THE PICCOLOMINI

Coleridge’s blank-verse translation of Schiller’s Wallenstein I, set in the Thirty Years’ War: the general Wallenstein’s growing rebellion against his Emperor, with intrigue, ambition, loyalty and fate; a historical verse tragedy.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	An old Gothic Chamber in the Council [[house\
(didascalia)	ILLO with BUTLER and ISOLANI.
ILLO	Ye have come late — but ye are come! The distance, Count Isolan, excuses your delay.
ISOLANI	Add this too, that we come not empty-handed. At Donauwert it was reported to us, A Swedish caravan was on its way Transporting a rich cargo of provision, Almost six hundred waggons. This my Croats Plunged down upon and seized, this weighty prize! —— We bring it hither ——
ILLO	Just in [[Time\
BUTLER	’Tis all alive! a stirring scene here!
ISOLANI	Ay! The very churches are all full of soldiers. And in the Council-house, too, I observe, You’re settled, quite at [[Home\
ILLO	We have the Colonels here of thirty regiments. You’ll find Count Tertsky here, and Tiefenbach, Kolatto, Goetz, Maradas, Hinnersam, The Piccolomini, both son and father —— You’ll meet with many an unexpected greeting From many an old friend and acquaintance. Only Galas is wanting still, and Altringer.
BUTLER	Expect not Galas.
ILLO	How so? Do you know ——
ISOLANI	Max Piccolomini here? — O bring me to him. I see him yet, (‘tis now ten years ago, We were engaged with Mansfeld hard by Dessau) I see the youth, in my mind’s eye I see him, Leap his black war-[[Horse\
ILLO	You’ll see him yet ere evening. He conducts The Duchess Friedland hither, and the Princess From Carnthen. We expect them here at [[Noon\
BUTLER	Both wife and daughter does the Duke call hither? He crowds in visitants from all sides.
ISOLANI	Hm! So much the better! I had framed my mind To hear of nought but warlike circumstance, Of marches, and attacks, and batteries: And lo! the Duke provides, that something too Of gentler sort, and lovely, should be present To feast our eyes.
ILLO (aside to Butler)	And how came you to know That the Count Galas joins us not?
BUTLER	Because He importuned me to remain behind.
ILLO	And you? — You hold out firmly? Noble Butler!
BUTLER	After the obligation which the Duke Had laid so newly on me ——
ILLO	I had forgotten A pleasant duty — Major-General, I wish you joy!
ISOLANI	What, you mean, of his regiment? I hear, too, that to make the gift still sweeter, The Duke has given him the very same In which he first saw service, and since then, Worked himself, step by step, through each preferment, From the ranks upwards. And verily, it gives A precedent of [[Hope\
BUTLER	I am perplexed and doubtful, whether or no I dare accept this your congratulation. The Emperor has not yet confirmed the appointment.
ISOLANI	Seize it, friend! Seize it! The hand which in that post Placed you, is strong enough to keep you there, Spite of the Emperor and his Ministers!
ILLO	Ay, if we would but so consider it! — If we would all of us consider it so! The Emperor gives us nothing; from the Duke Comes all — whate’er we [[Hope\
ISOLANI (to Illo)	My noble brother! did I tell you how The Duke will satisfy my creditors? Will be himself my banker for the future, Make me once more a creditable man! — And this is now the third [[Time\
ILLO	O that his power but kept pace with his wishes! Why, friend! he’d give the whole world to his soldiers. But at Vienna, brother! here’s the grievance! — What politic schemes do they not lay to shorten His arm, and, where they can, to clip his pinions. Then these new dainty requisitions! these, Which this same Questenberg brings hither! —
BUTLER	Ay, These requisitions of the Emperor, — I too have heard about them; but I [[Hope\
ILLO	Not from his right most surely, unless first — From office!
BUTLER	Know you aught then? You alarm me.
ISOLANI *(at the same [[Time\	time]] with Butler, and in a hurrying voice)*
ILLO	No more! Yonder I see our worthy friend approaching With the Lieutenant-General, Piccolomini.
BUTLER	I [[Fear\

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI and QUESTENBERG.
OCTAVIO	Ay, ay! more still! Still more new visitors! Acknowledge, friend! that never was a camp, Which held at once so many heads of heroes. Welcome, Count Isolani!
ISOLANI	My noble brother, Even now am I arrived; it had been else my duty —
OCTAVIO	And Colonel Butler — trust me, I rejoice Thus to renew acquaintance with a man Whose worth and services I know and [[Honour\
(didascalia)	[To QUESTENBERG, presenting BUTLER and ISOLANI at the same [[Time\
OCTAVIO	These two the total sum — Strength and Dispatch.
QUESTENBERG	(to Octavio). And lo! betwixt them both experienced Prudence!
OCTAVIO	(presenting Questenberg to Butler and Isolani). The Chamberlain and War-commissioner Questenberg, The bearer of the Emperor’s behests, The long-tried friend and patron of all soldiers, We [[Honour\
ILLO	’Tis not the first [[Time\
QUESTENBERG	Once before I stood before these colours.
ILLO	Perchance too you remember where that was. It was at Znäim in Moravia, where You did present yourself upon the part Of the Emperor, to supplicate our Duke That he would straight assume the chief command.
QUESTENBERG	To supplicate? Nay, noble General! So far extended neither my commission (At least to my own knowledge) nor my zeal.
ILLO	Well, [[Well\
ISOLANI	Yes, yes, ‘tis comprehensible enough, Wherefore with your commission of to-day You were not all too willing to remember Your former one.
QUESTENBERG	Why not, Count Isolan? No contradiction sure exists between them. It was the urgent business of that [[Time\
ILLO	A worthy office! After with our [[Blood\
QUESTENBERG	Unless that wretched land be doomed to suffer Only a change of evils, it must be Freed from the scourge alike of friend and foe.
ILLO	What? ‘Twas a favourable year; the Boors Can answer fresh demands already.
QUESTENBERG	Nay, If you discourse of herds and meadow-grounds —
ISOLANI	The war maintains the war. Are the Boors ruined, The Emperor gains so many more new soldiers.
QUESTENBERG	And is the poorer by even so many subjects.
ISOLANI	Poh! We are all his subjects.
QUESTENBERG	Yet with a difference, General! The one fill With profitable industry the purse, The others are [[Well\
ISOLANI	Sure! Times are not yet so bad. Methinks I see
(didascalia)	[Examining with his eye the dress and ornaments of QUESTENBERG.
ISOLANI	Good store of gold that still remains uncoined.
QUESTENBERG	Thank Heaven! that means have been found out to hide Some little from the fingers of the Croats.
ILLO	There! The Stawata and the Martinitz, On whom the Emperor heaps his gifts and graces, To the heart-burning of all good Bohemians — Those minions of [[Court\
BUTLER	And those state-parasites, who have their feet So constantly beneath the Emperor’s table, Who cannot let a benefice fall, but they Snap at it with dog’s hunger — they, forsooth, Would pare the soldier’s bread, and [[Cross\
ISOLANI	My life long will it anger me to think, How when I went to [[Court\
QUESTENBERG	Yes, yes! your travelling bills soon found their way to us: Too [[Well\
ILLO	War is a violent trade; one cannot always Finish one’s work by soft means; every trifle Must not be blackened into sacrilege. If we should wait till you, in solemn council, With due deliberation had selected The smallest out of four-and-twenty evils, I’[[Faith\
QUESTENBERG	Ay, doubtless, it is true: the Duke does spare us The troublesome task of choosing.
BUTLER	Yes, the Duke Cares with a father’s feelings for his troops; But how the Emperor feels for us, we see.
QUESTENBERG	His cares and feelings all ranks share alike, Nor will he offer one up to another.
ISOLANI	And therefore thrusts he us into the deserts As beasts of prey, that so he may preserve His dear sheep fattening in his fields at [[Home\
QUESTENBERG	Count, this comparison you make, not I.
BUTLER	Why, were we all the Court supposes us, ‘Twere dangerous, sure, to give us liberty.
QUESTENBERG	You have taken liberty — it was not given you. And therefore it becomes an urgent duty To rein it in with curbs.
OCTAVIO	My noble friend, This is no more than a remembrancing That you are now in camp, and among warriors. The soldier’s boldness constitutes his [[Freedom\
(didascalia)	[pointing to BUTLER.
OCTAVIO	Which now has but mistaken in its mark, Preserved, when nought but boldness could preserve it, To the Emperor his capital [[City\
(didascalia)	[Military music at a distance.
OCTAVIO	Hah! here they come!
ILLO	The sentries are saluting them: this signal Announces the arrival of the Duchess.
OCTAVIO	Then my son Max too has returned. ‘Twas he Fetched and attended them from Carnthen hither.
ISOLANI	(to Illo). Shall we not go in company to greet them?
ILLO	Well, let us go. — Ho! Colonel Butler, come.
(didascalia)	[To OCTAVIO.
ILLO	You’ll not forget, that yet ere [[Noon\
(didascalia)	[Exeunt all but QUESTENBERG and OCTAVIO.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	QUESTENBERG and OCTAVIO.
QUESTENBERG	What have I not been forced to hear, Octavio! What sentiments! what fierce, uncurbed defiance! And were this spirit universal —
OCTAVIO	Hm! You are now acquainted with three-fourths of the army.
QUESTENBERG	Where must we seek then for a second host To have the custody of this? That Illo Thinks worse, I [[Fear\
OCTAVIO	Quickness of temper — irritated [[Pride\
QUESTENBERG	Friend, friend! O! this is worse, far worse, than we had suffered Ourselves to dream of at Vienna. There We saw it only with a courtier’s eyes, Eyes dazzled by the splendour of the throne. We had not seen the War-Chief, the Commander, The man all-powerful in his camp. Here, here, ‘Tis quite another thing. Here is no Emperor more — the Duke is Emperor. Alas, my friend! alas, my noble friend! This walk which you have ta’en me through the camp Strikes my hopes prostrate.
OCTAVIO	Now you see yourself Of what a perilous kind the office is, Which you deliver to me from the Court. The least suspicion of the General Costs me my [[Freedom\
QUESTENBERG	Where was our reason sleeping when we trusted This madman with the [[Sword\
OCTAVIO	D’ye think too, he has brought his wife and daughter Without a purpose hither? Here in camp! And at the very point of [[Time\
QUESTENBERG	How shall we hold footing Beneath this tempest, which collects itself And threats us from all quarters? The enemy Of the empire on our borders, now already The master of the Danube, and still farther, And farther still, extending every hour! In our interior the alarum-[[Bells\
OCTAVIO	Nay, nay, friend! let us not [[Despair\
QUESTENBERG	’Tis quite Incomprehensible, that he detects not The foe so near!
OCTAVIO	Beware, you do not think, That I by lying arts, and complaisant Hypocrisy, have skulked into his graces: Or with the sustenance of smooth professions Nourish his all-confiding [[Friendship\
QUESTENBERG	It is the visible ordinance of heaven.
OCTAVIO	I know not what it is that so attracts And links him both to me and to my son. Comrades and friends we always were — long habit, Adventurous deeds performed in company, And all those many and various incidents Which store a soldier’s [[Memory\
QUESTENBERG	You lead your son into the secret?
OCTAVIO	No!
QUESTENBERG	What? and not warn him either what bad hands His lot has placed him in?
OCTAVIO	I must perforce Leave him in wardship to his innocence. His young and open [[Soul\
QUESTENBERG	My honoured friend! most highly do I deem Of Colonel Piccolomini — yet — if —— Reflect a little ——
OCTAVIO	I must venture it. Hush! — There he comes!
(didascalia)	[Before 1] Questenberg (with signs of aversion and astonishment). 1817, 1828, 1829. Questenberg (walking up and down in evident disquiet). Friend, &c. 1817, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	MAX PICCOLOMINI, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, QUESTENBERG.
MAX	Ha! there he is himself. Welcome, my father! You are engaged, I see. I’ll not disturb you.
OCTAVIO	How, Max? Look closer at this visitor; Attention, Max, an old friend merits — Reverence Belongs of right to the envoy of your sovereign.
MAX	Von Questenberg! — Welcome — if you bring with you Aught good to our head quarters.
QUESTENBERG	Nay, draw not Your hand away, Count Piccolomini! Not on mine own account [[Alone\
(didascalia)	Taking the hands of both.
QUESTENBERG	Octavio — Max Piccolomini! O saviour names, and full of happy omen! Ne’er will her prosperous genius turn from Austria, While two such [[Stars\
MAX	Heh! — Noble minister! You miss your part. You came not here to act a panegyric. You’re sent, I know, to find fault and to scold us — I must not be beforehand with my comrades.
OCTAVIO	He comes from [[Court\
MAX	What now have they contrived to find out in him? That he [[Alone\
QUESTENBERG	The army? Doubtless!
OCTAVIO	(aside) Hush! suppress it, friend! Unless some end were answered by the utterance. — Of him there you’ll make nothing.
MAX	In their distress They call a spirit up, and when he comes, Straight their flesh creeps and quivers, and they dread him More than the ills for which they called him up. The uncommon, the [[Sublime\
OCTAVIO	My son! of those old narrow ordinances Let us not hold too lightly. They are weights Of priceless value, which oppressed mankind Tied to the volatile will of their oppressors. For always formidable was the league And partnership of free power with free will. The way of ancient ordinance, though it winds, Is yet no devious way. Straight forward goes The [[Lightning\
QUESTENBERG	O hear your father, noble youth! hear him, Who is at once the [[Hero\
OCTAVIO	My son, the nursling of the camp spoke in thee! A war of fifteen years Hath been thy [[Education\
MAX	O let the Emperor make peace, my father! Most gladly would I give the [[Blood\
OCTAVIO	What ails thee? What so moves thee all at once?
MAX	Peace have I ne’er beheld? I have beheld it. From thence am I come hither: O! that sight, It glimmers still before me, like some landscape Left in the distance, — some delicious landscape! My [[Road\
OCTAVIO	And so your [[Journey\
MAX	’Twas the first leisure of my life. O tell me, What is the meed and purpose of the toil, The painful toil, which robbed me of my youth, Left me a heart unsoul’d and solitary, A spirit uninformed, unornamented. For the camp’s stir and crowd and ceaseless larum, The neighing war-[[Horse\
OCTAVIO	Much hast thou learnt, my son, in this short [[Journey\
MAX	O! day thrice lovely! when at length the soldier Returns [[Home\
QUESTENBERG	O! that you should speak Of such a distant, distant [[Time\
MAX	Where lies the fault but on you in Vienna? I will deal openly with you, Questenberg. Just now, as first I saw you standing here, (I’ll own it to you freely) indignation Crowded and pressed my inmost [[Soul\
(didascalia)	Exit.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	QUESTENBERG, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI.
QUESTENBERG	Alas, alas! and stands it so? What, friend! and do we let him go away In this delusion — let him go away? Not call him back immediately, not open His eyes upon the spot?
OCTAVIO	He has now opened mine, And I see more than pleases me.
QUESTENBERG	What is it?
OCTAVIO	Curse on this [[Journey\
QUESTENBERG	But why so? What is it?
OCTAVIO	Come, come along, friend! I must follow up The ominous track immediately. Mine eyes Are opened now, and I must use them. Come!
(didascalia)	[Draws QUESTENBERG on with him.
QUESTENBERG	What now? Where go you then?
OCTAVIO	To her herself.
QUESTENBERG	To ——
OCTAVIO	To the Duke. Come, let us go—‘Tis done, ‘tis done, I see the net that is thrown over him. O! he returns not to me as he went.
QUESTENBERG	Nay, but explain yourself.
OCTAVIO	And that I should not Foresee it, not prevent this [[Journey\
QUESTENBERG	But what’s too late? Bethink yourself, my friend, That you are talking absolute riddles to me.
OCTAVIO	Come! — to the Duke’s. ‘Tis close upon the hour Which he appointed you for audience. Come! A curse, a threefold curse, upon this [[Journey\
(didascalia)	[He leads QUESTENBERG off.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Changes to a spacious chamber in the house of the Duke of Friedland. — Servants employed in putting the tables and chairs in order. During this enters SENI, like an old Italian doctor, in black, and clothed somewhat fantastically. He carries a white staff, with which he marks out the quarters of the heaven.
FIRST SERVANT	Come — to it, lads, to it! Make an end of it. I hear the sentry call out, ‘Stand to your arms!’ They will be there in a minute.
SECOND SERVANT	Why were we not told before that the audience would be held here? Nothing prepared — no orders — no instructions —
THIRD SERVANT	Ay, and why was the balcony-chamber countermanded, that with the great worked carpet? — there one can look about one.
FIRST SERVANT	Nay, that you must ask the mathematician there. He says it is an unlucky chamber.
SECOND SERVANT	Poh! stuff and nonsense! That’s what I call a hum. A chamber is a chamber; what much can the place signify in the affair?
SENI	My son, there’s nothing insignificant, Nothing! But yet in every earthly thing First and most principal is place and [[Time\
FIRST SERVANT	Say nothing to him, Nat. The Duke himself must let him have his own will.
(didascalia)	Seni (counts the chairs, half in a loud, half in a low voice, till he comes to eleven, which he repeats).
SENI	Eleven! an evil number! Set twelve chairs. Twelve! twelve signs hath the zodiac: five and seven, The holy numbers, include themselves in twelve.
SECOND SERVANT	And what may you have to object against eleven? I should like to know that now.
SENI	Eleven is — transgression; eleven oversteps The ten commandments.
SECOND SERVANT	That’s good! and why do you call five an holy number?
SENI	Five is the [[Soul\
SECOND SERVANT	The foolish old coxcomb!
FIRST SERVANT	Ey! let him [[Alone\
THIRD SERVANT	Off! They come.
SECOND SERVANT	There! Out at the side-door.
(didascalia)	[They hurry off. SENI follows slowly. A page brings the staff of command on a red cushion, and places it on the table near the DUKE’S chair. They are announced from without, and the wings of the door fly open.
(didascalia)	[Before 15] Seni (with gravity). 1800, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, DUCHESS.
WALLENSTEIN	You went then through Vienna, were presented To the Queen of Hungary?
DUCHESS	Yes, and to the Empress too, And by both Majesties were we admitted To kiss the hand.
WALLENSTEIN	And how was it received, That I had sent for wife and daughter hither To the camp, in [[Winter\
DUCHESS	I did even that Which you commissioned me to do. I told them, You had determined on our daughter’s [[Marriage\
WALLENSTEIN	And did they guess the choice which I had made?
DUCHESS	They only hoped and wished it may have fallen Upon no foreign nor yet Lutheran noble.
WALLENSTEIN	And you — what do you wish, Elizabeth?
DUCHESS	Your will, you know, was always mine.
WALLENSTEIN	Well, then? And in all else, of what kind and complexion Was your reception at the [[Court\
DUCHESS	O! my dear lord, all is not what it was. A cankerworm, my lord, a cankerworm Has stolen into the bud.
WALLENSTEIN	Ay! is it so! What, they were lax? they failed of the old respect?
DUCHESS	Not of respect. No Honours were omitted, No outward courtesy; but in the place Of condescending, confidential kindness, Familiar and endearing, there were given me Only these honours and that solemn courtesy. Ah! and the tenderness which was put on, It was the guise of pity, not of favour. No! Albrecht’s wife, Duke Albrecht’s princely wife, Count Harrach’s noble daughter, should not so — Not wholly so should she have been received.
WALLENSTEIN	Yes, yes; they have ta’en offence. My latest conduct, They railed at it, no [[Doubt\
DUCHESS	O that they had! I have been long accustomed to defend you, To heal and pacify distempered spirits. No; no one railed at you. They wrapped them up, O Heaven! in such oppressive, solemn [[Silence\
WALLENSTEIN	Now she omitted it?
DUCHESS	She did embrace me, But then first when I had already taken My formal leave, and when the door already Had closed upon me, then did she come out In haste, as she had suddenly bethought herself, And pressed me to her bosom, more with anguish Than tenderness.
(didascalia)	(Wallenstein seizes her hand soothingly.)
WALLENSTEIN	Nay, now collect yourself, And what of Eggenberg and Lichtenstein, And of our other friends there?
DUCHESS	I saw none.
WALLENSTEIN	The Ambassador from Spain, who once was wont To plead so warmly for me? —
DUCHESS	Silent, Silent!
WALLENSTEIN	These suns then are eclipsed for us. Henceforward Must we roll on, our own [[Fire\
DUCHESS	And were it — were it, my dear lord, in that Which moved about the [[Court\
WALLENSTEIN	Lamormain! what said he?
DUCHESS	That you’re accused of having daringly O’erstepped the powers entrusted to you, charged With traitorous contempt of the Emperor And his supreme behests. The proud Bavarian, He and the Spaniards stand up your accusers — That there’s a [[Storm\
(didascalia)	(Stifling extreme emotion.)
WALLENSTEIN	Proceed!
DUCHESS	I cannot utter it!
WALLENSTEIN	Proceed!
DUCHESS	They talk ——
WALLENSTEIN	Well!
DUCHESS	Of a second ——
WALLENSTEIN	Second ——
DUCHESS	More disgraceful —— Dismission.
(didascalia)	(Wallenstein strides across the chamber in vehement agitation.)
WALLENSTEIN	Talk they? O! they force, they thrust me With violence, against my own will, onward!
DUCHESS	O! if there yet be [[Time\

