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THEWALLENSTEINTRILOGY
THECAMPOFWALLENSTEIN
ByFrederichSchiller
TranslatedbyJamesChurchill.
TheCampofWallensteinisanintroductiontothecelebratedtragedyofthatname;and,byitsvividportraitureofthestateofthegeneral'sarmy,givesthebestcluetothespellofhisgiganticpower.Theblindbeliefentertainedintheunfailingsuccessofhisarms,andinthesupernaturalagenciesbywhichthatsuccessissecuredtohim;theunrestrainedindulgenceofeverypassion,andutterdisregardofalllaw,
savethatofthecamp;ahardoppressionofthepeasantryandplunderofthecountry,haveallswollenthesoldierywithanideaofinterminablesway.Butaswehavetranslatedthewhole,weshallleavetheserecklessmarauderstospeakforthemselves.
OfSchiller'sopinionconcerningtheCamp,asanecessaryintroductiontothetragedy,thefollowingpassagetakenfromtheprologuetothefirstrepresentation,willgiveajustidea,andmayalsoserveasamottotothework:--
"Notheitis,whoonthetragicsceneWillnowappear--butinthefearlessbandsWhomhiscommandalonecouldsway,andwhom
Hisspiritfired,youmayhisshadowsee,UntilthebashfulMuseshalldaretobringHimselfbeforeyouinalivingform;ForpoweritwasthatborehisheartastrayHisCamp,alone,elucidateshiscrime."
THECAMPOFWALLENSTEIN.
DRAMATISPERSONAE.
Sergeant-Major|ofaregimentofRecruit.Trumpeter|Terzky'scarabineers.Citizen.Artilleryman,Peasant.Sharpshooters.PeasantBoy.MountedYagers,ofHolk'scorps.Capuchin.Dragoons,ofButler'sregiment.RegimentalSchoolmaster.Arquebusiers,ofTiefenbach'sregiment.Sutler-Woman.Cuirassier,ofaWalloonregiment.ServantGirl.Cuirassier,ofaLombardregiment.Soldiers'Boys.
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Croats.Musicians.Hulans.
(SCENE.--TheCampbeforePilsen,inBohemia.)
SCENEI.
Sutlers'tents--infront,aSlop-shop.Soldiersofallcolorsanduniformsthrongingabout.Tablesallfilled.CroatsandHulanscookingatafire.Sutler-womanservingoutwine.Soldier-boysthrowingdiceonadrum-head.Singingheardfromthetent.
EnteraPeasantandhisSon.
SON.Father,Ifearitwillcometoharm,Soletusbeofffromthissoldierswarm;Butboist'rousmateswillyefindintheshoal--'Twerebettertoboltwhileourskinsarewhole.
FATHER.Hownow,boy!thefellowswonteatus,though
Theymaybealittleunruly,orso.See,yonder,arrivingastrangertrain,FreshcomersaretheyfromtheSaalandMayne;Muchbootytheybringoftherarestsort--'Tisours,ifwecleverlydriveoursport.Acaptain,whofellbyhiscomrade'ssword,Thispairofsuredicetometransferred;To-dayI'lljustgivethematrialtoseeIftheirknack'sasgoodasitusedtobe.Youmustplaythepartofapitifuldevil,Fortheseroaringrogues,whosolooselyrevel,Areeasilysmoothed,andtricked,andflattered,And,freeasitcame,theirgoldisscattered.
Butwe--sincebybushelsourallistaken,Byspoonfulsmustladleitbackagain;And,ifwiththeirswordstheyslashsohighly,Wemustlooksharp,boy,anddothemslyly.
[Singingandshoutinginthetent.
Hark,howtheyshout!Godhelptheday!'Tisthepeasant'shidefortheirsportmustpay.EightmonthsinourbedsandstallshavetheyBeenswarminghere,untilfararoundNotabirdorabeastislongerfound,Andthepeasant,toquiethiscravingmaw,
Hasnothingnowleftbuthisbonestognaw.Ne'erwerewecrushedwithaheavierhand,WhentheSaxonwaslordingito'ertheland:AndthesearetheEmperor'stroops,theysay!
SON.Fromthekitchenacouplearecomingthisway,Notmuchshallwemakebysuchbladesasthey.
FATHER.
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They'rebornBohemianknaves--thetwo--BelongingtoTerzky'scarabineers,Who'velaininthesequartersnowforyears;Theworstaretheyoftheworthlesscrew.Strutting,swaggering,proudandvain,TheyseemtothinktheymaywelldisdainWiththepeasantaglassofhiswinetodrainBut,soft--tothelefto'thefireIseeThreeriflemen,whofromtheTyrolshouldbeEmmerick,come,boy,tothemwillwe.Birdsofthisfeather'tislucktofind,Whosetrim'ssospruce,andtheirpursewelllined.
[Theymovetowardsthetent.
SCENEII.
Theabove--Sergeant-Major,Trumpeter,Hulan.
TRUMPETER.Whatwouldtheboor?Out,rascal,away!
PEASANT.Somevictualsanddrink,worthymasters,Ipray,Fornotawarmmorselwe'vetastedtoday.
TRUMPETER.Ay,guzzleandguttle--'tisalwaystheway.
HULAN(withaglass).Notbrokenyourfast!there--drink,yehound!
Heleadsthepeasanttothetent--theotherscomeforward.
SERGEANT(totheTrumpeter).
Thinkyethey'vedoneitwithoutgoodground?Isitlikelytheydoubleourpayto-day,Merelythatwemaybejollyandgay?
TRUMPETER.Why,theduchessarrivesto-day,weknow,Andherdaughtertoo--
SERGEANT.Tush!that'smereshow--'TisthetroopscollectedfromotherlandsWhohereatPilsenhavejoinedourbands--Wemustdothebestwecant'allure'em,
Withplentifulrations,andthussecure'em.Wheresuchabundantfaretheyfind,Acloserleaguewithustobind.
TRUMPETER.Yes!--there'ssomethinginthewind.
SERGEANT.Thegeneralsandcommanderstoo--
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TRUMPETER.Aratherominoussight,'tistrue.
SERGEANT.Who'remettogethersothicklyhere--
TRUMPETER.Haveplentyofworkontheirhands,that'sclear.
SERGEANT.Thewhisperingandsendingtoandfro--
TRUMPETER.Ay!Ay!
SERGEANT.Thebig-wigfromVienna,Itrow,Whosinceyesterday'sseentoprowlaboutInhisgoldenchainofofficethere--Something'satthebottomofthis,I'llswear.
TRUMPETER.Abloodhoundishebeyondadoubt,Bywhomtheduke'stobehuntedout.
SERGEANT.Markyewell,man!--theydoubtusnow,Andtheyfeartheduke'smysteriousbrow;Hehathclombtoohighforthem,andfainWouldtheybeathimdownfromhisperchagain.
TRUMPETER.Butwewillholdhimstillonhigh--ThatallwouldthinkasyouandI!
SERGEANT.Ourregiment,andtheotherfour
WhichTerzkyleads--thebravestcorpsThroughoutthecamp,aretheGeneral'sown,AndhavebeentrainedtothetradebyhimselfaloneTheofficersholdtheircommandofhim,Andareallhisown,orforlifeorlimb.
SCENEIII.
EnterCroatwithanecklace.Sharpshooterfollowinghim.Theabove.
SHARPSHOOTER.Croat,wherestoleyouthatnecklace,say?Getridofitman--forthee'tisunmeet:Come,takethesepistolsinchange,Ipray.
CROAT.Nay,nay,MasterShooter,you'retryingtocheat.
SHARPSHOOTER.ThenI'llgiveyouthisfinebluecapaswell,
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AlotteryprizewhichjustI'vewon:Lookatthecutofit--quitetheswell!
CROAT(twirlingtheNecklaceintheSun).Butthisisofpearlsandofgarnetsbright,See,howitplaysinthesunnylight!
SHARPSHOOTER(takingtheNecklace).Well,I'llgiveyoutoboot,myowncanteen--I'minlovewiththisbauble'sbeautifulsheen.[Looksatit.
TRUMPETER.See,now!--howcleanlytheCroatisdoneSnacks!MasterShooter,andmum'stheword.
CROAT(havingputonthecap).Ithinkyourcapisasmartishone.
SHARPSHOOTER(winkingtotheTrumpeter).'Tisaregularswop,asthesegentshaveheard.
SCENEIV.
Theabove.AnArtilleryman.
ARTILLERYMAN(totheSergeant).HowisthisIpray,brothercarabineer?Shallwelongerstayhere,ourfingerswarming,Whilethefoeinthefieldaroundisswarming?
SERGEANT.Artthou,indeed,insuchhastyfret?Whytheroads,asIthink,arescarcepassableyet.
ARTILLERYMAN.Formetheyarenot--I'msnugenoughhere--Butacourier'scome,ourwitstowakenWiththepreciousnewsthatRatisbon'staken.
TRUMPETER.Ha!thenwesoonshallhaveworkinhand.
SERGEANT.Indeed!toprotecttheBavarian'sland,Whohatestheduke,asweunderstand,Wewon'tputourselvesinaviolentsweat.
ARTILLERYMAN.Heyday!--you'llfindyou'reawiseacreyet.
SCENEV.
Theabove--TwoYagers.AfterwardsSutler-woman,Soldier-boy,Schoolmaster,Servant-girl.
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FIRSTYAGER.See!see!Heremeetweajovialcompany!
TRUMPETER.Whocanthesegreencoatsbe,Iwonder,Thatstrutsogayandsprucelyyonder!
SERGEANT.They'retheYagersofHolk--andthelacetheywear,I'llbesworn,wasne'erpurchasedatLeipzigfair.
SUTLER-WOMAN(bringingwine).Welcome,goodsirs!
FIRSTYAGER.Zounds,hownow?GustelofBlasewitzhere,Ivow!
SUTLER-WOMAN.Thesameinsooth--andyouIknow,ArethelankyPeterofItzeho:WhoatGlueckstadtonce,inrevellingnight,Withthewagsofourregiment,puttoflight
Allhisfather'sshiners--thencrownedthefun--
FIRSTYAGER.Bychanginghispenforarifle-gun.
SUTLER-WOMAN.We'reoldacquaintance,then,'tisclear.
FIRSTYAGER.AndtothinkweshouldmeetinBohemiahere!
SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh,hereto-day--to-morrowyonder--
Astherudewar-broom,inrestlesstrace,Scattersandsweepsusfromplacetoplace.MeanwhileI'vebeendoomedfarroundtowander.
FIRSTYAGER.Soonewouldthink,bythelookofyourface.
SUTLER-WOMAN.UpthecountryI'verambledtoTemsewar,WhitherIwentwiththebaggage-car,WhenMansfeldbeforeuswechasedaway;WiththedukenearStralsundnextwelay,Wheretradewentalltopot,Imaysay.
IjoggedwiththesuccorstoMantua;Andbackagaincame,underFeria:Then,joiningaSpanishregiment,ItookashortcutacrosstoGhent;AndnowtoBohemiaI'mcometogetOldscorespaidoff,thatarestandingyet,Ifahelpinghandbythedukebelent--Andyonderyouseemysutler'stent.
FIRSTYAGER.
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Well,allthingsseeminaflourishingway,ButwhathaveyoudonewiththeScotchman,say,Whoonceinthecampwasyourconstantflame?
SUTLER-WOMAN.Avillain,whotrickedmeclean,thatsameHebolted,andtooktohimselfwhate'erI'dmanagedtoscrapetogether,orspare,Leavingmenaughtbuttheurchinthere.
SOLDIER-BOY(springingforward).Mother,isitmypapayouname?
FIRSTYAGER.Well,theemperornowmustfatherthiself,Forthearmymusteverrecruititself.
SCHOOLMASTER.Forthtotheschool,yerogue--d'yehear?
FIRSTYAGER.He,too,ofanarrowroomhasfear.
SERVANTGIRL(entering).
Aunt,they'llbeoff.
SUTLER-WOMAN.Icomeapace.
FIRSTYAGER.Whatgypsyisthatwiththeroguishface?
SUTLER-WOMAN.Mysister'schildfromthesouth,isshe.
FIRSTYAGER.Ay,ay,asweetlittleniece--Isee.
SECONDYAGER(holdingthegirl).Softly,myprettyone!staywithme.
GIRL.Thecustomerswait,sir,andImustgo.[Disengagesherself,andexit.
FIRSTYAGER.Thatmaiden'sadaintymorsel,Itrow!Andheraunt--byheaven!Imindmewell,--Whenthebestoftheregimentlovedherso,Toblowsforherbeautifulfacetheyfell.
Whatdifferentfolksone'sdoomedtoknow!Howtimeglowsoffwithaceaselessflow!Andwhatsightsasyetwemaylivetosee!(TotheSergeantandTrumpeter.)Yourhealth,goodsirs,maywebefree,Aseatbesideyouheretotake?
SCENEVI.
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TheYagers,Sergeant,andTrumpeter.
SERGEANT.Wethankye--androomwillgladlymake.ToBohemiawelcome.
FIRSTYAGER.Snugenoughhere!Inthelandofthefoeourquarterswerequeer.
TRUMPETER.Youhaven'tthelookon't--you'resprucetoview.
SERGEANT.Ay,faith,ontheSaal,andinMeissen,too,Yourpraisesareheardfromthelipsoffew.
SECONDYAGER.Tush,man!why,whattheplagued'yemean?TheCroathadsweptthefieldssoclean,Therewaslittleornothingforustoglean.
TRUMPETER.
Yetyourpointedcollariscleanandsightly,And,then,yourhosethatsitsotightly!Yourlinensofine,withthehatandfeather,Makeashowofsmartnessaltogether!(ToSergeant.)Thatfortuneshoulduponyounkersshine--Whilenothinginyourwaycomes,ormine.
SERGEANT.Butthenwe'retheFriedlander'sregimentAnd,thus,mayhonorandhomageclaim.
FIRSTYAGER.
Forus,now,that'snogreatcompliment,We,also,beartheFriedlander'sname.
SERGEANT.True--youformpartofthegeneralmass.
FIRSTYAGER.Andyou,Isuppose,areaseparateclass!Thedifferenceliesinthecoatswewear,AndIhavenowishtochangewithyouthere.
SERGEANT.SirYager,Ican'tbutwithpitymelt,
WhenIthinkhowmuchamongboorsyou'vedwelt.Thecleverknackandthepropertone,Arecaughtbythegeneral'ssidealone.
FIRSTYAGER.Thenthelessoniswofullythrownaway,--Howhehawksandspits,indeed,ImaysayYou'vecopiedandcaughtinthecleverestway;Buthisspirit,hisgenius--oh,theseIween,Onyourguardparadearebutseldomseen.
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SECONDYAGER.Why,zounds!askforuswhereveryouwill,Friedland'swildhuntisourtitlestill!Nevershamingthename,allundauntedwegoAlikethroughthefieldofafriend,orafoe;Throughtherisingstalk,ortheyellowcorn,WellknowtheytheblastofHolk'sYagerhorn.Intheflashofaneye,wearefarornear,Swiftasthedeluge,orthereorhere--Asatmidnightdark,whentheflamesoutbreakInthesilentdwellingwherenoneawake;Vainisthehopeinweaponsorflight,Norordernordisciplinethwartitsmight.Thenstrugglesthemaidinoursinewyarms,Butwarhathnopity,andscornsalarms.Go,ask--Ispeaknotwithboastfultongue--InBareuth,Westphalia,Voigtland,where'erOurtroopshavetraversed--go,askthemthere--Childrenandchildren'schildrenlong,Whenhundredsandhundredsofyearsareo'er,OfHolkwilltellandhisYagercorps.
SERGEANT.
Why,hark!MustasoldierthenbemadeBydrivingthisriotous,roaringtrade!'Tisdrillingthatmakeshim,skillandsense--Perception--thought--intelligence.
FIRSTYAGER.'Tislibertymakeshim!Here'safuss!ThatIshouldsuchtwaddleasthisdiscuss.WasitforthisthatIlefttheschool?Thatthescribblingdesk,andtheslavishrule,Andthenarrowwalls,thatourspiritscramp,Shouldbemetwithagaininthemidstofthecamp?No!Idleandheedless,I'lltakemyway,
Huntingfornoveltyeveryday;Trusttothemomentwithdauntlessmind,Andgivenotaglanceorbeforeorbehind.ForthistotheemperorIsoldmyhide,ThatnoothercareImighthavetobide.Throughthefoe'sfiercefiringbidmeride,ThroughfathomlessRhine,inhisroaringflow,Whereev'rythirdmantothedevilmaygo,Atnobarwillyoufindmebogglingthere;But,fartherthanthis,'tismyspecialprayer,ThatImaynotbebotheredwithaughtlikecare.
SERGEANT.
Ifthisbeyourwish,youneedn'tlackit,'Tisgrantedtoallwiththesoldier'sjacket.
FIRSTYAGER.Whatafussandabother,forsooth,wasmadeBythatman-tormentor,Gustavus,theSwede,Whosecampwasachurch,whereprayersweresaidAtmorningreveilleandeveningtattoo;And,wheneveritchancedthatwefriskygrew,Asermonhimselffromthesaddlehe'dread.
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SERGEANT.Ay,thatwasamanwiththefearofGod.
FIRSTYAGER.Girlshedetested;andwhat'sratherodd,Ifcaughtwithawenchyouinwedlockweretacked,--Icouldstanditnolonger,sooffIpacked.
SERGEANT.Theirdisciplinenowhasatrifleslacked.
FIRSTYAGER.Well,nexttotheLeagueIrodeover;theirmenWeremusteringinhasteagainstMagdeburgthen.Ha!thatwasanotherguesssortofathing!Infrolicandfunwe'dagloriousswing;Withgaming,anddrinking,andgirlsatcall,I'faith,sirs,oursportwasbynomeanssmall.ForTillyknewhowtocommand,that'splain;Heheldhimselfinbutgaveustherein;And,longashehadn'tthebotherofpaying,"Liveandletlive!"wasthegeneral'ssaying.Butfortunesoongavehimtheslip;andne'er
SincethedayofthatvillanousLeipzigaffairWouldaughtgoaright.'TwasoflittleavailThatwetried,forourplansweresuretofail.Ifnowwedrewnighandrappedatthedoor,Nogreetingawaited,'twasopenednomore;Fromplacetoplacewewentsneakingabout,Andfoundthattheirstockofrespectwasout;ThentouchedItheSaxonbounty,andthoughtTheirservicewithfortunemustneedsbefraught.
SERGEANT.YoujoinedthemthenjustinthenicktoshareBohemia'splunder?
FIRSTYAGER.I'dsmallluckthere.Strictdisciplinesternlyruledtheday,Nordaredweafoeman'sforcedisplay;Theysetustoguardtheimperialforts,Andplaguedusallwiththefarceofthecourts.Wartheywagedasajest'twerethought--Andbuthalfahearttothebusinessbrought,Theywouldbreakwithnone;andthus'twasplainSmallhonoramongthemcouldasoldiergain.SoheartilysickintheendgrewIThatmymindwasthedeskagaintotry;
Whensuddenly,rattlingnearandfar,TheFriedlander'sdrumwasheardtowar.
SERGEANT.Andhowlongheremayyoumeantostay?
FIRSTYAGER.Youjest,man.Solongashebearsthesway,Bymysoul!notathoughtofchangehaveI;Wherebetterthanherecouldthesoldierlie?
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Herethetruefashionofwarisfound,Andthecutofpower'sonallthingsround;Whilethespiritwherebythemovement'sgivenMightilystirs,likethewindsofheaven,Themeanesttrooperinallthethrong.WithaheartystepshallItrampalongOnaburgher'sneckasundauntedtreadAsourgeneraldoesontheprince'shead.As'twasinthetimesofold'tisnow,Theswordisthesceptre,andallmustbow.OnecrimealonecanIunderstand,Andthat'stoopposethewordofcommand.What'snotforbiddentodomakebold,Andnonewillaskyouwhatcreedyouhold.OfjusttwothingsinthisworldIwot,Whatbelongstothearmyandwhatdoesnot,Tothebanneraloneismyservicebrought.
SERGEANT.Thus,Yager,Ilikethee--thouspeakest,Ivow,WiththetoneofaFriedlandtroopernow.
FIRSTYAGER.'Tisnotasanofficeheholdscommand,
Orapowerreceivedfromtheemperor'shand;Fortheemperor'sservicewhatshouldhecare,Whatbetterforhimdoestheemperorfare?Withthemightypowerhewieldsatwill,Haseverheshelteredthelandfromill?No;asoldier-kingdomheseekstoraise,Andforthiswouldsettheworldinablaze,Daringtoriskandtocompassall--
TRUMPETER.Hush--whoshallsuchwordsastheseletfall?
FIRSTYAGER.
WhateverIthinkmaybesaidbyme,Forthegeneraltellsusthewordisfree.
SERGEANT.True--thathesaidsoIfullyagree,Iwasstandingby."Thewordisfree--Thedeedisdumb--obedienceblind!"HisverywordsIcancalltomind.
FIRSTYAGER.Iknownotifthesewerehiswordsorno,Buthesaidthething,and'tisevenso.
SECONDYAGER.Victoryne'erwillhisflagforsake,Thoughshe'saptfromothersaturntotake:OldTillyoutlivedhisfame'sdecline,ButunderthebannerofWallenstein,ThereamIcertainthatvictory'smine!Fortuneisspell-boundtohim,andmustyield;Whoe'erunderFriedlandshalltakethefieldIssureofasupernaturalshield:For,asalltheworldisawarefullwell,
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Thedukehasadevilinhirefromhell.
SERGEANT.Intruththathe'scharmedispastadoubt,Forweknowhow,atLuetzen'sbloodyaffair,Wherefiringwasthickesthestillwasthere,Ascoollyasmightbe,sirs,ridingabout.Thehatonhisheadwasshotthro'andthro',IncoatandbootsthebulletsthatflewLefttracesfullcleartoallmen'sview;Butnonegotsofarastoscratchoffhisskin,Fortheointmentofhellwastoowellrubbedin.
FIRSTYAGER.Whatwonderssostrangecanyouallseethere?Anelk-skinjackethehappenstowear,Andthroughitthebulletscanmakenoway.
SERGEANT.'Tisanointmentofwitches'herbs,Isay,Kneadedandcookedbyunholyspell.
TRUMPETER.Nodoubt'tistheworkofthepowersofhell.
SERGEANT.Thathereadsinthestarswealsohear,Wherethefuturehesees--distantornear--ButIknowbetterthetruthofthecaseAlittlegrayman,atthedeadofnight,Throughbolteddoorstohimwillpace--Thesentinelsofthavehailedthesight,Andsomethinggreatwassuretobenigh,Whenthislittlegray-coathadglidedby.
FIRSTYAGER.Ay,ay,he'ssoldhimselftothedevil,
Wherefore,mylads,let'sfeastandrevel.
SCENEVII.
Theabove--Recruit,Citizen,Dragoon.
(TheRecruitadvancesfromthetent,wearingatincaponhishead,andcarryingawine-flask.)
RECRUIT.Tofatherandunclepraymakemybow,
Andbid'emgood-by--I'masoldiernow.
FIRSTYAGER.See,yonderthey'rebringingussomethingnew,
CITIZEN.Oh,Franz,remember,thisdayyou'llrue.
RECRUIT(sings).Thedrumandthefife,
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War'srattlingthrong,AndawanderinglifeTheworldalong!Swiftsteed--andahandTocurbandcommand--Withabladebytheside,We'reofffarandwide.Asjollyandfree,Asthefinchinitsglee,Onthicketortree,Underheaven'swidehollow--Hurrah!fortheFriedlander'sbannerI'llfollow!
SECONDYAGER.Foregad!ajollycompanion,though.
[Theysalutehim.
CITIZEN.Hecomesofgoodkin;nowpraylethimgo.
FIRSTYAGER.Andwewern'tfoundinthestreetsyoumustknow.
CITIZEN.Itellyouhiswealthisaplentifulstock;Justfeelthefinestuffthathewearsforafrock.
TRUMPETER.Theemperor'scoatisthebesthecanwear.
CITIZEN.Toacapmanufactoryheistheheir.
SECONDYAGER.Thewillofamanishisfortunealone.
CITIZEN.Hisgrandmother'sshopwillsoonbehisown.
FIRSTYAGER.Pish!trafficinmatches!whowoulddo't?
CITIZEN.Awine-shophisgrandfatherleaves,toboot,Acellarwithtwentycasksofwine.
TRUMPETER.Thesewithhiscomradeshe'llsurelyshare.
SECONDYAGER.Harkye,lad--beacamp-brotherofmine.
CITIZEN.Abrideheleavessitting,intears,apart.
FIRSTYAGER.Good--thatnow'saproofofanironheart.
CITIZEN.
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Hisgrandmother'ssuretodiewithsorrow.
SECONDYAGER.Thebetter--forthenhe'llinheritto-morrow.
SERGEANT(advancesgravely,andlayshishandontheRecruit'stincap).Thematternodoubtyouhavedulyweighed,Andhereanewmanofyourselfhavemade;Withhangerandhelm,sir,younowbelongToanoblerandmoredistinguishedthrong.Thus,aloftierspirit'twerewelltouphold--
FIRSTYAGER.And,specially,neverbesparingofgold.
SERGEANT.InFortune'sship,withanonwardgale,Myfriend,youhavemadeupyourmindtosail.Theearth-ballisopenbeforeyou--yetthereNaught'stobegained,butbythosewhodare.Stupidandsluggishyourcitizen'sfound,Likeadyer'sdulljade,inhisceaselessround,Whilethesoldiercanbewhateverhewill,
Forwaro'ertheearthisthewatchwordstill.Justlooknowatme,andthecoatIwear,Youseethattheemperor'sbatonIbear--Andallgoodgovernment,overtheearth,Youmustknowfromthebatonalonehasbirth;Forthesceptrethat'sswayedbythekinglyhandIsnaughtbutabaton,weunderstand.Andhewhohascorporal'srankobtained,Standsontheladderwhereall'stobegained,Andyou,likeanother,maymounttothatheight--
FIRSTYAGER.Providedyoucanbutreadandwrite.
SERGEANT.Now,harktoaninstanceofthisfromme,Andone,whichI'velivedmyselftoseeThere'sButler,thechiefofdragoons,whyhe,Whoserankwasnothigherawhitthanmine,Somethirtyyearssince,atCologneonRhine,Isamajor-generalnow--becauseHeputhimselfforwardandgainedapplause;Fillingtheworldwithhismartialfame,Whilesleptmymeritswithoutaname.AndeventheFriedlander'sself--I'veheard--Ourgeneralandall-commandinglord,
Whonowcandowhathewillataword,Hadatfirstbutaprivatesquire'sdegree;Inthegoddessofwaryettrustingfree,Herearedthegreatnesswhichnowyousee,And,aftertheemperor,nextishe.Whoknowswhatmorehemaymeanorget?(Slyly.)Forall-day'seveningisn'tcomeyet.
FIRSTYAGER.
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Hewaslittleatfirst,thoughnowsogreat--ForatAltorf,instudent'sgownheplayedByyourleave,thepartofaroaringblade,Andrattledawayataqueerishrate.Hisfaghehadwellnighkilledbyablow,AndtheirNur'mburgworshipssworeheshouldgoTojailforhispains--ifhelikeditorno.'Twasanew-builtnesttobechristenedbyhimWhofirstshouldbelodged.Well,whatwashiswhim?Why,hesenthisdogforwardtoleadtheway,Andtheycallthejailfromthedogtothisday.Thatwasthegameabravefellowshouldplay,Andofallthegreatdeedsofthegeneral,noneE'ertickledmyfancy,likethisone.
[Duringthisspeech,thesecondYagerhasbeguntoyingwiththegirlwhohasbeeninwaiting.]
DRAGOON(steppingbetweenthem).Comrade--giveoverthissport,Ipray.
SECONDYAGER.Why,whothedevilshallsaymenay!
DRAGOON.I'veonlytotellyouthegirl'smyown.
FIRSTYAGER.Suchamorselasthis,forhimselfalone!--Dragoon,whysay,artthoucrazygrown?
SECONDYAGER.Inthecamptobekeepingawenchforone!No!thelightofaprettygirl'sfacemustfall,Likethebeamsofthesun,togladdenusall.(Kissesher.)DRAGOON(tearsheraway).
Itellyouagain,thatitshan'tbedone.
FIRSTYAGER.Thepipersarecoming,lads!nowforfun!
SECONDYAGER(toDragoon).Ishan'tbefaroff,shouldyoulookforme.
SERGEANT.Peace,mygoodfellows!--akissgoesfree.
SCENEVIII.
EnterMiners,andplayawaltz--atfirstslowly,andafterwardsquicker.ThefirstYagerdanceswiththegirl,theSutler-womanwiththerecruit.Thegirlspringsaway,andtheYager,pursuingher,seizesholdofaCapuchinFriarjustentering.
CAPUCHIN.Hurrah!halloo!tol,lol,derol,le!
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Thefun'satitsheight!I'llnotbeaway!Is'tanarmyofChristiansthatjoininsuchworks?OrareweallturnedAnabaptistsandTurks?IstheSabbathadayforthissportintheland,AsthoughthegreatGodhadthegoutinhishand,Andthuscouldn'tsmiteinthemidstofyourband?Say,isthisatimeforyourrevellingshouts,Foryourbanquetings,feasts,andholidaybouts?Quidhicstatisotiosi?declareWhy,foldingyourarms,standyelazilythere?WhilethefuriesofwarontheDanubenowfareAndBavaria'sbulwarkislyingfulllow,AndRatisbon'sfastintheclutchofthefoe.Yet,thearmylieshereinBohemiastill,Andcaringfornaught,sotheirpaunchestheyfill!Bottlesfarratherthanbattlesyou'llget,Andyourbillsthanyourbroad-swordsmorereadilywet;Withthewenches,Iween,isyourdearestconcern,Andyou'dratherroastoxenthanOxenstiern.InsackclothandasheswhileChristendom'sgrieving,Nothoughthasthesoldierhisguzzleofleaving.'Tisatimeofmisery,groans,andtears!Portentousthefaceoftheheavensappears!Andforthfromthecloudsbeholdblood-red,
TheLord'swar-mantleisdownwardspread--Whilethecometisthrustasathreateningrod,FromthewindowofheavenbythehandofGod.Theworldisbutonevasthouseofwoe,Thearkofthechurchstemsabloodyflow,TheHolyEmpire--Godhelpthesame!Haswretchedlysunktoahollowname.TheRhine'sgaystreamhasagorygleam,Thecloister'snestsarerobbedbyroysters;Thechurch-landsnowarechangedtolurch-lands;Abbacies,andallotherholyfoundationsNowarebutrobber-sees--rogues'habitations.Andthusiseachonce-blestGermanstate,
Deepsunkinthegloomofthedesolate!Whencecomesallthis?Oh,thatwillItell--Itcomesofyourdoings,ofsin,andofhell;Ofthehorrible,heathenishlivesyelead,Soldiersandofficers,allofabreed.Forsinisthemagnet,oneveryhand,Thatdrawsyoursteelthroughouttheland!Astheonioncausestheteartoflow,Sovicemusteverbefollowedbywoe--TheWdulysucceedstheV,ThisistheorderofA,B,C.Ubieritvictoriaespes,SioffenditurDeus?whichsays,
How,prayye,shallvictorye'ercometopass,Ifthusyouplaytruantfromsermonandmass,Anddonothingbutlazilylollo'ertheglass?Thewoman,we'retoldintheTestament,Foundthepennyinsearchwhereofshewent.Saulmetwithhisfather'sassesagain,AndJosephhispreciousfraternaltrain,Buthe,who'mongsoldiersshallhopetoseeGod'sfear,orshame,ordiscipline--heFromhistoil,beyonddoubt,willbaffledreturn,
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Thoughahundredlampsinthesearchheburn.Tothewildernesspreacher,th'Evangelistsays,Thesoldiers,too,throngedtorepentoftheirways,Andhadthemselveschristenedinformerdays.Quidfaciemusnos?theysaid:TowardAbraham'sbosomwhatpathmustwetread?Etaitillis,and,saidhe,Neminemconcutiatis;Frombotherandwrongsleaveyourneighborsfree.Nequecalumniamfaciatis;Anddealnorinslandernorlies,d'yesee?Contentiestote--contentye,pray,Stipendiisvestris--withyourpay--Andcurseforevereachevilway.Thereisacommand--thoushaltnotutterThenameoftheLordthyGodinvain;But,whereisitmenmostblasphemiesmutter?Whyhere,inDukeFriedland'sheadquarters,'tieplainIfforeverythunder,andeveryblast,Whichblazingyefromyourtongue-pointscast,Thebellswerebutrung,inthecountryround,Notabellman,Iween,wouldtheresoonbefound;AndifforeachandeveryunholyprayerWhichtoventfromyourjabberingjawsyoudare,
Fromyournoddleswerepluckedbutthesmallesthair,Ev'rycropwouldbesmoothederethesunwentdown,Thoughatmorn'twereasbushyasAbsalom'scrown.Now,Joshua,methinks,wasasoldieraswell--BythearmofKingDavidthePhilistinefell;Butwheredowefinditwritten,Ipray,Thattheyeverblasphemedinthisvillanousway?Onewouldthinkyeneedstretchyourjawsnomore,Tocry,"Godhelpus!"than"Zounds!"toroar.But,bytheliquorthat'spouredinthecask,weknowWithwhatitwillbubbleandoverflow.Again,itiswritten--thoushaltnotsteal,Andthisyoufollow,i'faith!totheletter,
Foropen-facedrobberysuitsyebetter.ThegripeofyourvultureclawsyoufixOnall--andyourwilesandrascallytricksMakethegoldunhidinourcoffersnow,Andthecalfunsafewhileyetinthecow--Yetakeboththeeggandthehen,Ivow.Contentiestote--thepreachersaid;Whichmeans--becontentwithyourarmybread.Buthowshouldtheslavesnotfromdutyswerve?Themischiefbeginswiththelordtheyserve,Justlikethememberssoisthehead.Ishouldliketoknowwhocantellmehiscreed.
FIRSTYAGER.Sirpriest,'gainstourselvesrailonasyouwill--Ofthegeneralwewarnyoutobreathenoill.
CAPUCHIN.Necustodiasgregemmeam!AnAhabishe,andaJerobeam,Whothepeoplefromfaith'sunerringway,Totheworshipofidolswouldturnastray,
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TRUMPETERandRECRUIT.Letusnothearthatagain,wepray.
CAPUCHIN.SuchaBramarbas,whoseirontoothWouldseizeallthestrongholdsofearthforsooth!Didhenotboast,withungodlytongue,ThatStralsundmustneedstohisgraspbewrung,Thoughtoheavenitselfwithachain'twerestrung?
TRUMPETER.Willnoneputastoptohisslanderousbawl?
CAPUCHIN.Awizardheis!--andasorcererSaul!--Holofernes!--aJehu!--denying,weknow,LikeSt.Peter,hisMasterandLordbelow;Andhencemusthequailwhenthecockdothcrow--
BOTHYAGERS.Now,parson,prepare;forthydoomisnigh.
CAPUCHIN.AfoxmorecunningthanHerod,Itrow--
TRUMPETERandbothYAGERS(pressingagainsthim).Silence,again,--ifthouwouldstnotdie!
CROATS(interfering.)Sticktoit,father;we'llshieldyou,ne'erfear;Thecloseofyourpreachmentnowlet'shear.
CAPUCHIN(stilllouder).ANebuchadnezzarintoweringpride!Andavileandhereticsinnerbeside!Hecallshimselfrightlythestoneofawall;Forfaith!he'sastumbling-stonetousall.
Andne'ercantheemperorhavepeaceindeed,TillofFriedlandhimselfthelandisfreed.
[Duringthelastpassageswhichhepronouncesinanelevatedvoice,hehasbeengraduallyretreating,theCroatskeepingtheothersoldiersoff.
SCENEIX.
Theabove,withouttheCapuchin.
FIRSTYAGER(totheSergeant).
But,tellus,whatmeantheaboutchanticleer;Whosecrowingthegeneraldarestohear?Nodoubtitwasutteredinspiteandscorn.
SERGEANT.Listen--'Tisnotsountrueasitappears;ForFriedlandwasrathermysteriouslyborn,Andis'speciallytroubledwithticklishears;
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Hecanneversufferthemewofacat;Andwhenthecockcrowshestartsthereat.
FIRSTYAGER.He'soneandthesamewiththelioninthat.
SERGEANT.Mouse-stillmustallaroundhimcreep,Strictwatchinthisthesentinelskeep,Forhepondersonmattersmostgraveanddeep.[Voicesinthetent.Atumult.Seizetherascal!Layon!layon!
PEASANT'SVOICE.Help!--mercy--help!
OTHERS.Peace!peace!begone!
FIRSTYAGER.Deucetakeme,butyondertheswordsareout!
SECONDYAGER.ThenImustbeoff,andseewhat'tisabout.
[Yagersenterthetent.
SUTLER-WOMAN(comesforward).Ascandalousvillain!--ascurvythief!
TRUMPETER.Goodhostess,thecauseofthisclamorousgrief?
SUTLER-WOMAN.Acut-purse!ascoundrel!the-villainIcall.Thatthelikeinmytentshouldeverbefall!I'mdisgracedandundonewiththeofficersall.
SERGEANT.Well,coz,whatisit?
SUTLER-WOMAN.Why,whatshoulditbe?Butapeasantthey'vetakenjustnowwithme--Aroguewithfalsedice,tofavorhisplay.
TRUMPETER.SeeIthey'rebringingtheboorandhissonthisway.
SCENEX.
Soldiersdragginginthepeasant,bound.
FIRSTYAGER.Hemusthang!
SHARPSHOOTERSandDRAGOONS.Totheprovost,comeon!
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SERGEANT.'Tisthelatestorderthatforthhasgone.
SUTLER-WOMAN.InanhourIhopetobeholdhimswinging!
SERGEANT.Badworkbadwageswillneedsbebringing.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER(totheothers).Thiscomesoftheirdesperation.WeFirstruinthemoutandout,d'yesee;Whichtemptsthemtosteal,asitseemstome.
TRUMPETER.Hownow!therascal'scausewouldyouplead?Thecur!thedevilisinyouindeed!
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Theboorisaman--asabodymaysay.
FIRSTYAGER(totheTrumpeter).Let'emgo!they'reofTiefenbach'scorps,therailers,
Aglorioustrainofgloversandtailors!AtBrieg,ingarrison,longtheylay;Whatshouldtheyknowaboutcamps,Ipray?
SCENEXI.
Theabove.--Cuirassiers.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Peace!what'samisswiththeboor,mayIcrave?
FIRSTSHARPSHOOTER.Hehascheatedatplay,thecozeningknave!
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Butsay,hashecheatedyou,man,ofaught?
FIRSTSHARPHOOTER.Justcleanedmeout--andnotleftmeagroat.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Andcanyou,who'vetherankofaFriedlandman,Soshamefullycastyourselfaway,Astotryyourluckwiththebooratplay?
Lethimrunoff,sothatrunhecan.
[Thepeasantescapes,theothersthrongtogether.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Hemakesshortwork--isofresolutemood--Andthatwithsuchfellowsastheseisgood.Whoishe?notofBohemia,that'sclear.
SUTLER-WOMAN.
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He'saWalloon--andrespect,Itrow,IsduetothePappenheimcuirassier!
FIRSTDRAGOON(joining).YoungPiccolominileadsthemnow,Whomtheychoseascolonel,oftheirownfreemight,WhenPappenheimfellinLuetzen'sfight.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Durstthey,indeed,presumesofar?
FIRSTDRAGOON.Thisregimentissomethingabovetherest.Ithaseverbeenforemostthroughthewar,Andmaymanageitslaws,asitpleasesbest;Besides,'tisbyFriedlandhimselfcaressed.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER(totheSecond.)Is'tsointruth,man?Whoaverredit?
SECONDCUIRASSIER.FromthelipsofthecolonelhimselfIheardit.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.
Thedevil!we'renottheirdogs,Iweep!
FIRSTYAGER.Hownow,what'swrong?You'reswollenwithspleen!
SECONDYAGER.Isitanything,comrades,mayusconcern?
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.'Tiswhatnoneneedbewondrousgladtolearn.
TheSoldierspressroundhim.
TotheNetherlandstheywouldlendusnow--Cuirassiers,Yagers,andShootersaway,Eightthousandinallmustmarch,theysay.
SUTLER-WOMAN.What!What!againtheoldwanderingway--IgotbackfromFlandersbutyesterday!
SECONDCUIRASSIER(totheDragoons).YouofButler'scorpsmusttrampwiththerest.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Andwe,theWalloons,mustdoubtlessbegone.
SUTLER-WOMAN.Why,ofalloursquadronsthesearethebest.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.TomarchwherethatMilanesefellowleadson.
FIRSTYAGER.Theinfant?that'squeerenoughinitsway.
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SECONDYAGER.Thepriest--then,egad!there'sthedeviltopay.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.ShallwethenleavetheFriedlander'strain,Whosonoblyhissoldiersdothentertain--AnddragtothefieldwiththisfellowfromSpain!Aniggardwhomweinoursoulsdisdain!That'llnevergodown--I'moff,Iswear.
TRUMPETER.Why,whatthedevilshouldwedothere?Wesoldourbloodtotheemperor--ne'erForthisSpanishredhatadropwe'llspare!
SECONDYAGER.OntheFriedlander'swordandcreditaloneWerangedourselvesinthetrooperline,And,butforourlovetoWallenstein,Ferdinandne'erhadourserviceknown.
FIRSTDRAGOON.WasitnotFriedlandthatformedourforce?Hisfortuneshallstillbethestarofourcourse.
SERGEANT.Silence,goodcomrades,tomegiveear--Talkingdoeslittletohelpushere.MuchfartherinthisIcanseethanyouall,Andatraphasbeenlaidinwhichwe'retofall;
FIRSTYAGER.Listtotheorder-book!hush--bestill!
SERGEANT.Butfirst,CousinGustel,IpraytheefillAglassofMelneck,asmystomach'sbutweak
WhenI'vetosseditoff,mymindI'llspeak.
SUTLER-WOMAN.Takeit,goodsergeant.Iquakeforfear--Thinkyouthatmischiefishiddenhere?
SERGEANT.Lookye,myfriends,'tisfitandclearThateachshouldconsiderwhat'smostnear.Butasthegeneralsays,sayI,Oneshouldalwaysthewholeofacasedescry.WecallourselvesalltheFriedlander'stroops;Theburgher,onwhomwe'rebilleted,stoops
Ourwantstosupply,andcooksoursoups.Hisox,orhishorse,thepeasantmustchainToourbaggage-car,andmaygrumbleinvain.Justletalance-corp'ral,withsevengoodmen,Tow'rdavillagefromfarbutcomewithinken,You'resurehe'llbeprinceoftheplace,andmayCutwhatcapershewill,withunquestionedsway.Why,zounds!lads,theyheartilyhateusall--Andwouldratherthedevilshouldgivethemacall,Thanouryellowcollars.Andwhydon'ttheyfall
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Onusfairlyatonceandgetridofourlumber?They'remorethanourmatchinpointofnumber,Andcarrythecudgelaswedothesword.Whycanwelaughthemtoscorn?BymywordBecausewemakeuphereaterriblehorde.
FIRSTYAGER.Ay,ay,inthemassliesthespellofourmight,AndtheFriedlanderjudgedthematteraright,When,someeightornineyearsago,hebroughtTheemperor'sarmytogether.TheythoughtTwelvethousandenoughforthegeneral.Invain,Saidhe,suchaforceIcannevermaintain.SixtythousandI'llbringyeintotheplain,Andthey,I'llbesworn,won'tofhungerdie,AndthuswereweWallenstein'smen,sayI.
SERGEANT.Forexample,cutoneofmyfingersoff,Thislittleoneherefrommyrighthanddoff.Isthetakingmyfingerthenallyou'vedone?No,no,tothedevilmyhandisgone!'Tisastump--nomore--andusehasnone.Theeightthousandhorsetheywishtodisband
Maybebutafingerofourarmy'shand.Butwhenthey'reoncegonemayweunderstandWearebutone-fifththeless?Oh,no--BytheLord,thewholetothedevilwillgo!Allterror,respect,andawewillbeover,Andthepeasantwillswellhiscrestoncemore;AndtheBoardofViennawillorderuswhereOurtroopsmustbequarteredandhowwemustfare,Asofoldinthedaysoftheirbeggarlycare.Yes,andhowlongitwillbewhocansayErethegeneralhimselftheymaytakeaway?Fortheydon'tmuchlikehimatcourtIlearn?Andthenit'sallupwiththewholeconcern!
Forwho,toourpay,willbelefttoaidus?Andseethattheykeepthepromisetheymadeus?Whohastheenergy--whothemind--Theflashingthought--andthefearlesshand--Togethertobring,andthusfastlybindThefragmentsthatformourclose-knitband.Forexample,dragoon--justanswerusnow,Fromwhichofthecountriesofearthartthou?
DRAGOON.FromdistantErincameIhere.
SERGEANT(tothetwoCuirassiers).
You'reaWalloon,myfriend,that'sclear,Andyou,anItalian,asallmayhear.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.WhoImaybe,faith!Inevercouldsay;Inmyinfantyearstheystolemeaway.
SERGEANT.Andyou,fromwhatfarlandmayyoube?
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FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.IcomefromBuchau--ontheFederSea.
SERGEANT.Neighbor,andyou?
SECONDARQUEBUSIER.IamaSwiss.
SERGEANT(tothesecondYager).AndYager,let'shearwhereyourcountryis?
SECONDYAGER.UpaboveWismarmyfathersdwell.
SERGEANT(pointingtotheTrumpeter).Andhe'sfromEger--andIaswell:Andnow,mycomrades,Iaskyouwhether,Wouldanyonethink,whenlookingatus,Thatwe,fromtheNorthandSouth,hadthusBeenhitherwarddriftedandblowntogether?Dowenotseemashewnfromonemass?StandwenotcloseagainstthefoeAsthoughweweregluedormouldedso?
Likemill-workdon'twemove,d'yethink!'Mongourselvesinthenick,atawordorwink.Whohasthuscastushereallasone,Nowtobeseveredagainbynone?Who?why,nootherthanWallenstein!
FIRSTYAGER.Inmylifeitne'erwasathoughtofmineWhetherwesuitedeachotherornot,Iletmyselfgowiththerestofthelot.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Iquiteagreeinthesergeant'sopinion--
They'dfainhaveanendofourcampdominion,Andtramplethesoldierdown,thattheyMaygovernaloneintheirowngoodway.'Tisaconspiration--aplot,Isay!
SUTLER-WOMAN.Aconspiration--Godhelptheday!Thenmycustomerswon'thavecashtopay.
SERGEANT.Why,faith,weshallallbebankruptsmade;Thecaptainsandgenerals,mostofthem,paidThecostsoftheregimentswithprivatecash,
And,wishing,'boveall,tocutadash,Wentalittlebeyondtheirmeans--butthought,Nodoubt,thattheythushadabargainbought.Nowthey'llbecheated,sirs,oneandall,Shouldourchief,ourhead,thegeneralfall.
SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh,Heaven!thiscurseInevercanbrookWhy,halfofthearmystandinmybook.TwohundreddollarsI'vetrustedmadly
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ThatCountIsolaniwhopayssobadly.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Well,comrades,let'sfixonwhat'stobedone--Ofthewaystosaveus,Iseebutone;Ifweholdtogetherweneednotfear;Soletusstandoutasonemanhere;Andthentheymayorderandsendastheywill,Fastplantedwe'llstickinBohemiastill.We'llnevergivein--no,normarchaninch,Westandonourhonor,andmustnotflinch.
SECONDYAGER.We'renottobedriventhecountryabout,Let'emcomehere,andthey'llfinditout.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Goodsirs,'twerewelltobethinkyestill,Thatsuchistheemperor'ssovereignwill.
TRUMPETER.Oh,astotheemperor,weneedn'tbenice.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.
Letmenothearyousaysotwice.
TRUMPETER.Why,'tisevenso--asIjusthavesaid.
FIRSTYAGER.True,man--I'vealwaysheard'emsay,'TisFriedland,alone,you'veheretoobey.
SERGEANT.Byourbargainwithhimitshouldbeso,Absolutepowerishis,youmustknow,We'vewar,orpeace,butashemayplease,
Orgoldorgoodshehaspowertoseize,Andhangingorpardonhiswilldecrees.Captainsandcolonelshemakes--andhe,Inshort,bytheimperialsealisfree,Toholdallthemarksofsovereignty.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Thedukeishighandofmightywill,Butyetmustremain,forgoodorforill,Likeusall,buttheemperor'sservantstill.
SERGEANT.Notlikeusall--Itheredisagree--
Friedlandisquiteindependentandfree,TheBavarianisnomoreaprincethanheFor,wasInotbymyselftosee,WhenondutyatBrandeis,howtheemperorsaid,Hewishedhimtocoverhisprincelyhead.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.ThatwasbecauseoftheMecklenburghland,Whichheheldinpawnfromtheemperor'shand.
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FIRSTYAGER(totheSergeant).Intheemperor'spresence,man!sayyouso?That,beyonddoubt,wasawonderfulgo!
SERGEANT(feelsinhispocket).IfyouquestionmywordinwhatIhavetold,Icangiveyousomethingtograspandhold.[Showingacoin.Whoseimageandstampd'yeherebehold?
SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh!thatisaWallenstein's,sure!
SERGEANT-MAJOR.Well,there,youhaveit--whatdoubtcanrestIshenotprince,justasgoodasthebest?CoinshenotmoneylikeFerdinand?Hathhenothisownsubjectsandland?Ishenotcalledyourhighness,Ipray?Andwhyshouldhenothavehissoldiersin?
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Thatnoonehasevermeanttogainsay;Butwe'restillattheemperor'sbeckandcall,
Forhismajesty'tiswhopaysusall.
TRUMPETER.InyourteethIdenyit--andwillagain--Hismajesty'tiswhopaysusnot,Forthisfortyweeks,say,whathavewegotButapromisetopay,believedinvain?
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Whatthen!'tiskeptinsafehands,Isuppose.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Peace,goodsirs,willyoucometoblows?
HaveyouaquarrelandsquabbletoknowIftheemperorbeourmasterorno?'Tisbecauseofourrank,ashissoldiersbrave,Thatwescornthelotoftheherdedslave;Andwillnotbedrivenfromplacetoplace,Aspriestorpuppiesourpathmaytrace.And,tellme,is'tnotthesovereign'sgain,Ifthesoldierstheirdignitywillmaintain?WhobuthissoldiersgivehimthestateOfamighty,wide-rulingpotentate?Makeandpreserveforhim,farandnear,ThevoicewhichChristendomquakestohear?Wellenoughtheymayhisyoke-chainbear,
Whofeastonhisfavors,anddailyshare,Ingoldenchambers,hissumptuousfare.We--weofhissplendorshavenopart,Naughtbuthardwearyingtoilandcare,Andthepridethatlivesinasoldier'sheart.
SECONDYAGER.AllgreattyrantsandkingshaveshownTheirwit,asItakeit,inwhatthey'vedone;They'vetrampledallotherswithsterncommand,
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Butthesoldierthey'veledwithagentlehand.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Thesoldierhisworthmustunderstand;Whoe'erdoesn'tnoblydrivethetrade,'Twerebestfromthebusinessfarhe'dstayed.IfIcheerilysetmylifeonathrow,SomethingstillbetterthanlifeI'llknow;OrI'llstandtobeslainforthepaltrypelf,AstheCroatstilldoes--andscornmyself.
BOTHPAGERS.Yes--honorisdearerthanlifeitself.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Theswordisnoplough,nordelvingtool,He,whowouldtillwithit,isbutafool.Forus,neithergrassnorgraindothgrow,Houselessthesoldierisdoomedtogo,Achangefulwandererovertheearth,Ne'erknowingthewarmthofahome-lithearth.Thecityglances--hehalts--notthere--Norinvillagemeadows,sogreenandfair;Thevintageandharvestwreatharetwined
Hesees,butmustleavethemfarbehind.Then,tellme,whathaththesoldierleft,Ifhe'sonceofhisself-esteembereft?Somethinghemusthavehisowntocall,Oronslaughterandburningsatoncehe'llfall.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Godknows,'tisawretchedlifetolive!
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Yetone,whichI,fornootherwouldgive,Lookye--farroundintheworldI'vebeen,Andallofitsdifferentserviceseen.
TheVenetianRepublic--theKingsofSpainAndNaplesI'veserved,andservedinvain.Fortunestillfrowned--andmerchantandknight,CraftsmenandJesuit,havemetmysight;Yet,ofalltheirjackets,notonehaveIknownTopleasemelikethissteelcoatofmyown.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Well--thatnowiswhatIcanscarcelysay.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Intheworld,amanwhowouldmakehisway,Mustplagueandbestirhimselfnightandday.
Tohonorandplaceifhechoosetheroad,Hemustbendhisbacktothegoldenload.Andifhome-delightsshouldhisfancyplease,Withchildrenandgrandchildrenroundhisknees,Lethimfollowanhonesttradeinpeace.I'venotasteforthiskindoflife--notI!FreewillIlive,andasfreelydie.Noman'sspoilernorheirwillIbe--But,thronedonmynag,IwillsmiletoseeThecoilofthecrowdthatisunderme.
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FIRSTYAGER.Bravo!--that'sasI'vealwaysdone.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.Intruth,sirs,itmaybefarbetterfunTotramplethusoveryourneighbor'scrown.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Comrade,thetimesarebadoflate--Theswordandthescalesliveseparate.ButdonotthenblamethatI'vepreferred,Ofthetwo,tolean,asIhave,tothesword.FormercyinwarIwillyieldtonone,ThoughIneverwillstooptobedrummedupon.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER.WhobutthesoldiertheblameshouldbearThatthelaboringpoorsohardlyfare?Thewarwithitsplagues,whichallhaveblastedNowsixteenyearsinthelandhathlasted.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Why,brother,theblessedGodabove
Can'thavefromusallanequallove.Onepraysforthesun,atwhicht'otherwillfretOneisfordryweather-t'otherforwet.Whatyou,now,regardaswithmiseryrife,Istometheuncloudedsunoflife.If'tisatthecostoftheburgherandboor,Ireallyamsorrythattheymustendure;ButhowcanIhelpit?Here,youmustknow,'Tisjustlikeacavalrycharge'gainstthefoe:Thesteedsloudsnorting,andontheygo!Whoevermaylieinthemid-career--Beitmybrotherorsonsodear,Shouldhisdyinggroanmyheartdivide,
YetoverhisbodyIneedsmustride,Norpityingstoptodraghimaside.
FIRSTYAGER.True--whoeveraskshowanothermaybide?
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Thus,mylads,'tismycounsel,whileOnthesoldierDameFortunedeignstosmile,Thatwewithbothhandsherbountyclasp,Foritmaynotbemuchlongerlefttoourgrasp.Peacewillbecomingsomeover-night,Andthenthere'sanendofourmartialmight.
Thesoldierunhorsed,andfreshmountedtoboor,Ereyoucanthinkit'twillbeasbefore.Asyetwe'retogetherfirmboundintheland,Thehiltisyetfastinthesoldier'shand.Butlet'emdivideus,andsoonweshallfind,Shortcommonsisallthatremainsbehind.
FIRSTYAGER.No,no,bytheLord!Thatwon'tdoforme.Come,come,lads,let'sallnow,asone,agree.
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SECONDYAGER.Yes,letusresolveonwhat'tistobe.
FIRSTARQUEBUSIER(TotheSutler-woman,drawingouthisleatherpurse).Hostess,tellushowhighyou'vescored.
SUTLER-WOMAN.Oh,'tisunworthyasingleword.
[Theysettle.
TRUMPETER.Youdowell,sirs,totakeafurtherwalk,Yourcompanyonlydisturbsourtalk.
