DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Treasure %oom THE COLERIDGE COLLECTION I ...v Vi P." -./ TRANSLATED FROM A MANUSCRIPT-COPY ATTESTED BY THE AUTHOR, " 4 • * *■ THE PICCOLOMINI, OP. THE FIRST PART OF WALLKNSTEIN PRINTED R-V G. WQODFALL, PATERNOSTER ROW, ^ WALLEKSTE1N Zondofl. PubhjhaUpril ißoo.bvMutfZmynan. and Rms.JistaTuutu- Jh> THE PICCOLOMINI. OR THE FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN, A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF FREDERICK SCHILLER « BY $ S. T. COLERIDGE. LONDON PRINTED TOR T. N. LONGMAN AND O. REES, PATERNOSTER^ROY,^ 1800. <- - v. It, %l>Zy,^ PREFACE $>^feb(L, OP £ 9 . 3j i T//E TRANSLATOR. IT was my intention to have prefixed a -Life of Wallenftein to this tranflation; but I found that it muft either have occupied a fpace wholly difproportionate to the nature of the publication, or have been merely a meagre catalogue of events narrated not more fully than they already are in the Play itfelf. The recent tranflation, likewife, of Schiller's History of the Thirty Years* War di- minifhed the motives thereto. In the tranf- lation I endeavoured to render my Author literally wherever I was not prevented by abfolute differences of idiom ; but I ani confcious, that in two or three ihort paflages a 3 I have, 263902 H PREFACE OF THE TRANSLATOR. I have been guilty of dilating the original; and, from anxiety to give the full meaning, have weakened the force. In the metre I have availed myfclf of no other liberties than thofe which Schiller had permitted to himfelf, except the occafional breaking-up of the line by the fubftitution of a trochee for an iambic; of which liberty, fo frequent in our tragedies, I find no inftance in thefe dramas. S. T. COLERIDGE. PLAYS juft publißed by Longman and' Rees. i. SPEED THE PLOUGH, a Comedy, by T. Morton, Efq. 2S* 2. RAMAH DROOG; or, WINE DOES WONDERS, a Comic Opera ; by James Cobb, Efq. 25. 3. MANAGEMENT, a Comedy, by Mr. Reynolds. 2s. 4. The BIRTH DAY, a Comedy ; altered from Kotzebue by T. Dibdin. 2S. 5. The JEW AND THE DOCTOR, a Farce; by Ditto. is. 6. LIE OF THE DAY, a Comedy; by Mr. O'Keeffe. is. 7. HIGHLAND REEL, an Opera; by Ditto, is. 8. The FARMER, an Opera ; by Ditto, is. 9. MODERN ANTIQUE, a F^rce ; by Ditto, is. jo. LOVE IN A CAMP ; or, PATRICK IN PRUSSIA, an Opera; by Ditto, is. 11. The POSITIVE MAN, an Opera ; by Ditto, is. 12. The POOR SOLDIER, an Opera ; by Ditto, is. 13. MARIAN, an Opera; by Mrs. Brooke, is. Qfthe above Bookßllcrs ?nay be bad : 1. The VOTARY OF WEALTH, a Comedy ; by Mr, KOLMAN. 2S. 3. LAUGH WHEN YOU CAN, a Comedy j by Mr. Rey- nolds. 2S. 3. The DRAMATIST, a Comedy ; by Ditto, is. 6d. 4. NOTORIETY, a Comedy ; by Ditto, is. 6d. 5. HOW TO GROW RICH, a Comedy ; by Ditto, is. 6 I could repay him with ufurious interefl For th' evil he hath done me. It delights me To know my power ; but whether I fhall ufe it, Of that, I mould have thought that thou could'ft fpeak No wifelier than thy fellows. TERTSKY. So haft thou always play'd thy game with us. Knter illo. SCENE XL Illo, Wallenstein, Tertsky. wallenstein. How ftand affairs without ? Are they prepar'd ? ILLO. YouVll find them in the very mood you wifh. They know about the Emperor's requifitions, And are tumultuous. ' WALLENSTEIN. How hath Ifolan Declar'diiimfelf? • . ILLO. 46 THE PICCQLOMINI, OR THE ILLO. He's your's, both foul and body, Since you built up again his Faro-bank. WALLENSTEIN. And which way doth Kolatto bend ? Haft thou Made fure of Tiefenbach and Deodate ? ILLO. What Piceolomini does, that they do too. WALLENSTEIN. You mean then I may venture fomewhat with them ? ILLO. — If you are aflured of the Piceolomini. WALLENSTEIN. Not more affur'd of mine own felf. TERTSKY. And yet I would you trufted not fo much to Octavio, The fox ! ' WALLENSTEIN. Thou teacheft me to know my man ? Sixteen campaigns I have made with that old warrior. Befides, I have his horofcope, We both are born beneath like ftars — in fhgrt (with an air of my fiery) To this belongs its own particular afpect. If therefore thou canft warrant me the reft— JLLO. There is among them all but this one voice, You FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 47 You muß not lay down the command. I hear They mean to fend a deputation to you. WALLENSTEIN. If I'm in aught to bind myfelf to them, They too rauft bind themfelves to me. ILLO. Of courfe. VVALLENSTEIN. Their words of honor they mufl give, their oaths, Give them in writing to me, promising Devotion to my fervice unconditional. ILLO. Why not ? TERTSKY. Devotion unconditional P The exception of their duties towards Auftria They'll always place among the premifes. With this referve wallenstein (Jhaking his head.) All unconditional ! No premifes, no referees. ILLO. A thought has ftruck me. Does not Count Tert&y give us a fet banquet This evening ? TERTSKY. Yes ; and all the Generals Have been invited. 1LL£ 48 THE PICCOLÖMINI, OR THE illo (to Wallenfiein.) Say, will you here fully Commiffion me to ufe my own difcretlon ? I'll gain for you the Generals' words of honor, Even as you wilh. WALLENSTEIN. Gain me their fignatures t 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 prefent here Give themfelves up to you, without condition ; Say, will you then — then will jou fhew yourfelf In earned, and with fome decifive action Make trial of your luck ? WALLENSTEIN. The fignatures \ Gain me the fignatures. ILLO. Seize, feize the hour Ere it flips from you. Seldom comes the moment In life, which is indeed fublime and weighty. To make a great decifion poflible, O ! many things, all tranfient and all rapid, Muft meet at once : and, haply, they thus met May by that confluence be enforc'd to paufe Time long enough for wifdom, though too fhort, Far, far too fhort a time for doubt and fcruple ! This is that moment. See, our army chieftains, Our beft, our nobleft, are affembled round you, Their FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 49 Their kinglike leader! On your nod they wait. The fingle threads, which here your profperous fortune Hath woven together in one potent web InftincT with deftiny, O let them not Unravel of themfelves. If you permit Thefe chiefs to feparate, fo unanimous Bring you them not a fecond time together. • 'Tis the high tide that heaves the ftranded fhip, And every individual's fpirit waxes In the great ftream of multitude. Behold, They are ftill here, here ftill ! But foon the war Burfts them once more afunder, and in fmall Particular anxieties and interefts Scatters their fpirit, and the fympathy Of each man with the whole. He, who to-day Forgets himfelf, forc'd onward with the ftream, Will become fober, feeing but himfelf, Feel only his own weaknefs, and with fpeed Will face about, and march on in the old High road of duty, the old broad-trodden road, And feek but to make fh elter in good plight. WALLENSTEIN. The time is not yet come. TERTSKY. So you fay always. But when will it be time ? WALLENSTEIN. ' ; When I (hall fay it. s 1LL0. You'll wait upon the ftars, and on their hours, e Till 50 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Till the earthly hour efcapes you. O, believe me, In your own bofom are your deftiny's ftars. Confidence in yourfelf, prompt refolution, This is your Venus ! and the fole malignant, The only one that harmeth you, is Doubt. WALLENSTEIN. Thou fpeakeft as thou underftand'ft. How oft And many a time I've told thee, Jupiter, That luftrous god, was fetting at thy birth. Thy vifual power fubdues no myfteries; Mole-ey'd, thou may'ft but burrow in the earth, Blind as that fubterreftrial, who with wan, Lead-colour'd mine lighted thee into life. The common, the terreftrial, thou may'ft fee, With ferviceable cunning knit together The neareft with the neareft ; and therein I truft thee and believe thee ! but whate'er Full of myfterious import Nature weaves, And fashions in the depths— the ipirit's ladder, That from this grofs and vifible world of dull Even to the ftarry world, with thoufand rounds, Builds itfelf up; on which the unfeen powers Move up and down on heavenly minifteries — The circles in the circles, that approach The central fun with ever-narrowing orbit Thefe fees the glance alone, the unfeal'd eye, Of Jupiter's glad children born in luftre. file walks acrofs the chamber, then returns, and, ßandingßill, proceeds.) The heavenly conftellations make not merely The day and night, fummer and fpring, not merely Signify FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 51 Signify to the hufbandman the feafons Of fowing and of harveft. Human action, That is the feed too of contingencies, Strew'd on the dark land of futurity In hopes to reconcile the powers of fate. Whence it behoves us to feek out the feed-time, To watch the ftars, felect their proper hours, And trace with fearching eye the heavenly houfes, Whether the enemy of growth and thriving Hide himfelf not, malignant, in his corner. Therefore permit me my own time. Meanwhile Do you your part. As yet I cannot fay What / (hall do — only, give way I will not. Depofe me too they Ihall not. On thefe points You may rely. page (entering.) My Lords, the Generals. WALLENSTEIN. Let them come in. £ * SCENE 52 TUE PICCÖLÖMINI, OR THE SCENE XII. Wallenflein, Tertß:y, Illo. — To them enter Quef- tenberg, Octavio and Max. Piccolomini, But- ler, I/olani, Maradas, and three other Ge- nerals. Wallenfiein motions 2ueflenberg, who in confequence takes the Chair directly oppoßte to him ; the others follow, arranging them- felves according to their Rank. There reigns &~ momentary Silence. WALLENSTEIN. I have underftood, 'tis true, the fum and import Of your inftructions, Queftenberg, have weigh'd them, And form'd my final, abfolute refolve ; Yet it feems fitting, that the Generals Should hear the will of th' Emperor from your mouth. May't pleafe you then to open your commiflion Before thefe noble Chieftains. QUESTENBERG. - I am ready To obey you; but will firft entreat your Highnefs, And all thefe noble Chieftains, to confider, Th' Imperial dignity and fov'reign right Speaks from my mouth, and not my own pre- emption. WALLENSTEIN. We excufe all preface. QUESTENBERG. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 53 QUESTENBERG. When his Majefty The Emperor to his courageous armies Preferred in the perfon of Duke Friedland A moft experienced and renown'd commander, He did it in glad hope and confidence To give thereby to the fortune of the war A rapid and aufpicious change. The onfet Was favourable to his royal wifhes. Bohemia was deliver'd from the Saxons, The Swede's career of conqueft check'd ! Thefe lands Began to draw breath freely, as Duke Friedland From all the dreams of Germany forc'd hither The fcatter'd armies of the enemy, Hither invok'd as round one magic circle The Rhinegrave, Bernhard, Banner, Oxenftirn, Yea, and that never-conquer'd King himfelf j Here finally, before the eye of Nürnberg, The fearful game of battle to decide. WALLENSTEIN. May't pleafe you, to the point, QUESTENBERG. In Nürnberg' s camp the Swedilh monarch left His fame — in Lützen's plains his life. But who Stood not aftounded, when victorious Friedland After this day of triumph, this proud day, March'd toward Bohemia with the fpeed of flight, And vanifh'd from the theatre of war; While the young Weimar hero forc'd his way JLnto Franconia, to the Danube, like e 3' Some 54t THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Some delving winter-ftream, which, where it rufhes, Makes its own channel ; with fuch fudden fpeed He march'd, and now at once 'fore Regenfpurg Stood to th' affright of all good Catholic Chriftians. Then did Bavaria's well-deferving Prince Entreat fwift aidance in his extreme need ; The Emperor fends feven horfemen to Duke Friedland, Seven horfemen couriers fends he with th' entreaty : He fuperadds his own, and fupplicates Where as the fovereign lord he can command. In vain his fupplication ! At this moment The Duke hears only his old hate and grudge, Barters the general good to gratify Private revenge — and fo falls Regenfpurg. WALLENSTEIN. Max. to what period of the war alludes he ? My recollection fails me here. MAX. He means When we were in Silefia. WAXLENSTEIN. Ay ! Is it fo ? But what had we to do there ? MAX. To beat out Tlfe Swedes and Saxons from the province. WALLENSTEIN. True. In that defcription which the Minifter gave I feem'd to have forgotten the whole war. {to FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 55 (to Qzteßeiiberg) Well,* but proceed a little. QUESTENBERG. Yes ! at length Befide the river Oder did the Duke Aflert his ancient fame. Upon the fields Of Steinau did the Swedes lay down their arms, Subdued without a blow. And here, with others, The righteoufnefs of Heaven to his avenger Deliver'd that long-praftis'd ftirrer-up Of infurreftion, that curfe-laden torch And kindler of this war, Matthias Thur. But he had fallen into magnanimous hands ; Inftead of punimment he found reward, And with rich prefents did the Duke difmifs The arch -foe of his Emperor. wallenstein, (laughs) I know, I know you had already in Vienna Your windows and balconies all foreftall'd To fee him on the executioner's cart. I might have loft the battle, loft it too With infamy, and ftill retain'd your graces — But, to have cheated them of a fpeftacle, Oh ! that the good folks of Vienna never, No, never can forgive me, QUESTENBERG. So Silefia Was freed, and all things loudly call'd the Duke Into Bavaria, now prefs'd hard on all fides. e 4 And 56 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE And he did put his troops in motion : flowly, Quite at his eafe, and by the longed road He traverfes Bohemia ; but ere ever He hath once feen the enemy, faces round, Breaks up the march, and takes to winter quarters. WALLENSTEIN. The troops were pitiably deftitute Of every neceflary, every comfort. The winter came. What thinks his Majefty His troops are made of? An't we men ? fubje&ed Like other men to wet, and cold, and all The circumftances of neceffity ? O miferable lot of the poor foldier ! Wherever he comes in, all flee before him, And when he goes away, the general curfe Follows him on his rout. AH muft be feiz'd, Nothing is given him. And compelPd to feize From every man, he's every man's abhorrence. Behold, here ftand my Generals. Karaffa ! Count Deodate ! Butler ! Tell this man How long the foldiers' pay is in arrears, butler. Already a full year. WALLENSTEIN. And 'tis the hire That conftitutes the hireling's name and duties. The foldier's pay is the foldier's covenant *. QUES- * The original is not tranflatable into Englifh : iTJnd (em/old Mufs &zmfoldaten werden, darnach heifst er. It FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 57 QÜESTENBERG. Ah ! this is a far other tone from that In which the Duke fpoke eight, nine years ago. WALLENSTEIN. Yes ! 'tis my fault, I know it : I myfelf Have fpoilt the Emperor by indulging him. Nine years ago, during the Danifh war, I rais'd him up a force, a mighty force, Forty or fifty thoufand men, that coft him Of his own purfe no doit. Through Saxony The fury goddefs of the war march'd on, E'en to the furf-rocks of the Baltic, bearing The terrors of his name. That was a time ! In the whole Imperial realm no name like mine Honor'd with'feftival and celebration — And Albrecht Wallenstein, it was the title Of the third jewel in his crown i But at the Diet, when the Princes met At Regenfpurg, there, there the whole broke out, There 'twas laid open, there it was made- known, Out of what money-bag I had paid the hoft. And what was now my thank, what had I now, That I, a faithful fervant of the Sovereign, Had loaded on myfelf the people's curfes, And let the Princes of the empire pay The expences of this war, that aggrandizes It might perhaps have been thus rendered : '* And that for which he fold his fervices, " The foldier muft receive." But a falfe or doubtful etymology is no more than a dull pun. The 58 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE The Emperor alone — What thanks had 1 1 What ? I was offer'd up to their complaints, Difmifs'd, degraded ! QUESTENBERG. But your Highnefs knows What little freedom he poffefs'd of action In that difafirous diet. WALLENSTEIK. Death and hell \ /had that which could have procur'd him freedom. No ! Since 'twas prov'd fo inaufpicious to me To ferve the Emperor at the empire's cofl, I have been taught far other trains of thinking Of th* empire, and the diet of the empire. From th* Emperor, doubtlefs, I receiv'd this HafT^ But now I hold it as the empire's general — For the common weal, the univerfal int'reft, And no more for that one man's aggrandizement I But to the point. What is it that's defir'd of me ? QUESTENBERG. Firft, his Imperial Majefly hath will'd That without pretexts of delay the army Evacuate Bohemia. WALLENSTEIN. In this feafon ? And to what quarter, wills the Emperor, That we direct our courfe ? QUESTENBERG. To th$ enemy. His Majefty refolves, that Regenfpurg Be purified from the enemy, ere Eafler, That FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 59 That Luth'ranifm may be no longer preach'd In that cathedral, nor heretical Defilement defacrate the celebration Of that pure feftival. WALLENSTEIN. My generals, Can this be realiz'd ? ILLO. 'Tis not poflible. BUTLER. It can't be realiz'd. QUESTENBERG. The Emperor Already hath commanded colonel Suys To advance toward Bavaria ? WALLENSTEIN. What did Suys ? QUESTENBERG. That which his duty prompted. He advanc'd t WALLENSTEIN. What ? he advanc'd ? And I, his general, Had given him orders, peremptory orders, Not to defert his ftation ! Stands it thus With my authority ? Is this th' obedience Due to my office, which being thrown afide No war can be conducted ? Chieftains, fpeak ! You be the judges, generals ! What deferves That officer, who of his oath neglectful Is guilty of contempt of orders ? a ILLO. 60 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE ILLO. Death. WALLENSTEIN. {raffing his voice, as all, but Mo, had re- mained filent, andfeemingly fcrupulous) Count Piccolomini ! what has he deferv'd ? Max. Piccolomini. (After a long paufe) According to the letter of the law, Death. ISOLANI. Death. BUTLER. Death, by the laws of war. [Queßenberg rifes from his feat, Wallenfiein follows, all the refi rife) WALLENSTEIN. To this the law condemns him, and not I. And if I (hew him favour, 'twill arife From the rev'rence that I owe my Emperor. QUESTENBERG. \ifo, I can fay nothing further — here f WALLENSTEIN. I accepted the command but on conditions ! And this the firft, that to the diminution Of my authority no human being, Not even the Emperor's felf, mould be entitled To do aught, or to fay aught, with the army. If I ftand warranter of the event, Placing my honour and my head in pledge, Needs muft I have full maftery in all The FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 61 The means thereto. What render' d this Guftavus Refiftlefs, and unconquer'd upon earth? This : that he was the monarch in his army ; A monarch, one who is indeed a monarch, Was never yet fubdued but by his equal. But to the point 1 The beft is yet to come. Attend now, generals ! QUESTENBERG. The prince Cardinal Begins his route at the approach of fpring From the Milanefe ; and leads a Spanifli army Thro' Germany into the Netherlands. That he may march fecure and unimpeded, 'Tis th' Emperor's will, you grant him a detach- » ment Of eight horfe-regiments from the army here. WALLENSTEIN. Yes, yes ! I underftand ! — Eight regiments ! Well, Right well concerted, father Lamormain ! Eight thoufand horfe ! Yes, yes ! 'Tis as it mould be! I fee it coming. QUESTENBERG. There is nothing coming. * All flands in front : the counfel of ftate -prudence, The dictate of neceffity ! WALLENSTEIN. What then ? What, my Lord Envoy ? May I not be fuffer'd To underftand, that folks are tir'd of feeing The 62 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE The fword's hilt in my grafp : and that your court Snatch eagerly at this pretence, and ufe The Spanifh title, to drain off my forces, To lead into the empire a new army Unfubjected to my controul. To throw me Plumply afide, — I am ftill too powerful for you To venture that. My ftipulation runs, That all the Imperial forces (hall obey me Where-e'er the German is the native language. Of Spanilh troops and of Prince Cardinals That take their route, as vifitors, thro' the empire, There ftands no fyllable in my ftipulation. No fyllable ! And fo the politic court Steals in a tiptoe, and creeps round behind it; Firfl makes me weaker, then to be difpens'd with, Till it dares ftrike at length a bolder blow And make fhort work with me. What need of all thefe crooked ways. Lord Envoy? Straight-forward, man ! His compact with me pinches The Emperor. He would that I mov'd off!— r Well ! — I will gratify him ! (Here there commences an agitation among tk generals which increafes continually.) Jt grieves me for my noble officers fakes ! I fee not yet, by what means they will come at The moneys they have advanced, or how obtain The recompence their fervices demand. Still a new leader brings new claimants forward, And prior merit fuperannuates quickly. There ferve here many foreigners in tW army, And FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 63 And were the man in all elfe brave and gallant, I was not wont to make nice fcrutiny After his pedigree or catechifm. This will be otherwife, i'the time to come. Well — me no longer it concerns. {He feats him/elf.) MAX. PICCOLOMINI. Forbid it Heaven, that it mould come to this ? Our troops will fwell in dreadful fermentation — The Emperor is abus'd — it cannot be. ISOLANI. It cannot be ; all goes to inftant wreck. WALLENSTEIN. Thou haft faid truly, faithful Ifolani ] What we with toil and forefight have built up, Will go to wreck — all go to inftant wreck. What then ? another chieftain is foon found, Another army likewise (who dares doubt it ?) Will flock from all fides to the Emperor At the firft beat of his recruiting drum. (During this fpeech, Ifolani, Tertfky, Illo, and Maradas, talk confufedly with great agi- tation. ) MAX. PICCOLOMINI. ißufily, and pajfionately going from one to another, and foothing them.) Hear, my commander ! Hear me, generals ! Let me conjure you, Duke ! Determine nothing, Till we have met and reprefented to you Our* 64? THE PICCÖLÖMINI, OR THE Our joint remonftrances. — Nay, calmer! Friends! I hope all may be yet let right again. TERTSKY. Away ! let us away ! in th' antichamber Find we the others. [They go, butler, (to Queßenberg.) If good counfel gain Due audience from your wifdom, my Lord Envoy I You will be cautious how you fliew yourfelf In public for fome hours to come — or hardly Will that gold key protect you from mal-treat- ment. {Commotions heard from without.) WALLENSTEIN. A falutary counfel Thou, Octavio I Wilt anfwer for the fafety of our gueft. Farewell, Von Queflenberg ! {2ueßenberg is about to /peak.) Nay, not a word. Not one word more of that detefted fubject ! You have perform'd your duty — We know how To feparate the office from the man. (As Queßenberg is going off with Octavio^ Goetz y Tiefenbach, Kollatto, prefs in, feveral other generals following them.) GOETZ. Where's he, who means to rob us of our general ? O" tiefenbach. [at the fame time.) What are we forc'd to hear ? That thou wilt leave us ? KOL- FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 65 kolatto. (at the fame time.} We will live with thee, we will die with thee. wallenstein, (with fiatelinefs, and pointing to lib.) There ! the Field- Marfhal knows our will. [Exit, (While all are going off the ßage, the curtain drops. ) £ND OF ACT I. ACT IL 66 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE ACT IL Scene a fmall Chamber: SCENE t - Illo and Tertsky. TERTSKY. Now for this evening's bufinefs 1 How intend you To manage with the generals at the banquet ? ii-LO. Attend ! We frame a formal declaration, Wherein we to the Duke confign ourfelves Collectively, to be and to remain His both with life and limb, and not to fpare 1 The laß: drop of our blood for him, provided So doing we infringe no oath or duty, We may be under to the Emp'ror. — Mark ! This refervation we exprefsly make In a particular claufe, and fave the confcience. Now hear ! This formula fo fram'd and worded Will be prefented to them for perufal Before the banquet. No one will find in it Caufe of offence or fcruple. • Hear now further ! After the feaft, when now the vap'ring wine Opens FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN". 67 Opens the heart, and fhuts the eyes, we let A counterfeited paper, in the which This one particular claufe has been left out, Go round for fignatures. TERTSKY. How ? think you then That they'll believe themfelves bound by an oath, Which we had trick'd them into by a juggle ? ILLO. We fhall have caught and cag'd them ! Let them then Beat their wings bare againft the wires, and rave Loud as they may againft our treachery, At court their fisrnatures will be believ'd Far more than their moft holy affirmations. Traitors they are, and muft be ; therefore wifely Will make a virtue of neceffity. TERTSKY. Well, well, it fhall content me ; let but fomething Be done, let only fome decifive blow Set us in motion. ILLO. Befides, 'tis of fubordinate importance How, or how far, we may thereby propel The generals. 'Tis enough that we perfuade The Duke, that they are his — Let him but act In his determin'd mood, as if he had them, And he will have them. Where he plunges in, He makes a whirlpool, and all dream down to it. F 2, TERTSKY* 08 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR TH£ TERTSKY. His policy is fuch a labyrinth, Xhat many a time when I have thought myfelf Clofe at his fide, he's gone at once, and left me Ignorant of the ground where I was {landing. He lends the enemy his ear, permits me To write to them, to Arnheim ; to Sefina Himfelf comes forward blank and undifguis'd j Talks with us by the hour about his plans, And when I think I have him — off at once He has flipp'd from me, and appears as if He had no fcheme, but to retain his place, ILLO. He give up his old plans ! I'll tell you, friend ! His foul is occupied with nothing elfe, Even in his ileep — They are his thoughts, his dreams That day by day he queflions for this purpofe The motions of the planets — — TERTSKY, Ay 1 you know This night, that is now coming, he with Sen* Shuts himfelf up in the aftrological tower To make joint obfervations — for I hear, It is to be a night of weight and crifis, And fomething great, and of long expectation, Is to make its proceffion in the heaven. ■Il/LO. Come ! be we bold and make difpatch. The work In liiis next day or two muß: thrive and grow More FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 69 More than it has for years. And let but only- Things firft turn up aufpicious here below- Mark what ,1 fay — the right ftars too will {hew themfelves. Come, to the generals. All is in the glow, And muft be beaten while 'tis malleable« TERTSKY. Do you go thither, Ulo. I muft üay And wait here for the Countefs Tertfky. Know, That we too are not idle. Break one firing, A fecond is in readinefs, I LLC Yes! Yes! I faw your Lady fmile with fuch fly meaning. What's in the wind ? TERTSKY. A fecret. Hufh ! (he comes. [Exit Ilia. SCENE II. [The Countefs fieps out from a clofet.) Count and Countess Tertsky. TERTSKY. Well — is fhe coming — I can keep him back No longer. COUNTESS, She will be there inftantly. You only fend him. F 3 TERTSKY. 70 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE TERTStCY. I am not quite certain I muft confefs it, Countefs, whether or no We are earning the Duke's thanks hereby. You know, No ray has broke out from him on this point. You have o'er rul'd me, and yourfelf know beft, How far you dare proceed. COUNTESS. I take it on me. (talking to her/elf 9 while Jhe is advancing.) Here's no need of full powers and commimons — My cloudy Duke ! we underfland each other — And without words. What, could I not unriddle, Wherefore the daughter fhould be fent for hither, Why firft he, and no other, mould be chofen To fetch her hither i ' This (ham of betrothing her To a bridegroom *, when no one knows — No i no ! This may blind others ! I fee thro' thee, Brother! But it beieems thee not, to draw a card At fuch a game. Not yet ! — It all remains Mutely deliver'd up to my fineffing Well — thou (halt not have been deceiv'd, Duke Friedland ! In her who is thy fitter. * In Germany, after honourable addrefTes have been paid and formally accepted, the lovers are called Bride and Bride- groom, even though the marriage fhould not take place till years afterwards. .' SERVANT. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 71 servant, {enters.) The commanders ! tertsky. (to the Countefs.) Take care you heat his fancy and affections — PofTefs him with a reverie, and fend him, Abfent, and dreaming, to the banquet ; that, He may not boggle at the fignature. COUNTESS. Take you care of your guefls !^-Go, fend him hither. TERTSKY. All refls upon his underfigning. countess, {interrupting hi?n.) Xjo to your guefls ! Go ■ illo. (comes back.) Where art flaying, Tertfky ? The houfe is full, and all expecting 'you. TERTSKY. Inflantly \ inflantly '! (To the Countefs.) And let him not Stay here too long. It might awake fufpicion In the old man COUNTESS. A truce with your precautions ! \ {Exeunt Tertfky and Illo. f 4 SCENE 72 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE SCENE III. Countess, Max. Piccolomini. max. (peeping in on the fiagejliily.) y Aunt Tertfky ! may I venture ? [Advances to the middle of theßage, and looks around him with uneafinefs.) She's not here I Where is (he ? COUNTESS. Look but fomewhat narrowly In yonder corner, left perhaps fhe lie Conceal'd behind that fcreen. MAX. There lie her gloves ! (Snatches at the?n> but the Countefs takes them herftlf.) You unkind Lady ' You refufe me this — You make it an amufement to torment me. COUNTESS. And this the thank you give me for my trouble ? MAX. O, if you felt the oppreflion at my heart • Since we've been here, fo to conftrain myfelf — With fuch poor ftealth to hazard words and glances — * Thefe, thefe are not my habits I COUNTESS. You have ftill Many new habits to acquire, young friend .' But FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 73 But on this proof of your obedient temper I muft continue to infift ; and only On this condition can I play the agent For your concerns. MAX. But wherefore comes fhe not ? Where is (lie ? COUNTESS. Into my hands you muft place it Whole and entire. Whom could you find, indeed, More zealoufly affected to your intereft ? No foul on earth muft know it — not your father. He muft not above all. MAX. Alas ! what danger j Here is no face on which I might concenter All, the enraptur'd foul ftirs up within me. O Lady ! tell me. Is all chang'd around mej Or is it only I ? I find myfelf, As among ftrangers ! Not a trace is left Of all my former withes, former joys. Where has it vanifh'd to ? There was a time Whenev'n,methought, with fuch a world, as this* I was not difcontented. Now how flat \ How ftale ! No life, no bloom, no flavour in it 1 My comrades are intolerable to me. My father— Even to him I can fay nothing. My arms, my military duties — O ! They are fuch wearying toys ! COUNTESS. 74- THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE COUNTESS. But, gentle friend ! I muft entreat it of your condefcenfion, You would be pleas'd to link your eye, and favour With one fhort glance or two this poor ftale 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 lee it gath 'ring, crowding, driving on, In wild uncuftomary movements. Well, In due time, doubtlefs, it will reach even me. Where think you I have been, dear lady ? Nay, No raillery. . The turmoil of the camp, The fpring-tide of acquaintance rolling in, The pointlefs jeft, the empty converfation, Opprefs'd and ftifled me. I gafp'd for air — I could not breathe- — I was conftrain'd to fly, To feek a filence out for my full heart ; And a pure fpot wherein to feel my happinefs. No fmiling, Countefs ! In the church was I. There is a cloifler here to the * heaven's gate, Thither I went, there found myfelf alone. Over the altar hung an holy mother ; A wretched painting 'twas, yet 'twas tlie friend * I am doubtful whether this be the dedication of the cloifler, ©r the name of one of the city gates, near which it Hood. I have tranflated it in the former fenfe ; but fearful of having made fome blunder, I add the original. — Es ift ein Klofter hier zur Himmelfpforte. That FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 15 That I was feeking in this moment. Ah, How oft have I beheld that glorious form In fplendour, mid extatic worfhippers; Yet, ftill it mov'd me not ! and now at once Was my devotion cloudlefs as my love. COUNTESS. Enjoy your fortune and felicity! Forget the world around you. Meantime, friend- fhip Shall'keep ftrict vigils for you, anxious, active. Only be manageable when that friend fhip Points you the road to full accomplifhment. How long may it be fince you declared your pafiion ? MAX. This morning did I hazard the fir ft word. COUNTESS. This morning the firft time in twenty days ? MAX. 'Twas at that hunting-caftle, betwixt here And Ncpomuck, where you hadjoin'd us, and — That was the laft relay of the whole journey ! In a balcony we were Handing mute, And gazing. out upon the dreary field : Before us the dragoons were riding onward, The fafe-guard which the Duke had lent us — heavy The inquietude of parting lay upon me, And trembling ventur'd I at length thefe words : This all reminds me, noble maiden, that To-day I muft take leave of my good fortune. 3 A few 76 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE A few hours more, and you will find a father,' Will fee yourfelf furrounded by new friends, And I henceforth mail be but as a ftranger, Loft in the many — " Speak with my aunt Tertiky !'■ With hurrying voice (lie interrupted me. She faulter'd. I beheld a glowing red Poffefs her beautiful cheeks, and from the ground Rais'd flowly up her eye met mine — no longer Did I controul myfelf. (The Princefs Thekla appeals at the door, and remains ßanding, ohferved \>y the ConntefSy but not by Piccolomini.) With inftant boldnefs I caught her in my arms, my mouth touch'd her's ; There was a ruftling in the room clofe by ; . It parted us — 'Twas you. What fince has hap- pened, You know. COUNTESS. (after a paufe, with a fiolen glance at Thekla.) And is it your excefs of modefty ; Or are you fo incurious, that you do not Afk me too of my fecret ? MAX. Of your fecret ? COUNTESS. Why, yes ! When in the inftant after you I ftepp'd into the room, and found my niece there, What fhe in this firft moment of the heart Ta'en with furprife— max. (with eagernefs.) Well ? SCENE FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 77 SCENE IV. Thekla (hurries forward), Countess» Max. Piccolomini. the k la. (to the Countefs) Spare yourfelf the trouble. That hears he better from myfelf. max. (fiepping backward) My Princefs! What have you let her hear me fay, aunt Tertfky ! i thekla. (to the Countefs) Has he been here long ? COUNTESS. Yes ; and foon muft go. Where have you ftay'd fo long ? thekla. Alas ! my mother Wept fo again ! and I — I fee her fuffer, Yet cannot keep myfelf from being happy. max. Now once again I have courage to look on you. "To-day at noon I could not. The dazzle of the jewels that play'd round you Hid the beloved from me. thekla. Then you faw 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 myfelf an alien in this circle, O ! what an inrpulfe felt I in that moment ♦ To 78 THE PICCOLOMINT, OR THE To fall upon his neck, to call him father! But his ftern eye o'erpower'd the fwelling paffion— ~ It dar'd not but be filent. And thofe brilliants, That like a crown of ftars enwreath'd your brows,' They fcar'd me too ! Ö wherefore, wherefore mould he At the firfl meeting fpread as 'twere the bann Of excommunication round you, wherefore Drefs up the angel as for facrifice, And call upon the light and joyous heart The mournful burthen of his flat ion ? Fitly May love dare woo for love; but fuch a fplendour Might none but monarchs venture to approach. THEKLA. Hufh ! not a word more of this mummery. You fee how foon the burthen is thrown off. (to the Countefs.) He is not in fpirits. Wherefore is he not ? 'Tis you, aunt, that have made him all fo gloomy ! He had quite another nature on the journey — So calm, fo bright, ,,fo joyous eloquent. (to Max.) It was my wifti to fee you always To» And never otherwife ! MAX. You find yourfelf In your great father's arms, beloved lady ! All in a new world, which does homage to you, And which, were't only by its novelty, Delights your eye. THEKLA. Yes; I confefs to you Thai FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN; 79 That many things delight me here : this camp, This motley flage of warriors, which renews So manifold the image of my fancy, And binds to life, binds to reality, What hitherto had but been prefent to me As a fweet dream ! MAX. Alas ! not fo to me. It makes a dream of my reality. Upon fome ifland in the etherial heights I've liv'd for thefe laft days. This mafs of men Forces me down to earth. It is a bridge That, reconducting to my former life, Divides me and my heaven. THEKLA. The game of life Looks cheerful, when one carries in one's heart The unalienable treafure. 'Tis a game, Which having once review'd, I turn more joyous Back to my deeper and appropriate blifs.. (breaking off] and in afportive tone) In this fliort time that I've been prefent here, What new unheard-of things have I not feen ? And yet they all muft give place to the wonder Which this myfterious caftle guards. countess, (reco lie c ting) And what Can this be then ? Methought I was acquainted With all the dufky corners of this houfe. thekla. (fmiling) Ay, but the road thereto is watch'd by fpirits, Two griffins ftill ftand fentry at the door. COUN- SO THE PICCOLÖMINI, OÄ Ttfg countess, (laughs) The aflrological tdwer ! — How happens it That this fame fan&uary, whofe acceß Is to all others fo impracticable, Opens before you e'en at your approach > THEKLA. A dwarfim old man with a friendly face And fhow-white hairs, whofe gracious fervices Were mine at nrfl fight, open'd me the doors. MAX. That is the Duke's aftrologer, old Seni. THEKLA. He queftion'd me on many points ; for inftance, When I was born, what month, and on what day, Whether by day or in the night. COUNTESS. He wifh'd To ere£t a figure for your horofcope. THEKLA. My hand too he examin'd, (hook his head With much fad meaning, and the lines, methought, Did not fquare over truly with his wilhes. COUNTESS. Well, Princefs, and what found you in this tower? My higheft privilege has been to fnatch A fide-glance, and away ! THEKLA. It was a flrange Senfation that came o'er me, when at firft From the broad funihine I ftepp'd in ; and now The narrowing line of day-light, that ran after The clofing door, was gone ; and all about me 'Twas pale and duiky night, with many fhadoivs Fant at- FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 81 Fantaftically call. Here fix or feven Coloflal ftatues, and all kings, flood round me In a half-circle. Each one in his hand A fceptre bore, and on his head a flar, And in the tower no other light was there But from thefe ftars j all feem'd to come from them. * Thefe are the planets,' faid that low oid man, ' They govern worldly fates, and for that caufe * Are imag'd here as kings. He farthefl from you, 5 Spiteful and cold, an old man melancholy, f With bent and yellow forehead, he is Saturn. ' He oppofite, the king with the red light, * An arm'd man for the battle, that is Mars : * And both thefe bring but little luck to man.' But at his fide a lovely lady flood, The flar upon her head was foft and bright, And that was Venus, the bright flar of joy. On the left hand, lo ! Mercury, with wings. Quite in the middle glitter'd filver-bright A cheerful man, and with a monarch's mien ; And this was Jupiter, my father's flar : And at his fide I faw the Sun and Moon. MAX. O never rudely will I blame his faith In the might of flars and angels ! 'Tis not merely The human being's pride that peoples fpace With life and myflical predominance ; Since likewife for the flricken heart of Love This vifible nature, and this Common world, Is all too narrow : yea, a deeper import Lurks in the legend told my infant years Than lies upon that truth, we live to learn, g For 82 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE For fable is Love's world, his home, his birth-place : Delightedly dwells he 'mong fays and talifmans, And fpirits; and delightedly believes Divinities, being himfelf divine. The intelligible forms of ancient poets, The fair humanities of old religion, The Power, the Beauty, and the Majefty, That had their haunts in dale, or piny mountain, Or foreft by flow fhream, or pebbly fpring, Or chafms and wat'ry depths j all thefe have vanilh'd. They live no longer in the faith of reafon ! But iiill the heart doth need a language, ftill Doth the old inftindt bring back the old names. Arid to yon ftarry world they now are gone, * Spirits or gods, that us'd to (hare this earth With man as with their friend ; and to the lover Yonder they move, from yonder vifibk iky Shoot influence down : and even at this day 'Tis Jupiter who brings whate'er is great, And Venus who brings every thing that's fair! thekla. And if this be the fcience of the ftars, I too, with glad and zealous induftry, Will learn acquaintance with this cheerful faith. It is a gentle and affectionate thought, That in immealurable heights above us, At our firft birth, the wreath of love was woven, With fparkling ftars for flowers. COUNTESS. Not only rofes, But thorns too hath the heaven ; and well for you, * No more of talk, where god or angel gueft With man, as with his friend familiar, us'd To lit indulgent. paradise LOST, B. ix. Leave FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 83 Leave they your wreath of love inviolate. What Venus twin'd, the bearer of glad fortune, The füllen orb of Mars foon tears to pieces. max. * Soon will his gloomy empire reach its clofe. Bleft be the General's zeal : into the laurel Will he inweave the olive-branch, prefenting Peace to the fhouting nations. Then no wifh Will have remain'd for his great heart ! Enough Has he perform'd for glory, and can now Live for himfelf and his. To his domains Will he retire j he has a {lately feat Of faireft view at Gitfchin ; Reichenberg, And Friedland Caftle, both lie pleafantly- — Even to the foot of the huge mountains here Stretches the chafe and covers of his forefts : His ruling paffion, to create the fplendid, He can indulge without reflraint ; can give A princely patronage to every art, And to all worth a Sovereign's prote&ion. Can build, can plant, can watch the flarry courfes— - countess. ■ Yet I would haVe you look, and look again, Before you lay afide your arms, young friend ! A gentle bride, as fhe is, is well worth it That you mould woo and win her with the fword. MAX. O, that the fword could win her ! COUNTESS. What was that ? Did you hear- nothing ? Seem'd, as if I heard Tumult and larum in the banquet-room. [Exit Count eß. g 2 SCENE S4> THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE SCENE V. Thekla and Max. Piccolomini. THEKLA. (Asfoon as the Countejs is out of Jight, in a - quick ßow voice to Piccolomini) Don't truft them ! They are falfe ! MAX. Impoflible ! v THEKLA. Truft no one here but me. I- faw at once, They had a purpofe. MAX. Purpofe ! but what purpofe ? And how can we be inftrumental to it ? THEKLA- I know no more than you ; but yet, believe me : There's fome defign in this ! To make us happy, To realize our union — truft me, love ! They but pretend to wifh it. MAX. But thefe Tertfkies Why ufe we them at all ? Why not your mother ? Excellent creature ! me deferves from us A full and filial confidence. THEKLA. She doth love you, Doth rate you high before all others — but — But fuch a fecret — fhe would never have The courage to conceal it from my father. For FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 85 For her own peace of mind we muft preferve it A fecret from her too. MAX. Why any fecret ? I love not fecrets. Mark, what I will do. I'll throw me at your father's feet — let him Decide upon my fortunes ! —He is true, He wears no mafk — he hates all crooked ways- — He is fo good, fo noble ! the k la. (falls on his neck.) That are you ! MAX. You knew him only fince this morn ; but I Have liv'd ten years already in his prefence, 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 filent ? • You look at me with fuch a hopeleflnefs ! What have you to object againft your father ? THEKLA. I ? Nothing. Only he's fo occupied- He has no leifure time to think about The happinefs of us two. [Taking his hand tenderly.^ Follow me 1 Let us not place too great a faith in men. „ Thefe Tertfkies — we will ftill be grateful to them For every kindnefs, but not truft them further Than they deferve ; — and in all elfe rely " ■ On our own hearts ! 9 3 Max. THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE O ! fhall we e'er be happy ? THEKLA. Are we not happy now ? Art thou not mine ? Am I not thine ? There lives within my foul A lofty courage — 'tis love gives it me ! I ought to be lefs open — ought to hide My heart more from thee — fo decorum dictates. But where in this place coukPft thou feek for truthj If in my mouth thou did 'ft not find it ? SCENE VI. To them enters the Countefs Tertsky, countess, (m a prejjing manner.) Come ! My hufband fends me for you — It is now The lateft moment. {They not appearing to attend to what Jtie ■ f a V s -> f ie ß e P s between them.) Part you ! THEKLA. O, not yet ! It has been fcarce a moment. COUNTESS. Aye ? Then time Flies fwiftly with your Highnefs, Princefs niece \ MAX. There is no hurry, aunt. , COUN- FIRST PART OP WALLENSTEIN. 87 C />UNT£SS. Away ! away ! The folks begin to mifs you. Twice already His father has afk'd for him. THEKLA. Ha 1 his father ? countess. You underftand that, niece ! THEKLA. Why needs he To go at all to that fociety ? 'Tis not his proper company. They may Be worthy men, but he's too young for them. In brief, he fuits not fuch fociety. COUNTESS. You mean, you'd rather keep him wholly here ? thekla. (xuith energy.) Yes ! you have hit it, aunt ! That is my meaning. Leave him here wholly ! Tell the company COUNTESS. What ? have you loft your fenfes, niece ? Count, you remember the conditions.- Come ! max. {to Thekla.) Lady, I muft obey. Farewell, dear lady ! {Thekla turns away from him xvith a quick motion.) What fay you then, dear lady ? Thekla. (without looking at him.) Nothing. Go ! 6 4 MAX. 88 . THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE MAX. ' Can I, when you are angry (He drazos tip to. her, their eyes meet, Jlie fiands /dent a moment, then throws herfelf into his arms j he prejjes her faß to his heart,) , countess. Off ! Heavens ! if any one ihould come ! Hark ! What's that noife ? It comes this way. — Off! (Max. tears himf elf away out of her arms, and goes. The Countefs accompanies him. Thekla follows him with her eyes at firfi, walks reßlefsly acrofs the room, then flops, and remains ßanding, lofi in thought. A guitar lies on the table, fhe f ehe s it äs by a fudden emotion, and after fie has played a while an irregular and melancholy fym- phomj, fhe falls gradually into the mußc and thekla. ( plays andfings.) The cloud doth gather, the greenwood roar, -The damfel paces along the fhore ; The bjllows they tumble with might, with might ; And fhe flings out her voice to the darkfome night, Her bofom is fwelling with furrow ; The world it is empty, the heart will die, There's nothing to wifh for beneath the fky : Thou Holy One', call thy child away ! I've lived and loved, and that was to-day — — ' Make ready my graye-qlothes to-morrow *. ■ . * I found it not in my power totranflate this fongw;th literal fidelity, prefervirig at the fame time the Alcaic Movement ; and have FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 89 have therefore added the original with a profe tranflation, Some of my readers may be more fortunate. THEKLA. ffpielt und fingt.) Der Eichwald braufet, die Wolken ziehn, Pas Mägdlein wandelt an Ufers Grün, Es bricht fich die Welle mit Macht, mit Macht, ' Und fie fingt hinaus in die finftre Nacht, Das Auge von Weinen getrübet : Das Herz ift geftorben, die Welt ift leer, Und weiter giebt fie dem Wunfche nichts mehr. Du Heilige, rufe dein Kind zurück, Ich habe genoffen das irdifche Glück, Ich habe gelebt und geliebet. Literal Tranfiation. THEKLA. (plays andßngs.) The oak-foreft bellows, the clouds gather, the damfel walks to and fro on the green of the fhore ; the wave breaks with might, with might, and fhe fings out into the dark night, her eye difcolour'd with weeping : the heart is dead, the world is empty, and further gives it nothing more to the wifli. Thou Holy One, call thy child home, I have enjoyed the ' happinefs of this world, I have lived and have loved. I cannot but add here an imitation of this fong, with which the author of " The Tale of Rofamund Gray and Blind Mar- garet," has favoured me, and which appears to me to have caught the happieft manner of our old ballads. The clouds are black'ning, the ftorms threat'ning, The cavern doth mutter, the greenwood moan ; Billows are breaking, the damfeh' heart aching, Thus in the dark night fhe fingeth alone, Her eye upward roving : The world is empty, the heart is dead furely, In this world plainly all feemeth amifs ; To thy heaven, Holy One, take home thy little one, I have partaken of all earth's blifs, Both living and loving. SCENE 90 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE SCENE VII. Countess (returns) The k la. countess. Fie, lady niece ! to throw yourfelf upon him, Like a poor gift to one who cares not for it, And fo mult be flung after him ! For you, Duke Friedland's only child, I mould have thought, It had been more befeeming to have {hewn yourfelf More chary of your perfon. thekla. (rifing) And what mean you ? countess. I mean, niece, that you mould not have forgotten Who you are, and who he is. But perchance That never once occurr'd 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 queflion ! THEKLA. He was bom that which we have but become. He's of an ancient Lombard family, Son of a reigning princefs. COUNTESS. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN", 91 COUNTESS. Are you dreaming ? Talking in ileep ? An excellent jeft, forfooth ! We fhall no doubt right courteoufly entreat him To honour with his hand the richeft heirefs In Europe. THEKLA. That will not be neceflary. COUNTESS. Methinks 'twere well tho' not to run the hazard. THEKLA. His father loves him, Count Oclavio Will interpofe no difficulty countess. His! His father! his ! But your's, niece, what of your's? THEKLA. Why I begin to think you fear his father, So anxioufly you hide it from the man , His father, his, I mean. countess, (looks at her, as fcrutinizing) Niece, you vxzfalfe. THEKLA. Are you then wounded ? O, be friends with me ! COUNTESS. You hold your game for won already. Do not Triumph too foon ! — thekla (interrupting her, and attempting to footh her.) Nay now, be friends with me. COUNTESS- 92 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE COUNTESS. It is not yet fo far gone. THEKLA. I believe you. COUNTESS. Did you fuppofe your father had laid out His moft important life in toils of war, Denied himfelf each quiet earthly blifs, Had baniuVd flumber 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 eafy triumph to your arms the man That chanc'd to pleafe your eyes! AU this, methinks, He might have purchas'd 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 — countess. Thou feed it with a lovelorn maiden's eyes. Call thine eye round, bethink thee. who thou art, Into no iioufe of joyance haft thou flepp'd, For no efpoufals doll thou find the walls Deck'd out, no guefls the nuptial garland wearing. Here is no fplendour but of arms. Or think'ft thou Tha* FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 93 That all thefe thoufands are here congregated To lead up the long dances at thy wedding ? Thou fee'ft thy father's forehead full of thought, Thy mother's eye in tears : upon the balance Lies the great deftiny of all our houfe. Leave now the puny wifh, the girlilh feeling, thruft it far behind thee ! Give thou proof, That thou'rt the daughter of the Mighty — his, Who where he moves creates the wonderful. Not to herfelf the woman muft belong, Annex'd and bound to alien deftinies. But fhe performs the beft part, fhe the wifeft, Who can tranfmute the alien into felf, Meet and difarm neceffity by choice; And what muft be, take freely to her heart, And bear and folder it with mother's love. THEKLA. Such ever was my leflbn in the convent. 1 had no loves, no wifhes, knew myfelf Only as his — his daughter — his, the Mighty ! His fame, the echo of whofe blafl drove to me From the far diftance, waken'd in my foul No other thought than this — I am appointed To offer up myfelf in paflivenefs to him. COUNTESS. That is thy fate. Mould thou thy wifnes to it. I and thy mother gave thee the example. THEKLA. My fate hath fhewn me him, to whom behoves it That I mould offer up myfelf. In gladnefs Him will I follow. COUN- 94 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE COUNTESS. Not thy fate hath (hewn him ! Thy heart, fay rather — 'twas thy heart, my child ! THEKLA. Fate hath no voice but the heart's impulfes. I am all his ! His Prefent — his alone, Is this new life, which lives in me. He hath A right to his own creature. What was I Ere his fair love infus'd a foul into me? COUNTESS. Thou would'ft oppofe thy father then, mould he Have otherwife determin'd with thy perfon? {Thekla remains filent. The Countefs continues.) Thou mean'fl to force him to thy liking ? — Child, His name is Friedland. * THEKLA. My name too is Friedland. He fhall have found a genuine daughter in me. COUNTESS. What ? he has vanquifh'd all impediment, And in the wilful mood of his own daughter Shall a new ftruggle rife for him ? Child ! child * . As yet thou haft feen thy father's fmiles alone ; The eye of his rage thou haft not feen. Dear child, I will not frighten thee. To that extreme, I truft, it ne'er fhall come. His will is yet Unknown to me : 'tis pomble, his aims May have the fame direction as thy with. But this can never, never be his will, That FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 95 That thou, the daughter of his haughty fortunes, Should'ft e'er demean thee as a love-fick maiden; And like fome poor coft-nothing, fling thyfelf Toward the man, who, if that high prize ever Be deftin'd to await him, yet, with facrifices The higheft love can bring, muft pay for it. [Exit Countess, the k la. (who during the laß fpeech had been ßanding evidently lofi in her refections.) I thank thee for the hint. It turns My fad prefentiment to certainty. And it is fo I — Not one friend have we here, Not one true heart! we've nothing but ourfelves-' fhe faid rightly — no aufpicious figns Beam on this convenant of our affections. This is no theatre, where hope abides. The dull thick noife of war alone ftirs here. And love himfelf, as he were arm'd in fteel, Steps forth, and girds him for the flrife of death. (Muße from the banquet room is heard.) There's a dark fpirit walking in our houfe, And fwiftly will the Deftiny clofe on us. It drove me hither from my calm afylum, It mocks my foul with charming witchery, It lures me forward in a feraph's fhape, 1 fee it near, I fee it nearer floating, , It draws, it pulls me with a god-like power — And lo ! the abyfs — and thither am I moving — I have no power within me not to move ! (Tlie mufic from the banquet room becomes louder.) 4 O when 96 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE O when a houfe is doom'd in fire to perifh, Many and dark heaven drives his clouds together, Yea, lhoo*ts his lightnings down from funny heights, Flames burft from out the fubterraneous chafms, * And fiends and angels, mingling in their fury, Sling fire-brands at the burning edifice. [Exit The k la. * There are few, who will not have tafte enough to laugh at the two concluding lines of this foliloquy ; and ftill fewer, I would fain hope, who -would not have been more difpofed to fhudder, had I given a. faithful tranflation. For the readers of German I have added the original : Blind-wiithendfchleudert felbfl: der Gott der Freude Den Pechkranz in das brennende Gebäude, scene; FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN". 97 SCENE VIII. A large Saloon lighted tip withfefial Splendour ; in the Midß of it, and in the Centre of the Stage, a Table richly fet out, at ivhich eight Generals are fitting, among whom are Oc- tavio Piccolomini, Tertsky, and Ma- radas. Right and left of this, but further back, tzvo other Tables, at each of xvhich fix Perfons are placed. The middle Door, which is ftanding open, gives to the Profpect a fourth Table, with - the fame Number of Perfons» More forward fiands 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 Mufic belonging to Tertfky's Regiment march acrofs the Stage, and draw up round the Tables. Before they are quite off from the Front of the Stage, Max. Piccolomini appears, Tertjky ad- vances towards him with a Paper, Ifolani comes up to meet him with a Beaker or Service - cup. Tertsky, Isolani, Max. Piccolomini. isolani. Here brother, what we love ! Why, where haft been ? Off, to thy place — quick ! Tertiky here has given The mother's holiday wine up to free booty. Here it goes on as at the Heideberg caftle.' h Already £8 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Already haft thou loft the beft. They're giving At yonder table ducal crowns in fhares; There's Sternberg's lands and chattels are put up» With Eggenberg's, Stawata's, Lichtenftein's, And all the great Bohemian feodalties. Be nimble, lad 1 and fomething may turn up For thee — who knows ? Off — to thy place ! quick I march ! tiefenbach and GOETZ- [call out from the fecoud and third tables.) Count Piccolomini I tertsky. Stop, ye mall have him in an inftant. — Read This Oath here, whether as 'tis here fet forth, The wording fatisfies you. They've all read it, Each in his turn, and each one will fubfcribe His individual fignature. max. (reads) " Ingratis fefvire nefas." ISOLANI. That founds to my ears very much like Latin, And being interpreted, pray what may't mean ? TSUTSKY. No honeft man will ferve a thanklefs mafter. MAX. t( Inafmuch as our fupreme Commander, the illuftrious Duke of Friedland, in confequence of the manifold affronts and grievances which he has received, had exprefled his determination to quit the Emperor, but on our unanimous entreaty has 1 grac-ioufly FIRST PAHT OF WALLENSTEIN. 99 gracioufly confented to remain ftill with the army, and not to part from us without our approbation thereof, fo we, collectively and each in particular, in the flead of an oath perfonally taken, do hereby oblige ourfelves— ^-likewife by him honourably and faithfully to hold, and in nowife whatfoever from him to part, and to be ready to med for his interefts the laft drop of our blood, fo far, namely, as our oath to the Emperor will permit it. (Thefe laß words are repeated by Ifolani.) In teftimony of which we fubfcribe our names.'* TERTSKY. Now ! — are you willing to fubfcribe this paper? ISOLANI. Why mould he not ? All officers of honour Can do it, ay muft do it. — Pen and ink here ! TERTSKY. Nay, let it reft till after meal. isoLANi. (drawing Max. a long.) Come, Max. (Both feat them/elves at their table. J SCENE IX. Tertsky, Neumann. tertsky. (beckons to Neumann who is waiting at the fide-table, and fieps forward with him to the edge of the fi 'age,) Have you the copy with you, Neumann ? Give it. It may be chang'd for the other? H 2 NEU- 100 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE NEUMANN. I have copied it Letter by letter, line by line; no eye Would e'er difcover other difference, Save only the omiflion of that claufe, According to your Excellency's order. TERTSKY. Right ! Lay it yonder, and away with this«— It has perform'd its butinefs — to the fire with it — • ( Neumann lays the copy on the table, and Jleps back again to the ßde-table. J -L— SCENE X. Illo (comes out from the fecond chamber) , Tertsky. illo; How goes it with young Piccolomini ? TERTSKY. All right, I think. He has ftarted no objection. ILLO. He is the only one I fear about — He and his father. Have an eye on both ! TERTSKY. Htow looks it at your table ? You forget not To keep them warm and ftirring ? ILLO. Ö, quite cordial, • i They FIRST PART OF WAI^ENSTEfN. 101 They are quite- cordial in the fcheme. We have them. And ? tis as I predicted too. Already It is the talk, not merely to maintain The Duke in ftation.