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the COUNTESS TERTSKY, leading in her hand the PRINCESS THEKLA, richly adorned with brilliants. COUNTESS, THEKLA, WALLENSTEIN, DUCHESS.
COUNTESS	How, sister? What already upon business, And business of no pleasing kind I see, Ere he has gladdened at his [[Child\
(didascalia)	(THEKLA approaches with a shy and timid air, and bends herself as about to kiss his hand. He receives her in his arms, and remains standing for some [[Time\
WALLENSTEIN	Yes! pure and lovely hath [[Hope\
DUCHESS	’Twas but a little [[Child\
WALLENSTEIN	The while We in the field here gave our cares and toils To make her great, and fight her a free way To the loftiest earthly good, lo! mother Nature Within the peaceful silent convent walls Has done her part, and out of her free grace Hath she bestowed on the beloved [[Child\
DUCHESS	Thou wouldst not have recognized thy father, Wouldst thou, my [[Child\
THEKLA	O yes, yes, mother! At the first glance! — My father is not altered. The form, that stands before me, falsifies No feature of the image that hath lived So long within me!
WALLENSTEIN	The voice of my [[Child\
(didascalia)	[He clasps her in his arms as PICCOLOMINI enters. [Observing the countenance of the Duchess.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter MAX PICCOLOMINI, and some [[Time\
COUNTESS	There comes the Paladin who protected us.
WALLENSTEIN	Max! Welcome, ever welcome! Always wert thou The morning star of my best joys!
MAX	My General ——
WALLENSTEIN	’Till now it was the Emperor who rewarded thee, I but the instrument. This day thou hast bound The father to thee, Max! the fortunate father, And this debt Friedland’s [[Self\
MAX	My prince! You made no common hurry to transfer it. I come with shame: yea, not without a pang! For scarce have I arrived here, scarce delivered The mother and the daughter to your arms, But there is brought to me from your equerry A splendid richly-plated hunting dress So to remunerate me for my troubles —— Yes, yes, remunerate me! Since a trouble It must be, a mere office, not a favour Which I leapt forward to receive, and which I came already with full heart to thank you for. No! ‘twas not so intended, that my business Should be my highest best good fortune!
(didascalia)	[TERTSKY enters, and delivers letters to the DUKE, which he breaks open hurryingly.
COUNTESS	Remunerate your trouble! For his joy He makes you recompense. ‘Tis not unfitting For you, Count Piccolomini, to feel So tenderly — my brother it beseems To shew himself for ever great and princely.
THEKLA	Then I too must have scruples of his [[Love\
MAX	Yes; ‘tis his [[Nature\
COUNTESS	My brother wishes us to leave him. Come.
WALLENSTEIN	Once more I bid thee welcome to the camp, Thou art the hostess of this [[Court\
(didascalia)	[MAX PICCOLOMINI offers the DUCHESS his arm, the COUNTESS accompanies the PRINCESS.
TERTSKY	Max, we depend on seeing you at the meeting.
(didascalia)	[He grasps the hand of the DUCHESS with still increasing warmth.
(didascalia)	[Before 38] Countess (who during this [[Time\