[ExeuntArquebusiers.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Plaguetakethefellows--they'rebrave,Iknow.
FIRSTYAGER.Theyhaven'tasoul'boveasoapboiler's,though.
SECONDYAGER.We'renowalone,soteachuswhocanHowbestwemaymeetandmartheirplan.
TRUMPETER.How?Why,let'stellthemwewillnotgo!
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Despisingalldiscipline!No,mylads,no,Ratherhiscorpsleteachofusseek,Andquietlythenwithhiscomradesspeak,Thateverysoldiermayclearlyknow,Itwerenotforhisgoodsofartogo;
FormyWalloonstoanswerI'mfree,Everymanof'emthinksandactswithme.
SERGEANT.TheTerzkyregiments,bothhorseandfoot,Willthusresolve,andwillkeepthemto't.
SECONDCUIRASSIER(joiningthefirst).TheWalloonsandtheLombardsoneintent.
FIRSTYAGER.FreedomisYagers'ownelement.
SECONDYAGER.Freedommusteverwithmightentwine--IliveandwilldiebyWallenstein.
FIRSTSHARPSHOOTER.TheLorrainersgoonwiththestrongesttide,Wherespiritsarelightandcouragetried.
DRAGOON.AnIrishmanfollowshisfortune'sstar.
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SECONDSHARPSHOOTER.TheTyrolesefortheirsovereignwar.
FIRSTCUIRASSIER.Then,comrades,leteachofourcorpsagreeApromemoriatosign--thatwe,Inspiteofallforceorfraud,willbeTothefortunesofFriedlandfirmlybound,Forinhimisthesoldier'sfatherfound.Thiswewillhumblypresent,whendone,ToPiccolomini--Imeantheson--Whounderstandsthesekindofaffairs,AndtheFriedlander'shighestfavorshares;Besides,withtheemperor'sself,theysayHeholdsacapitalcardtoplay.
SECONDYAGER.Well,then,inthis,letusallagree,Thatthecolonelshallourspokesmanbe!
ALL(going).Good!thecolonelshallourspokesmanbe.
SERGEANT.Hold,sirs--justtossoffaglasswithmeTothehealthofPiccolomini.
SUTLER-WOMAN(bringsaflask).Thisshallnotgotothelistofscores,Igladlygiveit--successbeyours!
CUIRASSIER.Thesoldiershallsway!
BOTHYAGERS.Thepeasantshallpay
DRAGOONSandSHARPSHOOTERS.Thearmyshallflourishingstand!
TRUMPETERandSERGEANT.AndtheFriedlanderkeepthecommand!
SECONDCUIRASSIER(sings).
Arouseye,mycomrades,tohorse!tohorse!Tothefieldandtofreedomweguide!ForthereamanfeelstheprideofhisforceAndthereistheheartofhimtried.
Nohelptohimtherebyanotherisshown,Hestandsforhimselfandhimselfalone.
[Thesoldiersfromthebackgroundhavecomeforwardduringthesingingofthisverseandformthechorus.
CHORUS.
Nohelptohimbyanotherisshown,Hestandsforhimselfandhimselfalone.
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DRAGOON.
Nowfreedomhathfledfromtheworld,wefindButlordsandtheirbondsmenvileAndnothingholdsswayinthebreastofmankindSavefalsehoodandcowardlyguile.Wholooksindeath'sfacewithafearlessbrow,Thesoldier,alone,isthefreemannow.
CHORUS.
Wholooksindeath'sfacewithafearlessbrow,Thesoldier,alone,isthefreemannow.
FIRSTYAGER.
Withthetroublesoflifehene'erbothershispate,Andfeelsneitherfearnorsorrow;Butboldlyridesonwardtomeetwithhisfate--Hemaymeetitto-day,orto-morrow!And,ifto-morrow'twillcome,then,Isay,Drainwethecupoflife'sjoyto-day!
CHORUS.
And,ifto-morrow'twillcome,then,Isay,Drainwethecupoflife'sjoyto-day!
[Theglassesarehererefilled,andalldrink.
SERGEANT.
'Tisfromheavenhisjoviallothasbirth;Norneedshetostriveortoil.Thepeasantmaygropeinthebowelsofearth,Andfortreasuremaygreedilymoil
Hedigsandhedelvesthroughlifeforthepelf,Anddigstillhegrubsoutagraveforhimself.
CHORUS.
Hedigsandhedelvesthroughlifeforthepelf,Anddigstillhegrubsoutagraveforhimself.
FIRSTYAGER.
Theriderandlightningsteed--apairOfterribleguests,Iween!Fromthebridal-hall,asthetorchesglare,
Unbiddentheyjointhescene;Norgold,norwooing,hispassionprove;Bystormhecarriestheprizeoflove!
CHORUS.
Norgold,norwooing,hispassionprove;Bystormhecarriestheprizeoflove!
SECONDCUIRASSIER.
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Whymournsthewenchwithsosorrowfulface?Away,girl,thesoldiermustgo!Nospotontheearthishisresting-place;Andyourtruelovehenevercanknow.Stillonwarddrivenbyfate'srudewind,Henowheremayleavehispeacebehind.
CHORUS.
Stillonwarddrivenbyfate'srudewind,Henowheremayleavehispeacebehind.
FIRSTYAGER.Hetakesthetwonexttohimbythehand--theothersdothesame--andformalargesemi-circle.
Thenrouseye,mycomrades--tohorse!tohorse!Inbattlethebreastdothswell!Youthboils--thelife-cupfoamsinitsforce--Up!eretimecandewdispel!Anddeepbethestake,astheprizeishigh--Wholifewouldwin,hemustdaretodie!
CHORUS.
Anddeepbethestake,astheprizeishigh--Wholifewouldwin,hemustdaretodie!
[Thecurtainfallsbeforethechorushasfinished.
THEPICCOLOMINI
ByFrederichSchiller
TranslatedbyS.T.Coleridge.
"Uponthewholetherecanbenodoubtthatthistrilogyforms,initsoriginaltongue,oneofthemostsplendidspecimensoftragicarttheworldhaswitnessed;andnoneatall,thattheexecutionoftheversionfromwhichwehavequotedsolargely,placesMr.Coleridgeintheveryfirstrankofpoeticaltranslators.Heis,perhaps,thesolitaryexample
ofamanofverygreatoriginalgeniussubmittingtoallthelabors,andreapingallthehonorsofthisspeciesofliteraryexertion."--Blackwood,1823.
THEPICCOLOMINI.
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DRAMATISPERSONAE.
WALLENSTEIN,DukeofFriedland,GeneralissimooftheImperialForcesintheThirtyYears'War.OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,Lieutenant-General.MAX.PICCOLOMINI,hisSon,ColonelofaRegimentofCuirassiers.COUNTTERZKY,theCommanderofseveralRegiments,andBrother-in-lawofWallenstein.ILLO,Field-Marshal,Wallenstein'sConfidant.ISOLANI,GeneraloftheCroats.BUTLER,anIrishman,CommanderofaRegimentofDragoons.TIEFENBACH,|DONMARADAS,|GeneralsunderWallenstein.GOETZ,|KOLATTO,|NEUMANN,CaptainofCavalry,Aide-de-CamptoTerzky.VONQUESTENBERG,theWarCommissioner,ImperialEnvoy.BAPTISTASENI,anAstrologer.DUCHESSOFFRIEDLAND,WifeofWallenstein.THEKLA,herDaughter,PrincessofFriedland.THECOUNTESSTERZRY,SisteroftheDuchess.
ACORNET.COLONELSandGENERALS(several).PAGESandATTENDANTSbelongingtoWallenstein.ATTENDANTSandHOBOISTSbelongingtoTerzky.MASTEROFTHECELLARtoCountTerzky.VALETDECHAMBREofCountPiccolomini.
ACTI.
SCENEI.
AnoldGothicChamberintheCouncil-HouseatPilsen,decoratedwithColorsandotherWarInsignia.
ILLO,withBUTLERandISOLANI.
ILLO.Yehavecometoolate-butyearecome!Thedistance,CountIsolani,excusesyourdelay.
ISOLANI.Addthistoo,thatwecomenotempty-handed.AtDonauwerth[1]itwasreportedtous,
ASwedishcaravanwasonitsway,Transportingarichcargoofprovision,Almostsixhundredswagons.ThismyCroatsPlungeddownuponandseized,thisweightyprize!--Webringithither----
ILLO.JustintimetobanquetTheillustriouscompanyassembledhere.
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BUTLER.'Tisallalive!astirringscenehere!
ISOLANI.Ay!Theverychurchesarefullofsoldiers.[Castshiseyeround.Andinthecouncil-house,too,Iobserve,You'resettledquiteathome!Well,well!wesoldiersMustshiftandsuitusinwhatwaywecan.
ILLO.Wehavethecolonelshereofthirtyregiments.You'llfindCountTerzkyhere,andTiefenbach,Kolatto,Goetz,Maradas,Hinnersam,ThePiccolomini,bothsonandfather--You'llmeetwithmanyanunexpectedgreetingFrommanyanoldfriendandacquaintance.OnlyGallasiswantingstill,andAltringer.
BUTLER.ExpectnotGallas.
ILLO(hesitating).
Howso?Doyouknow----
ISOLANI(interruptinghim).Max.Piccolominihere?Obringmetohim.Iseehimyet('tisnowtenyearsago,WewereengagedwithMansfeldthardbyDessau),Iseetheyouth,inmymind'seyeIseehim,Leaphisblackwar-horsefromthebridgeadown,Andt'wardhisfather,theninextremeperil,BeatupagainstthestrongtideoftheElbe.Thedownwasscarceuponhischin!IhearHehasmadegoodthepromiseofhisyouth,Andthefullheronowisfinishedinhim.
ILLO.You'llseehimyetereevening.HeconductsTheDuchessFriedlandhither,andtheprincess[2]FromCaernthen[3].Weexpectthemhereatnoon.
BUTLER.Bothwifeanddaughterdoesthedukecallhither?Hecrowdsinvisitantsfromallsides.
ISOLANI.Hm!Somuchthebetter!Ihadframedmymind
Tohearofnaughtbutwarlikecircumstance,Ofmarchesandattacks,andbatteries;Andlo!thedukeprovides,andsomethingtooOfgentlersortandlovely,shouldbepresentTofeastoureyes.
ILLO(whohasbeenstandingintheattitudeofmeditation,toBUTLER,whomheleadsalittleononeside).AndhowcameyoutoknowThattheCountGallasjoinsusnot?
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BUTLER.BecauseHeimportunedmetoremainbehind.
ILLO(withwarmth).Andyou?Youholdoutfirmly![Graspinghishandwithaffection.NobleButler!
BUTLER.AftertheobligationwhichthedukeHadlaidsonewlyonme----
ILLO.IhadforgottenApleasantduty--major-general,Iwishyoujoy!
ISOLANI.What,youmean,ofthisregiment?Ihear,too,thattomakethegiftstillsweeter,ThedukehasgivenhimtheverysameInwhichhefirstsawservice,andsincethen
Workedhimselfstepbystep,througheachpreferment,Fromtheranksupwards.Andverily,itgivesAprecedentofhope,aspurofactionTothewholecorps,ifonceintheirremembranceAnolddeservingsoldiermakeshisway.
BUTLER.IamperplexedanddoubtfulwhetherornoIdareacceptthisyourcongratulation.Theemperorhasnotyetconfirmedtheappointment.
ISOLANI.Seizeit,friend,seizeit!Thehandwhichinthatpost
Placedyouisstrongenoughtokeepyouthere,Spiteoftheemperorandhisministers!
ILLO.Ay,ifwewouldbutsoconsiderit!--Ifwewouldallofusconsideritso!Theemperorgivesusnothing;fromthedukeComesall--whate'erwehope,whate'erwehave.
ISOLANI(toILLO).Mynoblebrother!didItellyouhowThedukewillsatisfymycreditors?Willbehimselfmybankersforthefuture,
Makemeoncemoreacreditableman!Andthisisnowthethirdtime,thinkofthat!Thiskingly-mindedmanhasrescuedmeFromabsoluteruinandrestoredmyhonor.
ILLO.Ohthathispowerbutkeptpacewithhiswishes!Why,friend!he'dgivethewholeworldtohissoldiers.ButatVienna,brother!--here'sthegrievance,--Whatpoliticschemesdotheynotlaytoshorten
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Hisarm,andwheretheycantocliphispinions.Thenthesenewdaintyrequisitions!theseWhichthissameQuestenbergbringshither!
BUTLER.Ay!Thoserequisitionsoftheemperor--Itoohaveheardaboutthem;butIhopeThedukewillnotdrawbackasingleinch!
ILLO.Notfromhisrightmostsurely,unlessfirstFromoffice!
BUTLER(shockedandconfused).Knowyouaughtthen?Youalarmme.
ISOLANI(atthesametimewithBUTLER,andinahurryingvoice).Weshouldberuined,everyoneofus!
ILLO.YonderIseeourworthyfriend[spokenwithasneer]approachingWiththeLieutenant-GeneralPiccolomini.
BUTLER(shakinghisheadsignificantly).Ifearweshallnotgohenceaswecame.
SCENEII.
EnterOCTAVIOPICCOLOMINIandQUESTENBERG.
OCTAVIO(stillinthedistance).Ay!ah!morestill!Stillmorenewvisitors!Acknowledge,friend!thatneverwasacamp,Whichheldatoncesomanyheadsofheroes.
QUESTENBERG.LetnoneapproachacampofFriedland'stroopsWhodarestothinkunworthilyofwar;E'enImyselfhadnighforgotitsevilsWhenIsurveyedthatloftysouloforder,Bywhich,whileitdestroystheworld--itselfMaintainsthegreatnesswhichitselfcreated.
OCTAVIO(approachingnearer).Welcome,CountIsolani!
ISOLANI.
Mynoblebrother!EvennowamIarrived;ithasbeenelsemyduty----
OCTAVIO.AndColonelButler--trustme,IrejoiceThustorenewacquaintancewithamanWhoseworthandservicesIknowandhonor.See,see,myfriend!TheremightweplaceatoncebeforeoureyesThesumofwar'swholetradeandmystery--
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[ToQUESTENBERG,presentingBUTLERandISOLANIatthesametimetohim.
Thesetwothetotalsum--strengthanddespatch.
QUESTENBERG(toOCTAVIO).Andlo!betwixtthemboth,experiencedprudence!
OCTAVIO(presentingQUESTENBERGtoBUTLERandISOLANI).TheChamberlainandWar-CommissionerQuestenberg.Thebeareroftheemperor'sbehests,--Thelong-triedfriendandpatronofallsoldiers,Wehonorinthisnoblevisitor.[Universalsilence.
ILLO(movingtowardsQUESTENBERG).'Tisnotthefirsttime,nobleminister,You'veshownourcampthishonor.
QUESTENBERG.OncebeforeIstoodbesidethesecolors.
ILLO.Perchancetooyourememberwherethatwas;ItwasatZnaeim[4]inMoravia,whereYoudidpresentyourselfuponthepartOftheemperortosupplicateourdukeThathewouldstraightassumethechiefcommand.
QUESTENBURG.Tosupplicate?Nay,boldgeneral!Sofarextendedneithermycommission(Atleasttomyownknowledge)normyzeal.
ILLO.
Well,well,then--tocompelhim,ifyouchoose,Icanremembermerightwell,CountTillyHadsufferedtotalroutupontheLech.Bavarialayallopentotheenemy,WhomtherewasnothingtodelayfrompressingOnwardsintotheveryheartofAustria.AtthattimeyouandWerdenbergappearedBeforeourgeneral,storminghimwithprayers,Andmenacingtheemperor'sdispleasure,Unlesshetookcompassiononthiswretchedness.
ISOLANI(stepsuptothem).Yes,yes,'tiscomprehensibleenough,
Whereforewithyourcommissionofto-day,YouwerenotalltoowillingtorememberYourformerone.
QUESTENBERG.
Whynot,CountIsolani?Nocontradictionsureexistsbetweenthem.ItwastheurgentbusinessofthattimeTosnatchBavariafromherenemy'shand;
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Andmycommissionofto-dayinstructsmeTofreeherfromhergoodfriendsandprotectors.
ILLO.Aworthyoffice!AfterwithourbloodWehavewrestedthisBohemiafromtheSaxon,Tobesweptoutofitisallourthanks,Thesolerewardofallourhard-wonvictories.
QUESTENBERG.UnlessthatwretchedlandbedoomedtosufferOnlyachangeofevils,itmustbeFreedfromthescourgealikeoffriendorfoe.
ILLO.What?'Twasafavorableyear;theboorsCananswerfreshdemandsalready.
QUESTENBERG.Nay,Ifyoudiscourseofherdsandmeadow-grounds----
ISOLANI.Thewarmaintainsthewar.Aretheboorsruined
Theemperorgainssomanymorenewsoldiers.
QUESTENBERG.Andisthepoorerbyevensomanysubjects.
ISOLANI.Poh!weareallhissubjects.
QUESTENBERG.Yetwithadifference,general!TheonefillWithprofitableindustrythepurse,Theothersarewellskilledtoemptyit.Theswordhasmadetheemperorpoor;theplough
Mustreinvigoratehisresources.
ISOLANI.Sure!Timesarenotyetsobad.MethinksIsee[ExaminingwithhiseyethedressandornamentsofQUESTENBERG.Goodstoreofgoldthatstillremainsuncoined.
QUESTENBERG.ThankHeaven!thatmeanshavebeenfoundouttohideSomelittlefromthefingersoftheCroats.
ILLO.
There!TheStawataandtheMartinitz,Onwhomtheemperorheapshisgiftsandgraces,Totheheart-burningofallgoodBohemians--Thoseminionsofcourtfavor,thosecourtharpies,WhofattenonthewrecksofcitizensDrivenfromtheirhouseandhome--whoreapnoharvestsSaveinthegeneralcalamity--Whonow,withkinglypomp,insultandmockThedesolationoftheircountry--these,Letthese,andsuchasthese,supportthewar,
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Thefatalwar,whichtheyaloneenkindled!
BUTLER.Andthosestate-parasites,whohavetheirfeetSoconstantlybeneaththeemperor'stable,Whocannotletabeneficefall,buttheySnapatitwithdogs'hunger--they,forsooth,Wouldparethesoldiersbreadandcrosshisreckoning!
ISOLANI.Mylifelongwillitangermetothink,HowwhenIwenttocourtsevenyearsago,Toseeaboutnewhorsesforourregiment,HowfromoneantechambertoanotherTheydraggedmeonandleftmebythehourTokickmyheelsamongacrowdofsimperingFeast-fattenedslaves,asifIhadcomethitherAmendicantsuitorforthecrumbsoffavorThatfellbeneaththeirtables.And,atlast,WhomshouldtheysendmebutaCapuchin!StraightIbegantomusterupmysinsForabsolution--butnosuchluckforme!Thiswastheman,thisCapuchin,withwhomIwastotreatconcerningthearmyhorses!
AndIwasforcedatlasttoquitthefield,Thebusinessunaccomplished.AfterwardsThedukeprocuredmeinthreedayswhatICouldnotobtaininthirtyatVienna.
QUESTENBERG.Yes,yes!yourtravellingbillssoonfoundtheirwaytous!ToowellIknowwehavestillaccountstosettle.
ILLO.Warisviolenttrade;onecannotalwaysFinishone'sworkbysoftmeans;everytrifleMustnotbeblackenedintosacrilege.
Ifweshouldwaittillyou,insolemncouncil,WithduedeliberationhadselectedThesmallestoutoffour-and-twentyevils,I'faithweshouldwaitlong--"Dash!andthroughwithit!"That'sthebetterwatchword.Thenaftercomewhatmaycome.'Tisman'snatureTomakethebestofabadthingoncepast.Abitterandperplexed"whatshallIdo?"Isworsetomanthanworstnecessity.
QUESTENBERG.Ay,doubtless,itistrue;thedukedoesspareusThetroublesometaskofchoosing.
BUTLER.Yes,thedukeCareswithafather'sfeelingsforhistroops;Buthowtheemperorfeelsforus,wesee.
QUESTENBERG.Hiscaresandfeelingsallrankssharealike,Norwillheofferoneuptoanother.
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ISOLANI.AndthereforethrustsheusintothedesertsAsbeastsofprey,thatsohemaypreserveHisdearsheepfatteninginhisfieldsathome.
QUESTENBERG(withasneer).Count!thiscomparisonyoumake,notI.
ILLO.Why,wereweallthecourtsupposesus'Tweredangerous,sure,togiveusliberty.
QUESTENBERG(gravely).Youhavetakenliberty--itwasnotgivenyou,AndthereforeitbecomesanurgentdutyToreinitinwiththecurbs.
ILLO.Expecttofindarestivesteedinus.
QUESTENBERG.Abetterridermaybefoundtoruleit.
ILLO.
Heonlybrookstheriderwhohastamedhim.
QUESTENBERG.Ay,tamehimonce,andthenachildmayleadhim.
ILLO.Thechild,weknow,isfoundforhimalready.
QUESTENBERG.Beduty,sir,yourstudy,notaname.
BUTLER(whohasstoodasidewithPICCOLOMINI,butwithvisibleinterestintheconversation,advances).
Sirpresident,theemperorhasinGermanyAsplendidhostassembled;inthiskingdomFulltwentythousandsoldiersarecantoned,WithsixteenthousandinSilesia;TenregimentsarepostedontheWeser,TheRhine,andMaine;inSwabiatherearesix,AndinBavariatwelve,tofacetheSwedes;WithoutincludingintheaccountthegarrisonsWhoonthefrontiersholdthefortresses.ThisvastandmightyhostisallobedientToFriedland'scaptains;anditsbravecommanders,Bredinoneschool,andnurturedwithonemilk,Areallexcitedbyoneheartandsoul;
Theyareasstrangersonthesoiltheytread,Theserviceistheironlyhouseandhome.Nozealinspiresthenfortheircountry'scause,Forthousandslikemyselfwerebornabroad;Norcaretheyfortheemperor,foronehalfDesertingotherservicefledtoours,Indifferentwhattheirbanner,whether'twere,TheDoubleEagle,Lily,ortheLion.YetonesolemancanreinthisfieryhostByequalrule,byequalloveandfear;
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Blendingthemany-nationedwholeinone;Andlikethelightning'sfiressecurelyledDowntheconductingrod,e'enthushispowerRulesallthemass,fromguardedposttopost,FromwherethesentryhearstheBalticroar,OrviewsthefertilevalesoftheAdige,E'entothebody-guard,whoholdshiswatchWithintheprecinctsoftheimperialpalace!
QUESTENBERG.What'stheshortmeaningofthislongharangue?
BUTLER.Thattherespect,thelove,theconfidence,WhichmakesuswillingsubjectsofDukeFriedland,ArenottobetransferredtothefirstcomerThatAustria'scourtmaypleasetosendtous.WehavenotyetsoreadilyforgottenHowthecommandcameintoFriedland'shands.Wasit,forsooth,theemperor'smajestyThatgavethearmyreadytohishand,Andonlysoughtaleaderforit?No.Thearmythenhadnoexistence.He,Friedland,itwaswhocalleditintobeing,
Andgaveittohissovereign--butreceivingNoarmyathishand;nordidtheemperorGiveWallensteintousasgeneral.No,ItwasfromWallensteinwefirstreceivedTheemperorasourmasterandoursovereign;Andhe,heonly,bindsustoourbanners!
OCTAVIO(interposingandaddressingQUESTENBERG).Mynoblefriend,ThisisnomorethanaremembrancingThatyouarenowincamp,andamongwarriors;Thesoldier'sboldnessconstituteshisfreedom.Couldheactdaringly,unlesshedared
Talkevenso?Onerunsintotheother.Theboldnessofthisworthyofficer,[PointingtoBUTLER.Whichnowisbutmistakeninitsmark,Preserved,whennaughtbutboldnesscouldpreserveit,Totheemperor,hiscapitalcity,Prague,InamostformidablemutinyOfthewholegarrison.[Militarymusicatadistance.Hah!heretheycome!
ILLO.Thesentriesaresalutingthem:thissignalAnnouncesthearrivaloftheduchess.
OCTAVIO(toQUESTENBERG).ThenmysonMax.,too,hasreturned.'TwasheFetchedandattendedthemfromCaernthenhither.
ISOLANI(toILLO).Shallwenotgoincompanytogreetthem?
ILLO.Well,letusgo--Ho!ColonelButler,come.
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[ToOCTAVIO.You'llnotforgetthatyeterenoonwemeetThenobleenvoyatthegeneral'spalace.
[ExeuntallbutQUESTENBERGandOCTAVIO.
SCENEIII.
QUESTENBERGandOCTAVIO.
QUESTENBERG(withsignsofaversionandastonishment).WhathaveInotbeenforcedtohear,Octavio!Whatsentiments!whatfierce,uncurbeddefiance!Andwerethisspirituniversal----
OCTAVIO.Hm!You'renowacquaintedwiththree-fourthsofthearmy.
QUESTENBERG.Wheremustweseek,then,forasecondhostTohavethecustodyofthis?ThatIllo
Thinksworse,Ifearme,thanhespeaks.AndthenThisButler,too--hecannotevenconcealThepassionateworkingsofhisillintentions.
OCTAVIO.Quicknessoftemper--irritatedpride;'Twasnothingmore.IcannotgiveupButler.IknowaspellthatwillsoondispossessTheevilspiritinhim.
QUESTENBERG(walkingupanddowninevidentdisquiet).Friend,friend!O!thisisworse,farworse,thanwehadsuffered
OurselvestodreamofatVienna.ThereWesawitonlywithacourtier'seyes,Eyesdazzledbythesplendorofthethrone.Wehadnotseenthewar-chief,thecommander,Themanall-powerfulinhiscamp.Here,here,'Tisquiteanotherthing.Hereisnoemperormore--thedukeisemperor.Alas,myfriend!alas,mynoblefriend!Thiswalkwhichyouhaveta'enmethroughthecampStrikesmyhopesprostrate.
OCTAVIO.Nowyouseeyourself
Ofwhataperilouskindtheofficeis,Whichyoudelivertomefromthecourt.TheleastsuspicionofthegeneralCostsmemyfreedomandmylife,andwouldButhastenhismostdesperateenterprise.
QUESTENBERG.WherewasourreasonsleepingwhenwetrustedThismadmanwiththesword,andplacedsuchpowerInsuchahand?Itellyou,he'llrefuse,
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Flatlyrefusetoobeytheimperialorders.Friend,hecandoit,andwhathecan,hewill.Andthentheimpunityofhisdefiance--Oh!whataproclamationofourweakness!
OCTAVIO.D'yethink,too,hehasbroughthiswifeanddaughterWithoutapurposehither?Hereincamp!AndattheverypointoftimeinwhichWe'rearmingforthewar?ThathehastakenThese,thelastpledgesofhisloyalty,Awayfromouttheemperor'sdominions--ThisisnodoubtfultokenofthenearnessOfsomeeruption.
QUESTENBERG.HowshallweholdfootingBeneaththistempest,whichcollectsitselfAndthreatsusfromallquarters?TheenemyOftheempireonourborders,nowalreadyThemasteroftheDanube,andstillfarther,Andfartherstill,extendingeveryhour!Inourinteriorthealarum-bellsOfinsurrection--peasantryinarms--
Allordersdiscontented--andthearmy,JustinthemomentofourexpectationOfaidancefromit--lo!thisveryarmySeduced,runwild,losttoalldiscipline,Loosened,andrentasunderfromthestateAndfromtheirsovereign,theblindinstrumentOfthemostdaringofmankind,aweaponOffearfulpower,whichathiswillhewields.
OCTAVIO.Nay,nay,friend!letusnotdespairtoosoonMen'swordsareevenbolderthantheirdeeds;Andmanyaresolute,whonowappears
Madeuptoallextremes,will,onasudden,Findinhisbreastahearthewotnotof,LetbutasinglehonestmanspeakoutThetruenameofhiscrime!Remember,too,Westandnotyetsowhollyunprotected.CountsAltringerandGallashavemaintainedTheirlittlearmyfaithfultoitsduty,Anddailyitbecomesmorenumerous.Norcanhetakeusbysurprise;youknowIholdhimallencompassedbymylisteners.What'erhedoes,ismine,evenwhile'tisdoing--Nostepsosmall,butinstantlyIhearit;Yea,hisownmouthdisclosesit.
QUESTENBERG.'TisquiteIncomprehensible,thathedetectsnotThefoesonear!
OCTAVIO.Beware,youdonotthink,ThatI,bylyingarts,andcomplaisantHypocrisy,havesulkedintohisgraces,
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OrwiththesubstanceofsmoothprofessionsNourishhisall-confidingfriendship!No--Compelledalikebyprudence,andthatdutyWhichwealloweourcountryandoursovereign,Tohidemygenuinefeelingsfromhim,yetNe'erhaveIdupedhimwithbasecounterfeits!
QUESTENBERG.Itisthevisibleordinanceofheaven.
OCTAVIO.IknownotwhatitisthatsoattractsAndlinkshimbothtomeandtomyson.Comradesandfriendswealwayswere--longhabit,Adventurousdeedsperformedincompany,AndallthosemanyandvariousincidentsWhichstoresasoldier'smemorywithaffections,Hadbounduslongandearlytoeachother--YetIcannametheday,whenallatonceHisheartroseonme,andhisconfidenceShotoutintosuddengrowth.ItwasthemorningBeforethememorablefightatLuetzen.Urgedbyanuglydream,Isoughthimout,Topresshimtoacceptanothercharger.
Atadistancefromthetents,beneathatree,Ifoundhiminasleep.WhenIhadwakedhimAndhadrelatedallmybodingstohim,Longtimehestareduponme,likeamanAstounded:thereonfelluponmyneck,AndmanifestedtomeanemotionThatfaroutstrippedtheworthofthatsmallservice.SincethenhisconfidencehasfollowedmeWiththesamepacethatminehasfledfromhim.
QUESTENBERG.Youleadyoursonintothesecret?
OCTAVIO.No!
QUESTENBERG.What!andnotwarnhimeither,whatbadhandsHislothasplacedhimin?
OCTAVIO.ImustperforceLeavehiminwardshiptohisinnocence.Hisyoungandopensoul--dissimulationIsforeigntoitshabits!IgnoranceAlonecankeepalivethecheerfulair,
Theunembarrassedsenseandlightfreespirit,Thatmakesthedukesecure.
QUESTENBERG(anxiously).Myhonoredfriend!mosthighlydoIdeemOfColonelPiccolomini--yet--if--Reflectalittle----
OCTAVIO.Imustventureit.
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Hush!Therehecomes!
SCENEIV.
MAX.PICCOLOMINI,OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,QUESTENBERG.
MAX.Ha!thereheishimself.Welcome,myfather!
[Heembraceshisfather.Asheturnsround,heobservesQUESTENBERG,anddrawsbackwithacoldandreservedair.
Youareengaged,Isee.I'llnotdisturbyou.
OCTAVIO.How,Max.?Lookcloseratthisvisitor.Attention,Max.,anoldfriendmerits--reverenceBelongsofrighttotheenvoyofyoursovereign.
MAX.(drily).VonQuestenberg!--welcome--ifyoubringwithyouAughtgoodtoourheadquarters.
QUESTENBERG(seizinghishand).Nay,drawnotYourhandaway,CountPiccolimini!NotonmyownaccountaloneIseizedit,AndnothingcommonwillIsaytherewith.[Takingthehandsofboth.Octavio--Max.Piccolomini!Osaviornames,andfullofhappyomen!Ne'erwillherprosperousgeniusturnfromAustria,Whiletwosuchstars,withblessedinfluencesBeamingprotection,shineaboveherhosts.
MAX.Heh!Nobleminister!Youmissyourpart.Youcomenotheretoactapanegyric.You'resent,Iknow,tofindfaultandtoscoldus--Imustnotbebeforehandwithmycomrades.
OCTAVIO(toMAX.).Hecomesfromcourt,wherepeoplearenotquiteSowellcontentedwiththedukeashere.
MAX.Whatnowhavetheycontrivedtofindoutinhim?Thathealonedeterminesforhimself
Whathehimselfalonedothunderstand!Well,thereinhedoesright,andwillpersistin'tHeavennevermeanthimforthatpassivethingThatcanbestruckandhammeredouttosuitAnother'stasteandfancy.He'llnotdanceToeverytuneofeveryminister.Itgoesagainsthisnature--hecan'tdoit,Heispossessedbyacommandingspirit,Andhis,too,isthestationofcommand.Andwellforusitisso!Thereexist
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Fewfittorulethemselves,butfewthatuseTheirintellectsintelligently.ThenWellforthewhole,iftherebefoundamanWhomakeshimselfwhatnaturedestinedhim,Thepause,thecentralpoint,tothousandthousandsStandsfixedandstately,likeafirm-builtcolumn,Whereallmaypresswithjoyandconfidence--NowsuchamanisWallenstein;andifAnotherbettersuitsthecourt--nootherButsuchaoneashecanservethearmy.
QUESTENBERG.Thearmy?Doubtless!
MAX.WhatdelighttoobserveHowheincitesandstrengthensallaroundhim,Infusinglifeandvigor.EverypowerSeemsasitwereredoubledbyhispresenceHedrawsfortheverylatentenergy,Showingtoeachhisownpeculiartalent,Yetleavingalltobewhatnaturemadethem,AndwatchingonlythattheybenaughtelseIntherightplaceandtime;andhehasskill
Tomouldthepower'sofalltohisownend.
QUESTENBERG.Butwhodenieshisknowledgeofmankind,Andskilltouseit?Ourcomplaintisthis:Thatinthemasterheforgetstheservant,Asifheclaimedbybirthhispresenthonors.
MAX.Anddoeshenotso?IshenotendowedWitheverygiftandpowertocarryoutThehighintentsofnature,andtowinAruler'sstationbyaruler'stalent?
QUESTENBERG.SothenitseemstorestwithhimaloneWhatistheworthofallmankindbeside!
MAX.Uncommonmenrequirenocommontrust;Givehimbutscopeandhewillsetthebounds.
QUESTENBERG.Theproofisyettocome.
MAX.
Thusareyeever.Yeshrinkfromeverythingofdepth,andthinkYourselvesareonlysafewhileye'reinshallows.
OCTAVIO(toQUESTENBERG).'Twerebesttoyieldwithagoodgrace,myfriend;Ofhimthereyou'llmakenothing.
MAX.(continuing).Intheirfear
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Theycallaspiritup,andwhenhecomes,Straighttheirfleshcreepsandquivers,andtheydreadhimMorethantheillsforwhichtheycalledhimup.Theuncommon,thesublime,mustseemandbeLikethingsofeveryday.Butinthefield,Ay,therethePresentBeingmakesitselffelt.Thepersonalmustcommand,theactualeyeExamine.IftobethechieftainasksAllthatisgreatinnature,letitbeLikewisehisprivilegetomoveandactInallthecorrespondencesofgreatness.Theoraclewithinhim,thatwhichlives,Hemustinvokeandquestion--notdeadbooks,Notordinances,notmould-rottedpapers.
OCTAVIO.Myson!ofthoseoldnarrowordinancesLetusnotholdtoolightly.TheyareweightsOfpricelessvalue,whichoppressedmankind,Tiedtothevolatilewilloftheiroppressors.ForalwaysformidablewastheLeagueAndpartnershipoffreepowerwithfreewill.Thewayofancientordinance,thoughitwinds,Isyetnodeviouspath.Straightforwardgoes
Thelightning'spath,andstraightthefearfulpathOfthecannon-ball.Directitflies,andrapid;Shatteringthatitmayreach,andshatteringwhatitreaches,Myson,theroadthehumanbeingtravels,That,onwhichblessingcomesandgoes,dothfollowTheriver'scourse,thevalley'splayfulwindings,Curvesroundthecornfieldandthehillofvines,Honoringtheholyboundsofproperty!Andthussecure,thoughlate,leadstoitsend.
QUESTENBERG.Oh,hearyourfather,nobleyouth!hearhimWhoisatoncetheheroandtheman.
OCTAVIO.Myson,thenurslingofthecampspokeinthee!AwaroffifteenyearsHathbeenthyeducationandthyschool.Peacehastthouneverwitnessed!ThereexistsAnhigherthanthewarrior'sexcellence.Inwaritselfwarisnoultimatepurpose,Thevastandsuddendeedsofviolence,Adventureswild,andwondersofthemoment,Thesearenotthey,myson,thatgenerateThecalm,theblissful,andtheenduringmighty!Lothere!thesoldier,rapidarchitect!
Buildshislighttownofcanvas,andatonceThewholescenemovesandbustlesmomently.Witharms,andneighingsteeds,andmirthandquarrelThemotleymarketfills;theroads,thestreamsArecrowdedwithnewfreights;tradestirsandhurries,Butonsomemorrowmorn,allsuddenly,Thetentsdropdown,thehorderenewsitsmarch.Dreary,andsolitaryasachurchyard;Themeadowanddown-troddenseed-plotlie,Andtheyear'sharvestisgoneutterly.
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MAX.Oh,lettheemperormakepeace,myfather!MostgladlywouldIgivetheblood-stainedlaurelForthefirstviolet[5]oftheleaflessspring,PluckedinthosequietfieldswhereIhavejourneyed.
OCTAVIO.Whatailsthee?Whatsomovestheeallatonce?
MAX.PeacehaveIne'erbeheld?Ihavebeheldit.FromthenceamIcomehither:oh,thatsight,Itglimmersstillbeforeme,likesomelandscapeLeftinthedistance,--somedeliciouslandscape!MyroadconductedmethroughcountrieswhereThewarhasnotyetreached.Life,life,myfather--Myvenerablefather,lifehascharmsWhichwehaveneverexperienced.WehavebeenButvoyagingalongitsbarrencoasts,Likesomepoorever-roaminghordeofpirates,That,crowdedintherankandnarrowship,Houseonthewildseawithwildusages,Norknowaughtofthemainland,butthebays
Wheresafeliesttheymayventureathieves'landing.Whate'erintheinlanddalesthelandconcealsOffairandexquisite,oh,nothing,nothing,Dowebeholdofthatinourrudevoyage.
OCTAVIO(attentive,withanappearanceofuneasiness).Andsoyourjourneyhasrevealedthistoyou?
MAX.'Twasthefirstleisureofmylife.Otellme,Whatisthemeedandpurposeofthetoil,Thepainfultoilwhichrobbedmeofmyyouth,Leftmeaheartunsouledandsolitary,
Aspirituninformed,unornamented!Forthecamp'sstir,andcrowd,andceaselesslarum,Theneighingwar-horse,theair-shatteringtrumpet,Theunvaried,stillreturninghourofduty,Wordofcommand,andexerciseofarms--There'snothinghere,there'snothinginallthis,Tosatisfytheheart,thegaspingheart!Merebustlingnothingness,wherethesoulisnot--Thiscannotbethesolefelicity,Thesecannotbeman'sbestandonlypleasures!
OCTAVIO.Muchhastthoulearnt,myson,inthisshortjourney.
MAX.Ohday,thricelovely!whenatlengththesoldierReturnshomeintolife;whenhebecomesAfellow-manamonghisfellow-men.Thecolorsareunfurled,thecavalcadeMashals,andnowthebuzzishushed,andhark!Nowthesoftpeace-marchbeats,home,brothers,home!ThecapsandhelmetareallgarlandedWithgreenboughs,thelastplunderingofthefields.
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Thecitygatesflyopenofthemselves,Theyneednolongerthepetardtotearthem.Therampartsareallfilledwithmenandwomen,Withpeacefulmenandwomen,thatsendonwards.Kissesandwelcomingsupontheair,Whichtheymakebreezywithaffectionategestures.Fromallthetowersringsoutthemerrypeal,Thejoyousvespersofabloodyday.Ohappyman,Ofortunate!forwhomThewell-knowndoor,thefaithfularmsareopen,Thefaithfultenderarmswithmuteembracing.
QUESTENBERG(apparentlymuchaffected).OthatyoushouldspeakOfsuchadistant,distanttime,andnotOftheto-morrow,notofthisto-day.
MAX.(turningroundtohimquickandvehement).WhereliesthefaultbutonyouinVienna!Iwilldealopenlywithyou,Questenberg.Justnow,asfirstIsawyoustandinghere(I'llownittoyoufreely),indignationCrowdedandpressedmyinmostsoultogether.'Tisyethathinderpeace,ye!--andthewarrior,
Itisthewarriorthatmustforceitfromyou.Yefretthegeneral'slifeout,blackenhim,Holdhimupasarebel,andheavenknowsWhatelsestillworse,becausehesparestheSaxons,Andtriestoawakenconfidenceintheenemy;Whichyet'stheonlywaytopeace:forifWarintermitnotduringwar,howthenAndwhencecanpeacecome?Yourownplaguesfallonyou!EvenasIlovewhat'svirtuous,hateIyou.AndhereImakethisvow,herepledgemyself,MybloodshallspurtoutforthisWallenstein,Andmyheartdrainoff,dropbydrop,ereyeShallrevelanddancejubileeo'erhisruin.
[Exit.
SCENEV.
QUESTENBERG,OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI.
QUESTENBERG.Alas!alas!andstandsitso?[Theninpressingandimpatienttones.Whatfriend!anddowelethimgoawayInthisdelusion--lethimgoaway?
Notcallhimbackimmediately,notopenHiseyes,uponthespot?
OCTAVIO(recoveringhimselfoutofadeepstudy).Hehasnowopenedmine,AndIseemorethanpleasesme.
QUESTENBERG.Whatisit?
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OCTAVIO.Curseonthisjourney!
QUESTENBERG.Butwhyso?Whatisit?
OCTAVIO.Come,comealong,friend!ImustfollowupTheominoustrackimmediately.MineeyesAreopenednow,andImustusethem.Come!
[DrawsQUESTENBERGonwithhim.
QUESTENBERG.Whatnow?Wheregoyouthen?
OCTAVIO.Toherherself.
QUESTENBERG.To----
OCTAVIO(interruptinghimandcorrectinghimself).Totheduke.Come,letusgo'Tisdone,'tisdone,
Iseethenetthatisthrownoverhim.Oh!hereturnsnottomeashewent.
QUESTENBERG.Nay,butexplainyourself.
OCTAVIO.AndthatIshouldnotForeseeit,notpreventthisjourney!WhereforeDidIkeepitfromhim?Youwereintheright.Ishouldhavewarnedhim.Nowitistoolate.
QUESTENBERG.
Butwhat'stoolate?Bethinkyourself,myfriend,Thatyouaretalkingabsoluteriddlestome.
OCTAVIO(morecollected).ComeItotheduke's.'TiscloseuponthehourWhichheappointedyouforaudience.Come!Acurse,athreefoldcurse,uponthisjourney!
[HeleadsQUESTENBERGoff.
ACTII.
SCENEI.
ChangestoaspaciouschamberinthehouseoftheDukeofFriedland.Servantsemployedinputtingthetablesandchairsinorder.DuringthisentersSENI,likeanoldItaliandoctor,inblack,andclothedsomewhatfantastically.Hecarriesawhitestaff,withwhichhemarksoutthequartersoftheheavens.
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FIRSTSERVANT.Come--toit,lads,toit!Makeanendofit.Ihearthesentrycallout,"Standtoyourarms!"Theywillbehereinaminute.
SECONDSERVANT.Whywerewenottoldbeforethattheaudiencewouldbeheldhere?Nothingprepared--noorders--noinstructions.
THIRDSERVANT.Ay,andwhywasthebalconychambercountermanded,thatwiththegreatworkedcarpet?Thereonecanlookaboutone.
FIRSTSERVANT.Nay,thatyoumustaskthemathematicianthere.Hesaysitisanunluckychamber.
SECONDSERVANT.Poh!stuffandnonsense!that'swhatIcallahum.Achamberisachamber;whatmuchcantheplacesignifyintheaffair?
SENI(withgravity).Myson,there'snothinginsignificant,Nothing!Butyetineveryearthlything,Firstandmostprincipalisplaceandtime.
FIRSTSERVANT(tothesecond).Saynothingtohim,Nat.Thedukehimselfmustlethimhavehisownwill.
SENI(countsthechairs,halfinaloud,halfinalowvoice,till
hecomestoeleven,whichherepeats).Eleven!anevilnumber!Settwelvechairs.Twelve!twelvesignshaththezodiac:fiveandseven,Theholynumbers,includethemselvesintwelve.
SECONDSERVANT.Andwhatmayyouhavetoobjectagainsteleven?Ishouldliketoknowthatnow.
SENI.Elevenistransgression;elevenoverstepsThetencommandments.
SECONDSERVANT.That'sgood?andwhydoyoucallfiveaholynumber?
SENI.Fiveisthesoulofman:forevenasmanIsmingledupofgoodandevil,soThefiveisthefirstnumberthat'smadeupOfevenandodd.
SECONDSERVANT.Thefoolisholdcoxcomb!
FIRSTSERVANT.Ay!lethimalonethough.Iliketohearhim;thereismoreinhiswordsthancanbeseenatfirstsight.
THIRDSERVANT.Off,theycome.
SECONDSERVANT.There!Outattheside-door.
[Theyhurryoff:SENIfollowsslowly.Apagebringsthestaffofcommandonaredcushion,andplacesitonthetable,neartheduke'schair.Theyareannouncedfromwithout,andthewingsofthedoorflyopen.
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SCENEII.
WALLENSTEIN,DUCHESS.
WALLENSTEIN.Youwent,then,throughVienna,werepresentedTotheQueenofHungary?
DUCHESS.Yes;andtotheempress,too,AndbybothmajestieswereweadmittedTokissthehand.
WALLENSTEIN.Andhowwasitreceived,ThatIhadsentforwifeanddaughterhitherTothecamp,inwinter-time?
DUCHESS.IdideventhatWhichyoucommissionedmetodo.ItoldthemYouhaddeterminedonourdaughter'smarriage,Andwished,ereyetyouwentintothefield,Toshowtheelectedhusbandhisbetrothed.
WALLENSTEIN.AnddidtheyguessthechoicewhichIhadmade?
DUCHESS.TheyonlyhopedandwisheditmayhavefallenUponnoforeignnoryetLutherannoble.
WALLENSTEIN.Andyou--whatdoyouwish,Elizabeth?
DUCHESS.Yourwill,youknow,wasalwaysmine.
WALLENSTEIN(afterapause).Well,then,--Andinallelse,ofwhatkindandcomplexionWasyourreceptionatthecourt?[TheDUCHESScastshereyesontheground,andremainssilent.Hidenothingfromme.Howwereyoureceived?
DUCHESS.O!mydearlord,allisnotwhatitwas.Acanker-worm,mylord,acanker-wormHasstolenintothebud.
WALLENSTEIN.Ay!isitso?What,theywerelax?theyfailedoftheoldrespect?
DUCHESS.Notofrespect.Nohonorswereomitted,Nooutwardcourtesy;butintheplaceOfcondescending,confidentialkindness,Familiarandendearing,thereweregivenmeOnlythesehonorsandthatsolemncourtesy.
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Ah!andthetendernesswhichwasputon,Itwastheguiseofpity,notoffavor.No!Albrecht'swife,DukeAlbrecht'sprincelywife,CountHarrach'snobledaughter,shouldnotso--Notwhollysoshouldshehavebeenreceived.
WALLENSTEIN.Yes,yes;theyhavetakenoffence.MylatestconductTheyrailedatit,nodoubt.
DUCHESS.Othattheyhad!Ihavebeenlongaccustomedtodefendyou,Tohealandpacifydistemperedspirits.No;noonerailedatyou.Theywrappedthemup,OHeaven!insuchoppressive,solemnsilence!Hereisnoevery-daymisunderstanding,Notransientpique,nocloudthatpassesover;Somethingmostluckless,mostunhealable,Hastakenplace.TheQueenofHungaryUsedformerlytocallmeherdearaunt,Andeveratdeparturetoembraceme----
WALLENSTEIN.
Nowsheomittedit?
DUCHESS(wipingawayhertearsafterapause).Shedidembraceme,ButthenfirstwhenIhadalreadytakenMyformalleave,andwhenthedooralreadyHadcloseduponme,thendidshecomeoutInhaste,asshehadsuddenlybethoughtherself,Andpressedmetoherbosom,morewithanguishThantenderness.
WALLENSTEIN(seizesherhandsoothingly).Nay,nowcollectyourself.
AndwhatofEggenbergandLichtenstein,Andofourotherfriendsthere?
DUCHESS(shakingherhead).Isawnone.
WALLENSTEIN.TheambassadorfromSpain,whooncewaswontTopleadsowarmlyforme?
DUCHESS.Silent,silent!
WALLENSTEIN.Thesesunsthenareeclipsedforus.HenceforwardMustwerollon,ourownfire,ourownlight.
DUCHESS.Andwereit--wereit,mydearlord,inthatWhichmovedaboutthecourtinbuzzandwhisper,ButinthecountryletitselfbeheardAloud--inthatwhichFatherLanormainInsundryhintsand----
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WALLENSTEIN(eagerly).Lanormain!whatsaidhe?
DUCHESS.Thatyou'reaccusedofhavingdaringlyO'ersteppedthepowersintrustedtoyou,chargedWithtraitorouscontemptoftheemperorAndhissupremebehests.TheproudBavarian,HeandtheSpaniardsstandupyouraccusers--Thatthere'sastormcollectingoveryouOffarmorefearfulmenacethantheformeroneWhichwhirledyouheadlongdownatRegensburg.Andpeopletalk,saidhe,of----Ah![Stiflingextremeemotion.
WALLENSTEIN.Proceed!
DUCHESS.Icannotutterit!
WALLENSTEIN.Proceed!
DUCHESS.Theytalk----
WALLENSTEIN.Well!
DUCHESS.Ofasecond----(catcheshervoiceandhesitates.)
WALLENSTEIN.Second----
DUCHESS.MostdisgracefulDismission.
WALLENSTEIN.Talkthey?[Stridesacrossthechamberinvehementagitation.Oh!theyforce,theythrustmeWithviolence,againstmyownwill,onward!
DUCHESS(pressesnearhiminentreaty).Oh!ifthereyetbetime,myhusband,if
Bygivingwayandbysubmission,thisCanbeaverted--mydearLord,giveway!Windownyourproudhearttoit!Telltheheart,Itisyoursovereignlord,youremperor,Beforewhomyouretreat.Oh!nolongerLowtricklingmaliceblackenyourgoodmeaningWithabhorredvenomousglosses.StandyouupShieldedandhelmedandweaponedwiththetruth,AnddrivebeforeyouintouttermostshameTheseslanderousliars!Fewfirmfriendshavewe--
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Youknowit!TheswiftgrowthofourgoodfortuneIthathbutsetusupamarkforhatred.Whatarewe,ifthesovereign'sgraceandfavorStandnotbeforeus!
SCENEIII.
EntertheCountessTERZKY,leadinginherhandthePrincessTHEKLA,richlyadornedwithbrilliants.
COUNTESS,TEKLA,WALLENSTEIN,DUCHESS.
COUNTESS.Howsister?What,alreadyuponbusiness?[ObservingthecountenanceoftheDUCHESS.AndbusinessofnopleasingkindIsee,Erehehasgladdenedathischild.ThefirstMomentbelongstojoy.Here,Friedland!father!Thisisthydaughter.
[THEKLAapproacheswithashyandtimidair,andbendsherselfasabouttokisshishand.Hereceivesherinhisarms,andremains
standingforsometimelostinthefeelingofherpresence.
WALLENSTEIN.Yes!pureandlovelyhathhoperisenonme,Itakeherasthepledgeofgreaterfortune.
DUCHESS.'TwasbutalittlechildwhenyoudepartedToraiseupthatgreatarmyfortheemperorAndafter,atthecloseofthecampaign,WhenyoureturnedhomeoutofPomerania,Yourdaughterwasalreadyintheconvent,Whereinshehasremainedtillnow.
WALLENSTEIN.ThewhileWeinthefieldheregaveourcaresandtoilsTomakehergreat,andfightherafreewayTotheloftiestearthlygood;lo!motherNatureWithinthepeaceful,silentconventwalls,Hasdoneherpart,andoutofherfreegraceHathshebestowedonthebelovedchildThegod-like;andnowleadsherthusadornedTomeethersplendidfortune,andmyhope.
DUCHESS(toTHEKLA).
Thouwouldstnotnowhaverecognizedthyfather,Wouldstthou,mychild?ShecountedscarceeightyearsWhenlastshesawyourface.
THEKLA.Oyes,yes,mother!Atthefirstglance!Myfatherhasnotaltered.TheformthatstandsbeforemefalsifiesNofeatureoftheimagethathathlivedSolongwithinme!
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WALLENSTEIN.Thevoiceofmychild![Thenafterapause.Iwasindignantatmydestiny,Thatitdeniedmeaman-child,tobeHeirofmynameandofmyprosperousfortune,Andre-illumemysoon-extinguishedbeingInaproudlineofprinces.Iwrongedmydestiny.Hereuponthishead,Solovelyinitsmaidenbloom,willILetfallthegarlandofalifeofwar,Nordeemitlost,ifonlyIcanwreathit,Transmutedtoaregalornament,Aroundthesebeauteousbrows.
[HeclaspsherinhisarmsasPICCOLOMINIenters.
SCENEIV.
EnterMAX.PICCOLOMINI,andsometimeafterCOUNTTERZKY,theothersremainingasbefore.
COUNTESS.TherecomesthePaladinwhoprotectedus.
WALLENSTEIN.Max.!Welcome,everwelcome!AlwayswertthouThemorningstarofmybestjoys!
MAX.Mygeneral----
WALLENSTEIN.Tillnowitwastheemperorwhorewardedthee,
Ibuttheinstrument.ThisdaythouhastboundThefathertothee,Max.!thefortunatefather,AndthisdebtFriedland'sselfmustpay.
MAX.Myprince!Youmadenocommonhurrytotransferit.Icomewithshame:yea,notwithoutapang!ForscarcehaveIarrivedhere,scarcedeliveredThemotherandthedaughtertoyourarms,Butthereisbroughttomefromyourequerry[6]Asplendidrichly-platedhuntingdressSotoremuneratemeformytroubles--
Yes,yes,remunerateme,--sinceatroubleItmustbe,amereoffice,notafavorWhichIleapedforwardtoreceive,andwhichIcamewithgratefulhearttothankyoufor.No!'twasnotsointended,thatmybusinessShouldbemyhighestbestgoodfortune!
[TERZKYenters;anddeliversletterstotheDUKE,whichhebreaksopenhurriedly.
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COUNTESS(toMAX.).Remunerateyourtrouble!Forhisjoy,Hemakesyourecompense.'TisnotunfittingForyou,CountPiccolomini,tofeelSotenderly--mybrotheritbeseemsToshowhimselfforevergreatandprincely.
THEKLA.ThenItoomusthavescruplesofhislove:ForhismunificenthandsdidornamentmeEreyetthefather'shearthadspokentome.
MAXYes;'tishisnatureevertobegivingAndmakinghappy.[HegraspsthehandoftheDUCHESSwithstillincreasingwarmth.HowmyheartpoursoutItsallofthankstohim!O!howIseemToutterallthingsinthedearname--Friedland.WhileIshalllive,solongwillIremainThecaptiveofthisname:initshallbloomMyeveryfortune,everylovelyhope.InextricablyasinsomemagicringInthisnamehathmydestinycharm-boundme!
COUNTESS(whoduringthistimehasbeenanxiouslywatchingtheDUKE,andremarksthatheislostinthoughtovertheletters).Mybrotherwishesustoleavehim.Come.
WALLENSTEIN(turnshimselfroundquick,collectshimself,andspeakswithcheerfulnesstotheDUCHESS).OncemoreIbidtheewelcometothecamp,Thouartthehostessofthiscourt.You,Max.,Willnowagainadministeryouroldoffice,Whileweperformthesovereign'sbusinesshere.
