The Death of Wallenstein. Friedrich von Schiller

Far liever would I force about, and step

        Back to my emperor.

WRANGEL

                   If time yet permits —

WALLENSTEIN

        That lies with me, even now, at any hour.

WRANGEL

        Some days ago, perhaps. To-day, no longer;

        No longer since Sesina's been a prisoner.

      [WALLENSTEIN is struck, and silenced.

        My lord duke, hear me – we believe that you

        At present do mean honorably by us.

        Since yesterday we're sure of that – and now

        This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing

        Stands in the way of our full confidence.

        Prague shall not part us. Hear! The chancellor

        Contents himself with Alstadt; to your grace

        He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side.

        But Egra above all must open to us,

        Ere we can think of any junction.

WALLENSTEIN

                          You,

        You therefore must I trust, and not you me?

        I will consider of your proposition.

WRANGEL

        I must entreat that your consideration

        Occupy not too long a time. Already

        Has this negotiation, my lord duke!

        Crept on into the second year. If nothing

        Is settled this time, will the chancellor

        Consider it as broken off forever?

WALLENSTEIN

        Ye press me hard. A measure such as this

        Ought to be thought of.

WRANGEL

                     Ay! but think of this too,

        That sudden action only can procure it.

        Success – think first of this, your highness.

      [Exit WRANGEL.

      SCENE VI

      WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, and ILLO (re-enter).

ILLO

        Is't all right?

TERZKY

                 Are you compromised?

ILLO

                            This Swede

        Went smiling from you. Yes! you're compromised.

WALLENSTEIN

        As yet is nothing settled; and (well weighed)

        I feel myself inclined to leave it so.

TERZKY

        How? What is that?

WALLENSTEIN

                   Come on me what will come,

        The doing evil to avoid an evil

        Cannot be good!

TERZKY

                 Nay, but bethink you, duke.

WALLENSTEIN

        To live upon the mercy of these Swedes!

        Of these proud-hearted Swedes! – I could not bear it.

ILLO

        Goest thou as fugitive, as mendicant?

        Bringest thou not more to them than thou receivest?

WALLENSTEIN

        How fared it with the brave and royal Bourbon

        Who sold himself unto his country's foes,

        And pierced the bosom of his father-land?

        Curses were his reward, and men's abhorrence

        Avenged the unnatural and revolting deed.

ILLO

        Is that thy case?

WALLENSTEIN

                  True faith, I tell thee,

        Must ever be the dearest friend of man

        His nature prompts him to assert its rights.

        The enmity of sects, the rage of parties,

        Long-cherished envy, jealousy, unite;'

        And all the struggling elements of evil

        Suspend their conflict, and together league

        In one alliance 'gainst their common foe —

        The savage beast that breaks into the fold,

        Where men repose in confidence and peace.

        For vain were man's own prudence to protect him.

        'Tis only in the forehead nature plants

        The watchful eye; the back, without defence,

        Must find its shield in man's fidelity.

TERZKY

        Think not more meanly off thyself than do

        Thy foes, who stretch their hands with joy to greet thee.

        Less scrupulous far was the imperial Charles,

        The powerful head of this illustrious house;

        With open arms he gave the Bourbon welcome;

        For still by policy the world is ruled.

      SCENE VII

      To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY.

WALLENSTEIN

        Who sent for you? There is no business here

        For women.

COUNTESS

              I am come to bid you joy.

WALLENSTEIN

        Use thy authority, Terzky; bid her go.

COUNTESS

        Come I perhaps too early? I hope not.

WALLENSTEIN

        Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you:

        You know it is the weapon that destroys me.

        I am routed, if a woman but attack me:

        I cannot traffic in the trade of words

        With that unreasoning sex.

COUNTESS

                      I had already

        Given the Bohemians a king.

WALLENSTEIN (sarcastically)

                       They have one,

        In consequence, no doubt.

COUNTESS (to the others)

                      Ha! what new scruple?

TERZKY

        The duke will not.

COUNTESS