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, COUNT TERTSKY.
WALLENSTEIN	She hath seen all things as they are — It is so And squares completely with my other notices. They have determined finally in Vienna, Have given me my successor already; It is the [[King\
(didascalia)	[As he turns round he observes TERTSKY, and gives him a letter.
WALLENSTEIN	Count Altringer will have himself excused, And Galas too — I like not this!
TERTSKY	And if Thou loiterest longer, all will fall away, One following the other.
WALLENSTEIN	Altringer Is master of the Tyrole passes. I must forthwith Send some one to him, that he let not in The Spaniards on me from the Milanese. —— Well, and the old Sesin, that ancient trader In contraband negotiations, he Has shewn himself again of late. What brings he From the Count Thur?
TERTSKY	The Count communicates, He has found out the Swedish chancellor At Halberstadt, where the convention’s held, Who says, you’ve tired him out, and that he’ll have No further dealings with you.
WALLENSTEIN	And why so?
TERTSKY	speeches, That you decoy the Swedes — to make fools of them, Will league yourself with Saxony against them, And at last make yourself a riddance of them With a paltry sum of money.
WALLENSTEIN	So then, doubtless, Yes, doubtless, this same modest Swede expects That I shall yield him some fair German tract For his prey and booty, that ourselves at last On our own soil and native territory, May be no longer our own lords and masters! An excellent scheme! No, no! They must be off, Off, off! away! we want no such neighbours.
TERTSKY	Nay, yield them up that dot, that speck of land — It goes not from your portion. If you win The game what matters it to you who pays it?
WALLENSTEIN	Off with them, off! Thou understand’st not this. Never shall it be said of me, I parcelled My native land away, dismembered Germany, Betrayed it to a foreigner, in order To come with stealthy tread, and filch away My own share of the plunder — Never! never! — No foreign power shall strike root in the empire, And least of all, these Goths! these hunger-wolves! Who send such envious, hot and greedy glances T’wards the rich blessings of our German lands! I’ll have their aid to cast and draw my nets, But not a single fish of all the draught Shall they come in for.
TERTSKY	You will deal, however, More fairly with the Saxons? They lose patience While you shift ground and make so many curves. Say, to what purpose all these masks? Your friends Are plunged in doubts, baffled, and led astray in you. There’s Oxenstirn, there’s Arnheim — neither knows What he should think of your procrastinations. And in the end I prove the liar: all Passes through me. I have not even your hand-writing.
WALLENSTEIN	I never give my handwriting; thou knowest it.
TERTSKY	But how can it be known that you’re in earnest, If the act follows not upon the word? You must yourself acknowledge, that in all Your intercourses hitherto with the enemy You might have done with safety all you have done, Had you meant nothing further than to gull him For the Emperor’s service.
WALLENSTEIN	And from whence dost thou know That I’m not gulling him for the Emperor’s service? Whence knowest thou that I’m not gulling all of you? Dost thou know me so [[Well\
TERTSKY	So hast thou always played thy game with us.
(didascalia)	[Enter ILLO.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	ILLO, WALLENSTEIN, TERTSKY.
WALLENSTEIN	How stand affairs without? Are they prepared?
ILLO	You’ll find them in the very mood you wish. They know about the Emperor’s requisitions, And are tumultuous.
WALLENSTEIN	How hath Isolan Declared himself?
ILLO	He’s yours, both [[Soul\
WALLENSTEIN	And which way doth Kolatto bend? Hast thou Made sure of Tiefenbach and Deodate?
ILLO	What Piccolomini does, that they do too.
WALLENSTEIN	You mean then I may venture somewhat with them?
ILLO	— If you are assured of the Piccolomini.
WALLENSTEIN	Not more assured of mine own [[Self\
TERTSKY	And yet I would you trusted not so much to Octavio, The fox!
WALLENSTEIN	Thou teachest me to know my man? Sixteen campaigns I have made with that old warrior. Besides, I have his horoscope, We both are born beneath like [[Stars\
ILLO	There is among them all but this one voice, You must not lay down the command. I hear They mean to send a deputation to you.
WALLENSTEIN	If I’m in aught to bind myself to them, They too must bind themselves to me.
ILLO	Of course.
WALLENSTEIN	Their words of [[Honour\
ILLO	Why not?
TERTSKY	Devotion unconditional? The exception of their duties towards Austria They’ll always place among the premises. With this reserve ——
WALLENSTEIN	All unconditional! No premises, no reserves.
ILLO	A thought has struck me. Does not Count Tertsky give us a set banquet This evening?
TERTSKY	Yes; and all the Generals Have been invited.
ILLO (to Wallenstein)	Say, will you here fully Commission me to use my own discretion? I’ll gain for you the Generals’ words of [[Honour\
WALLENSTEIN	Gain me their signatures! How you come by them, that is your concern.
ILLO	And if I bring it to you, black on white, That all the leaders who are present here Give themselves up to you, without condition; Say, will you then — then will you shew yourself In earnest, and with some decisive action Make trial of your luck?
WALLENSTEIN	The signatures! Gain me the signatures.
ILLO	Seize, seize the hour Ere it slips from you. Seldom comes the moment In life, which is indeed [[Sublime\
WALLENSTEIN	The [[Time\
TERTSKY	So you say always. But when will it be [[Time\
WALLENSTEIN	When I shall say it.
ILLO	You’ll wait upon the [[Stars\
WALLENSTEIN	Thou speakest as thou understand’st. How oft And many a [[Time\
(didascalia)	[He walks across the chamber, then returns, and standing still, proceeds.
WALLENSTEIN	The heavenly constellations make not merely The day and nights, [[Summer\
PAGE (entering)	My Lords, the Generals.
WALLENSTEIN	Let them come in.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, TERTSKY, ILLO. — To them enter QUESTENBERG, OCTAVIO, and MAX PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER, ISOLANI, MARADAS, and three other Generals. WALLENSTEIN motions QUESTENBERG, who in consequence takes the Chair directly opposite to him; the others follow, arranging themselves according to their rank.
WALLENSTEIN	I have understood, ‘tis true, the sum and import Of your instructions, Questenberg, have weighed them, And formed my final, absolute resolve; Yet it seems fitting, that the Generals Should hear the will of the Emperor from your mouth. May’t please you then to open your commission Before these noble Chieftains.
QUESTENBERG	I am ready To obey you; but will first entreat your Highness, And all these noble Chieftains, to consider, The Imperial dignity and sovereign right Speaks from my mouth, and not my own presumption.
WALLENSTEIN	We excuse all preface.
QUESTENBERG	When his Majesty The Emperor to his courageous armies Presented in the person of Duke Friedland A most experienced and renowned commander, He did it in glad [[Hope\
WALLENSTEIN	May’t please you to the point.
QUESTENBERG	In Nürnberg’s camp the Swedish monarch left His fame — in Lützen’s plains his life. But who Stood not astounded, when victorious Friedland After this day of triumph, this proud day, Marched toward Bohemia with the [[Speed\
WALLENSTEIN	Max, to what period of the war alludes he? My recollection fails me here.
MAX	He means When we were in Silesia.
WALLENSTEIN	Ay! Is it so! But what had we to do there?
MAX	To beat out The Swedes and Saxons from the province.
WALLENSTEIN	True. In that description which the Minister gave I seemed to have forgotten the whole war.
(didascalia)	[To QUESTENBERG.
WALLENSTEIN	Well, but proceed a little.
QUESTENBERG	Yes! at length Beside the [[River\
WALLENSTEIN	I know, I know you had already in Vienna Your windows and balconies all forestalled To see him on the executioner’s cart. I might have lost the battle, lost it too With infamy, and still retained your graces — But, to have cheated them of a spectacle, Oh! that the good folks of Vienna never, No, never can forgive me.
QUESTENBERG	So Silesia Was freed, and all things loudly called the Duke Into Bavaria, now pressed hard on all sides. And he did put his troops in motion: slowly, Quite at his ease, and by the longest [[Road\
WALLENSTEIN	The troops were pitiably destitute Of every necessary, every comfort. The [[Winter\
BUTLER	Already a full year.
WALLENSTEIN	And ‘tis the hire That constitutes the hireling’s name and duties, The soldier’s pay is the soldier’s covenant.
QUESTENBERG	Ah! this is a far other tone from that In which the Duke spoke eight, nine years ago.
WALLENSTEIN	Yes! ‘tis my fault, I know it: I myself Have spoilt the Emperor by indulging him. Nine years ago, during the Danish war, I raised him up a force, a mighty force, Forty or fifty thousand men, that cost him Of his own purse no doit. Through Saxony The fury goddess of the war marched on, E’en to the surf-rocks of the Baltic, bearing The terrors of his name. That was a [[Time\
QUESTENBERG	But your Highness knows What little [[Freedom\
WALLENSTEIN	Death and hell! I had that which could have procured him [[Freedom\
QUESTENBERG	First, his imperial Majesty hath willed That without pretexts of delay the army Evacuate Bohemia.
WALLENSTEIN	In this season? And to what quarter wills the Emperor That we direct our course?
QUESTENBERG	To the enemy. His Majesty resolves, that Regenspurg Be purified from the enemy, ere Easter, That Lutheranism may be no longer preached In that [[Cathedral\
WALLENSTEIN	My generals, Can this be realized?
ILLO	’Tis not possible.
BUTLER	It can’t be realized.
QUESTENBERG	The Emperor Already hath commanded Colonel Suys To advance toward Bavaria!
WALLENSTEIN	What did Suys?
QUESTENBERG	That which his duty prompted. He advanced!
WALLENSTEIN	What? he advanced? And I, his general, Had given him orders, peremptory orders, Not to [[Desert\
ILLO	Death.
WALLENSTEIN	Count Piccolomini! what has he deserved?
MAX PICCOLOMINI	According to the letter of the law, Death.
ISOLANI	Death.
BUTLER	Death, by the laws of war.
(didascalia)	[QUESTENBERG rises from his seat, WALLENSTEIN follows; all the rest rise.
WALLENSTEIN	To this the law condemns him, and not I. And if I shew him favour, ‘twill arise From the reverence that I owe my Emperor.
QUESTENBERG	If so, I can say nothing further — here!
WALLENSTEIN	I accepted the command but on conditions! And this the first, that to the diminution Of my authority no human being, Not even the Emperor’s [[Self\
QUESTENBERG	The prince Cardinal Begins his route at the approach of spring From the Milanese; and leads a Spanish army Through Germany into the Netherlands. That he may march secure and unimpeded, ‘Tis the Emperor’s will you grant him a detachment Of eight [[Horse\
WALLENSTEIN	Yes, yes! I understand! — Eight regiments! Well, Right [[Well\
QUESTENBERG	There is nothing coming. All stands in front: the counsel of state-prudence, The dictate of necessity! ——
WALLENSTEIN	What then? What, my Lord Envoy? May I not be suffered To understand, that folks are tired of seeing The [[Sword\
(didascalia)	[Here there commences an agitation among the Generals which increases continually.
WALLENSTEIN	It grieves me for my noble officers’ sakes! I see not yet, by what means they will come at The moneys they have advanced, or how obtain The recompense their services demand. Still a new leader brings new claimants forward, And prior merit superannuates quickly. There serve here many foreigners in the army, And were the man in all else brave and gallant, I was not wont to make nice scrutiny After his pedigree or catechism. This will be otherwise, i’the [[Time\
(didascalia)	[He seats himself.
MAX PICCOLOMINI	Forbid it. Heaven, that it should come to this! Our troops will swell in dreadful fermentation — The Emperor is abused — it cannot be.
ISOLANI	It cannot be; all goes to instant wreck.
WALLENSTEIN	Thou hast said truly, faithful Isolani! What we with toil and foresight have built up, Will go to wreck — all go to instant wreck. What then? another chieftain is soon found, Another army likewise (who dares [[Doubt\
(didascalia)	[During this speech, ISOLANI, TERTSKY, ILLO and MARADAS talk confusedly with great agitation.
MAX PICCOLOMINI	Hear, my commander! Hear me, generals! Let me conjure you, Duke! Determine nothing, Till we have met and represented to you Our joint remonstrances. — Nay, calmer! Friends! I [[Hope\
TERTSKY	Away! let us away! in the antechamber Find we the others.
(didascalia)	[They go.
BUTLER	If good counsel gain Due audience from your wisdom, my Lord Envoy! You will be cautious how you shew yourself In public for some hours to come — or hardly Will that gold key protect you from maltreatment.
(didascalia)	[Commotions heard from without.
WALLENSTEIN	A salutary counsel —— Thou, Octavio! Wilt answer for the safety of our guest. Farewell, Von Questenberg!
(didascalia)	[QUESTENBERG is about to speak.
WALLENSTEIN	Nay, not a word. Not one word more of that detested subject! You have performed your duty — We know how To separate the office from the man.
(didascalia)	[As QUESTENBERG is going off with OCTAVIO, GOETZ, TIEFENBACH, KOLATTO, press in; several other Generals following them.
GOETZ	Where’s he who means to rob us of our general?
TIEFENBACH	What are we forced to hear? That thou wilt leave us?
KOLATTO	We will live with thee, we will die with thee.
WALLENSTEIN	There! the Field-Marshal knows our will.
(didascalia)	[Exit.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	ILLO and TERTSKY.
TERTSKY	Now for this evening’s business! How intend you To manage with the generals at the banquet?
ILLO	Attend! We frame a formal declaration, Wherein we to the Duke consign ourselves Collectively, to be and to remain His both with life and limb, and not to spare The last drop of our [[Blood\
TERTSKY	How? think you then That they’ll believe themselves bound by an oath, Which we had tricked them into by a juggle?
ILLO	We shall have caught and caged them! Let them then Beat their wings bare against the wires, and rave Loud as they may against our treachery, At [[Court\
TERTSKY	Well, [[Well\
ILLO	Besides, ‘tis of subordinate importance How, or how far, we may thereby propel The generals. ‘Tis enough that we persuade The Duke, that they are his — Let him but act In his determined mood, as if he had them, And he will have them. Where he plunges in, He makes a whirlpool, and all stream down to it.
TERTSKY	His policy is such a labyrinth, That many a [[Time\
ILLO	He give up his old plans! I’ll tell you, friend! His [[Soul\
TERTSKY	Ay! you know This [[Night\
ILLO	Come! be we bold and make dispatch. The work In this next day or two must thrive and grow More than it has for years. And let but only Things first turn up auspicious here below —— Mark what I say — the right [[Stars\
TERTSKY	Do you go thither, Illo. I must stay And wait here for the Countess Tertsky. Know That we too are not idle. Break one string, A second is in readiness.
ILLO	Yes! Yes! I saw your Lady smile with such sly meaning. What’s in the [[Wind\
TERTSKY	A secret. Hush! she comes.
(didascalia)	[Exit ILLO.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	The COUNTESS steps out from a Closet. COUNT and COUNTESS TERTSKY.
TERTSKY	Well — is she coming? — I can keep him back No longer.
COUNTESS	She will be there instantly. You only send him.
TERTSKY	I am not quite certain, I must confess it, Countess, whether or not We are earning the Duke’s thanks hereby. You know, No ray has broken from him on this point. You have o’er-ruled me, and yourself know best How far you dare proceed.
COUNTESS	I take it on me.
(didascalia)	[Talking to herself, while she is advancing.
COUNTESS	Here’s no need of full powers and commissions — My cloudy Duke! we understand each other — And without words. What, could I not unriddle, Wherefore the daughter should be sent for hither, Why first he, and no other, should be chosen To fetch her hither! This sham of betrothing her To a bridegroom, whom no one knows — No! no! —— This may blind others! I see through thee, Brother! But it beseems thee not, to draw a card At such a game. Not yet! — It all remains Mutely delivered up to my finessing —— Well — thou shalt not have been deceived, Duke Friedland! In her who is thy sister. ——
SERVANT	The commanders!
TERTSKY	Take care you heat his fancy and affections — Possess him with a reverie, and send him, Absent and dreaming, to the banquet; that He may not boggle at the signature.
COUNTESS	Take you care of your guests! — Go, send him hither.
TERTSKY	All rests upon his undersigning.
COUNTESS	Go to your guests! Go ——
ILLO	Where art staying, Tertsky? The house is full, and all expecting you.
TERTSKY	Instantly! Instantly! [To the COUNTESS. And let him not Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion In the old man ——
COUNTESS	A truce with your precautions!
(didascalia)	[Exeunt TERTSKY and ILLO.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	COUNTESS, MAX PICCOLOMINI.
MAX	Aunt Tertsky? may I venture?
(didascalia)	[Advances to the middle of the stage, and looks around him with uneasiness.
MAX	She’s not here! Where is she?
COUNTESS	Look but somewhat narrowly In yonder corner, lest perhaps she lie Conceal’d behind that screen.
MAX	There lie her gloves!
(didascalia)	[Snatches at them, but the COUNTESS takes them herself.
MAX	You unkind Lady! You refuse me this — You make it an amusement to torment me.
COUNTESS	And this the thanks you give me for my trouble?
MAX	O, if you felt the oppression at my heart! Since we’ve been here, so to constrain myself — With such poor stealth to hazard words and glances — These, these are not my habits!
COUNTESS	You have still Many new habits to acquire, young friend! But on this proof of your obedient temper I must continue to insist; and only On this condition can I play the agent For your concerns.
MAX	But wherefore comes she not? Where is she?
COUNTESS	Into my hands you must place it Whole and entire. Whom could you find, indeed, More zealously affected to your interest? No [[Soul\
MAX	Alas! what danger? Here is no face on which I might concentre All the enraptured [[Soul\
COUNTESS	But, gentle friend! I must entreat it of your condescension, You would be pleased to sink your eye, and favour With one short glance or two this poor stale world, Where even now much, and of much moment, Is on the eve of its completion.
MAX	Something, I can’t but know, is going forward round me. I see it gathering, crowding, driving on, In wild uncustomary movements. Well, In due [[Time\
COUNTESS	Enjoy your fortune and felicity! Forget the world around you. Meantime, [[Friendship\
MAX	This morning did I hazard the first word.
COUNTESS	This morning the first [[Time\
MAX	’Twas at that hunting-[[Castle\
(didascalia)	[The PRINCESS THEKLA appears at the door, and remains standing, observed by the COUNTESS, but not by PICCOLOMINI.
MAX	With instant boldness I caught her in my arms, my mouth touched hers; There was a rustling in the room close by; It parted us—‘Twas you. What since has happened, You know.
COUNTESS	And is it your excess of modesty; Or are you so incurious, that you do not Ask me too of my secret?
MAX	Of your secret?
COUNTESS	Why, yes! When in the instant after you I stepped into the room, and found my niece there, What she in this first moment of the heart Ta’en with surprise —
MAX	Well?

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	THEKLA (hurries forward), COUNTESS, MAX PICCOLOMINI.
THEKLA	Spare yourself the trouble: That hears he better from myself.
MAX	My Princess! What have you let her hear me say, aunt Tertsky?
THEKLA	Has he been here long?
COUNTESS	Yes; and soon must go. Where have you stayed so long?
THEKLA	Alas! my mother Wept so again! and I — I see her suffer, Yet cannot keep myself from being happy.
MAX	Now once again I have [[Courage\
THEKLA	Then you saw me With your eye only — and not with your heart?
MAX	This morning, when I found you in the circle Of all your kindred, in your father’s arms, Beheld myself an alien in this circle, O! what an impulse felt I in that moment To fall upon his neck, to call him father! But his stern eye o’erpowered the swelling passion — It dared not but be silent. And those brilliants, That like a [[Crown\
THEKLA	Hush! not a word more of this mummery. You see how soon the burthen is thrown off.
(didascalia)	[To the COUNTESS.
THEKLA	He is not in spirits. Wherefore is he not? ‘Tis you, aunt, that have made him all so gloomy! He had quite another [[Nature\
(didascalia)	[To MAX.
THEKLA	It was my wish to see you always so, And never otherwise!
MAX	You find yourself In your great father’s arms, belovéd lady! All in a new world, which does homage to you, And which, wer’t only by its novelty, Delights your eye.
THEKLA	Yes; I confess to you That many things delight me here: this camp, This motley stage of warriors, which renews So manifold the image of my fancy, And binds to life, binds to reality, What hitherto had but been present to me As a sweet dream!
MAX	Alas! not so to me. It makes [[A Dream\
THEKLA	The game of life Looks cheerful, when one carries in one’s heart The inalienable treasure. ‘Tis a game, Which having once reviewed, I turn more joyous Back to my deeper and appropriate bliss. In this short [[Time\
COUNTESS	And what Can this be then? Methought I was acquainted With all the dusky corners of this house.
THEKLA	Ay, but the [[Road\
(didascalia)	Countess (laughs).
COUNTESS	The astrological tower! — How happens it That this same sanctuary, whose access Is to all others so impracticable, Opens before you even at your approach?
THEKLA	A dwarfish old man with a friendly face And [[Snow\
MAX	That is the Duke’s astrologer, old Seni.
THEKLA	He questioned me on many points; for instance, When I was born, what month, and on what day, Whether by day or in the [[Night\
COUNTESS	He wished To erect a figure for your horoscope.
THEKLA	My hand too he examined, shook his head With much sad meaning, and the lines methought, Did not square over truly with his wishes.
COUNTESS	Well, Princess, and what found you in this tower? My highest privilege has been to snatch A side-glance, and away!
THEKLA	It was a strange Sensation that came o’er me, when at first From the broad sunshine I stepped in; and now The narrowing line of day-light, that ran after The closing door, was gone; and all about me ’Twas pale and dusky [[Night\
MAX	O never rudely will I blame his [[Faith\
THEKLA	And if this be the science of the [[Stars\
COUNTESS	Not only roses, But thorns too hath the heaven; and [[Well\
MAX	Soon will his gloomy empire reach its close. Blest be the General’s zeal: into the laurel Will he inweave the olive-branch, presenting Peace to the shouting nations. Then no wish Will have remained for his great heart! Enough Has he performed for glory, and can now Live for himself and his. To his domains Will he retire; he has a stately seat Of fairest view at Gitschin; Reichenberg, And Friedland Castle, both lie pleasantly — Even to the foot of the huge [[Mountains\
COUNTESS	Yet I would have you look, and look again, Before you lay aside your arms, young friend! A gentle bride, as she is, is [[Well\
MAX	O, that the [[Sword\
COUNTESS	What was that? Did you hear nothing? Seem’d, as if I heard Tumult and larum in the banquet-room.
(didascalia)	[Exit COUNTESS.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	THEKLA and MAX PICCOLOMINI.
(didascalia)	Thekla (as soon as the Countess is out of sight, in a quick low voice to Piccolomini).
THEKLA	Don’t trust them! They are false!
MAX	Impossible!
THEKLA	Trust no one here but me. I saw at once, They had a purpose.
MAX	Purpose! but what purpose? And how can we be instrumental to it?
THEKLA	I know no more than you; but yet believe me: There’s some design in this! to make us happy, To realize our [[Union\
MAX	But these Tertskys —— Why use we them at all? Why not your mother? Excellent creature! she deserves from us A full and filial confidence.
THEKLA	She doth [[Love\
MAX	Why any secret? I [[Love\
THEKLA	That are you!
(didascalia)	(falls on his neck)
MAX	You knew him only since this morn; but I Have liv’d ten years already in his presence, And who knows whether in this very moment He is not merely waiting for us both To own our loves, in order to unite us. You are silent! —— You look at me with such a hopelessness! What have you to object against your father?
THEKLA	I? Nothing. Only he’s so occupied — He has no leisure [[Time\
(didascalia)	[Taking his hand tenderly.]
THEKLA	Follow me! Let us not place too great a [[Faith\
MAX	O! shall we e’er be happy?
THEKLA	Are we not happy now? Art thou not mine? Am I not thine? There lives within my [[Soul\