[MAX.PICCOLOMINIofferstheDUCHESShisarm;theCOUNTESS
accompaniesthePRINCESS.
TERZKY(callingafterhim).Max.,wedependonseeingyouatthemeeting.
SCENEV.
WALLENSTEIN,COUNTTERZKY.
WALLENSTEIN(indeepthought,tohimself).Shehasseenallthingsastheyare--itisso,
Andsquarescompletelywithmyothernotices,TheyhavedeterminedfinallyinVienna,Havegivenmemysuccessoralready;ItistheKingofHungary,Ferdinand,Theemperor'sdelicateson!he'snowtheirsavior,He'sthenewstarthat'srisingnow!OfusTheythinkthemselvesalreadyfairlyrid,Andasweweredeceased,theheiralreadyIsenteringonpossession--Therefore--despatch!
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[AsheturnsroundheobservesTERZKY,andgiveshimaletter.
CountAltringerwillhavehimselfexcused,AndGallastoo--Ilikenotthis!
TERZKY.AndifThouloiterestlonger,allwillfallaway,Onefollowingtheother.
WALLENSTEIN.AltringerIsmasteroftheTyrolpasses.ImustforthwithSendsomeonetohim,thatheletnotinTheSpaniardsonmefromtheMilanese.--Well,andtheoldSesin,thatancienttraderIncontrabandnegotiations,heHasshownhimselfagainoflate.WhatbringsheFromtheCountThur?
TERZKY.ThecountcommunicatesHehasfoundouttheSwedishchancellorAtHalberstadt,wheretheconvention'sheld,
Whosays,you'vetiredhimout,andthathe'llhaveNofurtherdealingswithyou.
WALLENSTEIN.Andwhyso?
TERZKY.Hesays,youareneverinearnestinyourspeeches;ThatyoudecoytheSwedes--tomakefoolsofthem;WillleagueyourselfwithSaxonyagainstthem,AndatlastmakeyourselfariddanceofthemWithapaltrysumofmoney.
WALLENSTEIN.Sothen,doubtless,Yes,doubtless,thissamemodestSwedeexpectsThatIshallyieldhimsomefairGermantractForhispreyandbooty,thatourselvesatlastOnourownsoilandnativeterritoryMaybenolongerourownlordsandmasters!Anexcellentscheme!No,no!Theymustbeoff,Off,off!away!wewantnosuchneighbors.
TERZKY.Nay,yieldthemupthatdot,thatspeckofland--Itgoesnotfromyourportion.Ifyouwin
Thegame,whatmattersittoyouwhopaysit?
WALLENSTEIN.Offwiththem,off!Thouunderstand'stnotthis.Nevershallitbesaidofme,IparcelledMynativelandaway,dismemberedGermany,Betrayedittoaforeigner,inorderTocomewithstealthytread,andfilchawayMyownshareoftheplunder--Never!never!Noforeignpowershallstrikerootintheempire,
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AndleastofalltheseGoths!thesehungrywolves!Whosendsuchenvious,hot,andgreedyglancesTowardtherichblessingsofourGermanlands!I'llhavetheiraidtocastanddrawmynets,ButnotasinglefishofallthedraughtShalltheycomeinfor.
TERZKY.Youwilldeal,however,MorefairlywiththeSaxons?theylosepatienceWhileyoushiftroundandmakesomanycurves.Say,towhatpurposeallthesemasks?YourfriendsAreplungedindoubts,baffled,andledastrayinyou.There'sOxenstiern,there'sArnheim--neitherknowsWhatheshouldthinkofyourprocrastinations,AndintheendIprovetheliar;allPassesthroughme.I'venotevenyourhandwriting.
WALLENSTEIN.Inevergivehandwriting;andthouknowestit.
TERZKY.Buthowcanitbeknownthatyouareinearnest,Iftheactfollowsnotupontheword?
Youmustyourselfacknowledge,thatinallYourintercourseshithertowiththeenemy,Youmighthavedonewithsafetyallyouhavedone.HadyoumeantnothingfurtherthantogullhimFortheemperor'sservice.
WALLENSTEIN(afterapause,duringwhichhelooksnarrowlyonTERZKY).AndfromwhencedostthouknowThatI'mnotgullinghimfortheemperor'sservice?WhenceknowestthouthatI'mnotgullingallofyou?Dostthouknowmesowell?WhenmadeItheeTheintendantofmysecretpurposes?IamnotconsciousthatIeveropened
Myinmostthoughtstothee.Theemperor,itistrue,Hathdealtwithmeamiss;andifIwouldIcouldrepayhimwithusuriousinterestFortheevilhehathdoneme.ItdelightsmeToknowmypower;butwhetherIshalluseit,OfthatIshouldhavethoughtthatthoucouldstspeakNowiserthanthyfellows.
TERZKY.Sohastthoualwaysplayedthygamewithus.
[EnterILLO.
SCENEVI.
ILLO,WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY.
WALLENSTEIN.Howstandaffairswithout?Aretheyprepared?
ILLO.
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You'llfindthemintheverymoodyouwish.Theyknowabouttheemperor'srequisition,Andaretumultuous.
WALLENSTEIN.HowhathIsolanideclaredhimself?
ILLO.He'syours,bothsoulandbody,Sinceyoubuiltupagainhisfaro-bank.
WALLENSTEIN.AndwhichwaydothKolattobend?HastthouMadesureofTiefenbachandDeodati?
ILLO.WhatPiccolominidoesthattheydotoo.
WALLENSTEIN.Youmean,then,Imayventuresomewhatwiththem?
ILLO.IfyouareassuredofthePiccolomini.
WALLENSTEIN.Notmoreassuredofmineownself.
TERZKY.AndyetIwouldyoutrustednotsomuchtoOctavio,Thefox!
WALLENSTEIN.Thouteachestmetoknowmyman?SixteencampaignsIhavemadewiththatoldwarrior.Besides,Ihavehishoroscope;
Webotharebornbeneathlikestars--inshort,[Withanairofmystery.Tothisbelongsitsownpeculiaraspect,Ifthereforethoucanstwarrantmetherest----
ILLO.Thereisamongthemallbutthisonevoice,Youmustnotlaydownthecommand.IhearTheymeantosendadeputationtoyou.
WALLENSTEIN.IfI'minaughttobindmyselftothemTheytoomustbindthemselvestome.
ILLO.Ofcourse.
WALLENSTEIN.Theirwordsofhonortheymustgive,theiroaths,Givetheminwritingtome,promisingDevotiontomyserviceunconditional.
ILLO.
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Whynot?
TERZKY.Devotionunconditional?TheexceptionoftheirdutiestowardsAustriaThey'llalwaysplaceamongthepremises.Withthisreserve----
WALLENSTEIN(shakinghishead).Allunconditional;Nopremises,noreserves.
ILLO.Athoughthasstruckme.DoesnotCountTerzkygiveusasetbanquetThisevening?
TERZKY.Yes;andallthegeneralsHavebeeninvited.
ILLO(toWALLENSTEIN).Say,willyouherefullyCommissionmetousemyowndiscretion?
I'llgainforyouthegenerals'wordofhonor,Evenasyouwish.
WALLENSTEIN.Gainmetheirsignatures!Howyoucomebythemthatisyourconcern.
ILLO.AndifIbringittoyouinblackonwhite,ThatalltheleaderswhoarepresenthereGivethemselvesuptoyou,withoutcondition;Say,willyouthen--thenwillyoushowyourselfInearnest,andwithsomedecisiveaction
Tryyourfortune.
WALLENSTEIN.Getbutthesignatures!
ILLO.Thinkwhatthoudost,thoucanstnotexecuteTheemperor'sorders,norreducethinearmy,NorsendtheregimentstotheSpaniards'aid,Unlessthouwouldstresignthypowerforever.Thinkontheotherhand--thoucanstnotspurnTheemperor'shighcommandsandsolemnorders,Norlongertemporize,norseekevasion,
Wouldstthouavoidarupturewiththecourt.Resolvethen!WiltthounowbyoneboldactAnticipatetheirends,or,doubtingstill,Awaittheextremity?
WALLENSTEIN.There'stimebeforeTheextremityarrives.
ILLO.
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Seize,seizethehour,Ereitslipsfromyou.SeldomcomesthemomentInlife,whichisindeedsublimeandweighty.Tomakeagreatdecisionpossible,O!manythings,alltransientandallrapid,Mustmeetatonce:and,haply,theythusmetMaybythatconfluencebeenforcedtopauseTimelong-enoughforwisdom,thoughtooshort,Far,fartooshortatimefordoubtandscruple!Thisisthatmoment.See,ourarmychieftains,Ourbest,ournoblest,areassembledroundyou,Theirking-likeleader!Onyournodtheywait.Thesinglethreads,whichhereyourprosperousfortuneHathwoventogetherinonepotentwebInstinctwithdestiny,O!letthemnotUnravelofthemselves.IfyoupermitThesechiefstoseparate,sounanimousBringyouthemnotasecondtimetogether.'Tisthehightidethatheavesthestrandedship,Andeveryindividual'sspiritwaxesInthegreatstreamofmultitudes.BeholdTheyarestillhere,herestill!ButsoonthewarBurststhemoncemoreasunder,andinsmallParticularanxietiesandinterests
Scatterstheirspirit,andthesympathyOfeachmanwiththewhole.Hewhoto-dayForgetshimself,forcedonwardwiththestream,Willbecomesober,seeingbuthimself.Feelonlyhisownweakness,andwithspeedWillfaceabout,andmarchonintheoldHighroadofduty,theoldbroad-troddenroad,Andseekbuttomakeshelteringoodplight.
WALLENSTEIN.Thetimeisnotyetcome.
TERZKY.
Soyousayalways.Butwhenwillitbetime?
WALLENSTEIN.WhenIshallsayit.
ILLO.You'llwaituponthestars,andontheirhours,Tilltheearthlyhourescapesyou.Oh,believeme,Inyourownbosomareyourdestiny'sstars.Confidenceinyourself,promptresolution,ThisisyourVenus!andthesolemalignant,Theonlyonethatharmethyouisdoubt.
WALLENSTEIN.Thouspeakestasthouunderstandest.HowoftAndmanyatimeI'vetoldtheeJupiter,Thatlustrousgod,wassettingatthybirth.Thyvisualpowersubduesnomysteries;Mole-eyedthoumayestbutburrowintheearth,Blindasthesubterrestrial,whowithwanLead-coloredshinelightedtheeintolife.Thecommon,theterrestrial,thoumayestsee,
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Withserviceablecunningknittogether,Thenearestwiththenearest;andthereinItrusttheeandbelievethee!butwhate'erFullofmysteriousimportNatureweaves,Andfashionsinthedepths--thespirit'sladder,Thatfromthisgrossandvisibleworldofdust,Eventothestarryworld,withthousandrounds,Buildsitselfup;onwhichtheunseenpowersMoveupanddownonheavenlyministries--Thecirclesinthecircles,thatapproachThecentralsunwithever-narrowingorbit--Theseseetheglancealone,theunsealedeye,OfJupiter'sgladchildrenborninlustre.
[Hewalksacrossthechamber,thenreturns,andstandingstill,proceeds.
TheheavenlyconstellationsmakenotmerelyThedayandnights,summerandspring,notmerelySignifytothehusbandmantheseasonsOfsowingandofharvest.Humanaction,Thatistheseed,too,ofcontingencies,StrewedonthedarklandoffuturityInhopestoreconcilethepowersoffateWhenceitbehovesustoseekouttheseed-time,
Towatchthestars,selecttheirproperhours,Andtracewithsearchingeyetheheavenlyhouses,WhethertheenemyofgrowthandthrivingHidehimselfnot,malignant,inhiscorner.Thereforepermitmemyowntime.MeanwhileDoyouyourpart.AsyetIcannotsayWhatIshalldo--only,givewayIwillnot,Deposeme,too,theyshallnot.OnthesepointsYoumayrely.
PAGE(entering).Mylords,thegenerals.
WALLENSTEIN.Letthemcomein.
TERZKY.Shallallthechiefsbepresent?
WALLENSTEIN.'Twereneedless.BoththePiccolominiMaradas,Butler,Forgoetsch,Deodati,Karaffa,Isolani--thesemaycome.
[TERZKYgoesoutwiththePAGE.
WALLENSTEIN(toILLO).HastthoutakenheedthatQuestenbergwaswatched?Hadhenomeansofsecretintercourse?
ILLO.Ihavewatchedhimclosely--andhespokewithnoneButwithOctavio.
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SCENEVII.
WALLENSTRIN,TERZKY,ILLO.--TothementerQUESTENBERG,OCTAVIO,andMAX.PICCOLOMINI,BUTLER,ISOLANI,MARADAS,andthreeotherGenerals.WALLENSTEINMotionsQUESTENBERG,whoinconsequencetakesthechairdirectlyoppositetohim;theothersfollow,arrangingthemselvesaccordingtotheirrank.Therereignsamomentarysilence.
WALLENSTEIN.Ihaveunderstood,'Tistrue,thesumandimport,Questenberg,Ofyourinstructions.Ihaveweighedthemwell,Andformedmyfinal,absoluteresolve;YetitseemsfittingthatthegeneralsShouldhearthewilloftheemperorfromyourmouth.MayitpleaseyouthentoopenyourcommissionBeforethesenoblechieftains?
QUESTENBERG.IamreadyToobeyyou;butwillfirstentreatyourhighness,Andallthesenoblechieftains,toconsider,Theimperialdignityandsovereignright
Speaksfrommymouth,andnotmyownpresumption.
WALLENSTEIN.Weexcuseallpreface.
QUESTENBERG.WhenhismajestyTheemperortohiscourageousarmiesPresentedinthepersonofDukeFriedlandAmostexperiencedandrenownedcommander,HediditingladhopeandconfidenceTogivetherebytothefortuneofthewarArapidandauspiciouschange.Theonset
Wasfavorabletohisroyalwishes.BohemiawasdeliveredfromtheSaxons,TheSwede'scareerofconquestchecked!TheselandsBegantodrawbreathfreely,asDukeFriedlandFromallthestreamsofGermanyforcedhitherThescatteredarmiesoftheenemy;HitherinvokedasroundonemagiccircleTheRhinegrave,Bernhard,Banner,Oxenstiern,Yea,andthenever-conqueredkinghimself;Herefinally,beforetheeyeofNuernberg,Thefearfulgameofbattletodecide.
WALLENSTEIN.
Tothepoint,sopleaseyou.
QUESTENBERG.AnewspiritAtonceproclaimedtousthenewcommander.Nolongerstroveblindragewithragemoreblind;ButintheenlightenedfieldofskillwasshownHowfortitudecantriumphoverboldness,Andscientificartoutwearycourage.Invaintheytempthimtothefight.Heonly
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Entrencheshimstilldeeperinhishold,Asiftobuildaneverlastingfortress.Atlengthgrowndesperate,now,thekingresolvesTostormthecampandleadhiswastedlegions,Whodailyfallbyfamineandbyplague,Toquickerdeathsandhungeranddisease.ThroughlinesofbarricadesbehindwhosefenceDeathlurkswithinathousandmouthsoffire,Heyetunconqueredstrivestostormhisway.Therewasattack,andthereresistance,suchAsmortaleyehadneverseenbefore;Repulsedatlast,thekingwithdrewhistroopsFromthissomurderousfield,andnotafootOfgroundwasgainedbyallthatfearfulslaughter.
WALLENSTEIN.Prayspareustheserecitalsfromgazettes,Whichweourselvesbeheldwithdeepesthorror.
QUESTENBERG.InNuernberg'scamptheSwedishmonarchleftHisfame--inLuetzen'splainshislife.ButwhoStoodnotastounded,whenvictoriousFriedlandAfterthisdayoftriumph,thisproudday,
MarchedtowardBohemiawiththespeedofflight,Andvanishedfromthetheatreofwar?WhiletheyoungWeimarhero[7]forcedhiswayIntoFranconia,totheDanube,likeSomedelvingwinter-stream,which,whereitrushes,Makesitsownchannel;withsuchsuddenspeedHemarched,andnowatonce'foreRegensburgStoodtotheaffrightofallgoodCatholicChristians.ThendidBavaria'swell-deservingprinceEntreatswiftaidanceinhisextremeneed;TheemperorsendssevenhorsementoDukeFriedland,SevenhorsemencourierssendshewiththeentreatyHesuperaddshisown,andsupplicates
Whereasthesovereignlordhecancommand.Invainhissupplication!AtthismomentThedukehearsonlyhisoldhateandgrudge,BartersthegeneralgoodtogratifyPrivaterevenge--andsofallsRegensburg.
WALLENSTEIN.Max.,towhatperiodofthewaralludeshe?Myrecollectionfailsmehere.
MAX.HemeansWhenwewereinSilesia.
WALLENSTEIN.Ay!isitso!Butwhathadwetodothere?
MAX.TobeatoutTheSwedesandSaxonsfromtheprovince.
WALLENSTEIN.
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True;Inthatdescriptionwhichtheministergave,Iseemedtohaveforgottenthewholewar.[TOQUESTENBERG.Well,butproceedalittle.
QUESTENBERG.WehopedupontheOdertoregainWhatontheDanubeshamefullywaslost.Welookedfordeedsofall-astoundinggrandeurUponatheatreofwar,onwhichAFriedlandledinpersontothefield,AndthefamedrivalofthegreatGustavusHadbutaThurnandArnheimtoopposehim!YettheencounteroftheirmightyhostsServedbuttofeastandentertaineachother.Ourcountrygroanedbeneaththewoesofwar,YetnaughtbutpeaceprevailedinFriedland'scamp!
WALLENSTEIN.Fullmanyabloodystrifeisfoughtinvain,Becauseitsyouthfulgeneralneedsavictory.But'tistheprivilegeoftheoldcommanderTosparethecostsoffightinguselessbattles
Merelytoshowthatheknowshowtoconquer.ItwouldhavelittlehelpedmyfametoboastOfconquesto'eranArnheim;butfarmoreWouldmyforbearancehaveavailedmycountry,HadIsucceededtodissolvetheallianceExisting'twixttheSaxonandtheSwede.
QUESTENBERG.Butyoudidnotsucceed,andsocommencedThefearfulstrifeanew.Andhereatlength,BesidetheriverOderdidthedukeAsserthisancientfame.UponthefieldsOfSteinaudidtheSwedeslaydowntheirarms,
Subduedwithoutablow.Andhere,withothers,TherighteousnessofheaventohisavengerDeliveredthatlong-practisedstirrer-upOfinsurrection,thatcurse-ladentorchAndkindlerofthiswar,MatthiasThurn.ButhehadfallenintomagnanimoushandsInsteadofpunishmenthefoundreward,AndwithrichpresentsdidthedukedismissThearch-foeofhisemperor.
WALLENSTEIN(laughs).Iknow,IknowyouhadalreadyinVienna
YourwindowsandyourbalconiesforestalledToseehimontheexecutioner'scart.Imighthavelostthebattle,lostittooWithinfamy,andstillretainedyourgraces--But,tohavecheatedthemofaspectacle,Oh!thatthegoodfolksofViennanever,No,nevercanforgiveme!
QUESTENBERG.SoSilesia
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Wasfreed,andallthingsloudlycalledthedukeIntoBavaria,nowpressedhardonallsides.Andhedidputhistroopsinmotion:slowly,Quiteathisease,andbythelongestroadHetraversesBohemia;butereeverHehathonceseentheenemy,facesround,Breaksupthemarch,andtakestowinter-quarters.
WALLENSTEIN.ThetroopswerepitiablydestituteOfeverynecessary,everycomfort,Thewintercame.WhatthinkshismajestyHistroopsaremadeof?Aren'twemen;subjectedLikeothermentowet,andcold,andallThecircumstancesofnecessity?Oh,miserablelotofthepoorsoldier!Whereverhecomesinallfleebeforehim,AndwhenhegoesawaythegeneralcurseFollowshimonhisroute.Allmustbeseized.Nothingisgivenhim.AndcompelledtoseizeFromeverymanhe'severyman'sabhorrence.Behold,herestandmygenerals.Karaffa!CountDeodati!Butler!TellthismanHowlongthesoldier'spayisinarrears.
BUTLER.Alreadyafullyear.
WALLENSTEIN.And'tisthehireThatconstitutesthehireling'snameandduties,Thesoldier'spayisthesoldier'scovenant.[8]
QUESTENBERG.Ah!thisisafarothertonefromthatInwhichthedukespokeeight,nineyearsago.
WALLENSTEIN.Yes!'tismyfault,Iknowit:ImyselfHavespoilttheemperorbyindulginghim.Nineyearsago,duringtheDanishwar,Iraisedhimupaforce,amightyforce,Fortyorfiftythousandmen,thatcosthimOfhisownpursenodoit.ThroughSaxonyThefurygoddessofthewarmarchedon,E'entothesurf-rocksoftheBaltic,bearingTheterrorsofhisname.Thatwasatime!InthewholeimperialrealmnonamelikemineHonoredwithfestivalandcelebration--AndAlbrechtWallenstein,itwasthetitle
Ofthethirdjewelinhiscrown!ButattheDiet,whentheprincesmetAtRegensburg,there,therethewholebrokeout,There'twaslaidopen,thereitwasmadeknownOutofwhatmoney-bagIhadpaidthehost,Andwhatwerenowmythanks,whathadInowThatI,afaithfulservantofthesovereign,Hadloadedonmyselfthepeople'scurses,AndlettheprincesoftheempirepayTheexpensesofthiswarthataggrandizes
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Theemperoralone.WhatthankshadI?What?IwasoffereduptotheircomplaintDismissed,degraded!
QUESTENBERG.ButyourhighnessknowsWhatlittlefreedomhepossessedofactionInthatdisastrousDiet.
WALLENSTEIN.Deathandhell!IhadthatwhichcouldhaveprocuredhimfreedomNo!since'twasprovedsoinauspicioustomeToservetheemperorattheempire'scost,IhavebeentaughtfarothertrainsofthinkingOftheempireandtheDietoftheempire.Fromtheemperor,doubtless,Ireceivedthisstaff,ButnowIholditastheempire'sgeneral,--Forthecommonweal,theuniversalinterest,Andnomoreforthatoneman'saggrandizement!Buttothepoint.Whatisitthat'sdesiredofme?
QUESTENBERG.First,hisimperialmajestyhathwilled
ThatwithoutpretextsofdelaythearmyEvacuateBohemia.
WALLENSTEIN.Inthisseason?AndtowhatquarterwillstheemperorThatwedirectourcourse?
QUESTENBERG.Totheenemy.Hismajestyresolves,thatRegensburgBepurifiedfromtheenemyereEaster,ThatLutheranismmaybenolongerpreached
Inthatcathedral,norhereticalDefilementdesecratethecelebrationOfthatpurefestival.
WALLENSTEIN.Mygenerals,Canthisberealized?
ILLO.'Tisnotpossible.
BUTLER.Itcan'tberealized.
QUESTENBERG.TheemperorAlreadyhathcommandedColonelSuysToadvancetowardsBavaria.
WALLENSTEIN.WhatdidSuys?
QUESTENBERG.
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Thatwhichhisdutyprompted.Headvanced.
WALLENSTEIN.What!headvanced?AndI,hisgeneral,Hadgivenhimorders,peremptoryordersNottodeserthisstation!StandsitthusWithmyauthority?IsthistheobedienceDuetomyoffice,whichbeingthrownaside,Nowarcanbeconducted?Chieftains,speakYoubethejudges,generals.WhatdeservesThatofficerwho,ofhisoathneglectful,Isguiltyofcontemptoforders?
ILLO.Death.
WALLENSTEIN(raisinghisvoice,asallbutILLOhadremainedsilentandseeminglyscrupulous).CountPiccolomini!whathashedeserved?
MAX.PICCOLOMINI(afteralongpause).Accordingtotheletterofthelaw,Death.
ISOLANI.Death.
BUTLER.Death,bythelawsofwar.
[QUESTENBERGrisesfromhisseat,WALLENSTEINfollows,alltherestrise.
WALLENSTEIN.Tothisthelawcondemnshim,andnotI.AndifIshowhimfavor,'twillariseFromthereverencethatIowemyemperor.
QUESTENBERG.Ifso,Icansaynothingfurther--here!
WALLENSTEIN.Iacceptedthecommandbutonconditions!Andthisthefirst,thattothediminutionOfmyauthoritynohumanbeing,Noteventheemperor'sself,shouldbeentitledTodoaught,ortosayaught,withthearmy.IfIstandwarranteroftheevent,Placingmyhonorandmyheadinpledge,NeedsmustIhavefullmasteryinall
Themeansthereto.WhatrenderedthisGustavusResistless,andunconquereduponearth?This--thathewasthemonarchinhisarmy!Amonarch,onewhoisindeedamonarch,Wasneveryetsubduedbutbyhisequal.Buttothepoint!Thebestisyettocome,Attendnow,generals!
QUESTENBERG.ThePrinceCardinal
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BeginshisrouteattheapproachofspringFromtheMilanese;andleadsaSpanisharmyThroughGermanyintotheNetherlands.Thathemaymarchsecureandunimpeded,'Tistheemperor'swillyougranthimadetachmentOfeighthorse-regimentsfromthearmyhere.
WALLENSTEIN.Yes,yes!Iunderstand!Eightregiments!Well,Rightwellconcerted,FatherLanormain!Eightthousandhorse!Yes,yes!'tisasitshouldbeIseeitcoming.
QUESTENBERG.Thereisnothingcoming.Allstandsinfront:thecounselofstate-prudence,Thedictateofnecessity!
WALLENSTEIN.Whatthen?What,mylordenvoy?MayInotbesufferedTounderstandthatfolksaretiredofseeingThesword'shiltinmygrasp,andthatyourcourtSnatcheagerlyatthispretence,anduse
TheSpanishtitle,anddrainoffmyforces,ToleadintotheempireanewarmyUnsubjectedtomycontrol?TothrowmePlumplyaside,--IamstilltoopowerfulforyouToventurethat.Mystipulationruns,ThatalltheimperialforcesshallobeymeWhere'ertheGermanisthenativelanguage.OfSpanishtroopsandofprincecardinals,Thattaketheirrouteasvisitors,throughtheempire,Therestandsnosyllableinmystipulation.Nosyllable!AndsothepoliticcourtStealsinontiptoe,andcreepsroundbehindit;Firstmakesmeweaker,thentobedispensedwith,
Tillitdaresstrikeatlengthabolderblow,Andmakeshortworkwithme.Whatneedofallthesecrookedways,lordenvoy?Straightforward,man!hiscompactwithmepinchesTheemperor.HewouldthatImovedoff!Well!Iwillgratifyhim![Heretherecommencesanagitationamongthegenerals,whichincreasescontinually.Itgrievesmeformynobleofficers'sakes;IseenotyetbywhatmeanstheywillcomeatThemoneystheyhaveadvanced,orhowobtainTherecompensetheirservicesdemand.Stillanewleaderbringsnewclaimantsforward,
Andpriormeritsuperannuatesquickly.Thereserveheremanyforeignersinthearmy,Andwerethemaninallelsebraveandgallant,IwasnotwonttomakenicescrutinyAfterhispedigreeorcatechism.Thiswillbeotherwisei'thetimetocome.Well;menolongeritconcerns.[Heseatshimself.Forbidit,Heaven,thatitshouldcometothis!Ourtroopswillswellindreadfulfermentation--
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Theemperorisabused--itcannotbe.
ISOLANI.Itcannotbe;allgoestoinstantwreck.
WALLENSTEIN.Thouhastsaidtruly,faithfulIsolani!WhatwewithtoilandforesighthavebuiltupWillgotowreck--allgotoinstantwreck.Whatthen?Anotherchieftainissoonfound,Anotherarmylikewise(whodaresdoubtit?)Willflockfromallsidestotheemperor,Atthefirstbeatofhisrecruitingdrum.
[Duringthisspeech,ISOLANI,TERZKY,ILLO,andMARADAStalkconfusedlywithgreatagitation.
MAX.PICCOLOMINI(busilyandpassionatelygoingfromonetoanother,andsoothingthem).Hear,mycommander'Hearme,generals!Letmeconjureyou,duke!Determinenothing,TillwehavemetandrepresentedtoyouOurjointremonstrances!Nay,calmer!Friends!Ihopeallmayyetbesetrightagain.
TERZKY.Away!letusaway!intheantechamberFindwetheothers.[Theygo.
BUTLER(toQUESTENBERG).IfgoodcounselgainDueaudiencefromyourwisdom,mylordenvoy,YouwillbecautioushowyoushowyourselfInpublicforsomehourstocome--orhardlyWillthatgoldkeyprotectyoufrommaltreatment.
[Commotionsheardfromwithout.
WALLENSTEIN.Asalutarycounsel--Thou,Octavio!Wiltanswerforthesafetyofourguest.Farewell,vonQuestenberg![QUESTENBURGisabouttospeak.Nay,notaword.Notonewordmoreofthatdetestedsubject!Youhaveperformedyourduty.WeknownowToseparatetheofficefromtheman.
[ASQUESTENBERGisgoingoffwithOCTAVIO,GOETZ,TIEFENBACH,
KOLATTO,pressin,severalothergeneralsfollowingthem.
GOETZ.Where'shewhomeanstorobusofourgeneral?
TIEFENBACH(atthesametime).Whatareweforcedtobear?Thatthouwiltleaveus?
KOLATTO(atthesametime).Wewilllivewiththee,wewilldiewiththee.
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WALLENSTEIN(withstateliness,andpointingtoILLO).There!thefield-marshalknowsourwill.[Exit.
[Whileallaregoingoffthestage,thecurtaindrops.
ACTIII.
SCENEI.
ASmallChamber.
ILLOandTERZKY.
TERZKY.Nowforthisevening'sbusiness!HowintendyouTomanagewiththegeneralsatthebanquet?
ILLO.Attend!Weframeaformaldeclaration,
WhereinwetothedukeconsignourselvesCollectively,tobeandtoremainHis,bothwithlifeandlimb,andnottospareThelastdropofourbloodforhim,provided,SodoingweinfringenooathordutyWemaybeundertotheemperor.Mark!ThisreservationweexpresslymakeInaparticularclause,andsavetheconscience.Nowhear!thisformulasoframedandwordedWillbepresentedtothemforperusalBeforethebanquet.NoonewillfindinitCauseofoffenceorscruple.Hearnowfurther!Afterthefeast,whennowthevaperingwine
Openstheheart,andshutstheeyes,weletAcounterfeitedpaper,inthewhichThisoneparticularclausehasbeenleftout,Goroundforsignatures.
TERZKY.How!thinkyouthenThatthey'llbelievethemselvesboundbyanoath,Whichwehavetrickedthemintobyajuggle?
ILLO.Weshallhavecaughtandcagedthem!LetthemthenBeattheirwingsbareagainstthewires,andrave
Loudastheymayagainstourtreachery;AtcourttheirsignatureswillbebelievedFarmorethantheirmostholyaffirmations.Traitorstheyare,andmustbe;thereforewiselyWillmakeavirtueofnecessity.
TERZKY.Well,well,itshallcontentme:letbutsomethingBedone,letonlysomedecisiveblowSetusinmotion.
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ILLO.Besides,'tisofsubordinateimportanceHow,orhowfar,wemaytherebypropelThegenerals.'TisenoughthatwepersuadeThedukethattheyarehis.LethimbutactInhisdeterminedmood,asifhehadthem,Andhewillhavethem.Whereheplungesin,Hemakesawhirlpool,andallstreamdowntoit.
TERZKY.Hispolicyissuchalabyrinth,ThatmanyatimewhenIhavethoughtmyselfCloseathisside,he'sgoneatonce,andleftmeIgnorantofthegroundwhereIwasstanding.Helendstheenemyhisear,permitsmeTowritetothem,toArnheim;toSesinaHimselfcomesforwardblankandundisguised;Talkswithusbythehourabouthisplans,AndwhenIthinkIhavehim--offatonce--Hehasslippedfromme,andappearsasifHehadnoscheme,buttoretainhisplace.
ILLO.
Hegiveuphisoldplans!I'lltellyou,friend!Hissoulisoccupiedwithnothingelse,Eveninhissleep--theyarehisthoughts,hisdreams,ThatdaybydayhequestionsforthispurposeThemotionsoftheplanets----
TERZKY.Ah!youknowThisnight,thatisnowcoming,hewithSeni,ShutshimselfupintheastrologicaltowerTomakejointobservations--forIhearItistobeanightofweightandcrisis;Andsomethinggreat,andoflongexpectation,
Takesplaceinheaven.
ILLO.OthatitmighttakeplaceOnearth!Thegeneralsarefullofzeal,AndwouldwitheasebeledtoanythingRatherthanlosetheirchief.Observe,too,thatWehaveatlastafairexcusebeforeusToformaclosealliance'gainstthecourt,Yetinnocentitstitle,bearingsimplyThatwesupporthimonlyincommand.ButintheardorofpursuitthouknowestMensoonforgetthegoalfromwhichtheystarted.
TheobjectI'veinviewisthattheprinceShalleitherfindthem,orbelievethemreadyForeveryhazard.OpportunityWilltempthimon.Bethegreatsteponcetaken,WhichatVienna'scourtcanne'erbepardoned,TheforceofcircumstanceswillleadhimonwardThefartherstillandfarther.'TisthechoiceThatmakeshimundecisive--comebutneed,Andallhispowersandwisdomwillcomewithit.
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TERZKY.'TisthisalonetheenemyawaitsTochangetheirchiefandjointheirforcewithours.
ILLO.Come!beweboldandmakedespatch.TheworkInthisnextdayortwomustthriveandgrowMorethanithasforyears.AndletbutonlyThingsfirstturnupauspiciousherebelow--MarkwhatIsay--therightstars,too,willshowthemselves.Cometothegenerals.Allisintheglow,Andmustbebeatenwhile'tismalleable.
TERZKY.Doyougothither,Illo?ImuststayAndwaitherefortheCountessTerzky.KnowThatwe,too,arenotidle.Breakonestring,Asecondisinreadiness.
ILLO.Yes!yes!Isawyourladysmilewithsuchslymeaning.What'sinthewind?
TERZKY.Asecret.Hush!shecomes.
[ExitILLO.
SCENEII.
TheCOUNTESSstepsoutfromacloset.
COUNTandCOUNTESSTERZKY.
TERZKY.Well--isshecoming?IcankeephimbackNolonger.
COUNTESS.Shewillbehereinstantly,Youonlysendhim.
TERZKY.Iamnotquitecertain,Imustconfessit,countess,whetherornotWeareearningtheduke'sthankshereby.YouknowNorayhasbrokeoutfromhimonthispoint.
Youhaveo'erruledme,andyourselfknowbestHowfaryoudareproceed.
COUNTESS.Itakeitonme.[Talkingtoherselfwhilesheisadvancing.Here'snoheedoffullpowersandcommissions;Mycloudyduke!weunderstandeachother--Andwithoutwords.WhatcouldInotunriddle,Whereforethedaughtershouldbesentforhither,
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Whyfirsthe,andnoothershouldbechosenTofetchherhither?ThisshamofbetrothingherToabridegroom[9],whomnooneknows--No!no!Thismayblindothers!Iseethroughthee,brother!ButitbeseemstheenottodrawacardAtsuchagame.Notyet!ItallremainsMutelydelivereduptomyfinessing.Well--thoushaltnothavebeendeceived,DukeFriedland,Inherwhoisthysister.
SERVANT(enters).Thecommanders![Exit.
TERZKY(totheCOUNTESS).Takecareyouheathisfancyandaffections--Possesshimwithareverie,andsendhim,Absentanddreamingtothebanquet;thatHemaynotboggleatthesignature.
COUNTESS.Takecareofyourguests!Go,sendhimhither.
TERZKY.
Allrestsuponhisundersigning.
COUNTESS(interruptinghim).Gotoyourguests!Go----
ILLO(comesback).Whereartstaying,Terzky?Thehouseisfull,andallexpectingyou.
TERZKY.Instantly!instantly![TotheCOUNTESS.Andlethimnot
Stayheretoolong.ItmightawakesuspicionIntheoldman----
COUNTESS.Atrucewithyourprecautions!
[ExeuntTERZKYandILLO.
SCENEIII.
COUNTESS,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.
MAX.(peepinginonthestageslyly).AuntTerzky!mayIventure?[Advancestothemiddleofthestage,andlooksaroundhimwithuneasiness.She'snothere!Whereisshe?
COUNTESS.Lookbutsomewhatnarrowly
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Inyondercorner,lestperhapsshelieConcealedbehindthatscreen.
MAX.Thereliehergloves!
[Snatchesatthem,buttheCOUNTESStakesthemherself.
Youunkindlady!Yourefusemethis,Youmakeitanamusementtotormentme.
COUNTESS.Andthisthethanksyougivemeformytrouble?
MAX.O,ifyoufelttheoppressionatmyheart!Sincewe'vebeenhere,sotoconstrainmyselfWithsuchpoorstealthtohazardwordsandglances.These,thesearenotmyhabits!
COUNTESS.YouhavestillManynewhabitstoacquire,youngfriend!Butonthisproofofyourobedienttemper
Imustcontinuetoinsist;andonlyOnthisconditioncanIplaytheagentForyourconcerns.
MAX.Butwhereforecomesshenot?Whereisshe?
COUNTESS.IntomyhandsyoumustplaceitWholeandentire.Whomcouldyoufind,indeed,Morezealouslyaffectedtoyourinterest?Nosoulonearthmustknowit--notyourfather;
Hemustnot,aboveall.
MAX.Alas!whatdanger?HereisnofaceonwhichImightconcentreAlltheenrapturedsoulstirsupwithinme.Olady!tellme,isallchangedaroundme?OrisitonlyI?Ifindmyself,Asamongstrangers!NotatraceisleftOfallmyformerwishes,formerjoys.Wherehasitvanishedto?TherewasatimeWheneven,methought,withsuchaworldasthis,
Iwasnotdiscontented.Nowhowflat!Howstale!Nolife,nobloom,noflavorinit!Mycomradesareintolerabletome.Myfather--eventohimIcansaynothing.Myarms,mymilitaryduties--O!Theyaresuchwearyingtoys!
COUNTESS.Butgentlefriend!Imustentreatitofyourcondescension,
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Youwouldbepleasedtosinkyoureye,andfavorWithoneshortglanceortwothispoorstaleworld,Whereevennowmuch,andofmuchmoment,Isontheeveofitscompletion.
MAX.Something,Ican'tbutknowisgoingforwardroundme.Iseeitgathering,crowding,drivingon,Inwilduncustomarymovements.Well,Induetime,doubtless,itwillreachevenme.WherethinkyouIhavebeen,dearlady?Nay,Noraillery.Theturmoilofthecamp,Thespring-tideofacquaintancerollingin,Thepointlessjest,theemptyconversation,Oppressedandstifledme.Igaspedforair--Icouldnotbreathe--Iwasconstrainedtofly,Toseekasilenceoutformyfullheart;Andapurespotwhereintofeelmyhappiness.Nosmiling,countess!InthechurchwasI.Thereisacloisterhere"Totheheaven'sgate,"[10]ThitherIwent,therefoundmyselfalone.Overthealtarhungaholymother;Awretchedpainting'twas,yet'twasthefriend
ThatIwasseekinginthismoment.Ah,HowofthaveIbeheldthatgloriousformInsplendor,'midecstaticworshippers;Yet,stillitmovedmenot!andnowatonceWasmydevotioncloudlessasmylove.
COUNTESS.Enjoyyourfortuneandfelicity!Forgettheworldaroundyou.Meantime,friendshipShallkeepstrictvigilsforyou,anxious,active.OnlybemanageablewhenthatfriendshipPointsyoutheroadtofullaccomplishment.
MAX.Butwhereabidesshethen?Oh,goldentimeOftravel,wheneachmorningsununitedAndbutthecomingnightdividedus;Thenrannosand,thenstrucknohourforus,Andtime,inourexcessofhappiness,Seemedonitscourseeternaltostandstill.Oh,hehathfallenfromouthisheavenofblissWhocandescendtocountthechanginghours,Noclockstrikeseverforthehappy!
COUNTESS.Howlongisitsinceyoudeclaredyourpassion?
MAX.ThismorningdidIhazardthefirstword.
COUNTESS.Thismorningthefirsttimeintwentydays?
MAX.'Twasatthathunting-castle,betwixthereAndNepomuck,whereyouhadjoinedus,and
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Thatwasthelastrelayofthewholejourney;Inabalconywewerestandingmute,AndgazingoutuponthedrearyfieldBeforeusthedragoonswereridingonward,Thesafeguardwhichthedukehadsentus--heavy;Theinquietudeofpartinglayuponme,Andtremblingventuredatlengththesewords:Thisallremindsme,noblemaiden,thatTo-dayImusttakeleaveofmygoodfortune.Afewhoursmore,andyouwillfindafather,Willseeyourselfsurroundedbynewfriends,AndIhenceforthshallbebutasastranger,Lostinthemany--"SpeakwithmyAuntTerzky!"Withhurryingvoicesheinterruptedme.Shefaltered.IbeheldaglowingredPossessherbeautifulcheeks,andfromthegroundRaisedslowlyuphereyemetmine--nolongerDidIcontrolmyself.[ThePrincessTHEKLAappearsatthedoor,andremainsstanding,observedbytheCOUNTESS,butnotbyPICCOLOMINI.WithinstantboldnessIcaughtherinmyarms,mylipstouchedhers;Therewasarustlingintheroomcloseby;Itpartedus--'Twasyou.Whatsincehashappened
Youknow.
COUNTESS(afterapause,withastolenglanceatTHEKLA).AndisityourexcessofmodestyOrareyousoincurious,thatyoudonotAskmetooofmysecret?
MAX.Ofyoursecret?
COUNTESS.Why,yes!WhenintheinstantafteryouIsteppedintotheroom,andfoundmyniecethere;
WhatsheinthisfirstmomentoftheheartTakenwithsurprise----
MAX.(witheagerness).Well?
SCENEIV.
THEKLA(hurriesforward),COUNTESS,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.
THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS).
Spareyourselfthetrouble:Thathearshebetterfrommyself.
MAX.(steppingbackward).Myprincess!Whathaveyouletherhearmesay,AuntTerzky?
THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS).Hashebeenherelong?
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COUNTESS.Yes;andsoonmustgo,Wherehaveyoustayedsolong?
THEKLA.Alas!mymother,Weptsoagain!andI--Iseehersuffer,Yetcannotkeepmyselffrombeinghappy.
MAX.NowonceagainIhavecouragetolookonyou.To-dayatnoonIcouldnot.ThedazzleofthejewelsthatplayedroundyouHidthebelovedfromme.
THEKLA.ThenyousawmeWithyoureyeonly--andnotwithyourheart?
MAX.Thismorning,whenIfoundyouinthecircleOfallyourkindred,inyourfather'sarms,Beheldmyselfanalieninthiscircle,O!whatanimpulsefeltIinthatmoment
Tofalluponhisneck,tocallhimfather!Buthissterneyeo'erpoweredtheswellingpassion,Itdarednotbutbesilent.Andthosebrilliants,Thatlikeacrownofstarsenwreathedyourbrows,Theyscaredmetoo!Owherefore,whereforeshouldbeAtthefirstmeetingspreadas'twerethebanOfexcommunicationroundyou,--whereforeDressuptheangelasforsacrifice.AndcastuponthelightandjoyousheartThemournfulburdenofhisstation?FitlyMaylovedarewooforlove;butsuchasplendorMightnonebutmonarchsventuretoapproach.
THEKLA.Hush!notawordmoreofthismummery;Youseehowsoontheburdenisthrownoff.[TotheCOUNTESS.Heisnotinspirits.Whereforeishenot?'Tisyou,aunt,thathavemadehimallsogloomy!Hehadquiteanothernatureonthejourney--Socalm,sobright,sojoyouseloquent.[ToMAX.Itwasmywishtoseeyoualwaysso,Andneverotherwise!
MAX.
YoufindyourselfInyourgreatfather'sarms,belovedlady!Allinanewworld,whichdoeshomagetoyou,Andwhich,were'tonlybyitsnovelty,Delightsyoureye.
THEKLA.Yes;IconfesstoyouThatmanythingsdelightmehere:thiscamp,Thismotleystageofwarriors,whichrenews
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Somanifoldtheimageofmyfancy,Andbindstolife,bindstoreality,WhathithertohadbutbeenpresenttomeAsasweetdream!
MAX.Alas!notsotome.Itmakesadreamofmyreality.UponsomeislandintheetherealheightsI'velivedfortheselastdays.ThismassofmenForcesmedowntoearth.ItisabridgeThat,reconductingtomyformerlife,Dividesmeandmyheaven.
THEKLA.ThegameoflifeLookscheerful,whenonecarriesinone'sheartTheunalienabletreasure.'Tisagame,Which,havingoncereviewed,IturnmorejoyousBacktomydeeperandappropriatebliss.[Breakingoff,andinasportivetone.InthisshorttimethatI'vebeenpresenthere.Whatnewunheard-ofthingshaveInotseen;Andyettheyallmustgiveplacetothewond
Whichthismysteriouscastleguards.
COUNTESS(recollecting).AndwhatCanthisbethen?MethoughtIwasacquaintedWithalltheduskycornersofthishouse.
THEKLA(smiling).Ay,buttheroadtheretoiswatchedbyspirits,Twogriffinsstillstandsentryatthedoor.
COUNTESS(laughs).Theastrologicaltower!Howhappensit
Thatthissamesanctuary,whoseaccessIstoallotherssoimpracticable,Opensbeforeyouevenatyourapproach?
THEKLA.AdwarfisholdmanwithafriendlyfaceAndsnow-whitehairs,whosegraciousservicesWeremineatfirstsight,openedmethedoors.
MAX.Thatistheduke'sastrologer,oldSeni.
THEKLA.
Hequestionedmeonmanypoints;forinstance,WhenIwasborn,whatmonth,andonwhatday,Whetherbydayorinthenight.
COUNTESS.HewishedToerectafigureforyourhoroscope.
THEKLA.Myhandtooheexamined,shookhishead
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Withmuchsadmeaning,andthelines,methought,Didnotsquareovertrulywithhiswishes.
COUNTESS.Well,princess,andwhatfoundyouinthistower?MyhighestprivilegehasbeentosnatchAside-glance,andaway!
THEKLA.ItwasastrangeSensationthatcameo'erme,whenatfirstFromthebroadsunshineIsteppedin;andnowThenarrowinglineofdaylight,thatranafterTheclosingdoor,wasgone;andallaboutme'Twaspaleandduskynight,withmanyshadowsFantasticallycast.HeresixorsevenColossalstatues,andallkings,stoodroundmeInahalf-circle.EachoneinhishandAsceptrebore,andonhisheadastar;AndinthetowernootherlightwasthereButfromthesestarsallseemedtocomefromthem."Thesearetheplanets,"saidthatlowoldman,"Theygovernworldlyfates,andforthatcauseAreimagedhereaskings.Hefarthestfromyou,
Spitefulandcold,anoldmanmelancholy,Withbentandyellowforehead,heisSaturn.Heopposite,thekingwiththeredlight,Anarmedmanforthebattle,thatisMars;Andboththesebringbutlittlelucktoman."Butathissidealovelyladystood,Thestaruponherheadwassoftandbright,Oh,thatwasVenus,thebrightstarofjoy.Andthelefthand,lo!Mercury,withwingsQuiteinthemiddleglitteredsilverbright.Acheerfulman,andwithamonarch'smien;AndthiswasJupiter,myfather'sstarAndathissideIsawtheSunandMoon.
MAX.Oh,neverrudelywillIblamehisfaithInthemightofstarsandangels.'TisnotmerelyThehumanbeing'spridethatpeoplesspaceWithlifeandmysticalpredominance;SincelikewiseforthestrickenheartofloveThisvisiblenature,andthiscommonworld,Isalltoonarrow;yea,adeeperimportLurksinthelegendtoldmyinfantyearsThanliesuponthattruth,welivetolearn.Forfableislove'sworld,hishome,hisbirth-place;Delightedlydwellsheamongfaysandtalismans,
Andspirits;anddelightedlybelievesDivinities,beinghimselfdivineTheintelligibleformsofancientpoets,Thefairhumanitiesofoldreligion,Thepower,thebeauty,andthemajesty,Thathadherhauntsindale,orpinymountain,Orforestbyslowstream,orpebblyspring,Orchasms,andwaterydepths,allthesehavevanished.Theylivenolongerinthefaithofreason!Butstilltheheartdothneedalanguage,still
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Doththeoldinstinctbringbacktheoldnames;Andtoyonstarryworldtheynowaregone,Spiritsorgods,thatusedtosharethisearthWithmanaswiththeirfriend[11],andtotheloverYondertheymove,fromyondervisibleskyShootinfluencedown:andevenatthisday'ThisJupiterwhobringswhate'erisgreat,AndVenuswhobringseverythingthat'sfair!
THEKLA.Andifthisbethescienceofthestars,I,too,withgladandzealousindustry,Willlearnacquaintancewiththischeerfulfaith.Itisagentleandaffectionatethought,Thatinimmeasurableheightsaboveus,Atourfirstbirth,thewreathoflovewaswoven,Withsparklingstarsforflowers.
COUNTESS.NotonlyrosesAndthornstoohaththeheaven,andwellforyouLeavetheyyourwreathofloveinviolate:WhatVenustwined,thebearerofgladfortune,ThesullenorbofMarssoontearstopieces.
MAX.Soonwillthisgloomyempirereachitsclose.Blestbethegeneral'szeal:intothelaurelWillheinweavetheolive-branch,presentingPeacetotheshoutingnations.ThennowishWillhaveremainedforhisgreatheart.EnoughHasheperformedforglory,andcannowLiveforhimselfandhis.TohisdomainswillHeretire;hehasastatelyseatOffairestviewatGitschin,Reichenberg,AndFriedlandCastle,bothliepleasantly;Eventothefootofthehugemountainshere
Stretchesthechaseandcoversofhisforests:HisrulingpassiontocreatethesplendidHecanindulgewithoutrestraint;cangiveAprincelypatronagetoeveryart,Andtoallworthasovereign'sprotection.Canbuild,canplant,canwatchthestarrycourses----
COUNTESS.YetIwouldhaveyoulook,andlookagain,Beforeyoulayasideyourarms,youngfriend!Agentlebride,assheis,iswellworthit,Thatyoushouldwooandwinherwiththesword.
MAX.Oh,thattheswordcouldwinher!
COUNTESS.Whatwasthat?Didyouhearnothing?SeemedasifIheardTumultandlaruminthebanquet-room.
[ExitCOUNTESS.
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SCENEV.
THEKLAandMAX.PICCOLOMINI.
THEKLA(assoonastheCOUNTESSisoutofsight,inaquick,lowvoicetoPICCOLOMINI).Don'ttrustthem!Theyarefalse!
MAX.Impossible!
THEKLA.Trustnooneherebutme.Isawatonce,Theyhadapurpose.
MAX.Purpose!butwhatpurpose?Andhowcanwebeinstrumentaltoit?
THEKLA.Iknownomorethanyou;butyetbelievemeThere'ssomedesigninthis;tomakeushappy,
Torealizeourunion--trustme,love!Theybutpretendtowishit.
MAX.ButtheseTerzkys--Whyusewethematall?Whynotyourmother?Excellentcreature!ShedeservesfromusAfullandfilialconfidence.
THEKLA.Shedothloveyou,Dothrateyouhighbeforeallothers--but--Butsuchasecret--shewouldneverhave
Thecouragetoconcealitfrommyfather.ForherownpeaceofmindwemustpreserveitAsecretfromhertoo.
MAX.Whyanysecret?Ilovenotsecrets.MarkwhatIwilldo.I'llthrowmeatyourfather'sfeet--lethimDecideuponmyfortune!Heistrue,Hewearsnomask--hehatesallcrookedways--Heissogood,sonoble!
THEKLA.(fallsonhisneck).
Thatareyou!
MAX.Youknewhimonlyfromthismorn!ButIHavelivedtenyearsalreadyinhispresence;AndwhoknowswhetherinthisverymomentHeisnotmerelywaitingforusbothToownourlovesinordertouniteus?Youaresilent!Youlookatmewithsuchahopelessness!
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Whathaveyoutoobjectagainstyourfather?
THEKLA.I?Nothing.Onlyhe'ssooccupied--HehasnoleisuretimetothinkaboutThehappinessofustwo.[Takinghishandtenderly.FollowmeLetusnotplacetoogreatafaithinmen.TheseTerzkys--wewillstillbegratefultothemForeverykindness,butnottrustthemfurtherThantheydeserve;--andinallelserelyOnourownhearts!
MAX.O!shallwee'erbehappy?
THEKLA.Arewenothappynow?Artthounotmine?AmInotthine?ThereliveswithinmysoulAloftycourage--'tislovegivesitme!Ioughttobelessopen--oughttohideMyheartmorefromthee--sodecorumdictates:Butwhereinthisplacecouldstthouseekfortruth,
Ifinmymouththoudidstnotfindit?Wenowhavemet,thenletusholdeachotherClaspedinalastingandafirmembrace.Believemethiswasmorethantheirintent.ThenbeourloveslikesomeblestrelickeptWithinthedeeprecessesoftheheart.Fromheavenalonethelovehasbeenbestowed,Toheavenaloneourgratitudeisdue;Itcanworkwondersforusstill.
SCENEVI.
TothementerstheCOUNTESSTERZKY.
COUNTESS(inapressingmanner).Come,come!Myhusbandsendsmeforyou.ItisnowThelatestmoment.[Theynotappearingtoattendtowhatshesays,shestepsbetweenthem.Partyou!
THEKLA.Oh,notyet!
Ithasbeenscarceamoment.
COUNTESS.Ay!ThentimeFliesswiftlywithyourhighness,princessniece!
MAX.Thereisnohurry,aunt.
COUNTESS.
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Away!Away!Thefolksbegintomissyou.TwicealreadyHisfatherhasaskedforhim.
THEKLA.Ha!Hisfather!COUNTESS.Youunderstandthat,niece!
THEKLA.WhyneedsheTogoatalltothatsociety?'Tisnothispropercompany.TheymayBeworthymen,buthe'stooyoungforthem;Inbrief,hesuitsnotsuchsociety.
COUNTESS.Youmean,you'dratherkeephimwhollyhere?
THEKLA(withenergy).Yes!Youhavehititaunt!Thatismymeaning,Leavehimherewholly!Tellthecompany----
COUNTESS.
What!haveyoulostyoursenses,niece?Count,youremembertheconditions.Come!
MAX(toTHEKLA).Lady,Imustobey.Fairwell,dearlady![THEKLAturnsawayfromhimwithaquickmotion.Whatsayyouthen,dearlady?
THEKLA(withoutlookingathim).Nothing.Go!
MAX.CanIwhenyouareangry----
[Hedrawsuptoher,theireyesmeet,shestandssilentamoment,thenthrowsherselfintohisarms;hepressesherfasttohisheart.
COUNTESS.Off!Heavens!ifanyoneshouldcome!Hark!What'sthatnoise!Itcomesthisway.Off!
[MAX.tearshimselfawayoutofherarmsandgoes.TheCOUNTESSaccompanieshim.THEKLAfollowshimwithhereyesatfirst,walksrestlesslyacrosstheroom,thenstops,andremainsstanding,lostinthought.Aguitarliesonthetable,sheseizesitasbyasuddenemotion,andaftershehasplayedawhileanirregularand
melancholysymphony,shefallsgraduallyintothemusicandsings.
SCENEVII.
THEKLA(playsandsings).
Theclouddothgather,thegreenwoodroar,Thedamselpacesalongtheshore;
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Thebillows,theytumblewithmight,withmight;Andsheflingsouthervoicetothedarksomenight;Herbosomisswellingwithsorrow;Theworlditisempty,theheartwilldie,There'snothingtowishforbeneaththeskyThouHolyOne,callthychildaway!I'velivedandloved,andthatwasto-day;Makereadymygrave-clothesto-morrow.[12]
SCENEVIII.