- " Since we're once for all Together and unanimous, why not," Says Montecuculi, * ay, why not onward ? And make conditions with the Emperor There in his own Vienna ?" Truft me, Count, Were it not for thefe faid Piccolomini, We might have fpar'd ourfelves the cheat. TERTSKY. And Butler ? How goes it there ? Hum ! SCENE XI. To them enter Butler from thefecond table. BUTLER. Don't difturb yourfelves. Field Marfhal, I have underftood you perfectly. Good luck be to the fcheme ; and as to me, (zvith an air of myfiery) You may depend upon me. i l l o . (with vivacity) May we, Butler ? BUTLER. With or without the claufe, all one to me ! You underftand me ? My fidelity * 3 The 102 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE The Duke may put to any proof— I'm with him ( Tell him fo ! I'm the Emperor's officer, As long as 'tis his pleafure to remain The Emperor's general ! and Friedland's fervant, As foon as it mail pleafe him to become His own lord. TERTSKY. You would make a good exchange. No flern economift, no Ferdinand, Is he to whom you plight your fervices. Butler, (with a haughty look) I do not put up my fidelity To fale, Count Tertfky ! Half a year ago I would not have advis'd you to have made me An overture to that, to which I now Offer myfelf of my own free accord. — But that is pall ! and to the Duke, Field Marfhal, I bring myfelf together with my regiment. And mark you, 'tis my humour to believe, The example which I give will not remain Without an influence. 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 fixtieth year my old good name Can purchafe for me a revenge fo full. Start FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 103 Start not at what I fay, fir Generals ! My real motives — they -concern not you. And you yourfelves, I trull, could not expe£t That this your game had crook'd /^judgment — or That ficklenefs, quick blood, or fuch light caufe, Has driven the old man from the track of honour, Which he ib long had trodden. — Come, my friends! I'm not thereto determin'd with lefs firmnefs, Becaufe I know and have look'd fleadily At that on which I have determin'd. ILLO. Say, And fpeak roundly, what are we to deem you? BUTLER. A friend I I give you here my hand \ I'm your's With all I have. Not only men, but money Will the Duke want. Go, tell him, firs I I've earn'd and laid -up fomewhat in his fervice, I lend it him ; and is he my furvivor, It has been already long ago bequeath'd him. fie is my heir. For me, I ftand alone Here in the world ; nought know I of the feeling That bind the huiband to a wife and children. My name dies with me, my existence ends. ILLO. ■ i 'Tis not your money that he needs — a heart JJke your's weighs tons of gold down, weighs down millions ! BUTLER. I came a fimple foldier's boy from Ireland To Prague — and with a mailer, whom I buried. h 4 From 104? THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE From loweft ftable duty I climb'd up, Such was the fate of war, to this high rank, The plaything of a whimfical good fortune. And Wallenftein too is a child of luck, I love a fortune that is like my own. ILLO. All powerful fouls have kindred with each other. BUTLER. This is an awful moment ! to the brave, To the determin'd, an aufpicious moment. The Prince of Weimar arms, upon the Main To found a mighty dukedom. He of Halberftadt, That Mans feld, wanted but a longer life To have mark'd out with his good fword a lordfhip That Ihould reward his courage. Who of thefe Equals our Friedland ? There is nothing, nothing So high, but he may fet the ladder to it ! TERTSKY. That's fpoken like a man ! BUTLER. Do you fecure the Spaniard and Italian — I'll be your warrant for the Scotchman Lefly. Come ! to the company ! TERTSKY. Where is the mafter of the cellar ? Ho ! Let the beft wines come up. Ho | cheerly, boy ! Luck comes to-day, fo give her hearty welcome. \Exeimt, each to his table. Rr* .1»- ■... . ■ * * SCENE FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN, lOJS SCENE XII. T^e Master of the Cellar advancing xvit\ Neumann, Servants paffmg backwards and forwards, master of the cellar. The beft wine ! O ! if my old miftrefs, his lady mother, could but fee thefe wild goings on, (he would turn herfelf round in her grave. Yes, yes, fir officer! 'tis all down the hill with this noble houfe! no end, no moderation 1 And this marriage with the Duke's filter, a fplendid connection, a very fplendid connection ! but I tell you, fir officer, it bodes no good. NEUMANN. Heaven forbid 1 Why, at this very moment the whole profpect is in bud and bloflom ! MASTER OF THE CELLAR. You thinjc fo \ — Well, well J much may be faid on that head. FIRST SERVANT, (comes) Burgundy for the fourth table. MASTER OF THE CELLAR. Now, fir lieutenant, if this an't the feventieth flaik— FIRST SERVANT. Why, the reafon is, triät German lord, Tiefen-, bach, fits at that table. MASTER OF THE CELLAR, (continuing klS dif- courfe to Neumann.) They are foaring too high. They would rival kings and electors in their pomp and fplendour -, and IOÖ THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE and wherever the Duke leaps, not a minute does my gracious mafter, the Count, loiter on the brink. (to the Servants) — What do you ftand there liftening for ? I will let you know you have legs prefently. Off ! fee to the tables, fee to the flaiks ! Look there ! Count Palfi has an empty glafs before him ! runner, (comes) The great fervice-cup is wanted, fir ; that rich gold cup with the Bohemian arms on it. The Count fays you know which it is,. MASTER OF THE CELLAR, Ay ! that was made for Frederick's coronation by the artifl William-— there was not fuch another prize in the whole booty at Prague. RUNNER. The fame ! — a health is to go round in him. master of the cellar, (Jkaking his head while he fetches and rinfes the cup.) This "will be fomething for the tale bearers — - this goes to Vienna. NEUMANN. Permit me to look at it. — Well, this is a cup s indeed ! How heavy ! as well it may be, being all gold.— And what neat things are embofs'd on it ! how natural and elegant they look ! — There, on .that foil quarter, let me fee. That proud Amazon there on horfeback, fhe that is taking a leap over the croiier and mitres, and carries on. a wand a hat together with a banner, on which there's a goblet repre- FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 107 reprefented. Can you tell ii\e what all this fig- nifies ? MASTER OF THE CELLAR. The woman whom you fee there on horfeback, is the Free Election of the Bohemian Crown, That is fignified by the round hat, and by that fiery fteed on which (he is riding. The hat is the pride of man; for he who cannot keep his hat on before J^ings and emperors is no free man. NEUMANN. But what is the cup there on the banner ? MASTER OF THE CELLAR. TJie cup fignifies the freedom of the Bohemian Church, as it was in our forefathers' times. Our forefathers in the wars of the Huffites forced from the Pope this noble privilege; for the Pope, you know, will not grant the cup to any layman. Your true Moravian values nothing beyond the cup ; it is his coftly jewel, and has coft the Bohe- mians their precious blood in many and many a battle. NEUMANN. And what fays that chart that hangs in the air there, over it all ? MASTER OF THE CELLAR. That fignifies the Bohemian letter roya!, whicln we forced from the Emperor Rudolph— a precious, never to be enough valued parchment, that fecures to the new Church the old privileges of free ring, xng and open pfalmocfy. But fince he of Steier- 3 mark 108 THE PICCOLOMINr, OR THE mark lias ruled over us, that is at an end ; and after the battle at Prague, in which Count Pala- tine Frederic loft crown and empire, our faith hangs upon the pulpit and the altar — and our brethren look at their homes over their fhoutders ; but the letter royal the Emperor himfelf cut to pieces with his fciffars. NEUMANN. Why, my good Mafter of the Cellar I you are deep read in the chronicles of your country ! MASTER OF THE CELLAR. So were my forefathers, and for that reafon were they minftrels, and ferved under Procopius anji Ziika. Peace be with their afjies J Well, well 1 they fought for a good caufe tho' — There 1 carry- it up [ NEUMANN. Stay ! let me but look at this fecond quarter. Look there ! That is, when at Prague Caftle the Imperial Counfellors, Martinitz and Stawata were hurt'd down head over heels. ' 'Tis even fo ! there ftands Count Thur who commands it. {Runner takes the fervice-ctcp 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 thoufand, fix hundred, and eighteen. It feems to me as it were but yefterday-— from that unlucky day it all began, all the heart-aches of the country. Since that day it is now fixteen years, and there has never once been peace on the earth. (Ilealty FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 109 (Health drank aloud at thefecond table.) The Prince of Weimar ! Hurra ! (At the third and fourth table.) Long live Prince William •' Long live Duke Bernard ! Hurra ' ( Mufic fir ikes up.) FIRST SERVANT. Hear'em • Hear'em ! What an uproaT ! second servant, (comes in running.) Did you hear ? They have drank the Prince of Weimar's health. THIRD SERVANT. The Swedifli Chief Commander ! first servant, (/peaking at the fame lime.) The Lutheran ! SECOND SERVANT. Juft before, when Count Deodate gave out the Emperor's health, they were all as mum as a nibbling moufe. -#• MASTER OF THE CELLAR. Po, po ! When the wine goes in, ftrange thing's come out. A good fervant hears, and hears not ! — You mould be nothing but eyes and feet, except when you're called to. SECOND SERVANT. (To the Runner, to whom he gives /ecretly a fia/k of wii&L keeping his eye on the Mafier of the Cellar, fianding between him and the Runner. ) Quick, Thomas' before the Matter of the Cellar 1IQ THE PlCCOLÖMlKl, OR THE Cellar looks this way— 'tis a fk'/k of Frontignac f — Snapp'd it up at the third table — Canft go off with it ? runner, (hides it in liis pocket.) All right I [Exit, the Second Servant. third servant, (q/ide, to theßrß.) 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 purpofe I am always having Some- thing to do behind Illo's chair. — He is the man for fpeeches to make you flare with ! Master of the cellar, {to Neumann.) Who, pray, may that fwarthy man be, he with the crofs, that is chatting fo confidentially with Efterhats ? NEUMANN. Ay ! he too is one of thofe to whom they con- fi4e too much. He calls himfelf Maradas, a Spaniard is he. master of the cellar, {impatiently.) Spaniard \ Spaniard ! — I tell you, friend ; nothing good comes of thofe Spaniards. All thefe outlandilh * fellows are little better than rogues. * There is a humour in the original which cannot be -given in the traiiflation. " Die tvelfchen alle," Sec. which word in claffical German means the Italians alone ; but in its firfl: fenfe, and at ptfefen? in the 'vulgar ufe of the word, fignifies foreigners in general. Our word wall-nuts, I fuppofe, means outlandifh jWjtS— «Wallse nue«s, in German " Welfch-nüfle." T. NEUMANN. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. Ill XEUMAXN. Fy, fy •' you mould not fay To, friend. There are among them our very beft generals, and thofe on whom the Duke at this iriöment relies the moft. AlA&TER OF THE CELLAR. [Taking the ßafk out of the Runner's pocket.) My fon, it will be broken to pieces in your pocket. ( Tertfky hurries in, fetches away the paper, and calls to a fervant for pen and ink, and goes to the back of 'the fi age.) master of the cellar, {to the fervants.) The Lieutenant-General Hands up. — Be on the watch. — Now ! They break up.- — Off, and move back the forms ! {They rife at all the tables, the fervants hurry off the front of the ß age to the tables ; part ' of the guefis come forward.) SCENE 112 THE PICCOLO-MINI," OK THE : v s.ce^e xiii. .-. ,: /- v&i Jcrt I: (Octavio Pic^c_OLpMi^i : enters in converfa- tion with Mar-ad as, find both place them- felves quite on the edgf of the fiage on one fide of the profcenium. On the fide directly oppofite, Max. Picgolomini, by himfelf, lofi in thought, and taking no part in any thing that is going forward. The middle fpace between both, but rather more difiant from the edge of the fiage, is filled up by Butler, Isolani, Goetz, Tiefen- bach, and Kolatto.) isolani. {while the company is coming forward!) Good night, good night, Kolatto ! Good night, Lieutenant-General ! — I fhould rather fay, good morning. goetz. {to TiefenbachJ) Noble brother ! {making the ufual compliment after meals.) TIEFENBACH. Ay I 'twas a royal feaft indeed. GOETZ. Yes, my Lady Countefs underftands thefe mat- ters. Her mother-in-law, heaven reft her foul,- taught her ! — Ah ! that was a houfewife for you ! tiefenbach. There was not her like in all Bohemia for fet ting out a table. octavio. {afide to Maradas.) Do me the favour to talk to me — talk of what you FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 113 you will — or of nothing. Only preferve the ap- pearance at leaft of talking. I would not wifh to (land by myfelf, and yet I conjecture that there will be goings on here worthy of our attentive obfervation. {He continues to fix his eye on the whole following fcene.) isoLANi. [on the point of gomg.) Lights ! lights ! tertsky. ( advances with the paper to Ifolani. ) Noble brother ! two minutes longer ! — Here is fomething to fubfcribe. ISOLANI. Subfcribe as much as you like — but you muft excufe 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 ! {Ifolani hands over the paper to Octavio, refpectfully . ) TEKTSKY. Nay, nay, firfl come firft ferved. There is no precedence here. {Octavio runs over the paper with apparent indifference. Tertflcy watches him atfome dißance.) goetz. {to Tert/ky.) Noble Count ! with your permiffion — Good night. tertsky. Where's the hurry ? Come, one other compofing draught, {to the ferv ants) — Ho ! i goetz. 1I4> THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE GOETZ. Excufe fne — an't able. TERTSKY. A thimble-full ! GOETZ. Excufe me. TIEFENBACH. (fits doWU.) Pardon me, nobles ! — This Handing does not agree with me. TERTSKY. Confult only your own convenience, General ! TIEFENBACH. Clear at head, found in ftomach — only my legs won't carry me any longer. i sol an i. (pointing at his corpulence.^ Poor legs ' how Jhould they ? Such an unmer- ciful load'-' {Octavio fubfcribes his name, and reaches over the paper to Tertßcy, who gives 'it to Ifolam'i and he goes to the table to fign his name.) TIEFENBACH. 'Twas that war in Pomerania that firft brought it on. Out in all weathers — ice and fnow — no help for it. — I (hall never get the better of it all the days of my life. GOETZ. Why, in fimple verity, your Swede makes no nice enquiries about the feafon. TERTSKY. (obferving Ifolani, whofe hand trem- bles excejfively, fo that he canfcarce direct his pen.) Have you had that ugly complaint long, noble brother ? — Difpatch it. ISO LAN*. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 115 ISOLANI. The fins of youth •' I have already tried the Chalybeate waters. Well — I muft bear it. {Tertfky gives the paper to Maradas; he fieps to the table to fubfcribe.) octavio. (advancing to Butler.) You are not over fond of the orgies of Bacchus, Colonel ! I have obferved it. You would, I think, find yourfeif more to your liking in the uproar of a battle, than of a feaft. BUTLER. I muft confefs, 'tis not in my way. octavio. (fiepping nearer to him friendlily .) Nor in mine either, I can allure you ; and I am not a little glad, my much honoured Colonel Butler, that we agree fo well in our opinions. A half dozen good friends at mod, at a fmall round table, a glafs of genuine Tokay, open hearts, and a rational converfation — that's my tafte ! BUTLER. And mine too, when it can be had. (The paper, comes to Tiefenbach, xoho glances over it at the fame time with Goetz and Kolatto. Mara- das in the mean time returns to Octavio, all this takes place, the converfation with Butler proceed- ing uninterrupted.) octavio. (introducing Maradas to Butler.) Don Balthafar Maradas ! likewife a man of our ftamp, and long ago your admirer. (Butler bozus) I 2 OCTAVI0, 116 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE o c t A v i o . (continuing.') You are a ftranger here — 'twas but yefterday you arrived j — you are ignorant of the ways and means here. 'Tis a wretched place — I know, at our age, one loves to be fnug and quiet — What if you moved your lodgings ? — Come, be my vifitor. {Butler makes a low bow.) Nay, with- out compliment ! — For a friend like you, I have flill a corner remaining. butler, {coldly.) Your obliged humble fervant, my Lord Lieu- tenant-General ! {The paper comes to Butler, ztho goes to the table to fubfcribe it. The front of the fiage is vacant, fo that both the Piccolo- minis, each on the fide where he had been from the commencement of the fcene, remain alone. octavio. {After having fome time ivatched his fon in filence, advances fomewhat nearer to him.) You were long abfent from us, friend ! MAX. I urgent bufinefs detained me. OCTAVIO. And, I obferve, you are flill abfent ! MAX. You know this croud and buftle always makes me lilent. octavio. {advancing fill nearer. ) May I be permitted to afk what the bufinefs was that detained you ? — Tertßy knows it without alking ! AI ax. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 117 MAX. What does Tertfky know ? OCTAVIO. He was the only one who did not mifs you. isolani. (who has been attending to them from Jörne dißance, fieps up.) Well done, father ! Rout out his baggage ! Beat up his quarters ! There is fomething there that mould not be. tertsky. (with the paper.) Is there none wanting ? Have the whole fub- fcribed ? OCTAVIO. All. tertsky. (calling aloud.) Ho ! Who fubfcribes ? butler, (to TertJIcy.) Count the names. There ought to be juft thirty. tertsky. Here is a crofs. tiefenbach. That's my mark. isolani. He cannot write ; but his crofs is a good crofs, and is honoured by Jews as well as Chriftians. octavio. (prejjes on to Max.) Come, General ! let us go. It is late. tertsky. One Piccolomini only has figned. isolani. fpoin ting to Max. ) Look ! that is your man, that flatue there, who i 3 has 113 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE has had neither eye, ear, nor tongue for us the whole evening. (Max. receives the paper from Tertßy, which he looks upon vacantly.) SCENE XIV. (To thefe enter Illo from the inner room. He has in his hand the golden fervice-cup i and is extremely diflempered zvith drinking : Goetz and Butler fo How him, endeavouring to keep him back.) illo. What do you want ? Let me go. goetz and butler. Drink no more, Illo ! For heav'n's fake, drink no more. illo. (goes up to Octavio, and fliakes him cor- dially by the hand, and then drinks.) Octavio ! I bring this to you ! Let all grudge be drowned in this friendly bowl ! I know well enough, ye never loved me — Devil take me ! — and I never loved you ! — I am always even with people in that way ! — Let what's paft be paft — that is, you underftand — forgotten! , I efteem you infinitely, [embracing him re- peatedly.) You have not a dearer friend on earth than I — but that you know. The fellow that cries rogue to you calls me villain — and I'll ftrangle him ! — my dear friend J tertsky. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 119 tertsky. (whifpering to him.) Art in thy fenfes ? For heaven's fake, Illo - think where you, are. illo. {aloud.) What do you mean? — There are none but friends here, are there ? [looks round the whole circle 'with a jolly and triumphant air.) Not a meeker among us, thank heaven • tertsky. [to Butler, eagerly.) Take him off with you, force him off, I entreat you, Butler! BUTLER. (to Illo.) Field Marfhal ! a word with you. (leads him to the fide-board.) illo. (cordially.) A thoufand for one? Fill — Fill it once more up to the brim. — To this gallant man's health ! isolani. (to Max. who all the zvhile has been flaring on the paper with fixed but vacant eyes.) Slow and fure, my noble brother ! — Haft parfed it all yet ?— Some .words yet to go thro' ? — Ha?— > max. (xvakuig as from a dream.) What am I to do ? tertsky, and at the fame time isolani. Sign your name. (Octavio directs his eyes on him with intenfe anxiety.) max. (returns the paper.) Let it ftay till to-morrow. It is bufinefs— to-day I am not fufficiently colle&ed. Send it to me to-morrow. i 4 tertsky. 120 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE TERTSKY. Nay, colled yourfelf a little. ISOLANI. Awake, man ! awake ! — Come, thy fignature, and have done with it ! What ? Thou art the youngeft in the whole company, and wouldeft be wifer than all of us together ? Look there ! thy father has figned — we have all figned. TERTSKY. (to Octaviff.) life your influence. Inftruct him. > OCTAVIO. My fon is at the age of difcretion. illo. (leaves the fervice-cnp on the fide-board.) What's the difpute ? TERTSKY. He declines fubfcribing the paper. MAX. I fay, it may as well flay till to-morrow. .ILLO. It cannot flay. We have all fubfcribed to it — ■ and fo muft you. — You rnuft fubfcribe. MAX. Illo, good night ! ILLO. No ! — You come not off fo ! The Duke mail learn who are his friends, (all collect round Illo and Max.) MAX. What my fentiments are towards the Duke, the Duke knows, every one knows — what need of this wild fluff? ILLO. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 121 ILLO. This is the thanks the Duke gets for his par- tialty to Italians and foreigners. — Us Bohemians he holds for little -better than dullards — nothing pleafes him but what's outlandifh. tertsk y. (in extreme embarrajjment> to the com* ■ manders, who at IlWs words gave a fudden ßart y as preparing to refent them.) It is the wine that fpeaks, and not his reafon. Attend not to him, I entreat you. i so lan i. {with a bitter laugh.) Wine invents nothing ; it only tattles. ILLO. He who is not with me is againft me. Your tender confciences ! Unlefs they can flip out by a back-door, by a puny provifo tertsky. {interrupting him.) He is ftark mad — don't liften to him ! ILLO. (raifing his voice to' the higheß pitch.) Unlefs they can flip out by a provifo. — What of the provifo ? The devil take this provifo 1 max, (has his attention roufed, and looks again into the paper.) What is there here then of fuch perilous im- port ? You make me curious — I mull look clofer at it. tertsky. (in a low voice to lib.) - What are you doing, Ulo ? You are ruining us« TIEFENBACH. (to KolattO.) Ay, ay ! I obferved, that before we fat down to fupper, it was read differently. GOETZ 122 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE GOETZ. Why, I Teemed to think fo too. ISOLANI. What do T care for that ? Where there Hand other names, mine can ftand too. TIEFENBACH. Before fupper there zuas a certain provifo there- in, or fhort claufe concerning our duties to the Emperor. butler, (to one of the commanders.) For fhame, for fhame ! Bethink you. What is the main bufinefs here ? The queftion now is, whether we fhall keep our General, or let him retire. One muft not take thefe things too nicely and over-fcrupuloully. isolani. (to one of the genera Is. ) Did the Duke make any of thefe provifoes when he gave you your regiment ? TERTSKY. (to GoetX.) Or when he gave you the office of army-pur- veyancer, which brings you in yearly a thoufand piftoles ! ILLO. He is a rafcal who makes us out to be rogues. If there be any one that wants fatisfaclion, let him fay fo. — I am his man. TIEFENBACH. Softly, foftly ! 'Tvvas but a word or two. * mas. {having read the paper gives it back-) Till to-morrow therefore ! ILLO. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 123 ILLO. (flammering with rage and fury, lofes all command over hhnfelf and prefents the paper to Max. with one hand, and his /word in the other.) Subfcribe — Judas ! ISOLANI. Out upon you, Iilo ! octavio, tertsky, butler, (all together.) Down with the fword ! max. (rujhes on him fuddenly and difarms him, then to Count Tertjky.) Take him off to bed. (Max. leaves the fl age. Illo curfing and raving is held back by fome of the officers, and amidfi an univerfal confufion the curtain drops. END OF ACT II. ACT III 124 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE ACT III. Scene a Chamber in PiccolominV s Manfion. — ■ It is Night. SCENE I. Octavio Piccolomini. A Valet de Chambre, zvith Lights. OCTAVIO. N And when my fon 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 undrefs. You may retire to fleep. [Exit Valet. Octavio paces, mußng> acrofs the chamber. Max. Piccolomini enters unob- served, and looks at his father for fome mo- ments infilence. MAX. Art thou offended with me ? Heav'n knows That odious bufmefs was no fault of mine. 'Tis FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 125 'Tis true, indeed, I faw thy fignature. What thou hadft fan&ion'd, fhould not, it might feem, Have come amifs to me. But — 'tis my nature — Thou know'ft, that in fuch matters I mud follow My own light, not another's. oct avio. (goes up to him, and embraces him.) Follow it, O follow it ftill further, my beft fon ! To night, dear boy ! it hath more faithfully Guided thee than th' example of thy father. MAX. Declare thyfelf lefs darkly. OCTAVIO. I will do fo. For after what has taken place this night, There muft remain no fecrets 'twixt us two. (Both feat them/elves.) Max. Piccolomini ! what think'ft thou of The oath that was fent round for fignatures? MAX. I hold it for a thing of harmlefs import, Altho' I love not thefe fet declarations. OCTAVIO. And on no other ground hadft thou refus'd The fignature they fain had wrefted from thee ? MAX. It was a ferious bufinefs 1 was abfent — The affair itfelf feem'd not fo urgent to me. OCTAVIO. Be open, Max. Thou hadft then no fufpicion ? 5 MAX, 126 THE PICCOLOMINI, O.R THE ■ v MAX. Sufpicion ! what fufpicion ? Not the leaft. : . OCTAVIO. Thank thy good angel, Piccolomihi ; He drew thee back unconfcious from the abyfs. MAX. I know not what thou meaneft. OCTAVIO. I will tell thee. Fain would they have extorted from thee, fon, The fanction of thy name to villainy; Yea, with a fingle flouriih of thy pen, Made thee renounce thy duty and thy honour ! max. (r if es J Octavio ! OCTAVIO. Patience !■— Seat yourfelf. Much yet Haft thou to hear from me, friend ! — haft for years Liv'd in incomprehenfible illufion. Before thine eyes is Treafon drawing out As black a web as e'er was fpun from venom : A power of hell o'erclouds thy underftanding. I dare no longer ftand in filence — dare No longer fee thee wandering ©n in darknefs, Nor pluck the bandage from thine eyes. MAX. My father ! Yet, ere thou fpeak'ft, a moment's paufe of thought! If your difclofures mould appear to be Conjectures only — and almoft Lfear They FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 127 They will be nothing further — fpare them ! I Am not in that collected mood at prefent, That I could Üften to them quietly. OCTAVIO. The deeper caufe thou haft to hate this light, The more impatient caufe have I, my fon, To force it on thee. To the innocence And wifdom of thy heart I could have trufted thee With calm affurance — but I fee the net Preparing — and it is thy heart itfelf Alarms me for thine innocence — that fecret, (fixing his eye fiedfafily on his fon s face) Which thou concealeft, forces mine from me. (Max. attempts to anfwer, but hefitates, and - cafis his eyes to the ground embarrafed.) octavio. (after a paufej ' Know, then, they are duping thee ! — a mofl foul game With thee and with us all — nay, hear me calmly — ' The Duke even now is playing. He aflumes The maik, as .if he would forfake the army; And in this moment makes he preparations That army from the Emperor — to ßeal, And carry it over to the enemy ! MAX. That low Prieil's legend I know well, but did not Expect to hear it from thy mouth. OCTAVIO. That mouth, From which thou hear'fl it at this prefent moment, Doth warrant thee that it is no Prieft's legend. 4 MAX. 128 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE MAX. How mere a maniac they fuppofe the Duke ! What, he can meditate? — the Duke? — can dream That he can lure away full thirty thoufand Tried troops and true, all honourable foldiers, More than a thoufand noblemen among them, From oaths, from duty, from their honour lure them, And make them all unanimous to do A deed that brands them fcoundrels ? OCTAVIO. Such a deed, With fuch a front of infamy, the Duke No ways defires — what he requires of us Bears a far gentler appellation. Nothing He wifhes, but to give the Empire peace. And fo, becaufe 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 ihould think fo vilely of him? OCTAVIO. What we would think is not the queftion here. The affair ipeaks for itfelf — and cleared proofs I Hear me, my Ion — 'tis not unknown to thee, In what ill credit with the Court we ftand. But little doft thou know, or guefs, what tricks, What FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 129 What bafe intrigues, what lying artifices, Have been employ'd — for this fole end — to fow Mutiny in the camp ! All bands are loos'd — Loos'd all the bands, that link the officer To his liege Emperor, all that bind the foldier Affectionately to the citizen. Lawlefs he ftands, and threat'ningly beleaguers The flate he's bound to guard. To fuch a height 'Tis fwoln, that at this hour the Emperor Before his armies — his own armies — trembles 3 Yea, in his capital, his palace, fears The traitors' 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. Ceafe, ceafe ! thou tortur'ft, (hatter'ft me. I know That oft we tremble at an empty terror; But the falfe phantafm brings a real mifery. OCTAVIO. It is no phantafm. An interline war, Of all the moft unnatural and cruel, Will burft out into flames, if inftantly We do not fly and flifle it. The Generals Are many of them long ago won over; The fubalterns are vacillating — whole Regiments and garrifons are vacillating. To foreigners our ftrong holds are entrufted ; To that fufpcdled Schafgotch is the whole Force of Silefia given up;, to Tertlky k Five i 30 THE PftCOLOMINI, OR THE Five regiments, foot and horfe — to Ifolani, To Illo, Kiniky, Butler, the beft troops. MAX. Likewife to b0th of us. OCTAVIO. Becaufe the Duke Believes he has fecur'd us — means to lure us Still further on by fplendid promifes. To me he portions forth the princedoms, Glatz- And Sagan ; and too plain I fee the angel With which he doubts not to catch thee. MAX. No ! no ! I tell thee- — no ! OCTAVIO. O open yet thine eyes ! And to what purpofe think'ft thou he has call'd us Hither to Pillen ? — To avail himfelf Of our advice?— O when did Friedland ever Need our advice ? — Be calm, and liilen to me. To fell ourfelves are we call'd hither, and Decline we that — to be his hoftages. Therefore doth noble Galas ftand aloof; Thy father, too, thou would'ft not have feen here, If higher duties had not held him fetter'd. MAX. He makes no fecret of it — needs make none — That we're call'd hither for his fake — he owns it. He needs our aidance to maintain himfelf — He did fo much for us ; and 'tis but fair That we too fhould do fomewhat now for him. OCTAVIO. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTElN". IS I OCTAVIO. And know'ft thou what it is which we müft do? That Illo's drunken mood betray'd it to thee. Bethink thyfelf— what haft thou heard, what feen? The counterfeited paper — the omiffion Of that particular claufe, fo 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. Thefe underhand Traders in great mens' interefts ever ufe To urge and hurry all things to the extreme. They fee the Duke at variance with the Courtj And fondly think to ferve him, when they widen The breach irreparably. Truft me, father, TJie Duke knows nothing of all this. OCTAVIO. It grieves me That I muft dafh to earth, that I muft (hatter A faith fo fpecious; but I may not fpare thee ! For this is not a time for tendernefs. Thou muft take meafures, fpeedy ones — muft ad. I therefore will confefs to thee, that all Which I've entrufted to thee now — that all Which feems to thee fo unbelievable, That—yes, I will tell thee— fa paufeJ—Mz*. I I had it all From his own mouth — from the Duke's mouth I had it. K 2 MAX. 132 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE max. (in exceffive agitation J No ! — no ! — never ! OCTAVIO. Himfelf confided to me What I, 'tis true, had long before difcover'd By other means — himfelf confided to me, That 'twas his fettled plan to join the Swedes ; And, at the head of the united armies, Compel the Emperor MAX. He is paflionate. The Court has flung him — he is fore all over With injuries and affronts; and in a moment Of irritation, what if he, for once, Forgot himfelf ? He's an impetuous man. OCTAVIO. Nay, in cold blood he did confefs this to me ; And having conftrued my aftonifhment Into a fcruple of his power, he fliew'd me His written evidences — fliew'd me letters, Both from the Saxon and the Swede, that gave Promife of aidance, and defin'd th' amount. MAX. It cannot be ! — can not be ! — can not be ! Dofl thou not fee, it cannot ! Thou would eft of neceffity have (hewn him Such horror, fuch deep loathing — that or he Had tak'n thee for his better genius, or Thou ftood'ft not now a living man before me- OCTAVIO. I have laid open my objections to him, Ditfuaded him with prefiing earneftnefsj FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 133 But my abhorrence, the full fentiment Of my whole heart — that I have ftill kept facred To my own confcioufnefs. MAX. And thou haft been So treacherous ? That looks not like my father ! I trufted not thy words, when thou didft tell me Evil of him; much lefs can I now do it, That thou calumniatell thy own felf. OCTAVIO. I did not thruft myfelf into his fecrefy. MAX. Uprightnefs merited his confidence. OCTAVIO. He was no longer worthy of fincerity. MAX. Diffimulatton, fure, was ftill lefs worthy Of thee, Oftavio ! OCTAVIO. Gave I him a caufe To entertain a fcruple of my honour ? MAX. That he did not, evinc'd his confidence. OCTAVIO. Dear fon, it is not always poffible Still to preferve that infant purity Which the voice teaches in our inmoft heart. Still in alarm, for ever on the watch Againft the wiles of wicked men, e'en Virtue Will fometimes bear away her outward robes Soil'd in the wreftle with Iniquity. k 3 This 134 THE PICCOLOMINi, OR THE This is the curfe of every evil deed, That, propagating ftiil,-it brings forth evil. J do not cheat my better foul with fophifms: I but perform my orders; the Emperor Prefcribes my conduct to me. Deareft boy, Far better were it, doubtlefs, if we ail Obey'd the heart at all times; but fo doing, In this our prefent fojourn with bad men, We muft abandon many an honeft object. 'Tis now our call to ferve the Emperor, By what means he can belt be ferv'd — the heart May whifper what it will — this is our call ! MAX. It feems a thing appointed, that to-day I mould not comprehend, not understand thee. The Duke, thou fay 'ft, did honeftly pour out His heart to the$ but for an evil purpofe; And thou difhoneffiy hail cheated him For a good purpofe ! Silence, I entreat thee — My friend thou ftealeft not from me-~ Let me not lofe my father 1 octavio. (fupprejfing reftntment) As yet thou know'ft not all, my fon. I have Yet fomewhat to difclofe to thee. (After a paufe) Duke Friedland Hath made his preparations. He relies Upon his ftars. He deems us unprovided, And thinks to fail upon us by furprize. Yea, in his dream of hope, he grafps already The golden circle in his hand. He errs. 4 We FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 135 We too have been in adHon- — he but grafps His evil fate, moft evil, moft myfterious ! MAX. O nothing rafh, my tire ! By all that's good Let me invoke thee — no precipitation ! OCTAVIO. With light tread ftole he on his evil way, And" light of tread hath Vengeance ftole on after him. Unfeen fhe ftands already, dark behind him — But one ftep more — he (hudders in her grafp ! — Thou haft feen Queftenberg with me. As yet Thou know'ft but his oftenfible commimon — He brought with him a private one, my fon ! And that was for me only. max. - May I know it ? qctavio. ( feizes the patent.) Maxl (A panfe.) -In this difclofure place I in thy hands The Empire's welfare and thy father's life. Dear to thy inmoft heart is Wallenftein: A powerful tie of love, of veneration, Hath knit thee to him from thy earlieft youth. Thou riourifheft the wijh — O let me ftill Anticipate thy loitering confidence ! The hope thou nourifheft to knit thyfelf Yet clofer to him--r^— K 4 MAX. 136 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE MAX. Father- OCTAVIO. O my Ton ! I truft thy heart undoubtingly. But am I Equally fure of thy collectednefs ? Wilt thou be able, with calm countenance, To enter this man's prefence, when that I Have trufted to thee his whole fate ? MAX. According As thou doft truft me, father, with his crime. (Octavio takes a paper out of his efcrutoire, and gives it to him.) MAX. What ? how M* a full Imperial patent ! OCTAVIO. Read it. max. (jufl glances on it) Duke Friedland fentenc'd and condemn'd \ OCTAVIO. Even fo. max. (throws down the paper) O this is too much ! — O unhappy error ! OCTAVIO. Read on. Collefl thyfelf. max. (after he has read further ■, with a look of affright and afionifhment on his father) . How ! — what ! — Thou ! — thou ! OCTAVIO. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 137 OCTAVIO. But for the prefent moment, till the King Of Hungary may fafely join the army, Is the command aflign'd to me. MAX. And think' ft thou, Doft thou believe, that thou wilt tear it from him? O never hope it' — Father! father' father! An inaufpicious office is.enjoin'd thee. This paper here — this ! and wilt thou enforce it? The mighty, in the middle of his hoft, Surrounded by his thoufands, him would'ft thou Difarm — degrade ! Thou art loft, both thou and all of us. OCTAVIO. What hazard I incur thereby, I know. In the great hand of God I ftand. The Almighty Will cover with his (hield the Imperial houfe, And matter, in his wrath, the work of darknefs. The Emperor hath true fervants ftill; and, even Here in the camp, there are enough brave men, Who for the good caufe will fight gallantly. The faithful have been warn'd — the dangerous Are clofely watch'd. I wait but the firft ftep, And then immediately-- Immediately MAX. What ! on fufpicion ? OCTAVIO. The Emperor is no tyrant. The deed alone he'll punifli, not the wifli. The 138 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE The Duke hath yet his deftiny in his power. Let him but leave the treafqn uncompleted, He will be filently difplac'd from office, And make way to his Emperor's royal Ton. An honourable exile to his caftles Will be a benefaction to him rather Than punifliment. But the firft open ftep-^ MAX. What call'ft thou Tuch a ftep ? A wicked fiep Ne'er will he takej but thou might 'ft cülü\}\ Yea, thou haft done it, mifinterpret him. octavio. Nay, howfoever punifhable were Duke Friedland's purpofes, yet ftill the fteps Which he hath taken openly, permit A mild conftru&ion. It is my intention To leave this paper wholly uninforc'd Till fome ad is committed which convicts him Of an high-treafon, without doubt or plea., And that mal] fentence him. MAX. But who the judge ? OCTAVIO. Thyfelf. MAX. Forever, then, this paper will lie idle. OCTAVIO. Too foon, I fear, its powers mud all be prov'd. After the counter-promife of this evening, It cannot be but he muft deem himfelf Secure FIRST FART OF WALLENSTEIN. 13£ Secure of the majority with us; And of the army's general fentiment He hath ä pleafing proof in that petition Which thou deliver' ft to him from the regiments. Add this to© — I have letters that the Rhinegrave Hath chang'd his route, and travels by forced marches To the Bohemian Foreft. What this purports, Remains unknown; and, to confirm fufpicion, This night a Swedifh nobleman arriv'd here. MAX. I have thy word. Thou'lt not proceed to action Before thou haft convinc'd me — me myfelf. OCTAVIO. Is it poffible ? Still, after all thou know'ft, Canft thou believe {till in his innocence? max. (with enthußafm) Thy judgment may miftake: my heart can not. (moderates his voice and manner) Thefe reafons might expound thy fpirit or mine ; But they expound not Friedland— -I have faith : For as he knits his fortunes to the ftars, Even fo doth he referable them in fecret, Wonderful, ftill inexplicable courfes ! Trull me, they do him wrong. All will be folv'd. Thefe fmok-es., at once, will kindle into flame — The edges of this black and ftormy cloud Will brighten fuddenly, and we mall view The Unapproachable glide out in fplendour. OCTAVIO. I will await i^, SCENE 140 THE PICCOlÖMINI, OR THE SCENE II. Octavio and Max. as before. To them the Valet of the Chamber. OCTAVIO. How now, then ? VALET. A difpatch is at the door. OCTAVIO. So early ? From whom comes he then ? Who is it-? VALET. That he refus'd to tell me. OCTAVIO. Lead him in : And, hark you — let it not tranfpire. [Exit Valet — the Cornet fleps in. OCTAVIO. Ha! Cornet — is it you? and from Count Galas ? Give me your letters. CORNET. The Lieutenant-general Trufted it not to letters. OCTAVIO. And what is it ? CORNET. He bade me tell you — Dare I fpeak openly here ? OCTAVIO. My fon knows all. CORNET. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 141 CORNET. We have him. OCTAVIO. Whom? CORNET. Sejina, The old negociator, octavio. (eagerly) And you have him ? cornet. In the Bohemian Foreft Captain Mohrbrand Found and fecur'd him yefter morning early: He was proceeding then to Regenfpurg, And on him were difpatches for the Swede. OCTAVIO. And the difpatches cornet. The Lieutenant-general Sent them that inftant to Vienna, and The prifoner with them. OCTAVIO. This is, indeed, a tiding! That fellow is a precious cafket to us, Enclofing weighty things. — Was much found on him? CORNET. I^think, fix packets, with Count Tertiky's arms. OCTAVIO. None in the Duke's own hand ? C CORNET. 142 THE PICCOLOMIN1, OR THE CORNET. Not that I know. OCTAVIO. And oldSefina? CORNET. He was forely frighten 'd, When it was told him he muft to Vienna. But the Count Altringer bade him take heart, Would he but make a full and free confeffion. OCTAVIO. Is Altringer then with your Lord ? I heard That he lay fick at Linz. CORNET. Thefe three days pafl He's with my mafter, the Lieutenant-general, At Frauemburg. Already have they fixty Small companies together, chofen men: Refpectfully they greet you with aflurances, That they are only waiting your commands. OCTAVIO. In a few days may great events take place. And when muft you return ? CORNET. I wait your orders. OCTAVIO. Remain till evening. (Comet fignifies his affent and obeifance, and is going.) OCTAVIO. No one faw you — ha ? CORNET. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 145 CÖRftEf. No living creature. Thro' the cloifter wicket The Capuchins, as ufual, let me in. OCTAVTÖ. Go, reft your limbs, and keep yoürfelf cOnceal*d. I hold it probable, that yet ere evening I mall dilpatch you. The developement Of this affair approaches : ere the day, That even now is dawning in the heaven, Ere this eventful day hath fet, the lot That muft decide our fortunes will be drawn. [Exit Cornet. SCENE III. Octavio and Max. Piccolomi ni. octavio. Well — and what now, fon ? All will foon be clear ; For all, I'm certain, went thro' that Sefina. MAX. {Who through the whole of the foregoing fcene has been in a violent and vifible flruggle of feelings ; at length fiarts as ont refolved) I will procure me light a fliorter way. JFarewell. OCTAVIO. Where now ? — Remain here. MAX. To the Duke. OCTAVIO. 144» THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE octavio. (alarmed) What max. (returning) If thou haft believ'd that I (hall ad A part in this thy play Thou haft mifcalculated on me grievoufly. My way rauft be ftraight on. True with the tongue, Falfe with the heart — I may not, cannot be ; Nor can I fufTer that a man mould truft me — As his friend truft me — and then lull my confcience With fuch low pleas as thefe : — " I afk'd him not — He did it all at his own hazard — and My mouth has never lied to him." — No, no ! What a friend takes me for, that I muft be. — I'll to the Duke j ere yet this day is ended Will I demand of him that he do fave His good name from the world, and with one ftride Break through and rend this fine-fpun web of your's. He can, he will! — / ftill am his believer. Yet I'll not pledge myfelf, but that thofe letters May furnifh you, perchance, with proofs againft him. How far may not this Tertiky have proceeded — What may not he himfelf too have permitted jrjimfelf to do, to fnare the enemy, The laws of war excufing ? Nothing, fave His own mouth fhall convict him — nothing lefs 1 And face to face will I go queftion. him. OCTAVIO. Thou wilt ? MAX. F7ÄST PART OF WALLENSTEI&. 145 mAx. I will, as fure as this heart beats. OCTAVIO. I have, indeed, mifcalcüläted on thee. I calculated on a prudent fon, Who would have bleft the hand beneficent That pluck'd him back from the abyfs— and lo ! A fafcinated being I difcovef, Whom his two eyes befool, whom paflion wilders, Whom not the broadeft light of noon can heal. Go, queftion hirii !- — Be mad enough, I pray thee. The purpofe of thy father, of thy Emperor, Go, give it up free booty ! — Force me, drive me To an open breach before the time. And now, Now that a miracle of heaven had guarded My fecret purpofe even to this hour, And laid to fleep Sufpicion's piercing eyes, Let me have liv'd to fee that mine own fon, With frantic enterprife, annihilates My toilfome labours and ftate-pplicy. max. Aye — this ftate-policy f O how I curfe it ! "You will fome time, with your ftate-policy, Compel him to the meafure : it may happen, 'Becaufe ye are determined that he is guilty, Guilty ye'll make him. All retreat cut off, You clofe up every outlet, hem him in Narrower and narrower, till at length ye force him — Yes, ye, — ye force him, in his defperation, To fet fire to his prifon. — Father! father! That never can end well — it cannot — will not ! l And 146 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE And let it be decided as it may, I fee with boding heart the near approach Of an ill-ftarr'd, unbleft cataftrophe. For this great Monarch-fpirit, if he fall, Will drag a world into the ruin with him. And as a fhip (that midway on the ocean Takes fire) at once, and with a thunder-burft Explodes, and with itfelf (hoots out its crew In fmoke and ruin betwixt fea and heaven j So will he, falling, draw down in his fall All us, who're fix'd and mortic'd to his fortune. Deem of it what thou wilt ; but pardon me, That 1 muft bear me on in my own way. All muft remain pure betwixt him and me; And, ere the day light dawns, it muft; be known Which I muft lofe — my father, or my friend. {During his exit the curtain drops.) £ND 0P act in. ACT FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 147 ACT IV. Scene a Room fitted up for afirological Labours, and. provided with celeßial Charts, with Globes, Tele/copes, Quadrants, and other mathematical • Infiruments. — Seven Coloffal Figures, ?*epre- fenting the Planets, each with a tranf parent Star of a different Colour on its Head, fand in a Semi- circle in the Back-ground, fo that Mars and Saturn are neareß the Eye.— The Remainder of the Scene, and its Difpofition, is given in the Fourth Scene of the Second Act. — There muß be a Curtain over the Figures, which may be dropped, and conceal them on Occafions. " [I?i the Fifth Scene of this Act it muß be dropped-, but, in the Seventh Scene, it muß be again . drawn up wholly or in part. \ SCENE I. 'allenstein fl/ a black Table, on which a Speculum Aßrologicum is defcribed with Chalk. Seni is taking Obfervations through a Window. WALLENSTEIN. idl well — and now let it be ended, Seni. — Come, [fhe dawn commences, and Mars rules the hour. l 2 • We 148 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE We mud give o'er the operation. Come, We know enough. SENI. Your Highnefs muft permit me Juft to contemplate Venus. She's now rifing: Like as a fun, fo (hines me in the eaft. .WALLENSTEIN. She is at prefent in her perigee, And moots down now her ftrongeft influences. (Contemplating the figure on the table.) Aufpicious afped: ! fateful in conjunction, At length the mighty three corradiatej And the two ftars of blefling, Jupiter And Venus, take between them the malignant Slily-malicious Mars, and thus compel Into my fervice that old mifchief-founder : For long he view'd me hoftilely, and ever With beam oblique» or perpendicular, Now in the Quartile, now in the Secundan, Shot his red lightnings at my ftars, difturbing Their blefled influences and fweet afpe&s. Now they have conquer'd the old enemy, And bring him in the heavens a prifoner to me. seni. [u)ho has come down from the window) And in a corner houfe, your Highnefs — 4hink that ! That makes each influence of double ftrength. -, WALLENSTEIN. And fun and moon, too, in the Sextile afpect, The foft light with the veh'ment — ib. I lqve it. • Sot FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 14# Sol is the hearty Luna the head of heaven. Bold be the plan, fiery the execution. SENI. And both the mighty Lumina by no Maleficus affronted. Lo! Saturnus, Innocuous, powerlefs, in cadente Domo. WALLENSTEIN. The empire of Saturnus is gone by: Lord of the fecret birth of things is he; Within the lap of earth, and in the depths Of the imagination dominates ; And his are all things that efchew the light. The time is o'er of brooding and contrivance ; For Jupiter, the luftrous, lordeth now, And the dark work, complete of preparation, He draws by force into the realm of light. Now muft we haften on to action, ere The fcheme, and moft aufpicious poiiture Parts o'er my head, and takes once more its flight ; For the heavens journey Hill, and fojourn not. ( There are knocks at the door) There's fome one knocking there. See who it is. tertsky. (from without) Open, and let me in. WALLENSTEIN. Aye — 'tis Tertfky. What is there of-fuch urgence ? We are bufy. tertsky. (from without) Lay all afide at prefent, I entreat you. It fuffers no delaying. Tu 3 WALLENSTEIN. 150 - THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE WALLENSTEIN. Open, Seni ! ( While Seni opens the door for Tert/ky, Wallen- fiein draws the curtain over thefgures. tertsky. (enters) Haft thou already heard it ? He is taken. Galas has giv'n him up to the Emperor. [Seni draws off the black table, and exit. SCENE II. < WALLENSTEIN... COUNT TERTSKY,. • i i wallenstein. ( to Tertßy ) Who has been taken ?— Who is given up ? TERTSKY. The man who knows our fecrets, who knows every Negociation with the Swede and Saxon, Thro' whofe hands all and every thing has pafs'd — wALLENsfEiN. [drawing back) Nay, not Sefina? — Say, No! I entreat thee. TERTSKY. All on his road for Regenfpürg tö the Swede He was plung'd down upon by Galas' agent* Who had been long in ambufh* lurking for him. There muft'have been found on him my whole • packet > To Thur, to Kinfky_, to Oxenftirn, to Arnheim : All this is in their hands ; they have now an infight Into the whole — -our meafures, and our motives. SCENE FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 151 SCENE III. To them enters Illo. illo. {to Tertjky) Has he heard it ? TERTSKY. f f He has heard it. illo. (to Wallenfiein) Think'ft thou ftill To make thy peace with the Emp'ror, to regain! His confidence ? — E'en were it now thy wifli To abandon all thy plans, yet ftill they know What thou haft wifh'd ; then forwards thou muft prefs ; Retreat is now no longer in thy power. TERTSKY. They have documents againft us, and in hands, Which fhew beyond all power of contradiction — *. WALLENSTEIN. Of my hand-writing — no iota. Thee I punifh for thy lies. ILLO. And thou believ'fl That what this man, that what thy filler's hufband, Did in thy name, will not fland on thy reck'ning? His word muft pafs for thy word with the Swede, And not with thofe that hate thee at Vienna. TERTSKY. In writing thou gav'ft nothing — But bethink thee, How far thou ventured'ft by word of mouth l 4 ' • With 152 THE PICCO^DMINI, OR THE With this Sefina ? And will he be filent ? If he can fave himfelf by yielding up Thy fecret purpofes, will he retain them ? . ILLO. Thyfelf doft not conceive ;t poffible; And fincethey now have -evidence authentic How far thou haft already gone, fpeak ! — tell us, What art thou waiting for ? Thou canft no longer Keep thy command ; and beyond hope of refcue Thou'rt loft, if thou refign'ft it. WALLENSTEIN. In the army Lies my fecurity. The army will not Abandon me. Whatever they may know, The power is mine, and they muft gulp it down.— - And fubftitute I caution for my fealty, They muß be fatisfied, at leaft appear fo. ... ILLO. The army, Duke, is thine now — for this moment — 'Tis thine : but think with terror on the flow, The quiet power of time. From open yi'lence The attachment of thy foldiery fecures thee To-day — to-morrow ; but grant'ft thou them a reipite, Unheard, unfeen, they'll undermine that love On which thou now doft feel fo firm a footing, - With wily theft will draw away from thee One after th' other WALLENS.TEIN. 'Tis a-curfed accident- ! ILLO. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 153 ILLO. O I will call it a moft blefled one, If it work on thee as it ought to do, Hurry thee on to a&ion— to decifion-^ The Swedifh General WALLENSTEIN. He's arriv'd i^-Know'fl thou What his commiflion is H ILLO. To thee alone Will he. entruft the purpofe of his coming. WALLENSTEIN. A curfed, curfed accident !— Yes, yes, Sefina knows too much, and won't be filent. TERTSKY. He's a Bohemian fugitive and, rebel, His neck is forfeit. Can he fave himfelf At thy coft, think you he will fcruple it ? And if they put him to the torture, will he, Will he, that daftardling, have ftrength enough — WALLENSTEIN, (lofi in thought) Their confidence is loft— -irreparably ! And I may a<5t what way I will, I (hall Be and remain for ever in their thought A traitor to my country. How fincerely Soever I return back to my duty, It will no longer help me ILLO. | Ruin thee, That it will do! Not thy fidelity, Thy weaknefs will be deem'd the fole occafion^- WALLENSTfilN. J54f THE PICCOLOMINIjOR THE • wallenstein, f pacing up and down in ex- treme agitation) What I I muft realize it now in earneft, Becaufe I toy'd too freely with the thought? Accurfed he who dallies with a devil ! And muft I — I muß realize it now — Now, while I have the power, it muß take place ? ILLO. Now — now — ere they can ward and parry it \ wallen stein, (looking at the paper of fig- natures) I have the General's words — a written promife \ Max. Piccolomini ftands not here — how's that ? tertsky. It was — —he fancied ; i'llo. Mere felf-willednefs. There needed no fuch thing 'twixt him and you. WALLENSTEIN. He is quite right — there needeth no fuch thing. The regiments, too, deny to march for Flanders- — Have fent me in a paper of remonftrance, And openly refill the Imperial orders. The firfb ftep to revolt 's already taken, illo. Believe me, thou wilt find it far more eafy To lead them over to the enemy ' Than to the Spaniard. wallenstein. I will hear, however 3 What the Swede has to fay to. me.* ILLO. fclRSr PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 155 illo. {eagerly to Tertßy.) Go, call him.' He Hands without the dcor in waiting. WALLENSTEIN. Stay ! Stay yet a little. It hath taken me All by furprize, — it came too quick upon me - 3 'Tis wholly novel, that an accident, With its dark lordfhip, and blind agency, Should force me on with it. ILLO. / Firft hear him only, -And after weigh it. [Exeunt Tertßy and Illo. SCENE IV. Wallenstein, (infoliloqiiy.) Is it poffible ? Is't fo ? I can no longer what I would? No longer draw back at my liking ? I Muft do the deed, becaufe I thought of it, And fed this heart here with a dream ? Becaufe I did not fcowl temptation from my prefence, Dallied with thoughts of poffible fulfilment, Commenced no movement, left all time uncertain^ And only kept the road, the accefs open ? By the great God of Heaven ! It was not My ferious meaning, it was ne'er refolve. I but amus'd myfelf with thinking of it. 3 The 156 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE The free-will tempted me, the power to do Or not to do it. — Was it criminal To make the fancy minifter to hope, To fill the air with pretty toys of air, And clutch fantaftic fceptres moving t'ward me ? Was not the will kept free ? Beheld I not The rpad of duty clofe befide me — but One little ftep, and once more I was in it ! Where am I ? Whither have I been tranfported ? No road, no track behind me, but a wall, Impenetrable, infurmountable, Rifes obedient to the fpells I mutter'd And meant not — my own doings tower behind me'. (Paufes and remains in deep thought.) A punilhable man I feem, the guilt, Try what I will, I cannot roll off from me - s The equivocal demeanour of my lire Bears witnefs on my profecutor's party, And evenmypureft ads from pureft motives Sufpicion poifons with malicious glofs. Were I that thing, for which I pafs, that traitor, ft goodly outfide I had fure referv'd, Had drawn the cov'rings thick and double round me, Been calm and chary of my utterance. But being confcious of the innocence Of my intent, my uncorrupted will, I gave way to my humours, tomy paflion : Bold were my words, becaufe my deeds were not. Now every planlefs meafure, chance event, The threat of rage, the vaunt of joy and triumph, And FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 157 And all the May-games of a heart o'erflowing, Will they conned, and weave them all together Into one web of treafon -, all will be plan, My eye ne'er abfent from the far-off mark, Step tracing ftep, each ftep a politic progrefs ; And out of all they'll fabricate a charge So fpecious, that I muft myfelf ftand dumb. I am caught in my own net, and only force, Naught but a fudden rent can liberate me. (P auf es again.) How elfe ! fince that the heart's unbias'd inftinft Impell'd me to the daring deed, which now Neceflity, felf-prefervation, orders. Stern is the On-look of neceflity, Not without fhudder may a human hand Grafp the myfterious urn of deftiny. My deed was mine, remaining in my bofom, Once fuffer'd to efcape from it's fafe corner Within the heart, it's nuriery and birth-place* Sent forth into the poreign, it belongs For ever to thofe fly malicious powers Whom never art of man conciliated. {Paces in agitation through the chamber^ then paufes, and, after thepat/fe, breaks out again into audible foliloquy.) What is thy enterprise ? thy aim ? thy object ? Haft honeftly confefs'd it to thyfelf.? Power feated on a quiet throne thou'dft fbake, Power on, an ancient confecrated throne. Strong in poffeffion, founded in old cuftomj Power by athoufand tough and ftringy roots Fix'd 158 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE ' ' ' Fix'd to the people's pious nurfery-faith. This, this will be no ftrife of ftrength with ftrength, That fear'd I not. I brave each combatant, Whom I can look on, fixing eye to eye, Who full himfelf of courage kindles courage In me too. 'Tis a foe invifible, The which I fear — a fearful enemy, Which in the human heart oppofes me, By it's coward fear alone made fearful to me. Not that, which full of life, inflincl; with pow'r, Makes known it's prefent being, that is not The true, the periloufly formidable. O no I it is the common, the quite common, The thing of an eternal yefterday, What ever was, and ever more returns, Sterling to-morrow, for to-day 'twas fterling ! For of the wholly common is man made, And cuftom is his nurfe V Woe then to them, Who lay irreverent hands upon his old Houfe furniture, the dear inheritance From his forefathers. For time confecrates ; And what is grey with age becomes religion. Be in poffeflion, and thou haft the right, And facred will the many guard it for thee ! ( To the Page, who here enters.) The Swedifli officer ? — Well, let him enter. (The Page exit, Wallenflein fixes his eye in deep thought on the door.) Yet is it pure — as 3'et ! — the crime has come Not o'er this threfhold yet — fo flender is* The boundary that divideth life's two paths. scene; 3?IRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 159 SCENE V. Wallenstein and Wrangel. wallenstein, (after having fixed a fear ek- ing look on him J Your name is Wrangel ? ' WRANGEL, Guftave Wrangel, General Of the Sudermanian Blues. wallenstein. It was a Wrangel Who injur'd me materially at Stralfund, And by his brave refinance was the caufe Of th' oppofition which that fea-port made. wrangel. It was the doing of the element With which you fought, my Lord ! and not my merit. The Baltic Neptune did aflert his freedom, The fea and land, it feem'd, were not to ferve One and the fame. , wallenstein, {makes the motion for him to take a feat, and feats himfelf.) And where-are your credentials ? Come you provided with full powers, Sir General ? Wrangel. There are fo many fcruples yet to folve — — wallenstein, (having read the credentials.) An able letter !— Ay — he is a prudent Intelligent 160 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR *H'£ Intelligent mafter, whom you ferve, 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 fays the truth. Our great King, now in heaven, Did ever deem mofl highly of your Grace's Pre-eminent fenfe and military genius ; And always the commanding Intellect, He faid, mould have command, and be' the King. WALLENSTEIN. Yes, he might fay it fafely. — General Wrangely ( Talcing his hand affectionately.) . Come,, fair and open. — Truftme, I was always A Swede at heart. Ey ! that did you experience Both in Silefia and at Nuremburg ; I had you often in my power, and let you Always flip out by fome back door or other. 