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	To them enters the COUNTESS TERTSKY.
COUNTESS	Come! My husband sends me for you — It is now The latest moment. Part you!
THEKLA	O, not yet! It has been scarce a moment.
COUNTESS	Aye! Then [[Time\
MAX	There is no hurry, aunt.
COUNTESS	Away! Away! The folks begin to miss you. Twice already His father has asked for him.
THEKLA	Ha! his father?
COUNTESS	You understand that, niece!
THEKLA	Why needs he To go at all to that society? ‘Tis not his proper company. They may Be worthy men, but he’s too young for them. In brief, he suits not such society.
COUNTESS	You mean, you’d rather keep him wholly here?
THEKLA	Yes! you have hit it, aunt! That is my meaning. Leave him here wholly! Tell the company —
COUNTESS	What? have you lost your senses, niece? — Count, you remember the conditions. Come!
MAX	Lady, I must obey. Farewell, dear lady!
(didascalia)	[THEKLA turns away from him with a quick motion.
MAX	What say you then, dear lady?
THEKLA	Nothing. Go!
MAX	Can I, when you are angry ——
(didascalia)	[He draws up to her, their eyes meet, she stands silent a moment, then throws herself into his arms; he presses her fast to his heart.
COUNTESS	Off! Heavens! if any one should come! Hark! What’s that noise? It comes this way. —— Off!
(didascalia)	[MAX [[Tears\
THEKLA (plays and sings)	The cloud doth gather, the greenwood roar, The [[Damsel\
(didascalia)	LITERAL [[Translation\
THEKLA (plays and sings)	The oak-forest bellows, the clouds gather, the [[Damsel\
(didascalia)	I cannot but add here an [[Imitation\
(didascalia)	The text of Lamb’s version as printed in Works, 1818, i. 42 is as follows: BALLAD. FROM THE GERMAN. The clouds are blackening, the storms threatening, And ever the forest maketh a moan: Billows are breaking, the [[Damsel\
(didascalia)	[[spring\

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	COUNTESS (returns), THEKLA.
COUNTESS	Fie, lady niece! to throw yourself upon him, Like a poor gift to one who cares not for it, And so must be flung after him! For you, Duke Friedland’s only [[Child\
THEKLA	And what mean you?
COUNTESS	I mean, niece, that you should not have forgotten Who you are, and who he is. But perchance That never once occurred to you.
THEKLA	What then?
COUNTESS	That you’re the daughter of the Prince-Duke Friedland.
THEKLA	Well — and what farther?
COUNTESS	What? a pretty question!
THEKLA	He was born that which we have but become. He’s of an ancient Lombard family, Son of a reigning princess.
COUNTESS	Are you dreaming? Talking in [[Sleep\
THEKLA	That will not be necessary.
COUNTESS	Methinks ‘twere [[Well\
THEKLA	His father loves him, Count Octavio Will interpose no difficulty ——
COUNTESS	His! His father! his! But yours, niece, what of yours?
THEKLA	Why I begin to think you [[Fear\
(didascalia)	COUNTESS (looks at her).
COUNTESS	Niece, you are false.
THEKLA	Are you then wounded? O, be friends with me!
COUNTESS	You hold your game for won already. Do not Triumph too soon! —
THEKLA	Nay now, be friends with me.
COUNTESS	It is not yet so far gone.
THEKLA	I believe you.
COUNTESS	Did you suppose your father had laid out His most important life in toils of war, Denied himself each quiet earthly bliss, Had banished slumber from his tent, devoted His noble head to care, and for this only, To make a happy pair of you? At length To draw you from your convent, and conduct In easy triumph to your arms the man That chanc’d to please your eyes! All this, methinks, He might have purchased at a cheaper rate.
THEKLA	That which he did not plant for me might yet Bear me fair fruitage of its own accord. And if my friendly and affectionate fate, Out of his fearful and enormous being, Will but prepare the joys of life for me — Cast thine eye round, bethink thee who thou art. Into no house of joyance hast thou stepped, For no espousals dost thou find the walls Deck’d out, no guests the nuptial garland wearing. Here is no splendour but of arms. Or think’st thou That all these thousands are here congregated To lead up the long dances at thy wedding? Thou see’st thy father’s forehead full of thought, Thy mother’s eye in [[Tears\
COUNTESS	Such ever was my lesson in the convent. I had no loves, no wishes, knew myself Only as his — his daughter — his, the Mighty! His fame, the echo of whose blast drove to me From the far distance, wakened in my [[Soul\
THEKLA	That is thy fate. Mould thou thy wishes to it. I and thy mother gave thee the example.
COUNTESS	My fate hath shewn me him, to whom behoves it That I should offer up myself. In gladness Him will I follow.
THEKLA	Not thy fate hath shewn him! Thy heart, say rather—‘twas thy heart, my [[Child\
COUNTESS	Fate hath no voice but the heart’s impulses. I am all his! His Present — his [[Alone\
THEKLA	Thou would’st oppose thy father then, should he Have otherwise determined with thy person?
(didascalia)	[THEKLA remains silent. The COUNTESS continues.
COUNTESS	Thou mean’st to force him to thy liking? — Child, His name is Friedland.
THEKLA	My name too is Friedland. He shall have found a genuine daughter in me.
COUNTESS	What? he has vanquished all impediment, And in the wilful mood of his own daughter Shall a new struggle rise for him? Child! [[Child\
(didascalia)	[Exit COUNTESS.
THEKLA	I thank thee for the hint. It turns My sad presentiment to certainty. And it is so! — Not one friend have we here, Not one true heart! we’ve nothing but ourselves! O she said rightly — no auspicious signs Beam on this covenant of our affections. This is no theatre, where [[Hope\
(didascalia)	[Music from the banquet-room is heard.
THEKLA	There’s a dark spirit walking in our house, And swiftly will the Destiny close on us. It drove me hither from my calm asylum, It mocks my [[Soul\
(didascalia)	[The music from the banquet-room becomes louder.
THEKLA	O when a house is doomed in [[Fire\
(didascalia)	[Exit THEKLA.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	A large Saloon lighted up with festal Splendour; in the midst of it, and in the Centre of the Stage, a Table richly set out, at which eight Generals are sitting, among whom are OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, TERTSKY, and MARADAS. Right and left of this, but farther back, two other Tables, at each of which six Persons are placed. The Middle Door, which is standing open, gives to the Prospect a Fourth Table, with the same Number of Persons. More forward stands the sideboard. The whole front of the Stage is kept open for the Pages and Servants in waiting. All is in Motion. The Band of Music belonging to Tertsky’s Regiment march across the Stage, and draw up round the Tables. Before they are quite off from the Front of the Stage, MAX PICCOLOMINI appears, TERTSKY advances towards him with a Paper, ISOLANI comes up to meet him with a Beaker or Service-cup.
(didascalia)	TERTSKY, ISOLANI, MAX PICCOLOMINI.
ISOLANI	Here brother, what we [[Love\
(didascalia)	Tiefenbach and Goetz (call out from the second and third tables).
TIEFENBACH AND GOETZ	Count Piccolomini!
TERTSKY	Stop, ye shall have him in an instant. — Read This oath here, whether as ‘tis here set forth, The wording satisfies you. They’ve all read it, Each in his turn, and each one will subscribe His individual signature.
MAX (reads)	‘Ingratis servire nefas.‘
ISOLANI	That sounds to my ears very much like Latin, And being interpreted, pray what may’t mean?
TERTSKY	No honest man will serve a thankless master.
MAX	’Inasmuch as our supreme Commander, the illustrious Duke of Friedland, in consequence of the manifold affronts and grievances which he has received, had expressed his determination to quit the Emperor, but on our unanimous entreaty has graciously consented to remain still with the army, and not to part from us without our approbation thereof, so we, collectively and each in particular, in the stead of an oath personally taken, do hereby oblige ourselves — likewise by him honourably and faithfully to hold, and in nowise whatsoever from him to part, and to be ready to shed for his interests the last drop of our [[Blood\
TERTSKY	Now! — are you willing to subscribe this paper?
ISOLANI	Why should he not? All officers of [[Honour\
TERTSKY	Nay, let it rest till after meal.
ISOLANI (drawing Max along)	Come, Max.
(didascalia)	Both seat themselves at their table.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	TERTSKY, NEUMANN.
(didascalia)	Tertsky (beckons to Neumann who is waiting at the side-table, and steps forward with him to the edge of the stage).
TERTSKY	Have you the copy with you, Neumann? Give it. It may be changed for the other?
NEUMANN	I have copied it Letter by letter, line by line; no eye Would e’er discover other difference, Save only the omission of that clause, According to your Excellency’s order.
TERTSKY	Right! lay it yonder, and away with this — It has performed its business — to the [[Fire\
(didascalia)	NEUMANN lays the copy on the table and steps back again to the side-table.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	ILLO (comes out from the second chamber), TERTSKY.
ILLO	How goes it with young Piccolomini?
TERTSKY	All right, I think. He has started no objection.
ILLO	He is the only one I [[Fear\
TERTSKY	How looks it at your table: you forget not To keep them warm and stirring?
ILLO	O, quite cordial, They are quite cordial in the scheme. We have them. And ‘tis as I predicted too. Already It is the talk, not merely to maintain The Duke in station. ‘Since we’re once for all Together and unanimous, why not,‘ Says Montecuculi, ‘aye, why not onward, And make conditions with the Emperor There in his own Vienna?’ Trust me, Count, Were it not for these said Piccolomini, We might have spared ourselves the cheat.
TERTSKY	And Butler?
ILLO	How goes it there? Hush!

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	To them enter BUTLER from the second table.
BUTLER	Don’t disturb yourselves. Field Marshal, I have understood you perfectly. Good luck be to the scheme; and as to me, You may depend upon me.
ILLO	May we, Butler?
BUTLER	With or without the clause, all one to me! You understand me? My fidelity The Duke may put to any proof — I’m with him! Tell him so! I’m the Emperor’s officer, As long as ‘tis his pleasure to remain The Emperor’s general! and Friedland’s servant, As soon as it shall please him to become His own lord.
TERTSKY	You would make a good exchange. No stern economist, no Ferdinand, Is he to whom you plight your services.
BUTLER	I do not put up my fidelity To sale, Count Tertsky! Half a year ago I would not have advised you to have made me An overture to that, to which I now Offer myself of my own free accord. — But that is past! and to the Duke, Field Marshal, I bring myself together with my regiment. And mark you, ‘tis my [[Humour\
ILLO	Who is ignorant, That the whole army look to Colonel Butler, As to a light that moves before them?
BUTLER	Ey? Then I repent me not of that fidelity Which for the length of forty years I held, If in my sixtieth year my old good name Can purchase for me a [[Revenge\
ILLO	Say, And speak roundly, what are we to deem you?
BUTLER	A friend! I give you here my hand! I’m yours With all I have. Not only men, but money Will the Duke want. —— Go, tell him, sirs! I’ve earned and laid up somewhat in his service, I lend it him; and is he my survivor, It has been already long ago bequeathed him. He is my heir. For me, I stand [[Alone\
ILLO	’Tis not your money that he needs — a heart Like yours weighs tons of gold down, weighs down millions!
BUTLER	I came a simple soldier’s boy from Ireland To Prague — and with a master, whom I buried. From lowest stable-duty I climbed up, Such was the fate of war, to this high rank, The plaything of a whimsical good fortune. And Wallenstein too is a [[Child\
ILLO	All powerful souls have kindred with each other.
BUTLER	This is an awful moment! to the brave, To the determined, an auspicious moment. The Prince of Weimar arms, upon the Maine To found a mighty dukedom. He of Halberstadt, That Mansfeld, wanted but a longer life To have marked out with his good [[Sword\
TERTSKY	That’s spoken like a man!
BUTLER	Do you secure the Spaniard and Italian — I’ll be your warrant for the Scotchman Lesly. Come! to the company!
TERTSKY	Where is the master of the cellar? Ho! Let the best wines come up. Ho! cheerly, boy! Luck comes to-day, so give her hearty welcome.
(didascalia)	[Exeunt, each to his table.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	The Master of the Cellar advancing with NEUMANN, Servants passing backwards and forwards.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	The best wine! O! if my old mistress, his lady mother, could but see these wild goings on, she would turn herself round in her [[Grave\
NEUMANN	Heaven forbid! Why, at this very moment the whole prospect is in bud and blossom!
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	You think so? — Well, [[Well\
FIRST SERVANT	(comes) Burgundy for the fourth table.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	Now, sir lieutenant, if this isn’t the seventieth flask ——
FIRST SERVANT	Why, the reason is, that German lord, Tiefenbach, sits at that table.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	(continuing his discourse to Neumann) They are soaring too high. They would rival kings and electors in their pomp and splendour; and wherever the Duke leaps, not a minute does my gracious master, the Count, loiter on the brink —— (To the Servants) — What do you stand there listening for? I will let you know you have legs presently. Off! see to the tables, see to the flasks! Look there! Count Palfi has an empty glass before him!
RUNNER	(comes) The great service-cup is wanted, sir; that rich gold cup with the Bohemian arms on it. The Count says you know which it is.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	Ay! that was made for Frederick’s coronation by the [[Artist\
RUNNER	The same! — a health is to go round in him.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	This will be something for the tale-bearers — this goes to Vienna.
NEUMANN	Permit me to look at it. — Well, this is a cup indeed! How heavy! as [[Well\
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	The woman whom you see there on horseback, is the Free Election of the Bohemian Crown. That is signified by the round hat, and by that fiery steed on which she is riding. The hat is the [[Pride\
NEUMANN	But what is the cup there on the banner?
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	The cup signifies the [[Freedom\
NEUMANN	And what says that chart that hangs in the air there, over it all?
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	That signifies the Bohemian letter royal, which we forced from the Emperor Rudolph — a precious, never to be enough valued parchment that secures to the new Church the old privileges of free ringing and open psalmody. But since he of Steiermärk has ruled over us, that is at an end; and after the battle of Prague, in which Count Palatine Frederick lost [[Crown\
NEUMANN	Why, my good Master of the Cellar! you are deep read in the chronicles of your country!
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	So were my forefathers, and for that reason were they minstrels, and served under Procopius and Ziska. Peace be with their ashes! Well, [[Well\
NEUMANN	Stay! let me but look at this second quarter. Look there! That is, when at Prague Castle the Imperial Counsellors, Martinitz and Stawata were hurled down head over heels. ‘Tis even so! there stands Count Thur who commands it.
(didascalia)	[Runner takes the service-cup and goes off with it.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	O let me never more hear of that day. It was the three and twentieth of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand, six hundred, and eighteen. It seems to me as it were but yesterday — from that unlucky day it all began, all the heart-aches of the country. Since that day it is now sixteen years, and there has never once been peace on the earth.
(didascalia)	[Health drunk aloud at the second table.] The Prince of Weimar! Hurra! [At the third and fourth table.] Long live Prince William! Long live Duke Bernard! Hurra! [Music strikes up.]
FIRST SERVANT	Hear ‘em! Hear ‘em! What an uproar!
SECOND SERVANT	(comes in running) Did you hear? They have drunk the Prince of Weimar’s health.
THIRD SERVANT	The Swedish Chief Commander!
FIRST SERVANT	*(speaking at the same [[Time\
SECOND SERVANT	Just before, when Count Deodate gave out the Emperor’s health, they were all as mum as a nibbling mouse.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	Po, po! When the wine goes in, strange things come out. A good servant hears, and hears not! — You should be nothing but eyes and feet, except when you are called.
SECOND SERVANT	(to the Runner, to whom he gives secretly a flask of wine, keeping his eye on the Master of the Cellar, standing between him and the Runner) Quick, Thomas! before the Master of the Cellar runs this way—‘tis a flask of Frontignac! — Snapped it up at the third table. — Canst go off with it?
RUNNER	(hides it in his pocket) All right!
(didascalia)	[Exit the Second Servant.]
THIRD SERVANT	(aside to the First) Be on the hark, Jack! that we may have right plenty to tell to father Quivoga — He will give us right plenty of absolution in return for it.
FIRST SERVANT	For that very purpose I am always having something to do behind Illo’s chair. — He is the man for speeches to make you stare with!
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	(to Neumann) Who, pray, may that swarthy man be, he with the [[Cross\
NEUMANN	Ay! he too is one of those to whom they confide too much. He calls himself Maradas, a Spaniard is he.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	(impatiently) Spaniard! Spaniard! — I tell you, friend; nothing good comes of those Spaniards. All these out-landish fellows are little better than rogues.
NEUMANN	Fy, fy! you should not say so, friend. There are among them our very best generals, and those on whom the Duke at this moment relies the most.
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	(taking the flask out of the Runner’s pocket) My son, it will be broken to pieces in your pocket.
(didascalia)	[TERTSKY hurries in, fetches away the paper, and calls to a Servant for pen and ink, and goes to the back of the stage.]
MASTER OF THE CELLAR	The Lieutenant-General stands up. — Be on the watch. — Now! They break up. — Off, and move back the forms.
(didascalia)	[They rise at all the tables, the Servants hurry off the front of the stage to the tables; part of the guests come forward.]

