This is a poor and inadequate translation of the affectionate + simplicity of the original-- + + Sie alle waren Fremdlinge, Du warst + Das Kind des Hauses. + + Indeed the whole speech is in the best style of Massinger. + O si sic omnia! + +[7] It appears that the account of his conversion being caused by + such a fall, and other stories of his juvenile character, are not + well authenticated. + +[8] We doubt the propriety of putting so blasphemous a statement in the + mouth of any character.--T. + +[9] [This soliloquy, which, according to the former arrangement, + constituted the whole of scene ix., and concluded the fourth act, + is omitted in all the printed German editions. It seems probable + that it existed in the original manuscript from which Mr. Coleridge + translated.--ED.] + +[10] The soliloquy of Thekla consists in the original of six-and-twenty + lines twenty of which are in rhymes of irregular recurrence. I + thought it prudent to abridge it. Indeed the whole scene between + Thekla and Lady Neubrunn might, perhaps, have been omitted without + injury to the play.--C. + +[11] These four lines are expressed in the original with exquisite + felicity:-- + + Am Himmel ist geschaeftige Bewegung. + Des Thurmes Fahne jagt der Wind, schnell geht + Der Wolken Zug, die Mondessichel wankt + Und durch die Nacht zuckt ungewisse Helle. + + The word "moon-sickle" reminds me of a passage in Harris, as quoted + by Johnson, under the word "falcated." "The enlightened part of the + moon appears in the form of a sickle or reaping-hook, which is while + she is moving from the conjunction to the opposition, or from the + new moon to the full: but from full to a new again the enlightened + part appears gibbous, and the dark falcated." + + The words "wanken" and "schweben" are not easily translated. The + English words, by which we attempt to render them, are either vulgar + or antic, or not of sufficiently general application. So "der + Wolken Zug"--The Draft, the Procession of Clouds. The Masses of the + Clouds sweep onward in swift stream. + +[12] A very inadequate translation of the original:-- + + Verschmerzen werd' ich diesen Schlag, das weiss ich, + Denn was verschmerzte nicht der Mensch! + + LITERALLY. + + I shall grieve down this blow, of that I'm conscious: + What does not man grieve down? + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN *** + +******* This file should be named fs27w10.txt or fs27w10.zip ****** + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, fs27w11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, fs27w10a.txt + +This eBook was produced by Tapio Riikonen +and David Widger, widger@cecomet.net + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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