'Tis this for which the Court can ne'er forgive me, Which drives me to this prefent ttep : and iince Our interests fo run in one direction, E'n let us have a thorough confidence Each in the other. WRANGEL. Confidence will come Has each but only firft fecurity. WALLENSTEIN. The Chancellor ftill, I fee, does not quite truft me, And,- I confefs — the game does not lie wholly To my advantage — Without doubt he thinks if I can pky falfe with the Emperor, 5 , Who FIRST PART OP WALLENSTEIN". 161 Who is my Sov'reign, I can do the like With th' enemy, and that the one too were Sooner to be forgiven me than the other. Is not £his your opinion too, Sir General ? WRANGEL. I have here an office merely, no opinion. ■ WALLENSTEIN. The Emperor hath urged me to the uttermofL I can no longer honourably ferve him. For my fecurity, in felf-defence, I take this hard flep, which my confcience blames* WRANGEL. i That 1 believe. So far would no one go Who was not forc'd to it. (After a paufe.) What may have impelled Your princely Highnefs in this wife to act Toward your Sovereign Lord and Emperor, Befeems not us to expound or criticize. The Swede is fighting for his good old caufe. With his good fword and confcience. This con- currence. This opportunity, is in our favour, And all advantages in war are lawfuL We take what offers without queftioning j And if all have its due and juft proportions-^— WALLENSTEIN. Of what then are ye doubting ? Of my will ? Or of my power ? 1 pledg'd me to the Chancellor, Would he trull me with fixteen thoüfand men, m That 1$2 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE That I would inftantly go over to them With eighteen thoufand of the Emperor's troops. WR ANGEL. Your Grace is known to be a mighty war-chief, To be a fecond Attila and Pyrrhus. 'Tis talk'd of flill with frefh aftonilhment, How fome years paft, beyond all human faith, You called an army forth, like a creation : But yet WALLENSTEIN. But yet ? WRANGEL. But ftill the Chancellor thinks, It might yet be an eafier thing from nothing To cali forth fixty thoufand men of battle, Than to perfuade one fixtieth part of them — WALLENSTEIN. What now ? Out with it, friend ? WRANGEL. To break their oaths. WALLENSTEIN. And he thinks fo f — He judges like a Swede, And like a Proteftant. You Lutherans Fight for your Bible. You are int'refted About the caufe ; and with your hearts you follow Your banners. — Among i/ou y whoe'er deferts To the enemy, hath broken covenant With two Lords at one time. — We've no fuch fancies. WRANGEL. FHtST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 163 WRANGfiL, Great God in Heaven ! Have then the people here No houfe and home, no fire-fide, no altar ? . WALLENSTEIN. I will explain that to you, how it ftands- — The Auftrian. has a country, ay, and loves it, And has good caufe to love it — but this army, That calls itfelf th' Imperial, this that houfes Here in Bohemia, this has none — no country; This is an outcali of all foreign lands, Unclaim'd by town or tribe, to whom belongs Nothing, except the univerfal fun. WRANGEL. But then the Nobles and the Officers ? Such a defertion, fuch a felony, It is without example, my Lord Duke, In the world's hiftory. WALLENSTEIN. They are all mine — > Mine unconditionally — mine on all terms. Not me,, your own eyes you may truft. [He gives him the paper containing the written oath. Wranzel reads it through, and, having read it, lays it on the table, remaining filent.~\ So then? Now comprehend you ?- wrangel. Comprehend, who. can ! . My Lord Duke ! I will let the mafk drop— yes ! m 2 I have W4t THE FICCOLÖMlftl, Oil THE I've full powers for a final fettlement. The khinegrave ftands but four clays march from here, With fifteen thoufand men, and only waits For orders to proceed and join your army. Thofe orders /give out, immediately We're compromis'd. WÄLLENSTEIN. What afks the Chancellor ? wrangle, (conficleratehj .) Twelve Regiments, every man a Swede — my-liead The warranty — and all might prOve at laft Only falfe play- wall en stein, {ßärting:) Sir Swede ! wrangel. (calmly proceeding.) Am therefore forc'd T infift thereon, that J^e do formally, Irrevocably break with th' Emperor, Elfe not a Swede is trailed to Duke Friedland. wallenstein. Gome, brief, and open ! What is the demand ? WRANGEL. 'That he forthwith difarm the Spanifh reg'ments AttachM to th' Emperor, that he feize Prague» And to the Swedes give up that city, with The ftrong pafs £gra. ' WALLENSTEIN* That is much indeed ! Prague !— Egra's granted— But— but Prague !— 'Twon't do, I give FIRST PART OF WALLENßTEIN, 16*5. I give you every fecurlty Which you may afk of me in common, rea.fbn — But Prague — Bohemia — thefe, Sir Genera^, I can my felf protect. VEANGEL. We doubt it not;. But 'tis not the protection that is now Our fole concern. We want fecurity, That we fhall not expend our men and money AH tonopurpofe. % WALLENSTEIN. 'Tis but reafonable, WRANGEL. And till we are indemnified, fo long Stays Prague in pledge. WALLENSTEIN. Then truft: you us fo little ? wrang el. (ri/ing.) The Swede, if he would treat well with the Ger- man, Muft keep a (harp look-out. We have been call'd Over the Baltic, we have fav'd the empire From ruin — with our belt blood have we feal'd The liberty of faith, and gofpel truth. But now already is the benefaction No longer felt, the load alone is felt. Ye look afkance with evil eye upon us, As foreigners, intruders in the empire, And would fain fend us, with fome paltry fum Of money, home again to our old forefts. No, no ! my Lord Duke 1 no 1 — it never was m 3 For 166 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE For Judas pay, for chinking gold arid filver, That we did leave our King by the * Great Stone. No, not for gold and filver have there bled So many of our Swedifli Nobles — neither Will we, with empty laurels for our payment, Hoi ft fail for our own country. Citizens Will we remain upon the foil, the which Our Monarch conquered for himfelf, and died. WALLENSTEIN. Help to keep down the common enemy, ■ And the fair border land mud needs be your's. WRÄNGE L.^" But when the common enemy lies vanquilh'd. Who knits together our new friendfhip then ? We know, Duke Faiedland ! though perhaps the Swede Ought not t' have known it, that you carry on Secret negociations with the Saxons. Who is our warranty, that zue are not The facrifices in thofe articles Which 'tis thought needful to conceal from us ? WALLENSTEIN. (rifeS.) Think you of fomething better, Guftave Wrangel ! Of Prague no more. WRANGEL. . Here my commiffion ends. » A great ftone near Lützen, fince called the Swede's Stone, the body of their great King having been found at the foot of it, after the battle in which he loft his life. WAl* FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 167 WALLENSTEIN. Surrender up to you my capital ! Far liever would I face about, and ftcp 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 fince Sefina's been a prifoner. (JVallenßein is ßruck, and filenced.) My Lord Duke, hear me — We believe that you At prefent do mean honourably by us. Since yefierday we're fure of that — and now This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing Stands in the way of our full confidence. Prague (hall not part us. Hear ! The Chancellor Contents himfelf with Albftadt, to your Grace He gives up Ratfchin and the narrow fide, But Egra,, above all, muft open to us, E're we can think of any junftion. WALLENSTEIN. You, You therefore muft I trufl, arid you not me ? I will confider of your propolition. WRANGEL. I muft entreat, that your consideration Occupy not too long a time. Already Has this negociation, my Lord Duke ! Crept on into the fecond year. If nothing m 4 Is 108 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THfe- Is fettled this time, will the Chancellor Canfider it as broken off for ever. WALLENSTElfcr. Ye prefs me hard. A meafure, fueh as this, Ought to be thought of. WRANGEL. Ay ! but think of this too, That fudd^n action only can procure it Succefs — think firfl of this, your Highnefs. [Exit WrangeL i. SCENE VI. Waeeenstein, Tertsky, and Ileo (re- enter*) ILLO. Is't all right ?■ TERTSKY. Are you comprornis'd ? JLLO. This Swede Went fmiling from you. Yes ! you're compn> mis'd, wallensteiist. As yet is nothing fettled ; and (well weigh'd) I feel myfelf inclin'd to leave it fo. tertsky. How ? What is that ? 4 WAL« yiRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. It>9 WALLENSTEIN. Come on me what tf?iU come, The doing evil to avoid an evil Cannot be good ! Tertsky. Nay, but bethink you, Duke ? WALLENSTEIN, To live upon the mercy of thefe Swedes ! Of thefe proud-hearted Swedes ! I could not bear It ILLO. Goeft thou as fugitive, a? mendicant ? Bring'ft thou not more to them than thou receiv'fti SCENE VII. To thefe enter the Countess Tertsky. WALLENSTEIN. Who fent for you ? There is no bufinefs here For women. COUNTESS. I am come to bid you joy. WALLENSTEIN. Ufe thy authority, Tertiky, bid her go. COUNTESS. Come I perhaps too early > I hope not. WALLENSTEIN* 170 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE WALLENSTEIN. Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you. You know it is the weapon that deftroys me, I am routed, if a woman but attack me. I cannot traffic in the trade of words With that unreafoning fex. COUNTESS. 1 I had already Giv'n the Bohemians a king. .wallenstein, {farcafiically .) They have one» In confequence, no doubt. countess (/o the others.) Ha ! what new fcruple ? TERTSKY. The Duke will not. COUNTESS. He will not what he muß / ILLO. It lies with you now. Try. For I am filenced, When folks begin to talk to me of confcience, And of fidelity. COUNTESS. How ? then, when all Lay in the far off diftance, when the road Stretch'd out before thine.eyes interminably, Then hadft thou courage and refolve-; and now, Now that the dream is being realized, The FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 171 The purpofe ripe, the iiiue afcertained, Doft thou begin to play the daftard now ? Plann'd merely, 'tis a common felony ; Accomplifli'd, an immortal undertaking ; And with fuccefs comes pardon hand in hand 5 For all event is God's arbitrement. servant. (entej'S.) The Colonel Piccolomini. countess, (hafiily.) — Muft wait. WALLENSTEIN. I cannot fee him now. Another time. servant. But for two minutes he entreats an audience« Of the moll: urgent nature is his bufinefs. wallenstein. Who knows what he may bring us ? Twill hear him. countess, (laughs.) Urgent for him, no doubt ; but thou may'fi: wait. wallenstein, • What is it ? COUNTESS. Thou fhalt be inform'd hereafter. Firft let the Swede and thee be compromifed. [Exit Servant. WALLENSTEIN. If there were yet a choice; if yet fome milder Way of efcape were poffible — I ftill Will chufe it, and avoid the lafl extreme. countess.. 172 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE COUNTESS. Xtefir'ft thou nothing further ? Such a way- Ivies ftill before thee. Send this Wrangel off, Forget thou thy old hopes, cad far away All thy pail life ; determine to commence Ä new one. Virtue hath her heroes too, As well as Fame and Fortune. — To Vienna — Hence — to the Emperor — kneel before the throne - Take a full coffer with thee — fay aloud, Thou did'ft but wim to prove thy fealty ; Thy whole intention but to dupe the Swede. ILLO. For that too 'tis too late. They know too much* He would but bear his own head to the black. COUNTESS. I fear not that. They have not evidence To attaint him legally, and they avoid The avowal of an arbitrary power. They'll let the Duke refign without difturbance. I fee how all will end. The King of Hungary Makes his appearance, and 'twill of itfelf Be underftood, that then the Duke retires. There • will not want a formal declaration. The young King will adminifter the oath To the whole army ; and fo all returns To the old pofition. On fome morrow morning The Duke departs ; and now 'tis ftirand buftle_ Within his caftles. He will hunt, and build, Superintend his hones' pedigrees, Create FIltST PART OF WA'LLENSTEI*N. 173 Creates himfelf a court, gives golden keys, And introducet'h nricteft ceremony In fine proportions, and nice etiquette; Keeps open table with high cheer; in brief Commenced! mighty King — *in 'miniature. And while hepruderitly demeans himfelf, And gives himfelf no actual importance* He will be let appear whate'er ! he likes ; And who dares doubt, that Friedland will appear A mighty Prince to his laft dying hour? . Well now, what then ? Duke Friedland is, as others, A fire-new Noble, whom the war 'hath raisM -To price arid currency, a Jonah's Gourd, An over-night ; creation of court-favour, With which an undiftincmiihable eafe Makes Baron or makes Prince. wall en st ein. [in extreme agitation-) Take her away- Let in the young Count Piccolomini. countess . * r Art thou in earned ? I entreat thee ! Cari'll'thou Confent to bear thyfelf to thy own grave, So ignominioufly to be dried up ? Thy life, that arrogated fuch an height, To end in fuch a nothing ! To be nothing. When one was always nothing, is an evil That afcs no ftretch of patience, a light evil, But 'to become a nothing, having been^- WALLENSTEIN 174 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE wallenstein, {Harts up in violent agitation.) Shew me a way out of this ftifling crowd, Ye Powers of Aidance ! Shew me fuch a way As / am capable of going. — I Am no tongue-hero, no fine virtue-prattler ; I can not warm by thinking ; cannot fay To the good luck that turns her back upon me, Magnanimouflv : " Go ! I need thee not." Geafe X to work, I am annihilated. Dangers nor facrifices wili I fhun, If fo I may avoid the laft extreme ; But ere I link down into nothingnefs, Leave off fo little, who begun fo great, Ere that the world confufes me with thofe Poor wretches, whom a day creates and crumbles, This age and * after-ages fpeak my name • «- With hate and dread; and Friedland be redemption For each accurfed deed \ COUNTESS. What is there here, then» So againft nature ? Help me to perceive it ! O let not Superflition's nightly goblins Subdue thy clear bright fpirit ! Art thou bid To murder ?— -with abhorr'd accurfed poinard, * Could I have hazarded fuch a Germanifm, as the ufe of the word after-world, for pofterity.— " Es fpreche Welt und Naclrwch meinen Nahmen" — might have been rendered with more literal fidelity :— Let world and after-world fpeak out my name, &c. To FIRST PAUT OF WALLENSTEIN. 175 To violate the breads that nouriüYd thee ? That were againft our nature, that might aptly * Make thy flefti (hudder, and thy whole heart ficken. Yet not a few, and for a meaner object Have ventured even this, ay, and perform'd it. What is there in thy cafe fo black and monftrous ? Thou art accus'd of treafon — whether with Or without juftice is not now the queftion — Thou art loft if thou doit not avail thee quickly Of the power which thou poflefleft. — Friedland ! Duke I Tell me, where lives that thing fo meek and tame, That doth not all his living faculties Put forth in prefervation of his life ? What deed fo daring, which necefllty And defperation will not fanetify ? WALLENSTEIN. Once was this Ferdinand fo gracious to me : He Iov'd me; he efteem'd me; I was plac'd The neareft to his heart. Full many a time We like familiar friends, both at one table, Have banqueted together. He and 1-^— And the young kings themfelves held me the bafon Where with to walh me — and is't come to this ? COUNTESS. So faithfully preferv'ft thou each fmaU favour, And haft no memory for contumelies ? * I have not ventured to affront the faftidious delicacy of oiyr age with a literal translation of this line. tc werth ** Die Eingeweide fchaudernd aufzuregen." . Muft US THE nCCCLOMitil, OR THE Muft I remind thee, how at Regenfpurg This man repaid thy faithful fervices ? AH ranks and all conditions in the empire Thou hadft wrong'd, to make him greats—had ft loaded on thee, Ön thee, the hate, the curfe of the whole world. No friend exifted for thee in all Germany, And why ? becaufe thou hadft exifted only For th' Emperor. To th' Emperor alone Clung Friedland in that ftorm which gather'd round him At Regenfpurg in the Diet — and he dropp'd thee \ He let thee fall ! He let thee fall a viftim To the Bavarian, to that infolent ! Depos'd, iirrpt bare; of all thy dignity And power, -amid the taunting of thy foes, Thou wert let drop into obfcurity. — - Say not, the reftoration of thy honour Has made atonement for that firft injuftiee. No koneft good-will was it. that replac'd thee, The law of hard neceflity replac'd thee > Which they had fain oppos'd, but that they could : nQt. '■'-:■■ f!' ; . WALLEKSTEIN. Not to their good wifhes, that is certain, Nor yet to his affection I'm indebted For this high office j and if I abufe it, I fhall therein abufe no- confidence. COUNTESS. Affection ! confidence !~-They needed thee* Neceflity, impetuous remonftrant ! Who FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 177 Who not with empty names, or (hews of proxy, Is ferv'd, who'll have the thing and not the fymbol, Ever feeks out the greateft and the beft, And at the rudder places him, e'en though She had been forc'd to take him from the rabble—* She, this Neceflity, it was that plac'd thee In this high office, it was (he that gave thee Thy letters patent of inauguration. For, to the uttermoft moment that they can, This race ftill help themfelves at cheapen: rate With flavifh fouls, 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 fpirit giant-born, Who liftens only to himfelf, knows nothing Of ftipulations, duties, reverences, And, like th' emancipated force of fire, Unmafter'd fcorches, ere it it reaches them, Their fine-fpun webs, their artificial policy. WALLENSTEIN. 'Tis true f they faw 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 ali-grafping habit of my foul. COUNTESS. Nay rather — thou haft ever fhewn thyfelf A formidable man, without reftraint> Haft exercis'd the full prerogatives . ' .N •' . Of 178 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Of thy impetuous nature, which had been Once granted to thee. Therefore, Duke, not thou 9 Who haft ftilL remain'd confident with thyfelf, But they are in the wrong, who fearing thee, Entrufted fuch a power in hands, they fear'd. For, by the laws of Spirit, in the right Is every individual character That acts in ftrict confidence with itfelf. Self -contradiction is the only wrong. Wert thou another being, then, when thou Eight years ago purfuedd thy march with fire And fword, and defolation, through the Circles Of Germany, the univerfal fcourge, Didft mock all ordinances of the empire, The fearful rights of ftrength alone exertedft, Trampledft to earth each rank, each magiftracy, All to extend thy Sultan's domination ? Then was the time to break thee in, to curb Thy haughty will, to teach thee ordinance. But no ! the Emperor felt no touch of confcience, Whatferv'd him pleas'd him, and without a murmur He flamp'd his broad feal on thefe lawlefs deeds. What at that time was right, becaufe thou didft it For firm, to day is all at once become Opprobrious, foul, becaufe it is directed Againfl him. — O mod flimfy fuperflition ! WALLENSTEIN, (rifillg) I never faw it in this light before. 'Tis even to. The Emperor perpetrated Deeds through my arm, deeds mod unorderly. And FiltST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 119 . And' even this prince's mantle, which I wear, I owe to what were fervices to him, But mod high mifdemeanours 'gainft the empire. COUNTESS. Then betwixt thee and him (confefs it, Friedland !) The point can be no more of right and duty, Only of power and th' opportunity. That opportunity, lo ! it comes yonder, Approaching with fwift fteeds j then with a fwing Throw thyfelf up into the chariot feat, Seize with firm hand the reins, ere thy opponent Anticipate thee, and himfelf make conqueft Of the now empty feat. The moment comes, It is already here, when thou muft write The abfolute total of thy life's vaft fum. The conftellations fland victorious o'er thee, The planets fhoot good fortune in fair jundtions, And tell thee, " Now's the time !" The ftarry courfes Haft thou thy life-long meafur'd to no purpofe ? The quadrant and the circle, were they play things ? (pointing to the different objects in the room) The zodiacs, the rolling orbs of heaven, Haft pidur'd on thefe walls, and all around thee In dumb, foreboding fymbols haft thou plac'd Thefe feven prefiding Lords of deftihy — For toys ? Is all this preparation nothing ? Is there no marrow in this hollow art, That even to thyfelf it doth avail Nothing, and has no influence over thee n 2 In 180 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR TEE In the great moment of decifion? wallenstein, (during this laß fpeech walks up and dow?i with inward ßruggles, labouring with paffions; ßops fuddenly^ fiands ßill, then interrupting the CountefsJ Send Wrangel to me — I will inftantly Difpatch three couriers illo. (hurrying out) God in heaven be prais'd ! WALLENSTEIN. It is his evil genius and mine. Our evil genius ! It chaftifes him Through me, the inftrument of his ambition j And I expect no lefs, than that Revenge E'en now is whetting for my breaft the poniard. Who fows the ferpent's teeth, let him not hope To reap a joyous harvefr. Every crime Has, in the moment of its perpetration, Its own avenging angel — dark Mifgiving, An ominous Sinking at the inmoft heart. He can no longer truft me. — Then no longer Can I retreat — fo come that which muftcome. — Still defliny preferves its due relations, The heart within us is its abfolute Vicegerent. (to Tertßy) Go, conduct you Guftave Wrangel To my rtate-cabinet. — Myfelf will (peak to The couriers. — And difpatch immediately A fervant for Oclavio Piccolomini. (to FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 181 (to the Coimtefs, zv/io cannot conceal her triumph) No exultation ! — woman, triumph not! For jealous are the Powers of Deftiny. Joy premature, and Shouts ere victory, Incroach upon their rights and privileges. We fow the feed, and they the growth determine. [While he is making his exit, the curtain drops.] END OF ACT IV. * 3 JCT 182 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE ACT V. Scene, as in the preceding Act. SCENE I. Wallenstejn, Octavio Piccolomini. wallenstein, [coming forward in converfation. } He fends me word from Linz, that he lies fick ; But I have fure intelligence, that he Secretes himfelf at Frauenberg with Galas. Secure them both, and fend them to me hither. Remember, thou tak'ft on thee the command Of thofe fame Spanifh regiments,^ — conftantly Make preparation, and be never ready ; And if they urge thee to draw out againft me, Still anfwer yes, and ftand as thou wert fetter'd. I know, that it is doing thee a fervice To keep thee out of action in this bufinefs. Thou lov'fl to linger on in fair appearances ; Steps of extremity are not thy province, Therefore have I fought out this part for thee. Thou wilt this time be of moft fervice to me By thy inertnefs. The mean time, if fortune Declare itfelf on my fide, thou wilt know What is to do. {Ente}' FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 183 {Enter max- piccolomini.) Now go, Octayio. This night mufl thou be off, take my own horfes : Him here I keep with me — make fhort farewell — ■ Truft me, I think we all fhall meet again In joy and thriving fortunes. octavio. (to his J on.) , I fhall fee you Yet e'er I go. SCENE II. Wallenstein, Max. Piccolomini. max. (advances to him.) My General ! WALLENSTEIN. That am I no longer, if Thou ftyl'ft thyfelf the Emperor's officer. MAX. Then thou wilt leave the army, General ? WALLENSTEIN. I have renounc'd the fervice of the Emperor. MAX. And thou wilt leave the army ? WALLENSTEIN. Rather hope I To bind it nearer ftill and fafter to me. (He feats himfelf.) Yes, Max, I have delay'd to open it to thee, Even till the hour of acting 'gins to ftrike. n 4 Youth's 184? THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Youth's fortunate feeling doth feize eafily The abfolute right, yea, and a joy it is To exercife the fingle apprehenfion Where the fums fquare in proof ; But where it happens, that of two fure evils One muft be taken, where the heart not wholly Brings itfelf back from out the flrife of duties, There 'tis a bleffing to have no election, And blank neceflity is grace and favour. — This is now prefent : do not look behind thee, — It can no more avail thee. Look thou forwards ! Think not ! judge not ! prepare thyfelf to act ! The Court— it hath determin'd 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. {He fiops himfelf, expecting PiccolominVs an/wer.) I have ta'en thee by furprife. Anfwer rue not, I grant thee time to recoiled thyfelf. (He rifes, and retires at the back of the ßage. Max. remains for a long time motion lefs, in a trance of excejfwe anguifJi. At his firfi mo- tion Walknfiein returns, and places himfelf before him.) MAX. My General, this day thou makeft me Of age, to lpeak in my own right and perfon, For till this day I have been fpared the trouble To find out my own road. Thee have I follow'd With FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 185 With moft implicit unconditional faith, Sure of the right path if I follow'd thee. To day, for the firft time, doft thou refer Me to myfelf, and forced me to make Election between thee and my own heart. WALLENSTEIN. Soft cradled thee thy Fortune till to day ; Thy duties thou couldft exercife in fport, Indulge all lovely inftincts, act for ever With undivided heart. It can remain No longer thus Like enemies, the roads Start from each other. Duties ftrive with duties. Thou mull needs chufe 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 peftilence, Yet it is good, is it heaven s will as that is. Is that a good war, which againft the Emperor Thou wageft with the Emperor's own army? O God of heaven ! what a change is this . Befeems it me to offer fuch perfuafion To thee, who like the fix'd {tar of the pole Wert all, I gaz'd at, on life's tracklefs ocean? O! what a rent thou makeft in my heart! The ingrained inftinct of old reverence, The holy habit of obediency, Muft I pluck live afunder from thy name ? Nay, do not turn thy countenance upon me — It 186 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE It always was a god looking at me ! Duke Wallenftein, its power is not departed : The fenfes ftill are in thy bonds, although, Bleeding, the foul hath freed itfelf. WALLENSTEIN. Max, hear me. MAX. O I do it not, I pray thee, do it not ! There is a pure and noble foul within thee, Knows not of this unbleft, unlucky doing. Thy will is chatte, it is thy fancy only Which hath polluted thee — and innocence, It will not let itfelf be driv'n away From that world-awing afpect. Thou wilt not, Thou canft not, end in this. It would reduce All human creatures to difloyalty Againft the noblenefs of their own nature. 'Twill juftify the vulgar mifbelief, Which holdeth nothing noble in free will, And trufts itfelf to impotence alone Made powerful only in an unknown power. WALLENSTEIN. The world will judge me fternly, I expect it. Already have I faid to my own felf All thou canft fay to me. Who but avoids Th' extreme, — can he by going round avoid it? But here there is no choice. Yes — I mull: ufe Or fuffer violence — fo ftands the cafe, There remains nothing poflible but that. i MAX, FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 187 MAX. O that is never'pomble for thee! , Tis the laft defperate refource of thofe Cheap fouls, to whom their honor, their good name Is their poor favbig, their laft worthlefs Keep, Which having ftak'd and loft, they ftake themfelves In the mad rage of gaming. Thou art rich, And glorious j with an unpolluted heart Thou canft make conqueft of whate'er feems high eft 1 But he, who once hath acted infamy, Does nothing more in this world. wallenstein, fgrafps his hand) Calmly, Max! Much that is great and excellent will we Perform together yet. And if we only Stand on the height with dignity, 'tis foon Forgotten, Max, by what road we afcended. Believe me, many a crown (nines fpotlefs now, That yet was deeply fullied in the winning. To the evil fpirit doth the earth belong,. Not to the good. All, that the powers divine Send from above, are univerfal bteffings : Their light rejoices us, their air refreihes, But never yet was man enrich 'd by therat In their eternal realm no property Is to be ftruggled for — all there is general. The jewel, the all- valued gold we win From the deceiving Powers, deprav'd in nature, That dwell beneath the day and bleffed fun-light. Not without facrifices are they render'd 5 Propitious 188 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Propitious, and there lives no foul on earth That e'er retir'd unfullied from their fervice. MAX. Whate'er is human, to the human being Do I allow — and to the vehement And ftriving fpirit readily I pardon Th' excefs of action; but to thee, my general! Above all others make I large conceflion. For thou muft move a world, and be the mafter — He kills thee, who condemns thee to inaction. So be it then! maintain thee in thy poft By violence. Refill the Emperor, And if it muft be, force with force repel : I will not praife it, yet I can forgive it. But not — not to the traitor — yes ! — the word Is fpoken out Not to the traitor can I yield a pardon. That is no mere excefs ! that is no error Of human nature — that is wholly dirT'rent, O that is black, black as the pit of hell ! (Wallenfiein betrays a fudden agitation.) Thou canft not hear it ?iam , d i and wilt thou do it : turn back to thy duty. That thou canft, 1 hold it certain. Send me to Vienna. I'll make thy peace for thee with th' Emperor. He knows thee not. But I do know thee. He Shall fee thee, Duke! with my unclouded eye, And I bring back his confidence to thee. WALLENSTEIX. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 189 WALLENSTEIN. It is too late. Thou know'ft not what has happen'd. MAX. Were it too late, and were gone fo far, That a crime only could prevent thy fall, Then — fall ! fall honourably, even as thou ftood'ft. Lofe the command. Go from the ftage of war. Thou canft with fplendour do it — do it too With innocence. Thou haft liv'd much for others. At length live thou for thy own felf. I follow thee. My deftiny I never part from thine. WALLENSTEIN. It is too late ! Even now, while thou art lofing Thy words, one after the other are the mile-ftones Left faft behind by my poft couriers, * Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra. (Max.