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI enters in conversation with MARADAS, and both place themselves quite on the edge of the stage on one side of the proscenium. On the side directly opposite, MAX PICCOLOMINI, by himself, lost in thought, and taking no part in any thing that is going forward. The middle space between both, but rather more distant from the edge of the stage, is filled up by BUTLER, ISOLANI, GOETZ, TIEFENBACH, and KOLATTO.
ISOLANI	Good [[Night\
GOETZ	Noble brother!
TIEFENBACH	Ay! ‘twas a royal feast indeed.
GOETZ	Yes, my Lady Countess understands these matters. Her mother-in-law, heaven rest her [[Soul\
TIEFENBACH	There was not her like in all Bohemia for setting out a table.
OCTAVIO	Do me the favour to talk to me — talk of what you will — or of nothing. Only preserve the appearance at least of talking. I would not wish to stand by myself, and yet I conjecture that there will be goings on here worthy of our attentive observation.
ISOLANI	Lights! lights!
TERTSKY	Noble brother! two minutes longer! — Here is something to subscribe.
ISOLANI	Subscribe as much as you like — but you must excuse me from reading it.
TERTSKY	There is no need. It is the oath which you have already read. — Only a few marks of your pen!
(didascalia)	ISOLANI hands over the paper to OCTAVIO respectfully.
TERTSKY	Nay, nay, first come first served. There is no precedence here.
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO runs over the paper with apparent indifference. TERTSKY watches him at some distance.
GOETZ	Noble Count! with your permission — Good [[Night\
TERTSKY	Where’s the hurry? Come, one other composing draught. (To the Servants) — Ho!
GOETZ	Excuse me — an’t able.
TERTSKY	A thimble-full!
GOETZ	Excuse me.
TIEFENBACH	Pardon me, nobles! — This standing does not agree with me.
TERTSKY	Consult only your own convenience, General!
TIEFENBACH	Clear at head, sound in stomach — only my legs won’t carry me any longer.
ISOLANI	Poor legs! how should they? Such an unmerciful load!
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO subscribes his name, and reaches over the paper to TERTSKY, who gives it to ISOLANI; and he goes to the table to sign his name.
TIEFENBACH	’Twas that war in Pomerania that first brought it on. Out in all weathers — ice and [[Snow\
GOETZ	Why, in simple verity, your Swede makes no nice enquiries about the season.
TERTSKY	Have you had that ugly complaint long, noble brother? — Dispatch it.
ISOLANI	The sins of youth! I have already tried the Chalybeate waters. Well — I must bear it.
(didascalia)	TERTSKY gives the paper to MARADAS; he steps to the table to subscribe.
OCTAVIO	You are not over fond of the orgies of Bacchus, Colonel! I have observed it. You would, I think, find yourself more to your liking in the uproar of a battle, than of a feast.
BUTLER	I must confess, ‘tis not in my way.
OCTAVIO	Nor in mine either, I can assure you; and I am not a little glad, my much honoured Colonel Butler, that we agree so [[Well\
BUTLER	And mine too, when it can be had.
(didascalia)	The paper comes to TIEFENBACH, who glances over it at the same [[Time\
OCTAVIO	Don Balthasar Maradas! likewise a man of our stamp, and long ago your admirer.
(didascalia)	BUTLER bows.
OCTAVIO	You are a stranger here—‘twas but yesterday you arrived — you are ignorant of the ways and means here. ‘Tis a wretched place — I know, at our age, one loves to be snug and quiet — What if you moved your lodgings? — Come, be my visitor. (BUTLER makes a low bow.) Nay, without compliment! — For a friend like you, I have still a corner remaining.
BUTLER	Your obliged humble servant, my Lord Lieutenant-General!
(didascalia)	The paper comes to BUTLER, who goes to the table to subscribe it. The front of the stage is vacant, so that both the PICCOLOMINIS, each on the side where he had been from the commencement of the scene, are now conspicuous.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Octavio (after having some [[Time\
OCTAVIO	You were long absent from us, friend!
MAX	I —— urgent business detained me.
OCTAVIO	And, I observe, you are still absent!
MAX	You know this crowd and bustle always makes me silent.
OCTAVIO	May I be permitted to ask what business ‘twas that detained you? Tertsky knows it without asking!
MAX	What does Tertsky know?
OCTAVIO	He was the only one who did not miss you.
ISOLANI	Well done, father! Rout out his baggage! Beat up his quarters! there is something there that should not be.
TERTSKY	(with the paper). Is there none wanting? Have the whole subscribed?
OCTAVIO	All.
TERTSKY	(calling aloud). Ho! Who subscribes?
BUTLER	(to Tertsky). Count the names. There ought to be just thirty.
TERTSKY	Here is a [[Cross\
TIEFENBACH	That’s my mark.
ISOLANI	He cannot write; but his [[Cross\
OCTAVIO	(presses on to Max). Come, general! let us go. It is late.
TERTSKY	One Piccolomini only has signed.
ISOLANI	(pointing to Max). Look! that is your man, that statue there, who has had neither eye, ear, nor tongue for us the whole evening.
(didascalia)	[MAX receives the paper from TERTSKY, which he looks upon vacantly.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	To these enter ILLO from the inner room. He has in his hand the golden service-cup, and is extremely distempered with drinking: GOETZ and BUTLER follow him, endeavouring to keep him back.
ILLO	What do you want? Let me go.
GOETZ AND BUTLER	Drink no more, Illo! For heaven’s sake, drink no more.
ILLO	(goes up to Octavio, and shakes him cordially by the hand, and then drinks) Octavio! I bring this to you! Let all grudge be drowned in this friendly bowl! I know [[Well\
TERTSKY	(whispering to him) Art in thy senses? For heaven’s sake, Illo! think where you are!
ILLO	(aloud) What do you mean? — There are none but friends here, are there? Not a sneaker among us, thank heaven!
TERTSKY	(to Butler) Take him off with you, force him off, I entreat you, Butler!
BUTLER	(to Illo) Field Marshal! a word with you.
(didascalia)	[Leads him to the sideboard.
ILLO	A thousand for one! Fill — Fill it once more up to the brim. — To this gallant man’s health!
ISOLANI	(to Max, who all the while has been staring on the paper with fixed but vacant eyes) Slow and sure, my noble brother! — Hast parsed it all yet? — Some words yet to go through? — Ha?
MAX	What am I to do?
TERTSKY AND ISOLANI	Sign your name.
MAX	Let it stay till to-morrow. It is business — to-day I am not sufficiently collected. Send it to me to-morrow.
TERTSKY	Nay, collect yourself a little.
ISOLANI	Awake, man! awake! — Come, thy signature, and have done with it! What? Thou art the youngest in the whole company, and wouldest be wiser than all of us together? Look there! thy father has signed — we have all signed.
TERTSKY	(to Octavio) Use your influence. Instruct him.
OCTAVIO	My son is at the age of discretion.
ILLO	*([[Leaves\
TERTSKY	He declines subscribing the paper.
MAX	I say, it may as [[Well\
ILLO	It cannot stay. We have all subscribed to it — and so must you. — You must subscribe.
MAX	Illo, good [[Night\
ILLO	No! You come not off so! The Duke shall learn who are his friends.
(didascalia)	[All collect round ILLO and MAX.
MAX	What my sentiments are towards the Duke, the Duke knows, every one knows — what need of this wild stuff?
ILLO	This is the thanks the Duke gets for his partiality to Italians and foreigners. — Us Bohemians he holds for little better than dullards — nothing pleases him but what’s outlandish.
TERTSKY	(to the commanders, who at Illo’s words give a sudden start, as preparing to resent them) It is the wine that speaks, and not his reason. Attend not to him, I entreat you.
ISOLANI	Wine invents nothing: it only tattles.
ILLO	He who is not with me is against me. Your tender consciences! Unless they can slip out by a back-door, by a puny proviso ——
TERTSKY	He is stark mad — don’t listen to him!
ILLO	Unless they can slip out by a proviso. — What of the proviso? The devil take this proviso!
MAX	What is there here then of such perilous import? You make me curious — I must look closer at it.
TERTSKY	(in a low voice to Illo) What are you doing, Illo? You are ruining us.
TIEFENBACH	(to Kolatto) Ay, ay! I observed, that before we sat down to supper, it was read differently.
GOETZ	Why, I seemed to think so too.
ISOLANI	What do I care for that? Where there stand other names, mine can stand too.
TIEFENBACH	Before supper there was a certain proviso therein, or short clause concerning our duties to the Emperor.
BUTLER	(to one of the commanders) For shame, for shame! Bethink you. What is the main business here? The question now is, whether we shall keep our General, or let him retire. One must not take these things too nicely and over-scrupulously.
ISOLANI	(to one of the Generals) Did the Duke make any of these provisos when he gave you your regiment?
TERTSKY	(to Goetz) Or when he gave you the office of army-purveyancer, which brings you in yearly a thousand pistoles!
ILLO	He is a rascal who makes us out to be rogues. If there be any one that wants satisfaction, let him say so, — I am his man.
TIEFENBACH	Softly, softly! ‘Twas but a word or two.
MAX	(having read the paper gives it back) Till to-morrow, therefore!
ILLO	*(stammering with rage and fury, loses all command over himself, and presents the paper to Max with one hand, and his [[Sword\
ISOLANI	Out upon you, Illo!
OCTAVIO, TERTSKY, BUTLER	(all together) Down with the [[Sword\
MAX	(rushes on him suddenly and disarms him, then to Count Tertsky) Take him off to bed.
(didascalia)	[MAX [[Leaves\