COUNTESS(returns),THEKLA.
COUNTESS.Fie,ladyniece!tothrowyourselfuponhimLikeapoorgifttoonewhocaresnotforit,Andsomustbeflungafterhim!Foryou,DukeFriedland'sonlychild,IshouldhavethoughtIthadbeenmorebeseemingtohaveshownyourselfMorecharyofyourperson.
THEKLA(rising).
Andwhatmeanyou?
DUCHESS.Imean,niece,thatyoushouldnothaveforgottenWhoyouare,andwhoheis.ButperchanceThatneveronceoccurredtoyou.
THEKLA.Whatthen?
COUNTESS.Thatyou'rethedaughterofthePrinceDukeFriedland.
THEKLA.Well,andwhatfarther?
DUCHESS.What?Aprettyquestion!
THEKLA.Hewasbornthatwhichwehavebutbecome.He'sofanancientLombardfamily,Sonofareigningprincess.
COUNTESS.Areyoudreaming?
Talkinginsleep?Anexcellentjest,forsooth!WeshallnodoubtrightcourteouslyentreathimTohonorwithhishandtherichestheiressInEurope.
THEKLA.Thatwillnotbenecessary.
COUNTESS.Methinks'twerewell,though,nottorunthehazard.
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THEHLA.Hisfatherloveshim;CountOctavioWillinterposenodifficulty----
COUNTESS.His!Hisfather!His!Butyours,niece,whatofyours?
THERLA.Why,Ibegintothinkyoufearhisfather,Soanxiouslyyouhideitfromtheman!Hisfather,his,Imean.
COUNTESS(looksatherasscrutinizing).Niece,youarefalse.
THEBLA.Areyouthenwounded?O,befriendswithme!
COUNTESS.Youholdyourgameforwonalready.DonotTriumphtoosoon!
THEKLA(interruptingher,andattemptingtosootheher).Naynow,befriendswithme.
COUNTESS.Itisnotyetsofargone.
THEKLA.Ibelieveyou.
COUNTESS.DidyousupposeyourfatherhadlaidoutHismostimportantlifeintoilsofwar,Deniedhimselfeachquietearthlybliss,
Hadbanishedslumbersfromhistent,devotedHisnobleheadtocare,andforthisonly,Tomakeahappierpairofyou?AtlengthTodrawyoufromyourconvent,andconductIneasytriumphtoyourarmsthemanThatchancedtopleaseyoureyes!Allthis,methinks,Hemighthavepurchasedatacheaperrate.
THEKLA.ThatwhichhedidnotplantformemightyetBearmefairfruitageofitsownaccord.Andifmyfriendlyandaffectionatefate,Outofhisfearfulandenormousbeing,
Willbutpreparethejoysoflifeforme----
COUNTESS.Thouseestitwithalovelornmaiden'seyes,Castthineeyeround,bethinktheewhothouart;--Intonohouseofjoyancehastthoustepped,FornoespousalsdostthoufindthewallsDeckedout,nogueststhenuptialgarlandwearing;Hereisnosplendorbutofarms.OrthinkestthouThatallthesethousandsareherecongregated
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Toleadupthelongdancesatthywedding!Thousee'stthyfather'sforeheadfullofthought,Thymother'seyeintears:uponthebalanceLiesthegreatdestinyofallourhouse.Leavenowthepunywish,thegirlishfeeling;Oh,thrustitfarbehindthee!GivethouproofThou'rtthedaughterofthemighty--hisWhowherehemovescreatesthewonderful.Nottoherselfthewomanmustbelong,Annexedandboundtoaliendestinies.Butsheperformsthebestpart,shethewisest,Whocantransmutethealienintoself,Meetanddisarmnecessitybychoice;Andwhatmustbe,takefreelytoherheart,Andbearandfosteritwithmother'slove.
THEKLA.Sucheverwasmylessonintheconvent.Ihadnoloves,nowishes,knewmyselfOnlyashis--hisdaughter--his,themighty!Hisfame,theechoofwhoseblastdrovetomeFromthefardistance,weakenedinmysoulNootherthoughtthanthis--IamappointedTooffermyselfupinpassivenesstohim.
COUNTESS.Thatisthyfate.Mouldthouthywishestoit--Iandthymothergavetheetheexample.
THEKLA.Myfatehathshownmehim,towhombehovesitThatIshouldofferupmyself.IngladnessHimwillIfollow.
COUNTESS.Notthyfatehathshownhim!Thyheart,sayrather--'twasthyheart,mychild!
THEKLA.Faithhathnovoicebuttheheart'simpulses.Iamallhis!Hispresent--hisalone.Isthisnewlife,whichlivesinme?HehathArighttohisowncreature.WhatwasIErehisfairloveinfusedasoulintome?
COUNTESS.Thouwouldstopposethyfather,then,shouldheHaveotherwisedeterminedwiththyperson?[THEKLAremainssilent.TheCOUNTESScontinues.Thoumeanesttoforcehimtothyliking?Child,
HisnameisFriedland.
THEKLA.MynametooisFriedland.Heshallhavefoundagenuinedaughterinme.
COUNTESS.What!hehasvanquishedallimpediment,AndinthewilfulmoodofhisowndaughterShallanewstruggleriseforhim?Child!child!
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Asyetthouhastseenthyfather'ssmilesalone;Theeyeofhisragethouhastnotseen.Dearchild,Iwillnotfrightenthee.Tothatextreme,Itrustitne'ershallcome.HiswillisyetUnknowntome;'tispossiblehisaimsMayhavethesamedirectionasthywish.Butthiscannever,neverbehiswill,Thatthou,thedaughterofhishaughtyfortunes,Shouldeste'erdemeantheeasalovesickmaidenAndlikesomepoorcost-nothing,flingthyselfTowardtheman,who,ifthathighprizeeverBedestinedtoawaithim,yetwithsacrificesThehighestlovecanbring,mustpayforit.
[ExitCOUNTESS.
SCENEIX.
THEKLA(whoduringthelastspeechhadbeenstandingevidentlylostinherreflections).Ithanktheeforthehint.ItturnsMysadpresentimenttocertainty.
Anditisso!Notonefriendhavewehere,Notonetrueheart!we'venothingbutourselves!Oh,shesaidrightly--noauspicioussignsBeamonthiscovenantofouraffections.ThisisnotheatrewherehopeabidesThedullthicknoiseofwaralonestirshere,Andlovehimself,ashewerearmedinsteel,Stepsforth,andgirdshimforthestrifeofdeath.[Musicfromthebanquet-roomisheard.There'sadarkspiritwalkinginourhouse.Andswiftlywillthedestinycloseonus.Itdrovemehitherfrommycalmasylum,Itmocksmysoulwithcharmingwitchery,
Itluresmeforwardinaseraph'sshape,Iseeitnear,Iseeitnearerfloating,Itdraws,itpullsmewithagodlikepower--Andlo!theabyss--andthitheramImoving--Ihavenopowerwithinmenottomove![Themusicfromthebanquet-roombecomeslouder.Oh,whenahouseis,doomedinfiretoperish,ManyanddarkHeavendriveshiscloudstogether,Yea,shootshislightningsdownfromsunnyheights,Flamesburstfromoutthesubterraneouschasms,Andfiendsandangels,minglingintheirfury,Slingfirebrandsattheburningedifice.[13]
[ExitTHEKLA.
ACTIV.
SCENEI.
Alargesaloonlightedupwithfestalsplendor;inthemidstofit,
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andinthecentreofthestageatablerichlysetout,atwhicheightgeneralsaresitting,amongwhomareOCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,TERZKY,andMARADAS.Rightandleftofthis,butfurtherback,twoothertables,ateachofwhichsixpersonsareplaced.Themiddledoor,whichisstandingopen,givestotheprospectafourthtablewiththesamenumberofpersons.Moreforwardstandsthesideboard.Thewholefrontofthestageiskeptopen,forthepagesandservants-in-waiting.Allisinmotion.ThebandofmusicbelongingtoTERZKY'sregimentmarchacrossthestage,anddrawuparoundthetables.Beforetheyarequiteofffromthefrontofthestage,MAX.PICCOLOMINIappears,TERZKYadvancestowardshimwithapaper,ISOLANIcomesuptomeethimwithabeaker,orservice-cup.
TERZKY,ISOLANI,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.
ISOLANI.Here,brother,whatwelove!Why,wherehastbeen?Offtothyplace--quick!TerzkyherehasgivenThemother'sholidaywineuptofreebooty.HereitgoesonasattheHeidelbergcastle.Alreadyhastthoulostthebest.They'regivingAtyondertableducalcrownsinshares;ThereSternberg'slandsandchattelsareputup,WithEggenberg's,Stawata's,Lichtenstein's,
AndallthegreatBohemianfeudalities.Benimble,lad!andsomethingmayturnupForthee,whoknows?off--tothyplace!quick!march!
TIEFENBACHandGOETZ(calloutfromthesecondandthirdtables).CountPiccolomini!
TERZKY.Stop,yeshallhavehiminaninstant.ReadThisoathhere,whetheras'tisheresetforth,Thewordingsatisfiesyou.They'veallreadit,Eachinhisturn,andeachonewillsubscribeHisindividualsignature.
MAX.(reads)."Ingratisservirenefas."
ISOLANI.ThatsoundstomyearsverymuchlikeLatin,Andbeinginterpreted,praywhatmayitmean?
TERZKY.Nohonestmanwillserveathanklessmaster.
MAX."Inasmuchasoursupremecommander,theillustriousDukeofFriedland,inconsequenceofthemanifoldaffrontsandgrievanceswhich
hehasreceived,hadexpressedhisdeterminationtoquittheemperor,butonourunanimousentreatyhasgraciouslyconsentedtoremainstillwiththearmy,andnottopartfromuswithoutourapprobationthereof,sowe,collectivelyandeachinparticular,inthesteadofanoathpersonallytaken,do,herebyobligeourselves--likewisebyhimhonorablyandfaithfullytohold,andinnowisewhatsoeverfromhimtopart,andtobereadytoshedforhisintereststhelastdropofourblood,sofar,namely,asouroathtotheemperorwillpermitit.(TheselastwordsarerepeatedbyISOLANI.)Intestimonyofwhichwesubscribeournames."
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TERZKY.Now!areyouwillingtosubscribetothispaper?
ISOLANI.Whyshouldhenot?AllofficersofhonorCandoit,ay,mustdoit.Penandinkhere!
TERZKY.Nay,letitresttillaftermeal.
ISOLANI(drawingMAX.along).Come,Max!
[Bothseatthemselvesattheirtable.
SCENEII.
TERZKY,NEUMANN.
TERZKY(beckonstoNEUMANN,whoiswaitingattheside-tableandstepsforwardwithhimtotheedgeofthestage).Haveyouthecopywithyou,Neumann?Giveit.
Itmaybechangedfortheother?
NEUMANN.IhavecopieditLetterbyletter,linebyline;noeyeWoulde'erdiscoverotherdifference,Saveonlytheomissionofthatclause,Accordingtoyourexcellency'sorder.
TERZKY.RightIlayityonderandawaywiththis--Ithasperformeditsbusiness--tothefirewithit.
[NEUMANNlaysthecopyonthetable,andstepsbackagaintotheside-table.
SCENEIII.
ILLO(comesoutfromthesecondchamber),TERZKY.
ILLO.HowgoesitwithyoungPiccolomini!
TERZKY.
Allright,Ithink.Hehasstartednoobject.
ILLO.HeistheonlyoneIfearabout--Heandhisfather.Haveaneyeonboth!
TERZKY.Howlooksitatyourtable:youforgetnotTokeepthemwarmandstirring?
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ILLO.Oh,quitecordial,Theyarequitecordialinthescheme.WehavethemAnd'tisasIpredictedtoo.AlreadyItisthetalk,notmerelytomaintainThedukeinstation."Sincewe'reonceforallTogetherandunanimous,whynot,"SaysMontecuculi,"ay,whynotonward,AndmakeconditionswiththeemperorThereinhisownVenice?"Trustme,count,WereitnotforthesesaidPiccolomini,Wemighthavesparedourselvesthecheat.
TERZEY.AndButler?Howgoesitthere?Hush!
SCENEIV.
TothementerBUTLERfromasecondtable.
BUTLER.
Don'tdisturbyourselves;Field-marshal,Ihaveunderstoodyouperfectly.Goodluckbetothescheme;andastome,[Withanairofmystery.Youmaydependuponme.
ILLO(withvivacity).Maywe,Butler?
BUTLER.Withorwithouttheclause,allonetome!Youunderstandme!MyfidelityThedukemayputtoanyproof--I'mwithhim
Tellhimso!I'mtheemperor'sofficer,Aslongas'tishispleasuretoremainTheemperor'sgeneral!andFriedland'sservant,AssoonasitshallpleasehimtobecomeHisownlord.
TERZKY.Youwouldmakeagoodexchange.Nosterneconomist,noFerdinand,Ishetowhomyouplightyourservices.
BUTLER(withahaughtylook).Idonotputupmyfidelity
Tosale,CountTerzky!HalfayearagoIwouldnothaveadvisedyoutohavemademeAnoverturetothat,towhichInowOffermyselfofmyownfreeaccord.Butthatispast!andtotheduke,field-marshal,Ibringmyself,togetherwithmyregiment.Andmarkyou,'tismyhumortobelieve,TheexamplewhichIgivewillnotremainWithoutaninfluence.
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ILLO.Whoisignorant,ThatthewholearmylookstoColonelButlerAstoalightthatmovesbeforethem?
BUTLER.Ay?ThenIrepentmenotofthatfidelityWhichforthelengthoffortyyearsIheld,IfinmysixtiethyearmygoodoldnameCanpurchaseformearevengesofull.StartnotatwhatIsay,sirgenerals!Myrealmotives--theyconcernnotyou.Andyouyourselves,Itrust,couldnotexpectThatthisyourgamehadcrookedmyjudgment--orThatfickleness,quickblood,orsuchlikecause,Hasdriventheoldmanfromthetrackofhonor,Whichhesolonghadtrodden.Come,myfriends!I'mnottheretodeterminedwithlessfirmness,BecauseIknowandhavelookedsteadilyAtthatonwhichIhavedetermined.
ILLO.Say,
Andspeakroundly,whatarewetodeemyou?
BUTLER.Afriend!Igiveyouheremyhand!I'myoursWithallIhave.Notonlymen,butmoneyWillthedukewant.Go,tellhim,sirs!I'veearnedandlaidupsomewhatinhisservice,Ilendithim;andishemysurvivor,Ithasbeenalreadylongagobequeathedtohim;Heismyheir.Forme,IstandaloneHereintheworld;naughtknowIofthefeelingThatbindsthehusbandtoawifeandchildren.Mynamedieswithme,myexistenceends.
ILLO.'Tisnotyourmoneythatheneeds--aheartLikeyoursweighstonsofgolddown,weighsdownmillions!
BUTLER.Icameasimplesoldier'sboyfromIrelandToPrague--andwithamaster,whomIburied.FromloweststabledutyIclimbedup,Suchwasthefateofwar,tothishighrank,Theplaythingofawhimsicalgoodfortune.AndWallensteintooisachildofluck:Iloveafortunethatislikemyown.
ILLO.Allpowerfulsoulshavekindredwitheachother.
BUTLER.Thisisanawfulmoment!tothebrave,Tothedetermined,anauspiciousmoment.ThePrinceofWeimararms,upontheMaine,Tofoundamightydukedom.HeofHalberstadt,ThatMansfeldt,wantedbutalongerlife
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TohavemarkedoutwithhisgoodswordalordshipThatshouldrewardhiscourage.WhooftheseEqualsourFriedland?Thereisnothing,nothingSohigh,buthemaysettheladdertoit!
TERZKY.That'sspokenlikeaman!
BUTLER.DoyousecuretheSpaniardandItalian--I'llbeyourwarrantfortheScotchmanLesly.Cometothecompany!
TERZKY.Whereisthemasterofthecellar?Ho!Letthebestwinescomeup.Ho!cheerly,boy!Luckcomesto-day,sogiveherheartywelcome.
[Exeunt,eachtohistable.
SCENEV.
TheMASTEROFTHECELLAR,advancingwithNEUMANN,SERVANTSpassingbackwardsandforwards.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Thebestwine!Oh,ifmyoldmistress,hisladymother,couldbutseethesewildgoingsonshewouldturnherselfroundinhergrave.Yes,yes,sirofficer!'tisalldownthehillwiththisnoblehouse!noend,nomoderation!Andthismarriagewiththeduke'ssister,asplendidconnection,averysplendidconnection!butIwilltellyou,sirofficer,itlooksnogood.
NEUMANN.Heavenforbid!Why,atthisverymomentthewholeprospectisinbudandblossom!
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Youthinkso?Well,well!muchmaybesaidonthathead.
FIRSTSERVANT(comes).Burgundyforthefourthtable.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Now,sirlieutenant,ifthisainttheseventiethflask----
FIRSTSERVANT.Why,thereasonis,thatGermanlord,Tiefenbach,sitsatthattable.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR(continuinghisdiscoursetoNEUMANN).Theyaresoaringtoohigh.Theywouldrivalkingsandelectorsintheirpompand
splendor;andwhereverthedukeleaps,notaminutedoesmygraciousmaster,thecount,loiteronthebrink--(totheSERVANTS).Whatdoyoustandtherelisteningfor?Iwillletyouknowyouhavelegspresently.Off!seetothetables,seetotheflasks!Lookthere!CountPalfihasanemptyglassbeforehim!
RUNNER(comes).Thegreatservice-cupiswanted,sir,thatrichgoldcupwiththeBohemianarmsonit.Thecountsaysyouknowwhichitis.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Ay!thatwasmadeforFrederick'scoronationby
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theartistWilliam--therewasnotsuchanotherprizeinthewholebootyatPrague.
RUNNER.Thesame!--ahealthistogoroundinhim.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR(shakinghisheadwhilehefetchesandrinsesthecups).Thiswillbesomethingforthetale-bearers--thisgoestoVienna.
NEUMANN.Permitmetolookatit.Well,thisisacupindeed!Howheavy!aswellitmaybe,beingallgold.Andwhatneatthingsareembossedonit!hownaturalandeleganttheylook!There,onthefirstquarter,letmesee.Thatproudamazonthereonhorseback,shethatistakingaleapoverthecrosierandmitres,andcarriesonawandahattogetherwithabanner,onwhichthere'sagobletrepresented.Canyoutellmewhatallthissignifies?
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.ThewomanyouseethereonhorsebackistheFreeElectionoftheBohemianCrown.Thatissignifiedbytheroundhatandbythatfierysteedonwhichsheisriding.Thehatistheprideofman;forhewhocannotkeephishatonbeforekingsandemperorsisnofreeman.
NEUMANN.Butwhatisthecupthereonthebanner.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.ThecupsignifiesthefreedomoftheBohemianChurch,asitwasinourforefathers'times.OurforefathersinthewarsoftheHussitesforcedfromthepopethisnobleprivilege;forthepope,youknow,willnotgrantthecuptoanylayman.YourtrueMoravianvaluesnothingbeyondthecup;itishiscostlyjewel,andhascosttheBohemianstheirpreciousbloodinmanyandmanyabattle.
NEUMANN.Andwhatsaysthatchartthathangsintheairthere,overitall?
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.ThatsignifiestheBohemianletter-royalwhichweforcedfromtheEmperorRudolph--aprecious,nevertobeenoughvaluedparchment,thatsecurestothenewchurchtheoldprivilegesoffree
ringingandopenpsalmody.ButsinceheofSteiermarkhasruledoverusthatisatanend;andafterthebattleatPrague,inwhichCountPalatineFredericklostcrownandempire,ourfaithhangsuponthepulpitandthealtar--andourbrethrenlookattheirhomesovertheirshoulders;buttheletter-royaltheemperorhimselfcuttopieceswithhisscissors.
NEUMANN.Why,mygoodMasteroftheCellar!youaredeepreadinthechroniclesofyourcountry.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Soweremyforefathers,andforthatreasonweretheyminstrels,andservedunderProcopiusandZiska.Peacebewiththeirashes!Well,well!theyfoughtforagoodcausethough.There!carryitup!
NEUMANN.Stay!letmebutlookatthissecondquarter.Lookthere!Thatis,whenatPragueCastle,theimperialcounsellors,MartinitzandStawata,werehurleddownheadoverheels.'Tisevenso!therestandsCountThurwhocommandsit.
[RUNNERtakestheservice-cupandgoesoffwithit.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Oh,letmenevermorehearofthatday.Itwasthethree-and-twentiethofMayintheyearofourLordonethousandsix
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hundredandeighteen.Itseemstomeasitwerebutyesterday--fromthatunluckydayitallbegan,alltheheartachesofthecountry.Sincethatdayitisnowsixteenyears,andtherehasneveroncebeenpeaceontheearth.
[Healthdrunkaloudatthesecondtable.
ThePrinceofWeimar!Hurrah!
[Atthethirdandfourthtables.
LonglivePrinceWilliam!LongliveDukeBernard!Hurrah!
[Musicstrikesup.
FIRSTSERVANT.Hear'em!Hear'em!Whatanuproar!
SECONDSERVANT(comesinrunning).Didyouhear?TheyhavedrunkthePrinceofWeimar'shealth.
THIRDSERVANT.TheSwedishchiefcommander!
FIRSTSERVANT(speakingatthesametime).TheLutheran!
SECONDSERVANT.Justbefore,whenCountDeodatigaveouttheemperor'shealth,theywereallasmumasanibblingmouse.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.Po,po!Whenthewinegoesinstrangethingscomeout.Agoodservanthears,andhearsnot!Youshouldbenothingbuteyesandfeet,exceptwhenyouarecalledto.
SECONDSERVANT.[TotheRUNNER,towhomhegivessecretlyaflaskofwine,keepinghiseyeontheMASTEROFTHECELLAR,standingbetweenhimandtheRUNNER.Quick,Thomas!beforetheMasteroftheCellarrunsthisway;'tisaflaskofFrontignac!Snappeditupatthethirdtable.Canstgooff
withit?
RUNNER(hidesitinhis,pocket).Allright!
[ExittheSecondServant.
THIRDSERVANT(asidetotheFIRST).Beonthehark,Jack!thatwemayhaverightplentytotelltoFatherQuivoga.Hewillgiveusrightplentyofabsolutioninreturnforit.
FIRSTSERVANT.ForthatverypurposeIamalwayshavingsomethingtodobehindIllo'schair.Heisthemanforspeechestomakeyoustarewith.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR(toNEUMANN).Who,pray,maythatswarthymanbe,hewiththecross,thatischattingsoconfidentlywithEsterhats?
NEUMANN.Ay,hetooisoneofthosetowhomtheyconfidetoomuch.HecallshimselfMaradas;aSpaniardishe.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR(impatiently).Spaniard!Spaniard!Itellyou,friend,nothinggoodcomesofthoseSpaniards.Alltheseoutlandishfellowsarelittlebetterthanrogues.
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NEUMANN.Fy,fy!youshouldnotsayso,friend.Thereareamongthemourverybestgenerals,andthoseonwhomthedukeatthismomentreliesthemost.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR.[TakingtheflaskoutofRUNNER'Spocket.Myson,itwillbebrokentopiecesinyourpocket.
[TERZKYhurriesin,fetchesawaythepaper,andcallstoaservantforpenandink,andgoestothebackofthestage.
MASTEROFTHECELLAR(totheSERVANTS).Thelieutenant-generalstandsup.Beonthewatch.Now!Theybreakup.Off,andmovebacktheforms.
[Theyriseatallthetables,theSERVANTShurryoffthefrontofthestagetothetables;partoftheguestscomeforward.
SCENEVI.
OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINIenters,inconversationwithMARADAS,andbothplacethemselvesquiteontheedgeofthestageononesideofthe
proscenium.Onthesidedirectlyopposite,MAX.PICCOLOMINI,byhimself,lostinthought,andtakingnopartinanythingthatisgoingforward.Themiddlespacebetweenboth,butrathermoredistantfromtheedgeofthestage,isfilledupbyBUTLER,ISOLANI,GOETZ,TIEFENBACH,andKOLATTO.
ISOLANI(whilethecompanyiscomingforward).Good-night,good-night,Kolatto!Good-night,lieutenant-general!Ishouldrathersaygood-morning.
GOETZ(toTIEFENBACH).Noblebrother!(makingtheusualcomplimentaftermeals).
TIEFENBACH.Ay!'twasaroyalfeastindeed.
GOETZ.Yes,myladycountessunderstandsthesematters.Hermother-in-law,heavenresthersoul,taughther!Ah!thatwasahousewifeforyou!
TIEFENBACH.TherewasnotherlikeinallBohemiaforsettingoutatable.
OCTAVIO(asidetoMARADAS).Domethefavortotalktome--talkofwhatyouwill--orofnothing.Onlypreservetheappearanceatleastoftalking.Iwouldnotwishtostandbymyself,andyetIconjecturethattherewillbegoingsonhereworthyofourattentiveobservation.(He
continuestofixhiseyeonthewholefollowingscene.)
ISOLANI(onthepointofgoing).Lights!lights!
TERZKY(advanceswiththepapertoISOLANI).Noblebrother;twominuteslonger!Hereissomethingtosubscribe.
ISOLANI.Subscribeasmuchasyoulike--butyoumustexcusemefromreadingit.
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TERZKY.Thereisnoneed.Itistheoathwhichyouhavealreadyread.Onlyafewmarksofyourpen!
[ISOLANIhandsoverthepapertoOCTAVIOrespectfully.
TERZKY.Nay,nay,firstcome,firstserved.Thereisnoprecedencehere.
[OCTAVIOrunsoverthepaperwithapparentindifference.TERZKYwatcheshimatsomedistance.
GOETZ(toTERZKY).Noblecount!withyourpermission--good-night.
TERKZY.Where'sthehurry?Come,oneothercomposingdraught.(TotheSERVANTS).Ho!
GOETZ.Excuseme--aintable.
TERZKY.Athimble-full.
GOETZ.Excuseme.
TIEFENBACH(sitsdown).Pardonme,nobles!Thisstandingdoesnotagreewithme.
TERZKY.Consultyourownconvenience,general.
TIEFENBACH.Clearathead,soundinstomach--onlymylegswon'tcarrymeanylonger.
ISOLANI(pointingathiscorpulence).Poorlegs!howshouldthey!Suchanunmercifulload!
[OCTAVIOsubscribeshisname,andreachesoverthepapertoTERZKY,whogivesittoISOLANI;andhegoestothetabletosignhisname.
TIEFENBACH.'TwasthatwarinPomeraniathatfirstbroughtiton.Out
inallweathers--iceandsnow--nohelpforit.Ishallnevergetthebetterofitallthedaysofmylife.
GOETZ.Why,insimpleverity,yourSwedesmakenoniceinquiriesabouttheseason.
TERZKY(observingISOLANI,whosehandtremblesexcessivelysothathecanscarcedirecthispen).Haveyouhadthatuglycomplaintlong,noblebrother?Despatchit.
ISOLANI.Thesinsofyouth!Ihavealreadytriedthechalybeatewaters.Well--Imustbearit.
[TERZKYgivesthepapertoMARADAS;hestepstothetabletosubscribe.
OCTAVIO(advancingtoBUTLER).Youarenotover-fondoftheorgiesofBacchus,colonel!Ihaveobservedit.Youwould,Ithink,findyourselfmoretoyourlikingintheuproarofabattlethanofafeast.
BUTLER.Imustconfess'tisnotinmyway.
OCTAVIO(steppingnearertohimfriendlily).Norinmineneither,Ican
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assureyou;andIamnotalittleglad,mymuch-honoredColonelButler,thatweagreesowellinouropinions.Ahalf-dozengoodfriendsatmost,atasmallroundtable,aglassofgenuineTokay,openhearts,andarationalconversation--that'smytaste.
BUTLER.Andmine,too,whenitcanbehad.
[ThepapercomestoTIEFENBACH,whoglancesoveritatthesametimewithGOETZandKOLATTO.MARADASinthemeantimereturnstoOCTAVIO.Allthistakesplaces,theconversationwithBUTLERproceedinguninterrupted.
OCTAVIO(introducingMADARAStoBUTLER.)DonBalthasarMaradas!likewiseamanofourstamp,andlongagoyouradmirer.
[BUTLERbows.
OCTAVIO(continuing).Youareastrangerhere--'twasbutyesterdayyouarrived--youareignorantofthewaysandmeanshere.'Tisawretchedplace.Iknowatyourageonelovestobesnugandquiet.Whatifyoumoveyourlodgings?Come,bemyvisitor.(BUTLERmakesalowbow.)Nay,withoutcompliment!ForafriendlikeyouIhavestillacornerremaining.
BUTLER(coldly).Yourobligedhumbleservant,mylordlieutenant-general.
[ThepapercomestoBUTLER,whogoestothetabletosubscribeit.Thefrontofthestageisvacant,sothatboththePICCOLOMINIS,eachonthesidewherehehadbeenfromthecommencementofthescene,remainalone.
OCTAVIO(afterhavingsometimewatchedhissoninsilence,advancessomewhatnearertohim).Youwerelongabsentfromus,friend!
MAX.I--urgentbusinessdetainedme.
OCTAVIO.And,Iobserve,youarestillabsent!
MAX.Youknowthiscrowdandbustlealwaysmakesmesilent.
OCTAVIO(advancingstillnearer).MayIbepermittedtoaskwhatthebusinesswasthatdetainedyou?Terzkyknowsitwithoutasking.
MAX.WhatdoesTerzkyknow?
OCTAVIO.Hewastheonlyonewhodidnotmissyou.
ISOLANI(whohasbeenattendingtothemforsomedistancestepsup).Welldone,father!Routouthisbaggage!Beatuphisquarters!thereis
somethingtherethatshouldnotbe.
TERZKY(withthepaper).Istherenonewanting?Havethewholesubscribed?
OCTAVIO.All.
TERZKY(callingaloud).Ho!Whosubscribes?
BUTLER(toTERZKY).Countthenames.Thereoughttobejustthirty.
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TERZKY.Hereisacross.
TIEFENBACH.That'smymark!
ISOLANI.Hecannotwrite;buthiscrossisagoodcross,andishonoredbyJewsaswellasChristians.
OCTAVIO(pressesontoMAX.).Come,general!letusgo.Itislate.
TERZKY.OnePiccolominionlyhassigned.
ISOLANI(pointingtoMAX.).Look!thatisyourman,thatstatuethere,whohashadneithereye,ear,nortongueforusthewholeevening.
[MAX.receivesthepaperfromTERZKY,whichhelooksuponvacantly.
SCENEVII.
TotheseenterILLOfromtheinnerroom.Hehasinhishandagoldenservice-cup,andisextremelydistemperedwithdrinking;GOETZandBUTLERfollowhim,endeavoringtokeephimback.
ILLO.Whatdoyouwant!Letmego.
GOETZandBUTLER.Drinknomore,Illo!Forheaven'ssake,drinknomore.
ILLO(goesuptoOCTAVIO,andshakeshimcordiallybythehand,andthendrinks).Octavio!Ibringthistoyou!Letallgrudgebedrownedinthisfriendlybowl!Iknowwellenoughyouneverlovedme--deviltakeme!andIneverlovedyou!Iamalwaysevenwithpeopleinthatway!Letwhat'spastbepast--thatis,youunderstand--forgotten!Iesteemyouinfinitely.(Embracinghimrepeatedly.)Youhavenotadearer
friendonearththanI,butthatyouknow.Thefellowthatcriesroguetoyoucallsmevillain,andI'llstranglehim!mydearfriend!
TERZKY(whisperingtohim).Artinthysenses?Forheaven'ssake,Illo,thinkwhereyouare!
ILLO(aloud).Whatdoyoumean?Therearenonebutfriendshere,arethere?(Looksroundthewholecirclewithajollyandtriumphantair.)Notasneakeramongstus,thankheaven.
TERZKY(toBUTLER,eagerly).Takehimoffwithyou,forcehimoff,Ientreatyou,Butler!
BUTLER(toILLO).Field-marshal!awordwithyou.(Leadstotheside-board.)
ILLO(cordially).Athousandforone.Fill;fillitoncemoreuptothebrim.Tothisgallantman'shealth!
ISOLANI(toMAX.,whoallthewhilehasbeenstaringonthepaperwithfixedbutvacanteyes).Slowandsure,mynoblebrother!Hastparseditallyet?Somewordsyettogothrough?Ha?
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MAX.(wakingasfromadream).WhatamItodo?
TERZKY,andatthesametimeISOLANI.Signyourname.(OCTAVIOdirectshiseyesonhimwithintenseanxiety).
MAX.(returnsthepaper).Letitstaytillto-morrow.Itisbusiness;to-dayIamnotsufficientlycollected.Sendittometo-morrow.
TERZKY.Nay,collectyourselfalittle.
ISOLANI.Awakeman,awake!Come,thysignature,andhavedonewithit!What!Thouarttheyoungestinthewholecompany,andwouldbewiserthanallofustogether!Lookthere!thyfatherhassigned;wehaveallsigned.
TERZKY(toOCTAVIO).Useyourinfluence.Instructhim.
OCTAVIO.Mysonisattheageofdiscretion.
ILLO(leavestheservice-cuponthesideboard).What'sthedispute?
TERZKY.Hedeclinessubscribingthepaper.
MAX.Isayitmayaswellstaytillto-morrow.
ILLO.Itcannotstay.Wehaveallsubscribedtoit--andsomustyou.Youmustsubscribe.
MAX.Illo,good-night!
ILLO.No!youcomenotoffso!Thedukeshalllearnwhoarehisfriends.(AllcollectroundILLOandMAX.)
MAX.Whatmysentimentsaretowardstheduke,thedukeknows,everyoneknows--whatneedofthiswildstuff?
ILLO.ThisisthethanksthedukegetsforhispartialitytoItalians
andforeigners.UsBohemiansheholdsforlittlebetterthandullards--nothingpleaseshimbutwhat'soutlandish.
TERZKY(inextremeembarrassment,totheCommanders,whoatILLO'swordsgiveasuddenstartaspreparingtoresentthem).Itisthewinethatspeaks,andnothisreason.Attendnottohim,Ientreatyou.
ISOLANI(withabitterlaugh).Wineinventsnothing:itonlytattles.
ILLO.Hewhoisnotwithmeisagainstme.Yourtenderconsciences!Unlesstheycanslipoutbyaback-door,byapunyproviso----
TERZKY(interruptinghim).Heisstarkmad--don'tlistentohim!
ILLO(raisinghisvoicetothehighestpitch).Unlesstheycanslipoutbyaproviso.Whatoftheproviso?Thedeviltakethisproviso!
MAX.(hashisattentionroused,andlooksagainintothepaper).Whatisthereherethenofsuchperilousimport?Youmakemecurious--Imustlookcloseratit.
TERZKY(inalowvoicetoILLO).Whatareyoudoing,Illo?Youareruiningus.
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TIEFENBACH(toKOLATTO).Ay,ay!Iobserved,thatbeforewesatdowntosupper,itwasreaddifferently.
GOETZ.Why,Iseemedtothinksotoo.
ISOLANI.WhatdoIcareforthat?Wheretherestandothernamesminecanstandtoo.
TIEFENBACH.Beforesuppertherewasacertainprovisotherein,orshortclause,concerningourdutiestotheemperor.
BUTLER(tooneoftheCommanders).Forshame,forshame!Bethinkyou.Whatisthemainbusinesshere?Thequestionnowis,whetherweshallkeepourgeneral,orlethimretire.Onemustnottakethesethingstoonicely,andover-scrupulously.
ISOLANI(tooneoftheGenerals).Didthedukemakeanyoftheseprovisoswhenhegaveyouyourregiment?
TERZKY(toGOETZ).Orwhenhegaveyoutheofficeofarmy-purveyancer,whichbringsyouinyearlyathousandpistoles!
ILLO.Heisarascalwhomakesusouttoberogues.Iftherebeanyone
thatwantssatisfaction,lethimsayso,--Iamhisman.
TIEFENBACH.Softly,softly?'Twasbutawordortwo.
MAX.(havingreadthepapergivesitback).Tillto-morrowtherefore!
ILLO(stammeringwithrageandfury,losesallcommandoverhimselfandpresentsthepapertoMAX.Withonehand,andhisswordintheother).Subscribe--Judas!
ISOLANI.Outuponyou,Illo!
OCTAVIO,TERZKY,BUTLER(alltogether).Downwiththesword!
MAX.(rushesonhimsuddenlyanddisarmshim,thentoCOUNTTERZKY).Takehimofftobed!
[MAXleavesthestage.ILLOcursingandravingisheldbackbysomeoftheofficers,andamidstauniversalconfusionthecurtaindrops.
ACTV.
SCENEI.
AChamberinPICCOLOMINI'sMansion.ItisNight.
OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI.AVALETDECHAMBREwithLights.
OCTAVIO.Andwhenmysoncomesin,conducthimhither.Whatisthehour?
VALET.
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'Tisonthepointofmorning.
OCTAVIO.Setdownthelight.Wemeannottoundress.Youmayretiretosleep.
[ExitVALET.OCTAVIOpaces,musing,acrossthechamber;MAX.PICCOLOMINIentersunobserved,andlooksathisfatherforsomemomentsinsilence.
MAX.Artthouoffendedwithme?HeavenknowsThatodiousbusinesswasnofaultofmine.'Tistrue,indeed,Isawthysignature,Whatthouhastsanctioned,shouldnot,itmightseem,Havecomeamisstome.But--'tismynature--Thouknow'stthatinsuchmattersImustfollowMyownlight,notanother's.
OCTAVIO(goesuptohimandembraceshim).Followit,Oh,followitstillfurther,mybestson!To-night,dearboy!ithathmorefaithfullyGuidedtheethantheexampleofthyfather.
MAX.Declarethyselflessdarkly.
OCTAVIO.Iwilldoso;Forafterwhathastakenplacethisnight,Theremustremainnosecrets'twixtustwo.[Bothseatthemselves.Max.Piccolomini!whatthinkestthouofTheoaththatwassentroundforsignatures?
MAX.
Iholditforathingofharmlessimport,AlthoughIlovenotthesesetdeclarations.
OCTAVIO.AndonnoothergroundhastthourefusedThesignaturetheyfainhadwrestedfromthee?
MAX.Itwasaseriousbusiness.Iwasabsent--Theaffairitselfseemednotsourgenttome.
OCTAVIO.Beopen,Max.Thouhadstthennosuspicion?
MAX.Suspicion!whatsuspicion?Nottheleast.
OCTAVIO.Thankthygoodangel,Piccolomini;Hedrewtheebackunconsciousfromtheabyss.
MAX.Iknownotwhatthoumeanest.
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OCTAVIO.Iwilltellthee.Fainwouldtheyhaveextortedfromthee,son,Thesanctionofthynametovillany;Yes,withasingleflourishofthypen,Madetheerenouncethydutyandthyhonor!
MAX.(rises).Octavio!
OCTAVIO.Patience!SeatYourself.MuchyetHastthoutohearfromme,friend!HastforyearsLivedinincomprehensibleillusion.BeforethineeyesistreasondrawingoutAsblackawebase'erwasspunforvenom:Apowerofhello'ercloudsthyunderstanding.Idarenolongerstandinsilence--dareNolongerseetheewanderingonindarkness,Norpluckthebandagefromthineeyes.
MAX.Myfather!
Yet,erethouspeakest,amoment'spauseofthought!IfyourdisclosuresshouldappeartobeConjecturesonly--andalmostIfearTheywillbenothingfurther--sparethem!IAmnotinthatcollectedmoodatpresent,ThatIcouldlistentothemquietly.
OCTAVIO.Thedeepercausethouhasttohatethislight,ThemoreimpatientcausehaveI,myson,Toforceitonthee.TotheinnocenceAndwisdomofthyheartIcouldhavetrustedtheeWithcalmassurance--butIseethenet
Preparing--anditisthyheartitselfAlarmsme,forthineinnocence--thatsecret,[Fixinghiseyessteadfastlyonhisson'sface.Whichthouconcealest,forcesminefromme.
[MAX.attemptstoanswer,buthesitates,andcastshiseyestothegroundembarrassed.
OCTAVIO(afterapause).Know,then,theyaredupingthee!--amostfoulgameWiththeeandwithusall--nay,hearmecalmly--Thedukeevennowisplaying.HeassumesThemask,asifhewouldforsakethearmy;
AndinthismomentmakeshepreparationsThatarmyfromtheemperortosteal,Andcarryitovertotheenemy!
MAX.Thatlowpriest'slegendIknowwell,butdidnotExpecttohearitfromthymouth.
OCTAVIO.Thatmouth,
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Fromwhichthouhearestitatthispresentmoment,Dothwarranttheethatitisnopriest'slegend.
MAX.Howmereamaniactheysupposedtheduke;What,hecanmeditate?--theduke?--candreamThathecanlureawayfullthirtythousandTriedtroopsandtrue,allhonorablesoldiers,Morethanathousandnoblemenamongthem,Fromoaths,fromduty,fromtheirhonorlurethem,AndmakethemallunanimoustodoAdeedthatbrandsthemscoundrels?
OCTAVIO.Suchadeed,Withsuchafrontofinfamy,thedukeNowaydesires--whatherequiresofusBearsafargentlerappellation.NothingHewishesbuttogivetheempirepeace.Andso,becausetheemperorhatesthispeace,Thereforetheduke--thedukewillforcehimtoit.Allpartsoftheempirewillhepacify,Andforhistroublewillretaininpayment(Whathehasalreadyinhisgripe)--Bohemia!
MAX.Hashe,Octavio,meritedofus,Thatwe--thatweshouldthinksovilelyofhim?
OCTAVIO.Whatwewouldthinkisnotthequestionhere,Theaffairspeaksforitself--andclearestproofs!Hearme,myson--'tisnotunknowntothee,Inwhatillcreditwiththecourtwestand.Butlittledostthouknow,orguesswhattricks,Whatbaseintrigues,whatlyingartifices,Havebeenemployed--forthissoleend--tosow
Mutinyinthecamp!Allbandsareloosed--LoosedallthebandsthatlinktheofficerTohisliegeemperor,allthatbindthesoldierAffectionatelytothecitizen.Lawlesshestands,andthreateninglybeleaguersThestatehe'sboundtoguard.Tosuchaheight'Tisswollen,thatatthishourtheemperorBeforehisarmies--hisownarmies--trembles;Yea,inhiscapital,hispalace,fearsThetraitor'sponiard,andismeditatingTohurryoffandhidehistenderoffspring--NotfromtheSwedes,notfromtheLutherans--no,Fromhisowntroopstohideandhurrythem!
MAX.Cease,cease!thoutorturest,shatterestme.IknowThatoftwetrembleatanemptyterror;Butthefalsephantasmbringsarealmisery.
OCTAVIO.Itisnophantasm.Anintestinewar,Ofallthemostunnaturalandcruel,Willburstoutintoflames,ifinstantly
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Wedonotflyandstifleit.ThegeneralsAremanyofthemlongagowonover;Thesubalternsarevacillating;wholeRegimentsandgarrisonsarevacillating.Toforeignersourstrongholdsareintrusted;TothatsuspectedSchafgotchisthewholeForceofSilesiagivenup:toTerzkyFiveregiments,footandhorse;toIsolani,ToIllo,Kinsky,Butler,thebesttroops.
MAX.Likewisetobothofus.
OCTAVIO.BecausethedukeBelieveshehassecuredus,meanstolureusStillfurtheronbysplendidpromises.Tomeheportionsforththeprincedoms,GlatzAndSagan;andtooplainIseethebaitWithwhichhedoubtsnotbuttocatchthee.
MAX.No!no!Itellthee,no!
OCTAVIO.Oh,openyetthineeyes!Andtowhatpurposethink'stthouhehascalledHithertoPilsen?toavailhimselfOfouradvice?Oh,whendidFriedlandeverNeedouradvice?Becalm,andlistentome.Tosellourselvesarewecalledhither,andDeclinewethat,tobehishostages.ThereforedothnobleGallasstandaloof;Thyfather,too,thouwouldstnothaveseenhere,Ifhigherdutieshadnotheldhimfettered.
MAX.Hemakesnosecretofit--needsmakenone--Thatwe'recalledhitherforhissake--heownsit.Heneedsouraidancetomaintainhimself--Hedidsomuchforus;and'tisbutfairThatwe,too,shoulddosomewhatnowforhim.
OCTAVIO.Andknow'stthouwhatitiswhichwemustdo?ThatIllo'sdrunkenmoodbetrayedittothee.Bethinkthyself,whathastthouheard,whatseen?Thecounterfeitedpaper,theomissionOfthatparticularclause,sofullofmeaning,
DoesitnotprovethattheywouldbindusdownTonothinggood?
MAX.ThatcounterfeitedpaperAppearstomenootherthanatrickOfIllo'sowndevice.TheseunderhandTradersingreatmen'sinterestseveruseTourgeandhurryallthingstotheextreme.Theyseethedukeatvariancewiththecourt,
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Andfondlythinktoservehim,whentheywidenThebreachirreparably.Trustme,father,Thedukeknowsnothingofallthis.
OCTAVIO.ItgrievesmeThatImustdashtoearth,thatImustshatterAfaithsospecious;butImaynotsparethee!Forthisisnotatimefortenderness.Thoumusttakemeasured,speedyones,mustact.IthereforewillconfesstotheethatallWhichI'veintrustedtotheenow,thatallWhichseemstotheesounbelievable,That--yes,Iwilltellthee,(apause)Max.!IhaditallFromhisownmouth,fromtheduke'smouthIhadit.
MAX(inexcessiveagitation).No!no!never!
OCTAVIO.HimselfconfidedtomeWhatI,'tistrue,hadlongbeforediscoveredByothermeans;himselfconfidedtome,That'twashissettledplantojointheSwedes;
And,attheheadoftheunitedarmies,Compeltheemperor----
MAX.Heispassionate,Thecourthasstunghim;heissorealloverWithinjuriesandaffronts;andinamomentOfirritation,whatifhe,foronce,Forgothimself?He'sanimpetuousman.
OCTAVIO.Nay,incoldbloodhedidconfessthistomeAndhavingconstruedmyastonishment
Intoascrupleofhispower,heshowedmeHiswrittenevidences--showedmeletters,BothfromtheSaxonandtheSwede,thatgavePromiseofaidance,anddefinedtheamount.
MAX.Itcannotbe!--cannotbe!cannotbe!Dostthounotsee,itcannot!ThouwouldstofnecessityhaveshownhimSuchhorror,suchdeeploathing--thatorheHadtakentheeforhisbettergenius,orThoustood'stnotnowalivingmanbeforeme.
OCTAVIO.Ihavelaidopenmyobjectionstohim,Dissuadedhimwithpressingearnestness;Butmyabhorrence,thefullsentimentOfmywholeheart--thatIhavestillkeptsafeTomyownconsciousness.
MAX.AndthouhastbeenSotreacherous?Thatlooksnotlikemyfather!
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Itrustednotthywords,whenthoudidsttellmeEvilofhim;muchlesscanInowdoit,Thatthoucalumniatestthyownself.
OCTAVIO.Ididnotthrustmyselfintohissecrecy.
MAX.Uprightnessmeritedhisconfidence.
OCTAVIO.Hewasnolongerworthyofsincerity.
MAX.Dissimulation,sure,wasstilllessworthyOfthee,Octavio!
OCTAVIO.GaveIhimacauseToentertainascrupleofmyhonor?
MAX.Thathedidnotevincehisconfidence.
OCTAVIO.Dearson,itisnotalwayspossibleStilltopreservethatinfantpurityWhichthevoiceteachesinourinmostheart,Stillinalarm,foreveronthewatchAgainstthewilesofwickedmen:e'envirtueWillsometimesbearawayheroutwardrobesSoiledinthewrestlewithiniquity.ThisisthecurseofeveryevildeedThat,propagatingstill,itbringsforthevil.Idonotcheatmybettersoulwithsophisms;Ibutperformmyorders;theemperorPrescribesmyconducttome.Dearestboy,
Farbetterwereit,doubtless,ifweallObeyedtheheartatalltimes;butsodoing,Inthisourpresentsojournwithbadmen,Wemustabandonmanyanhonestobject.'Tisnowourcalltoservetheemperor;Bywhatmeanshecanbestbeserved--theheartMaywhisperwhatitwill--thisisourcall!
MAX.Itseemsathingappointed,thatto-dayIshouldnotcomprehend,notunderstandthee.Theduke,thousayest,didhonestlypouroutHishearttothee,butforanevilpurpose:
AndthoudishonestlyhastcheatedhimForagoodpurpose!Silence,Ientreatthee--Myfriend,thoustealestnotfromme--Letmenotlosemyfather!
OCTAVIO(suppressingresentment).Asyetthouknowestnotall,myson.IhaveYetsomewhattodisclosetothee.[Afterapause.DukeFriedland
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Hathmadehispreparations.HereliesUponthestars.Hedeemsusunprovided,Andthinkstofalluponusbysurprise.Yea,inhisdreamofhope,hegraspsalreadyThegoldencircleinhishand.Heerrs,We,too,havebeeninaction--hebutgraspsHisevilfate,mostevil,mostmysterious!
MAX.Oh,nothingrash,mysire!Byallthat'sgood,Letmeinvokethee--noprecipitation!
OCTAVIO.Withlighttreadstoleheonhisevilway,Andlightoftreadhathvengeancestoleonafterhim.Unseenshestandsalready,darkbehindhimButonestepmore--heshuddersinhergrasp!ThouhastseenQuestenbergwithme.AsyetThouknowestbuthisostensiblecommission:Hebroughtwithhimaprivateone,myson!Andthatwasformeonly.
MAX.MayIknowit?
OCTAVIO(seizesthepatent).Max!InthisdisclosureplaceIinthyhands[Apause.Theempire'swelfareandthyfather'slife.DeartothyinmostheartisWallensteinApowerfultieoflove,ofveneration,Hathknittheetohimfromthyearliestyouth.Thounourishestthewish,--OletmestillAnticipatethyloiteringconfidence!ThehopethounourishesttoknitthyselfYetclosertohim----
MAX.Father----
OCTAVIO.Oh,myson!Itrustthyheartundoubtingly.ButamIEquallysureofthycollectedness?Wiltthoubeable,withcalmcountenance,Toenterthisman'spresence,whenthatIHavetrustedtotheehiswholefate?
MAX.
AccordingAsthoudosttrustme,father,withhiscrime.
[OCTAVIOtakesapaperoutofhisescritoireandgivesittohim.
MAX.What!how!afullimperialpatent!
OCTAVIO.Readit.
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MAX.(justglancesonit).DukeFriedlandsentencedandcondemned!
OCTAVIO.Evenso.
MAX.(throwsdownthepaper).Oh,thisistoomuch!Ounhappyerror!
OCTAVIO.Readon.Collectthyself.
MAX.(afterhehasreadfurther,withalookofaffrightandastonishmentonhisfather).How!what!Thou!thou!
OCTAVIO.Butforthepresentmoment,tilltheKingOfHungarymaysafelyjointhearmy,Isthecommandassignedtome.
MAX.Andthink'stthou,
Dostthoubelieve,thatthouwilttearitfromhim?Oh,neverhopeit!Father!father!father!Aninauspiciousofficeisenjoinedthee.Thispaperhere!--this!andwiltthouenforceit?Themightyinthemiddleofhishost,Surroundedbyhisthousands,himwouldstthouDisarm--degrade!Thouartlost,boththouandallofus.
OCTAVIO.WhathazardIincurthereby,Iknow.InthegreathandofGodIstand.TheAlmightyWillcoverwithhisshieldtheimperialhouse,Andshatter,inhiswrath,theworkofdarkness.
Theemperorhathtrueservantsstill;andevenHereinthecamp,thereareenoughbravemenWhoforthegoodcausewillfightgallantly.Thefaithfulhavebeenwarned--thedangerousArecloselywatched.Iwaitbutthefirststep,Andthenimmediately----
Max.What?Onsuspicion?Immediately?
OCTAVIO.Theemperorisnotyrant.
Thedeedalonehe'llpunish,notthewish.Thedukehathyethisdestinyinhispower.Lethimbutleavethetreasonuncompleted,Hewillbesilentlydisplacedfromoffice,Andmakewaytohisemperor'sroyalson.AnhonorableexiletohiscastlesWillbeabenefactiontohimratherThanpunishment.Butthefirstopenstep----
MAX.
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Whatcallestthousuchastep?AwickedstepNe'erwillhetake;butthoumightesteasily,Yea,thouhastdoneit,misinterprethim.
OCTAVIO.Nay,howsoeverpunishablewereDukeFriedland'spurposes,yetstillthestepsWhichhehathtakenopenlypermitAmildconstruction.ItismyintentionToleavethispaperwhollyunenforcedTillsomeactiscommittedwhichconvictshimOfhightreason,withoutdoubtorplea,Andthatshallsentencehim.
MAX.Butwhothejudge
OCTAVIO.Thyself.
MAX.Forever,then,thispaperwilllieidle.
OCTAVIO.
Toosoon,Ifear,itspowersmustallbeproved.Afterthecounter-promiseofthisevening,ItcannotbebuthemustdeemhimselfSecureofthemajoritywithus;Andofthearmy'sgeneralsentimentHehathapleasingproofinthatpetition,Whichthoudelivered'sttohimfromtheregiments.Addthistoo--IhavelettersthattheRhinegraveHathchangedhisroute,andtravelsbyforcedmarchesTotheBohemianforests.WhatthispurportsRemainsunknown;and,toconfirmsuspicion,ThisnightaSwedishnoblemanarrivedhere.
MAX.Ihavethyword.Thou'ltnotproceedtoactionBeforethouhastconvincedme--memyself.
OCTAVIO.Isitpossible?Still,afterallthouknow'st,Canstthoubelievestillinhisinnocence?
MAX.(withenthusiasm).Thyjudgmentmaymistake;myheartcannot.[Moderateshisvoiceandmanner.Thesereasonsmightexpoundthyspiritormine;ButtheyexpoundnotFriedland--Ihavefaith:
Forasheknitshisfortunestothestars,Evensodothheresembletheminsecret,Wonderful,stillinexplicablecourses!Trustme,theydohimwrong.Allwillbesolved.Thesesmokesatoncewillkindleintoflame--TheedgesofthisblackandstormycloudWillbrightensuddenly,andweshallviewTheunapproachableglideoutinsplendor.
OCTAVIO.
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Iwillawaitit.
SCENEII.
OCTAVIOandMAX.asbefore.TothentheVALETOFTHECHAMBER.
OCTAVIO.Hownow,then?
VALET.Adespatchisatthedoor.
OCTAVIO.Soearly?Fromwhomcomeshethen?Whoisit?
VALET.Thatherefusedtotellme.
OCTAVIO.Leadhimin:And,harkyou--letitnottranspire.
[ExitVALET:theCORNETstepsin.
OCTAVIO.Ha!cornet--isityou;andfromCountGallas?Givemeyourletters.
CORNET.Thelieutenant-generalTrusteditnottoletters.
OCTAVIO.Andwhatisit?
CORNET.Hebademetellyou--DareIspeakopenlyhere?
OCTAVIO.Mysonknowsall.
CORNET.Wehavehim.
OCTAVIO.Whom?
CORNET.Sesina,Theoldnegotiator.
OCTAVIO(eagerly).Andyouhavehim?
CORNET.IntheBohemianForestCaptainMohrbrandFoundandsecuredhimyester-morningearly.
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HewasproceedingthentoRegensburg,AndonhimweredespatchesfortheSwede.
OCTAVIO.Andthedespatches----
CORNET.Thelieutenant-generalSentthemthatinstanttoVienna,andTheprisonerwiththem.
OCTAVIO.Thisis,indeed,atiding!Thatfellowisapreciouscaskettous,Enclosingweightythings.Wasmuchfoundonhim?