ßands as convuli'd, with a gefiure and countenance exprejfing the moß intenfe an- gui/Ii. ) Yield thyfelf to it. We act as we are fore'd. / cannot give affent to my own fhame And ruin. Thou — no — thou cartft not forfake me! So let us do, what muft be done, with dignity, With a firm ftep. What am I doing worfe Than did fasn'd Caefar at the Rubicon, When he the legions led againft his country, The which his country had delivered to him ? Had he thrown down the fword, he had been loft, As 190 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE As I were, if I but difarm'd myfelf. I trace out fomething in me of his fpirit. Give me his luck, that other thine I'll bear. {Max. quits him abruptly. Wallenfiein, ßartled and overpowered, continues looking after him, and is fiill in this pofiure when TertJJcy en- ters. ) SCENE III. Wallenstein. Tertsky. TERTSKY. Max Piccolomini juft left you ? WALLENSTEIN. Where is Wrangel ? TERTSKY. He is already gone. WALLENSTEIN. In fuch a hurry ? TERTSKY. It is as if the earth had fwallow'd him. He had fcarce left thee, when I went to feek him. I wifh'd fome words with him — but he was gone. How, when, and where, could no one tell me. Nay, I half believe it was the devil himfelf ; A human creature could not fo at once Have vanim'd. 1LL0. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 191 illo. (enters) Is it true that thou wilt Tend Octavio ? TERTSKY. How, O&avio! Whither fend him ? WALLENSTEIN. He goes to Frauenberg, and will lead hither The SpanilTi and Italian regiments. ILLO. No!— Nay, Heaven forbid ! WALLENSTEIN. And why mould Heaven forbid ? ILLO. Him ! — that deceiver ! Would'ft tjiou truft to him The foldiery ? Him wilt thou let flip from thee, Now, in the very inflant that decides us TERTSKY. Thou wilt not do this ! — No ! I pray thee, no ! WALLENSTEIN. Ye are whimfical. ILLO. O but for this time, Duke, Yield to our warning ! Let him not depart. WALLENSTEIN. And why mould I not truft him only this time, Who have always trufted him ? What, then, has happen'd, That I mould lofe my good opinion of him ? In complaifance to your whims, not my own, I rauft, 192 THE PiCCOLOMINl, OR THE I muft, forfooth, give up a rooted judgment. Think not I am a woman. Having trufted him E'en 'till to-day, to-day too will I truft him. TERTSKY. Muft it be he — he only ? Send another. WALLENSTEIN. It muft be he, whom I myfelf have chofen ; He is well fitted for the bufinefs. Therefore I gave it him. ILLO. Becaufe he's an Italian — Therefore is he well fitted for the bufinefs. WALLENSTEIN. I know you love them not — nor lire nor fon— Becaufe that I efteem them, love them — vifibly Efteem them, love them more than you and others, E'en as they merit. Therefore are they eye-blights, Thorns in your foot-path. But your jealoufies, In what afFect they me or my concerns ? Are they the worfe to me becaufe you hate them ? Love or hate one another as you will, I leave to each man his own moods and likings ; Yet know the worth of each of you to me. ILLO. Von Queftenberg, while he was here, was always Lurking about with this Octavio. WALLENSTEIN. It happen'd with my knowledge and permiflion. ILLO. I know that fecret meffengers cane to him From Galas WALLENSTEIN. FIRST PART Ot WALLENSTEIN. 195 WALLENSTEIN. That's not true. ILLO. O thou art blind With thy deep-feeing eyes. WALLENSTEIN. Thou wilt not (hake My faith for me — my faith, which founds itfelf On the profoundeft fcience. If 'tis falfe, Then the whole fcience of the ftars is falfe. For know, I have a pledge from Fate itfelf, That he is the moft faithful of my friends. ILLO. Haft thou a pledge, that this pledge is not falfe ? waLlenstein. There exift moments in the life of man, When he is nearer the great Soul of the world Than is man's cuftom, and poffefles freely The power of queftioning his deftiny: And fuch a moment 'twas, when in the night Before the action in the plains of Lützen, Leaning againft a tree, thoughts crowding thoughts, I look'd out far upon the ominous plain. My whole life, paft and future, in this moment Before my mind's eye glided in proceffion, And to the deftiny of the next morning The fpirit, fill'd with anxious prefentiment, Did knit the moft remov'd futurity. Then faid I alfo to myfelf, " So many Doft thou command. They follow all thy ftars, And as on fome great number kt their Ali o Upon J94 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Upon thy fingle head, and only man The veflel of thy fortune. Yet a day Will come, when Deftiny fhall once more fcatter All thefe in many a feveral direction : Few be they who will ftand out faithful to thee." I yearn'd to know which one was faithfulleft Of all, this camp include. Great Deftiny, Give me a fign ! And he fhall be the man, Who, on th' approaching morning, comes the firft To meet me with fome token of his love : And thinking this, I fell into a flumber. Then midmofl in the battle was I led In fpirit. Great the preffure and the tumult ! Then was my horfe kill'd under me : I fank ; And over me away, all unconcernedly, Drove horfe and rider — and thus trod to pieces I lay, and panted like a dying man. * Then feiz'd me fuddenly a faviour arm* It was Octavio's — I awoke at once. 'Twas broad day, and Octavio flood before me. " My brother," faid he, " do not ride to-day " The dapple, as you're wont; but mount the " horfe " Which I have chofen for thee. Do it, brother ! " In love to me. A ilrong dream warn'd me fo." It was the fwiftnefs of this horfe that fnatch'd me From the hot purfuit of Bannier's dragoons. My coufin rode the dapple on that day, And never more faw I or horfe or rider. ILLO. That was a chance. WALLENSTEIN. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 195 WALLENSTEIN, (figllificailtly) There's no fuch thing as chance. In brief, 'tis fign'd and feal'd that this O&avio Is my good angel — and now no word more. [He is retiring.) TERTSKY. This is my comfort — Max. remains our hoftagc ILLO. And he fhall never ftir from here alive. wallenstein, (ßops, and turns himfelf round ) Are ye not like the women, who for ever Only recur to their firft word, altho' One had been talking reafon by the hour ? Know* that the human being's thoughts and deeds Are not, like ocean billows, blindly mov'd. The inner world, his microcofmus, is The deep fhaft, out of which they fpring eternally. They grow by certain laws, like the tree*s fruit — No juggling chance can metamorphofe them. Have I the human kernel firft examin'd ? Then I know, too, the future will and action. SCENE IV. Scene a Chamber in PiccolorninV s Dwelling- Houfe. ÖcTAVio PiccoLeMiNi, Isolani, entering. ISOLANI. Here am I — Well ! who comes yet of the others ? o % OCTAVIO 196 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE octavio. (with an air of myfiery) But, firjft, a word with you, Count Ifolani. I s o l an i . ( qfluming the fame air of my fiery ) Will it explode, ha ? — Is the Duke about To make th' 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 thofe men who in words are valiant* And when it comes to action fkulk away. The Duke has acted towards me as a friend. Gods knows it is fo ; and I owe him all - He may rely on my fidelity. OCTAVIO. That will be feen hereafter. ISOLANI. Be on your guard. All think not as I think ; and there are many ' Who ftill hold with the Court — yes, and they fay That thofe ftol'n fignatures bind them to nothing» OCTAVIO. 1 am rejoic'd to hear it. ISOLANI. You rejoice \ OCTAVIO. That the Emperor has yet fuch gallant fervants And loving friends. ISOLANI. FIRST PART OF WALJ.ENSTEIN. 191 ISOLANI. Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. They are no fuch worthlefs fellows, I afiure you. OCTAVIO. I am affur'd already. God forbid That I mould jeft ! — -In very ferious earneft I am rejoic'd to fee an lioneft caufe So fhrong. ISOLANI. The devil ! — what ! — -why, what means this? Are you not, then -^For what, then, am I here ? qctavio. That you may make full declaration, whether You will be call'd the friend or enemy Of th' Emperor. isoLANi. f zvith an air of defiance ) That declaration, friend, I'll make to him in whom a right is plac'ci To put that queftion to me. qctavio. Whether, Count, That right is mine, this paper may inftrucl you. isoLANi. [fiammering) Why — why — what! this is the Emperor's hand and feal ! (Reads.) ■' Whereas the officers collectively " Throughout our army will obey the orders " Of the Lieutenant-general Piccolomini, As from ourfelves."— -. — *Hem! — Yes I fo! — Yes ! yes ! — . -I give you joy, Lieutenant-general ! q 3 OCTAVIQ << 1Ö8 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE OCTAVIO. And you fubmit you to the order ? ISOLANI. I But you have taken me fo by furprize — Time for reflection one muß have OCTAVIO. • Two minutes» ISOLANI. My God ! But then the cafe is OCTAVIO. Plain and fimple. You muft declare you, whether you determine To act a treafon 'gainft your Lord and Sovereign, Or whether you will ferve him faithfully. ISOLANI. Treafon! — My God !— But who talks then of treafon ? OCTAVIO. That is the cafe. 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 th' Emperor ? Sell yourfelf to the enemy ? — Say, will you ? ISOLANI. What mean you ? I — I break my oath, d'ye fay, To his Imperial Majefty ? Did I fay fo ? — When, when have I faid that ? < OCTAVIO. FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 19.9 OCTAVIO. You have not faid it yet — not yet. This inftant . _ I wait to hear, Count, whether you will fay it. ISOLANI. Aye ! that delights me now, that you yourfelf Bear witnefs for me that I never faid fo. OCTAVIO. And you renounce the Duke then ? ISOLANI. If he's planning Treafon — why, treafon breaks all bonds afunder. OCTAVIO. And are determin'd, too, to fight againft him ? ISOLANI. He has done me fervice — but if he's a villain, Perdition feize him ! — All fcores are rubb'd off. OCTAVIO. I am rejoic'd that you're fo well difpos'd. This night break off in th' utmoft fecrefy With all the light-arm'd troops — it muft appear As came the order from the Duke himfelf. At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous ; There will Count Galas give you further orders. ISOLANI. It mall be done. But you'll remember me With th' Emperor — how well-difpos'd you fourvd me. OCTAVIO. I will not fail to mention it honourably. [Exit Ifolani. A Servant enters. What, Colonel Butler !— Shew him up. O 4 ISOLANI, 200 THE PICCOLOMI^I, OR THE isolani. {returning) Forgive me too my bearilh ways, old father! Lord God ! how mould I know, then, what a great Perfon I had before me. . OCTAVIO. No excufes ! ISOLANI. I am a merry lad, and if at time A ram word might efcape me 'gainft the court Amidft my wine — you know no harm was meant. [Exit. OCTAVIO. You need not be uneafy on that fcore. That has fucceeded. Fortune favour us With all the others only but as much ! SCENE V. OCTAVIOPICCOLOMINI. BüTLER. BUTLER. At your command, Lieutenant General. OCTAVIO. Welcome, as honor'd friend and vifitor. BUTLER. You do me too much honour. OCTAVIO. FfRST PART OF WALXENSTEIN, 201 ocTAVio. (after bpth have feated themj "elves .) You have not Return*d the ad varices which I made you yefterday—^ Mifunderflood them, as mere empty forms. That wifti proceeded from my heart — I was In earneft with you — for 'tis now a time In which the honeft fhould unite moft clofely. BUTLER. 'Tis only the like-minded can unite. OCTAVIO. True ! and I name all honeft men like-minded. I never charge a man but with thofe acts To which his character deliberately Impels him ; for alas ! the violence Of blind mimnderftandings often thrufts The very beft of us from the right track. You came thro* Frauenberg. Did the Count Galas Say nothing to you ? Tell me. He's my friend. BUTLER. His words were loft on me. octavio. It grieves me forely To hear it : for his counfel was moft wife. I had myfelf the like to offer. BUTLER. Spare Yoürfelf the trouble — me th* embarrafiment, To have deferv'd fo ill your good opinion. OCTAVIO. 202 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE OCTAVIO. The time is precious — let us talk openly. You know how matters ftand here, Wallenftein Meditates treafon — I can tell you further — He has committed treafon; but few hours Have paft, fince he a covenant concluded With th" enemy. The meffengers are now Full on their way to Egra and to Prague. To-morrow he intends to lead us over To th* enemy. But he deceives himfelf ; For Prudence wakes — the Emperor has ft ill Many and faithful friends here, and they ftand In clofeft union, mighty tho' unfeen. This manitefto fentences the Duke — Recals the obedience of the army from him, And fummons all the loyal, all the honeft, To join and recognize in me their leader. Choofe — will you {hare with us an honeft caufe ? Or with the evil (hare an evil lot. butler, (rifes.) His lot is mine. OCTAVIO. Is that your laft refolve ? BUTLER. It is. OCTAVIO. Kay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler ! As yet you have time. Within my faithful breaft Thatrafhly utter'd word remains interr'd. Recal it, Butler ! chufe a better party. You have not chofen the right one. 4 BUTLER. FIRST PART OP WALLENSTETn. 203 BUTLER, (going.) Any other Commands for me, Lieutenant General ? OCTAVIO. See your white hairs ! Recal that word ! BUTLER. Farewell ! OCTAVIO. What would you draw this good and gallant fword In fuch a caufe ? Into a curfe would you Transform the gratitude which you have earn'd By forty years' fidelity from Auftria ? butler, [laughing with bitternefs.) Gratitude from the houfe of Auftria. (he is going.) octavio. (permits him to go äs far as the door, then calls after him.) Butler ! BUTLER. What with you ? OCTAVIO. How was't with the Count ? butler. Count ? what I octavio. {coldly,) The title that you wifh'd I mean. butler, (fiarts in fudden pajfion . ) Hell and damnation ! octavio. {coldly.) You petition'd for it — And your petition was repell'd-— Was it fo ? butler* f04f ¥HE PICCOkOMINI, OH TUB BUTLER. Your infolent feoff (ball not go by unpunifh'd, . Drawl OCTAVIO. Nay ! your fword to 'ts (heath ! and tell me calmly How all that happen'd. I will not refufe you Your fatisfadtion afterwards. — Calmly, Butler ! BUTLER. Be the whole world acquainted with the weaknefs; For which I never can forgive myfelf. Lieutenant General ! Yes — I have ambition. Ne'er was I able to endure contempt. It flung me to the quick, that birth and title Should have more weight than merit has in tl\ army. I would fain not be meaner than my equal, So in an evil hour I ht myfelf Be tempted to that meafure — It was folly ! But yet fo hard a penance it deferv*d not. It might have been refus'd ; but wherefore barb And venom the refufal with contempt ? "Why daili to earth and crufh with heavieft fcori* The grey-hair'd man, the faithful Veteran ? Why to the bafenefs of his parentage Refer him with fuch cruel roughnefs, only Beeaufe he had a weak hour and forgot himfelf ? But nature gives a fling e'en to the worm Which wanton Power treads on in fport and infuk. ■OCTAV10. You mull have been calumniated. Guefs you The enemy, who did you this ill fervice ? 3 butler. fciRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 205 BUTLER. Be't who it will — a moft low-hearted fcoundrel, Some vile court-minion muft itbe,fome Spaniard, Some young {quire of ibme ancient family, In whofe light I may ftand, fome envious knave, Stung to his foul by my fair felf-earn'd honours I - OCTAVIO. But tell me ! Did the Duke approve that meafure ? BUTLER. Hirnfelf impell'd me to it> ufed his interefl In my behalf with all the warmth of friendship. ' OCTAVIO. Ay ? Are you fure of that ? BUTLER. I read the letter. OCTAVIO. And fo did I — but the contents were different. (Butler B fuddenly firuck) By chance I'm in poffeflion of that letter- Can leave it to your own eyes to convince you. (he gives him the letter) BUTLER. Ha ! what is this ? OCTAVIO. I fear me, Colonel Butler, , An infamous game have they been playing with you. The Duke, you fay, impell'd you to this meafure T Now, in this letter talks he in contempt Concerning you* counfels the Minifter T„ 206 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE To give found chaftifement to your conceit, For fo he calls it. < (Butler reads through the letter , hü knees tremble, he feizes a chair, and finks down in it.) You have no enemy, no perfecutör; There's no one wifhes ill to you. Afcribe The infult you receiv'd to the Duke only. His aim is clear and palpable. He wiüVd To tear you from your Emperor — he hop'd To gain from your revenge what he well knew (What your long-tried fidelity convinc'd him) He n'er could dare expect from your calm reafon. A blind tool would he make you, in contempt Ufe you, as means of mod abandon'd ends. He has gain'd his point. Too well has he fucceeded In luring you away from that good path On which you had been journeying forty years ! butler, (his vo ice trem b ling ) Can e'er the Emperor's Majefly forgive me ? 0CTAVI0. More than forgive you. He would fain con> penfate For that affront, and moft unmerited grievance Suftain'd by a deferving, gallant veteran. From his free impulfe he confirms the prefent, Which the Duke made you for a wicked purpofe. The regiment, which you now command, is your's. (Butler attempts to rife, finks down again. He labours inwardly with violent emotions > tries to FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 207 to J peak, and cannot. At length he takes his /word from the belt, and offers it to Pic- colomini. ) OCTAVIO. What wifh you ? Recoiled yourfelf, friend . BUTLER. Take it. OCTAVIO. But to what purpofe ? Calm yourfelf. BUTLER. O take M ! I am no longer worthy of this fvvord. OCTAVIO. Receive it then anew from my hands — and Wear it with honour for the right caufe ever. BUTLER. Perjure myfelf to fuch a gracious Sovereign 1 OCTAVIO. You'll make amends. Quick ! break off from the Duke ! BUTLER. Break off from him ! OCTAVIO. What now ? Bethink thyfelf. butler, (no longer governing his emotion ) Only break off from him ! — He dies ! he dies ! OCTAVIO. Come after me to Frauenberg, where now All, who are loyal, are aflembling under Counts Altringer and Galas. Many others I've 208 THE PICCOLoMlNT, OR THE I've brought to a remembrance of their duty. This night be fure, that you efcape from Pilfen. butler, (ßrides up and dozen in exceffive agitation, thenßeps up to Octavio with re- folved countenance.) Count Piccolomini ! Dare that man fpeak Of honour to you, who once broke his troth. OCTAVIO. He, who repents fo deeply of it, dares» BUTLER. Then leave me here, upon my word of honour I OCTAVIO. What's your defign ? BUTLER. Leave me and my regiment. OCTAVIO. 1 have full confidence in you. But tell me What are you brooding ? BUTLER. That the deed will tell you. Aik me no more at prefent. Truft to me. Ye may truft fafely. By the living God Ye give him over, not to his good angel ! Farewell ! [Exit Butler. servant, {enters with a billet.) A ftranger left it, and is gone. The Prince-Duke's horfes wait for you below. [Exit Servants octavio. (reads.) " Be fure, make hafte ! Your faithful Ifolan." —^O that I had but left this town behind me. To FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 209 To fplit upon a rock fo near the haven ! — Away !■ This is no longer a fafe place for me ! Where can my Ton be tarrying ? SCENE VI. Octavio and Max. Picgolomini. (Max. enters almqß in a fiate of derangement from extreme agitation, his eyes roll zvildly, his xvalk is unßeady, and he appears not to obferve Ids father, who flands at a difiance, and gazes at him with a countenance expref- ßve of compajfion. He paces with long ßrides through the chamber, then ßands fill again, and at laß throws himfelf into a chair, ßaring vacantly at the object directly before him.) octavio. {advances to ftim,) I am going fT, my fon. {Receiving no anfwer, he takes his hand.) My fon, farewell. MAX. Farewell. OCTAVIO. Thou wilt foon follow me ? MAX. • I follow thee ? Thy way is crooked — it is not my way. p (Qctavfo #10 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE (Octavio drops his hand, and ßarts back.) O, hadfl thou been but fimple and fincere, Ne'er had it come to this — all had flood otherwife. He had not done that foul and horrible deed, The virtuous had retained their influence o'er him : He had not fallen into the fnares of villains. Wherefore fo like a thief, and thief's accomplice Did'ft creep behind him — lurking for thy prey ? O, unbleft falfehood ! Mother of all evil ! Thou mifery-making daemon, it is thou That fink'ft us in perdition. Simple truth, Suftainerof the world, had fav'd us all ! Father, I will not, I cannot excufe thee ! Wallenftein has deceiv'd me — O, mod foully ! But thou haft acted not much, better. OCTAVIO. Son ! My fon, ah ! I forgive thy agony ! max. (rifes, and contemplates his father with looks of fufpicion,) Was't poffible ? had'ft thou the heart, my father, Had'ft thou the heart to drive it to fuch lengths, With cold premeditated purpofe ? Thou — Had'ft thou the heart, to wifh to fee him guilty, Rather than fav'd ? Thou rifeft by his fall. Octavio, 'twill not pleafe me. OCTAVIO. God in Heaven ! MAX. O, woe is me 1 lure I have chang'd my nature. 4 How FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 211 How comes fufpicion here — in the free foul ? Hope, confidence, belief, are gone s for all Lied to me, all what I e'er lov'd or honour d. No ! No ! Not all ! She — (he yet lives for me, And (he is true, and open as the Heavens ! Deceit is every where, hypocrify, Murder, and poifoning, treafon, perjury : The fingle holy fpot is our love, The only unprofan'd in human nature. OCTAVIO. Max ! — we will go together. 'Twill be better. MAX. What ? ere I've taken a lad parting leave, The very laft — no never ! OCTAVIO. Spare thyfelf The pang of neceffary feparation. Come with me I Come, my fon ! [Attempts to take him with him.) MAX» No I as fure as God lives, no ! octavio. {more urgently.) Come with me, I command thee ! I, thy father. MAX. Command me what is human. I flay here. OCTAVIO. Max ! in the Emperor's name I bid thee come. MAX. No Emperor hath power to prefcribe p z Laws 212 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE Laws to the heart ; and would'ft thou v.i(h to rob me Of the fole blefling which my fate has left me, Her fympathy. Muft then a cruel deed Be done with cruelty ? The unalterable Shall I perform ignobly — ileal away, With flealthy coward flight forfake her ? No ! She (hall behold my fuffering, my fore anguifh, Hear the complaints of the difparted foul, And weep tears o'er me. O ! the human race Have fteely fouls — but (he is as an angel. From the black deadly madnefs of defpair Will me redeem my foul, and in foft words Of comfort, plaining, loofe this pang of death \ OCTAVIO. Thou will not tear thyfelf away, thou can' ft not. O, come, my fbn ! I bid thee fave thy virtue, MAX. Squander not thou thy words in vain. The heart I follow, for I dare trufl to it. octAVio. {trembling, and lofing all felf-* command.) Max ! Max ! if .that moft damned thing could be, If thou — my fon — my own blood — (dare I think it?) Do fell thyfelf to him, the infamous, Do (lamp this brand upon our noble houfe, Then (hall the world behold the horrible deed, And in unnatural combat (hall the fteel Of the fon trickle with the father's blood. MAX, FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN. 213 MAX. O hadft thou always better thought of men, Thou hadft then afted better. Curft fufpicion ! Unholy miferable doubt ! To him Nothing on earth remains unwrench'd and firm, Who has no faith. OCTAVIO. And if I truft thy heart, Will it be always in thy power to follow it ? MAX. The heart's voice thou haft not o'erpower'd— as little Will Wallenftein be able to o'erpower it. OCTAVIO. O, Max ! I fee thee never more again ! MAX. Unworthy of thee wilt thou never fee me. OCTAVIO. I go to Frauenberg — the Pappenheimers I leave thee here, the Lothrings too ; Tofkana And Tiefenbach remain here to protect thee. They love thee, and are faithful ,to their oath, And will far rather fall in gallant conteft Than leave their rightful leader, and their honour. MAX. Rely on this, I either leave my life In the ftruggle, or conduct them out of Pilfen. OCTAVIO. Farewell, my fon ! MAX. farewell ! OCTAVIO. 214 THE PICCOLOMINI, OR THE OCTAVIO. How ? not one iook Of filial love ? No grafp of tir hand at parting ? It is a bloody war, to which we are going, And the event uncertain and in darknefs. So us'd we not to part — it was not fo j Is it then true ? I have a fon no longer ? {Max. falls into his arms, they hold each for a long time in a fpeechlefs embrace, then. p;o ai^ay at afferent Mes.) THE CURTAIN DROPS. 'Prinicd by G. Wood/all, No. 22, Pafernofier-Ro ?ATERNOSTER-ROW, By G. Wood/all, No. a 2, Paternofier-Roiu, 18Q0 PREFACE OF THE TRANSLATOR. HE two Dramas, Piccolomini, or the firft part of Wallenstein, and Wallenstein, are introduced in the original manufcript by a Prelude in one Act, entitled Wallen stein's Camp. This is written in rhyme, and in nine fyllable verfe, in the fame lilting metre (if that expreffion may be permitted) with the fecond Eclogue of Spencer's Shepherd's Calendar. This Prelude poffefles a fort of broad humour, and is not deficient in character j but to have tranflated it into profe, or into any other metre than that of the original, would have given a falfe idea both of its ftyle and purport ; to have tranflated it into the fame metre would have been incompatible with a faithful adherence to the fenfe of the German, from the comparative po- verty of our language in rhymes ; and it would have been unadvifeable from the incongruity of thole lax verfes with the prefent tafte of the Eng- lish Public. Schiller's intention feems to have been merely to have prepared his reader for the Tragedies by a lively picture of the laxity of dif- cipline, and the mutinous difpofitions of Wallen- ftein's foldiery. It is not neceflary as a prelimi- nary explanation. For thefe reafons it has been thought expedient not to translate it. The PREFACE. The admirers of Schiller, who have abftracted their idea of that author from the Robbers, and the Cabal and Love, plays in which the main in- terefl is produced by the excitement of curiofity, and in which the curiofity is excited by terrible and extraordinary incident, will not have perufed without fome portion of difappointment the Dramas, which it has been my employment to translate. They mould, however, reflect that thefe are Hiftorical Dramas, taken from a po- pular German Hiftory ; that we muft therefore judge of them in fome meafure with the feelings of Germans ; or by analog}' - , with the intereft excited in us by fimilar Dramas in our own language. Few, I truft, would be rafh or igno- rant enough to compare Schiller with Shakefpeare; yet, merely as illuftration, I would fay that wg (bould proceed to the perufal of Wallenftein, not from Lear or Othello, but from Richard the Second, or the three parts of Henry the Sixth. We fcarcely expect rapidity in an Hiftorical Drama; and many prolix fpeeches are pardoned from characters, whofe names and actions have formed the moft amufing tales of our early life. On the other hand, there exift in thefe plays more individual beauties, more paflages, whofe excel» lence will bear reflection, than in the former productions of Schiller. The defcription of the Aftrological Tower, and the reflections of the Young Lover, which follow it, form in the ori- ginal a fine poem ; and my tranflation muft have been wretched indeed, if it can have wholly over- clouded the beauties of the Scene in the firft Aft of the firft Play between Queftenberg, Max. and Octavio Piccolomini. If we except the Scena of the fetting fan in the Robbers, I know of no part in Schiller's Plays which equals the whole of the firft Scene of the fifth Ad of the concluding Play. PREFACE. Play. It would be unbecoming in me to be more difFule on this fubjecl:. A Translator (lands con- nected with the original Author by a certain law of fubordination, which makes it more decorous to point out excellencies than defects : indeed he is not likely to be a fair judge of either. The pleafure or difguft from his own labour will mingle with the feelings that arife from an after- view of the original. Even in the fiift perufal of a work in any foreign language which we underftand, we are apt to attribute to it more excellence than it really poliertes from our own pleafurable fenfe of difficulty overcome without effort. Tranflation of poetry into poetry is diffi- cult, becaufe the Tranflator mufl give a brilliancy to his language without that warmth of original conception, from which fuch brilliancy would follow of its own accord. But the Tranflator of a living Author is encumbered with additional inconveniences. If he render his original faith- fully, as to the fenfe of each paflage, he muft necefiarily deftroy a confiderable portion of the fpirit ; if he endeavour to give a work executed according to laws of compenfation, he fubjecls himfeifto imputations of vanity, or mifreprefenta- tion. I have thought it my duty to remain bound by the fenfe of my original, with as few exceptions &s the nature of the languages rendered portable, & T, COLERIDGE DRAMATIS DRAMATIS PERSONS. Wallenstein, Duke of Friedland, Generalißmo of the Impe- rial Forces in the Thirty-years War. Duchess of Fried land, Wife of Wallenfiein. Thekla, her Daughter, Princefs of Friedland. TfcCouifTESs Tertsky, Sißer of the Ducbefs. Lady Neubrunn. Octavio Piccolomini, Lieutenant General. Max. Piccolomini, his Son, Colonel of a Regiment ofCuiraßers. Count Tertsky, the Commander of feveral Regiments, and Brother-in-lato of Wallenßein. Illo, Field Marfhal, Wallenßein' s Confidant. Butler, an Irißman, Commander of a Regiment of Dragoons. Gordon, Governor of Egra. Major Geraldin. . Captain Devereux. Macdonald. Neumann, Captain of Cavalry, Aide-de-camp to Tertfiy. Swedish Captain. Seni. Burgomaster, of Egra. Anspessade of the Cuiraßers. Groom of the Chamber. A Page, Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Servants. » \ Belonging to the Duie. THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. ACT I. Scene, a Chamber in the Houfe of the Duchefs of Friedland. SCENE I. Countess Tertsky. Thekla. Lady Neubrunn. (the two latter fit at the fame table at work.) countess, (watching them from the oppofitejide.) So you have nothing, niece, to afk me ? Nothing ? I have been waiting for a word from you. And could you then endure in all this time Not once to fpeak his name ? (Thekla remaining filent* the Cpuntefs rifes and advances to her.) Why, how comes this ? Perhaps I am already grown fuperfluous, And other ways exift, befides through me ? Confefs it to me, Thekla ! have you feen him ? B THEKLA. 