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	SCENE. — A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI’S Mansion. — Night.
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI. A Valet de Chambre, with Lights.
OCTAVIO	And when my son comes in, conduct him hither. What is the hour?
VALET	’Tis on the point of morning.
OCTAVIO	Set down the light. We mean not to undress. You may retire to [[Sleep\
(didascalia)	[Exit Valet. OCTAVIO paces, musing, across the chamber; MAX PICCOLOMINI enters unobserved, and looks at his father for some moments in [[Silence\
MAX	Art thou offended with me? Heaven knows That odious business was no fault of mine. ‘Tis true, indeed, I saw thy signature. What thou hadst sanctioned, should not, it might seem, Have come amiss to me. But—‘tis my [[Nature\
OCTAVIO	(embraces him). Follow it, O follow it still further, my best son! To-[[Night\
MAX	Declare thyself less darkly.
OCTAVIO	I will do so. For after what has taken place this [[Night\
(didascalia)	[Both seat themselves.
MAX	Max Piccolomini! what thinkest thou of The oath that was sent round for signatures?
MAX	I hold it for a thing of harmless import, Although I [[Love\
OCTAVIO	And on no other ground hast thou refused The signature they fain had wrested from thee?
MAX	It was a serious business —— I was absent — The affair itself seemed not so urgent to me.
OCTAVIO	Be open, Max. Thou hadst then no suspicion?
MAX	Suspicion! what suspicion? Not the least.
OCTAVIO	Thank thy good angel, Piccolomini: He drew thee back unconscious from the abyss.
MAX	I know not what thou meanest.
OCTAVIO	I will tell thee. Fain would they have extorted from thee, son, The sanction of thy name to villainy; Yea, with a single flourish of thy pen, Made thee renounce thy duty and thy [[Honour\
MAX	Octavio!
OCTAVIO	Patience! Seat yourself. Much yet Hast thou to hear from me, friend! — hast for years Lived in incomprehensible illusion. Before thine eyes is Treason drawing out As black a web as e’er was spun for venom: A power of hell o’erclouds thy understanding. I dare no longer stand in [[Silence\
MAX	My father! Yet, ere thou speak’st, a moment’s pause of thought! If your disclosures should appear to be Conjectures only — and almost I [[Fear\
OCTAVIO	The deeper cause thou hast to hate this light, The more impatient cause have I, my son, To force it on thee. To the innocence And wisdom of thy heart I could have trusted thee With calm assurance — but I see the net Preparing — and it is thy heart itself Alarms me for thine innocence — that secret, Which thou concealest, forces mine from me. Know, then, they are duping thee! — a most foul game With thee and with us all — nay, hear me calmly — The Duke even now is playing. He assumes The mask, as if he would forsake the army; And in this moment makes he preparations That army from the Emperor to steal, And carry it over to the enemy!
MAX	That low Priest’s legend I know [[Well\
OCTAVIO	That mouth, From which thou hearest it at this present moment, Doth warrant thee that it is no Priest’s legend.
MAX	How mere a maniac they supposed the Duke! What, he can meditate? — the Duke? — can dream That he can lure away full thirty thousand Tried troops and true, all honourable soldiers, More than a thousand noblemen among them, From oaths, from duty, from their [[Honour\
OCTAVIO	Such a deed, With such a front of infamy, the Duke No wise desires — what he requires of us Bears a far gentler appellation. Nothing He wishes, but to give the Empire peace. And so, because the Emperor hates this peace, Therefore the Duke — the Duke will force him to it. All parts of the Empire will he pacify, And for his trouble will retain in payment (What he has already in his gripe) — Bohemia!
MAX	Has he, Octavio, merited of us, That we — that we should think so vilely of him?
OCTAVIO	What we would think is not the question here. The affair speaks for itself — and clearest proofs! Hear me, my son—‘tis not unknown to thee, In what ill credit with the Court we stand. But little dost thou know, or guess, what tricks, What base intrigues, what lying artifices, Have been employed — for this sole end — to sow Mutiny in the camp! All bands are loosed — Loosed all the bands, that link the officer To his liege Emperor, all that bind the soldier Affectionately to the citizen. Lawless he stands, and threateningly beleaguers The state he’s bound to guard. To such a height ’Tis swoln, that at this hour the Emperor Before his armies — his own armies — trembles; Yea, in his capital, his palace, fears The traitor’s poniards, and is meditating To hurry off and hide his tender offspring —— Not from the Swedes, not from the Lutherans — No! from his own troops hide and hurry them!
MAX	Cease, cease! thou tortur’st, shatter’st me. I know That oft we tremble at an empty terror; But the false phantasm brings a real misery.
OCTAVIO	It is no phantasm. An intestine war, Of all the most unnatural and cruel, Will burst out into flames, if instantly We do not fly and stifle it. The Generals Are many of them long ago won over; The subalterns are vacillating — whole Regiments and garrisons are vacillating. To foreigners our strong holds are entrusted; To that suspected Schafgotch is the whole Force of Silesia given up: to Tertsky Five regiments, foot and [[Horse\
MAX	Likewise to both of us.
OCTAVIO	Because the Duke Believes he has secured us — means to lure us Still further on by splendid promises. To me he portions forth the princedoms, Glatz And Sagan; and too plain I see the angle With which he doubts not to catch thee.
MAX	No! no! I tell thee — no!
OCTAVIO	O open yet thine eyes! And to what purpose think’st thou he has called us Hither to Pilsen? — to avail himself Of our advice? — O when did Friedland ever Need our advice? — Be calm, and listen to me. To sell ourselves are we called hither, and, Decline we that — to be his hostages. Therefore doth noble Galas stand aloof; Thy father, too, thou would’st not have seen here, If higher duties had not held him fettered.
MAX	He makes no secret of it — needs make none — That we’re called hither for his sake — he owns it. He needs our aidance to maintain himself — He did so much for us; and ‘tis but fair That we too should do somewhat now for him.
OCTAVIO	And know’st thou what it is which we must do? That Illo’s drunken mood betrayed it to thee. Bethink thyself — what hast thou heard, what seen? The counterfeited paper — the omission Of that particular clause, so full of meaning, Does it not prove, that they would bind us down To nothing good?
MAX	That counterfeited paper Appears to me no other than a trick Of Illo’s own device. These underhand Traders in great men’s interests ever use To urge and hurry all things to the extreme. They see the Duke at variance with the [[Court\
OCTAVIO	It grieves me That I must dash to earth, that I must shatter A [[Faith\
MAX	No! — no! — never!
OCTAVIO	Himself confided to me What I, ‘tis true, had long before discovered By other means — himself confided to me, That ‘twas his settled plan to join the Swedes; And, at the head of the united armies, Compel the Emperor —
MAX	He is passionate. The Court has stung him — he is sore all over With injuries and affronts; and in a moment Of irritation, what if he, for once, Forgot himself? He’s an impetuous man.
OCTAVIO	Nay, in cold [[Blood\
MAX	It cannot be! — can not be! can not be! Dost thou not see, it cannot! Thou wouldest of necessity have shewn him Such horror, such deep loathing — that or he Had taken thee for his better genius, or Thou stood’st not now a living man before me —
OCTAVIO	I have laid open my objections to him, Dissuaded him with pressing earnestness; But my abhorrence, the full sentiment Of my whole heart — that I have still kept sacred To my own consciousness.
MAX	And thou hast been So treacherous? That looks not like my father! I trusted not thy words, when thou didst tell me Evil of him; much less can I now do it, That thou calumniatest thy own [[Self\
OCTAVIO	I did not thrust myself into his secrecy.
MAX	Uprightness merited his confidence.
OCTAVIO	He was no longer worthy of sincerity.
MAX	Dissimulation, sure, was still less worthy Of thee, Octavio!
OCTAVIO	Gave I him a cause To entertain a scruple of my [[Honour\
MAX	That he did not, evinced his confidence.
OCTAVIO	Dear son, it is not always possible Still to preserve that infant purity Which the voice teaches in our inmost heart. Still in alarm, for ever on the watch Against the wiles of wicked men, e’en Virtue Will sometimes bear away her outward robes Soiled in the wrestle with Iniquity. This is the curse of every evil deed, That, propagating still, it brings forth evil. I do not cheat my better [[Soul\
MAX	It seems a thing appointed, that to-day I should not comprehend, not understand thee. The Duke thou say’st did honestly pour out His heart to thee, but for an evil purpose; And thou dishonestly hast cheated him For a good purpose! Silence, I entreat thee — My friend thou stealest not from me — Let me not lose my father!
OCTAVIO	As yet thou know’st not all, my son. I have Yet somewhat to disclose to thee.
(didascalia)	[After a pause.
OCTAVIO	Duke Friedland Hath made his preparations. He relies Upon his [[Stars\
MAX	O nothing rash, my sire! By all that’s good Let me invoke thee — no precipitation!
OCTAVIO	With light tread stole he on his evil way, With light tread hath Vengeance stole on after him. Unseen she stands already, dark behind him — But one step more — he shudders in her grasp! Thou hast seen Questenberg with me. As yet Thou know’st but his ostensible commission; He brought with him a private one, my son! And that was for me only.
MAX	May I know it?
OCTAVIO	(seizes the patent). Max!
(didascalia)	[A pause.
OCTAVIO	—— In this disclosure place I in thy hands The Empire’s welfare and thy father’s life. Dear to thy inmost heart is Wallenstein: A powerful tie of [[Love\
MAX	Father ——
OCTAVIO	O my son! I trust thy heart undoubtingly. But am I Equally sure of thy collectedness? Wilt thou be able, with calm countenance, To enter this man’s presence, when that I Have trusted to thee his whole fate?
MAX	According As thou dost trust me, father, with his crime.
(didascalia)	[OCTAVIO takes a paper out of his escrutoire, and gives it to him.
MAX	What? how? a full Imperial patent!
OCTAVIO	Read it.
MAX	Duke Friedland sentenced and condemned!
OCTAVIO	Even so.
MAX	O this is too much! O unhappy error!
OCTAVIO	Read on. Collect thyself.
MAX	(after he has read further, with a look of affright and astonishment on his father). How! what! Thou! thou!
OCTAVIO	But for the present moment, till the King Of Hungary may safely join the army, Is the command assigned to me.
MAX	And think’st thou, Dost thou believe, that thou wilt tear it from him? O never [[Hope\
OCTAVIO	What hazard I incur thereby, I know. In the great hand of God I stand. The Almighty Will cover with his shield the Imperial house, And shatter, in his wrath, the work of darkness. The Emperor hath true servants still; and even Here in the camp, there are enough brave men, Who for the good cause will fight gallantly. The faithful have been warned — the dangerous Are closely watched. I wait but the first step, And then immediately ——
MAX	What! on suspicion? Immediately?
OCTAVIO	The Emperor is no [[Tyrant\
MAX	What callest thou such a step? A wicked step Ne’er will he take; but thou mightest easily, Yea, thou hast done it, misinterpret him.
OCTAVIO	Nay, howsoever punishable were Duke Friedland’s purposes, yet still the steps Which he hath taken openly, permit A mild construction. It is my intention To leave this paper wholly uninforced Till some act is committed which convicts him Of a high-treason, without [[Doubt\
MAX	But who the judge?
OCTAVIO	Thyself.
MAX	For ever, then, this paper will lie idle.
OCTAVIO	Too soon, I [[Fear\
MAX	I have thy word. Thou’lt not proceed to action Before thou hast convinced me — me myself.
OCTAVIO	Is it possible? Still, after all thou know’st, Canst thou believe still in his innocence?
MAX	Thy judgment may mistake; my heart can not. These reasons might expound thy spirit or mine; But they expound not Friedland — I have [[Faith\
OCTAVIO	I will await it.
(didascalia)	Act III, Scene I. A Chamber, &c… . It is Night. Octavio, &c. 1800, 1828, 1829. [Before 12] Octavio (goes up to him and embraces him). 1800, 1828, 1829. [After 56] [Fixing his eye steadfastly on his son’s face. 1800, 1828, 1829. [After 57] [Max attempts to answer but hesitates, and casts his eyes to the ground, embarrassed. Octavio, after a pause. 1800, 1828, 1829. Angel, a curious misprint perpetuated in the new edition. [MS. note by Derwent Coleridge.] [Before 168] Max (in excessive agitation). 1800, 1828, 1829. [Before 330] Max (with enthusiasm). 1800, 1828, 1829. [After 330] [Moderates his voice and manner. 1800, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO and MAX as before. To them the Valet of the Chamber.
OCTAVIO	How now, then?
VALET	A dispatch is at the door.
OCTAVIO	So early? From whom comes he then? Who is it?
VALET	That he refused to tell me.
OCTAVIO	Lead him in: And, hark you — let it not transpire.
(didascalia)	[Exit Valet — the Cornet steps in.
OCTAVIO	Ha! Cornet — is it you? and from Count Galas? Give me your letters.
CORNET	The Lieutenant-General Trusted it not to letters.
OCTAVIO	And what is it?
CORNET	He bade me tell you — Dare I speak openly here?
OCTAVIO	My son knows all.
CORNET	We have him.
OCTAVIO	Whom?
CORNET	Sesina, The old negotiator.
OCTAVIO	And you have him?
CORNET	In the Bohemian Forest Captain Mohrbrand Found and secured him yester morning early: He was proceeding then to Regenspurg, And on him were dispatches for the Swede.
OCTAVIO	And the dispatches ——
CORNET	The Lieutenant-General Sent them that instant to Vienna, and The prisoner with them.
OCTAVIO	This is, indeed, a tiding! That fellow is a precious casket to us, Enclosing weighty things. — Was much found on him?
CORNET	I think, six packets, with Count Tertsky’s arms.
OCTAVIO	None in the Duke’s own hand?
CORNET	Not that I know.
OCTAVIO	And old Sesina?
CORNET	He was sorely frightened, When it was told him he must to Vienna. But the Count Altringer bade him take heart, Would he but make a full and free confession.
OCTAVIO	Is Altringer then with your Lord? I heard That he lay sick at Linz.
CORNET	These three days past He’s with my master, the Lieutenant-General, At Frauenberg. Already have they sixty Small companies together, chosen men; Respectfully they greet you with assurances, That they are only waiting your commands.
OCTAVIO	In a few days may great events take place. And when must you return?
CORNET	I wait your orders.
OCTAVIO	Remain till evening.
(didascalia)	[Cornet signifies his assent and obeisance, and is going.
OCTAVIO	No one saw you — ha?
CORNET	No living creature. Through the cloister wicket The Capuchins, as usual, let me in.
OCTAVIO	Go, rest your limbs, and keep yourself concealed. I hold it probable, that yet ere evening I shall dispatch you. The development Of this affair approaches: ere the day, That even now is dawning in the heaven, Ere this eventful day hath set, the lot That must decide our fortunes will be drawn.
(didascalia)	[Exit Cornet.
(didascalia)	[Before 10] Octavio (eagerly). 1800, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO and MAX PICCOLOMINI.
OCTAVIO	Well — and what now, son? All will soon be clear; For all, I’m certain, went through that Sesina.
MAX	I will procure me light a shorter way. Farewell.
OCTAVIO	Where now? — Remain here.
MAX	To the Duke.
OCTAVIO	What ——
MAX	If thou hast believed that I shall act A part in this thy play —— Thou hast miscalculated on me grievously. My way must be straight on. True with the tongue, False with the heart — I may not, cannot be: Nor can I suffer that a man should trust me — As his friend trust me — and then lull my [[Conscience\
OCTAVIO	Thou wilt?
MAX	I will, as sure as this heart beats.
OCTAVIO	I have, indeed, miscalculated on thee. I calculated on a prudent son, Who would have blest the hand beneficent That plucked him back from the abyss — and lo! A fascinated being I discover, Whom his two eyes befool, whom passion wilders, Whom not the broadest light of [[Noon\
MAX	Aye — this state-policy! O how I curse it! You will some [[Time\
(didascalia)	[During his exit the curtain drops.
(didascalia)	[Before 3] Max (who through the whole of the foregoing scene has been in a violent and visible struggle of feelings, at length starts as one resolved). 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[Before 6] Octavio (alarmed). 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[Before 7] Max (returning). 1800, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	SCENE — A Room fitted up for astrological Labours, and provided with celestial Charts, with Globes, Telescopes, Quadrants, and other mathematical Instruments. — Seven Colossal Figures, representing the Planets, each with a transparent Star of a different Colour on its Head, stand in a Semi-circle in the Back-ground, so that Mars and Saturn are nearest the Eye. — The remainder of the Scene, and its Disposition, is given in the Fourth Scene of the Second Act. — There must be a Curtain over the Figures, which may be dropped, and conceal them on Occasions. [In the Fifth Scene of this Act it must be dropped; but in the Seventh Scene, it must be again drawn up wholly or in part.]
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN at a black Table, on which a Speculum Astrologicum is described with [[chalk\
WALLENSTEIN	All [[Well\
SENI	Your Highness must permit me Just to contemplate Venus. She’s now rising: Like as a sun, so shines she in the east.
WALLENSTEIN	She is at present in her perigee, And shoots down now her strongest influences. [Contemplating the figure on the table. Auspicious aspect! fateful in conjunction, At length the mighty three corradiate; And the two [[Stars\
SENI	And in a corner house, your Highness — think of that! That makes each influence of [[Double\
WALLENSTEIN	And sun and [[Moon\
SENI	And both the mighty Lumina by no Maleficus affronted. Lo! Saturnus, Innocuous, powerless, in cadente Domo.
WALLENSTEIN	The empire of Saturnus is gone by; Lord of the secret birth of things is he; Within the lap of earth, and in the depths Of the [[Imagination\
(didascalia)	[There are knocks at the door.
WALLENSTEIN	There’s some one knocking there. See who it is.
TERTSKY	(from without) Open, and let me in.
WALLENSTEIN	Aye—‘tis Tertsky. What is there of such urgence? We are busy.
TERTSKY	(from without) Lay all aside at present, I entreat you. It suffers no delaying.
WALLENSTEIN	Open, Seni!
(didascalia)	[While SENI opens the doors for TERTSKY, WALLENSTEIN draws the curtain over the figures.
TERTSKY	(enters) Hast thou already heard it? He is taken. Galas has given him up to the Emperor.
(didascalia)	[SENI draws off the black table, and exit.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, COUNT TERTSKY.
WALLENSTEIN	Who has been taken? — Who is given up?
TERTSKY	The man who knows our [[Secrets\
WALLENSTEIN	Nay, not Sesina? — Say, No! I entreat thee.
TERTSKY	All on his [[Road\

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	To them enters ILLO.
ILLO	Has he heard it?
TERTSKY	He has heard it.
ILLO	Thinkest thou still To make thy peace with the Emperor, to regain His confidence? — E’en were it now thy wish To abandon all thy plans, yet still they know What thou hast wished; then forwards thou must press; Retreat is now no longer in thy power.
TERTSKY	They have documents against us, and in hands, Which shew beyond all power of contradiction —
WALLENSTEIN	Of my hand-writing — no iota. Thee I punish for thy lies.
ILLO	And thou believest, That what this man, that what thy sister’s husband, Did in thy name, will not stand on thy reck’ning? His word must pass for thy word with the Swede, And not with those that hate thee at Vienna.
TERTSKY	In writing thou gav’st nothing — But bethink thee, How far thou ventured’st by word of mouth With this Sesina? And will he be silent? If he can save himself by yielding up Thy secret purposes, will he retain them?
ILLO	Thyself dost not conceive it possible; And since they now have evidence authentic How far thou hast already gone, speak! — tell us, What art thou waiting for? thou canst no longer Keep thy command; and beyond [[Hope\
WALLENSTEIN	In the army Lies my security. The army will not Abandon me. Whatever they may know, The power is mine, and they must gulp it down — And substitute I caution for my fealty, They must be satisfied, at least appear so.
ILLO	The army, Duke, is thine now — for this moment — ‘Tis thine: but think with terror on the slow, The quiet power of [[Time\
WALLENSTEIN	’Tis a curséd accident!
ILLO	O, I will call it a most blessed one, If it work on thee as it ought to do, Hurry thee on to action — to decision. The Swedish General ——
WALLENSTEIN	He’s arrived! Know’st thou What his commission is ——
ILLO	To thee [[Alone\
WALLENSTEIN	A curséd, curséd accident! Yes, yes, Sesina knows too much, and won’t be silent.
TERTSKY	He’s a Bohemian fugitive and [[Rebel\
(didascalia)	Wallenstein (lost in thought).
WALLENSTEIN	Their confidence is lost — irreparably! And I may act what way I will, I shall Be and remain for ever in their thought A traitor to my country. How sincerely Soever I return back to my duty, It will no longer help me ——
ILLO	Ruin thee, That it will do! Not thy fidelity, Thy weakness will be deemed the sole occasion ——
(didascalia)	Wallenstein (pacing up and down in extreme agitation).
WALLENSTEIN	What! I must realize it now in earnest, Because I toy’d too freely with the thought? Accurséd he who dallies with a devil! And must I — I must realize it now — Now, while I have the power, it must take place?
ILLO	Now — now — ere they can ward and parry it!
WALLENSTEIN	I have the Generals’ word — a written promise! Max Piccolomini stands not here — how’s that?
TERTSKY	It was —— he fancied ——
ILLO	Mere [[Self\
WALLENSTEIN	He is quite right — there needeth no such thing. The regiments, too, deny to march for Flanders — Have sent me in a paper of remonstrance, And openly resist the Imperial orders. The first step to revolt’s already taken.
ILLO	Believe me, thou wilt find it far more easy To lead them over to the enemy Than to the Spaniard.
WALLENSTEIN	I will hear, however, What the Swede has to say to me.
ILLO	Go, call him! He stands without the door in waiting.
WALLENSTEIN	Stay! Stay yet a little. It hath taken me All by surprise, — it came too quick upon me; ‘Tis wholly [[Novel\
ILLO	First hear him only, And after weigh it.
(didascalia)	[Exeunt TERTSKY and ILLO.]