CORNET.Ithink,sixpackets,withCountTerzky'sarms.
OCTAVIO.Noneintheduke'sownhand?
CORNET.NotthatIknow.
OCTAVIO.AndoldSesina.
CORNET.Hewassorelyfrightened.WhenitwastoldhimhemusttoVienna;ButtheCountAltringerbadehimtakeheart,Wouldhebutmakeafullandfreeconfession.
OCTAVIO.IsAltringerthenwithyourlord?IheardThathelaysickatLinz.
CORNET.ThesethreedayspastHe'swithmymaster,thelieutenant-general,AtFrauenburg.AlreadyhavetheysixtySmallcompaniestogether,chosenmen;Respectfullytheygreetyouwithassurances,Thattheyareonlywaitingyourcommands.
OCTAVIO.Inafewdaysmaygreateventstakeplace.Andwhenmustyoureturn?
CORNET.Iwaityourorders.
OCTAVIO.Remaintillevening.[CORNETsignifieshisassentandobeisance,andisgoing.Noonesawyou--ha?
CORNET.Nolivingcreature.Throughthecloisterwicket
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Thelawsofwarexcusing?Nothing,saveHisownmouthshallconvicthim--nothingless!AndfacetofacewillIgoquestionhim.
OCTAVIO.Thouwilt.
MAX.Iwill,assureasthisheartbeats.
OCTAVIO.Ihave,indeed,miscalculatedonthee.Icalculatedonaprudentson,WhowouldhaveblessedthehandbeneficentThatpluckedhimbackfromtheabyss--andlo!AfascinatedbeingIdiscover,Whomhistwoeyesbefool,whompassionwilders,Whomnotthebroadestlightofnooncanheal.Go,questionhim!Bemadenough,Ipraythee.Thepurposeofthyfather,ofthyemperor,Go,giveitupfreebooty!Forceme,drivemeToanopenbreachbeforethetime.Andnow,NowthatamiracleofheavenhadguardedMysecretpurposeeventothishour,
Andlaidtosleepsuspicion'spiercingeyes,Letmehavelivedtoseethatmineownson,Withfranticenterprise,annihilatesMytoilsomelaborsandstatepolicy.
MAX.Ay--thisstatepolicy!Oh,howIcurseit!Youwillsometime,withyourstatepolicy,Compelhimtothemeasure:itmayhappen,Becauseyearedeterminedthatheisguilty,Guiltyye'llmakehim.Allretreatcutoff,Youcloseupeveryoutlet,hemhiminNarrowerandnarrower,tillatlengthyeforcehim--
Yes,ye,yeforcehim,inhisdesperation,Tosetfiretohisprison.Father!father!Thatnevercanendwell--itcannot--willnot!Andletitbedecidedasitmay,IseewithbodingheartthenearapproachOfanill-starred,unblestcatastrophe.Forthisgreatmonarch-spirit,ifhefall,Willdragaworldintotheruinwithhim.AndasashipthatmidwayontheoceanTakesfire,atonce,andwithathunder-burstExplodes,andwithitselfshootsoutitscrewInsmokeandruinbetwixtseaandheaven!Sowillhe,falling,drawdowninhisfall
Allus,who'refixedandmortisedtohisfortune,Deemofitwhatthouwilt;butpardonme,ThatImustbearmeoninmyownway.Allmustremainpurebetwixthimandme;And,erethedaylightdawns,itmustbeknownWhichImustlose--myfatherormyfriend.
[Duringhisexitthecurtaindrops.
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THEDEATHOFWALLENSTEIN.
TranslatedbyS.T.Coleridge.
DRAMATISPERSONAE.
WALLENSTEIN,DukeofFriedland,GeneralissimooftheImperialForcesintheThirtyYears'War.DUCHESSOFFREIDLAND,WifeofWallenstein.THEKLA,herDaughter,PrincessofFriedland.THECOUNTESSTERZKY,SisteroftheDuchess.LADYNEUBRUNN.OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,Lieutenant-General.MAX.PICCOLOMINI,hisSon,ColonelofaRegimentofCuirassiers.COUNTTERZKY,theCommanderofseveralRegiments,andBrother-in-lawofWallenstein.ILLO,Field-Marshal,Wallenstein'sConfidant.ISOLANI,GeneraloftheCroats.
BUTLER,anIrishman,CommanderofaRegimentofDragoons.GORDON,GovernorofEgra.MAJORGERALDIN.CAPTAINDEVEREUX.CAPTAINMACDONALD.ANADJUTANT.NEUMANN,CaptainofCavalry,Aide-de-CamptoTERZKY.COLONELWRANGEL,EnvoyfromtheSwedes.ROSENBURG,MasterofHorse.SWEDISHCAPTAIN.SENI.BURGOMASTERofEgra.ANSPESSADEoftheCuirassiers.
GROOMOFTHECHAMBER.|BelongingAPAGE.|totheDuke.Cuirassiers,Dragoons,andServants.
ACTI.
SCENEI.
Aroomfittedupforastrologicallabors,andprovidedwithcelestialcharts,withglobes,telescopes,quadrants,andother
mathematicalinstruments.Sevencolossalfigures,representingtheplanets,eachwithatransparentstarofdifferentcoloronitshead,standinasemicircleinthebackground,sothatMarsandSaturnarenearesttheeye.Theremainderofthesceneanditsdispositionisgiveninthefourthsceneofthesecondact.Theremustbeacurtainoverthefigures,whichmaybedroppedandconcealthemonoccasions.
[Inthefifthsceneofthisactitmustbedropped;butintheseventhsceneitmustbeagaindrawnupwhollyorinpart.]
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Partso'ermyhead,andtakesoncemoreitsflight,Fortheheaven'sjourneystill,andadjournnot.[Thereareknocksatthedoor.There'ssomeoneknockingthere.Seewhoitis.
TERZKY(fromwithout).Open,andletmein.
WALLENSTEIN.Ay--'tisTerzky.Whatisthereofsuchurgence?Wearebusy.
TERZKY(fromwithout).Layallasideatpresent,Ientreatyou;Itsuffersnodelaying.
WALLENSTEIN.Open,Seni!
[WhileSENIopensthedoorforTERZKY,WALLENSTEINdrawsthecurtainoverthefigures.
SCENEII.
WALLENSTEIN,COUNTTERZKY.
TERZKY(enters).Hastthoualreadyheardit?Heistaken.Gallashasgivenhimuptotheemperor.
[SENIdrawsofftheblacktable,andexit.
WALLENSTEIN(toTERZKY).Whohasbeentaken?Whoisgivenup?
TERZKY.Themanwhoknowsoursecrets,whoknowseveryNegotiationwiththeSwedeandSaxon,Throughwhosehandsallandeverythinghaspassed----
WALLENSTEIN(drawingback).Nay,notSesina?Say,no!Ientreatthee.
TERZKY.AllonhisroadforRegensburgtotheSwedeHewasplungeddownuponbyGallas'agent,Whohadbeenlonginambush,lurkingforhim.Theremusthavebeenfoundonhimmywholepacket
ToThur,toKinsky,toOxenstiern,toArnheim:Allthisisintheirhands;theyhavenowaninsightIntothewhole--ourmeasuresandourmotives.
SCENEIII.
TothementersILLO.
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ILLO(toTERZKY).Hasheheardit?
TERZKY.Hehasheardit.
ILLO(toWALLENSTEIN).ThinkestthoustillTomakethypeacewiththeemperor,toregainHisconfidence?E'enwereitnowthywishToabandonallthyplans,yetstilltheyknowWhatthouhastwished:thenforwardsthoumustpress;Retreatisnownolongerinthypower.
TERZKY.Theyhavedocumentsagainstus,andinhands,Whichshowbeyondallpowerofcontradiction----
WALLENSTEIN.Ofmyhandwriting--noiota.TheeIpunishorthylies.
ILLO.Andthoubelievest,
Thatwhatthisman,andwhatthysister'shusband,Didinthyname,willnotstandonthyreckoning?HiswordmustpassforthywordwiththeSwede,AndnotwiththosethathatetheeatVienna?
TERZKY.Inwritingthougavestnothing;butbethinkthee,HowfarthouventuredstbywordofmouthWiththisSesina!Andwillhebesilent?IfhecansavehimselfbyyieldingupThysecretpurposes,willheretainthem?
ILLO.
Thyselfdostnotconceiveitpossible;AndsincetheynowhaveevidenceauthenticHowfarthouhastalreadygone,speak!tellus,Whatartthouwaitingfor?ThoucanstnolongerKeepthycommand;andbeyondhopeofrescueThou'rtlostifthouresign'stit.
WALLENSTEIN.InthearmyLiesmysecurity.ThearmywillnotAbandonme.Whatevertheymayknow,Thepowerismine,andtheymustgulpitdownAndifIgivethemcautionformyfealty,
Theymustbesatisfied,atleastappearso.
ILLO.Thearmy,duke,isthinenow;forthismoment'Tisthine:butthinkwithterrorontheslow,Thequietpoweroftime.FromopenviolenceTheattachmentofthysoldierysecurestheeTo-day,to-morrow:butgrant'stthouthemarespite,Unheard,unseen,they'llunderminethatloveOnwhichthounowdostfeelsofirmafooting,
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WithwilytheftwilldrawawayfromtheeOneaftertheother----
WALLENSTEIN.'Tisacursedaccident!Oh!Iwillcallitamostblessedone,Ifitworkontheeasitoughttodo,Hurrytheeontoaction--todecision.TheSwedishgeneral?
WALLENSTEIN.He'sarrived!Know'stWhathiscommissionis----
ILLO.TotheealoneWillheintrustthepurposeofhiscoming.
WALLENSTEIN.Acursed,cursedaccident!Yes,yes,Sesinaknowstoomuch,andwon'tbesilent.
TERZKY.He'saBohemianfugitiveandrebel,
Hisneckisforfeit.CanhesavehimselfAtthycost,thinkyouhewillscrupleit?Andiftheyputhimtothetorture,willhe,Willhe,thatdastardling,havestrengthenough----
WALLENSTEIN(lostinthought).Theirconfidenceislost,irreparably!AndImayactwhichwayIwill,IshallBeandremainforeverintheirthoughtAtraitortomycountry.HowsincerelySoeverIreturnbacktomyduty,Itwillnolongerhelpme----
ILLO.Ruinthee,Thatitwilldo!Notthyfidelity,Thyweaknesswillbedeemedthesoleoccasion----
WALLENSTEIN(pacingupanddowninextremeagitation).What!Imustrealizeitnowinearnest,BecauseItoyedtoofreelywiththethought!Accursedhewhodallieswithadevil!AndmustI--Imustrealizeitnow--Now,whileIhavethepower,itmusttakeplace!
ILLO.
Now--now--eretheycanwardandparryit!
WALLENSTEIN(lookingatthepaperofSignatures).Ihavethegenerals'word--awrittenpromise!Max.Piccoloministandsnothere--how'sthat?
TERZRY.Itwas--befancied----
ILLO.
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Mereself-willedness.Thereneedednosuchthing'twixthimandyou.
WALLENSTEIN.Heisquiteright;thereneedednosuchthing.Theregiments,too,denytomarchforFlandersHavesentmeinapaperofremonstrance,Andopenlyresisttheimperialorders.Thefirststeptorevolt'salreadytaken.
ILLO.Believeme,thouwiltfinditfarmoreeasyToleadthemovertotheenemyThantotheSpaniard.
WALLENSTEIN.Iwillhear,however,WhattheSwedehastosaytome.
ILLO(eagerlytoTERZKY).Go,callhim,Hestandswithoutthedoorinwaiting.
WALLENSTEIN.
Stay!Staybutalittle.IthathtakenmeAllbysurprise;itcametooquickuponme;'Tiswhollynovelthatanaccident,Withitsdarklordship,andblindagency,Shouldforcemeonwithit.
ILLO.Firsthearhimonly,Andthenweighit.
[ExeuntTERZKYandILLO.
SCENEIV.
WALLENSTEIN(insoliloquy).Isitpossible?Is'tso?IcannolongerwhatIwould?Nolongerdrawbackatmyliking?IMustdothedeed,becauseIthoughtofit?Andfedthisheartherewithadream?BecauseIdidnotscowltemptationfrommypresence,Dalliedwiththoughtsofpossiblefulfilment,Commencednomovement,leftalltimeuncertain,
Andonlykepttheroad,theaccessopen?BythegreatGodofHeaven!itwasnotMyseriousmeaning,itwasne'erresolved.Ibutamusedmyselfwiththinkingofit.Thefree-willtemptedme,thepowertodoOrnottodoit.WasitcriminalTomakethefancyministertohope,Tofilltheairwithprettytoysofair,Andclutchfantasticsceptresmovingtowardme?Wasnotthewillkeptfree?BeheldInot
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Theroadofdutyclosebesideme--butOnelittlestep,andoncemoreIwasinit!WhereamI?WhitherhaveIbeentransported?Noroad,notrackbehindme,butawall,Impenetrable,insurmountable,RisesobedienttothespellsImutteredAndmeantnot--myowndoingstowerbehindme.[Pausesandremainsindeepthought.ApunishablemanIseem,theguilt,TrywhatIwill,Icannotrollofffromme;TheequivocaldemeanorofmylifeBearswitnessonmyprosecutor'sparty.AndevenmypurestactsfrompurestmotivesSuspicionpoisonswithmaliciousgloss.WereIthatthingforwhichIpass,thattraitor,AgoodlyoutsideIhadsurereserved,Haddrawnthecoveringsthickanddoubleroundme,Beencalmandcharyofmyutterance;ButbeingconsciousoftheinnocenceOfmyintent,myuncorruptedwill,Igavewaytomyhumors,tomypassion:Boldweremywords,becausemydeedswerenotNoweveryplanlessmeasure,chanceevent,Thethreatofrage,thevauntofjoyandtriumph,
AndalltheMay-gamesofaheartoverflowing,Willtheyconnect,andweavethemalltogetherIntooneweboftreason;allwillbeplan,Myeyene'erabsentfromthefar-offmark,Steptracingstep,eachstepapoliticprogress;Andoutofallthey'llfabricateachargeSospecious,thatImustmyselfstanddumb.Iamcaughtinmyownnet,andonlyforce,Naughtbutasuddenrentcanliberateme.
[Pausesagain.
Howelse!sincethattheheart'sunbiasedinstinct
Impelledmetothedaringdeed,whichnowNecessity,self-preservation,orders.Sternistheon-lookofnecessity,NotwithoutshuddermayahumanhandGraspthemysteriousurnofdestiny.Mydeedwasmine,remaininginmybosom;OncesufferedtoescapefromitssafecornerWithintheheart,itsnurseryandbirthplace,Sentforthintotheforeign,itbelongsForevertothoseslymaliciouspowersWhomneverartofmanconciliated.
[Pacesinagitationthroughthechamber,thenpauses,and,after
thepause,breaksoutagainintoaudiblesoliloquy.
Whatitthyenterprise?thyaim?thyobject?Hasthonestlyconfessedittothyself?Powerseatedonaquietthronethou'dstshake,Poweronanancient,consecratedthrone,Stronginpossession,foundedinallcustom;PowerbyathousandtoughandstringyrootsFixedtothepeople'spiousnurseryfaith.This,thiswillbenostrifeofstrengthwithstrength.
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ThatfearedInot.Ibraveeachcombatant,WhomIcanlookon,fixingeyetoeye,Who,fullhimselfofcourage,kindlescourageInmetoo.'TisafoeinvisibleThewhichIfear--afearfulenemy,Whichinthehumanheartopposesme,Byitscowardfearalonemadefearfultome.Notthat,whichfulloflife,instinctwithpower,Makesknownitspresentbeing;thatisnotThetrue,theperilouslyformidable.Ono!itisthecommon,thequitecommon,Thethingofaneternalyesterday.Whateverwas,andevermorereturns,Sterlingto-morrow,forto-day'twassterling!Forofthewhollycommonismanmade,Andcustomishisnurse!WoethentothemWholayirreverenthandsuponhisoldHousefurniture,thedearinheritanceFromhisforefathers!Fortimeconsecrates;Andwhatisgraywithagebecomesreligion.Beinpossession,andthouhasttheright,Andsacredwillthemanyguarditforthee!
[TothePAGE,--whohereenters.
TheSwedishofficer?Well,lethimenter.
[ThePAGEexit,WALLENSTEINfixeshiseyeindeepthoughtonthedoor.
Yet,itispure--asyet!--thecrimehascomeNoto'erthisthresholdyet--soslenderisTheboundarythatdividethlife'stwopaths.
SCENEV.
WALLENSTEINandWRANGEL.
WALLENSTEIN(afterhavingfixedasearchinglookonhim).YournameisWrangel?
WRANGEL.GustaveWrangel,GeneralOftheSudermanianBlues.
WALLENSTEIN.ItwasaWrangelWhoinjuredmemateriallyatStralsund,
AndbyhisbraveresistancewasthecauseOftheoppositionwhichthatseaportmade.
WRANGEL.ItwasthedoingoftheelementWithwhichyoufought,mylord!andnotmymerit,TheBalticNeptunedidasserthisfreedom:Theseaandland,itseemedwerenottoserveOneandthesame.
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WALLENSTEINYoupluckedtheadmiral'shatfromoffmyhead.
WRANGEL.Icometoplaceadiademthereon.
WALLENSTEIN(makesthemotionforhimtotakeaseat,andseatshimself).AndwhereareyourcredentialsComeyouprovidedwithfullpowers,sirgeneral?
WRANGEL.Therearesomanyscruplesyettosolve----
WALLENSTEIN(havingreadthecredentials).Anableletter!Ay--heisaprudent,Intelligentmasterwhomyouserve,sirgeneral!ThechancellorwritesmethathebutfulfilsHislatedepartedsovereign'sownideaInhelpingmetotheBohemiancrown.
WRANGEL.Hesaysthetruth.Ourgreatking,nowinheaven,Dideverdeemmosthighlyofyourgrace'sPre-eminentsenseandmilitarygenius;
Andalwaysthecommandingintellect,Hesaid,shouldhavecommand,andbetheking.
WALLENSTEIN.Yes,hemightsayitsafely.GeneralWrangel,[Takinghishandaffectionately.Come,fairandopen.Trustme,IwasalwaysASwedeatheart.Eh!thatdidyouexperienceBothinSilesiaandatNuremberg;Ihadyouofteninmypower,andletyouAlwaysslipoutbysomebackdoororother.'Tisthisforwhichthecourtcanne'erforgiveme,Whichdrivesmetothispresentstep:andsince
Ourinterestssoruninonedirection,E'enletushaveathoroughconfidenceEachintheother.
WRANGEL.ConfidencewillcomeHaseachbutonlyfirstsecurity.
WALLENSTEIN.Thechancellorstill,Isee,doesnotquitetrustme;And,Iconfess--thegamedoesnotliewhollyTomyadvantage.Withoutdoubthethinks,IfIcanplayfalsewiththeemperor,
Whoismysovereign,IcandothelikeWiththeenemy,andthattheone,too,wereSoonertobeforgivenmethantheother.Isnotthisyouropinion,too,sirgeneral?
WRANGEL.Ihavehereadutymerely,noopinion.
WALLENSTEIN.Theemperorhathurgedmetotheuttermost
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Icannolongerhonorablyservehim.Formysecurity,inself-defence,Itakethishardstep,whichmyconscienceblames.
WRANGEL.ThatIbelieve.SofarwouldnoonegoWhowasnotforcedtoit.[Afterapause.WhatmayhaveimpelledYourprincelyhighnessinthiswisetoactTowardyoursovereignlordandemperor,Beseemsnotustoexpoundorcriticise.TheSwedeisfightingforhisgoodoldcause,Withhisgoodswordandconscience.Thisconcurrence,Thisopportunityisinourfavor,Andalladvantagesinwararelawful.Wetakewhatofferswithoutquestioning;Andifallhaveitsdueandjustproportions----
WALLENSTEIN.Ofwhatthenareyedoubting?Ofmywill?Orofmypower?Ipledgedmetothechancellor,Wouldhetrustmewithsixteenthousandmen,ThatIwouldinstantlygoovertothem
Witheighteenthousandoftheemperor'stroops.
WRANGEL.Yourgraceisknowntobeamightywar-chief,TobeasecondAttilaandPyrrhus.'Tistalkedofstillwithfreshastonishment,Howsomeyearspast,beyondallhumanfaith,Youcalledanarmyforthlikeacreation:Butyet----
WALLENSTEIN.Butyet?
WRANGEL.ButstillthechancellorthinksItmightyetbeaneasierthingfromnothingTocallforthsixtythousandmenofbattle,Thantopersuadeone-sixtiethpartofthem----
WALLENSTEIN.Whatnow?Outwithit,friend?
WRANGEL.Tobreaktheiroaths.
WALLENSTEIN.
Andhethinksso?HejudgeslikeaSwede,AndlikeaProtestant.YouLutheransFightforyourBible.YouareinterestedAboutthecause;andwithyourheartsyoufollowYourbanners.Amongyouwhoe'erdesertsTotheenemyhathbrokencovenantWithtwolordsatonetime.We'venosuchfancies.
WRANGEL.GreatGodinheaven!Havethenthepeoplehere
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Nohouseandhome,nofireside,noaltar?
WALLENSTEIN.Iwillexplainthattoyou,howitstands:TheAustrianhasacountry,ay,andlovesit,Andhasgoodcausetoloveit--butthisarmyThatcallsitselftheimperial,thisthathousesHereinBohemia,thishasnone--nocountry;Thisisanoutcastofallforeignlands,Unclaimedbytownortribe,towhombelongsNothingexcepttheuniversalsun.AndthisBohemianlandforwhichwefightLovesnotthemasterwhomthechanceofwar,Notitsownchoiceorwill,hathgiventoit.Menmurmurattheoppressionoftheirconscience,Andpowerhathonlyawedbutnotappeasedthem.AglowingandavengingmemorylivesOfcrueldeedscommittedontheseplains;HowcanthesonforgetthatherehisfatherWashuntedbythebloodhoundtothemass?Apeoplethusoppressedmuststillbefeared,Whethertheysufferoravengetheirwrongs.
WRANGEL.
Butthenthenoblesandtheofficers?Suchadesertion,suchafelony,Itiswithoutexample,mylordduke,Intheworld'shistory.
WALLENSTEIN.Theyareallmine--Mineunconditionally--mineonallterms.Notme,yourowneyesyoumusttrust.
[Hegiveshimthepapercontainingthewrittenoath.WRANGELreadsitthrough,and,havingreadit,laysitonthetable,--remainingsilent.
Sothen;Nowcomprehendyou?
WRANGEL.Comprehendwhocan!Mylordduke,Iwillletthemaskdrop--yes!I'vefullpowersforafinalsettlement.TheRhinegravestandsbutfourdays'marchfromhereWithfifteenthousandmen,andonlywaitsFororderstoproceedandjoinyourarmy.TheseordersIgiveoutimmediatelyWe'recompromised.
WALLENSTEIN.Whatasksthechancellor?
WRANGEL(considerately).Twelveregiments,everymanaSwede--myheadThewarranty--andallmightproveatlastOnlyfalseplay----
WALLENSTEIN(starting).
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SirSwede!
WRANGEL(calmlyproceeding).AmthereforeforcedToinsistthereon,thathedoformally,Irrevocablybreakwiththeemperor,ElsenotaSwedeistrustedtoDukeFriedland.
WALLENSTEIN.Come,briefandopen!Whatisthedemand?
WRANGEL.ThatheforthwithdisarmtheSpanishregimentsAttachedtotheemperor,thatheseizeonPrague,AndtotheSwedesgiveupthatcity,withThestrongpassEgra.
WALLENSTEIN.Thatismuchindeed!Prague!--Egra'sgranted--but--butPrague!'Twon'tdo.IgiveyoueverysecurityWhichyoumayaskofmeincommonreason--ButPrague--Bohemia--these,sirgeneral,Icanmyselfprotect.
WRANGEL.Wedoubtitnot.But'tisnottheprotectionthatisnowOursoleconcern.Wewantsecurity,ThatweshallnotexpendourmenandmoneyAlltonopurpose.
WALLENSTEIN.'Tisbutreasonable.
WRANGEL.Andtillweareindemnified,solong
StaysPragueinpledge.
WALLENSTEIN.Thentrustyouussolittle?
WRANGEL(rising).TheSwede,ifhewouldtreatwellwiththeGerman,Mustkeepasharplookout.WehavebeencalledOvertheBaltic,wehavesavedtheempireFromruin--withourbestbloodhavewesealedThelibertyoffaithandgospeltruth.ButnowalreadyisthebenefactionNolongerfelt,theloadaloneisfelt.
Yelookaskancewithevileyeuponus,Asforeigners,intrudersintheempire,AndwouldfainsenduswithsomepaltrysumOfmoney,homeagaintoouroldforests.No,no!mylordduke!itneverwasForJudas'pay,forchinkinggoldandsilver,ThatwedidleaveourkingbytheGreatStone.[1]No,notforgoldandsilverhavetherebledSomanyofourSwedishnobles--neitherWillwe,withemptylaurelsforourpayment,
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Hoistsailforourowncountry.CitizensWillweremainuponthesoil,thewhichOurmonarchconqueredforhimselfanddied.
WALLENSTEIN.Helptokeepdownthecommonenemy,Andthefairborderlandmustneedsbeyours.
WRANGEL.Butwhenthecommonenemyliesvanquished,Whoknitstogetherournewfriendshipthen?Weknow,DukeFriedland!thoughperhapstheSwedeOughtnottohaveknownit,thatyoucarryonSecretnegotiationswiththeSaxons.WhoisourwarrantythatwearenotThesacrificesinthosearticlesWhich'tisthoughtneedfultoconcealfromus?
WALLENSTEIN(rises).Thinkyouofsomethingbetter,GustaveWrangel!OfPraguenomore.
WRANGEL.Heremycommissionends.
WALLENSTEIN.Surrenderuptoyoumycapital!FarlieverwouldIforceabout,andstepBacktomyemperor.
WRANGEL.Iftimeyetpermits----
WALLENSTEIN.Thatlieswithme,evennow,atanyhour.
WRANGEL.
Somedaysago,perhaps.To-day,nolonger;NolongersinceSesina'sbeenaprisoner.[WALLENSTEINisstruck,andsilenced.Mylordduke,hearme--webelievethatyouAtpresentdomeanhonorablybyus.Sinceyesterdaywe'resureofthat--andnowThispaperwarrantsforthetroops,there'snothingStandsinthewayofourfullconfidence.Pragueshallnotpartus.Hear!ThechancellorContentshimselfwithAlstadt;toyourgraceHegivesupRatschinandthenarrowside.ButEgraaboveallmustopentous,Erewecanthinkofanyjunction.
WALLENSTEIN.You,YouthereforemustItrust,andnotyoume?Iwillconsiderofyourproposition.
WRANGEL.ImustentreatthatyourconsiderationOccupynottoolongatime.AlreadyHasthisnegotiation,mylordduke!
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Creptonintothesecondyear.IfnothingIssettledthistime,willthechancellorConsideritasbrokenoffforever?
WALLENSTEIN.Yepressmehard.AmeasuresuchasthisOughttobethoughtof.
WRANGEL.Ay!butthinkofthistoo,Thatsuddenactiononlycanprocureit.Success--thinkfirstofthis,yourhighness.
[ExitWRANGEL.
SCENEVI.
WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY,andILLO(re-enter).
ILLO.Is'tallright?
TERZKY.Areyoucompromised?
ILLO.ThisSwedeWentsmilingfromyou.Yes!you'recompromised.
WALLENSTEIN.Asyetisnothingsettled;and(wellweighed)Ifeelmyselfinclinedtoleaveitso.
TERZKY.How?Whatisthat?
WALLENSTEIN.Comeonmewhatwillcome,ThedoingeviltoavoidanevilCannotbegood!
TERZKY.Nay,butbethinkyou,duke.
WALLENSTEIN.ToliveuponthemercyoftheseSwedes!Oftheseproud-heartedSwedes!--Icouldnotbearit.
ILLO.Goestthouasfugitive,asmendicant?Bringestthounotmoretothemthanthoureceivest?
WALLENSTEIN.HowfareditwiththebraveandroyalBourbonWhosoldhimselfuntohiscountry'sfoes,Andpiercedthebosomofhisfather-land?Curseswerehisreward,andmen'sabhorrenceAvengedtheunnaturalandrevoltingdeed.
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ILLO.Isthatthycase?
WALLENSTEIN.Truefaith,Itellthee,MusteverbethedearestfriendofmanHisnaturepromptshimtoassertitsrights.Theenmityofsects,therageofparties,Long-cherishedenvy,jealousy,unite;'AndallthestrugglingelementsofevilSuspendtheirconflict,andtogetherleagueInonealliance'gainsttheircommonfoe--Thesavagebeastthatbreaksintothefold,Wheremenreposeinconfidenceandpeace.Forvainwereman'sownprudencetoprotecthim.'TisonlyintheforeheadnatureplantsThewatchfuleye;theback,withoutdefence,Mustfinditsshieldinman'sfidelity.
TERZKY.ThinknotmoremeanlyoffthyselfthandoThyfoes,whostretchtheirhandswithjoytogreetthee.LessscrupulousfarwastheimperialCharles,
Thepowerfulheadofthisillustrioushouse;WithopenarmshegavetheBourbonwelcome;Forstillbypolicytheworldisruled.
SCENEVII.
TotheseentertheCOUNTESSTERZKY.
WALLENSTEIN.Whosentforyou?ThereisnobusinesshereForwomen.
COUNTESSIamcometobidyoujoy.
WALLENSTEIN.Usethyauthority,Terzky;bidhergo.
COUNTESS.ComeIperhapstooearly?Ihopenot.
WALLENSTEIN.Setnotthistongueuponme,Ientreatyou:Youknowitistheweaponthatdestroysme.
Iamrouted,ifawomanbutattackme:IcannottrafficinthetradeofwordsWiththatunreasoningsex.
COUNTESS.IhadalreadyGiventheBohemiansaking.
WALLENSTEIN(sarcastically).Theyhaveone,
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Inconsequence,nodoubt.
COUNTESS(totheothers).Ha!whatnewscruple?
TERZKY.Thedukewillnot.
COUNTESS.Hewillnotwhathemust!
ILLO.Itlieswithyounow.Try.ForIamsilencedWhenfolksbegintotalktomeofconscienceAndoffidelity.
COUNTESS.How?then,whenallLayinthefar-offdistance,whentheroadStretchedoutbeforethineeyesinterminably,Thenhadstthoucourageandresolve;andnow,Nowthatthedreamisbeingrealized,Thepurposeripe,theissueascertained,Dostthoubegintoplaythedastardnow?
Plannedmerely,'tisacommonfelony;Accomplished,animmortalundertaking:Andwithsuccesscomespardonhandinhand,ForalleventisGod'sarbitrament.
SERVANT(enters).TheColonelPiccolomini.
COUNTESS(hastily).--Mustwait.
WALLENSTEIN.Icannotseehimnow.Anothertime.
SERVANT.ButfortwominutesheentreatsanaudienceOfthemosturgentnatureishisbusiness.
WALLENSTEIN.Whoknowswhathemaybringus!Iwillhearhim.
COUNTESS(laughs).Urgentforhim,nodoubt?butthoumay'stwait.
WALLENSTEIN.Whatisit?
COUNTESS.Thoushaltbeinformedhereafter.FirstlettheSwedeandtheebecompromised.
[ExitSERVANT.
WALLENSTEIN.Iftherewereyetachoice!ifyetsomemilderWayofescapewerepossible--Istill
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Willchooseit,andavoidthelastextreme.
COUNTESS.Desirestthounothingfurther?SuchawayLiesstillbeforethee.SendthisWrangeloff.Forgetthouthyoldhopes,castfarawayAllthypastlife;determinetocommenceAnewone.Virtuehathherheroestoo,Aswellasfameandfortune.ToViennaHence--totheemperor--kneelbeforethethrone;Takeafullcofferwiththee--sayaloud,Thoudidstbutwishtoprovethyfealty;ThywholeintentionbuttodupetheSwede.
ILLO.Forthattoo'tistoolate.Theyknowtoomuch;Hewouldbutbearhisownheadtotheblock.
COUNTESS.Ifearnotthat.TheyhavenotevidenceToattainthimlegally,andtheyavoidTheavowalofanarbitrarypower.They'llletthedukeresignwithoutdisturbance.Iseehowallwillend.TheKingofHungary
Makeshisappearance,and'twillofitselfBeunderstood,andthenthedukeretires.Therewillnotwantaformaldeclaration.TheyoungkingwilladministertheoathTothewholearmy;andsoallreturnsTotheoldposition.OnsomemorrowmorningThedukedeparts;andnow'tisstirandbustleWithinhiscastles.Hewillhuntandbuild;Superintendhishorses'pedigrees,Createshimselfacourt,givesgoldenkeys,AndintroducethstrictestceremonyInfineproportions,andniceetiquette;Keepsopentablewithhighcheer:inbrief,
Commencethmightyking--inminiature.Andwhileheprudentlydemeanshimself,Andgiveshimselfnoactualimportance,Hewillbeletappearwhate'erhelikes:Andwhodaresdoubt,thatFriedlandwillappearAmightyprincetohislastdyinghour?Wellnow,whatthen?DukeFriedlandisasothers,Afire-newnoble,whomthewarhathraisedTopriceandcurrency,aJonah'sgourd,Anover-nightcreationofcourt-favor,Which,withanundistinguishableease,Makesbaronormakesprince.
WALLENSTEIN(inextremeagitation).Takeheraway.LetintheyoungCountPiccolomini.
COUNTESS.Artthouinearnest?Ientreatthee!Canstthouconsenttobearthyselftothyowngrave,Soignominiouslytobedriedup?Thylife,thatarrogatedsuchanheightToendinsuchanothing!Tobenothing,
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Whenonewasalwaysnothing,isanevilThatasksnostretchofpatience,alightevil;Buttobecomeanothing,havingbeen----
WALLENSTEIN(startsupinviolentagitation).Showmeawayoutofthisstiflingcrowd,Yepowersofaidance!ShowmesuchawayAsIamcapableofgoing.IAmnotongue-hero,nofinevirtue-prattler;Icannotwarmbythinking;cannotsayTothegoodluckthatturnsherbackuponmeMagnanimously:"Go;Ineedtheenot."CeaseItowork,Iamannihilated.DangersnorsacrificeswillIshun,IfsoImayavoidthelastextreme;ButereIsinkdownintonothingness,Leaveoffsolittle,whobegansogreat,ErethattheworldconfusesmewiththosePoorwretches,whomadaycreatesandcrumbles,Thisageandafterages[2]speakmynameWithhateanddread;andFriedlandberedemptionForeachaccurseddeed.
COUNTESS.
Whatistherehere,then,Soagainstnature?Helpmetoperceiveit!Oh,letnotsuperstition'snightlygoblinsSubduethyclear,brightspirit!ArtthoubidTomurder?withabhorred,accursedponiard,Toviolatethebreaststhatnourishedthee?Thatwereagainstournature,thatmightaptlyMakethyfleshshudder,andthywholeheartsicken.[3]Yetnotafew,andforameanerobject,Haveventuredeventhis,ay,andperformedit.Whatisthereinthycasesoblackandmonstrous?Thouartaccusedoftreason--whetherwithOrwithoutjusticeisnotnowthequestion--
ThouartlostifthoudostnotavailtheequicklyOfthepowerwhichthoupossessest--Friedland!Duke!Tellmewherelivesthatthingsomeekandtame,ThatdothnotallhislivingfacultiesPutforthinpreservationofhislife?Whatdeedsodaring,whichnecessityAnddesperationwillnotsanctify?
WALLENSTEIN.OncewasthisFerdinandsogracioustome;Helovedme;heesteemedme;IwasplacedThenearesttohisheart.FullmanyatimeWelikefamiliarfriends,bothatonetable,
Havebanquetedtogether--heandI;AndtheyoungkingsthemselvesheldmethebasinWherewithtowashme--andis'tcometothis?
COUNTESS.Sofaithfullypreservestthoueachsmallfavor,Andhastnomemoryforcontumelies?MustIremindthee,howatRegensburgThismanrepaidthyfaithfulservices?Allranksandallconditionsintheempire
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Thouhadstwrongedtomakehimgreat,--hadstloadedonthee,Onthee,thehate,thecurseofthewholeworld.NofriendexistedfortheeinallGermany,Andwhy?becausethouhadstexistedonlyFortheemperor.TotheemperoraloneClungFriedlandinthatstormwhichgatheredroundhimAtRegensburgintheDiet--andhedroppedthee!Helettheefall!helettheefallavictimTotheBavarian,tothatinsolent!Deposed,strippedbareofallthydignityAndpower,amidthetauntingofthyfoeThouwertletdropintoobscurity.Saynot,therestorationofthyhonorHasmadeatonementforthatfirstinjustice.Nohonestgood-willwasitthatreplacedthee;Thelawofhardnecessityreplacedthee,Whichtheyhadfainopposed,butthattheycouldnot.
WALLENSTEIN.Nottotheirgoodwishes,thatiscertain,NoryettohisaffectionI'mindebtedForthishighoffice;andifIabuseit,Ishallthereinabusenoconfidence.
COUNTESS.Affection!confidence!--theyneededthee.Necessity,impetuousremonstrant!Whonotwithemptynames,orshowsofproxy,Isserved,who'llhavethethingandnotthesymbol,Everseeksoutthegreatestandthebest,Andattherudderplaceshim,e'enthoughShehadbeenforcedtotakehimfromtherabble--She,thisnecessity,itwasthatplacedtheeInthishighoffice;itwasshethatgavetheeThyletters-patentofinauguration.For,totheuttermostmomentthattheycan,Thisracestillhelpthemselvesatcheapestrate
Withslavishsouls,withpuppets!AttheapproachOfextremeperil,whenahollowimageIsfoundahollowimageandnomore,ThenfallsthepowerintothemightyhandsOfnature,ofthespirit-giantborn,Wholistensonlytohimself,knowsnothingOfstipulations,duties,reverences,And,liketheemancipatedforceoffire,Unmasteredscorches,ereitreachesthem,Theirfine-spunwebs,theirartificialpolicy.
WALLENSTEIN.'Tistrue!theysawmealwaysasIam--
Always!Ididnotcheattheminthebargain.IneverhelditworthmypainstohideTheboldall-graspinghabitofmysoul.
COUNTESS.Nayrather--thouhastevershownthyselfAformidableman,withoutrestraint;HastexercisedthefullprerogativesOfthyimpetuousnature,whichhadbeenOncegrantedtothee.Therefore,duke,notthou,
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Whohaststillremainedconsistentwiththyself,Buttheyareinthewrong,who,fearingthee,Intrustedsuchapowerinhandstheyfeared.For,bythelawsofspirit,intherightIseveryindividualcharacterThatactsinstrictconsistencewithitself:Self-contradictionistheonlywrong.Wertthouanotherbeing,then,whenthouEightyearsagopursuedstthymarchwithfire,Andsword,anddesolation,throughthecirclesOfGermany,theuniversalscourge,Didstmockallordinancesoftheempire,Thefearfulrightsofstrengthaloneexertedst,Trampledsttoeartheachrank,eachmagistracy,AlltoextendthySultan'sdomination?Thenwasthetimetobreaktheein,tocurbThyhaughtywill,toteachtheeordinance.Butno,theemperorfeltnotouchofconscience;Whatservedhimpleasedhim,andwithoutamurmurHestampedhisbroadsealontheselawlessdeeds.Whatatthattimewasright,becausethoudidstitForhim,to-dayisallatoncebecomeOpprobrious,foul,becauseitisdirectedAgainsthim.Omostflimsysuperstition!
WALLENSTEIN(rising).Ineversawitinthislightbefore,'Tisevenso.TheemperorperpetratedDeedsthroughmyarm,deedsmostunorderly.Andeventhisprince'smantle,whichIwear,Iowetowhatwereservicestohim,Butmosthighmisdemeanors'gainsttheempire.
COUNTESS.Thenbetwixttheeandhim(confessit,Friedland!)Thepointcanbenomoreofrightandduty,Onlyofpowerandtheopportunity.
Thatopportunity,lo!itcomesyonderApproachingwithswiftsteeds;thenwithaswingThrowthyselfupintothechariot-seat,SeizewithfirmhandthereinserethyopponentAnticipatethee,andhimselfmakeconquestOfthenowemptyseat.Themomentcomes;Itisalreadyhere,whenthoumustwriteTheabsolutetotalofthylife'svastsum.Theconstellationsstandvictoriouso'erthee,Theplanetsshootgoodfortuneinfairjunctions,Andtellthee,"Now'sthetime!"ThestarrycoursesHastthouthylife-longmeasuredtonopurpose?Thequadrantandthecircle,weretheyplaythings?
[Pointingtothedifferentobjectsintheroom.
Thezodiacs,therollingorbsofheaven,Hastpicturedonthesewallsandallaroundthee.Indumb,forebodingsymbolshastthouplacedThesesevenpresidinglordsofdestiny--Fortoys?Isallthispreparationnothing?Istherenomarrowinthishollowart,Thateventothyselfitdothavail
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Nothing,andhasnoinfluenceovertheeInthegreatmomentofdecision?
WALLENSTEIN(duringthislastspeechwalksupanddownwithinwardstruggles,laboringwithpassion;stopssuddenly,standsstill,theninterruptingtheCOUNTESS).SendWrangeltome--IwillinstantlyDespatchthreecouriers----
ILLO(hurryingout).Godinheavenbepraised!
WALLENSTEIN.Itishisevilgeniusandmine.Ourevilgenius!ItchastiseshimThroughme,theinstrumentofhisambition;AndIexpectnoless,thanthatrevengeE'ennowiswhettingformybreastthepoinard.Whosowstheserpent'steethlethimnothopeToreapajoyousharvest.EverycrimeHas,inthemomentofitsperpetration,Itsownavengingangel--darkmisgiving,Anominoussinkingattheinmostheart.Hecannolongertrustme.Thennolonger
CanIretreat--socomethatwhichmustcome.Stilldestinypreservesitsduerelations,TheheartwithinusisitsabsoluteVicegerent.[ToTERZKY.Go,conductyouGustaveWrangelTomystatecabinet.MyselfwillspeaktoThecouriers.AnddespatchimmediatelyAservantforOctavioPiccolomini.
[TotheCOUNTESS,whocannotconcealhertriumph.
Noexultation!woman,triumphnot!Forjealousarethepowersofdestiny,
Joypremature,andshoutserevictory,Encroachupontheirrightsandprivileges.Wesowtheseed,andtheythegrowthdetermine.
[Whileheismakinghisexitthecurtaindrops.
ACTII.
SCENEI.
SceneasintheprecedingAct.
WALLENSTEIN,OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI.
WALLENSTEIN(comingforwardinconversation).HesendsmewordfromLinzthatheliessick;ButIhavesureintelligencethatheSecreteshimselfatFrauenbergwithGallas.Securethemboth,andsendthemtomehither.Remember,thoutakestontheethecommand
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OfthosesameSpanishregiments,--constantlyMakepreparation,andbeneverready;Andiftheyurgetheetodrawoutagainstme,Stillansweryes,andstandasthouwentfettered.Iknow,thatitisdoingtheeaserviceTokeeptheeoutofactioninthisbusiness.Thoulovesttolingeroninfairappearances;Stepsofextremityarenotthyprovince,ThereforehaveIsoughtoutthispartforthee.ThouwiltthistimebeofmostservicetomeBythyinertness.Themeantime,iffortuneDeclareitselfonmyside,thouwiltknowWhatistodo.
[EnterMAX.PICCOLOMINI.
Nowgo,Octavio.Thisnightmustthoubeoff,takemyownhorsesHimhereIkeepwithme--makeshortfarewell--Trustme,IthinkweallshallmeetagainInjoyandthrivingfortunes.
OCTAVIO(tohisson).Ishallseeyou
YetereIgo.
SCENEII.
WALLENSTEIN,MAX.PICCOLOMINI.
MAX.(advancestohim).Mygeneral!
WALLENSTEIN.ThatIamnolonger,if
Thoustylestthyselftheemperor'sofficer.
MAX.Thenthouwiltleavethearmy,general?
WALLENSTEIN.Ihaverenouncedtheserviceoftheemperor.
MAX.Andthouwiltleavethearmy?
WALLENSTEIN.RatherhopeI
Tobinditnearerstillandfastertome.[Heseatshimself.Yes,Max.,Ihavedelayedtoopenittothee,Eventillthehourofacting'ginstostrike.Youth'sfortunatefeelingdothseizeeasilyTheabsoluteright,yea,andajoyitisToexercisethesingleapprehensionWherethesumssquareinproof;Butwhereithappens,thatoftwosureevilsOnemustbetaken,wheretheheartnotwholly
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Bringsitselfbackfromoutthestrifeofduties,There'tisablessingtohavenoelection,Andblanknecessityisgraceandfavor.Thisisnowpresent:donotlookbehindthee,--Itcannomoreavailthee.Lookthouforwards!Thinknot!judgenot!preparethyselftoact!Thecourt--ithathdeterminedonmyruin,ThereforeIwillbebeforehandwiththem.We'lljointheSwedes--rightgallantfellowsarethey,Andourgoodfriends.[Hestopshimself,expectingPICCOLOMINI'sanswer.Ihavetakentheebysurprise.Answermenot:Igranttheetimetorecollectthyself.
[Herises,retirestothebackofthestage.MAX.remainsforalongtimemotionless,inatranceofexcessiveanguish.AthisfirstmotionWALLENSTEINreturns,andplaceshimselfbeforehim.
MAX.Mygeneral,thisdaythoumakestmeOfagetospeakinmyownrightandperson,FortillthisdayIhavebeensparedthetroubleTofindoutmyownroad.TheehaveIfollowed
Withmostimplicit,unconditionalfaith,SureoftherightpathifIfollowedthee.To-day,forthefirsttime,dostthoureferMetomyself,andforcestmetomakeElectionbetweentheeandmyownheart.
WALLENSTEIN.Softcradledtheethyfortunetillto-day;Thydutiesthoucouldstexerciseinsport,Indulgealllovelyinstincts,actforeverWithundividedheart.ItcanremainNolongerthus.Likeenemies,theroadsStartfromeachother.Dutiesstrivewithduties,
ThoumustneedschoosethypartyinthewarWhichisnowkindling'twixtthyfriendandhimWhoisthyemperor.
MAX.War!isthatthename?Warisasfrightfulasheaven'spestilence,Yetitisgood,isitheaven'swillasthatis.Isthatagoodwar,whichagainsttheemperorThouwagestwiththeemperor'sownarmy?OGodofheaven!whatachangeisthis.BeseemsitmetooffersuchpersuasionTothee,wholikethefixedstarofthepole
WertallIgazedatonlife'stracklessocean?O!whatarentthoumakestinmyheart!Theingrainedinstinctofoldreverence,Theholyhabitofobediency,MustIplucklifeasunderfromthyname?Nay,donotturnthycountenanceuponme--Italwayswasasagodlookinguponme!DukeWallenstein,itspowerhasnotdeparted;Thesensesstillareinthybonds,althoughBleeding,thesoulhathfreeditself.
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WALLENSTEIN.Max.,hearme.
MAX.Oh,doitnot,Ipraythee,doitnot!Thereisapureandnoblesoulwithinthee,Knowsnotofthisunblestunluckydoing.Thywillischaste,itisthyfancyonlyWhichhathpollutedthee--andinnocence,ItwillnotletitselfbedrivenawayFromthatworld-awingaspect.Thouwiltnot,Thoucanstnotendinthis.ItwouldreduceAllhumancreaturestodisloyaltyAgainstthenoblenessoftheirownnature.'Twilljustifythevulgarmisbelief,Whichholdethnothingnobleinfreewill,Andtrustsitselftoimpotencealone,Madepowerfulonlyinanunknownpower.
WALLENSTEIN.Theworldwilljudgemeharshly,Iexpectit.AlreadyhaveIsaidtomyownselfAllthoucanstsaytome.Whobutavoids
Theextreme,canhebygoingroundavoidit?Butherethereisnochoice.Yes,ImustuseOrsufferviolence--sostandsthecase,Thereremainsnothingpossiblebutthat.
MAX.Oh,thatisneverpossibleforthee!'TisthelastdesperateresourceofthoseCheapsouls,towhomtheirhonor,theirgoodname,Istheirpoorsaving,theirlastworthlesskeep,Which,havingstakedandlost,theystakedthemselvesInthemadrageofgaming.ThouartrichAndglorious;withanunpollutedheart
Thoucanstmakeconquestofwhate'erseemshighest!ButhewhooncehathactedinfamyDoesnothingmoreinthisworld.
WALLENSTEIN(graspshishand).Calmly,Max.!MuchthatisgreatandexcellentwillwePerformtogetheryet.AndifweonlyStandontheheightwithdignity,'tissoonForgotten,Max.,bywhatroadweascended.Believeme,manyacrownshinesspotlessnow,Thatyetwasdeeplysulliedinthewinning.Totheevilspiritdoththeearthbelong,
Nottothegood.AllthatthepowersdivineSendfromaboveareuniversalblessingsTheirlightrejoicesus,theirairrefreshes,Butneveryetwasmanenrichedbythem:IntheireternalrealmnopropertyIstobestruggledfor--allthereisgeneral.Thejewel,theall-valuedgoldwewinFromthedeceivingpowers,depravedinnature,Thatdwellbeneaththedayandblessedsunlight.Notwithoutsacrificesaretheyrendered
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Propitious,andtherelivesnosoulonearthThate'erretiredunsulliedfromtheirservice.
MAX.Whate'erishumantothehumanbeingDoIallow--andtothevehementAndstrivingspiritreadilyIpardonTheexcessofaction;buttothee,mygeneral!AboveallothersmakeIlargeconcession.Forthoumustmoveaworldandbethemaster--Hekillstheewhocondemnstheetoinaction.Sobeitthen!maintaintheeinthypostByviolence.Resisttheemperor,Andifitmustbeforcewithforcerepel;Iwillnotpraiseit,yetIcanforgiveit.Butnot--nottothetraitor--yes!thewordIsspokenout--NottothetraitorcanIyieldapardon.Thatisnomereexcess!thatisnoerrorOfhumannature--thatiswhollydifferent,Oh,thatisblack,blackasthepitofhell![WALLENSTEINbetraysasuddenagitation.Thoucanstnothearitnamed,andwiltthoudoit?Oturnbacktothyduty.Thatthoucanst,
Iholditcertain.SendmetoVienna;I'llmakethypeacefortheewiththeemperor.Heknowstheenot.ButIdoknowthee.HeShallseethee,duke!withmyuncloudedeye,AndIbringbackhisconfidencetothee.
WALLENSTEIN.Itistoolate!Thouknowestnotwhathashappened.
MAX.Wereittoolate,andwerethingsgonesofar,Thatacrimeonlycouldpreventthyfall,Then--fall!fallhonorably,evenasthoustoodest,
Losethecommand.Gofromthestageofwar!Thoucanstwithsplendordoit--doittooWithinnocence.Thouhastlivedmuchforothers,Atlengthlivethouforthyownself.Ifollowthee.MydestinyIneverpartfromthine.
WALLENSTEIN.Itistoolate!Evennow,whilethouartlosingThywords,oneafteranother,arethemile-stonesLeftfastbehindbymypostcouriers,WhobeartheorderontoPragueandEgra.
[MAX.standsasconvulsed,withagestureandcountenance
expressingthemostintenseanguish.
Yieldthyselftoit.Weactasweareforced.IcannotgiveassenttomyownshameAndruin.Thou--no--thoucanstnotforsakeme!Soletusdo,whatmustbedone,withdignity,Withafirmstep.WhatamIdoingworseThandidfamedCaesarattheRubicon,Whenhethelegionsledagainsthiscountry,Thewhichhiscountryhaddeliveredtohim?
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Hadhethrowndownthesword,hehadbeenlost.AsIwere,ifIbutdisarmedmyself.Itraceoutsomethinginmeofthisspirit.Givemehisluck,thatotherthingI'llbear.
[MAX.quitshimabruptly.WALLENSTEINstartledandoverpowered,continueslookingafterhim,andisstillinthisposturewhenTERZKYenters.
SCENEIII.
WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY.
TERZKY.Max.Piccolominijustleftyou?
WALLENSTEIN.WhereisWrangel?
TERZKY.Heisalreadygone.
WALLENSTEIN.Insuchahurry?
TERZKY.Itisasiftheearthhadswallowedhim.Hehadscarceleftthee,whenIwenttoseekhim.Iwishedsomewordswithhim--buthewasgone.How,when,andwhere,couldnoonetellme.Nay,Ihalfbelieveitwasthedevilhimself;AhumancreaturecouldnotsoatonceHavevanished.
ILLO(enters).
IsittruethatthouwiltsendOctavio?
TERZKY.How,Octavio!Whithersendhim?
WALLENSTEIN.HegoestoFrauenberg,andwillleadhitherTheSpanishandItalianregiments.
ILLO.No!Nay,heavenforbid!
WALLENSTEIN.Andwhyshouldheavenforbid?
ILLO.Him!--thatdeceiver!WouldstthoutrusttohimThesoldiery?Himwiltthouletslipfromthee,Nowintheveryinstantthatdecidesus----
TERZKY.
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Thouwiltnotdothis!No!Ipraythee,no!
WALLENSTEIN.Yearewhimsical.
ILLO.Obutforthistime,duke,Yieldtoourwarning!Lethimnotdepart.
WALLENSTEIN.AndwhyshouldInottrusthimonlythistime,Whohavealwaystrustedhim?What,then,hashappenedThatIshouldlosemygoodopinionofhim?Incomplaisancetoyourwhims,notmyown,Imust,forsooth,giveuparootedjudgment.ThinknotIamawoman.HavingtrustedhimE'entillto-day,to-daytoowillItrusthim.
TERZKY.Mustitbehe--heonly?Sendanother.
WALLENSTEIN.Itmustbehe,whomImyselfhavechosen;Heiswellfittedforthebusiness.
ThereforeIgaveithim.
ILLO.Becausehe'sanItalian--Thereforeishewellfittedforthebusiness!
WALLENSTEIN.Iknowyoulovethemnot,norsirenorson,BecausethatIesteemthem,lovethem,visiblyEsteemthem,lovethemmorethanyouandothers,E'enastheymerit.Thereforearetheyeye-blights,Thornsinyourfootpath.Butyourjealousies,Inwhataffecttheymeormyconcerns?
Aretheytheworsetomebecauseyouhatethem?Loveorhateoneanotherasyouwill,Ileavetoeachmanhisownmoodsandlikings;Yetknowtheworthofeachofyoutome.
ILLO.VonQuestenberg,whilehewashere,wasalwaysLurkingaboutwiththisOctavio.
WALLENSTEIN.Ithappenedwithmyknowledgeandpermission.
ILLO.
IknowthatsecretmessengerscametohimFromGallas----
WALLENSTEIN.That'snottrue.
ILLO.Othouartblind,Withthydeep-seeingeyes!
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WALLENSTEIN.ThouwiltnotshakeMyfaithforme;myfaith,whichfoundsitselfOntheprofoundestscience.If'tisfalse,Thenthewholescienceofthestarsisfalse;Forknow,IhaveapledgefromFateitself,Thatheisthemostfaithfulofmyfriends.
ILLO.Hastthouapledgethatthispledgeisnotfalse?