2 THE DEATH OF THEKLA. To-day and yefterday I have not feen him. COUNTESS. And not heard from him either ? Come, be open i THEKLA. No fyllable. COUNTESS. And ftill you are fo calm ? THEKLA. I am. COUNTESS. May't pleafe you, leave us, Lady Neubrunn ! [Exit Lady Neubrunit. ■.'•■.■. SCENE II. The Countess. Thekla. countess. I J: does not pleafe me, Princefs ! that he holds. Himfelf foyfo*//, exactly at this time. THEKLA. Exactly at this time? COUNTESS. He now knows all. 'Twere now the moment to declare himfelf. THEKLA. If I^m to underfta'rid you, fpeak lefs darkly. COUNTESS. 'Twas for that purpofe that I bade her leave us. - Thekla, WALLENSTEIN. 3 Thekla, you are no more a child. Your heart Is now no more in nonage : for you love, And boldnefs dwells with love — that you have prov'd. Your nature moulds itfelf upon your father's More than your mother's fpirit. Therefore may you Hear, what were too much for her fortitude. THEKLA. Enough ! no further preface, I intreat you. At once, out with it ! Be it what it may, It is not poffible that it mould torture me More than this introduction. What have you To fay to me ? Tell me the whole, and briefly ! COUNTESS. You'll not be frighten'd — THEKLA. Name it, I intreat you. COUNTESS. It lies within your power to do your father A weighty fervice— THEKLA. Lies within my power?. countess. Max.- Pi'ccolomini loves you. You can link him IndiffolubJy to your father. THEKLA. • I ? What need of me for that ? And is he not Already link'd to him ? B 2 COUNTESS. I »- 4 the death: of \ COUNTESS. He was. THEKLA. And wherefore Should he not be fo now — not be fo always ? COUNTESS. He cleaves to th' Emp'ror too. THEKLA. Not more than duty And honour may demand of him. COUNTESS. We aflc Proofs of his love, and not proofs of his honour. Dutv and honour ! Thofe are ambiguous words with many meanings- You mould interpret them for him : his love Should be. the fole definer of his honour. THEKLA. How ? . COUNTESS. Th' Emperor or you muft he renounce. THEKLA. He will accompany my father gladly In his retirement. From himfelf you heard, How much he wifrYd to lay afide the fword. COUNTESS. He müft not lay the fword afide, we mean -, He muft unfheath it in your father's caufe. THEKLA. WALLENSTEIN. 5. THEKLA. He'll fpend with gladnefs and alacrity His life, his heart's blood in my father's caufe, If fhame or injury be intended him. COUNTESS. You will not underftand me. Well, hear then ! Your father has fallen off from' the JEmperor, And is about to join the enemy With the whole foldiery — THEKLA, Alas, my mother ! COUNTESS. There needs a great example to draw on The army after him. The Piccolomini Poflefs the love and rev'rence of the troops; They govern all opinions, and wherever They lead the way, none hefitate to follow. The fon fecures the father to our interefts — You've much in your hands at this moment. THEKLA, Ah, My miferable mother ! what a death-ftroke Awaits thee ! — No ! She never will furvive it. COUNTESS. She will accommodate her foul to that Which is and rauft be. I do know vour mother. The far-off future weighs upon he/ heart With torture of anxiety ; but is it Unalterably, actually prefent, She foon refigns herfelf, and bears it calmly. E %. THEKLA. 6" THE DEATH OF ■ THEKLA. my fore -boding bofom ! Even now, E'en now 'tis here, that icy hand of horror ! And my young hope lies fhuddering in its grafp. 1 knew it well — no fooner had I enter'd, An heavy ominous prefentiment Reveal'd to me, that fpirits of death were hov'ring Over my happy fortune. But why think I Firft of myfelf ? My mother ! O my mother ! COUNTESS. Calm yourfelf ! Break not out in vain lamenting ! Preferve you for your father the firm friend, And for yourfelf the lover, all will yet Prove good and fortunate. THEKLA. Prove good ? What good ? Mull; we not part ? Part ne'er to meet again ? COUNTESS. He parts not from you ! He can not part from you. THEKLA. Alas for his fore anguifh ! It will rend His heart afunder. COUNTESS. If indeed he loves you, His refolution will be fpeedily taken. THEKLA. His refolution will be fpeedily taken — O do not doubt of that ! A refolution ! Does there remain one to be taken f COUNTESS. WALLENSTEIN - . COUNTESS. Hllfll! Colled yourfelf ! I hear your mother coming. THEKLA. How (hall I bear to fee her ? COUNTESS. Colled: yourfelf. ,SCE^E III. To them enter the Duchess. duchess, (to the Countefs.) Who was here, fifter ? I heard fome one talking, And paffionately too. countess. Nay! There was no one» duchess. I am grown fo timorous, every trifling noife Scatters my fpirits, and announces to me The footftep of fome meflenger of evil. And can you tell me, fifter, what the event is ? Will he agree to do the Emperor's pleafure, And fend th' horfe-regiments to the Cardinal ? Tell me, has he difmifs'd Von Queftenberg With a favourable anfwer ? COUNTESS. No, he has not. B 4 DUCHESS, 8 THE DEATH OF PUCHESS. Alas ! then all is loft ! I fee it coming, The worft that can come • Yes, they will depofe him $ The accurfed bufinefs of the I-legenfpurg diet Will all be acted o'er again ! COUNTESS. No ! never ! Make your heart eafy, fitter, as to that. (Thekla 3 in extreme agitation, throws her/elf upoi% her mother, and enfolds her in her arms, %veep r ing.) DUCHESS. Yes, my poor child ! Thou too haft loft a moft affectionate godmother In th' Emprefs. O that ftern unbending man ! In this unhappy marriage what have I Not fuffer'd, not endur'd. For ev'n as if I had been link'd on to fome wheel of fire That reftlefs, ceafelefs, whirls impetuous onward, I have paft a life of frights and horrors with him, And ever to the brink of fome Abyfs With dizzy headlong violence he whirls me. Nay, do not weep, my child ! Let not my fufFrings Prefignify unhappinefs to thee, Nor blacken with their made, the fate that waits thee. There lives no fecond Friedland : thou, my child, Haft not to fear thy mother's deftiny. THEKLA. O let us fupplicate him, deareft mother ! Quick ! quick ! here's no abiding-place for us. Here WALLENSTEIN. 9 Here every coming hour broods into life Some new affrightful monfter. DUCHESS. Thou wilt mare An eafier, calmer lot, my child ! We too, I and thy father, witnefs'd happy days. Still think I with delight of thofe firft years, When he was making progrefs with glad effort, When his ambition was a genial fire, Not that confuming j##??ze which now it is. The Emperor lov'd him, trufted him ; and all He undortook, could not but be fuccefsful. But fince that ill-ftarr'd day at Regenfpurg, Which plung'd him headlong from his dignity, A gloomy uncompanionable fpirit, Ä Unfteady and fufpicious, has poffefs'd him. His quiet mind forfook him, and no longer Did he yield up himfelf in joy and faith To his old luck, and individual power ; But thenceforth turn'd his heart and befl affections ^.11 to thofe cloudy fciences, which never Have yet made happy him who followed them- COUNTESS. You fee it, fifter! as y our eyes permit you. But furely this is not the converfation To pafs the time in which we are waiting for him. You know he will be foon here. Would you have him Find her in this condition ? DUCHESS. 10 THE DEATH OP / DUCHESS. Come, my child! Come wipe away thy tears, and (hew thy father A chearful countenance. See, the tie-knot here Is off — this hair mull not hang fo difhevell'd. Come, deareft ! dry thy tears up. They deform. Thy gentle eye — well now — -what was I faying ? Yes, in good truth, this Piccolomini Is a moft noble and deferving gentleman. COUNTESS. That is he, fitter ! THEKLA. (to the Countefs, with marks of great oppreffionqf fpirits.) Aunt, you will excufe me ? (is going) COUNTESS. But whither ? See, your father comes. THEKLA. I cannot fee him now. COUNTESS. Nay, but bethink you. THEKLA. Believe me, I cannot fuftain his prefence. COUNTESS. But he will mifs you, will afk after you. DUCHESS. What now ? Why is fhe going r ? COUNTESS. She's not well. DUCHESS. WALLENSTEItf. 11 duchess, (anxioußy.) What ails then my beloved child ? {both follow the Princefs, and endeavour to detain her. During this Wallenfiein appears, en- gaged in converfation with Illo.) SCENE IV. Wallenstein. Illo. Countess. Duchess. Thekla. wallenstein. All quiet in the camp ? illo. It is all quiet. WALLENSTEIN. In a few hours may couriers come from Prague With tidings, that this capital is ours. Then we may drop the mafk, and to the troops Affembled in this town make known the meafure And it's refult together. In fuch cafes Example does the whole. Whoever is foremoft Still leads the herd. An imitative creature Is man. The troops at Prague conceive no other, Than that the Pilfen army has gone through The forms of homage to us ; and in Pilfen They lliall fwear fealty to us, becaufe The example has been given them by Prague. Butler, you tell me, has declared himfelf. ILLO. At his own bidding, unfolicited, He came to offer you himfelf and regiment. WALLENSTEIN. 12 THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. I find we muft not give implicit credence To every warning voice that makes itfelf Be liften'd to in th' heart. To hold us back, Oft does the lying fpirit counterfeit The voice of Truth and inward Revelation, Scatt'ring falf^ oracles. And thus have I To intreat forgivenefs, for that fecretly I've wrong'd this honourable gallant- man, This Butler : for a feeling, of the which I am not matter, {fear I would not call it) Creeps o'er me inftantly, with fenfe of fhudd'ring, At his approach, and flops love's joyous motion. And this fame man, againft whom J am warn'd, This honeft man is he, who reaches to me The firft pledge of my fortune. I LLC And doubt not That his example will win over to you The befl men in the army. WALLENSTEIN. Go and fend Ifolani hither. Send him immediately. He is under recent obligations to me. With him will I commence the trial. Go. [illo. Ex if. w allenstein . ((urns himfelf round to thefemales) Lo, there the mother with the darling daughter, For once we'll have an interval of reft — Come ! my heart yearns to live a cloudlefs hour In the beloved circle of my family. COUNTESS. WALLENSTEIN. 13 COUNTESS. Tis long fince we've been thus together, brother. wallenstein, (to the Coantefs, aßde.) Can fiie fuftain the news ? Is (he prepar'd ? COUNTESS. Not yet. WALLENSTEIN. Come here, my fweet girl ! Seat thee by me. For there is a good fpirit on thy lips. Thy mother prais'd to me thy ready fkill : She fays a voice of melody dwells in thee, Which doth enchant the foul. Now fuch a voice Will drive away for me the evil daemon That beats his black wings clofe above my head. DUCHESS. Where is thy lute, my daughter ? Let thy father Hear fome fmall trial of thy {kill. THEKLA. My motljer ! I— DUCHESS. Trembling ? Come, collect thyfelf. Go, cheer Thy father. THEKLA. Q my mother! I- — I cannot. COUNTESS. ^low, what is that, niece? thekla. (to the Conntefs.) O fpare me— fing — now — in this fore anxiety, Of the o'erburthen'd foul — to ling to him, Who I* THE DEATH OF Who is thrufling, even now, my mother headlong Into her grave. DUCHESS. How, Thekla ? Humourfome ? What ! mail thy father have exprefs'd a with In vain ? countess. Here is the lute. THEKLA. My God ! how can I — (The orcliefira plays. During the ritornello Thekla exprejfesin her gefiures and countenance the firuggle of her feelings ; and at the mo- ment that Jlie fJiould begin to fing , contracts herfelf together, as one Jhuddering, throws the inßrument down, and retires abruptly.) DUCHESS. My child ! O me is ill— WALLENSTEIN. What ails the maiden ?' Say, is (he often fo ? COUNTESS. Since then herfelf Has now betray'd it, I too muft no longer Conceal it. WALLENSTEIN. What? COUNTESS. She loves him ! WALLENSTEIN. WALLENSTEIN. 15 WALLENSTEIN. Loves him ! Whom ? COUNTESS. Max. does me love ? Max. Piccolomini. Haft thou ne'er notic'd it ? Nor yet my lifter ? DUCHESS. Was it this that lay fo heavy on her heart ? God's blefiing on thee, my fweet child ! Thou need 'ft Never take fhame upon thee for thy choice. COUNTESS. This journey, if 'twere not thy aim, afcribe it To thine own felf. Thou fhoüld'ft have chofen another To have attended her. wallenstein; And does he know it ? countess. Yes, and he hopes to win her. WALLENSTEIN. Hopes to win her ! Is the boy mad ? - COUNTESS. Well — hear it from themfelves. WALLENSTEIN. He thinks to carry ofFDuke Friedland' s daughter ! Ay ?-— -The thought pleafes me. The young man has no grovelling fpirit. COUNTESS. 1$ TUE DEATrf Off COUNTESS. ' i i Since Such and lach conftant favour you have (hewn him«, WALLENSTEIN. He chufes finally to be my heir. And true it is, I love the youth ; yea, honour him. But muft he therefore be my daughter's hufband ? Is it daughters only ? Is it only children That we muft fhew our favour by ? DUCHESS. His noble difpofition and his manners — WALLENSTEIN. Win him my heart, but not my daughter* ^ DUCHESS. Then \ His rank, his anceftors — WALLENSTEIN. Anceftors! What?'. He is a fubject, and my fon-in-law I will feek out upon the thrones of Europe. DUCHESS. O deareft Albrecht ! Climb we not too high, Left we mould fall too low. WALLENSTEIN. What ? have I paid A price fo heavy to afcend this eminence, And jut out high above the common herd, Only to'clofe the mighty part I play In WALLENSTEIN. 17 In Life's great Drama, with a common kinfman ? Have I for this — (flops fuddenly , repr effing hhnfclf.) She is the only thing That will remain behind of me on earth t And I will fee a crown around her head, Or die in the attempt to place it there. I hazard all — all ! and for this alone, To lift her into greatnefs — Yea, in this moment, in the which we are fpeaking— (he recollects him/elf) And I muft now, like a foft-hearted father, Couple together in good peafant fafhion The pair, that chance to fuit each other's liking-*- And I mud do it now, even now, when I Arn ftretching out the wreath, that is to twine My full accompliuYd work— no ! ihe is the jewel, Which I have treafur'd long, my laft, my nobleft, And 'tis my purpofe not to let her from me For lefs than a king's fceptre. DUCHESS. O my hufband 1 You're ever building, building to the clouds, Still building higher, and ftill higher building, And ne'er reflect., that the .poor narrow bafis Cannot fuftain the giddy tottering column. wallenstein, (to the Cowiiefs.) Have you announc'd the place of refidence Which I have deftin'd for her? c COUNTESS. 18 THE DEATH OF COUNTESS. No ! not yet. "Twere better, you yourfelf difclos'd it to her. DUCHESS. How ? Do we not return to Kärn then ? WALLENSTEIN. No. j DUCHESS. ' And to no other of your lands or feats ? WALLENSTEIN. You would not be fecure there. DUCHESS. Not fecure " In the Emperor's realms, beneath the Emperor's Protection ? WALLENSTEIN. Friedland's wife may be permitted No longer to hope that. DUCHESS. O God in heaven ! And have you brought it even to this ? WALLENSTEIN. In Holland You'll find protection. DUCHESS. In a Lutheran country ? What ? And you fend us into Lutheran countries ? WALLENSTEIN. Duke Franz of Lauenburg condufbs you thither. duchess. . WALLLENSTEIN. ,19 DUCHESS. Duke Franz of Lauenberg ? The ally of Sweden, the Emperor's enemy. WALLENSTEIN. The Emperor's enemies are mine no longer. DUCHESS. (cafiing a look of terror on the Duke and the Countefs.) Is it then true ? It is. You are degraded ? Depos'd from the command ? O God in heaven ! countess, (afide to the Duke.) , J^eave her in this belief. Thou feeft flie cannot Support the real truth. SCENE V. To them enter Count Tertsky. countess. — tertsky! What ails him ? What an image of affright ! He looks as he had feen a ghoft. TERTSKY. (leading Wallenfiein afide!) Is it thy command that all the Croats — • WALLENSTEIN. Mine! TERTSKY. We are betrayM. C 2. WAL« 20 THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. What ? TERTSKY. They are off 1 This night The Jägers likewife£— all the villages In the whole round are empty. WALLENSTE.IN. Ifolanr ? TERTSKY. Him thou haft fent away. Yes* furely. WALLENSTEIN-. I! TERTSKY. No I Haft thou not Tent him off? Nor Deodate? They are vanifh'd both of them. SCENE VI. To them enter Illo. I LLQ, Has Tert&y told thee ? TERTSKY. He knows all. ILXO. And likewife That Efterhatzy, Goetz, Maradas, Kaunitz, Kolatto, Palfi, have forfaken thee. TERTSKY. Damnation i wallenstein, {ivinks to them.) Hu(h! COUNTESS. WALL-&NSTEIN. 21 COUNTESS. {who has been watching them anxioufiy from the difiance, and now advances to them.) Tertfky! Heaven! What is it? What^i as hap- pened ? wa llenstein. {fcarcelyfappreßng his emotions.) Nothing ! Let us be gone ! T E r tsk y . (following him.) Therefa, it is nothing. countess, (ho kling h im back.) Nothing? Do I not fee, that all the life blood Has left your cheeks — look you not like a ghoft ? That even my brother but affects a calmnels ? page, {enters.) An Aid-de-Camp enquires for the Count Terriky. ( Tertjky follows the Page) wallenstein. Go, hear his bufinefs. (to flip) This could not have happened 80 unfufpected without mutiny. ^Vho was 011 guar4 at the gates } 1LLO. 'Twas Tiefenbach. WALLENSTEIN. Let Tiefenbach leave guard without delay. And Tertfky 's grenadiers relieve him, (IUo is going) Stop ! Haft thou heard aught of Butler? q o ILLO, 22 THE DEATH OF ILLO." Him I met. He Will be here himfelf immediately. Butler remains unfhaken. (Mo exit. Walle nfiein is following him.) COUNTESS. Let him not leave thee, filler ! go, detain him I There's Tome misfortune. duchess, {clinging to him.) Gracious heaven ! What is it ? WALLENSTEIN. Be tranquil ! leave me, filter ! dearefl wife ! We are in camp, and this is nought unufual ; Here ftorm and funfhine follow one another With rapid interchanges. Thefe fierce fpirits Champ the curb angrily, and never yet Did quiet blefs the temples of the leader. If I am to flay, go you. The plaints of women 111 fuit the fcene where men mufl ad. (He is going : Tertjlcy returns.) TERTSKY. Remain here. From this window mufl we fee it, wallenstein, (to the Countefs.) Siller, retire ! COUNTESS. No — never. wallenstein. 'Tis my will, TERTSKY. WALLENSTEIN. 23 t e r t s k Y . ( leads the Countefs qßde, and draw- ing her attention to the Duchefs.) Therefa ! DUCHESS. Sifter, come ! fince he commands it. SCENE VII. Wallenste.in. Tertsky. wallenstein, (ßepping to the window.) What now, then ? TERTSKY. There are ftrange movements among all the troops, And no one knows the caufe. Myfterioufly, With gloomy filentnefs, the feveral corps Marfhal themfelves, each under its own banners. Tiefenbach's corps make threatening movements ; only The Pappenheimers flill remain aloof Jn their own quarters, and let no one enter. WALLENSTEIN. Does Piccolomini appear among them ? TERTSKY. We are feeking him : he js no where to be met with. WALLENSTEIN. What did the Aide-de-Camp deliver to you ? TERTSKY. My regiments had difpatched him, yet once more c 4 Thfy 24 THE DEATH OF They fwear fidelity tö thöe, and wait The fhout for onfet, all prepar'd, and eager. WALLENSTEIN. But whence arofe this larum in the camp ? It mould have been kept fecret from the army, Till fortune had decided for us at Prague. TERTSKY. that thou hadft believ'd me ! Yefter evening Did we conjure thee not to let that ikulker, That fox, Octavio, pafs the gates of Pilfen. Thou gav'ft him thy own horfes to flee from thee, WALLENSTEIN. The old tune ftill ! Now, once for all, no more Of this fufpicion— it is doting folly. . . TERTSKY. Thou did'fl: confide in Ifolani too ; And lo ! he was the firft that did defert thee. WALLENSTEIN. It was but yefterday I refcued him From abject wretchednefs. Let that go by» 1 never reckon'd yet on gratitude. And wherein doth he wrong in going from me ? He follows ftill the god whom all his life He has worihipp'd at the gaming table. With My Fortune, and my feemingjieiliny, He made the bond, and broke it not with me. I am but the (hip in which his hopes were flow'd, And with the which well-pleas'd and confident He travers'd the open fea j now he beholds it In eminent jeopardy among the coaft>rocks, - And WALXENSTEIN, 25 And hurries to preferve his wares. As light As the free bird from the hofpi table twig Where it had nefted, he flies off from me : No human tie is fnapp'd betwixt us two. Yea, he deferves to find himfelf deceiv'd, Who feeks a heart in the unthinking man. Like fliadows on a ftream, the forms of life Imprefs their characters on the fmooth forehead, Nought finks into the bofom's lllent depth : Quick fenfibility of pain and pleafure Moves the light fluids lightly ; but no foul Warmeth the inner frame. TERTSKY. Yet, would I rather Truft the fmooth brow than that deep furrow'done. SCENE VIII. Wallenstein. TertsKy. Illo. {who enters agitated xvith rage.) illo. Treafon and mutiny ! TERTSKY. And what further now ? ILLO. Tiefenbach's foldiers, when I gave the orders To go off guard — Mutinous villains ! TERTSKY. Well ? WALLENSTEIN. What follow'd ? ILLO. They refus'd obedience to them. TERTSKY. 26 THE DEATH OP TERTSKY. Fire on them inftantly I Give out the order, WALLENSTEIN. Gently ! What caufe did they afllgn ? ILLO. No other* They faid, had. right to iffue orders but Lieutenant-General Plccolomini. WALLENSTEIN, [hl ü CO?Wulfio?l of QgOliy,) What ? How is that ? ILLO. He takes that office on him by commilHon, Under fign-manual of the Emperor. TERTSKY. From th' Emp'ror — hear'ft thou, Duke ? ILLO. At his incitement The Generals made that ftealthy flight — b TERTSKY. Duke! hear'ft thou? ILLO. Caraffa too, and Montecuculi , Are miffing, with fix other Generals, All whom he had induc'd to follow him. This plot he has long had in writing by him From the Emperor ; but 'twas finally conclude^ With all the detail of the operation Some days ago with the Envoy 1 Queftenberg. (Wallenftehi finks down into a chair , and covers his face.) TERTSKY. O hadft thou but believed me ! SCENE WALLENSTEIN, 27 SCENE IX. To them enter the Countess. countess. This fufpenfe, This horrid fear — I can no longer bear it. For heaven's fake, tell me, what has taken place, ILLO. The regiments are all falling off from us. TERTSKY. Ocliavio Piccolomini is a traitor. COUNTESS. O my foreboding ! {rujlies out of the room.') TERTSKY. Hadft thou but beiiev'dme! Now feeft thou how the flars have lied to thee. WALLENSTEIN. The flars lie not ; but we have here a work Wrought counter to the flars and defliny. The fcience is ftill honeft :, this falle heart Forces a lie on the truth-telling heaven. On a divine law divination refls ; Where nature deviates from that law, and flumbies Out of her limits, there all fcience errs. True, I did not fufpect ! Were it fuperftition Never by fuch fufpicion t' have affronted The human form, O may that time ne'er come In which I fhame me of th' infirmity. The wildeft favage drinks not with the victim, Into 2S THE DEATH OF In whofe breafl he means to plunge the fvvord. This, this, Octavio, was no hero's deed : 'Twas not thy prudence that did conquer mine ; A bad heart triumph'd o'er an honeft one. No fliield receiv'd the afTaffin ftroke ; thou plunged Thy weapon on an unprotected bread — Againft fuch weapons I am but a child. SCENE X. To thefe enter Butler. TERTSKt. (meeting him.) O look there ! Butler ! Here we've dill a friend i WÄLLENSTEIN. {meets him with ontfpread arms, and embraces him with zuarmth.) Come to my heart, old comrade ! Not the fun Looks out upon us more revivingly In the earlieft month of fpring, Than a friend's countenance in fqch an hour, BUTLER, My General • I come — WALLENSTEIN. {leaning on Butter's J/wulder.) Know'ft thou already ? That old man has betray 'd me to the Emperor. What fay'ft thou ? Thirty years have we together Liv'd out, and held out, fharing joy and hardfhip. We have llept in one camp-bed, drunk from one glafs, Oac WALLENSTEIN.' 29 One morfel fhar'd ! I lean'd myfelf on him, As now I lean me on thy faithful flioulder. And now in the very moment, when, all love, All confidence, my bofom beat to his, He fees and takes the advantage, ftabs the knife Slowly into my heart. [he hides his face in Butler's breaß.) BUTLER. Forget the falfe one. What is your prefent purpofe ? WALLENSTEIN". Well remembered ! Courage, my foul ! I am Hill rich in friends, Still lov'd by Deftiny ; for in the moment, That it unmafks the plotting hypocrite, It fends and proves to me one faithful heart. Of the hypocrite no more ! Think not, his lofs Was that which ftruck the pang: O no ! his treafon Is that which ftrikes this pang ! No more of him! Dear to my heart, and honour'd were they both, And the young man — yes — he did truly love me, He — he — has not deceiv'd me. But enough, Enough of this — Swift eounfel now befeems us. The Courier, whom Count Kinfky fent from Prague, I expect him every moment : and whatever He may bring with him, we muß; take gopd care Uo keep it from the mutineers. Quick, then I Difpatch fome meffenger you can rely on To meet him, and conduct him to me. ' (Illo is going.) butler, {detaining hi?n.\ My General, whom expect you then ? WAL- 50 THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. The Courier Who brings me word of the event at Prague. butler, (kejitating.) Hem! WALLENSTEIN. And what now ? BUTLER. You do not know it ? WALLENSTEIN. Well ? BUTLER. From what that larum in the camp arofe ? • WALLENSTEIN. From what ? BUTLER. That Courier wallenstein, [with eager expectation. ) Well ? BUTLER. Is already here. tertsky and illo. {at the fame time.) Already here ? wallenstetn. My Courier f butler. For fome hours. WALLEN.5TEIN. And I not know it ? A. BUTLER, WALLENSTEIN. 31 BUTLER. The centinels detain hini In cuftody. illo. [ßamping with his foot.) Damnation I BUTLER. And his letter Was broken open, and is circulated Through the whole camp. ,1 WALLENSTEIN. You know what it contains ? BUTLER. Queftion me not ! , TERTSKY. \ Illo ! alas for us ! WALLENSTEIN. Hide nothing from me — I can hear the worft. Prague then is loft. It is. Confefs it freely. BUTLER. Yes ! Prague is loft. And all the feveral regiments At Budweifs, Tabor, Braunau, Konigingratz, At Brun, and Znaym, have forfaken you, And ta'en the oaths of fealty anew To the Emperor. Yourfelf, with Kiniky, Tertfky, And Illo have been fentenc'd. {Tertjky and Illo exprefs alarm and fury. Wal* lenflein remains firm and collected.) WALLENSTEIN. Tis decided 1 'Tis 32 THE DEATH Of 'Tis well ! I have receiv'd a fudden currf From all the pangs of doubt : with fteady ftrearri Once more my life-blood flows ! My foul's fecure ! In the night only Friedland's ftars can beam. Ling'ring, irrefolute, with fitful fears I drew the fword — 'twas with an inward flrife, While yet the choice was mine. The murd'rous knife Is lifted for my heart ! Doubt difappearsi I fight now for my head and for my life. [Exit Wallenßein, the others follow him. SCENE XI. Countess Tertsjcy. (enters from a fide room.) I can endure no longer. No ! (looks around her.) Where are they ? No one is here. They leave me all alone, Alone in this fore anguifh of fufpenfe. And I mud wear the outward fhew of calmnefs Before my filler, and fhut in within me The pangs and agonies of my crowded bofom. It is not to be borne. — If all mould fail ; IF— -if he muft go over to the Swedes, An empty-handed fugitive, and not As an ally, a covenanted equal, A proud commander with his army following $ If we muft wander on from land to land, Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatnefs 3 A n WALLENSTEIN. 33 An ignominious monument — But no ! That day I will not fee ! And could himfelf Endure to fink fo low, I would not bear To fee him fo low funken. SCENE XII. Countess, Duchess, Thekla. Thekla. (endeavouring to hold back the Duchefs.) -Dear mother, do ftay here ! DUCHESS. No ! Here is yet Some frightful myflery that is hidden from me. Why does my lifter fhun me ? Don't I fee her Full of fufpenfe and anguifti roam about From room to room ? — Art thou not full of terror ? And what import thefe filent nods and geftures Which ftealthwife thou exchanged with her ? THEKLA. Nothing ; Nothing, dear mother ! duchess, (to the Countefs.) Sifter, I will know. COUNTESS. What boots it now to hide it from her ? Sooner Or later fhe muß learn to hear and bear it. 'Tis not the time now to indulge infirmity, i> Courage 54 THE DEATPI OF Courage befeems us now, a heart collect And exercife and previous discipline Of "fortitude. One word, and over with it ! Sifter, you are deluded. You believe, The Duke has been depos'd — The Duke is not Depos'd — he is ■ the k la. (going to the Coantcfs.) What ? do you wilh to kill her ? COUNTESS. The Duke is — thekl a. (Throzoing her arms round her mother.} O (land firm ! Hand firm, my mother ! countess. Revolted is the Duke, he is preparing To join the enemy, the army leave him, And all has fail'd. {During thefe zvo?*ds the Duchefs totters, and fatls in a fainting-fit into the arms of her daughter. While Thekla is calling for help, the curtain drops.) END OF ACT I. ACT WALLENSTEIN. S'l ACT IL Scene, a fpacious Room in the Duke of Fried- land's Palace. SCENE I. wallen stein, (in armour.) Thou haft gain'd thy point, Octavio ! Once more . am I Almoft as friendlefs as at Regenfpurg. There I had nothing left me, but myfelf — But what one man can do, you have now ex- perience. The twigs have you hew'd off, and here I fland A leaflefs trunk. But in the fap within Lives the creating power, and a new world May fprout forth from it. Once already have I Prov'd myfelf worth an army to you — I alone ! Before theSwedifh ftrength youFtroops had melted; Befide the Lech funk Tilly, your laft hope \ Into Bavaria, like a winter torrent, Did that Guftavus pour, and at Vienna In his own palace did the Emperor tremble. Soldiers were fcarce, for ftill the multitude Follow the luck : all eyes were turn'd on me, 'heir helper in diftrefs : the Emperor's pride Bow'd itfelf down before the man he had injur'd. 'Twas I muft rife, and with creative word d 2 Affemblc 9 6 THE DEATH OF Aflemble forces in the defolate camps. I did it. Like a god of war, my name Went thro' the world. The drum was beat-^* and, Jo • The plough, the work- (hop is forfaken, all Swarm, to the old familiar long-lov'd banners ; And as the wood-choir rich in melody AfTemble quick around the bird of wonder, When firft his throat fwells with his magic fong^ So did the warlike youth of Germany Croud in around the image of my eagle. I feel myfelf the being that I was. It is the foul that builds itfelf a body, And Friedland's camp will not remain unfill'd. Lead then your thoufands out to meet me — true! They are accuftom'd under me to conquer, But not againft me. If the head and limbs Separate from each other, 'twill be foon Made manifeft, in which the foul abode. (Illo and Tertjky enter.) Courage, friends ! Courage I We are ftill uri- vanquiüYd ; I feel my footing firm ; five regiments, Tertfky, Are ftill our own, and Butler's gallant troops; And aahoft of fixteen thouiand Swedes to-morrow. I was not ftronger, when nine years ago I march'd forth, with glad heart and high of Jiope, To conquer Germany for the Emperor. SCENE WALLENSTEIN. 