Speaker	Line
WALLENSTEIN	Wallenstein. Is it possible? Is’t so? I can no longer what I would? No longer draw back at my liking? I Must do the deed, because I thought of it, And fed this heart here with [[A Dream\
(didascalia)	[To the Page, who here enters.
WALLENSTEIN	The Swedish officer? — Well, let him enter.
(didascalia)	[The Page exit, WALLENSTEIN fixes his eye in deep thought on the door.
WALLENSTEIN	Yet is it pure — as yet! — the crime has come Not o’er this threshold yet — so slender is The boundary that divideth life’s two paths.
(didascalia)	[Before 1] Wallenstein (in soliloquy). 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[After 25] [Pauses and remains in deep thought. 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[After 50] [Pauses again. 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[After 62] [Paces in agitation through the chamber, then pauses, and, after the pause, breaks out again into audible soliloquy. 1800, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN and WRANGEL.
WALLENSTEIN	Your name is Wrangel?
WRANGEL	Gustave Wrangel, General Of the Sudermanian Blues.
WALLENSTEIN	It was a Wrangel Who injured me materially at Stralsund, And by his brave resistance was the cause Of the opposition which that sea-port made.
WRANGEL	It was the doing of the element With which you fought, my Lord! and not my merit. The Baltic Neptune did assert his [[Freedom\
(didascalia)	Wallenstein (makes a motion for him to take a seat, and seats himself).
WALLENSTEIN	And where are your credentials? Come you provided with full powers, Sir General?
WRANGEL	There are so many scruples yet to solve ——
(didascalia)	Wallenstein (having read the credentials).
WALLENSTEIN	An able letter! — Ay — he is a prudent, Intelligent master, whom you serve, Sir General! The Chancellor writes me, that he but fulfils His late departed Sovereign’s own idea In helping me to the Bohemian [[Crown\
WRANGEL	He says the [[Truth\
(didascalia)	[Taking his hand.
WALLENSTEIN	Yes, he might say it safely. — General Wrangel, Come, fair and open — Trust me, I was always A Swede at heart. Ey! that did you experience Both in Silesia and at Nuremburg; I had you often in my power, and let you Always slip out by some back door or other. ‘Tis this for which the Court can ne’er forgive me, Which drives me to this present step: and since Our interests so run in one direction, E’en let us have a thorough confidence Each in the other.
WRANGEL	Confidence will come Has each but only first security.
WALLENSTEIN	The Chancellor still, I see, does not quite trust me; And, I confess — the gain does not wholly lie To my advantage — Without [[Doubt\
WRANGEL	I have here an office merely, no opinion.
WALLENSTEIN	The Emperor hath urged me to the uttermost. I can no longer honourably serve him. For my security, in [[Self\
WRANGEL	That I believe. So far would no one go Who was not forced to it.
(didascalia)	[After a pause.
WRANGEL	What may have impelled Your princely Highness in this wise to act Toward your Sovereign Lord and Emperor, Beseems not us to expound or criticize. The Swede is fighting for his good old cause. With his good [[Sword\
WALLENSTEIN	Of what then are ye doubting? Of my will? Or of my power? I pledged me to the Chancellor, Would he trust me with sixteen thousand men, That I would instantly go over to them With eighteen thousand of the Emperor’s troops.
WRANGEL	Your Grace is known to be a mighty war-chief, To be a second Attila and Pyrrhus. ‘Tis talked of still with fresh astonishment, How some years past, beyond all human [[Faith\
WALLENSTEIN	But yet?
WRANGEL	But still the Chancellor thinks, It might yet be an easier thing from nothing To call forth sixty thousand men of battle, Than to persuade one sixtieth part of them —
WALLENSTEIN	What now? Out with it, friend!
WRANGEL	To break their oaths.
WALLENSTEIN	And he thinks so? — He judges like a Swede, And like a Protestant. You Lutherans Fight for your Bible. You are interested About the cause; and with your hearts you follow Your banners. — Among you, whoe’er deserts To the enemy, hath broken covenant With two Lords at one [[Time\
WRANGEL	Great God in Heaven! Have then the people here No house and [[Home\
WALLENSTEIN	I will explain that to you, how it stands — The Austrian has a country, ay, and loves it, And has good cause to [[Love\
WRANGEL	But then the Nobles and the Officers? Such a desertion, such a felony, It is without example, my Lord Duke, In the world’s history.
WALLENSTEIN	They are all mine — Mine unconditionally — mine on all terms. Not me, your own eyes you must trust.
(didascalia)	[He gives him the paper containing the written oath. WRANGEL reads it through, and, having read it, lays it on the table, remaining silent.
WALLENSTEIN	So then? Now comprehend you?
WRANGEL	Comprehend who can! My Lord Duke; I will let the mask drop — yes! I’ve full powers for a final settlement. The Rhinegrave stands but four days’ march from here With fifteen thousand men, and only waits For orders to proceed and join your army. Those orders I give out, immediately We’re compromised.
WALLENSTEIN	What asks the Chancellor?
WRANGEL	Twelve Regiments, every man a Swede — my head The warranty — and all might prove at last Only false play ——
WALLENSTEIN	Sir Swede!
WRANGEL	Am therefore forced T’ insist thereon, that he do formally, Irrevocably break with the Emperor, Else not a Swede is trusted to Duke Friedland.
WALLENSTEIN	Come, brief and open! What is the demand?
WRANGEL	That he forthwith disarm the Spanish regiments Attached to the Emperor, that he seize Prague, And to the Swedes give up that [[City\
WALLENSTEIN	That is much indeed! Prague! — Egra’s granted — But — but Prague!—‘Twon’t do. I give you every security Which you may ask of me in common reason — But Prague — Bohemia — these, Sir General, I can myself protect.
WRANGEL	We [[Doubt\
WALLENSTEIN	’Tis but reasonable.
WRANGEL	And till we are indemnified, so long Stays Prague in pledge.
WALLENSTEIN	Then trust you us so little?
(didascalia)	(rising)
WRANGEL	The Swede, if he would treat [[Well\
WALLENSTEIN	Help to keep down the common enemy, And the fair border land must needs be yours.
WRANGEL	But when the common enemy lies vanquished, Who knits together our new [[Friendship\
(didascalia)	Wallenstein (rises).
WALLENSTEIN	Think you of something better, Gustave Wrangel! Of Prague no more.
WRANGEL	Here my commission ends.
WALLENSTEIN	Surrender up to you my capital! Far liever would I face about, and step Back to my Emperor.
WRANGEL	If [[Time\
WALLENSTEIN	That lies with me, even now, at any hour.
WRANGEL	Some days ago, perhaps. To-day, no longer, No longer since Sesina is a prisoner. My Lord Duke, hear me — We believe that you At present do mean honourably by us. Since yesterday we’re sure of that — and now This paper warrants for the troops, there’s nothing Stands in the way of our full confidence. Prague shall not part us. Hear! The Chancellor Contents himself with Albstadt, to your Grace He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side, But Egra above all must open to us, Ere we can think of any junction.
WALLENSTEIN	You, You therefore must I trust, and you not me? I will consider of your proposition.
WRANGEL	I must entreat, that your consideration Occupy not too long a [[Time\
WALLENSTEIN	Ye press me hard. A measure, such as this, Ought to be thought of.
WRANGEL	Ay! but think of this too, That sudden action only can procure it [[success\
(didascalia)	[Exit WRANGEL.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, TERTSKY, and ILLO (re-enter).
ILLO	Is’t all right?
TERTSKY	Are you compromised?
ILLO	This Swede Went smiling from you. Yes! you’re compromised.
WALLENSTEIN	As yet is nothing settled: and ([[Well\
TERTSKY	How? What is that?
WALLENSTEIN	Come on me what will come, The doing evil to avoid an evil Cannot be good!
TERTSKY	Nay, but bethink you, Duke?
WALLENSTEIN	To live upon the [[Mercy\
ILLO	Goest thou as fugitive, as mendicant? Bringest thou not more to them than thou receivest?

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	To these enter the COUNTESS TERTSKY.
WALLENSTEIN	Who sent for you? There is no business here For women.
COUNTESS	I am come to bid you joy.
WALLENSTEIN	Use thy authority, Tertsky, bid her go.
COUNTESS	Come I perhaps too early? I [[Hope\
WALLENSTEIN	Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you. You know it is the weapon that destroys me. I am routed, if a woman but attack me. I cannot traffic in the trade of words With that unreasoning sex.
COUNTESS	I had already Given the Bohemians a [[King\
WALLENSTEIN	They have one, In consequence, no [[Doubt\
COUNTESS	Ha! what new scruple?
TERTSKY	The Duke will not.
COUNTESS	He will not what he must!
ILLO	It lies with you now. Try. For I am silenced, When folks begin to talk to me of [[Conscience\
COUNTESS	How? then, when all Lay in the far-off distance, when the [[Road\
(didascalia)	Servant (enters).
SERVANT	The Colonel Piccolomini.
COUNTESS	— Must wait.
WALLENSTEIN	I cannot see him now. Another [[Time\
SERVANT	But for two minutes he entreats an audience. Of the most urgent [[Nature\
WALLENSTEIN	Who knows what he may bring us? I will hear him.
COUNTESS	Urgent for him, no [[Doubt\
WALLENSTEIN	What is it?
COUNTESS	Thou shalt be informed hereafter. First let the Swede and thee be compromised.
(didascalia)	[Exit Servant.
WALLENSTEIN	If there were yet a choice! if yet some milder Way of escape were possible — I still Will choose it, and avoid the last extreme.
COUNTESS	Desir’st thou nothing further? Such a way Lies still before thee. Send this Wrangel off. Forget thou thy old hopes, cast far away All thy past life; determine to commence A new one. Virtue hath her heroes too, As [[Well\
ILLO	For that too ‘tis too late. They know too much. He would but bear his own head to the block.
COUNTESS	I [[Fear\
WALLENSTEIN	Take her away. Let in the young Count Piccolomini.
COUNTESS	Art thou in earnest? I entreat thee! Canst thou Consent to bear thyself to thy own [[Grave\
WALLENSTEIN	Shew me a way out of this stifling crowd, Ye Powers of Aidance! Shew me such a way As I am capable of going. — I Am no tongue-[[Hero\
COUNTESS	What is there here, then, So against [[Nature\
WALLENSTEIN	Once was this Ferdinand so gracious to me: He loved me; he esteemed me; I was placed The nearest to his heart. Full many a [[Time\
COUNTESS	So faithfully preserv’st thou each small favour, And hast no [[Memory\
WALLENSTEIN	Not to their good wishes, that is certain, Nor yet to his affection I’m indebted For this high office; and if I abuse it, I shall therein abuse no confidence.
COUNTESS	Affection! confidence! — They needed thee. Necessity, impetuous remonstrant! Who not with empty names, or shews of proxy, Is served, who’ll have the thing and not the symbol, Ever seeks out the greatest and the best, And at the rudder places him, e’en though She had been forced to take him from the rabble — She, this Necessity, it was that placed thee In this high office, it was she that gave thee Thy letters patent of inauguration. For, to the uttermost moment that they can. This race still help themselves at cheapest rate With slavish souls, with puppets! At the approach Of extreme peril, when a hollow image Is found a hollow image and no more, Then falls the power into the mighty hands Of Nature, of the spirit giant-born, Who listens only to himself, knows nothing Of stipulations, duties, reverences And, like the emancipated force of [[Fire\
WALLENSTEIN	’Tis true! they saw me always as I am — Always! I did not cheat them in the bargain. I never held it worth my pains to hide The bold all-grasping habit of my [[Soul\
COUNTESS	Nay rather — thou hast ever shewn thyself A formidable man, without restraint; Hast exercised the full prerogatives Of thy impetuous [[Nature\
WALLENSTEIN	I never saw it in this light before. ‘Tis even so. The Emperor perpetrated Deeds through my arm, deeds most unorderly. And even this prince’s mantle, which I wear, I owe to what were services to him, But most high misdemeanours ‘gainst the empire.
COUNTESS	Then betwixt thee and him (confess it, Friedland!) The point can be no more of right and duty, Only of power and opportunity. That opportunity, lo! it comes yonder, Approaching with swift steeds; then with a swing Throw thyself up into the chariot-seat, Seize with firm hand the reins, ere thy opponent Anticipate thee, and himself make conquest Of the now empty seat. The moment comes — It is already here, when thou must write The absolute total of thy life’s vast sum. The constellations stand victorious o’er thee, The planets shoot good fortune in fair junctions, And tell thee, ‘Now’s the [[Time\
(didascalia)	[Pointing to the different objects in the room.
COUNTESS	The zodiacs, the rolling orbs of heaven, Hast pictured on these walls, and all around thee In dumb, foreboding symbols hast thou placed These seven presiding Lords of Destiny — For toys? Is all this preparation nothing? Is there no marrow in this hollow art, That even to thyself it doth avail Nothing, and has no influence over thee In the great moment of decision? ——
WALLENSTEIN	Send Wrangel to me — I will instantly Dispatch three couriers ——
ILLO	God in heaven be praised!
(didascalia)	(hurrying out)
WALLENSTEIN	It is his evil genius and mine. Our evil genius! It chastises him Through me, the instrument of his [[Ambition\
(didascalia)	[To TERTSKY.
WALLENSTEIN	Go, conduct you Gustave Wrangel To my state-cabinet. Myself will speak to The couriers. — And dispatch immediately A servant for Octavio Piccolomini.
(didascalia)	[To the COUNTESS.
WALLENSTEIN	No exultation — woman, triumph not! For jealous are the Powers of Destiny. Joy premature, and shouts ere victory, Incroach upon their rights and privileges. We sow the seed, and they the growth determine.
(didascalia)	[While he is making his exit the curtain drops.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI.
WALLENSTEIN	He sends me word from Linz, that he lies sick; But I have sure intelligence, that he Secretes himself at Frauenberg with Galas. Secure them both, and send them to me hither. Remember, thou tak’st on thee the command Of those same Spanish regiments, — constantly Make preparation, and be never ready; And if they urge thee to draw out against me, Still answer yes, and stand as thou wert fettered. I know, that it is doing thee a service To keep thee out of action in this business. Thou lovest to linger on in fair appearances; Steps of extremity are not thy province, Therefore have I sought out this part for thee. Thou wilt this [[Time\
(didascalia)	Enter MAX PICCOLOMINI.
WALLENSTEIN	Now go, Octavio. This [[Night\
OCTAVIO	(to his son.) I shall see you Yet ere I go.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, MAX PICCOLOMINI.
MAX	My General!
WALLENSTEIN	That am I no longer, if Thou styl’st thyself the Emperor’s officer.
MAX	Then thou wilt leave the army, General?
WALLENSTEIN	I have renounced the service of the Emperor.
MAX	And thou wilt leave the army?
WALLENSTEIN	Rather [[Hope\
(didascalia)	He seats himself.
WALLENSTEIN	Yes, Max, I have delayed to open it to thee, Even till the hour of acting ‘gins to strike. Youth’s fortunate feeling doth seize easily The absolute right, yea, and a joy it is To exercise the single apprehension Where the sums square in proof; But where it happens, that of two sure evils One must be taken, where the heart not wholly Brings itself back from out the strife of duties, There ‘tis a blessing to have no election, And blank necessity is grace and favour. — This is now present: do not look behind thee. — It can no more avail thee. Look thou forwards! Think not! judge not! prepare thyself to act! The Court — it hath determined on my ruin, Therefore I will to be beforehand with them. We’ll join the Swedes — right gallant fellows are they, And our good friends.
(didascalia)	He stops himself, expecting PICCOLOMINI’S answer.
WALLENSTEIN	I have ta’en thee by surprise. Answer me not. I grant thee [[Time\
(didascalia)	He rises, and retires at the back of the stage. MAX remains for a long [[Time\
MAX	My General, this day thou makest me Of age to speak in my own right and person, For till this day I have been spared the trouble To find out my own [[Road\
WALLENSTEIN	Soft cradled thee thy Fortune till to-day; Thy duties thou couldst exercise in sport, Indulge all lovely instincts, act for ever With undivided heart. It can remain No longer thus. Like enemies, the roads Start from each other. Duties strive with duties. Thou must needs choose thy party in the war Which is now kindling ‘twixt thy friend and him Who is thy Emperor.
MAX	War! is that the name? War is as frightful as heaven’s pestilence. Yet it is good, is it heaven’s will as that is. Is that a good war, which against the Emperor Thou wagest with the Emperor’s own army? O God of heaven! what a change is this. Beseems it me to offer such [[Persuasion\
WALLENSTEIN	Max, hear me.
MAX	O! do it not, I pray thee, do it not! There is a pure and noble [[Soul\
WALLENSTEIN	The world will judge me sternly, I expect it. Already have I said to my own [[Self\
MAX	O that is never possible for thee! ’Tis the last desperate resource of those Cheap souls, to whom their [[Honour\
WALLENSTEIN	Calmly, Max! Much that is great and excellent will we Perform together yet. And if we only Stand on the height with dignity, ‘tis soon Forgotten, Max, by what [[Road\
(didascalia)	grasps his hand
MAX	Whate’er is human, to the human being Do I allow — and to the vehement And striving spirit readily I pardon The excess of action; but to thee, my General! Above all others make I large concession. For thou must move a world, and be the master — He kills thee, who condemns thee to inaction. So be it then! maintain thee in thy post By violence. Resist the Emperor, And if it must be, force with force repel: I will not praise it, yet I can forgive it. But not — not to the traitor — yes! — the word Is spoken out —— Not to the traitor can I yield a pardon. That is no mere excess! that is no error Of human [[Nature\
WALLENSTEIN	It is too late. Thou knowest not what has happened.
MAX	Were it too late, and were things gone so far, That a crime only could prevent thy fall, Then — fall! fall honourably, even as thou stood’st. Lose the command. Go from the stage of war. Thou canst with splendour do it — do it too With innocence. Thou hast liv’d much for others, At length live thou for thy own [[Self\
WALLENSTEIN	It is too late! Even now, while thou art losing Thy words, one after the other are the mile-stones Left fast behind by my post couriers, Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra. Yield thyself to it. We act as we are forced. I cannot give assent to my own shame And ruin. Thou — no — thou canst not forsake me! So let us do, what must be done, with dignity, With a firm step. What am I doing worse Than did famed Cæsar at the Rubicon, When he the legions led against his country, The which his country had delivered to him? Had he thrown down the [[Sword\
(didascalia)	MAX quits him abruptly. WALLENSTEIN, startled and overpowered, continues looking after him, and is still in this posture when TERTSKY enters.
(didascalia)	[After 128] WALLENSTEIN betrays a sudden agitation. 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[After 148] MAX stands as convulsed, with a gesture and countenance expressing the most intense anguish. 1800, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	WALLENSTEIN, TERTSKY.
TERTSKY	Max Piccolomini just left you?
WALLENSTEIN	Where is Wrangel?
TERTSKY	He is already gone.
WALLENSTEIN	In such a hurry?
TERTSKY	It is as if the earth had swallowed him. He had scarce left thee, when I went to seek him. I wished some words with him — but he was gone. How, when, and where, could no one tell me. Nay, I half believe it was the devil himself; A human creature could not so at once Have vanished.
(didascalia)	Illo (enters).
ILLO	Is it true that thou wilt send Octavio?
TERTSKY	How, Octavio! Whither send him?
WALLENSTEIN	He goes to Frauenberg, and will lead hither The Spanish and Italian regiments.
ILLO	No! Nay, Heaven forbid!
WALLENSTEIN	And why should Heaven forbid?
ILLO	Him! — that deceiver! Would’st thou trust to him The soldiery? Him wilt thou let slip from thee, Now, in the very instant that decides us ——
TERTSKY	Thou wilt not do this! — No! I pray thee, no!
WALLENSTEIN	Ye are whimsical.
ILLO	O but for this [[Time\
WALLENSTEIN	And why should I not trust him only this [[Time\
TERTSKY	Must it be he — he only? Send another.
WALLENSTEIN	It must be he, whom I myself have chosen; He is [[Well\
ILLO	Because he’s an Italian — Therefore is he [[Well\
WALLENSTEIN	I know you [[Love\
ILLO	Von Questenberg, while he was here, was always Lurking about with this Octavio.
WALLENSTEIN	It happened with my knowledge and permission.
ILLO	I know that secret messengers came to him From Galas ——
WALLENSTEIN	That’s not true.
ILLO	O thou art blind With thy deep-seeing eyes.
WALLENSTEIN	Thou wilt not shake My [[Faith\
ILLO	Hast thou a pledge, that this pledge is not false?
WALLENSTEIN	There exist moments in the life of man, When he is nearer the great [[Soul\
ILLO	That was a chance.
WALLENSTEIN	There’s no such thing as chance. In brief, ‘tis signed and sealed that this Octavio Is my good angel — and now no word more.
(didascalia)	[He is retiring.]
TERTSKY	This is my comfort — Max remains our hostage.
ILLO	And he shall never stir from here alive.
WALLENSTEIN	Are ye not like the women, who for ever Only recur to their first word, although One had been talking reason by the hour? Know, that the human being’s thoughts and deeds Are not, like ocean billows, blindly moved. The inner world, his microcosmus, is The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally. They grow by certain laws, like the tree’s fruit — No juggling chance can metamorphose them. Have I the human kernel first examined? Then I know, too, the future will and action.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	SCENE — A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI’S Dwelling-[[house\
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI (entering).
ISOLANI	Here am I — Well! who comes yet of the others?
OCTAVIO	But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.
ISOLANI	Will it explode, ha? — Is the Duke about To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place Full confidence. — Nay, put me to the proof.
OCTAVIO	That may happen.
ISOLANI	Noble brother, I am Not one of those men who in words are valiant, And when it comes to action skulk away. The Duke has acted towards me as a friend. God knows it is so; and I owe him all —— He may rely on my fidelity.
OCTAVIO	That will be seen hereafter.
ISOLANI	Be on your guard, All think not as I think; and there are many Who still hold with the Court — yes, and they say That those stolen signatures bind them to nothing.
OCTAVIO	I am rejoiced to hear it.
ISOLANI	You rejoice!
OCTAVIO	That the Emperor has yet such gallant servants And loving friends.
ISOLANI	Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.
OCTAVIO	I am assured already. God forbid That I should jest! — In very serious earnest I am rejoiced to see an honest cause So strong.
ISOLANI	The Devil! — what! — why, what means this? Are you not, then —— For what, then, am I here?
OCTAVIO	That you may make full declaration, whether You will be called the friend or enemy Of the Emperor.
ISOLANI	That declaration, friend, I’ll make to him in whom a right is placed To put that question to me.
OCTAVIO	Whether, Count, That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.
ISOLANI	Why, — why — what! This is the Emperor’s hand and seal! [Reads. ‘Whereas the officers collectively Throughout our army will obey the orders Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini As from ourselves.’ —— Hem! — Yes! so! — Yes! yes! — I — I give you joy, Lieutenant-General!
OCTAVIO	And you submit you to the order?
ISOLANI	I —— But you have taken me so by surprise — Time for reflection one must have ——
OCTAVIO	Two minutes.
ISOLANI	My God! But then the case is ——
OCTAVIO	Plain and simple. You must declare you, whether you determine To act a treason ‘gainst your Lord and Sovereign, Or whether you will serve him faithfully.
ISOLANI	Treason! — My God! — But who talks then of treason?
OCTAVIO	That is the case. The Prince-Duke is a traitor — Means to lead over to the enemy The Emperor’s army. — Now, Count! — brief and full — Say, will you break your oath to the Emperor? Sell yourself to the enemy? — Say, will you?
ISOLANI	What mean you? I — I break my oath, d’ye say, To his Imperial Majesty? Did I say so? — When, when have I said that?
OCTAVIO	You have not said it yet — not yet. This instant I wait to hear, Count, whether you will say it.
ISOLANI	Aye! that delights me now, that you yourself Bear witness for me that I never said so.
OCTAVIO	And you renounce the Duke then?
ISOLANI	If he’s planning Treason — why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.
OCTAVIO	And are determined, too, to fight against him?
ISOLANI	He has done me service — but if he’s a [[Villain\
OCTAVIO	I am rejoiced that you’re so [[Well\
ISOLANI	It shall be done. But you’ll remember me With the Emperor — how [[Well\
OCTAVIO	I will not fail to mention it honourably.
(didascalia)	[Exit ISOLANI. A Servant enters.
OCTAVIO	What, Colonel Butler! — Shew him up.
ISOLANI	Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father! Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great Person I had before me.
OCTAVIO	No excuses!
ISOLANI	I am a merry lad, and if at [[Time\
(didascalia)	[Exit.
OCTAVIO	You need not be uneasy on that score. That has succeeded. Fortune favour us With all the others only but as much!
(didascalia)	[Before 2] Octavio (with an air of mystery). 1800, 1828, 1829. [Before 3] Isolani (assuming the same air of mystery). 1800, 1828, 1829. [Before 32] Isolani (stammering). 1800, 1828, 1829.