WALLENSTEIN.Thereexistmomentsinthelifeofman,WhenheisnearerthegreatSouloftheworldThanisman'scustom,andpossessesfreelyThepowerofquestioninghisdestiny:Andsuchamoment'twas,wheninthenightBeforetheactionintheplainsofLuetzen,Leaningagainstatree,thoughtscrowdingthoughts,Ilookedoutfarupontheominousplain.Mywholelife,pastandfuture,inthismomentBeforemymind'seyeglidedinprocession,AndtothedestinyofthenextmorningThespirit,filledwithanxiouspresentiment,
Didknitthemostremovedfuturity.ThensaidIalsotomyself,"SomanyDostthoucommand.Theyfollowallthystars,AndasonsomegreatnumbersettheirallUponthysinglehead,andonlymanThevesselofthyfortune.YetadayWillcome,whendestinyshalloncemorescatterAlltheseinmanyaseveraldirection:Fewbetheywhowillstandoutfaithfultothee."IyearnedtoknowwhichonewasfaithfulestOfall,mycampincluded.Greatdestiny,Givemeasign!Andheshallbetheman,Who,ontheapproachingmorning,comesthefirst
Tomeetmewithatokenofhislove:Andthinkingthis,Ifellintoaslumber,ThenmidmostinthebattlewasIledInspirit.Greatthepressureandthetumult!Thenwasmyhorsekilledunderme:Isank;Andovermeaway,allunconcernedly,Drovehorseandrider--andthustrodtopiecesIlay,andpantedlikeadyingman;Thenseizedmesuddenlyasaviorarm;ItwasOctavio's--Iwokeatonce,'Twasbroadday,andOctaviostoodbeforeme."Mybrother,"saidhe,"donotrideto-dayThedapple,asyou'rewont;butmountthehorse
WhichIhavechosenforthee.Doit,brother!Inlovetome.Astrongdreamwarnedmeso."ItwastheswiftnessofthishorsethatsnatchedmeFromthehotpursuitofBannier'sdragoons.Mycousinrodethedappleonthatday,AndnevermoresawIorhorseorrider.
ILLO.Thatwasachance.
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'Twerebettertoomuchcautionthantoolittle.
SCENEV.
AchamberinPICCOLOMINI'sdwelling-house:OCTAVIO,PICCOLOMINI,ISOLANI,entering.
ISOLANI.HereamI--well!whocomesyetoftheothers?
OCTAVIO(withanairofmystery).But,first,awordwithyou,CountIsolani.
ISOLANI(assumingthesameairofmystery).Willitexplode,ha?IsthedukeaboutTomaketheattempt?Inme,friend,youmayplaceFullconfidence--nay,putmetotheproof.
OCTAVIO.Thatmayhappen.
ISOLANI.
Noblebrother,IamNotoneofthosemenwhoinwordsarevaliant,Andwhenitcomestoactionskulkaway.Thedukehasactedtowardsmeasafriend:Godknowsitisso;andIowehimall;Hemayrelyonmyfidelity.
OCTAVIO.Thatwillbeseenhereafter.
ISOLANI.Beonyourguard,AllthinknotasIthink;andtherearemany
Whostillholdwiththecourt--yes,andtheysayThatthesestolensignaturesbindthemtonothing.
OCTAVIO.Indeed!Praynametomethechiefsthatthinkso;
ISOLANI.Plagueuponthem!alltheGermansthinksoEsterhazy,Kaunitz,Deodati,too,Insistuponobediencetothecourt.
OCTAVIO.Iamrejoicedtohearit.
ISOLANI.Yourejoice?
OCTAVIO.Thattheemperorhasyetsuchgallantservants,Andlovingfriends.
ISOLANI.Nay,jeernot,Ientreatyou.
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Theyarenosuchworthlessfellows,Iassureyou.
OCTAVIO.Iamassuredalready.GodforbidThatIshouldjest!Inveryseriousearnest,IamrejoicedtoseeanhonestcauseSostrong.
ISOLANI.Thedevil!--what!--why,whatmeansthis?Areyounot,then----Forwhat,then,amIhere?
OCTAVIO.Thatyoumaymakefulldeclaration,whetherYouwillbecalledthefriendorenemyOftheemperor.
ISOLANI(withanairofdefiance).Thatdeclaration,friend,I'llmaketohiminwhomarightisplacedToputthatquestiontome.
OCTAVIO.Whether,count,
Thatrightismine,thispapermayinstructyou.
ISOLANI(stammering).Why,--why--what!thisistheemperor'shandandseal[Reads."WhereastheofficerscollectivelyThroughoutourarmywillobeytheordersOftheLieutenant-GeneralPiccolomini,Asfromourselves."--Hem!--Yes!so!--Yes!yes!I--Igiveyoujoy,lieutenant-general!
OCTAVIO.Andyousubmittotheorder?
ISOLANI.I--ButyouhavetakenmesobysurpriseTimeforreflectiononemusthave----
OCTAVIO.Twominutes.
ISOLANI.MyGod!Butthenthecaseis----
OCTAVIO.
Plainandsimple.Youmustdeclareyou,whetheryoudetermineToactatreason'gainstyourlordandsovereign,Orwhetheryouwillservehimfaithfully.
ISOLANI.Treason!MyGod!Butwhotalksthenoftreason?
OCTAVIO.Thatisthecase.Theprince-dukeisatraitor--
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MeanstoleadovertotheenemyTheemperor'sarmy.Now,count!briefandfull--Say,willyoubreakyouroathtotheemperor?Sellyourselftotheenemy?Say,willyou?
ISOLANI.Whatmeanyou?I--Ibreakmyoath,d'yesay,Tohisimperialmajesty?DidIsayso!When,whenhaveIsaidthat?
OCTAVIO.Youhavenotsaidityet--notyet.ThisinstantIwaittohear,count,whetheryouwillsayit.
ISOLANI.Ay!thatdelightsmenow,thatyouyourselfBearwitnessformethatIneversaidso.
OCTAVIO.Andyourenouncethedukethen?
ISOLANI.Ifhe'splanningTreason--why,treasonbreaksallbondsasunder.
OCTAVIO.Andaredetermined,too,tofightagainsthim?
ISOLANI.Hehasdonemeservice--butifhe'savillain,Perditionseizehim!Allscoresarerubbedoff.
OCTAVIO.Iamrejoicedthatyouaresowelldisposed.ThisnightbreakoffintheutmostsecrecyWithallthelight-armedtroops--itmustappearAscametheorderfromthedukehimself.
AtFrauenberg'stheplaceofrendezvous;TherewillCountGallasgiveyoufurtherorders.
ISOLANI.Itshallbedone.Butyou'llremembermeWiththeemperor--howwelldisposedyoufoundme.
OCTAVIO.Iwillnotfailtomentionithonorably.
[ExitISOLANI.ASERVANTenters.
What,ColonelButler!Showhimup.
ISOLANI(returning).Forgivemetoomybearishways,oldfather!LordGod!howshouldIknow,then,whatagreatPersonIhadbeforeme.
OCTAVIO.Noexcuses!
ISOLANI.
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Iamamerrylad,andifattimeArashwordmightescapeme'gainstthecourtAmidstmywine,--youknownoharmwasmeant.
OCTAVIO.Youneednotbeuneasyonthatscore.Thathassucceeded.FortunefavorusWithalltheothersonlybutasmuch.
[Exit.
SCENEVI.
OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI,BUTLER.
BUTLER.Atyourcommand,lieutenant-general.
OCTAVIO.Welcome,ashonoredfriendandvisitor.
BUTLER.
Youdometoomuchhonor.
OCTAVIO(afterbothhaveseatedthemselves)YouhavenotReturnedtheadvanceswhichImadeyouyesterday--Misunderstoodthemasmereemptyforms.Thatwishproceededfrommyheart--IwasInearnestwithyou--for'tisnowatimeInwhichthehonestshouldunitemostclosely.
BUTLER.'Tisonlythelike-mindedcanunite.
OCTAVIO.True!andInameallhonestmenlike-minded.IneverchargeamanbutwiththoseactsTowhichhischaracterdeliberatelyImpelshim;foralas!theviolenceOfblindmisunderstandingsoftenthrustsTheverybestofusfromtherighttrack.YoucamethroughFrauenberg.DidtheCountGallasSaynothingtoyou?Tellme.He'smyfriend.
BUTLER.Hiswordswerelostonme.
OCTAVIO.ItgrievesmesorelyTohearit:forhiscounselwasmostwise.Ihadmyselftheliketooffer.
BUTLER.SpareYourselfthetrouble--metheembarrassment.Tohavedeservedsoillyourgoodopinion.
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OCTAVIO.Thetimeisprecious--letustalkopenly.Youknowhowmattersstandhere.WallensteinMeditatestreason--Icantellyoufurther,Hehascommittedtreason;butfewhoursHavepastsinceheacovenantconcludedWiththeenemy.ThemessengersarenowFullontheirwaytoEgraandtoPrague.To-morrowheintendstoleadusoverTotheenemy.Buthedeceiveshimself;Forprudencewakes--theemperorhasstillManyandfaithfulfriendshere,andtheystandInclosestunion,mightythoughunseen.Thismanifestosentencestheduke--Recallstheobedienceofthearmyfromhim,Andsummonsalltheloyal,allthehonest,Tojoinandrecognizeinmetheirleader.Choose--willyousharewithusanhonestcause?Orwiththeevilshareanevillot?
BUTLER(rises).Hislotismine.
OCTAVIO.
Isthatyourlastresolve?
BUTLER.Itis.
OCTAVIO.Nay,butbethinkyou,ColonelButler.Asyetyouhavetime.WithinmyfaithfulbreastThatrashlyutteredwordremainsinterred.Recallit,Butler!chooseabetterparty;Youhavenotchosentherightone.
BUTLER(going).
AnyotherCommandsforme,lieutenant-general?
OCTAVIO.Seeyourwhitehairs;recallthatword!
BUTLER.Farewell!
OCTAVIO.What!WouldyoudrawthisgoodandgallantswordInsuchacause?IntoacursewouldyouTransformthegratitudewhichyouhaveearned
Byfortyyears'fidelityfromAustria?
BUTLER(laughingwithbitterness).GratitudefromtheHouseofAustria!
[Heisgoing.
OCTAVIO(permitshimtogoasfarasthedoor,thencallsafterhim).Butler!
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BUTLER.Whatwishyou?
OCTAVIO.Howwas'twiththecount?
BUTLER.Count?what?
OCTAVIO(coldly).Thetitlethatyouwished,Imean.
BUTLER(startsinsuddenpassion).Hellanddamnation!
OCTAVIO(coldly).Youpetitionedforit--Andyourpetitionwasrepelled--wasitso?
BUTLER.Yourinsolentscoffshallnotgobyunpunished.Draw!
OCTAVIO.
Nay!yourswordtoitssheath!andtellmecalmlyHowallthathappened.IwillnotrefuseyouYoursatisfactionafterwards.Calmly,Butler!
BUTLER.BethewholeworldacquaintedwiththeweaknessForwhichInevercanforgivemyself,Lieutenant-general!Yes;Ihaveambition.Ne'erwasIabletoendurecontempt.ItstungmetothequickthatbirthandtitleShouldhavemoreweightthanmerithasinthearmy.Iwouldfainnotbemeanerthanmyequal,SoinanevilhourIletmyself
Betemptedtothatmeasure.Itwasfolly!Butyetsohardapenanceitdeservednot.Itmighthavebeenrefused;butwhereforebarbAndvenomtherefusalwithcontempt?WhydashtoearthandcrushwithheaviestscornThegray-hairedman,thefaithfulveteran?WhytothebasenessofhisparentageReferhimwithsuchcruelroughness,onlyBecausehehadaweakhourandforgothimself?Butnaturegivesastinge'entothewormWhichwantonpowertreadsoninsportandinsult.
OCTAVIO.
Youmusthavebeencalumniated.GuessyouTheenemywhodidyouthisillservice?
BUTLER.Be'twhoitwill--amostlow-heartedscoundrel!Somevilecourt-minionmustitbe,someSpaniard;Someyoungsquireofsomeancientfamily,InwhoselightImaystand;someenviousknave,Stungtohissoulbymyfairself-earnedhonors!
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OCTAVIO.Buttellme,didthedukeapprovethatmeasure?
BUTLER.Himselfimpelledmetoit,usedhisinterestInmybehalfwithallthewarmthoffriendship.
OCTAVIO.Ay!areyousureofthat?
BUTLER.Ireadtheletter.
OCTAVIO.AndsodidI--butthecontentsweredifferent.[BUTLERissuddenlystruck.BychanceI'minpossessionofthatletter--Canleaveittoyourowneyestoconvinceyou.
[Hegiveshimtheletter.
BUTLER.Ha!whatisthis?
OCTAVIO.Ifearme,ColonelButler,Aninfamousgamehavetheybeenplayingwithyou.Theduke,yousay,impelledyoutothismeasure?Now,inthisletter,talksheincontemptConcerningyou;counselstheministerTogivesoundchastisementtoyourconceit,Forsohecallsit.
[BUTLERreadsthroughtheletter;hiskneestremble,heseizesachair,andsinksclowninit.
Youhavenoenemy,nopersecutor;
There'snoonewishesilltoyou.AscribeTheinsultyoureceivedtothedukeonly.Hisaimisclearandpalpable.HewishedTotearyoufromyouremperor:hehopedTogainfromyourrevengewhathewellknew(Whatyourlongtriedfidelityconvincedhim)Hene'ercoulddareexpectfromyourcalmreason.Ablindtoolwouldhemakeyou,incontemptUseyou,asmeansofmostabandonedends.Hehasgainedhispoint.ToowellhashesucceededInluringyouawayfromthatgoodpathOnwhichyouhadbeenjourneyingfortyyears!
BUTLER(hisvoicetrembling).Cane'ertheemperor'smajestyforgiveme?
OCTAVIO.Morethanforgiveyou.HewouldfaincompensateForthataffront,andmostunmeritedgrievanceSustainedbyadeservinggallantveteran.Fromhisfreeimpulseheconfirmsthepresent,Whichthedukemadeyouforawickedpurpose.Theregiment,whichyounowcommand,isyours.
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OCTAVIO.Ihavefullconfidenceinyou.ButtellmeWhatareyoubrooding?
BUTLER.Thatthedeedwilltellyou.Askmenomoreatpresent.Trustme.Yemaytrustsafely.BythelivingGod,Yegivehimover,nottohisgoodangel!Farewell.[ExitBUTLER.
SERVANT(enterswithabillet).Astrangerleftit,andisgone.Theprince-duke'shorseswaitforyoubelow.
[ExitSERVANT.
OCTAVIO(reads)."Besure,makehaste!YourfaithfulIsolani."--OthatIhadbutleftthistownbehindme.Tosplituponarocksonearthehaven!Away!Thisisnolongerasafeplace
Forme!Wherecanmysonbetarrying!
SCENEVII.
OCTAVIOandMAX.PICCOLOMINI.
MAX.entersalmostinastateofderangement,fromextremeagitation;hiseyesrollwildly,hiswalkisunsteady,andheappearsnottoobservehisfather,whostandsatadistance,andgazesathimwithacountenanceexpressiveofcompassion.Hepaceswithlongstridesthroughthechamber,thenstandsstill
again,andatlastthrowshimselfintoachair,staringvacantlyattheobjectdirectlybeforehim.
OCTAVIO(advancestohim).Iamgoingoff,myson.[Receivingnoanswer,hetakeshishandsMyson,farewell.
MAX.Farewell.
OCTAVIO.Thouwiltsoonfollowme?
MAX.Ifollowthee?Thywayiscrooked--itisnotmyway.[OCTAVIOdropshishandandstartsback.Oh,hadstthoubeenbutsimpleandsincere,Ne'erhaditcometothis--allhadstoodotherwise.Hehadnotdonethatfoulandhorribledeed,ThevirtuoushadretainedtheirinfluenceoverhimHehadnotfallenintothesnaresofvillains.
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Whereforesolikeathief,andthief'saccompliceDidstcreepbehindhimlurkingforthyprey!Oh,unblestfalsehood!Motherofallevil!Thoumisery-makingdemon,itisthouThatsinkestusinperdition.Simpletruth,Sustaineroftheworld,hadsavedusall!Father,Iwillnot,Icannotexcusethee!Wallensteinhasdeceivedme--oh,mostfoully!Butthouhasactednotmuchbetter.
OCTAVIO.SonMyson,ah!Iforgivethyagony!
MAX.(risesandcontemplateshisfatherwithlooksofsuspicion).Was'tpossible?hadstthoutheheart,myfather,Hadstthouthehearttodriveittosuchlengths,Withcoldpremeditatedpurpose?Thou--HadstthouthehearttowishtoseehimguiltyRatherthansaved?Thourisestbyhisfall.Octavio,'twillnotpleaseme.
OCTAVIO.Godinheaven!
MAX.Oh,woeisme!sureIhavechangedmynature.Howcomessuspicionhere--inthefreesoul?Hope,confidence,belief,aregone;forallLiedtome,allthatIe'erlovedorhonored.No,no!notall!She--sheyetlivesforme,Andsheistrue,andopenastheheavensDeceitiseverywhere,hypocrisy,Murder,andpoisoning,treason,perjury:Thesingleholyspotisourlove,Theonlyunprofanedinhumannature.
OCTAVIO.Max.!--wewillgotogether.'Twillbebetter.
MAX.What?ereI'vetakenalastpartingleave,Theverylast--no,never!
OCTAVIO.SparethyselfThepangofnecessaryseparation.Comewithme!Come,myson!
[Attemptstotakehimwithhim.
MAX.No!assureasGodlives,no!
OCTAVIO(moreurgently).Comewithme,Icommandthee!I,thyfather.
MAX.Commandmewhatishuman.Istayhere.
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OCTAVIO.Max.!intheemperor'snameIbidtheecome.
MAX.NoemperorhaspowertoprescribeLawstotheheart;andwouldstthouwishtorobmeOfthesoleblessingwhichmyfatehasleftme,Hersympathy?MustthenacrueldeedBedonewithcruelty?TheunalterableShallIperformignobly--stealaway,Withstealthycowardflightforsakeher?No!Sheshallbeholdmysuffering,mysoreanguish,Hearthecomplaintsofthedispartedsoul,Andweeptearso'erme.Oh!thehumanraceHavesteelysouls--butsheisasanangel.FromtheblackdeadlymadnessofdespairWillsheredeemmysoul,andinsoftwordsOfcomfort,plaining,loosethispangofdeath!
OCTAVIO.Thouwiltnottearthyselfaway;thoucanstnot.Oh,come,myson!Ibidtheesavethyvirtue.
MAX.
Squandernotthouthywordsinvain.TheheartIfollow,forIdaretrusttoit.
OCTAVIO(trembling,andlosingallself-command).Max.!Max.!ifthatmostdamnedthingcouldbe,Ifthou--myson--myownblood--(dareIthinkit?)Dosellthyselftohim,theinfamous,Dostampthisbranduponournoblehouse,Thenshalltheworldbeholdthehorribledeed,AndinunnaturalcombatshallthesteelOfthesontricklewiththefather'sblood.
MAX.
Oh,hadstthoualwaysbetterthoughtofmen,Thouhadstthenactedbetter.Curstsuspicion,Unholy,miserabledoubt!TohimNothingonearthremainsunwrenchedandfirmWhohasnofaith.
OCTAVIO.AndifItrustthyheart,Willitbealwaysinthypowertofollowit?
MAX.Theheart'svoicethouhastnoto'erpowered--aslittleWillWallensteinbeabletoo'erpowerit.
OCTAVIO.O,Max.!Iseetheenevermoreagain!
MAX.Unworthyoftheewiltthouneverseeme.
OCTAVIO.IgotoFrauenberg--thePappenheimersIleavetheehere,theLothringstoo;Tsokana
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AndTiefenbachremainheretoprotectthee.Theylovethee,andarefaithfultotheiroath,AndwillfarratherfallingallantcontestThanleavetheirrightfulleaderandtheirhonor.
MAX.Relyonthis,IeitherleavemylifeInthestruggle,orconductthemoutofPilsen.
OCTAVIO.Farewell,myson!
MAX.Farewell!
OCTAVIO.How!notonelookOffiliallove?Nograspofthehandatparting?Itisabloodywartowhichwearegoing,Andtheeventuncertainandindarkness.Sousedwenottopart--itwasnotso!Isitthentrue?Ihaveasonnolonger?
[MAX.fallsintohisarms,theyholdeachotherforalongtime
inaspeechlessembrace,thengoawayatdifferentsides.
(Thecurtaindrops.)
ACTIII.
SCENEI.
AchamberinthehouseoftheDuchessofFriedland.
COUNTESSTERZKY,THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN(thetwolattersitatthesametableatwork).
COUNTESS(watchingthemfromtheoppositeside).Soyouhavenothingtoaskme--nothing?Ihavebeenwaitingforawordfromyou.AndcouldyouthenendureinallthistimeNotoncetospeakhisname?
[THEKLAremainingsilent,theCOUNTESSrisesandadvancestoher.
Why,howcomesthis?PerhapsIamalreadygrownsuperfluous,
Andotherwaysexist,besidesthroughmeConfessittome,Thekla:haveyouseenhim?
THEKLA.To-dayandyesterdayIhavenotseenhim.
COUNTESS.Andnotheardfromhim,either?Come,beopen.
THEKLA.
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NoSyllable.
COUNTESS.Andstillyouaresocalm?
THEKLA.Iam.
COUNTESS.Mayitpleaseyou,leaveus,LadyNeubrunn.
[ExitLADYNEUBRUNN.
SCENEII.
TheCOUNTESS,THEKLA.
COUNTESS.Itdoesnotpleaseme,princess,thatheholdsHimselfsostill,exactlyatthistime.
THEKLA.
Exactlyatthistime?
COUNTESS.Henowknowsall'Twerenowthemomenttodeclarehimself.
THEKLA.IfI'mtounderstandyou,speaklessdarkly.
COUNTESS.'TwasforthatpurposethatIbadeherleaveus.Thekla,youarenomoreachild.YourheartIsnomoreinnonage:foryoulove,
Andboldnessdwellswithlove--thatyouhaveprovedYournaturemouldsitselfuponyourfather'sMorethanyourmother'sspirit.ThereforemayyouHearwhatweretoomuchforherfortitude.
THEKLA.Enough:nofurtherpreface,Ientreatyou.Atonce,outwithit!Beitwhatitmay,ItisnotpossiblethatitshouldtorturemeMorethanthisintroduction.WhathaveyouTosaytome?Tellmethewhole,andbriefly!
COUNTESS.
You'llnotbefrightened----
THEKLA.Nameit,Ientreatyou.
COUNTESS.LieswithinmypowertodoyourfatherAweightyservice----
THEKLA.
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Lieswithinmypower.
COUNTESS.Max.Piccolominilovesyou.YoucanlinkhimIndissolublytoyourfather.
THEKLA.I?Whatneedofmeforthat?AndishenotAlreadylinkedtohim?
COUNTESS.Hewas.
THEKLA.AndwhereforeShouldhenotbesonow--notbesoalways?
COUNTESS.Hecleavestotheemperortoo.
THEKLA.NotmorethandutyAndhonormaydemandofhim.
COUNTESS.WeaskProofsofhislove,andnotproofsofhishonor.Dutyandhonor!Thoseareambiguouswordswithmanymeanings.Youshouldinterpretthemforhim:hisloveShouldbethesoledefinerofhishonor.
THEKLA.How?
COUNTESS.
Theemperororyoumustherenounce.
THEKLA.HewillaccompanymyfathergladlyInhisretirement.Fromhimselfyouheard,Howmuchhewishedtolayasidethesword.
COUNTESS.Hemustnotlaytheswordaside,wemean;Hemustunsheathitinyourfather'scause.
THEKLA.He'llspendwithgladnessandalacrity
Hislife,hisheart'sbloodinmyfather'scause,Ifshameorinjurybeintendedhim.
COUNTESS.Youwillnotunderstandme.Well,hearthen:Yourfatherhasfallenofffromtheemperor,AndisabouttojointheenemyWiththewholesoldiery----
THEKLA.
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Alas,mymother!
COUNTESS.ThereneedsagreatexampletodrawonThearmyafterhim.ThePiccolominiPossesstheloveandreverenceofthetroops;Theygovernallopinions,andwhereverTheyleadtheway,nonehesitatetofollow.Thesonsecuresthefathertoourinterests--You'vemuchinyourhandsatthismoment.
THEKLA.Ah,Mymiserablemother!whatadeath-strokeAwaitsthee!No!sheneverwillsurviveit.
COUNTESS.ShewillaccommodatehersoultothatWhichisandmustbe.Idoknowyourmother:Thefar-offfutureweighsuponherheartWithtortureofanxiety;butisitUnalterably,actuallypresent,Shesoonresignsherself,andbearsitcalmly.
THEKLA.Omyforebodingbosom!Evennow,E'ennow'tishere,thaticyhandofhorror!Andmyyounghopeliesshudderinginitsgrasp;Iknewitwell--nosoonerhadIentered,AnheavyominouspresentimentRevealedtomethatspiritsofdeathwerehoveringOvermyhappyfortune.Butwhy,thinkIFirstofmyself?Mymother!Omymother!
COUNTESS.
Calmyourself!Breaknotoutinvainlamenting!
Preserveyouforyourfatherthefirmfriend,Andforyourselfthelover,allwillyetProvegoodandfortunate.
THEKLA.Provegood!Whatgood?Mustwenotpart;partne'ertomeetagain?
COUNTESS.Hepartsnotfromyou!Hecannotpartfromyou.
THEKLA.Alas,forhissoreanguish!Itwillrend
Hisheartasunder.
COUNTESS.Ifindeedhelovesyou.Hisresolutionwillbespeedilytaken.
THEKLA.Hisresolutionwillbespeedilytaken--Oh,donotdoubtofthat!Aresolution!Doesthereremainonetobetaken?
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COUNTESS.Hush!Collectyourself!Ihearyourmothercoming.
THERLA.HowshallIbeartoseeher?
COUNTESS.Collectyourself.
SCENEIII.
TothementertheDUCHESS.
DUCHESS(totheCOUNTESS).Whowashere,sister?Iheardsomeonetalking,Andpassionately,too.
COUNTESS.Nay!therewasnoone.
DUCHESS.Iamgrowingsotimorous,everytriflingnoiseScattersmyspirits,andannouncestomeThefootstepofsomemessengerofevil.Andyoucantellme,sister,whattheeventis?Willheagreetodotheemperor'spleasure,Andsendthehorseregimentstothecardinal?Tellme,hashedismissedvonQuestenbergWithafavorableanswer?
COUNTESS.No,hehasnot.
DUCHESS.Alas!thenallislost!Iseeitcoming,Theworstthatcancome!Yes,theywilldeposehim;TheaccursedbusinessoftheRegensburgdietWillallbeactedo'eragain!
COUNTESS.No!never!Makeyourhearteasy,sister,astothat.
[THEKLA,inextremeagitation,throwsherselfuponhermother,andenfoldsherinherarms,weeping.
DUCHESS.Yes,mypoorchild!ThoutoohastlostamostaffectionategodmotherIntheempress.Oh,thatstern,unbendingman!InthisunhappymarriagewhathaveINotsuffered,notendured?ForevenasifIhadbeenlinkedontosomewheeloffireThatrestless,ceaseless,whirlsimpetuousonward,Ihavepassedalifeoffrightsandhorrorswithhim,Andevertothebrinkofsomeabyss
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Withdizzyheadlongviolencehebearsme.Nay,donotweep,mychild.LetnotmysufferingsPresignifyunhappinesstothee,Norblackenwiththeirshadethefatethatwaitsthee.TherelivesnosecondFriedland;thou,mychild,Hastnottofearthymother'sdestiny.
THEELA.Oh,letussupplicatehim,dearestmother!Quick!quick!here'snoabiding-placeforus.HereeverycominghourbroodsintolifeSomenewaffrightfulmonster.
DUCHESS.ThouwiltshareAneasier,calmerlot,mychild!We,too,Iandthyfather,witnessedhappydays.StillthinkIwithdelightofthosefirstyears,Whenhewasmakingprogresswithgladeffort,Whenhisambitionwasagenialfire,Notthatconsumingflamewhichnowitis.Theemperorlovedhim,trustedhim;andallHeundertookcouldnotbutbesuccessful.Butsincethatill-starreddayatRegensburg,
Whichplungedhimheadlongfromhisdignity,Agloomy,uncompanionablespirit,Unsteadyandsuspicious,haspossessedhim.Hisquietmindforsookhim,andnolongerDidheyielduphimselfinjoyandfaithTohisoldluckandindividualpower;ButthenceforthturnedhisheartandbestaffectionsAlltothosecloudyscienceswhichneverHaveyetmadehappyhimwhofollowedthem.
COUNTESS.Youseeit,sister!asyoureyespermityou,Butsurelythisisnottheconversation
Topassthetimeinwhichwearewaitingforhim.Youknowhewillbesoonhere.WouldyouhavehimFindherinthiscondition?
DUCHESS.Come,mychild!Come,wipeawaythytears,andshowthyfatherAcheerfulcountenance.See,thetie-knothereIsoff;thishairmustnothangsodishevelled.Come,dearest!drythytearsup.TheydeformThygentleeye.Well,now--whatwasIsaying?Yes,ingoodtruth,thisPiccolominiIsamostnobleanddeservinggentleman.
COUNTESS.Thatishe,sister!
THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS,withnarksofgreatoppressionofspirits).Aunt,youwillexcuseme?
(Isgoing).
COUNTESS.
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But,whither?See,yourfathercomes!
THEKLA.Icannotseehimnow.
COUNTESS.Nay,butbethinkyou.
THEKLA.Believeme,Icannotsustainhispresence.
COUNTESS.Buthewillmissyou,willaskafteryou.
DUCHESS.What,now?Whyisshegoing?
COUNTESS.She'snotwell.
DUCHESS(anxiously).Whatails,then,mybelovedchild?
[BothfollowthePRINCESS,andendeavortodetainher.During
thisWALLENSTEINappears,engagedinconversationwithILLO.
SCENEIV.
WALLENSTEIN,ILLO,COUNTESS,DUCHESS,THEKLA.
WALLENSTEIN.Allquietinthecamp?
ILLO.Itisallquiet.
WALLENSTEIN.InafewhoursmaycourierscomefromPragueWithtidingsthatthiscapitalisours.Thenwemaydropthemask,andtothetroopsAssembledinthistownmakeknownthemeasureAnditsresulttogether.InsuchcasesExampledoesthewhole.WhoeverisforemostStillleadstheherd.AnimitativecreatureIsman.ThetroopsatPragueconceivenoother,ThanthatthePilsenarmyhasgonethroughTheformsofhomagetous;andinPilsenTheyshallswearfealtytous,because
TheexamplehasbeengiventhembyPrague.Butler,youtellme,hasdeclaredhimself?
ILLO.Athisownbidding,unsolicited,Hecametoofferyouhimselfandregiment.
WALLENSTEIN,IfindwemustnotgiveimplicitcredenceToeverywarningvoicethatmakesitself
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Belistenedtointheheart.Toholdusback,OftdoesthelyingspiritcounterfeitThevoiceoftruthandinwardrevelation,Scatteringfalseoracles.AndthushaveIToentreatforgivenessforthatsecretly.I'vewrongedthishonorablegallantman,ThisButler:forafeelingofthewhichIamnotmaster(fearIwouldnotcallit),Creepso'ermeinstantly,withsenseofshuddering,Athisapproach,andstopslove'sjoyousmotion.Andthissameman,againstwhomIamwarned,ThishonestmanishewhoreachestomeThefirstpledgeofmyfortune.
ILLO.AnddoubtnotThathisexamplewillwinovertoyouThebestmeninthearmy.
WALLENSTEIN.GoandsendIsolanihither.Sendhimimmediately.Heisunderrecentobligationstome:WithhimwillIcommencethetrial.Go.
[ExitILLO.
WALLENSTEIN(turnshimselfroundtothefemales).Lo,there'sthemotherwiththedarlingdaughter.Foroncewe'llhaveanintervalofrest--Come!myheartyearnstoliveacloudlesshourInthebelovedcircleofmyfamily.
COUNTESS.'Tislongsincewe'vebeenthustogether,brother.
WALLENSTEIN(totheCOUNTESS,aside).
Canshesustainthenews?Issheprepared?
COUNTESS.Notyet.
WALLENSTEIN.Comehere,mysweetgirl!Seattheebyme,Forthereisagoodspiritonthylips.Thymotherpraisedtomethyreadyskill;Shesaysavoiceofmelodydwellsinthee,Whichdothenchantthesoul.NowsuchavoiceWilldriveawayfrommetheevildemonThatbeatshisblackwingscloseabovemyhead.
DUCHESS.Whereisthylute,mydaughter?LetthyfatherHearsomesmalltrialofthyskill.
THEKLA.MymotherI----
DUCHESS.
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Trembling?Come,collectthyself.Go,cheerThyfather.
THEKLA.Omymother!I--Icannot.
COUNTESS.How,whatisthat,niece?
THEKLA(totheCOUNTESS).Ospareme--sing--now--inthissoreanxiety,Oftheoverburdenedsoul--tosingtohimWhoisthrusting,evennow,mymotherheadlongIntohergrave.
DUCHESS.How,Thekla!Humorsome!What!shallthyfatherhaveexpressedawishInvain?
COUNTESS.Hereisthelute.
THEKLA.
MyGod!howcanI----
[Theorchestraplays.DuringtheritornelloTHEKLAexpressesinhergesturesandcountenancethestruggleofherfeelings;andatthemomentthatsheshouldbegintosing,contractsherselftogether,asoneshuddering,throwstheinstrumentdown,andretiresabruptly.
DUCHESS.Mychild!Oh,sheisill----
WALLENSTEIN.Whatailsthemaiden?Say,issheoftenso?
COUNTESS.SincethenherselfHasnowbetrayedit,ItoomustnolongerConcealit.
WALLENSTEIN.What?
COUNTESS.Sheloveshim!
WALLENSTEIN.
Loveshim?Whom?
COUNTESS.Max.doesshelove!Max.Piccolomini!Hastthounevernoticedit?Noryetmysister?
DUCHESS.Wasitthisthatlaysoheavyonherheart?God'sblessingonthee,--mysweetchild!ThouneedestNevertakeshameupontheeforthychoice.
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COUNTESS.Thisjourney,if'twerenotthyaim,ascribeitTothineownself.ThoushouldsthavechosenanotherTohaveattendedher.
WALLENSTEIN.Anddoesheknowit?
COUNTESS.Yes,andhehopestowinher.
WALLENSTEIN.Hopestowinher!Istheboymad?
COUNTESS.Well--hearitfromthemselves.
WALLENSTEIN.HethinkstocarryoffDukeFriedland'sdaughter!Ay?Thethoughtpleasesme.Theyoungmanhasnogrovelingspirit.
COUNTESS.SinceSuchandsuchconstantfavoryouhaveshownhim----
WALLENSTEIN.Hechoosesfinallytobemyheir.Andtrueitis,Ilovetheyouth;yea,honorhim.Butmusthethereforebemydaughter'shusband?Isitdaughtersonly?IsitonlychildrenThatwemustshowourfavorby?
DUCHESS.Hisnobledispositionandhismanners----
WALLENSTEIN.Winhimmyheart,butnotmydaughter.
DUCHESS.ThenHisrank,hisancestors----
WALLENSTEIN.Ancestors!What?Heisasubject,andmyson-in-lawIwillseekoutuponthethronesofEurope.
DUCHESSOdearestAlbrecht!ClimbwenottoohighLestweshouldfalltoolow.
WALLENSTEIN.What!haveIpaidApricesoheavytoascendthiseminence,Andjutouthighabovethecommonherd,OnlytoclosethemightypartIplayInlife'sgreatdramawithacommonkinsman?
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HaveIforthis----[Stopssuddenly,repressinghimself.SheistheonlythingThatwillremainbehindofmeonearth;AndIwillseeacrownaroundherhead,Ordieintheattempttoplaceitthere.Ihazardall--all!andforthisalone,Toliftherintogreatness.Yea,inthismoment,inthewhichwearespeaking[Herecollectshimself.AndImustnow,likeasoft-heartedfather,CoupletogetheringoodpeasantfashionThepairthatchancetosuiteachother'sliking--AndImustdoitnow,evennow,whenIAmstretchingoutthewreaththatistotwineMyfullaccomplishedwork--no!sheisthejewel,WhichIhavetreasuredlong,mylast,mynoblest,And'tismypurposenottoletherfrommeForlessthanaking'ssceptre.
DUCHESS.Omyhusband!You'reeverbuilding,buildingtotheclouds,Stillbuildinghigher,andstillhigherbuilding,
Andne'erreflect,thatthepoornarrowbasisCannotsustainthegiddytotteringcolumn.
WALLENSTEIN(totheCOUNTESS).HaveyouannouncedtheplaceofresidenceWhichIhavedestinedforher?
COUNTESS.No!notyet,'Twerebetteryouyourselfdisclosedittoher.
DUCHESS.How?DowenotreturntoCarinthiathen?
WALLENSTEIN.No.
DUCHESS.Andtonootherofyourlandsorseats?
WALLENSTEIN.Youwouldnotbesecurethere.
DUCHESS.Notsecure.Intheemperor'srealms,beneaththeemperor's
Protection?
WALLENSTEIN.Friedland'swifemaybepermittedNolongertohopethat.
DUCHESS.OGodinheaven!Andhaveyoubroughtiteventothis!
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WALLENSTEIN.InHollandYou'llfindprotection.
DUCHESSInaLutherancountry?What?AndyousendusintoLutherancountries?
WALLENSTEIN.DukeFranzofLauenburgconductsyouthither.
DUCHESS.DukeFranzofLauenburg?TheallyofSweden,theemperor'senemy.
WALLENSTEIN.Theemperor'senemiesareminenolonger.
DUCHESS(castingalookofterrorontheDUKEandtheCOUNTESS).Isitthentrue?Itis.YouaredegradedDeposedfromthecommand?OGodinheaven!
COUNTESS(asidetotheDUKE).Leaveherinthisbelief.Thouseestshecannot
Supporttherealtruth.
SCENEV.
TothementerCOUNTTERZKY.
COUNTESS.Terzky!Whatailshim?Whatanimageofaffright!Helooksashehadseenaghost.
TERZKY(leadingWALLENSTEINaside).IsitthycommandthatalltheCroats----
WALLENSTEIN.Mine!
TERZKY.Wearebetrayed.
WALLENSTEIN.What?
TERZKY.
Theyareoff!ThisnightTheJaegerslikewise--allthevillagesInthewholeroundareempty.
WALLENSTEIN.Isolani!
TERZKY.Himthouhastsentaway.Yes,surely.
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WALLENSTEIN.I?
TERZKY.No?Hastthounotsenthimoff?NorDeodati?Theyarevanished,bothofthem.
SCENEVI.
TothementerILLO.
ILLO.HasTerzkytoldthee?
TERZKY.Heknowsall.
ILLO.AndlikewiseThatEsterhatzy,Goetz,Maradas,Kaunitz,Kolatto,Palfi,haveforsakenthee.
TERZKY.Damnation!
WALLENSTEIN(winksatthem).Hush!
COUNTESS(whohasbeenwatchingthemanxiouslyfromthedistanceandnowadvancestothem).Terzky!Heaven!Whatisit?Whathashappened?
WALLENSTEIN(scarcelysuppressinghisemotions).Nothing!letusbegone!
TERZKY(followinghim).Theresa,itisnothing.
COUNTESS(holdinghimback).Nothing?DoInotseethatallthelife-bloodHasleftyourcheeks--lookyounotlikeaghost?Thatevenmybrotherbutaffectsacalmness?
PAGE(enters).Anaide-de-campinquiresfortheCountTerzky.
[TERZKYfollowsthePAGE.
WALLENSTEIN.Go,hearhisbusiness.[ToILLO.ThiscouldnothavehappenedSounsuspectedwithoutmutiny.Whowasonguardatthegates?
ILLO.'TwasTiefenbach.
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WALLENSTEIN.LetTiefenbachleaveguardwithoutdelay,AndTerzky'sgrenadiersrelievehim.[ILLOisgoing.Stop!HastthouheardaughtofButler?
ILLO.HimImetHewillbeherehimselfimmediately.Butlerremainsunshaken,
[ILLOexit.WALLENSTEINisfollowinghim.
COUNTESS.Lethimnotleavethee,sister!go,detainhim!There'ssomemisfortune.
DUCHESS(clingingtohim).GraciousHeaven!Whatisit?
WALLENSTEIN.Betranquil!leaveme,sister!dearestwife!Weareincamp,andthisisnaughtunusual;
HerestormandsunshinefollowoneanotherWithrapidinterchanges.ThesefiercespiritsChampthecurbangrily,andneveryetDidquietblessthetemplesoftheleader;IfIamtostaygoyou.TheplaintsofwomenIllsuitthescenewheremenmustact.
[Heisgoing:TERZKYreturns.
TERZKY.Remainhere.Fromthiswindowmustweseeit.
WALLENSTEIN(totheCOUNTESS).
Sister,retire!
COUNTESS.No--never!
WALLENSTEIN.'Tismywill.
TERZKY(leadstheCOUNTESSaside,anddrawingherattentiontotheDUCHESS).Theresa!
DUCHESS.
Sister,come!sincehecommandsit.
SCENEVII.
WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY.
WALLENSTEIN(steppingtothewindow).Whatnow,then?
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TERZKY.Therearestrangemovementsamongallthetroops,Andnooneknowsthecause.Mysteriously,Withgloomysilentness,theseveralcorpsMarshalthemselves,eachunderitsownbanners;Tiefenbach'scorpsmakethreateningmovements;onlyThePappenheimersstillremainaloofIntheirownquartersandletnooneenter.
WALLENSTEIN.DoesPiccolominiappearamongthem?
TERZKY.Weareseekinghim:heisnowheretobemetwith.
WALLENSTEIN.Whatdidtheaide-de-campdelivertoyou?
TERZKY.Myregimentshaddespatchedhim;yetoncemoreTheyswearfidelitytothee,andwaitTheshoutforonset,allprepared,andeager.
WALLENSTEIN.Butwhencearosethislaruminthecamp?ItshouldhavebeenkeptsecretfromthearmyTillfortunehaddecidedforusatPrague.
TERZKY.Oh,thatthouhadstbelievedme!Yester-eveningDidweconjuretheenottoletthatskulker,Thatfox,Octavio,passthegatesofPilsen.Thougavesthimthyownhorsestofleefromthee.
WALLENSTEIN.Theoldtunestill!Now,onceforall,nomore
Ofthissuspicion--itisdotingfolly.
TERZKY.ThoudidstconfideinIsolanitoo;Andlo!hewasthefirstthatdiddesertthee.
WALLENSTEIN.ItwasbutyesterdayIrescuedhimFromabjectwretchedness.Letthatgoby;Ineverreckonedyetongratitude.Andwhereindothhewrongingoingfromme?HefollowsstillthegodwhomallhislifeHehasworshippedatthegaming-table.With
MyfortuneandmyseemingdestinyHemadethebondandbrokeit,notwithme.Iambuttheshipinwhichhishopeswerestowed,Andwiththewhich,well-pleasedandconfident,Hetraversedtheopensea;nowhebeholdsitIneminentjeopardyamongthecoast-rocks,Andhurriestopreservehiswares.AslightAsthefreebirdfromthehospitabletwigWhereithadnestedhefliesofffromme:Nohumantieissnappedbetwixtustwo.
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Yea,hedeservestofindhimselfdeceivedWhoseeksaheartintheunthinkingman.Likeshadowsonastream,theformsoflifeImpresstheircharactersonthesmoothforehead,Naughtsinksintothebosom'ssilentdepth:QuicksensibilityofpainandpleasureMovesthelightfluidslightly;butnosoulWarmeththeinnerframe.
TERZKY.Yet,wouldIratherTrustthesmoothbrowthanthatdeepfurrowedone.
SCENEVIII.
WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY,ILLO.
ILLO(whoentersagitatedwithrage).Treasonandmutiny!
TERZKY.Andwhatfurthernow?
ILLO.Tiefenbach'ssoldiers,whenIgavetheorders.Togooffguard--mutinousvillains!
TERZKY.Well!
WALLENSTEIN.Whatfollowed?
ILLO.Theyrefusedobediencetothem.
TERZKY.Fireontheminstantly!Giveouttheorder.
WALLENSTEIN.Gently!whatcausedidtheyassign?
ILLO.Noother,Theysaid,hadrighttoissueordersbutLieutenant-GeneralPiccolomini.
WALLENSTEIN(inaconvulsionofagony).
What?Howisthat?
ILLO.Hetakesthatofficeonhimbycommission,Undersign-manualfromtheemperor.
TERZKY.Fromtheemperor--hearestthou,duke?
ILLO.
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AthisincitementThegeneralsmadethatstealthyflight----
TERZKY.Duke,hearestthou?
ILLO.Caraffatoo,andMontecuculi,Aremissing,withsixothergenerals,Allwhomhehadinducedtofollowhim.ThisplothehaslonghadinwritingbyhimFromtheemperor;but'twasfinallyconcluded,Withallthedetailoftheoperation,SomedaysagowiththeEnvoyQuestenberg.
[WALLENSTEINsinksdownintoachairandcovershisface.
TERZKY.Oh,hadstthoubutbelievedme!
SCENEIX.
TothementertheCOUNTESS.
COUNTESS.Thissuspense,Thishorridfear--Icannolongerbearit.Forheaven'ssaketellmewhathastakenplace?
ILLO.Theregimentsarefallingofffromus.
TERZKY.OctavioPiccolominiisatraitor.
COUNTESS.
Omyforeboding!
[Rushesoutoftheroom.
TERZKY.Hadstthoubutbelievedme!Nowseestthouhowthestarshaveliedtothee.
WALLENSTEIN.Thestarslienot;butwehavehereaworkWroughtcountertothestarsanddestiny.Thescienceisstillhonest:thisfalseheartForcesalieonthetruth-tellingheaven,
Onadivinelawdivinationrests;Wherenaturedeviatesfromthatlaw,andstumblesOutofherlimits,thereallscienceerrs.TrueIdidnotsuspect!WereitsuperstitionNeverbysuchsuspiciontohaveaffrontedThehumanform,oh,maythetimene'ercomeInwhichIshamemeoftheinfirmity.Thewildestsavagedrinksnotwiththevictim,Intowhosebreasthemeanstoplungethesword.This,this,Octavio,wasnohero'sdeed
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DespatchsomemessengeryoucanrelyonTomeethim,andconducthimtome.
[ILLOisgoing.
BUTLER(detaininghim).Mygeneral,whomexpectyouthen?
WALLENSTEIN.ThecourierWhobringsmewordoftheeventatPrague.
BUTLER(hesitating).Hem!
WALLENSTEIN.Andwhatnow?
BUTLER.Youdonotknowit?
WALLENSTEIN.Well?
BUTLER.Fromwhatthatlaruminthecamparose?
WALLENSTEIN.Fromwhat?
BUTLER.Thatcourier----
WALLENSTEIN(witheagerexpectation).Well?
BUTLER.
Isalreadyhere.
TERZKYandILLO(atthesametime).Alreadyhere?
WALLENSTEIEN.Mycourier?
BUTLER.Forsomehours.
WALLENSTEIN.AndInotknowit?
BUTLER.ThesentinelsdetainhimIncustody.
ILLO(stampingwithhisfoot).Damnation!
BUTLER.Andhisletter
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Wasbrokenopen,andiscirculatedThroughthewholecamp.
WALLENSTEIN.Youknowwhatitcontains?
BUTLER.Questionmenot.
TERZKY.Illo!Alasforus.
WALLENSTEIN.Hidenothingfromme--Icanbeartheworst.Praguethenislost.Itis.Confessitfreely.
BUTLER.Yes!Pragueislost.AndalltheseveralregimentsAtBudweiss,Tabor,Braunau,Koenigingratz,AtBrunn,andZnaym,haveforsakenyou,AndtakentheoathsoffealtyanewTotheemperor.Yourself,withKinsky,Terzky,AndIllohavebeensentenced.
[TERZKYandILLOexpressalarmandfury.WALLENSTEINremainsfirmandcollected.
WALLENSTEIN.'Tisdecided!'Tiswell!IhavereceivedasuddencureFromallthepangsofdoubt:withsteadystreamOncemoremylife-bloodflows!Mysoul'ssecure!InthenightonlyFriedlandstarscanbeam.Lingeringirresolute,withfitfulfearsIdrewthesword--'twaswithaninwardstrife,Whileyetthechoicewasmine.ThemurderousknifeIsliftedformyheart!Doubtdisappears!Ifightnowformyheadandformylife.
[ExitWALLENSTEIN;theothersfollowhim.
SCENEXI.
COUNTESSTERZKY(entersfromasideroom).Icanendurenolonger.No![Looksaroundher.Wherearethey!Nooneishere.Theyleavemeallalone,Aloneinthissoreanguishofsuspense.
AndImustweartheoutwardshowofcalmnessBeforemysister,andshutinwithinmeThepangsandagoniesofmycrowdedbosom.Itisnottobeborne.Ifallshouldfail;If--ifhemustgoovertotheSwedes,Anempty-handedfugitive,andnotAsanally,acovenantedequal,Aproudcommanderwithhisarmyfollowing,Ifwemustwanderonfromlandtoland,LiketheCountPalatine,offallengreatness
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Anignominiousmonument.Butno!ThatdayIwillnotsee!AndcouldhimselfEnduretosinksolow,IwouldnotbearToseehimsolowsunken.
SCENEXII.
COUNTESS,DUCHESS,THEKLA.
THEKLA(endeavoringtoholdbacktheDUCHESS)Dearmother,dostayhere!
DUCHESS.No!HereisyetSomefrightfulmysterythatishiddenfromme.Whydoesmysistershunme?Don'tIseeherFullofsuspenseandanguishroamaboutFromroomtoroom?Artthounotfullofterror?AndwhatimportthesesilentnodsandgesturesWhichstealthwisethouexchangestwithher?
THEKLA.
NothingNothing,dearmother!
DUCHESS(totheCOUNTESS).Sister,Iwillknow.
COUNTESS.Whatbootsitnowtohideitfromher?SoonerOrlatershemustlearntohearandbearit.'Tisnotthetimenowtoindulgeinfirmity;Couragebeseemsusnow,aheartcollect,AndexerciseandpreviousdisciplineOffortitude.Oneword,andoverwithit!
Sister,youaredeluded.YoubelieveThedukehasbeendeposed--thedukeisnotDeposed--heis----
THEKLA(goingtotheCOUNTESS),What?doyouwishtokillher?
COUNTESS.Thedukeis----
THEKLA(throwingherarmsroundhermother).Oh,standfirm!standfirm,mymother!
COUNTESS.Revoltedistheduke;heispreparingTojointheenemy;thearmyleavehim,Andallhasfailed.
SCENEXIII.
AspaciousroomintheDukeofFriedland'spalace.
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WALLENSTEIN(inarmor).Thouhastgainedthypoint,Octavio!OncemoreamIAlmostasfriendlessasatRegensburg.ThereIhadnothingleftmebutmyself;Butwhatonemancandoyouhavenowexperience.Thetwigshaveyouhewedoff,andhereIstandAleaflesstrunk.ButinthesapwithinLivesthecreatingpower,andanewworldMaysproutforthfromit.OncealreadyhaveIProvedmyselfworthanarmytoyou--Ialone!BeforetheSwedishstrengthyourtroopshadmelted;BesidetheLechsankTilly,yourlasthope;IntoBavaria,likeawintertorrent,DidthatGustavuspour,andatViennaInhisownpalacedidtheemperortremble.Soldierswerescarce,forstillthemultitudeFollowtheluck:alleyeswereturnedonme,Theirhelperindistress;theemperor'sprideBoweditselfdownbeforethemanhehadinjured.'TwasImustrise,andwithcreativewordAssembleforcesinthedesolatecamps.Ididit.LikeagodofwarmynameWentthroughtheworld.Thedrumwasbeat;and,to
Theplough,theworkshopisforsaken,allSwarmtotheoldfamiliarlonglovedbanners;Andasthewood-choirrichinmelodyAssemblequickaroundthebirdofwonder,Whenfirsthisthroatswellswithhismagicsong,SodidthewarlikeyouthofGermanyCrowdinaroundtheimageofmyeagle.IfeelmyselfthebeingthatIwas.Itisthesoulthatbuildsitselfabody,AndFriedland'scampwillnotremainunfilled.Leadthenyourthousandsouttomeetme--true!Theyareaccustomedundermetoconquer,Butnotagainstme.Iftheheadandlimbs
Separatefromeachother,'twillbesoonMademanifestinwhichthesoulabode.
(ILLOandTERZKYenter.)
Courage,friends!courage!wearestillunvanquished;Ifeelmyfootingfirm;fiveregiments,Terzky,Arestillourown,andButler'sgallanttroops;AndanhostofsixteenthousandSwedesto-morrow.Iwasnotstrongerwhen,nineyearsago,Imarchedforth,withgladheartandhighofhope,ToconquerGermanyfortheemperor.
SCENEXIV.
WALLENSTEIN,ILLO,TERZKY.
(TothementerNEUMANN,wholeadsTERZKYaside,andtalkswithhim.)
TERZKY.
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Whatdotheywant?
WALLENSTEIN.Whatnow?
TERZKY.TencuirassiersFromPappenheimrequestleavetoaddressyouInthenameoftheregiment.
WALLENSTEIN(hastilytoNEUMANN).Letthementer.[ExitNEUMANN.ThisMayendinsomething.Markyou.TheyarestillDoubtful,andmaybewon.
SCENEXV.
WALLENSTEIN,TERZKY,ILLO,tenCUIRASSIERS(ledbyanANSPESSADE[4],marchupandarrangethemselves,afterthewordofcommand,inonefrontbeforetheDUKE,andmaketheirobeisance.Hetakes
hishatoff,andimmediatelycovershimselfagain).
ANSPESSADE.Halt!Front!Present!
WALLENSTEIN(afterhehasrunthroughthemwithhiseye,totheNSPESSADE).Iknowtheewell.ThouartoutofBrueggeninFlanders:ThynameisMercy.
ANSPESSADE.HenryMercy.
WALLENSTEIN.Thouwerecutoffonthemarch,surroundedbytheHessians,anddidstfightthywaywithanhundredandeightymenthroughtheirthousand.
ANSPESSADE.'Twasevenso,general!
WALLENSTEIN.Whatrewardhadstthouforthisgallantexploit?
ANSPESSADE.ThatwhichIaskedfor:thehonortoserveinthiscorps.
WALLENSTEIN(turningtoasecond).ThouwertamongthevolunteersthatseizedandmadebootyoftheSwedishbatteryatAltenburg.
SECONDCUIRASSIER.Yes,general!
WALLENSTEIN.IforgetnoonewithwhomIhaveexchangedwords.(Apause.)Whosendsyou?
ANSPESSADE.Yournobleregiment,thecuirassiersofPiccolomini.
WALLENSTEIN.Whydoesnotyourcoloneldeliverinyourrequestaccordingtothecustomofservice?
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ANSPESSADE.Becausewewouldfirstknowwhomweserve.
WALLENSTEIN.Beginyouraddress.
ANSPESSADE(givingthewordofcommand).Shoulderyourarms!
WALLENSTEIN(turningtoathird).ThynameisRisbeck;Cologneisthybirthplace.
THIRDCUIRASSIER.RisbeckofCologne.
WALLENSTEIN.ItwasthouthatbroughtestintheSwedishcolonelDuebald,prisoner,inthecampatNuremberg.
THIRDCUIRASSIER.ItwasnotI,general.
WALLENSTRIN.Perfectlyright!Itwasthyelderbrother:thouhadstayoungerbrother,too:wheredidhestay?
THIRDCUIRASSIER.HeisstationedatOlmutz,withtheimperialarmy.
WALLENSTEIN(totheANSPESSADE).Nowthen--begin.
ANSPESSADE.
TherecametohandaletterfromtheemperorCommandingus----
WALLENSTEIN(interruptinghim).Whochoseyou?
ANSPESSADE.EverycompanyDrewitsownmanbylot.
WALLENSTEIN.Now!tothebusiness.