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER.
BUTLER	At your command, Lieutenant-General.
OCTAVIO	Welcome, as honoured friend and visitor.
BUTLER	You do me too much [[Honour\
OCTAVIO	You have not Returned the advances which I made you yesterday — Misunderstood them, as mere empty forms. That wish proceeded from my heart — I was In earnest with you — for ‘tis now a [[Time\
BUTLER	’Tis only the like-minded can unite.
OCTAVIO	True! and I name all honest men like-minded. I never charge a man but with those acts To which his character deliberately Impels him; for alas! the violence Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts The very best of us from the right track. You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Galas Say nothing to you? Tell me. He’s my friend.
BUTLER	His words were lost on me.
OCTAVIO	It grieves me sorely To hear it: for his counsel was most wise. I had myself the like to offer.
BUTLER	Spare Yourself the trouble — me th’ embarrassment, To have deserved so ill your good opinion.
OCTAVIO	The [[Time\
BUTLER	His lot is mine.
OCTAVIO	Is that your last resolve?
BUTLER	It is.
OCTAVIO	Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler! As yet you have [[Time\
BUTLER	Any other Commands for me, Lieutenant-General?
OCTAVIO	See your white hairs! Recall that word!
BUTLER	Farewell!
OCTAVIO	What, would you draw this good and gallant [[Sword\
BUTLER	Gratitude from the [[house\
(didascalia)	[He is going.
(didascalia)	Octavio permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him.
OCTAVIO	Butler!
BUTLER	What wish you?
OCTAVIO	How was’t with the Count?
BUTLER	Count? what?
OCTAVIO	The title that you wished, I mean.
BUTLER	Hell and damnation!
OCTAVIO	You petitioned for it — And your petition was repelled — Was it so?
BUTLER	Your insolent scoff shall not go by unpunished. Draw!
OCTAVIO	Nay! your [[Sword\
BUTLER	Be the whole world acquainted with the weakness For which I never can forgive myself. Lieutenant-General! Yes — I have [[Ambition\
OCTAVIO	You must have been calumniated. Guess you The enemy, who did you this ill service?
BUTLER	Be’t who it will — a most low-hearted scoundrel, Some vile [[Court\
OCTAVIO	But tell me! Did the Duke approve that measure?
BUTLER	Himself impelled me to it, used his interest In my behalf with all the warmth of [[Friendship\
OCTAVIO	Ay? Are you sure of that?
BUTLER	I read the letter.
OCTAVIO	And so did I — but the contents were different. By chance I’m in possession of that letter — Can leave it to your own eyes to convince you.
(didascalia)	[He gives him the letter.
BUTLER	Ha! what is this?
OCTAVIO	I [[Fear\
(didascalia)	[BUTLER reads through the letter, his knees tremble, he seizes a chair, and sinks down in it.
OCTAVIO	You have no enemy, no persecutor; There’s no one wishes ill to you. Ascribe The insult you received to the Duke only. His aim is clear and palpable. He wished To tear you from your Emperor — he hoped To gain from your [[Revenge\
BUTLER	Can e’er the Emperor’s Majesty forgive me?
OCTAVIO	More than forgive you. He would fain compensate For that affront, and most unmerited grievance Sustained by a deserving, gallant veteran. From his free impulse he confirms the present, Which the Duke made you for a wicked purpose. The regiment, which you now command, is yours.
(didascalia)	[BUTLER attempts to rise, sinks down again. He labours inwardly with violent emotions; tries to speak, and cannot. At length he takes his [[Sword\
OCTAVIO	What wish you? Recollect yourself, friend.
BUTLER	Take it.
OCTAVIO	But to what purpose? Calm yourself.
BUTLER	O take it! I am no longer worthy of this [[Sword\
OCTAVIO	Receive it then anew from my hands — and Wear it with [[Honour\
BUTLER	—— Perjure myself to such a gracious Sovereign!
OCTAVIO	You’ll make amends. Quick! break off from the Duke!
BUTLER	Break off from him!
OCTAVIO	What now? Bethink thyself.
BUTLER	Only break off from him? — He dies! — he dies!
OCTAVIO	Come after me to Frauenberg, where now All who are loyal are assembling under Counts Altringer and Galas. Many others I’ve brought to a remembrance of their duty. This [[Night\
BUTLER	Count Piccolomini! Dare that man speak Of [[Honour\
OCTAVIO	He, who repents so deeply of it, dares.
BUTLER	Then leave me here, upon my word of [[Honour\
OCTAVIO	What’s your design?
BUTLER	Leave me and my regiment.
OCTAVIO	I have full confidence in you. But tell me What are you brooding?
BUTLER	That the deed will tell you. Ask me no more at present. Trust to me. Ye may trust safely. By the living God Ye give him over, not to his good angel! Farewell.
(didascalia)	[Exit BUTLER.
SERVANT	A stranger left it, and is gone. The Prince-Duke’s horses wait for you below.
(didascalia)	[Exit Servant.
OCTAVIO	’Be sure, make haste! Your faithful Isolan.’ — O that I had but left this town behind me. To split upon a rock so near the haven! — Away! This is no longer a safe place for me! Where can my son be tarrying?

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	OCTAVIO and MAX PICCOLOMINI.
OCTAVIO	I am going off, my son.
(didascalia)	[Receiving no answer he takes his hand.
OCTAVIO	My son, farewell.
MAX	Farewell.
OCTAVIO	Thou wilt soon follow me?
MAX	I follow thee? Thy way is crooked — it is not my way.
(didascalia)	[OCTAVIO drops his hand, and starts back.
MAX	O, hadst thou been but simple and sincere, Ne’er had it come to this — all had stood otherwise. He had not done that foul and horrible deed, The virtuous had retained their influence o’er him: He had not fallen into the snares of villains. Wherefore so like a thief, and thief’s accomplice Did’st creep behind him — lurking for thy prey? O, unblest falsehood! Mother of all evil! Thou misery-making demon, it is thou That sink’st us in perdition. Simple [[Truth\
OCTAVIO	Son! My son, ah! I forgive thy agony!
MAX	Was’t possible? had’st thou the heart, my father, Had’st thou the heart to drive it to such lengths, With cold premeditated purpose? Thou — Had’st thou the heart, to wish to see him guilty, Rather than saved? Thou risest by his fall. Octavio, ‘twill not please me.
OCTAVIO	God in Heaven!
MAX	O, woe is me! sure I have changed my [[Nature\
OCTAVIO	Max! — we will go together. ‘Twill be better.
MAX	What? ere I’ve taken a last parting leave, The very last — no never!
OCTAVIO	Spare thyself The pang of necessary separation. Come with me! Come, my son!
(didascalia)	[Attempts to take him with him.
MAX	No! as sure as God lives, no!
OCTAVIO	Come with me, I command thee! I, thy father.
MAX	Command me what is human. I stay here.
OCTAVIO	Max! in the Emperor’s name I bid thee come.
MAX	No Emperor has power to prescribe Laws to the heart; and would’st thou wish to rob me Of the sole blessing which my fate has left me, Her sympathy? Must then a cruel deed Be done with cruelty? The unalterable Shall I perform ignobly — steal away, With stealthy coward flight forsake her? No! She shall behold my [[Suffering\
OCTAVIO	Thou wilt not tear thyself away; thou canst not. O, come, my son! I bid thee save thy virtue.
MAX	Squander not thou thy words in vain. The heart I follow, for I dare trust to it.
OCTAVIO	Max! Max! if that most damnéd thing could be, If thou — my son — my own [[Blood\
MAX	O hadst thou always better thought of men, Thou hadst then acted better. Curst suspicion! Unholy miserable [[Doubt\
OCTAVIO	And if I trust thy heart, Will it be always in thy power to follow it?
MAX	The heart’s voice thou hast not o’erpower’d — as little Will Wallenstein be able to o’erpower it.
OCTAVIO	O, Max! I see thee never more again!
MAX	Unworthy of thee wilt thou never see me.
OCTAVIO	I go to Frauenberg — the Pappenheimers I leave thee here, the Lothrings too; Toskana And Tiefenbach remain here to protect thee. They [[Love\
MAX	Rely on this, I either leave my life In the struggle, or conduct them out of Pilsen.
OCTAVIO	Farewell, my son!
MAX	Farewell!
OCTAVIO	How? not one look Of filial [[Love\
(didascalia)	[MAX falls into his arms, they hold each other for a long [[Time\
(didascalia)	The Curtain drops.
(didascalia)	[Before 1] (MAX enters almost in a state of derangement from extreme agitation, his eyes roll wildly, his walk is unsteady, and he appears not to observe his father, who stands at a distance, and gazes at him with a countenance expressive of compassion. He paces with long strides through the chamber, then stands still again, and at last throws himself into a chair, staring vacantly at the object directly before him). 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[Before 19] Max (rises and contemplates his father with looks of suspicion). 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[Before 41] Octavio (more urgently). 1800, 1828, 1829.
(didascalia)	[Before 62] Octavio (trembling, and losing all [[Self\