ANSPESSADE.TherecametohandaletterfromtheemperorCommandingus,collectively,fromtheeAlldutiesofobediencetowithdraw,Becausethouwertanenemyandtraitor.
WALLENSTEIN.Andwhatdidyoudetermine?
ANSPESSADE.AllourcomradesAtBraunau,Budweiss,Prague,andOlmutz,haveObeyedalready;andtheregimentshere,
TiefenbachandToscano,instantlyDidfollowtheirexample.But--butweDonotbelievethatthouartanenemyAndtraitortothycountry,holditmerelyForlieandtrick,andatrumped-upSpanishstory![Withwarmth.Thyselfshalltelluswhatthypurposeis,ForwehavefoundtheestillsincereandtrueNomouthshallinterposeitselfbetwixtThegallantgeneralandthegallanttroops.
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WALLENSTEIN.ThereinIrecognizemyPappenheimers.
ANSPESSADE.Andthisproposalmakesthyregimenttothee:IsitthypurposemerelytopreserveInthineownhandsthismilitarysceptre,Whichsobecomesthee,whichtheemperorMadeovertotheebyacovenant!IsitthypurposemerelytoremainSupremecommanderoftheAustrianarmies?Wewillstandbythee,general!andguaranteeThyhonestrightsagainstallopposition.Andshoulditchance,thatalltheotherregimentsTurnfromthee,byourselveswewillstandforthThyfaithfulsoldiers,and,asisourduty,FarratherletourselvesbecuttopiecesThansuffertheetofall.ButifitbeAstheemperor'slettersays,ifitbetrue,ThatthouintraitorouswisewiltleadusoverTotheenemy,whichGodinheavenforbid!Thenwetoowillforsakethee,andobeyThatletter----
WALLENSTEIN.Hearme,children!
ANSPESSADE.Yes,orno,Thereneedsnootheranswer.
WALLENSTEIN.Yieldattention.You'remenofsense,examineforyourselves;Yethink,anddonotfollowwiththeherd:AndthereforehaveIalwaysshownyouhonor
Aboveallothers,sufferedyoutoreason;Havetreatedyouasfreemen,andmyordersWerebuttheechoesofyourpriorsuffrage.
ANSPESSADE.MostfairandnoblehasthyconductbeenTous,mygeneral!WiththyconfidenceThouhashonoredus,andshownusgraceandfavorBeyondallotherregiments;andthouseestWefollownotthecommonherd.WewillStandbytheefaithfully.Speakbutoneword--ThywordshallsatisfyusthatitisnotAtreasonwhichthoumeditatest--that
ThoumeanestnottoleadthearmyoverTotheenemy;nore'erbetraythycountry.
WALLENSTEIN.Me,mearetheybetraying.TheemperorHathsacrificedmetomyenemies,AndImustfall,unlessmygallanttroopsWillrescueme.See!Iconfideinyou.Andbeyourheartsmystronghold!AtthisbreastTheaimistaken,atthishoaryhead.
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ANSPESSADE.'TisthenbutmereappearanceswhichthouDostputonwiththeSwede!Thou'ltnotbetrayTheemperor?WiltnotturnusintoSwedes?ThisistheonlythingwhichwedesireTolearnfromthee.
WALLENSTEIN.WhatcareIfortheSwedes?IhatethemasIhatethepitofhell,AndunderProvidenceItrustrightsoonTochasethemtotheirhomesacrosstheirBaltic.Mycaresareonlyforthewhole:IhaveAheart--itbleedswithinmeforthemiseriesAndpiteousgroaningsofmyfellow-Germans.Yearebutcommonmen,butyetyethinkWithmindsnotcommon;yeappeartomeWorthybeforeallothers,thatIwhispertheeAlittlewordortwoinconfidence!Seenow!alreadyforfullfifteenyears,Thewar-torchhascontinuedburning,yetNorest,nopauseofconflict.SwedeandGerman,PapistandLutheran!neitherwillgiveway
Totheother;everyhand'sagainsttheother.Eachoneispartyandnooneajudge.Whereshallthisend?Where'shethatwillunravelThistangle,evertanglingmoreandmoreItmustbecutasunder.IfeelthatIamthemanofdestiny,Andtrust,withyourassistance,toaccomplishit.
SCENEXVI.
TotheseenterBUTLER.
BUTLER(passionately).General!thisisnotright!
WALLENSTEIN.Whatisnotright?
BUTLER.Itmustneedsinjureuswithallhonestmen.
WALLENSTEIN.Butwhat?
BUTLER.ItisanopenproclamationOfinsurrection.
WALLENSTEIN.Well,well--butwhatisit?
BUTLER.CountTerzky'sregimentsteartheimperialeagleFromoffhisbanners,andinsteadofit
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Haverearedalofttheirarms.
ANSPESSADE(abruptlytotheCUIRASSIERS).Rightabout!March!
WALLENSTEIN.Cursedbethiscounsel,andaccursedwhogaveit![TotheCUIRASSIERS,whoareretiring.Halt,children,halt!There'ssomemistakeinthis;Hark!Iwillpunishitseverely.StopTheydonothear.(ToILLO).Goafterthem,assurethem,Andbringthembacktome,costwhatitmay.
[ILLOhurriesout.
Thishurlsusheadlong.Butler!Butler!Youaremyevilgenius,whereforemustyouAnnounceitintheirpresence?ItwasallInafairway.Theywerehalfwon!thosemadmenWiththeirimprovidentover-readiness--AcruelgameisFortuneplayingwithme.Thezealoffriendsitisthatrazesme,Andnotthehateofenemies.
SCENEXVII.
TotheseentertheDUCHESS,whorushesintothechamber;THEKLAandtheCOUNTESSfollowher.
DUCHESS.OAlbrecht!Whathastthoudone?
WALLENSTEIN.Andnowcomesthisbeside.
COUNTESS.Forgiveme,brother!Itwasnotinmypower--Theyknowall.
DUCHESS.Whathastthoudone?
COUNTESS(toTERZKY).Istherenohope?Isalllostutterly?
TERZKY.Alllost.Nohope.Pragueintheemperor'shands,
Thesoldieryhavetakentheiroathsanew.
COUNTESS.Thatlurkinghypocrite,Octavio!CountMax.isofftoo.
TERZKY.Wherecanhebe?He'sGoneovertotheemperorwithhisfather.
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[THEKLArushesoutintothearmsofhermother,hidingherfaceinherbosom.
DUCHESS(enfoldingherinherarms).Unhappychild!andmoreunhappymother!
WALLENSTEIN(asidetoTERZKY).Quick!LetacarriagestandinreadinessInthecourtbehindthepalace.Scherfenberg,Betheirattendant;heisfaithfultous.ToEgrahe'llconductthem,andwefollow.[ToILLO,whoreturns.Thouhastnotbroughtthemback?
ILLO.Hear'stthoutheuproar?ThewholecorpsofthePappenheimersisDrawnout:theyoungerPiccolomini,Theircolonel,theyrequire:fortheyaffirm,Thatheisinthepalacehere,aprisoner;Andifthoudostnotinstantlydeliverhim,Theywillfindmeanstofreehimwiththesword.
[Allstandamazed.
TERZKY.Whatshallwemakeofthis?
WALLENSTEIN.SaidInotso?Omypropheticheart!heisstillhere.Hehasnotbetrayedme--hecouldnotbetrayme.Ineverdoubtedofit.
COUNTESS.IfhebeStillhere,thenallgoeswell;forIknowwhat
[EmbracingTHEKLA.Willkeephimhereforever.
TERZKY.Itcan'tbe.Hisfatherhasbetrayedus,isgoneoverTotheemperor--thesoncouldnothaveventuredTostaybehind.
THEKLA(hereyefixedonthedoor).Thereheis!
SCENEXVIII.
TotheseenterMAX.PICCOLOMINI.
MAX.Yes,hereheis!IcanendurenolongerTocreepontiptoeroundthishouse,andlurkInambushforafavorablemoment:Thisloitering,thissuspenseexceedsmypowers.
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[AdvancingtoTHEKLA,whohasthrownherselfintohermother'sarms.
Turnnotthineeyesaway.Olookuponme!Confessitfreelybeforeall.Fearnoone.Letwhowillhearthatwebothloveeachother.Whereforecontinuetoconcealit?SecrecyIsforthehappy--misery,hopelessmisery,Needethnoveil!BeneathathousandsunsItdaresactopenly.
[HeobservestheCOUNTESSlookingonTHEKLAwithexpressionsoftriumph.
No,lady!No!Expectnot,hopeitnot.IamnotcomeTostay:tobidfarewell,farewellforever.ForthisIcome!'Tisover!Imustleavethee!Thekla,Imust--mustleavethee!YetthyhatredLetmenottakewithme.Ipraythee,grantmeOnelookofsympathy,onlyonelook.Saythatthoudostnothateme.Sayittome,Thekla!
[Graspsherhand.
OGod!Icannotleavethisspot--Icannot!Cannotletgothishand.Otellme,Thekla!Thatthoudostsufferwithme,artconvincedThatIcannotactotherwise.
[THEKLA,avoidinghislook,pointswithherhandtoherfather.MAX.turnsroundtotheDUKE,whomhehadnottillthenperceived.
Thouhere?ItwasnotthouwhomhereIsought.Itrustednevermoretohavebeheldthee,Mybusinessiswithheralone.HerewillIReceiveafullacquittalfromthisheart;
ForanyotherIamnomoreconcerned.
WALLENSTEIN.Think'stthouthat,fool-like,Ishalllettheego,Andactthemock-magnanimouswiththee?Thyfatherisbecomeavillaintome;Iholdtheeforhisson,andnothingmoreNortonopurposeshaltthouhavebeengivenIntomypower.Thinknot,thatIwillhonorThatancientlove,whichsoremorselesslyHemangled.Theyarenowpassedby,thosehoursOffriendshipandforgiveness.HateandvengeanceSucceed--'tisnowtheirturn--Itoocanthrow
Allfeelingsofthemanaside--canproveMyselfasmuchamonsterasthyfather!
MAX(calmly).Thouwiltproceedwithmeasthouhastpower.ThouknowestIneitherbravenorfearthyrage.Whathasdetainedmehere,thattoothouknowest.[TakingTHEKLAbythehand.See,duke!All--allwouldIhaveowedtothee,Wouldhavereceivedfromthypaternalhand
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Thelotofblessedspirits.ThathastthouLaidwasteforever--thatconcernsnotthee.IndifferentthoutramplestinthedustTheirhappinesswhomostarethine.ThegodWhomthoudostserveisnobenignantdeity,Likeastheblind,irreconcilable,Fierceelement,incapableofcompact.Thyheart'swildimpulseonlydostthoufollow.[5]
WALLENSTEIN.Thouartdescribingthyownfather'sheart.Theadder!Oh,thecharmsofhello'erpoweredmeHedweltwithinme,tomyinmostsoulStilltoandfrohepassed,suspectednever.Onthewideocean,inthestarryheavenDidmineeyesseektheenemy,whomIInmyheart'shearthadfolded!HadIbeenToFerdinandwhatOctaviowastome,WarhadIne'erdenouncedagainsthim.No,Inevercouldhavedoneit.TheemperorwasMyausteremasteronly,notmyfriend.Therewasalreadywar'twixthimandmeWhenhedeliveredthecommander'sstaffIntomyhands;forthere'sanatural
Unceasingwartwixtcunningandsuspicion;PeaceexistsonlybetwixtconfidenceAndfaith.Whopoisonsconfidence,hemurdersThefuturegenerations.
MAX.IwillnotDefendmyfather.Woeisme,Icannot!Harddeedsandlucklesshavetakenplace;onecrimeDragsafterittheotherincloselink.Butweareinnocent:howhavewefallenIntothiscircleofmishapandguilt?Towhomhavewebeenfaithless?Whereforemust
TheevildeedsandguiltreciprocalOfourtwofatherstwinelikeserpentsroundus?Whymustourfathers'Unconquerablehaterendusasunder,Wholoveeachother?
WALLENSTEIN.Max.,remainwithme.Goyounotfromme,Max.!Hark!Iwilltellthee----HowwhenatPrague,ourwinterquarters,thouWertbroughtintomytentatenderboy,NotyetaccustomedtotheGermanwinters;Thyhandwasfrozentotheheavycolors;
Thouwouldstnotletthemgo.AtthattimedidItaketheeinmyarms,AndwithmymantledidIcoverthee;Iwasthynurse,nowomancouldhavebeenAkindertothee;IwasnotashamedTodofortheealllittleoffices,Howeverstrangetome;ItendedtheeTilllifereturned;andwhenthineeyesfirstopened,Ihadtheeinmyarms.Sincethen,whenhaveAlteredmyfeelingstowardthee?Manythousands
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HaveImaderich,presentedthemwithlands;Rewardedthemwithdignitiesandhonors;TheehaveIloved:myheart,myself,IgaveTothee;Theyallwerealiens:thouwertOurchildandinmate.[6]Max.!Thoucanstnotleaveme;Itcannotbe;Imaynot,willnotthinkThatMax.canleaveme.
MAX.Ob,myGod!
WALLENSTEINIhaveHeldandsustainedtheefromthytotteringchildhood.Whatholybondisthereofnaturallove,Whathumantiethatdoesnotknittheetome?Ilovethee,Max.!Whatdidthyfatherforthee,WhichItoohavenotdone,totheheightofduty?Gohence,forsakeme,servethyemperor;HewillrewardtheewithaprettychainOfgold;withhisram'sfleecewillherewardthee;Forthatthefriend,thefatherofthyyouth,Forthattheholiestfeelingofhumanity,Wasnothingworthtothee.
MAX.OGod!howcanIDootherwise.AmInotforcedtodoit,Myoath--myduty--myhonor----
WALLENSTEIN.How?Thyduty?Dutytowhom?Whoartthou?Max.!bethinktheeWhatdutiesmay'stthouhave?IfIamactingAcriminalparttowardtheemperor,Itismycrime,notthine.DostthoubelongTothineownself?Artthouthineowncommander?
Stand'stthou,likeme,afreemanintheworld,Thatinthyactionsthoushouldstpleadfreeagency?Onmethouartplanted,Iamthyemperor;Toobeyme,tobelongtome,thisisThyhonor,thisalawofnaturetothee!AndiftheplanetonthewhichthoulivestAndhastthydwelling,fromitsorbitstarts.Itisnotinthychoice,whetherornoThou'ltfollowit.UnfeltitwhirlstheeonwardTogetherwithhisring,andallhismoons.Withlittleguiltsteppestthouintothiscontest;Theewilltheworldnotcensure,itwillpraisethee,Forthatthouheld'stthyfriendmoreworthtothee
ThannamesandinfluencesmoreremovedForjusticeisthevirtueoftheruler,Affectionandfidelitythesubject's.NoteveryonedothitbeseemtoquestionThefar-offhighArcturus.MostsecurelyWiltthoupursuethenearestduty:letThepilotfixhiseyeuponthepole-star.
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SCENEXIX.
TotheseenterNEUMANN.
WALLENSTEIN.Whatnow?
NEUMANN.ThePappenheimersaredismounted,Andareadvancingnowonfoot,determinedWithswordinhandtostormthehouse,andfreeThecount,theircolonel.
WALLENSTEIN(toTERZKY).Havethecannonplanted.Iwillreceivethemwithchain-shot.[ExitTERZKY.Prescribetomewithswordinhand!Go,Neumann!'Tismycommandthattheyretreatthismoment,Andintheirranksinsilencewaitmypleasure.
[NEUMANNexit.ILLOstepstothewindow.
COUNTESS.
Lethimgo,Ientreatthee,lethimgo.
ILLO(atthewindow).Hellandperdition!
WALLENSTEIN.Whatisit?
ILLO.Theyscalethecouncil-house,theroof'suncovered,Theylevelatthishousethecannon----
MAX.
Madmen
ILLO.Theyaremakingpreparationsnowtofireonus.
DUCHESSandCOUNTESS.Mercifulheaven!
MAX.(toWALLENSTEIN).Letmegotothem!
WALLENSTEIN.Notastep!
MAX.(pointingtoTHEKLAandtheDUCHESS).Buttheirlife!Thine!
WALLENSTEIN.Whattidingsbringestthou,Terzky?
SCENEXX.
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TotheseTERZKYreturning.
TERZKY.Messageandgreetingfromourfaithfulregiments.Theirardormaynolongerbecurbedin.Theyentreatpermissiontocommencetheattack;AndifthouwouldstbutgivethewordofonsetTheycouldnowchargetheenemyinrear,Intothecitywedgethem,andwitheaseO'erpowertheminthenarrowstreets.
ILLO.OhcomeLetnottheirardorcool.ThesoldieryOfButler'scorpsstandbyusfaithfully;Wearethegreaternumber.LetuschargethemAndfinishhereinPilsentherevolt.
WALLENSTEIN.What?shallthistownbecomeafieldofslaughter,Andbrother-killingdiscord,fire-eyed,Beletloosethroughitsstreetstoroamandrage?Shallthedecisionbedeliveredover
Todeafremorselessrage,thathearsnoleader?Hereisnotroomforbattle,onlyforbutchery.Well,letitbe!Ihavelongthoughtofit,Soletitburstthen![TurnstoMAX.Well,howisitwiththee?Wiltthouattemptaheatwithme.Away!Thouartfreetogo.Opposethyselftome,Frontagainstfront,andleadthemtothebattle;Thou'rtskilledinwar,thouhastlearnedsomewhatunderme,Ineednotbeashamedofmyopponent,AndneverhadstthoufaireropportunityTopaymeforthyschooling.
COUNTESS.Isitthen,Canithavecometothis?What!Cousin,cousin!Haveyoutheheart?
MAX.TheregimentsthataretrustedtomycareIhavepledgedmytrothtobringawayfromPilsenTruetotheemperor;andthispromisewillIMakegood,orperish.MorethanthisnodutyRequiresofme.Iwillnotfightagainstthee,Unlesscompelled;forthoughanenemy,
Thyheadisholytomestill,
[Tworeportsofcannon.ILLOandTERZKYhurrytothewindow.
WALLENSTEIN.What'sthat?
TERZBY.Hefalls.
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WALLENSTEIN.Falls!Who?
ILLO.Tiefenbach'scorpsDischargedtheordnance.
WALLENSTEIN.Uponwhom?
ILLO.On--Neumann,Yourmessenger.
WALLENSTEIN(startingup).Ha!Deathandhell!Iwill----
TERZKY.Exposethyselftotheirblindfrenzy?
DUCHESSandCOUNTESS.No!ForGod'ssake,no!
ILLO.Notyet,mygeneral!Oh,holdhim!holdhim!
WALLENSTEIN.Leaveme----
MAX.Doitnot;Notyet!ThisrashandbloodydeedhasthrownthemIntoafrenzy-fit--allowthemtime----
WALLENSTEIN.
Away!toolongalreadyhaveIloitered.Theyareemboldenedtotheseoutrages,Beholdingnotmyface.TheyshallbeholdMycountenance,shallhearmyvoice--Aretheynotmytroops?AmInottheirgeneral,Andtheirlong-fearedcommander!Letmesee,WhetherindeedtheydonolongerknowThatcountenancewhichwastheirsuninbattle!Fromthebalcony(mark!)IshowmyselfTotheserebelliousforces,andatonceRevoltismounded,andthehigh-swollencurrentShrinksbackintotheoldbedofobedience.
[ExitWALLENSTEIN;ILLO,TERZKY,andBUTLERfollow.
SCENEXXI.
COUNTESS,DUCHESS,MAX.,andTHEKLA.
COUNTESS(totheDUCHESS).Letthembutseehim--thereishopestill,sister.
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MAX.Ididnotquestionthee,asFriedland'sdaughter.Thee,thebelovedandtheunerringGodWithinthyheart,Iquestion.What'satstake?NotwhetherdiademofroyaltyBetobewonornot--thatmightestthouthinkon.Thyfriend,andhissoul'squietareatstake:Thefortuneofathousandgallantmen,Whowillallfollowme;shallIforswearMyoathanddutytotheemperor?Say,shallIsendintoOctavio'scampTheparricidalball?ForwhentheballHasleftitscannon,andisonitsflight,Itisnolongeradeadinstrument!Itlives,aspiritpassesintoit;Theavengingfuriesseizepossessionofit,Andwithsuremalice,guideittheworstway.
THEKLA.Oh!Max.----
MAX.(interruptingher).Nay,notprecipitatelyeither,Thekla.
Iunderstandthee.TothynobleheartThehardestdutymightappearthehighest.Thehuman,notthegreatpart,wouldIact.Evenfrommychildhoodtothispresenthour,Thinkwhatthedukehasdoneforme,howlovedmeAndthink,too,howmyfatherhasrepaidhim.OhlikewisethefreelovelyimpulsesOfhospitality,thepiousfriend'sFaithfulattachment,these,too,areaholyReligiontotheheart;andheavilyTheshudderingsofnaturedoavengeThemselvesonthebarbarianthatinsultsthem.Layalluponthebalance,all--thenspeak,
Andletthyheartdecideit.
THEKLA.Oh,thyownHathlongagodecided.FollowthouThyheart'sfirstfeeling----
COUNTESS.Oh!ill-fatedwoman!
THEKLA.Isitpossible,thatthatcanbetheright,Thewhichthytenderheartdidnotatfirst
Detectandseizewithinstantimpulse?Go,Fulfilthyduty!Ishouldeverlovethee.Whate'erthouhastchosen,thouwouldststillhaveactedNoblyandworthyofthee--butrepentanceShallne'erdisturbthysoul'sfairpeace.
MAX.ThenIMustleavethee,mustpartfromthee!
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THEKLA.BeingfaithfulTothineownself,thouartfaithful,too,tome:Ifourfatespart,ourheartsremainunited.AbloodyhatredwilldivideforeverThehousesPiccolominiandFriedland;Butwebelongnottoourhouses.Go!Quick!quick!andseparatethyrighteouscauseFromourunholyandunblessedone!Thecurseofheavenliesuponourhead:'Tisdedicatetoruin.EvenmeMyfather'sguiltdragswithittoperdition.Mournnotforme:Mydestinywillquicklybedecided.
[MAX.claspsherinhisarmsinextremeemotion.Thereisheardfrombehindthescenealoud,wild,long-continuedcry,VivatFerdinandus!accompaniedbywarlikeinstruments.MAX.andTHEKLAremainwithoutmotionineachother'sembraces.
SCENEXXII.
TotheaboveenterTERZKY.
COUNTESS(meetinghim).Whatmeantthatcry?Whatwasit?
TERZKY.Allislost!
COUNTESS.What!theyregardednothiscountenance?
TERZKY.'Twasallinvain.
DUCHESS.TheyshoutedVivat!
TERZKY.Totheemperor.
COUNTESS.Thetraitors?
TERZKY.Nay!hewasnotpermittedEventoaddressthem.Soonashebegan,
WithdeafeningnoiseofwarlikeinstrumentsTheydrownedhiswords.Butherehecomes.
SCENEXXIII.
TotheseenterWALLENSTEIN,accompaniedbyILLOandBUTLER.
WALLENSTEIN(asheenters).
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Terzky!
TERZKY.Mygeneral!
WALLENSTEIN.LetourregimentsholdthemselvesInreadinesstomarch;forweshallleavePilsenereevening.[ExitTERZKY.Butler!
BUTLER.Yes,mygeneral.
WALLENSTEIN.TheGovernorofEgraisyourfriendAndcountryman.WritehiminstantlyByapostcourier.Hemustbeadvised,Thatwearewithhimearlyonthemorrow.Youfollowusyourself,yourregimentwithyou.
BUTLER.Itshallbedone,mygeneral!
WALLENSTEIN(stepsbetweenMAX.andTHEKLA,whohaveremainedduringthistimeineachother'sarms).Part!
MAX.OGod!
[CUIRASSIERSenterwithdrawnswords,andassembleinthebackground.AtthesametimethereareheardfrombelowsomespiritedpassagesoutofthePappenheimMarch,whichseemtoaddressMAX.
WALLENSTEIN(totheCUIRASSIERS).Hereheis,heisatliberty:IkeephimNolonger.
[Heturnsaway,andstandssothatMAX.cannotpassbyhimnorapproachthePRINCESS.
MAX.Thouknow'stthatIhavenotyetlearnttoliveWithoutthee!Igoforthintoadesert,Leavingmyallbehindme.Oh,donotturnThineeyesawayfromme!Oh,oncemoreshowmeThyeverdearandhonoredcountenance.
[MAX.attemptstotakehishand,butisrepelled:heturnstotheCOUNTESS.
Istherenoeyethathasalookofpityforme?
[TheCOUNTESSturnsawayfromhim;heturnstotheDUCHESS.
Mymother!
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offinwildtumult.WALLENSTEINremainsimmovable.THERLAsinksintohermother'sarms.Thecurtainfalls.Themusicbecomesloudandoverpowering,andpassesintoacompletewar-march--theorchestrajoinsit--andcontinuesduringtheintervalbetweenthesecondandthirdacts.
ACTIV.
SCENEI.
TheBURGOMASTER'shouseatEgra.
BUTLER(justarrived).Herethenheisbyhisdestinyconducted.Here,Friedland!andnofurther!FromBohemiaThymeteorrose,traversedtheskyawhile,AndhereuponthebordersofBohemiaMustsink.Thouhastforsworntheancientcolors,Blindman!yettrustesttothyancientfortunes.Profanerofthealtarandthehearth,
Againstthyemperorandfellow-citizensThoumeanesttowagethewar.Friedland,beware--Theevilspiritofrevengeimpelsthee--Bewarethou,thatrevengedestroytheenot!
SCENEII.
BUTLERandGORDON.
GORDON.Isityou?
Howmyheartsinks!Thedukeafugitivetraitor!Hisprincelyheadattainted!Oh,myGod!Tellme,general,Iimplorethee,tellmeInfull,ofallthesesadeventsatPilsen.
BUTLER.YouhavereceivedtheletterwhichIsentyouByapost-courier?
GORDON.Yes:andinobediencetoitOpenedthestrongholdtohimwithoutscruple,Foranimperialletterordersme
Tofollowyourcommandsimplicitly.Butyetforgiveme!whenevennowIsawThedukehimself,myscruplesrecommenced.Fortruly,notlikeanattaintedman,IntothistowndidFriedlandmakehisentrance;Hiswontedmajestybeamedfromhisbrow,Andcalm,asinthedayswhenallwasright,Didhereceivefrommetheaccountsofoffice.'Tissaid,thatfallenpridelearnscondescension.Butsparingandwithdignitytheduke
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Weighedeverysyllableofapprobation,AsmasterspraiseaservantwhohasdoneHisdutyandnomore.
BUTLER.'TisallpreciselyAsIrelatedinmyletter.FriedlandHassoldthearmytotheenemy,AndpledgedhimselftogiveupPragueandEgra.Onthisreporttheregimentsallforsookhim,ThefiveexceptedthatbelongtoTerzky,Andwhichhavefollowedhim,asthouhastseen.Thesentenceofattainderispassedonhim,AndeveryloyalsubjectisrequiredTogivehimintojustice,deadorliving.
GORDON.Atraitortotheemperor.Suchanoble!Ofsuchhightalents!Whatishumangreatness?Ioftensaid,thiscan'tendhappily.Hismight,hisgreatness,andthisobscurepowerArebutacoveredpitfall.ThehumanbeingMaynotbetrustedtoself-government.Theclearandwrittenlaw,thedeep-trodfootmarks
Ofancientcustom,areallnecessaryTokeephimintheroadoffaithandduty.TheauthorityintrustedtothismanWasunexampledandunnatural,Itplacedhimonalevelwithhisemperor,Tilltheproudsoulunlearnedsubmission.Woeisme!Imournforhim!forwherehefell,IdeemMightnonestandfirm.Alas!deargeneral,WeinourluckymediocrityHavene'erexperienced,cannotcalculate,WhatdangerouswishessuchaheightmaybreedIntheheartofsuchaman.
BUTLER.SpareyourlamentsTillheneedsympathy;foratthispresentHeisstillmighty,andstillformidable.TheSwedesadvancetoEgrabyforcedmarches,Andquicklywillthejunctionbeaccomplished.Thismustnotbe!ThedukemustneverleaveThisstrongholdonfreefooting;forIhavePledgedlifeandhonorheretoholdhimprisoner,Andyourassistance'tisonwhichIcalculate.
GORDON.OthatIhadnotlivedtoseethisday!
FromhishandIreceivedthisdignity,Hedidhimselfintrustthisstrongholdtome,WhichIamnowrequiredtomakehisdungeon.Wesubalternshavenowillofourown:Thefree,themightymanalonemaylistenTothefairimpulseofhishumannature.Ah!wearebutthepoortoolsofthelaw,Obediencethesolevirtuewedareaimat!
BUTLER.
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Nay!letitnotafflictyou,thatyourpowerIscircumscribed.Muchliberty,mucherror!Thenarrowpathofdutyissecurest.Andallthenhavedesertedhimyousay?HehasbuiltuptheluckofmanythousandsForkinglywashisspirit:hisfullhandWaseveropen!Manyaonefromdust[WithaslyglanceonBUTLER.Hathheselected,fromtheverydustHathraisedhimintodignityandhonor.Andyetnofriend,notonefriendhathhepurchased,Whoseheartbeatstruetohimintheevilhour.
BUTLER.Here'sone,Isee.
GORDON.IhaveenjoyedfromhimNograceorfavor.Icouldalmostdoubt,IfeverinhisgreatnessheoncethoughtonAnoldfriendofhisyouth.ForstillmyofficeKeptmeatdistancefromhim;andwhenfirstHetothiscitadelappointedme,Hewassincereandseriousinhisduty.
Idonotthenabusehisconfidence,IfIpreservemyfealtyinthatWhichtomyfealtywasfirstdelivered.
BUTLER.Say,then,willyoufulfiltheattainderonhim,Andlendyouraidtotakehiminarrest?
GORDON(pauses,reflecting--thenasindeepdejection).Ifitbeso--ifallbeasyousay--Ifhe'vebetrayedtheemperor,hismaster,Havesoldthetroops,havepurposedtodeliverThestrongholdsofthecountrytotheenemy--
Yea,truly!--thereisnoredemptionforhim!Yetitishard,thatmethelotshoulddestineTobetheinstrumentofhisperdition;ForwewerepagesatthecourtofBergauAtthesameperiod;butIwasthesenior.
BUTLER.Ihaveheardso----
GORDON.'Tisfullthirtyyearssincethen,AyouthwhoscarcehadseenhistwentiethyearWasWallenstein,whenheandIwerefriends
Yeteventhenhehadadaringsoul:HisframeofmindwasseriousandsevereBeyondhisyears:hisdreamswereofgreatobjectsHewalkedamidstusofasilentspirit,Communingwithhimself;yetIhaveknownhimTransportedonasuddenintoutteranceOfstrangeconceptions;kindlingintosplendorHissoulrevealeditself,andhespakesoThatwelookedroundperplexeduponeachother,Notknowingwhetheritwerecraziness,
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Orwhetheritwereagodthatspokeinhim.
BUTLER.ButwasitwherehefelltwostoryhighFromawindow-ledge,onwhichhehadfallenasleepAndroseupfreefrominjury?Fromthisday(Itisreported)hebetrayedclearmarksOfadistemperedfancy.
GORDON.HebecameDoubtlessmoreself-enwrappedandmelancholy;HemadehimselfaCatholic.[7]MarvellouslyHismarvellouspreservationhadtransformedhim.ThenceforthheheldhimselfforanexemptedAndprivilegedbeing,and,asifhewereIncapableofdizzinessorfall,Heranalongtheunsteadyropeoflife.Butnowourdestiniesdroveusasunder;Hepacedwithrapidstepthewayofgreatness,Wascount,andprince,duke-regent,anddictator,Andnowisall,allthistoolittleforhim;Hestretchesforthhishandsforaking'scrown,Andplungesinunfathomableruin.
BUTLER.Nomore,hecomes.
SCENEIII.
TotheseenterWALLENSTEIN,inconversationwiththeBURGOMASTERofEgra.
WALLENSTEIN.Youwereatonetimeafreetown.Isee
Yebearthehalfeagleinyourcityarms.Whythehalfeagleonly?
BURGOMASTER.Wewerefree,ButfortheselasttwohundredyearshasEgraRemainedinpledgetotheBohemiancrown;Thereforewebearthehalfeagle,theotherhalfBeingcancelledtilltheempireransomus,Ifeverthatshouldbe.
WALLENSTEIN.Yemeritfreedom.
Onlybefirmanddauntless.LendyourearsTonodesigningwhisperingcourt-minions.Whatmayyourimpostsbe?
BURGOMASTER.SoheavythatWetotterunderthem.ThegarrisonLivesatourcosts.
WALLENSTEIN.
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Iwillrelieveyou.Tellme,TherearesomeProtestantsamongyoustill?[TheBURGOMASTERhesitates.Yes,yes;Iknowit.ManylieconcealedWithinthesewalls.Confessnow,youyourself----[Fixes,hiseyeonhim.TheBURGOMASTERalarmed.Benotalarmed.IhatetheJesuits.CouldmywillhavedeterminedittheyhadBeenlongagoexpelledtheempire.Trustme--Mass-bookorBible,'tisallonetome.Ofthattheworldhashadsufficientproof.IbuiltachurchfortheReformedinGlogauAtmyowninstance.Harkye,burgomaster!Whatisyourname?
BURGOMASTER.Pachhalbel,myitpleaseyou.
WALLENSTEIN.Harkye!Butletitgonofurther,whatInowDisclosetoyouinconfidence.[LayinghishandontheBURGOMASTER'Sshoulderwithacertainsolemnity.Thetimes
Drawneartotheirfulfilment,burgomaster!Thehighwillfall,thelowwillbeexalted.Harkye!Butkeepittoyourself!TheendApproachesoftheSpanishdoublemonarchy--Anewarrangementisathand.YousawThethreemoonsthatappearedatonceintheheaven?
BURGOMASTER.Withwonderandaffright!
WALLENSTEIN.WhereofdidtwoStrangelytransformthemselvestobloodydaggers,
Andonlyone,themiddlemoon,remainedSteadyandclear.
BURGOMASTER.WeappliedittotheTurks.
WALLENSTEIN.TheTurks!Thatall?ItellyouthattwoempiresWillsetinblood,intheEastandintheWest,AndLutherismaloneremain.[ObservingGORDONandBUTLER.I'faith,'Twasasmartcannonadingthatweheard
Thisevening,aswejourneyedhitherward:'Twasonourlefthand.Didyehearithere?
GORDON.Distinctly.Thewindbroughtitfromthesouth.
BUTLER.ItseemedtocomefromWeidenorfromNeustadt.
WALLENSTEIN.
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'Tislikely.That'stheroutetheSwedesaretaking.Howstrongisthegarrison?
GORDON.NotquitetwohundredCompetentmen,therestareinvalids.
WALLENSTEIN.Good!AndhowmanyinthevaleofJochim?
GORDON.TwohundredarquebusiershaveIsentthitherTofortifythepostsagainsttheSwedes.
WALLENSTEIN.Good!Icommendyourforesight.AttheworkstooYouhavedonesomewhat?
GORDON.TwoadditionalbatteriesIcausedtoberunup.Theywereneedless;TheRhinegravepressesharduponus,general!
WALLENSTEIN.
Youhavebeenwatchfulinyouremperor'sservice.Iamcontentwithyou,lieutenant-colonel.[ToBUTLER.ReleasetheoutpostsinthevaleofJochim,Withallthestationsintheenemy'sroute.[ToGORDON.Governor,inyourfaithfulhandsIleaveMywife,mydaughter,andmysister.IShallmakenostayhere,andwaitbutthearrivalOfletterstotakeleaveofyou,togetherWithalltheregiments.
SCENEIV.
TotheseenterCOUNTTERZKY.
TERZKY.Joy,general,joy!Ibringyouwelcometidings.
WALLENSTEIN.Andwhatmaytheybe?
TERZKY.Therehasbeenanengagement
AtNeustadt;theSwedesgainedthevictory.
WALLENSTEIN.Fromwhencedidyoureceivetheintelligence?
TERZKY.AcountrymanfromTirschenreutconveyedit.SoonaftersunrisedidthefightbeginAtroopoftheimperialistsfromTachauHadforcedtheirwayintotheSwedishcamp;
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Thecannonadecontinuedfulltwohours;TherewereleftdeaduponthefieldathousandImperialists,togetherwiththeircolonel;Furtherthanthishedidnotknow.
WALLENSTEIN.HowcameImperialtroopsatNeustadt?Altringer,Butyesterday,stoodsixtymilesfromthere.CountGallas'forcecollectsatFrauenberg,Andhavenotthefullcomplement.IsitpossibleThatSuysperchancehadventuredsofaronward?Itcannotbe.
TERZKY.Weshallsoonknowthewhole,ForherecomesIllo,fullofhaste,andjoyous.
SCENEV.
TotheseenterILLO.
ILLO(toWALLENSTEIN).Acourier,duke!hewishestospeakwiththee.
TERZKY(eagerly).Doeshebringconfirmationofthevictory?
WALLENSTEIN(atthesametime).Whatdoeshebring?Whencecomeshe?
ILLO.FromtheRhinegrave,AndwhathebringsIcanannouncetoyouBeforehand.SevenleaguesdistantaretheSwedes;
AtNeustadtdidMax.PiccolominiThrowhimselfonthemwiththecavalry;Amurderousfighttookplace!o'erpoweredbynumbersThePappenheimersall,withMax.theirleader,[WALLENSTEINshuddersandturnspale.Wereleftdeadonthefield.
WALLENSTEIN(afterapause,inalowvoice).Whereisthemessenger?Conductmetohim.
[WALLENSTEINisgoing,whenLADYNEUBRUNNrushesintotheroom.Someservantsfollowherandrunacrossthestage.
NEUBRUNN.Help!Help!
ILLOandTERZKY(atthesametime).Whatnow?
NEUBRUNN.Theprincess!
WALLENSTEINandTERZKY.
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Doessheknowit?
NEUBRUNN(atthesametimewiththem).Sheisdying!
[Hurriesoffthestage,whenWALLENSTEINandTERZKYfollowher.
SCENEVI.
BUTLERandGORDON.
GORDON.What'sthis?
BUTLER.Shehaslostthemansheloved--YoungPiccolomini,whofellinthebattle.
GORDON.Unfortunatelady!
BUTLER.
YouhaveheardwhatIlloReporteth,thattheSwedesareconquerers,Andmarchinghitherward.
GORDON.ToowellIheardit.
BUTLER.Theyaretwelveregimentsstrong,andtherearefiveClosebyustoprotecttheduke.WehaveOnlymysingleregiment;andthegarrisonIsnottwohundredstrong.
GORDON.'Tisevenso.
BUTLER.ItisnotpossiblewithsuchsmallforceToholdincustodyamanlikehim.
GORDON.Igrantit.
BUTLER.Soonthenumberswoulddisarmus,Andliberatehim.
GORDON.Itweretobefeared.
BUTLER(afterapause).Know,Iamwarrantyfortheevent;WithmyheadhaveIpledgedmyselfforhis,Mustmakemywordgood,costitwhatitwill,Andifalivewecannotholdhimprisoner,Why--deathmakesallthingscertain!
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GORDON.Sutler!What?DoIunderstandyou?GraciousGod!Youcould----
BUTLER.Hemustnotlive.
GORDON.Andyoucandothedeed?
BUTLER.EitheryouorI.Thismorningwashislast.
GORDON.Youwouldassassinatehim?
BUTLER.'Tismypurpose.
GORDON.Wholeanswithhiswholeconfidenceuponyou!
BUTLER.
Suchishisevildestiny!
GORDON.Yourgeneral!Thesacredpersonofyourgeneral!
BUTLER.Mygeneralhehasbeen.
GORDON.That'tisonlyAn"hasbeen"washesoutnovillany,Andwithoutjudgmentpassed.
BUTLER.TheexecutionIshereinsteadofjudgment.
GORDON.Thisweremurder,Notjustice.Themostguiltyshouldbeheard.
BUTLER.Hisguiltisclear,theemperorhaspassedjudgment,Andwebutexecutehiswill.
GORDON.WeshouldnotHurrytorealizeabloodysentence.Awordmayberecalled,alifenevercanbe.
BUTLER.Despatchinservicepleasessovereigns.
GORDON.Nohonestman'sambitioustopressforward
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Tothehangman'sservice.
BUTLER.AndnobravemanlosesHiscoloratadaringenterprise.
GORDON.Abravemanhazardslife,butnothisconscience.
BUTLER.Whatthen?ShallhegoforthanewtokindleTheunextinguishableflameofwar?
GORDON.Seizehim,andholdhimprisoner--donotkillhim.
BUTLER.Hadnottheemperor'sarmybeendefeatedImighthavedoneso.But'tisnowpassedby.
GORDON.Oh,whereforeopenedIthestrongholdtohim?
BUTLER.
Hisdestiny,andnottheplacedestroyshim.
GORDON.Upontheseramparts,asbeseemedasoldier--Ihadfallen,defendingtheemperor'scitadel!
BUTLER.Yes!andathousandgallantmenhaveperished!
GORDON.Doingtheirduty--thatadornstheman!Butmurder'sablackdeed,andnaturecursesit.
BUTLER(bringsoutapaper).HereisthemanifestowhichcommandsusTogainpossessionofhisperson.See--Itisaddressedtoyouaswellasme.Areyoucontenttotaketheconsequences,Ifthroughourfaultheescapetotheenemy?
GORDON.I?GraciousGod!
BUTLER.Takeitonyourself.Comeofitwhatmay,onyouIlayit.
GORDON.Oh,Godinheaven!
BUTLER.CanyouadviseaughtelseWherewithtoexecutetheemperor'spurpose?Sayifyoucan.ForIdesirehisfall,Nothisdestruction.
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GORDON.Mercifulheaven!whatmustbeIseeasclearasyou.YetstilltheheartWithinmybosombeatswithotherfeelings!
BUTLER.Mineisofharderstuff!NecessityInherroughschoolhathsteeledme.AndthisIllo,AndTerzkylikewise,theymustnotsurvivehim.
GORDON.Ifeelnopangforthese.TheirownbadheartsImpelledthem,nottheinfluenceofthestars.'TwastheywhostrewedtheseedsofevilpassionsInhiscalmbreast,andwithofficiousvillanyWateredandnursedthepoisonousplants.MaytheyReceivetheirearneststotheuttermostmite!
BUTLER.Andtheirdeathshallprecedehis!WemeanttohavetakenthemalivethiseveningAmidthemerrymakingofafeast,Andkeepthemprisonersinthecitadel,Butthismakesshorterwork.Igothisinstant
Togivethenecessaryorders.
SCENEVII.
TotheseenterILLOandTERZKY.
TERZKY.Ourluckisontheturn.To-morrowcomeTheSwedes--twelvethousandgallantwarriors,Illo!ThenstraightwiseforVienna.Cheerily,friend!What!meetsuchnewswithsuchamoodyface?
ILLO.ItlieswithusatpresenttoprescribeLaws,andtakevengeanceonthoseworthlesstraitorsThoseskulkingcowardsthatdesertedus;Onehasalreadydonehisbitterpenance,ThePiccolomini:behisthefateOfallwhowishusevil!ThisfliessureTotheoldman'sheart;hehashiswholelifelongFrettedandtoiledtoraisehisancienthouseFromacount'stitletothenameofprince;Andnowmustseekagraveforhisonlyson.
BUTLER.'Twaspity,though!AyouthofsuchheroicAndgentletemperament!Thedukehimself,'Twaseasilyseen,hownearitwenttohisheart.
ILLO.Harkye,oldfriend!ThatistheverypointThatneverpleasedmeinourgeneral--HeevergavethepreferencetotheItalians.Yea,atthisverymoment,bymysoul!
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He'dgladlyseeusalldeadtentimesover,Couldhetherebyrecallhisfriendtolife.
TERZKY.Hush,hush!Letthedeadrest!Thisevening'sbusinessIs,whocanfairlydrinktheotherdown--Yourregiment,Illo!givestheentertainment.Come!wewillkeepamerrycarnivalThenightforoncebeday,and'midfullglassesWillweexpecttheSwedishavant-garde.
ILLO.Yes,letusbeofgoodcheerforto-day,Forthere'shotworkbeforeus,friends!ThisswordShallhavenoresttillitisbathedtothehiltInAustrianblood.
GORDON.Shame,shame!whattalkisthis,Mylordfield-marshal?WhereforefoamyousoAgainstyouremperor?
BUTLER.Hopenottoomuch
Fromthisfirstvictory.Bethinkyou,sirs!Howrapidlythewheeloffortuneturns;Theemperorstillisformidablystrong.
ILLO.Theemperorhassoldiers,nocommander,ForthisKingFerdinandofHungaryIsbutatyro.Gallas?He'snoluck,Andwasofoldtheruinerofarmies.Andthenthisviper,thisOctavio,Isexcellentatstabbingintheback,Butne'ermeetsFriedlandintheopenfield.
TERZKY.Trustme,myfriends,itcannotbutsucceed;Fortune,weknow,canne'erforsaketheduke!--AndonlyunderWallensteincanAustriaBeconqueror.
ILLO.ThedukewillsoonassembleAmightyarmy:allcomecrowding,streamingTobanners,dedicatebydestinyTofame,andprosperousfortune.IbeholdOldtimescomebackagain!hewillbecomeOncemorethemightylordwhichhehasbeen.
Howwillthefools,who'vehowdesertedhim,Lookthen?Ican'tbutlaughtothinkofthem,Forlandswillhepresenttoallhisfriends,AndlikeakingandemperorrewardTrueservices;butwe'vethenearestclaims.[ToGORDON.Youwillnotbeforgotten,governor!He'lltakefromyouthisnest,andbidyoushineInhigherstation:yourfidelityWellmeritsit.
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GORDON.Iamcontentalready,Andwishtoclimbnohigher;wheregreatheightis,Thefallmustneedybegreat."Greatheight,greatdepth."
ILLO.Hereyouhavenomorebusiness,forto-morrowTheSwedeswilltakepossessionofthecitadel.Come,Terzky,itissupper-time.Whatthinkyou?Nay,shallwehavethetownilluminatedInhonoroftheSwede?AndwhorefusesTodoitisaSpaniardandatraitor.
TERZKY.Nay!nay!notthat,itwillnotpleasetheduke----
ILLO.What;wearemastershere;nosoulshalldareAvowhimselfimperialwherewe'vetherule.Gordon!good-night,andforthelasttimetakeAfairleaveoftheplace.SendoutpatrolsTomakesecure,thewatchwordmaybealtered.Atthestrokeoftendeliverinthekeys
Tothedukehimself,andthenyou'vequitforeverYourwardshipofthegates,foronto-morrowTheSwedeswilltakepossessionofthecitadel.
TERZKY(asheisgoing,toBUTLER).Youcome,though,tothecastle?
BUTLER.Attherighttime.
[ExeuntTERZKYandILLO.
SCENEVIII.
GORDONandBUTLER.
GORDON(lookingafterthem).Unhappymen!HowfreefromallforebodingTheyrushintotheoutspreadnetofmurderIntheblinddrunkennessofvictory;Ihavenopityfortheirfate.ThisIllo,Thisoverflowingandfoolhardyvillain,Thatwouldfainbathehimselfinhisemperor'sblood.
BUTLER.Doasheorderedyou.Sendroundpatrols,Takemeasuresforthecitadel'ssecurity;WhentheyarewithinIclosethecastle-gateThatnothingmaytranspire.
GORDON(withearnestanxiety).Oh!hastenotso!Nay,stop;firsttellme----
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BUTLER.Youhaveheardalready,To-morrowtotheSwedesbelongs.ThisnightAloneisours.Theymakegoodexpedition.Butwewillmakestillgreater.Fareyouwell.
GORDON.Ah!yourlookstellmenothinggood.Nay,Butler,Iprayyoupromiseme!
BUTLER.Thesunhasset;Afatefuleveningdothdescenduponus,Andbringsontheirlongnight!TheirevilstarsDeliverthemunarmedintoourhands,AndfromtheirdrunkendreamofgoldenfortunesThedaggerattheirheartsshallrousethem.Well,Thedukewaseveragreatcalculator;Hisfellow-menwerefiguresonhischess-boardTomoveandstation,ashisgamerequired.Othermen'shonor,dignity,goodname,Didheshiftlikepawns,andmadenoconscienceofStillcalculating,calculatingstill;Andyetatlasthiscalculationproves
Erroneous;thewholegameislost;andlow!Hisownlifewillbefoundamongtheforfeits.
GORDON.Oh,thinknotofhiserrorsnow!rememberHisgreatness,hismunificence;thinkonallThelovelyfeaturesofhischaracter,Onallthenobleexploitsofhislife,Andletthem,likeanangel'sarm,unseen,Arresttheliftedsword.
BUTLER.Itistoolate.
Isuffernotmyselftofeelcompassion,Darkthoughtsandbloodyaremydutynow.[GraspingGORDON'shand.Gordon!'tisnotmyhatred(IpretendnotTolovetheduke,andhavenocausetolovehim).Yet'tisnotnowmyhatredthatimpelsmeTobehismurderer.'Tishisevilfate.HostileoccurrencesofmanyeventsControlandsubjugatemetotheoffice.InvainthehumanbeingmeditatesFreeaction.Heisbutthewire-worked[8]puppetOftheblindPower,which,outofitsownchoice,Createsforhimadreadnecessity.
WhattoowoulditavailhimiftherewereAsomethingpleadingforhiminmyheart--StillImustkillhim.
GORDON.IfyourheartspeaktoyouFollowitsimpulse.'TisthevoiceofGod.ThinkyouyourfortuneswillgrowprosperousBedewedwithblood--hisblood?Believeitnot!
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BUTLER.Youknownot.Asknot!WhereforeshouldithappenThattheSwedesgainedthevictory,andhastenWithsuchforcedmarcheshitherwards?FainwouldIHavegivenhimtotheemperor'smercy.Gordon!Idonotwishhisblood,--butImustransomThehonorofmyword,--itliesinpledge--Andhemustdie,or----[PassionatelygraspingGORDON'shand.Listen,then,andknowIamdishonoredifthedukeescapeus.
GORDON.Oh!tosavesuchaman----
BUTLER.What!
GORDON.ItisworthAsacrifice.Come,friend!Benoble-minded!Ourownheart,andnotothermen'sopinions,Formsourtruehonor.
BUTLER(withacoldandhaughtyair).Heisagreatlord,Thisduke,andIamofbutmeanimportance.Thisiswhatyouwouldsay!WhereinconcernsitTheworldatlarge,youmeantohinttome,WhetherthemanoflowextractionkeepsOrblemisheshishonor--Sothatthemanofprincelyrankbesaved?Wealldostampourvalueonourselves:Thepricewechallengeforourselvesisgivenus.TheredoesnotliveonearththemansostationedThatIdespisemyselfcomparedwithhim.Manismadegreatorlittlebyhisownwill;
BecauseIamtruetominethereforehedies!
GORDON.Iamendeavoringtomovearock.Thouhadstamother,yetnohumanfeelings.Icannothinderyou,butmaysomeGodRescuehimfromyou!
[ExitGORDON.BUTLER[9](alone).Itreasuredmygoodnameallmylifelong;Thedukehascheatedmeoflife'sbestjewel,SothatIblushbeforethispoorweakGordon!
Heprizesaboveallhisfealty;Hisconscioussoulaccuseshimofnothing;InoppositiontohisownsoftheartHesubjugateshimselftoanironduty.Meinaweakermomentpassionwarped;Istandbesidehim,andmustfeelmyselfTheworstmanofthetwo.WhatthoughtheworldIsignorantofmypurposedtreason,yetOnemandoesknowit,andcanproveit,too--High-mindedPiccolomini!
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Therelivesthemanwhocandishonorme!Thisignominybloodalonecancleanse!DukeFriedland,thouorI.IntomyownhandsFortunedeliversme.Thedearestthingamanhasishimself.
SCENEIX.
[AgothicandgloomyapartmentattheDUCHESSFRIEDLAND's.THEKLAonaseat,pale,hereyesclosed.TheDUCHESSandLADYNEUBRUNNbusiedabouther.WALLENSTEINandtheCOUNTESSinconversation.
WALLENSTEIN.Howknewsheitsosoon?
COUNTESS.SheseemstohaveForebodedsomemisfortune.ThereportOfanengagement,inwhichhadfallenAcoloneloftheimperialarmy,frightenedher.Isawitinstantly.SheflewtomeetTheSwedishcourier,andwithsuddenquestioning,
Soonwrestedfromhimthedisastroussecret.Toolatewemissedher,hastenedafterher,Wefoundherlyinginhisarms,allpale,Andinaswoon.
WALLENSTEIN.Aheavy,heavyblow!Andshesounprepared!Poorchild!howisit?[TurningtotheDUCHESS.Isshecomingtoherself?
DUCHESS.Hereyesareopening----
COUNTESS.Shelives!
THEKLA(lookingaroundher).WhereamI?
WALLENSTEIN(stepstoher,raisingherupinhisarms).Come,cheerly,Thekla!bemyownbravegirl!See,there'sthylovingmother.ThouartinThyfather'sarms.
THEKLA(standingup).
Whereishe?Ishegone?
DUCHESS.Whogone,mydaughter?
THEKLA.He--themanwhoutteredThatwordofmisery.
DUCHESS.
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Oh,thinknotofit!MyThekla!
WALLENSTEIN.Givehersorrowleavetotalk!Lethercomplain--mingleyourtearswithhers,Forshehathsufferedadeepanguish;butShe'llrisesuperiortoit,formyTheklaHathallherfather'sunsubduedheart.
THEKLA.Iamnotill.See,Ihavepowertostand.Whydoesmymotherweep?HaveIalarmedher?Itisgoneby--Irecollectmyself.[Shecastshereyesroundtheroom,asseekingsomeone.Whereishe?Pleaseyou,donothidehimfromme.YouseeIhavestrengthenough:nowIwillhearhim.
DUCHESS.No;nevershallthismessengerofevilEnteragainintothypresence,Thekla!
THEKLA.Myfather----
WALLENSTEIN.Dearestdaughter!
THEKLA.I'mnotweak.ShortlyIshallbequitemyselfagain.You'llgrantmeonerequest?
WALLENSTEIN.Nameit,mydaughter.
THEKLA.
Permitthestrangertobecalledtome,Andgrantmeleave,thatbymyselfImayHearhisreportandquestionhim.
DUCHESS.No,never!
COUNTESS.'Tisnotadvisable--assentnottoit.
WALLENSTEIN.Hush!Whereforewouldstthouspeakwithhim,mydaughter?
THEKLA.Knowingthewhole,Ishallbemorecollected;Iwillnotbedeceived.MymotherwishesOnlytospareme.Iwillnotbespared--Theworstissaidalready:IcanhearNothingofdeeperanguish!
COUNTESSandDUCHESS.Doitnot.
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THEKLA.Thehorroroverpoweredmebysurprise,Myheartbetrayedmeinthestranger'spresence:Hewasawitnessofmyweakness,yea,Isankintohisarms;andthathasshamedme.Imustreplacemyselfinhisesteem,AndImustspeakwithhim,perforce,thathe,Thestranger,maynotthinkungentlyofme.
WALLENSTEIN.Iseesheisintheright,andaminclinedTograntherthisrequestofhers.Go,callhim.
[LADYNEUBRUNNgoestocallhim.
DUCHESS.ButI,thymother,willbepresent----
THEKLA.'TwereMorepleasingtomeifaloneIsawhim;Trustme,IshallbehavemyselfthemoreCollectedly.
WALLENSTEIN.Permitherherownwill.Leaveheralonewithhim:fortherearesorrows,WhereofnecessitythesoulmustbeItsownsupport.AstrongheartwillrelyOnitsownstrengthalone.Inherownbosom,Notinhermother'sarms,mustshecollectThestrengthtorisesuperiortothisblow.Itismineownbravegirl.I'llhavehertreatedNotasthewoman,buttheheroine.
[Going.
COUNTESS(detaininghim).Whereartthougoing?IheardTerzkysayThat'tisthypurposetodepartfromhenceTo-morrowearly,buttoleaveushere.
WALLENSTEIN.Yes,yestayhere,placedundertheprotectionOfgallantmen.
COUNTESS.Oh,takeuswithyou,brother.Leaveusnotinthisgloomysolitude.Tobroodo'eranxiousthoughts.Themistsofdoubt
Magnifyevilstoashapeofhorror.
WALLENSTEIN.Whospeaksofevil?Ientreatyou,sister,Usewordsofbetteromen.
COUNTESS.Thentakeuswithyou.OhleaveusnotbehindyouinaplaceThatforcesustosuchsadomens.Heavy
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Andsickwithinmeismyheart--Thesewallsbreatheonmelikeachurchyardvault.Icannottellyou,brother,howthisplaceDothgoagainstmynature.Takeuswithyou.Come,sister,joinyouyourentreaty!Niece,Yourstoo.Weallentreatyou,takeuswithyou!
WALLENSTEIN.Theplace'sevilomenswillIchange,MakingitthatwhichshieldsandsheltersformeMybestbeloved.
LADYNEUBRUNN(returning).TheSwedishofficer.
WALLENSTEIN.Leaveheralonewithme.
DUCHESS(toTHEKLA,whostartsandshivers).There--paleasdeath!Child,'tisimpossibleThatthoushouldstspeakwithhim.Followthymother.
THEKLA.TheLadyNeubrunnthenmaystaywithme.
[ExeuntDUCHESSandCOUNTESS.
SCENEX.
THEKLA,THESWEDISHCAPTAIN,LADYNEUBRUNN.
CAPTAIN(respectfullyapproachingher).Princess--Imustentreatyourgentlepardon--Myinconsideraterashspeech.Howcould!----
THEKLA(withdignity).Youhavebeheldmeinmyagony.AmostdistressfulaccidentoccasionedYoufromastrangertobecomeatonceMyconfidant.
CAPTAIN.Ifearyouhatemypresence,Formytonguespakeamelancholyword.
THEKLA.Thefaultismine.Myselfdidwrestitfromyou.Thehorrorwhichcameo'ermeinterrupted
Yourtaleatitscommencement.Mayitpleaseyou,Continueittotheend.
CAPTAIN.Princess,'twillRenewyouranguish.
THEKLA.Iamfirm,--Iwillbefirm.Well--howbegantheengagement?
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CAPTAIN.Welay,expectingnoattack,atNeustadt,Intrenchedbutinsecurelyinourcamp,WhentowardseveningroseacloudofdustFromthewoodthitherward;ourvanguardfledIntothecamp,andsoundedthealarm.ScarcehadwemountederethePappenheimers,Theirhorsesatfullspeed,brokethroughthelines,Andleapedthetrenches;buttheirheedlesscourageHadbornethemonwardfarbeforetheothers--Theinfantrywerestillatdistance,onlyThePappenheimersfolloweddaringlyTheirdaringleader----
[THEKLAbetraysagitationinhergestures.Theofficerpausestillshemakesasigntohimtoproceed.
CAPTAIN.BothinvanandflanksWithourwholecavalrywenowreceivedthem;Backtothetrenchesdrovethem,wherethefootStretchedoutasolidridgeofpikestomeetthem.Theyneithercouldadvance,noryetretreat;
Andastheystoodoneverysidewedgedin,TheRhinegravetotheirleadercalledaloud,Invitingasurrender;buttheirleader,YoungPiccolomini----[THEKLA,asgiddy,graspsachair.Knownbyhisplume,Andhislonghair,gavesignalforthetrenches;Himselfleapedfirst:theregimentallplungedafter.Hischarger,byahalbertgored,rearedup,Flunghimwithviolenceoff,andoverhimThehorses,nownolongertobecurbed,----
[THEKLA,whohasaccompaniedthelastspeechwithall
themarksofincreasingagony,tremblesthroughherwholeframeandisfalling.TheLADYNEUBRUNNrunstoher,andreceivesherinherarms.
NEUBRUNN.Mydearestlady!
CAPTAIN.Iretire.
THERLA.'Tisover.Proceedtotheconclusion.
CAPTAIN.WilddespairInspiredthetroopswithfrenzywhentheysawTheirleaderperish;everythoughtofrescueWasspurned;theyfoughtlikewoundedtigers;theirFranticresistancerousedoursoldiery;Amurderousfighttookplace,norwasthecontestFinishedbeforetheirlastmanfell.
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THEKLA(faltering).Andwhere--Whereis--youhavenottoldmeall.
CAPTAIN(afterapause).ThismorningWeburiedhim.TwelveyouthsofnoblestbirthDidbearhimtointerment;thewholearmyFollowedthebier.Alaureldeckedhiscoffin;Theswordofthedeceasedwasplaceduponit,InmarkofhonorbytheRhinegrave'sself,Nortearswerewanting;forthereareamongusMany,whohadthemselvesexperiencedThegreatnessofhismindandgentlemanners;Allwereaffectedathisfate.TheRhinegraveWouldwillinglyhavesavedhim;buthimselfMadevaintheattempt--'tissaidhewishedtodie.
NEUBRUNN(toTHEKLA,whohashiddenhercountenance).Lookup,mydearestlady----
THEKLA.Whereishisgrave?
CAPTAIN.AtNeustadt,lady;inacloisterchurchArehisremainsdeposited,untilWecanreceivedirectionsfromhisfather.
THEKLA.Whatisthecloister'sname?
CAPTAIN.SaintCatherine's.
THEKLA.Andhowfarisitthither?
CAPTAIN.Neartwelveleagues.
THEKLA.Andwhichtheway?
CAPTAIN.YougobyTirschenreutAndFalkenberg,throughouradvancedposts.
THEKLAWho
Istheircommander?
CAPTAIN.ColonelSeckendorf.
[THEKLAstepstothetable,andtakesaringfromacasket.
THEKLA.Youhavebeheldmeinmyagony,Andshownafeelingheart.Pleaseyou,accept
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[Givinghimthering.Asmallmemorialofthishour.Nowgo!
CAPTAIN(confusedly).Princess----
[THEKLAsilentlymakessignstohimtogo,andturnsfromhim.Thecaptainlingers,andisabouttospeak.LADYNEUBRUNNrepeatsthesignal,andheretires.
SCENEXI.
THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN.
THEKLA(fallsonLADYNEUBRUNN'sneck).NowgentleNeubrunn,showmetheaffectionWhichthouhasteverpromised--provethyselfMyowntruefriendandfaithfulfellow-pilgrim.Thisnightwemustaway!
NEUBRUNN.Away!andwhither?
THEKLA.Whither!Thereisbutoneplaceintheworld.Thither,whereheliesburied!Tohiscoffin!
NEUBRUNN.Whatwouldyoudothere?
THEKLA.Whatdothere?Thatwouldstthounothaveasked,hadstthoue'erloved.There,thatisallthatstillremainsofhim!Thatsinglespotisthewholeearthtome.
NEUBRUNN.Thatplaceofdeath----
THEKLA.IsnowtheonlyplaceWherelifeyetdwellsforme:detainmenot!Comeandmakepreparations;letusthinkOfmeanstoflyfromhence.
NEUBRUNN.Yourfather'srage
THEKLA.Thattimeispast--AndnowIfearnohumanbeing'srage.
NEUBRUNN.Thesentenceoftheworld!Thetongueofcalumny!
THEKLA.WhomamIseeking?Himwhoisnomore.AmIthenhasteningtothearms--OGod!
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Ihaste--buttothegraveofthebeloved.
NEUBRUNN.Andwealone,twohelpless,feeblewomen?
THEKLA.Wewilltakeweapons:myarmshallprotectthee.
NEUBRUNN.Inthedarknight-time?
THEKLA.Darknesswillconcealus.
NEUBRUNN.Thisroughtempestuousnight----
THEKLA.HadheasoftbedUnderthehoofsofhiswar-horses?
NEUBRUNN.Heaven!Andthenthemanypostsoftheenemy!
THEKLA.Theyarehumanbeings.MiserytravelsfreeThroughthewholeearth.
NEUBRUNN.Thejourney'swearylength----
THEKLA.Thepilgrim,travellingtoadistantshrineOfhopeandhealingdothnotcounttheleagues.
NEUBRUNN.
Howcanwepassthegates?
THEKLA.Goldopensthem.Go,dobutgo.
NEUBRUNN.Shouldweberecognized----
THEKLA.Inadespairingwoman,apoorfugitive,WillnooneseekthedaughterofDukeFriedland.
NEUBRUNN.Andwhereprocurewehorsesforourflight?
THEKLA.Myequerryprocuresthem.Goandfetchhim.
NEUBRUNN.Dareshe,withouttheknowledgeofhislord?
THEKLA.
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Hewill.Go,onlygo.Delaynolonger.
NEUBRUNN.Dearlady!andyourmother?
THEKLA.Oh!mymother!
NEUBRUNN.Somuchasshehassufferedtooalready;Yourtendermother.Ah!howillpreparedForthislastanguish!
THEKLA.Woeisme!Mymother![Pauses.Goinstantly.
NEUBRUNN.Butthinkwhatyouaredoing!
THEKLA.Whatcanbethought,alreadyhasbeenthought.
NEUBRUNN.Andbeingthere,whatpurposeyoutodo?
THEKLA.Thereadivinitywillpromptmysoul.
NEUBRUNN.Yourheart,dearlady,isdisquieted!Andthisisnotthewaythatleadstoquiet.
THEKLA.Toadeepquiet,suchashehasfound,Itdrawsmeon,Iknownotwhattonameit,
Resistlessdoesitdrawmetohisgrave.Therewillmyheartbeeased,mytearswillflow.Ohhasten,makenofurtherquestioning!ThereisnorestformetillIhaveleftThesewalls--theyfallinonme--adimpowerDrivesmefromhence--ohmercy!Whatafeeling!Whatpaleandhollowformsarethose!Theyfill,Theycrowdtheplace!Ihavenolongerroomhere!Mercy!Stillmore!Morestill!Thehideousswarm,Theypressonme;theychasemefromthesewalls--Thosehollow,bodilessformsoflivingmen!
NEUBRUNN.
Youfrightenmeso,lady,thatnolongerIdarestayheremyself.IgoandcallRosenberginstantly.
[ExitLADYNEUBRUNN.
SCENEXII.
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THEKLA.Hisspirit'tisthatcallsme:'tisthetroopOfhistruefollowers,whoofferedupThemselvestoavengehisdeath:andtheyaccusemeOfanignobleloitering--theywouldnotForsaketheirleadereveninhisdeath;theydiedforhim,AndshallIlive?FormetoowasthatlaurelgarlandtwinedThatdeckshisbier.Lifeisanemptycasket:Ithrowitfromme.Oh,myonlyhope;Todiebeneaththehoofsoftramplingsteeds--Thatisalotofheroesuponearth!
[ExitTHEKLA.[10]
(TheCurtaindrops.)
SCENEXIII.
THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN,andROSENBERG.
NEUBRUNN.
Heishere,lady,andhewillprocurethem.
THEKLA.Wiltthouprovideushorses,Rosenberg?
ROSENBERG.Iwill,mylady.
THEKLA.Andgowithusaswell?
ROSENBERG.Totheworld'send,mylady.
THEKLA.Butconsider,Thounevercanstreturnuntotheduke.
ROSENBERG.Iwillremainwiththee.
THEKLA.Iwillrewardthee.Andwillcommendtheetoanothermaster.Canstthouunseenconductusfromthecastle?
ROSENBERG.Ican.
THEKLA.WhencanIgo?
ROSENBERG.Thisveryhour.Butwhitherwouldyou,lady?
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THEKLA.To--Tellhim,Neubrunn.
NEUBRUNN.ToNeustadt.
ROSENBERG.So;Ileaveyoutogetready.
[Exit.
NEUBRUNN.Oh,see,yourmothercomes.
THEKLA.Indeed!OHeaven!
SCENEXIV.
THEKLA,LADYNEUBRUNN,theDUCHESS.
DUCHESS.
He'sgone!Ifindtheemorecomposed,mychild.
THEKLA.Iamso,mother;letmeonlynowRetiretorest,andNeubrunnherebewithme.Iwantrepose.
DUCHESS.MyThekla,thoushalthaveit.Ileavetheenowconsoled,sinceIcancalmThyfather'sheart.
THEKLA.
Goodnight,belovedmother!
(Fallingonherneckandembracingherwithdeepemotion).
DUCHESS.Thouscarcelyartcomposede'ennow,mydaughter.Thoutrembleststrongly,andIfeelthyheartBeataudiblyonmine.
THEKLA.SleepwillappeaseItsbeating:nowgood-night,good-night,dearmother.
(Asshewithdrawsfromhermother'sarmsthecurtainfalls).
ACTV.
SCENEI.
Butler'sChamber.
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BUTLER,andMAJORGERALDIN.
BUTLER.Findmetwelvestrongdragoons,armthemwithpikesFortheremustbenofiring--Concealthemsomewherenearthebanquet-room,Andsoonasthedessertisservedup,rushallinAndcry--"Whoisloyaltotheemperor?"Iwilloverturnthetable--whileyouattackIlloandTerzky,anddespatchthemboth.Thecastle-palaceiswellbarredandguarded,ThatnointelligenceofthisproceedingMaymakeitswaytotheduke.Goinstantly;HaveyouyetsentforCaptainDevereuxAndtheMacdonald?
GERALDIN.They'llbehereanon.
[ExitGERALDIN.
BUTLER.Here'snoroomfordelay.Thecitizens
Declareforhim--adizzydrunkenspiritPossessesthewholetown.TheyseeinthedukeAprinceofpeace,afounderofnewagesAndgoldentimes.Arms,too,havebeengivenoutBythetown-council,andahundredcitizensHavevolunteeredthemselvestostandonguard.Despatch!then,betheword;forenemiesThreatenusfromwithoutandfromwithin.
SCENEII.
BUTLER,CAPTAINDEVEREUX,andMACDONALD.
MACDONALD.Hereweare,general.
DEVEREUX.What'stobethewatchword?
BUTLER.Longlivetheemperor!
BOTH(recoiling).How?
BUTLER.LivethehouseofAustria.
DEVEREUX.HavewenotswornfidelitytoFriedland?
MACDONALD.Havewenotmarchedtothisplacetoprotecthim?
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BUTLER.Protectatraitorandhiscountry'senemy?
DEVEREUX.Why,yes!inhisnameyouadministeredOuroath.
MACDONALD.AndfollowedhimyourselftoEgra.
BUTLER.Ididitthemoresurelytodestroyhim.
DEVEREUX.Sothen!
MACDONALD.Analteredcase!
BUTLER(toDEVEREU%).ThouwretchedmanSoeasilyleavestthouthyoathandcolors?
DEVEREUX.
Thedevil!Ibutfollowedyourexample;Ifyoucouldproveavillain,whynotwe?
MACDONALD.We'venaughttodowiththinking--that'syourbusiness.Youareourgeneral,andgiveouttheorders;Wefollowyou,thoughthetrackleadtohell.
BUTLER(appeased).Good,then!weknoweachother.
MACDONALD.Ishouldhopeso.
DEVEREUX.Soldiersoffortunearewe--whobidsmostHehasus.
MACDONALD.'Tise'enso!
BUTLER.Well,forthepresentYoumustremainhonestandfaithfulsoldiers.
DEVEREUX.
Wewishnoother.
BUTLER.Ay,andmakeyourfortunes.
MACDONALD.Thatisstillbetter.
BUTLER.Listen!
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BOTH.Weattend.
BUTLER.Itistheemperor'swillandordinanceToseizethepersonofthePrince-DukeFriedlandAliveordead.
DEVEREUX.Itrunssointheletter.
MACDONALD.Aliveordead--theseweretheverywords.
BUTLER.AndheshallberewardedfromthestateInlandandgoldwhoproffersaidthereto.
DEVEREUX.Ay!thatsoundswell.ThewordssoundalwayswellThattravelhitherfromthecourt.Yes!yes!Weknowalreadywhatcourt-wordsimport.Agoldenchainperhapsinsignoffavor,
Oranoldcharger,oraparchment-patent,Andsuchlike.Theprince-dukepaysbetter.
MACDONALD.Yes,Theduke'sasplendidpaymaster.
BUTLER.AlloverWiththat,myfriends.Hisluckystarsareset.
MACDONALD.Andisthatcertain?
BUTLER.Youhavemywordforit.
DEVEREUX.Hisluckyfortune'sallpassedby?
BUTLER.Forever.Heisaspooraswe.
MACDONALD.Aspooraswe?
DEVEREUX.Macdonald,we'lldeserthim.
BUTLER.We'lldeserthim?Fulltwentythousandhavedonethatalready;Wemustdomore,mycountrymen!Inshort--We--wemustkillhim.
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BOTH(startingback)Killhim!
BUTLER.Yes,mustkillhim;AndforthatpurposehaveIchosenyou.
BOTH.Us!
BUTLER.You,CaptainDevereux,andthee,Macdonald.
DEVEREUX(afterapause).Chooseyousomeother.
BUTLER.What!artdastardly?Thou,withfullthirtylivestoanswerfor--Thouconscientiousofasudden?
DEVEREUX.NayToassassinateourlordandgeneral----
MACDONALD.Towhomwesworeasoldier'soath----
BUTLER.TheoathIsnull,forFriedlandisatraitor.
DEVEREUX.No,no!itistoobad!
MACDONALD.Yes,bymysoul!
Itistoobad.Onehasaconsciencetoo----
DEVEREUX.Ifitwerenotourchieftain,whosolongHasissuedthecommands,andclaimedourduty----
BUTLER.Isthattheobjection?
DEVEREUX.Wereitmyownfather,Andtheemperor'sserviceshoulddemanditofme,Itmightbedoneperhaps--butwearesoldiers,
Andtoassassinateourchiefcommander,Thatisasin,afoulabomination,Fromwhichnomonkorconfessorabsolvesus.
BUTLER.Iamyourpope,andgiveyouabsolution.Determinequickly!
DEVEREUX.'Twillnotdo.
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MACDONALD.'Twontdo!
BUTLER.Well,offthen!and--sendPestalutztome.
DEVEREUX(hesitates).ThePestalutz----
MACDONALD.Whatmayyouwantwithhim?
BUTLER.Ifyourejectit,wecanfindenough----
DEVEREUX.Nay,ifhemustfall,wemayearnthebountyAswellasanyother.Whatthinkyou,BrotherMacdonald?
MACDONALD.Why,ifhemustfall,Andwillfall,anditcan'tbeotherwise,
OnewouldnotgiveplacetothisPestalutz.
DEVEREUX(aftersomereflection).Whendoyoupurposeheshouldfall?
BUTLER.Thisnight.To-morrowwilltheSwedesbeatourgates.
DEVEREUX.Youtakeuponyoualltheconsequences?
BUTLER.
Itakethewholeuponme.
DEVEREUX.AnditisTheemperor'swill,hisexpressabsolutewill?ForwehaveinstancesthatfolksmaylikeThemurder,andyethangthemurderer.
BUTLER.Themanifestosays--"aliveordead."Alive--'tisnotpossible--youseeitisnot.
DEVEREUX.
Well,deadthen!dead!Butbowcanwecomeathim.ThetownisfilledwithTerzky'ssoldiery.
MACDONALD.Ay!andthenTerzkystillremains,andIllo----
BUTLER.Withtheseyoushallbegin--youunderstandme?
DEVEREUX.
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How!Andmusttheytooperish?
BUTLER.Theythefirst.
MACDONALD.Hear,Devereux!Abloodyeveningthis.
DEVEREUX.Haveyouamanforthat?Commissionme----
BUTLER.'TisgivenintrusttoMajorGeraldin;Thisisacarnivalnight,andthere'safeastGivenatthecastle--thereweshallsurprisethem,Andhewthemdown.ThePestalutzandLesleyHavethatcommission.Soonasthatisfinished----
DEVEREUX.Hear,general!Itwillbeallonetoyou--Harkye,letmeexchangewithGeraldin.
BUTLER.'Twillbethelesserdangerwiththeduke.
DEVEREUX.Danger!Thedevil!Whatdoyouthinkme,general,'Tistheduke'seye,andnothissword,Ifear.
BUTLER.Whatcanhiseyedotothee?
DEVEREUX.Deathandhell!ThouknowestthatI'mnomilksop,general!But'tisnoteightdayssincethedukedidsendmeTwentygoldpiecesforthisgoodwarmcoat
WhichIhaveon!andthenforhimtoseemeStandingbeforehimwiththepike,hismurderer.Thateyeofhislookinguponthiscoat--Why--why--thedevilfetchme!I'mnomilksop!
BUTLER.Thedukepresentedtheethisgoodwarmcoat,Andthou,aneedywight,hastpangsofconscienceTorunhimthroughthebodyinreturn,AcoatthatisfarbetterandfarwarmerDidtheemperorgivetohim,theprince'smantle.Howdothhethanktheemperor?WithrevoltAndtreason.
DEVEREUX.Thatistrue.ThedeviltakeSuchthankers!I'lldespatchhim.
BUTLER.Andwould'stquietThyconscience,thouhastnaughttodobutsimplyPulloffthecoat;socanstthoudothedeedWithlightheartandgoodspirits.
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DEVEREUX.Youareright,Thatdidnotstrikeme.I'llpulloffthecoat--Sothere'sanendofit.
MACDONALD.Yes,butthere'sanotherPointtobethoughtof.
BUTLER.Andwhat'sthat,Macdonald?
MACDONALD.Whatavailsswordordaggeragainsthim?Heisnottobewounded--heis----
BUTLER(startingup).What!
MACDONALD.Safeagainstshot,andstab,andflash!Hardfrozen.SecuredandwarrantedbytheblackartHisbodyisimpenetrable,Itellyou.
DEVEREUX.InIngolstadttherewasjustsuchanother:Hiswholeskinwasthesameassteel;atlastWewereobligedtobeathimdownwithgunstocks.
MACDONALD.HearwhatI'lldo.
DEVEREUX.Well.
MACDONALD.
InthecloisterhereThere'saDominican,mycountryman.I'llmakehimdipmyswordandpikeformeInholywater,andsayoverthemOneofhisstrongestblessings.That'sprobatum!Nothingcanstand'gainstthat.
BUTLER.Sodo,Macdonald!ButnowgoandselectfromouttheregimentTwentyorthirtyable-bodiedfellows,Andletthemtaketheoathstotheemperor.Thenwhenitstrikeseleven,whenthefirstrounds
Arepassed,conductthemsilentlyasmaybeTothehouse.Iwillmyselfbenotfaroff.
DEVEREUX.ButhowdowegetthroughHartschierandGordon,Thatstandonguardthereintheinnerchamber?
BUTLER.Ihavemademyselfacquaintedwiththeplace,Ileadyouthroughabackdoorthat'sdefended
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Byonemanonly.MemyrankandofficeGiveaccesstothedukeateveryhour.I'llgobeforeyou--withonepoinard-strokeCutHartschier'swindpipe,andmakewayforyou.
DEVEREUX.Andwhenwearethere,bywhatmeansshallwegainTheduke'sbed-chamber,withouthisalarmingTheservantsofthecourt?forhehashereAnumerouscompanyoffollowers.
BUTLER.Theattendantsfillstherightwing:hehatesbustle,Andlodgesintheleftwingquitealone.
DEVEREUX.Wereitwellover--hey,Macdonald!IFeelqueerlyontheoccasion,devilknows.
MACDONALD.AndI,too.'Tistoogreatapersonage.Peoplewillholdusforabraceofvillains.
BUTLER.
Inplenty,honor,splendor--youmaysafelyLaughatthepeople'sbabble.
DEVEREUX.IfthebusinessSquareswithone'shonor--ifthatbequitecertain.
BUTLER.Setyourheartsquiteatease.YesaveforFerdinandHiscrownandempire.TherewardcanbeNosmallone.
DEVEREUX.
And'tishispurposetodethronetheemperor?
BUTLER.Yes!Yes!torobhimofhiscrownandlife.
DEVEREUX.Andmusthefallbytheexecutioner'shands,ShouldwedeliverhimuptotheemperorAlive?
BUTLER.Itwerehiscertaindestiny.
DEVEREUX.Well!Well!Comethen,Macdonald,heshallnotLielonginpain.
[ExeuntBUTLERthroughonedoor,MACDONALDandDEVEREUXthroughtheother.
SCENEIII.
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Asaloon,terminatedbyagallery,whichextendsfarintothebackground.
WALLENSTINsittingatatable.TheSWEDISHCAPTAINstandingbeforehim.
WALLENSTEIN.Commendmetoyourlord.IsympathizeInhisgoodfortune;andifyouhaveseenmeDeficientintheexpressionsofthatjoy,Whichsuchavictorymightwelldemand,Attributeittonolackofgood-will,Forhenceforthareourfortunesone.Farewell,Andforyourtroubletakemythanks.To-morrowThecitadelshallbesurrenderedtoyouOnyourarrival.
[TheSWEDISHCAPTAINretires.WALLENSTEINsitslostinthought,hiseyesfixedvacantly,andhisheadsustainedbyhishand.TheCOUNTESSTERZKYenters,standsbeforehimforawhile,unobservedbyhim;atlengthhestarts,seesherandrecollectshimself.
WALLENSTEIN.
Comestthoufromher?Issherestored?Howisshe?
COUNTESS.MysistertellsmeshewasmorecollectedAfterherconversationwiththeSwede.Shehasnowretiredtorest.
WALLENSTEIN.ThepangwillsoftenShewillshedtears.
COUNTESS.Ifindtheealtered,too,
Mybrother!AftersuchavictoryIhadexpectedtohavefoundintheeAcheerfulspirit.Oh,remainthoufirm!Sustain,upholdus!Forourlightthouart,Oursun.
WALLENSTEIN.Bequiet.Iailnothing.Where'sThyhusband?
COUNTESS.Atabanquet--heandIllo.
WALLENSTEIN(risesandstridesacrossthesaloon).Thenight'sfarspent.Betaketheetothychamber.
COUNTESS.Bidmenotgo,oh,letmestaywiththee!
WALLENSTEIN(movestothewindow).Thereisabusymotionintheheaven,Thewinddothchasetheflaguponthetower,Fastsweeptheclouds,thesickle[11]ofthemoon,
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Struggling,dartssnatchesofuncertainlight.Noformofstarisvisible!ThatoneWhitestainoflight,thatsingleglimmeringyonder,IsfromCassiopeia,andthereinIsJupiter.(Apause.)ButnowTheblacknessofthetroubledelementhideshim!
[Hesinksintoprofoundmelancholy,andlooksvacantlyintothedistance.
COUNTESS(looksonhimmournfully,thengraspshishand).Whatartthoubroodingon?
WALLENSTEIN.MethinksIfIbutsawhim,'twouldbewellwithme.Heisthestarofmynativity,AndoftenmarvellouslyhathhisaspectShotstrengthintomyheart.
COUNTESS.Thou'ltseehimagain.
WALLENSTEIN(remainsforawhilewithabsentmind,thenassumesalivelier
manner,andturningsuddenlytotheCOUNTESS).Seehimagain?Oh,never,neveragain!
COUNTESS.How?
WALLENSTEIN.Heisgone--isdust.
COUNTESS.Whommeanestthou,then?
WALLENSTEIN.
He,themorefortunate!yea,hehathfinished!Forhimthereisnolongeranyfuture,Hislifeisbright--brightwithoutspotitwas,Andcannotceasetobe.NoominoushourKnocksathisdoorwithtidingsofmishap,Faroffishe,abovedesireandfear;NomoresubmittedtothechangeandchanceOftheunsteadyplanets.Oh,'tiswellWithhim!butwhoknowswhatthecominghourVeiledinthickdarknessbringsus?
COUNTESS.ThouspeakestofPiccolomini.Whatwashisdeath?
ThecourierhadjustlefttheeasIcame.
[WALLENSTEINbyamotionofhishandmakessignstohertobesilent.
Turnnotthineeyesuponthebackwardview,Letuslookforwardintosunnydays,Welcomewithjoyousheartthevictory,Forgetwhatithascostthee.Notto-day,Forthefirsttime,thyfriendwastotheedead;
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Totheehediedwhenfirsthepartedfromthee.
WALLENSTEIN.Thisanguishwillbewearieddown[12],Iknow;Whatpangispermanentwithman?Fromthehighest,Asfromthevilestthingofeveryday,Helearnstoweanhimself:forthestronghoursConquerhim.YetIfeelwhatIhavelostInhim.Thebloomisvanishedfrommylife,Foroh,hestoodbesideme,likemyyouth,Transformedformetherealtoadream,ClothingthepalpableandthefamiliarWithgoldenexhalationsofthedawn,Whateverfortuneswaitmyfuturetoils,Thebeautifulisvanished--andreturnsnot.
COUNTESS.Oh,benottreacheroustothyownpower.ThyheartisrichenoughtovivifyItself.Thoulovestandprizestvirtuesinhim,Thewhichthyselfdidstplant,thyselfunfold.
WALLENSTEIN(steppingtothedoor).Whointerruptsusnowatthislatehour?
Itisthegovernor.HebringsthekeysOfthecitadel.'Tismidnight.Leaveme,sister!
COUNTESS.Oh,'tissohardtomethisnighttoleavethee;Abodingfearpossessesme!
WALLENSTEIN.Fear!Wherefore?
COUNTESS.Shouldstthoudepartthisnight,andweatwakingNevermorefindthee!
WALLENSTEIN.Fancies!
COUNTESS.Ob,mysoulHaslongbeenweigheddownbythesedarkforebodings,AndifIcombatandrepelthemwaking,Theystillcrushdownuponmyheartindreams,Isawthee,yesternightwiththyfirstwifeSitatabanquet,gorgeouslyattired.
WALLENSTHIN.
Thiswasadreamoffavorableomen,Thatmarriagebeingthefounderofmyfortunes.
COUNTESS.To-dayIdreamedthatIwasseekingtheeInthyownchamber.AsIentered,lo!Itwasnomoreachamber:theChartreuseAtGitschin'twas,whichthouthyselfhastfounded,AndwhereitisthywillthatthoushouldstbeInterred.
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WALLENSTEIN.Thysoulisbusywiththesethoughts.
COUNTESS.What!dostthounotbelievethatoftindreamsAvoiceofwarningspeaksprophetictous?
WALLENSTEIN.Thereisnodoubtthatthereexistsuchvoices,YetIwouldnotcallthemVoicesofwarningthatannouncetousOnlytheinevitable.Asthesun,Ereitisrisen,sometimespaintsitsimageIntheatmosphere,sooftendothespiritsOfgreateventsstrideonbeforetheevents,Andinto-dayalreadywalksto-morrow.ThatwhichwereadofthefourthHenry'sdeathDidevervexandhauntmelikeataleOfmyownfuturedestiny.ThekingFeltinhisbreastthephantomoftheknifeLongereRavaillacarmedhimselftherewith.Hisquietmindforsookhim;thephantasmaStartedhiminhisLouvre,chasedhimforth
Intotheopenair;likefuneralknellsSoundedthatcoronationfestival;AndstillwithbodingsenseheheardthetreadOfthosefeetthateventhenwereseekinghimThroughoutthestreetsofParis.
COUNTESS.AndtotheeThevoicewithinthysoulbodesnothing?
WALLENSTEIN.Nothing.Bewhollytranquil.
COUNTESS.AndanothertimeIhastenedafterthee,andthourann'stfrommeThroughalongsuite,throughmanyaspacioushall.Thereseemednoendofit;doorscreakedandclapped;Ifollowedpanting,butcouldnotovertakethee;WhenonasuddendidIfeelmyselfGraspedfrombehind,--thehandwascoldthatgraspedme;'Twasthou,andthoudidstkissme,andthereseemedAcrimsoncoveringtoenvelopus.
WALLENSTEIN.
Thatisthecrimsontapestryofmychamber.
COUNTESS(gazingonhim).Ifitshouldcometothat--ifIshouldseethee,WhostandestnowbeforemeinthefulnessOflife----
[Shefallsonhisbreastandweeps.
WALLENSTEIN.
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Theemperor'sproclamationweighsuponthee--Alphabetswoundnot--andhefindsnohands.
COUNTESS.Ifheshouldfindthem,myresolveistaken--Ibearaboutmemysupportandrefuge.
[ExitCOUNTESS.
SCENEV.
WALLENSTEIN,GORDON.
WALLENSTEIN.Allquietinthetown?
GORDON.Thetownisquiet.
WALLENSTEIN.Ihearaboisterousmusic!andthecastleIslightedup.Whoaretherevellers?
GORDON.ThereisabanquetgivenatthecastleTotheCountTerzkyandField-MarshalIllo.
WALLENSTEIN.Inhonorofthevictory--thistribeCanshowtheirjoyinnothingelsebutfeasting.[Rings.TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBERenters.Unrobeme.Iwilllaymedowntosleep.[WALLENSTEINtakesthekeysfromGORDON.Soweareguardedfromallenemies,Andshutinwithsurefriends.
Forallmustcheatme,orafacelikethis[FixinghiseyesonGORDON.Wasne'erahypocrite'smask.
[TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBERtakesoffhismantle,collar,andscarf.
WALLENSTEIN.Takecare--whatisthat?
GROOMOFTHECHAMBER.Thegoldenchainissnappedintwo.
WALLENSTEIN.
Well,ithaslastedlongenough.Here--giveit.[Hetakesandlooksatthechain.'Twasthefirstpresentoftheemperor.HehungitroundmeinthewarofFriule,Hebeingthenarchduke;andIhavewornitTillnowfromhabit--Fromsuperstition,ifyouwill.Belike,Itwastobeatalismantome;AndwhileIworeitonmyneckinfaith,Itwastochaintomeallmylife-long
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Thevolatilefortune,whosefirstpledgeitwas.Well,beitso!HenceforwardanewfortuneMustspringupforme;forthepotencyOfthischarmisdissolved.
[GROOMOFTHECHAMBERretireswiththevestments.WALLENSTEINrises,takesastrideacrosstheroom,andstandsatlastbeforeGORDONinapostureofmeditation.
Howtheoldtimereturnsuponme!IBeholdmyselfoncemoreatBurgau,whereWetwowerepagesofthecourttogether.Weoftentimesdisputed:thyintentionWasevergood;butthouwerewonttoplayThemoralistandpreacher,andwouldstrailatme--ThatIstroveafterthingstoohighforme,Givingmyfaithtobold,unlawfuldreams,Andstillextoltomethegoldenmean.ThywisdomhathbeenprovedathriftlessfriendTothyownself.See,ithasmadetheeearlyAsuperannuatedman,and(butThatmymunificentstarswillintervene)WouldlettheeinsomemiserablecornerGooutlikeanuntendedlamp.
GORDON.MyprinceWithlightheartthepoorfishermoorshisboat,AndwatchesfromtheshoretheloftyshipStrandedamidthestorm.
WALLENSTEIN.ArtthoualreadyInharbor,then,oldman?Well!Iamnot.Theunconqueredspiritdrivesmeo'erlife'sbillows;Myplanksstillfirm,mycanvasswellingproudly.Hopeismygoddessstill,andyouthmyinmate;
Andwhilewestandthusfronttofrontalmost,Imightpresumetosay,thattheswiftyearsHavepassedbypowerlesso'ermyunblanchedhair.
[Hemoveswithlongstridesacrossthesaloon,andremainsontheoppositesideoveragainstGORDON.
Whonowpersistsincallingfortunefalse?Tomeshehasprovedfaithful;withfondloveTookmefromoutthecommonranksofmen,Andlikeamothergoddess,withstrongarmCarriedmeswiftlyupthestepsoflife.Nothingiscommoninmydestiny,
Norinthefurrowsofmyhand.WhodaresInterpretthenmylifeformeas'twereOneoftheundistinguishablemany?True,inthispresentmomentIappearFallenlowindeed;butIshallriseagain.Thehighfloodwillsoonfollowonthisebb;Thefountainofmyfortune,whichnowstops,Repressedandboundbysomemaliciousstar,Willsooninjoyplayforthfromallitspipes.
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GORDON.AndyetrememberIthegoodoldproverb,"Letthenightcomebeforewepraisetheday."Iwouldbeslowfromlong-continuedfortuneTogatherhope:forhopeisthecompanionGiventotheunfortunatebypityingheaven.Fearhoversroundtheheadofprosperousmen,Forstillunsteadyarethescalesoffate.
WALLENSTEIN(smiling).IheartheveryGordonthatofoldWaswonttopreach,nowoncemorepreaching;Iknowwell,thatallsublunarythingsArestillthevassalsofvicissitude.Theunpropitiousgodsdemandtheirtribute.ThislongagotheancientpagansknewAndthereforeoftheirownaccordtheyofferedTothemselvesinjuries,sotoatoneThejealousyoftheirdivinitiesAndhumansacrificesbledtoTyphon.[Afterapause,serious,andinamoresubduedmanner.Itoohavesacrificedtohim--formeTherefellthedearestfriend,andthroughmyfaultHefell!Nojoyfromfavorablefortune
Canoverweightheanguishofthisstroke.Theenvyofmydestinyisglutted:Lifepaysforlife.OnhispureheadthelightningWasdrawnoffwhichwouldelsehaveshatteredme.
SCENEV.
TotheseenterSENI.
WALLENSTEIN.IsnotthatSeni!andbesidehimself,
Ifonecantrusthislooks?WhatbringstheehitherAtthislatehour,Baptista?
SENI.Terror,duke!Onthyaccount.
WALLENSTEIN.Whatnow?
SENI.Fleeerethedaybreak!TrustnotthypersontotheSwedes!
WALLENSTEIN.WhatnowIsinthythoughts?
SENI(withloudervoice).TrustnotthypersontotheSwedes.
WALLENSTEIN.Whatisit,then?
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SENI(stillmoreurgently).Oh,waitnotthearrivaloftheseSwedes!AnevilnearathandisthreateningtheeFromfalsefriends.Allthesignsstandfullofhorror!Near,nearathandthenet-workofperdition--Yea,evennow'tisbeingcastaroundthee!
WALLENSTEIN.Baptista,thouartdreaming!--fearbefoolsthee.
SENI.Believenotthatanemptyfeardeludesme.Come,readitintheplanetaryaspects;Readitthyself,thatruinthreatenstheeFromfalsefriends.
WALLENSTEIN.FromthefalsenessofmyfriendsHasrisenthewholeofmyunprosperousfortunes.Thewarningshouldhavecomebefore!AtpresentIneednorevelationfromthestarsToknowthat.
SENI.Comeandsee!trustthineowneyes.Afearfulsignstandsinthehouseoflife--Anenemy;afiendlurksclosebehindTheradianceofthyplanet.Oh,bewarned!Delivernotupthyselftotheseheathens,Towageawaragainstourholychurch.
WALLENSTEIN(laughinggently).Theoraclerailsthatway!Yes,yes!NowIrecollect.ThisjunctionwiththeSwedesDidneverpleasethee--laythyselftosleep,Baptista!SignsliketheseIdonotfear.
GORDON(whoduringthewholeofthisdialoguehasshownmarksofextremeagitation,andnowturnstoWALLENSTEIN).Mydukeandgeneral!MayIdarepresume?
WALLENSTEIN.Speakfreely.
GORDON.Whatif'twerenomerecreationOffear,ifGod'shighprovidencevouchsafedTointerposeitsaidforyourdeliverance,Andmadethatmouthitsorgan?
WALLENSTEIN.Ye'rebothfeverish!HowcanmishapcometomefromtheSwedes?Theysoughtthisjunctionwithme--'tistheirinterest.
GORDON(withdifficultysuppressinghisemotion).ButwhatifthearrivaloftheseSwedes--WhatifthisweretheverythingthatwingedTheruinthatisflyingtoyourtemples?
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[Flingshimselfathisfeet.
Thereisyettime,myprince.
SENI.Ohhearhim!hearhim!
GORDON(rises).TheRhinegrave'sstillfaroff.Givebuttheorders,Thiscitadelshallcloseitsgatesuponhim.Ifthenhewillbesiegeus,lethimtryit.ButthisIsay;he'llfindhisowndestruction,Withhiswholeforcebeforetheseramparts,soonerThanwearydownthevalorofourspirit.Heshallexperiencewhatabandofheroes,Inspiritedbyanheroicleader,Isabletoperform.AndifindeedItbethyseriouswishtomakeamendForthatwhichthouhastdoneamiss,--this,thisWilltouchandreconciletheemperor,Whogladlyturnshishearttothoughtsofmercy;AndFriedland,whoreturnsrepentanttohim,Willstandyethigherinhisemperor'sfavor
Thene'erhestoodwhenhehadneverfallen.
WALLENSTEIN(contemplateshimwithsurprise,remainssilentawhile,betrayingstrongemotion).Gordon--yourzealandfervorleadyoufar.Well,well--anoldfriendhasaprivilege.Blood,Gordon,hasbeenflowing.Never,neverCantheemperorpardonme:andifhecould,YetI--Ine'ercouldletmyselfbepardoned.HadIforeknownwhatnowhastakenplace,Thathe,mydearestfriend,wouldfallforme,Myfirstdeathoffering;andhadtheheartSpokentome,asnowithasdone--Gordon,
Itmaybe,Imighthavebethoughtmyself.Itmaybetoo,Imightnot.MightormightnotIsnowanidlequestion.AlltooseriouslyHasitbeguntoendinnothing,Gordon!Letitthenhaveitscourse.[Steppingtothewindow.Alldarkandsilent--atthecastletooAllisnowhushed.Lightme,chamberlain?
[TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBER,whohadenteredduringthelastdialogue,andhadbeenstandingatadistanceandlisteningtoitwithvisibleexpressionsofthedeepestinterest,advancesinextremeagitationandthrowshimselfattheDUKE'sfeet.
Andthoutoo!ButIknowwhythoudostwishMyreconcilementwiththeemperor.Poorman!hehathasmallestateinCarinthia,AndfearsitwillbeforfeitedbecauseHe'sinmyservice.AmIthensopoorThatInolongercanindemnifyMyservants?Well!tonooneIemployMeansofcompulsion.If'tisthybeliefThatfortunehasfledfromme,go!forsakeme.
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Thisnightforthelasttimemaystthouunrobeme,Andthengoovertotheemperor.Gordon,good-night!IthinktomakealongSleepofit:forthestruggleandtheturmoilOfthislastdayortwowasgreat.May'tpleaseyouTakecarethattheyawakemenottooearly.
[ExitWALLENSTEIN,theGROOMOFTHECHAMBERlightinghim.SENIfollows,GORDONremainsonthedarkenedstage,followingtheDUKEwithhiseye,tillhedisappearsatthefurtherendofthegallery:thenbyhisgesturestheoldmanexpressesthedepthofhisanguish,andstandsleaningagainstapillar.
SCENEVI.
GORDON,BUTLER(atfirstbehindthescenes).
BUTLER(notyetcomeintoviewofthestage).HerestandinsilencetillIgivethesignal.
GORDON(startsup).'Tishe!hehasalreadybroughtthemurderers.
BUTLER.Thelightsareout.Allliesinprofoundsleep.
GORDON.WhatshallIdo,shallIattempttosavehim?ShallIcallupthehouse?alarmtheguards?
BUTLER(appears,butscarcelyonthestage).Alightgleamshitherfromthecorridor.Itleadsdirectlytotheduke'sbed-chamber.
GORDON.
ButthenIbreakmyoathtotheemperor;Ifheescapeandstrengthentheenemy,DoInotherebycalldownonmyheadAllthedreadconsequences.
BUTLER(steppingforward).Hark!Whospeaksthere?
GORDON.'Tisbetter,IresignittothehandsOfProvidence.ForwhatamI,thatIShouldtakeuponmyselfsogreatadeed?Ihavenotmurderedhim,ifhebemurdered;
Butallhisrescueweremyactanddeed;Mine--andwhateverbetheconsequencesImustsustainthem.
BUTLER(advances).Ishouldknowthatvoice.
GORDON.Butler!
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BUTLER.'TisGordon.Whatdoyouwanthere?Wasitsolate,then,whenthedukedismissedyou?
GORDON.Yourhandboundupandinascarf?
BUTLER.'Tiswounded.ThatIllofoughtashewerefrantic,tillAtlastwethrewhimontheground.
GORDON(shuddering).Bothdead?
BUTLER.Isheinbed?
GORDON.Ah,Butler!
BUTLER.Ishe?speak.
GORDON.Heshallnotperish!Notthroughyou!TheheavenRefusesyourarm.See--'tiswounded!
BUTLER.Thereisnoneedofmyarm.
GORDON.ThemostguiltyHaveperished,andenoughisgiventojustice.
[TheGROOMOFTHECHAMBERadvancesfromthegallerywithhisfingeronhismouthcommandingsilence.
GORDON.Hesleeps!Oh,murdernottheholysleep!
BUTLER.No!heshalldieawake.[Isgoing.
GORDON.HisheartstillcleavesToearthlythings:he'snotpreparedtostepIntothepresenceofhisGod!
BUTLER(going).God'smerciful!
GORDON(holdshim).Granthimbutthisnight'srespite.
BUTLER(hurryingof).ThenextmomentMayruinall.
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GORDON(holdshimstill).Onehour!
BUTLER.Unholdme!WhatCanthatshortrespiteprofithim?
GORDON.Oh,timeWorksmiracles.InonehourmanythousandsOfgrainsofsandrunout;andquickastheyThoughtfollowsthoughtwithinthehumansoul.Onlyonehour!Yourheartmaychangeitspurpose,Hisheartmaychangeitspurpose--somenewtidingsMaycome;somefortunateevent,decisive,Mayfallfromheavenandrescuehim.Oh,whatMaynotonehourachieve!
BUTLER.YoubutremindmeHowpreciouseveryminuteis!
[Hestampsonthefloor.
SCENEVII.
TotheseenterMACDONALDandDEVEREUX,withtheHALBERDIERS.
GORDON(throwinghimselfbetweenhimandthem).No,monster!Firstovermydeadbodythoushalttread.IwillHotlivetoseetheaccurseddeed!
BUTLER(forcinghimoutoftheway).Weak-hearteddotard!
[Trumpetsareheardinthedistance.
DEVEREUXandMACDONALD.Hark!TheSwedishtrumpets!TheSwedesbeforetheramparts!Letushasten!
GORDON(rushesout).Oh,Godofmercy!
BUTLER(callingafterhim).Governor,toyourpost!
GROOMOFTHECHAMBER(hurriesin).Whodaresmakelarumhere?Hush!Thedukesleeps.
DEVEREUX(withloud,harshvoice).Friend,itistimenowtomakelarum.
GROOMOFTHECHAMBER.Help!Murder!
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BUTLER.Downwithhim!
GROOMOFTHECHAMBER(runthroughthebodybyDEVEREUX,fallsattheentranceofthegallery).JesusMaria!
BUTLER.Burstthedoorsopen.
[Theyrushoverthebodyintothegallery--twodoorsareheardtocrashoneaftertheother.Voices,deadenedbythedistance--clashofarms--thenallatonceaprofoundsilence:
SCENEVIII.
COUNTESSTERZKY(withalight).Herbedchamberisempty;sheherselfIsnowheretobefound!TheNeubrunntoo,Whowatchedbyher,ismissing.IfsheshouldBeflown--butwhitherflown?WemustcallupEverysoulinthehouse.Howwilltheduke
Bearupagainsttheseworstbadtidings?Oh,IfthatmyhusbandnowwerebutreturnedHomefromthebanquet!Hark!IwonderwhetherThedukeisstillawake!IthoughtIheardVoicesandtreadoffeethere!IwillgoAndlistenatthedoor.Hark!whatisthat?'Tishasteningupthesteps!
SCENEIX.
COUNTESS,GORDON.
GORDON(rushesinoutofbreath)'Tisamistake!'TisnottheSwedes;yemustproceednofurther--Butler!Oh,God!whereishe?[ObservingtheCOUNTESS.Countess!Say----
COUNTESS.You'recomethenfromthecastle?Where'smyhusband?
GORDON(inanagonyofaffright).Yourhusband!Asknot!Totheduke----
COUNTESS.NottillYouhavediscoveredtome----
GORDON.OnthismomentDoestheworldhang.ForGod'ssake!totheduke.Whilewearespeaking----[Callingloudly.
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Butler!Butler!God!
COUNTESS.Why,heisatthecastlewithmyhusband.
[BUTLERcomesfromthegallery.
GORDON.'Twasamistake.'TisnottheSwedes--itisTheimperialists'lieutenant-generalHassentmehither--willbeherehimselfInstantly.Youmustnotproceed.
BUTLER.HecomesToolate.
[GORDONdasheshimselfagainstthewall.
GORDON.Oh,Godofmercy!
COUNTESS.What,toolate?
Whowillbeherehimself?OctavioInEgra?Treason!Treason!Where'stheduke?
[Sherushestothegallery.
SCENEX.
Servantsrunacrossthestagefullofterror.Thewholescenemustbespokenentirelywithoutpauses.
SENI(fromthegallery).
Oh,bloody,frightfuldeed!
COUNTESS.Whatisit,Seni?
PAGE(fromthegallery).Oh,piteoussight!
[Otherservantshasteninwithtorches.
COUNTESS.Whatisit?ForGod'ssake!
SENI.Anddoyouask?Withinthedukeliesmurdered--andyourhusbandAssassinatedatthecastle.
[TheCOUNTESSstandsmotionless.
FEMALESERVANT(rushingacrossthestage).Help!help!theduchess!
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BURGOMASTER(enters).WhatmeantheseconfusedLoudcriesthatwakethesleepersofthishouse?
GORDON.Yourhouseiscursedtoalleternity.Inyourhousedoththedukeliemurdered!
BURGOMASTER(rushingout)Heavenforbid!
FIRSTSERVANT.Fly!fly!theymurderusall!
SECONDSERVANT(carryingsilver-plate).Thatway!thelowerPassagesareblockedup.
VOICE(frombehindthescene).Makeroomforthelieutenant-general!
[AtthesewordstheCOUNTESSstartsfromherstupor,collectsherself,andretiressuddenly.
VOICE(frombehindthescene).Keepbackthepeople!Guardthedoor!
SCENEXI.
TotheseenterOCTAVIOPICCOLOMINIwithallhistrain.AtthesametimeDEVEREUXandMACDONALDenterfromoutthecorridorwiththeHalberdiers.WALLENSTEIN'sdeadbodyiscarriedoverthebackpartofthestage,wrappedinapieceofcrimsontapestry.
OCTAVIO(enteringabruptly).
Itmustnotbe!Itisnotpossible!Butler!Gordon!I'llnotbelieveit.Sayno!
[GORDON,withoutanswering,pointswithhishandtothebodyofWALLENSTEINasitiscarriedoverthebackofthestage.OCTAVIOlooksthatway,andstandsoverpoweredwithhorror.
DEVEREUX(toBUTLER).Hereisthegoldenfleece--theduke'ssword----
MACDONALD.Isityourorder----
BUTLER(pointingtoOCTAVIO).HerestandshewhonowHaththesolepowertoissueorders.
[DEVEREUXandMACDONALDretirewithmarksofobeisance.Onedropsawayaftertheother,tillonlyBUTLER,OCTAVIO,andGORDONremainonthestage.
OCTAVIO(turningtoBUTLER).
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Wasthatmypurpose,Butler,whenweparted?Oh,GodofJustice!TotheeIliftmyhand!IamnotguiltyOfthisfouldeed.
BUTLER.Yourhandispure.YouhaveAvailedyourselfofmine.
OCTAVIO.Mercilessman!Thustoabusetheordersofthylord--Andstainthyemperor'sholynamewithmurder,Withbloody,mostaccursedassassination!
BUTLER(calmly).I'vebutfulfilledtheemperor'sownsentence.
OCTAVIO.Oh,curseofkings,Infusingadreadlifeintotheirwords,Andlinkingtothesudden,transientthoughtTheunchanging,irrevocabledeed.Wastherenecessityforsuchaneager
Despatch?CouldstthounotgrantthemercifulAtimeformercy?Timeisman'sgoodangel.Toleavenointervalbetweenthesentence,Andthefulfilmentofit,dothbeseemGodonly,theimmutable!
BUTLER.ForwhatRailyouagainstme?Whatismyoffence?TheempirefromafearfulenemyHaveIdelivered,andexpectreward.ThesingledifferencebetwixtyouandmeIsthis:youplacedthearrowinthebow;
Ipulledthestring.Yousowedblood,andyetstandAstonishedthatbloodiscomeup.IalwaysKnewwhatIdid,andthereforenoresultHathpowertofrightenorsurprisemyspirit.Haveyouaughtelsetoorder;forthisinstantImakemybestspeedtoVienna;placeMybleedingswordbeforemyemperor'sthrone,AndhopetogaintheapplausewhichundelayingAndpunctualobediencemaydemandFromajustjudge.
[ExitBUTLER.
SCENEXII.
TotheseentertheCOUNTESSTERZKY,paleanddisordered.Herutteranceisslowandfeeble,andunimpassioned.
OCTAVIO(meetingher).Oh,CountessTerzky!ThesearetheresultsOfluckless,unblestdeeds.
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COUNTESS.TheyarethefruitsOfyourcontrivances.Thedukeisdead,Myhusbandtooisdead,theduchessstrugglesInthepangsofdeath,myniecehasdisappeared;Thishouseofsplendor,andofprincelyglory,Dothnowstanddesolated:theaffrightedservantsRushforththroughallitsdoors.IamthelastTherein;Ishutitup,andheredeliverThekeys.
OCTAVIO(withadeepanguish).Oh,countess!myhouse,too,isdesolate.
COUNTESS.Whonextistobemurdered?WhoisnextTobemaltreated?Lo!thedukeisdead.Theemperor'svengeancemaybepacified!Sparetheoldservants;letnottheirfidelityBeimputedtothefaithfulasacrime--TheevildestinysurprisedmybrotherToosuddenly:hecouldnotthinkonthem.
OCTAVIO.Speaknotofvengeance!Speaknotofmaltreatment!Theemperorisappeased;theheavyfaultHathheavilybeenexpiated--nothingDescendedfromthefathertothedaughter,Excepthisgloryandhisservices.Theempresshonorsyouradversity,Takespartinyourafflictions,openstoyouHermotherlyarms.Thereforenofurtherfears.YieldyourselfupinhopeandconfidenceTotheimperialgrace!
COUNTESS(withhereyeraisedtoheaven)
TothegraceandmercyofagreatermasterDoIyieldupmyself.WhereshallthebodyOfthedukehaveitsplaceoffinalrest?IntheChartreuse,whichhehimselfdidfoundAtGitschin,reststheCountessWallenstein;Andbyherside,towhomhewasindebtedForhisfirstfortunes,gratefullyhewishedHemightsometimereposeindeath!Oh,lethimBeburiedthere.Andlikewise,formyhusband'sRemainsIaskthelikegrace.TheemperorIsnowtheproprietorofallourcastles;Thissuremaywellbegrantedus--onesepulchreBesidethesepulchresofourforefathers!
OCTAVIO.Countess,youtremble,youturnpale!
COUNTESS(reassemblesallherpowers,andspeakswithenergyanddignity).YouthinkMoreworthilyofmethantobelieveIwouldsurvivethedownfallofmyhouse.Wedidnotholdourselvestoomeantograsp
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Afteramonarch'scrown--thecrowndidfateDeny,butnotthefeelingandthespiritThattothecrownbelong!WedeemaCourageousdeathmoreworthyofourfreestationThanadishonoredlife.Ihavetakenpoison.
OCTAVIO.Help!Help!Supporther!
COUNTESS.Nay,itistoolate.Inafewmomentsismyfateaccomplished.
[ExitCOUNTESS.