37 SCENE IL Wallensteinn, Illo, Tertsky. (To them enter Neumann,^ leads Tertjky qßde>ap,d talks with him.) TERTSKY. What do they want ? WALLENSTEIN. What now ? TERTSKY. Ten Cuiraffiers From Pappenheim requeft leave to addvefs yoq In the name of the regiment. wallenstein, (haßt It/, to Neitmaim-) Let them enter. [Exit Neumann* This May end in fomething. Mark you. They are ftill Poubtful, and may be won. d 3 'SCENE 38 THE DEATH OF SCENE III. Wallenstein, Tertsky, Illo, Ten Cui- rassiers, (led by an Anfpeffade*, march up and arrange them/elves, after the word of com- mand, in one front before the Duke, and make their obeifances. He takes his hat off, and immediately covers himfelf again.) ANSPESSAI>E. Halt ! Front ! -Prefent ! wallenstein, (after he has run through them with his eye, to the Anfpefja.de.) I linow thee well. Thou art out of Brüggin in Flanders : Thy name is Mercy, ANSPESSADE. Henry Mercy. WALLENSTEIN. Thou wert cut off on the march, furrounded by the Heffians, and didft fight thy way with an hundred and eighty men thro' their thoufand. ANSPESSADE. 'Twas even fo, General ! WALLENSTEIN. What reward hadft thou for this gallant ex- ploit ? * Anfpefiade, in German, Gefreiter, a foldier inferior to a corporal, but above the centinels. The German name implies that he is exempt from mounting guard. ANSPES- WALLENSTEIN. 39 ANSPESSADE. That which I aik'd for ; the honour to ferve in this corps. wallenstein, (turning to a fecond.) Thou wert among the volunteers that feized, and made booty of the Swedilh battery at Al ten- burg. SECOND CUIKASSIER. Yes, General ! WALLENSTEIN.! I forget no one with whom I have exchanged words, (apanfe.) Who fends you ? ANSPESSADE. Your noble regiment, the Cuirailiers of Picco- lomini. WALLENSTEIN. Why does not your colonel deliver in your re- {jueft, according to the cuftom of fervice ? ANSJPESSADE. Becaufe we would firft know whom we ferve. WALLENSTEIN. Begin your addrefs. anspessade. (givi?ig the word of command.) Shoulder your arms ! wallenstein, (turning to a third.) Thy name is Riubeck, Cologne is thy birth- place. THIRD CUIRASSIER. Rifbeck of Cologne. d 4 WAL- 40 TPTE DEATH OF* WALLENSTEIN. It was thou that broughteft in the Swedifh colonel, Diebald, prifoner, in the camp at Nu- renburg. THIRD CUIRASSIER. It was not I, General ! WALLENSTEIN. Perfectly right ! It was thy elder brother, thou hadft a younger brother too : Where did he ftay ? THIRD CUIRASSIER, He is ftationed at Olmutz with the Imperial army. wallenstein, (to the Anfpejfade .) Now then — begin. anspessade, There came to hand a letter from the Emperor Commanding us wallenstein, (interrupting him.) WHo chofe you ? anspessade. Every company Drew its own man by lot. wallenstein. Now ! to the bufinefs. anspessade. There came to hand a letter from the Emperor Commanding us collectively, from thee All duties of obedience to withdraw, Becaufe thou wert an enemy and traitor. wallenstein. And what did you determine ? anspes- WALLENSTEIN. 41 ANSPESSADE. All our comrades At Brunau, Budweifs, Prague and Olmutz, have Obey'd already, and the regiments here, Tiefenbach and Tofcana, inftantly Did follow their example. But — but we Do not believe that thou art an enemy And traitor to thy country, hold it merely For lie and trick, and a trump'd up SpaniQi ftoryl (with warmth.) Thyfelf (halt tell us what thy purpofe is, For we have found thee ftil-1 fincere and true ; No mouth fhall interpofe itfelf betwixt The gallant General aud the gallant troops. WALLENSTEIN. Therein I recognize my Pappenheimers, ANSPESSADE. And this propofal makes thy regiment to thee : Is it thy purpofe merely to preferve In thy own hands this military fceptre, Which fo becomes thee, which the Emperor Made over to thee by a covenant ; Is it thy purpofe merely to remain Supreme commander of the Auftrian armies; We will ftand by thee, General ! and guarantee Thyhoneft rights againfb all oppofition. And mould it chance, that all the other regi ments Turn from thee, by ourfelves will we (land forth Thy faithful foldiers, and, as is our duty, Far rather let ourfelves be cut to pieces, Than fuffer thee to fall. But if it be As 42 THE DEATH OF As the Emperor's letter fays, if it be true, That thou in trait'rous wife wilt lead us over To the enemy, which God in heaven forbid ! Then we too will forfake thee, and obey That letter ■ WALLENSTEIN. Hear me, children ! ANSPESSADE. Yes, or no ! There needs no other anfwer. WALLENSTEIN. Yield attention. You're men of fenfe, examine for yourfelves ; Ye think, and do not follow with the herd : And therefore have I always fhewn you honour Above all others, fuffer'd you to reafon ; Have treated you as free men, and my orders Were but the echoes of your prior fufTrage. — ANSPESSADE. Mod fair and noble has thy conduct been To us, my General ! With thy confidence Thou haft honour'd us, and (hewn us grace and favour Beyond all other regiments ; and thou fee'ft We follow not the common herd. We will Stand by thee faithfully. Speak but one word — Thy word (hall fatisfy us, that it is not A treafon which thou meditated — that Thou meaneft not to lead the army over To the enemy ; nor e'er betray thy country. WAL- -WALLENSTEIN, 43 "WALLENSTEIN. Me, me, are they betraying. Th' Emperor Hath facrificed me to my enemies, And I muftfall, unlefs my gallant troops Will reicue me. See ! I confide in you. And be your hearts my ftrong hold ! At this breaft The aim is taken, at this hoary head. This is your Spanifh gratitude, this is our Requital for that murderous fight at Lutzen ! For this we threw the naked bread againft The halbert, made for this the frozen earth Our bed, and the hard Hone our pillow ! never ftream Too rapid for us, no wood too impervious; With chearful fpirit we purfued that Mansfield Through all the turns and windings of his flight; Yea, our whole life was but one reftlefs march - 3 And homelefs, as the flirring wind, we travell'd O'er the war- wafted earth. And now, even now, That we have well nigh finifh'd the hard toil, The unthankful, the curfe-laden toil of weapons, With faithful indefatigable arm Have roll'd the heavy war-load up the hill, Behold ! this boy of the Emperor's bears away The honours of the peace, an eafy prize ! He'll weave, forfooth, into his flaxen locks The olive branch, the hard-eain'd ornament Of this grey head, grown grey beneath the helmet. ANSPESSADE. That mail he not, while we can hinder it ! No one, but thou, who haft conducted it With 44- THE DEATH OF With fame, (hall end this war,, this frightful war Thou led'ft us out into the bloody field Of death, thou and no other (halt conduct us home, Rejoicing to the lovely plains of peace — Shalt (hare with us the fruits of the long toil. — WALLENSTEIN. What ? Think you then at length in late old age. To enjoy the fruits of toil ? Believe it not. Never, no never, will you fee the end Of the conteft ! you and me, and all of us, This war will fwallow up ! War, war, not peace, Is Auftria's wifh ; and therefore, becaufe I Endeavour'd after peace, therefore I fall. For what cares Auftria, how long" the war Wears out the armies and lays walle the world ? She will but wax and grow amid the ruin, And dill win new domains. [the Cuimßiers expreß agitation by their gefln res.} Ye're mov*d— I fee A noble rage flafh from your eyes, ye warriors \ Oh that my fpirit might poflefs you now Daring as once it led you to the battle ! Ye would ftand by me with your veteran arms, Protect me in my rights ; and this is noble ! But think not that you can accomplish it, Your fcanty number I to nopurpofe will you Have facrifked you for your General. (confidentially . ) No ! let us tread fecurely, feek for friends; The Swedes have proffer'd us aßiftance, let us W ear for a while the appearance of good will, And WALLENSTEIN. 45 And ufe them for our profit, till we both Carry the fate of Europe in our hands, And from our camp to the glad jubilant world Lead Peace forth with the garland on her head ! AN5PESSADE. 'Tis then but mere appearances which thou Doft put on with the Swede ? Thou'lt not betray The Emperor ? Wilt not turn us into Swedes ? This is the only thing which we defire To learn from thee. WALLENSTEIN. What care I for the Swedes ? I hate them as I hate the pit of hell, And under Providence I truft right foon To chafe them to their homes acrofs their Baltic, My cares are only for the whole : I have A heart — it bleeds within me for the miferies And piteous groaning of my fellow Germans. Ye are but common men, but yet ye think With minds not common; ye appear to me Worthy before all others, that I whifper ye A little word or two in confidence ! See now ! already for full fifteen years The war-torch has continu'd burning, yet No reft, no paufe of conflict. Swede and German ! Papift and Lutheran ! neither will give way To the other, every hand's againft the other. Each one is party and no one a judge. Where (hall this end ? Where's he that will unravel This tangle, ever tangling more and more. It 46 THE DEATH OF It mud be cut afunder. I feel that I am the man of defliny, And truft, with your afliftancej to accomplim it. SCENE IV. To thefe enter Butler. butler, (pajjionately.) General ! This is not right ! WALLENSTEIN. What is not right? BUTLER. It mufl needs injure us with all honeft men. WALLENSTEIN. But what ? BUTLER. It is an open proclamation Of infurrect-ion. WALLENSTEIN. Well, well — but what is it ? EUTLER. Count Tertfky's regiments tear the Imperial Eagle From off the banners, and inftead of it, Have rear'd aloft thy arms. anspessade. (abruptly to the Cuirajßers.) Ris:ht about ! March ! wallenstein. Curs'd be this counfel, and accurs'd who gave it ! (to the Cuiraßers, ivho are retiring. J Halt, children, halt ! There's fome miftake in this ! Hark ! WALLENSTEIN. 47 Hark ! — I will punifli it feverely. Stop ! They do not hear, (to Illo.J Go after them, allure them, And bring them back to me, coft what it may. (Illo hurries out.) This hurls us headlong. Butler ! Butler ! You are my evil genius, wherefore muft you Announce it in their prefence ? It was all In a fair way. They were half won, thofe madmen With their improvident over-readinefs — A cruel game is Fortune playing with me. The zeal of friends it is that razes me, And not the hate of enemies. SCENE V. To thefe enter the Duchess, who rujlies into the Chamber. Thekla and the Countess fol- low her. DUCHESS. O Albrecht ! What haft thou done ? Wallenstein. And now comes this beiide. countess. Forgive me, brother ! It was not in my power. They know all. duchess. What haft thou done ? countess. 48 THE DEATH Of countess, (to Terfficy.) Is there no hope ? Is all loft utterly ? TERTSKY- All loft. No hope. Prague in the Emperor's hands« The foidiery have ta'en their oaths anew. COUNTESS. That lurking hypocrite, Oftavio ! Count Max. is off too ? TERTSKY. Where can he be ? He's 1 Gone over to the Emperor with his father. {The/da mjhes out into the arms of her mothers hiding her face in her bofom.) duchess, {enfolding her in her arms.) Unhappy child'! and more unhappy mother ! wallenstein. ( a fide to Tertjky.) Quick ! Let a carriage 'ftand in readinels In the court behind the palace. Scherfenberg Be their attendant ; he is faithful to us ; To Egra he'll conduce them, and we follow. (to Illo who returns) Xhou haft not brought them back ? ILLO. Hear'ft thou the uproar ? The whole corps of the Pappenheimers is Drawn out : the younger Piccolomini, Their colonel, they require ; for they affirm, That he is in the palace here, a prifoner ; And if thou doft not inftantly deliver him, They will find means to free him with the fword. (alljland amazed.) 3 TERTSKY. tVALLEtfSTEIN. 49 TER*TSKi". What fliall We make of. this ? WALLENSTEIN. Said I not fö ? my prophetic heart ! lie is Itill here. He has not betray'd me— -he could not betray rrie ; , 1 never doubted of it. COUNTESS. If he be Still here, then all goes well >, for I know what (embracing Thckhi.) Will keep him here for ever. TERTSKt. It can't be. His father has betray'd us, is gone over To the Emperor— the fon could not have ventür'd To flay behind. the K la. (her eye fixed on the door.) There he is ! SCENE VII. To thefe enter Max; Piccölomini. MAX. Yes ! here he is ! I can endure no longer To creep on tiptoe round this lioufe, and lurk In ambufh for a favourable moment. This loitering, this fufpenfe exceeds my powers. (advancing to Thekla, who has thrown herfelf into her mother's arms:). e Turn 50 THE DEATH OF Turn not thine eyes away. O look upon me ! Confefs it freely before all. Fear no one. Let who will hear that we both love each other. Wherefore continue to conceal it ? Secrecy Is for the happy — mifery, hopelefs mifery, Needeth no veil ! Beneath a thoufand funs It dares act openly. (he obferves the Countefs looking on Thekla with exprejjions of triumph.) No, Lady ! No ! Expect not, hope it not. I am not come To flay : to bid farewel, farewel for ever, For this I come ! 'Tis over ! I muft leave thee ! Thekla, I muft — muß leave thee ! Yet thy hatred Let me not take with me. I pray thee, grant me One look of fympathy, only one look. Say that thou doft not hate me. Say it to me, Thekla! (grafps her hand.) God ! I cannot leave this fpot — I cannot ! Cannot let go this hand. O tell me, Thekla ! That thou doft fuffer with me, art. convinc'd That I can not act otherwife. (Thekla, avoiding his look, points with her hand, to her father. Max. turns round to the Duke» whom he had not till then per ceiv'd.) Thou here ? It was not thou, whom here I fought. 1 trufted never more to have beheld thee. My bufinefs is with her alone. Here will I Receive a full acquittal from this heart— For any other I am no more concern'd. WAL- WALLENSTEIN. 51 WALLENSTEIN. Think'ft thou, that fool-like, I (hail let thee go, And a<5t the mock-magnanimous with thee ? Thy father is become a villain to me -, I hold thee for his fon, and nothing more ; Nor to no purpofe (halt thou have been given Into my power. Think not, that I will honour That ancient love, which fo remorfelefsly He mangled. They are now pad by, thofe hours Of friendfhip and forgivenefs. Hate and vengeance Succeed — 'tis now their turn — I too can throw All feelings of the man afide — can prove Myfelf as much a monfter as thy father ! max. (calmly.) Thou wilt proceed with me, as thou haft power. Thou know'ft, I neither brave nor fear thy rage. What haft detain'd me here, that too thou know'ft. (taking Thekla by the hand.) See, Duke ! All — all would I have owed to thee, Would have receiv'd from thy paternal hand The lot of bleffed fpirits. This haft thou Laid wafte for ever — that concerns not thee. Indifferent thou trampleft in the duft Their happinefs, who moft are thine. The god Whom thou doft ferve, is no benignant deity. Like as the blind irreconcileable Fierce element, incapable of compact, Thy heart's wild impulfe only doft thou follow *. WAL- * I have here ventured to omit a confiderable number of ljnes, I fear that I fhould not have done amifs, had I taken e 2 this 52 THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. Thou art defcribing thy own father's heart. The adder ! G, the charms of hell o'erpowerd me. He this liberty more frequently. It is, however, incumbent on me to give the original with a literal translation. Weh denen die auf dich vertraun, an Dich Die fichre Hütte ihres Glückes lehnen, Gelockt von deiner gaftlichen Geflalt. Schnell unver hofft, by nächtlich ftiller Weile- Gährts in dem tückfchen Feuerfchlunde, ladet Sich aus mit tobender Gervalt, und weg Treibt über alle Pflanzunger der Menfchen Der wilde Strom in graufender zerftöhrung. WALLENSTEIN. Du fchilderft deines Vater3 Herz. Wie Du's Befchreibft, fo ifts in feinem Eingeweide, In di,efer fchwarzen Heuchlers Bruft gehaltet. G mich hat Höllenkunft getäufcht. Mir fandte Der Abgrund den verfleckteften der Geifler, Den Lügekundigilen herauf,, und ftellt' ihn Als Freund an meine Seite. Wer vermag Der Hölle Macht zu widerftehn ! Ich zog Den Bafiliiken auf an meinem Bufen, Mit meinem Herzblut nährt ich ihn, er feg Sich fchwelgend voll an meiner Liebe Brüllen, Ich hatte nimmer Arges gegen ihn, Weit offen liefs ich des Gedankens Thore, Und warft die Schluflel weifer Vorficht weg, Am Sternenhimmel, See. Literal Translation. Alas ! forthofe who place their confidence on thee, againft thee lean the fecure hut of their fortune, allured by thy hof- pitable form. Suddenly, unexpectedly, in a moment ftill as night, there is a fermentation in the treacherous gulf of fire ; it difcharges itfelf with raging force, and away over all WALLENSTEIN. 53 He dwelt within me, to my inmoft foul "Still to and fro he pafs'd, fufpe&ed never I On the wide ocean, in the ftarry heaven Did mine eyes feek the enemy, whom I In my heart's heart had folded ! Had I been To Ferdinand what Octavio was to me, War had I ne'er denounc'd againft him. No, I never could have done it. The Emp'ror was My auftere mafter only, not my friend. There was already war 'twixt him and me When he deliver'd the Commander's Staff Into my hands ; for there's a natural Unceafing war 'twixt cunning and fufpicion$ Peace exifts only betwixt confidence And faith. Who poifons confidence, he murders The future generations. MAX, I will not Defend my father. Woe is me, I cannot ! Hard deeds and lucklefs have ta'en place, one crime all the plantations of men drives the wild ftream in fright- ful devaftation. Wallenstein. Thou art portraying thy father's heart, as thou defcribeft, even fo is it fhaped in his entrails, in this black hypocrite's breaft. O, the art of hell has deceiv'd me ! The Abyfs fent up to me the moft fpotted of the fpirits, the moil fkilful in lies, and placed him as a friend at my fide. Who may withftand the power of hell ? I took the bafilifk to my bofom, with my heart's blood I nourifhed him ; he fucked himfelf glut-full at the breafts of my love. I never harboured evil towards him; wide open •did I leave the door of my thoughts; I threw away the key of wife forefight. In the ftarry heaven, &c. — We find a diffi- culty in believing this to have been written by Schiller. e 3 Drags 54 THE DEATH OF Drags after it the other in clofe link. But we are innocent : how have we fallen Into this circle of mif-hap and guilt ? To whom have we been faithlefs ? Wherefore rauft The evil deeds and guilt reciprocal Of our two fathers twine like ferpents rounds us ? Why muft our fathers' Unconquerable hate rend üs afunder, Who love each other ? WALLENSTEIN. Max. remain with me. Go you not from me, Max ! Hark ! I will tell thee — How when at Prague, our winter quarters, thou Wert brought into my tent a tender boy, Not yet accuftom'd to the German winters ; Thy hand was frozen to the heavy colours ; Thou would'ft not let them go — At that time did I take thee in my arms, And with my mantle did I cover thee : I was thy nurfe, no woman could have been A kinder to thee; I was not aQiam'd To do for thee all little offices, However ftrange tome; I tended thee Till life return 'd ; and when thine eyes firft open'd, I had thee in my arms. Since then, when have I Alter'd my feelings towards thee ? Many thouiands Have I made rich, prefented them with lands; Rewarded them with dignities and honours ; Thee have I lov'd : my heart, my felf, 1 gave To WALLENSTEIN. 55 To thee ! They all were aliens : thou wert Our child and inmate *. Max. ! Thou can'ft not leave me ; It cannot be ; I may not, will not think That Max. can leave me. MAX. O my God ! WALLENSTEIN. I have Held and fuftain'd thee from thy tott'ring child- hood. What holy bond is there of natural love ? What human tie, that does not knit thee to me ? I love thee, Max ! What did thy father for thee, Which I too have not done, to the height of duty ? Go hence, forfake me, ferve thy Emperor j He will reward thee with a pretty chain Of gold j with his ram's fleece will he reward thee ; For that the friend, the father of thy youth, For that the holieft feeling of humanity, Was nothing worth to thee, MAX, O God ! How can I Do otherwife ? Am I not forc'd to do it ? My oath — my duty— honour — ■ * This is a poor and inadequate tranflation of the affec- tionate fimplicity of the original — Sie alle waren Fremdlinge, Dh warft Das kind des Haufes. Indeed the whole fpeech is in the bell ftyle of Malfinger. O fi fie omnia ! E 4 WAL- <56 THE DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN. How ? Thy duty ? Duty to whom? Who art thou ? Max ! bethink thee What duties may'fl: thou have ? If I am acting A criminal part toward the Emperor, It is my crime, not thine. Doft thou belong To thine own felf ? Art thou thine own com- mander ? Stand'ft thou, like me, a freeman in the world, That in thy actions thou fhould'ft plead free. agency ? On me thou 'rt planted, I am thy Emperor j To obey me\ to belong to me, this is Thy honour, this a law of nature to thee ! And if the planet, on the which thou liy'ft And haft thy dwelling, from its orbit flarts, It is not in thy choice, whether or no Thou'lt follow it. Unfelt it whirls thee onwaroj Together with his ring and all his moons. With little guilt ftepp'lt thou into this conteft, Thee will the world not cenfure, it will praife thee, For that thou heldft thy friend more worth to thee Than names and influences more remov'd. For juftice is the virtue of the ruler, Affection and fidelity the fubject's. Not every one doth it befeem to queftion The far-off high Arcturus. Moft fecurely Wilt thou purfue the neareft duty — let JThe pilot fix his eye upon the pole-flar. SCENE WALLENSTEIN. '57 SCENE VII. To thefe enter Neumann.' WALLENSTEIN. What now ? NEUMANN. The Pappenheimers are difmounted, And are advancing now on foot, determin'd With fword in hand to florin the houfe, and free The Count, their colonel. WALLENSTEIN. (to Tcrtßyj,) Have the cannon planted. I will receive them with chain-fhot. [Exit Tcrtfoy. Prefcribe to me with fword in hand ! Go, Neu- mann ! ? Tis my command that they retreat this moment, And in their ranks in filence wait my pleafure. {Neumann exit. Illo fieps to the window, COUNTESS. Let him go, I entreat thee, let him go. illo. [at the window.) Hell and perdition ! WALLENSTEIN. What is it ? ILLO. They fcale the council -houfe, the roof's uncover' d, They level at this houfe the cannon MAX. Madmen ! ILLO. They are making preparations now to fire on us. puchess 5$ THE DEATH OF DUCHESS AND COUNTESS. Merciful Heaven ! max. (to Wallenßein.) Let me go to them ! WALLENSTEIN. Not a ftep ! max. (pointing to Thekla and the Duchefs. But their life 1 Thine ! WALLENSTEIN. What tidings bring' ft thou, Tertfky ? SCENE VIII. To thefe Tertsky (returning.) TERTSKY. Meffage and greeting from our faithful reg'ments. Their ardour may no longer be curb'd in. They intreat permiffion to commence th' attack, And if thou would'ft but give the word of onfet, They could now charge the enemy in rear, Into the city wedge them, and with eafe O'erpower them in the narrow ftreets. ILLO. O come ! Let not their ardour cool. The foldiery Of Butler's corps ftand by us faithfully ; We are the greater number. Let us charge them, And finilh here in Pilfen the revolt. WAL- WALLENSTEIN. 59 WALLENSTEIN. What ? fhall this town become a field of flaughter, And brother-killing Difcord, fire-eyed, Be let lofe through its ftreets to roam and rage f Shall the decifion be deliver'd over To deaf remorfelefs Rage, that hears no leader ? Here is not room for battle, only for butchery. Well, let it be ! I have long thought of it, So let it burft then ! (turns to Max.) Well, how is it with thee ? Wilt thou attempt a heat with me. Away ! Thou art free to go. Oppofe thyfelf to me, Front againft front, and lead them to the battle ; Thou'rt lkill'd in war, thou haft learn'd fomewhat under me, I need not be afham'd of my opponent, And never hadft thou fairer opportunity To pay me for thy fchooling. COUNTESS. Is it then, Can it have come to this ? — What ! Coufin, Coufin ! Have you the heart ? MAX. The regiments that are trufted to my care I have pledg'd my troth to bring away from Pilfen True to the Emperor, and this promife will I Make good, or peri(h. More than this no duty Requires of me. I will not fight againft thee, Unlefs €0 THE DEATH OF Unlefs compeli'd ; for though an enemy, Thy head is holy to me füll. { Two reports of cannon, Illo and Terijkn hurry to the window.) WALLENSTEIN. What's that ? TERTSKY. He falls. WALLENSTEIN. Falls! Who! ILLO. Tiefenbach's corps Difcharg'd the ordnance. WALLENSTEIN. Upon whom ? ILLO. On Neumann, Your mefienger. WALLENSTEIN, (ßartlllg Up.) Ha i Death and hell ! I will— TERTSKY. Expofe thyfelf to their blind frenzy ? DUCHESS AND COUNTESS. No! For God's fake, No ! ILLO. Not yet, my General ! COUNTESS. O, hold him ! hold him •' a WAL- WALLENSTEIN. 61 WALLENSTEIN. Leave me max. Do it not ; Not yet \ This rafh and bloody deed has thrown them Into a frenzy-fit — allow them time WALLENSTEIN. Away ! too long already have I loiter'd. They are embolden'd to thefe outrages, Beholding not my face. They fhall behold My countenance, (hall hear my voice Are they not my troops ? Am I not their Genera^ And their long-fear'd commander ? Let me fee, . Whether indeed they do no longer know That countenance, which was their fun in battle I From the balcony, (mark !j I fhew myfelf To thefe rebellious forces, and at once Revolt is mounded, and the high-fwoln current Shrinks back into the old bed of obedience. {Exit Wallenfiein ; Illo, Tertßy, and Butler follow. SCENE IX. Countess, Duchess, Max. and Thekla, countess, {to the Duchefs. ) Let them but fee him — there is hope ftill, fitter. DUCHESS. Hope ! * have none ! 3 MAX. 62 THE DEATH OF max. (who during the lafi fcene has beenfiand- ing at a dißance in a vißble ßruggle of feelings y advances.) This can I not endure. With mod determin'd foul did I come hither, My purpos'd action feem'd unblameable To my own confcience — and I muft (land here Like one abhorr'd, a hard inhuman being; Yea, loaded with the curfe of all I love ! Muft fee all whom I love in this fore anguifh, Whom I with one word can make happy — O ! My heart revolts within me, and two voices Make themfelves audible within my bofom. My foul's benighted ; I no longer can Diftinguilh the right track. O, well and truly Didft thou fay, father, I relied too much On my own heart. My mind moves to and fro — I know not what to do. COUNTESS. What ! you know not ? Does not your own heart tell you ? O ! then I Will tell it you. "Your father is a traitor, A frightful traitor to us — he has plotted Againft our General's life, has plung'd us all In mifery — and you're his fon ! 'Tis your's To make the amends — Make you the fon's fidelity Outweigh the father's treafon, that the name Of Piccolomini be not a proverb Of infamy, a common form of curfing To the pofterity o£ Wallenfteiri. 5 max. WALLENSTEIN. 63 MAX. Where is that voice of truth which I dare follow ? It fpeaks no longer in my heart. We all But utter what qur paffionate wilhes dictate. O that an angel would defcend from Heaven, And fcoop for me the right, the uncorrupted, With a pure hand from the pure Fount of Light. {His eyes glance on Thekla.) What other angel feek I ? To this heart, To this unerring heart, will I fubmit it, Will afk thy love, which has the power to blefs The happy man alone, averted ever From the difquieted and guilty — can J fl thou Still love me, if I flay ? Say that thou can'ft, And I am the Duke's COUNTESS. Think, niece MAX. Think nothing, Thekla ! Speak what th.au feelejl. COUNTESS. Think upon your father. MAX. I did not queftion thee, as Friedland's daughter. Thee, the beloved, and the unerring god Within thy heart, I queftion. What's at ftake ? Not whether diadem of royalty Be to be won or no — that might'ft thou think on. Thy friend, and his foul's quiet, are at ftake j The fortune of a thoufand gallant men, Who will all follow me j (hall I forfwear My 64> THE DEATH OF My oath and duty to the Emperor ? Say, (hall I fend into Octavio's camp The parricidal ball ? For when the ball Has left its cannon, and is on its flight, It is no longer a dead inftrument j It lives, a fpirit paffes into it, The avenging furies feize poffeflion of it, And with fure malice guide it the worfl way. THEKLA. O! Max. max. (interrupting her.) Nay, not precipitately either, Thekla. 1 underftand thee. To thy noble heart The hardeft duty might appear the highefL The human, not the great part, would I a£h Ev'n from my childhood to this prefent hour, Think what the Duke has done for me, how lov'd me, And think too, how my father has repay'd'him- O likewife the free lovely impulfes Of hofpitality, the pious friend's Faithful attachment, thefe too are a holy Religion to the heart ; and heavily The Ihudderings of nature do avenge Themfelves on the barbarian that infults therri. Lay all uporvthe balance, all — then fpeak, And Jet thy heart decide it* THEKLA. O, thy own Hath long ago decided. Follow thou Thy heart's firft feeling — — • ** <£0UN- WALLENSTEIN. 65 COUNTESS. Oh ! ill-fated woman ! THEKLA. Is it poflible, that that can be the right, The which thy tender heart did not at firft Detect and feize with inftant impulfe ? Go, Fulfil thy duty ! I fhould ever love thee. What e'er thou hadft chofen, thou would'ft Hill have acted Nobly and worthy of thee — but repentance Shall ne'er difturb thy foul's fair peace. MAX. Then I » Mult leave thee, muft part from thee ! THEKLA. Being faithful To thine own felf, thou art faithful too to me j If our fates part, our hearts remain united. A bloody hatred will divide for ever The houfes Piccolomini and Friedland j But we belong not to our houfes — Go ! Quick ! quick ! and feparate thy righteous caufe From our unholy and unblefsed one ! The curfe of heaven lies upon our head : 'Tis dedicate to ruin. Even me My father's guilt drags with it to perdition. Mourn not for me : My deftiny will quickly be decided. (Max. clafps her in his arms in extreme emotion. There is heard from behind the Scene a loud r wild, long continued cry. Vivat Ferdiv F NANDUS, 66 THE DEATH OF nandus, accompanied by warlike Inßrumenls. Max. and Thekla remain without motion in each others embraces.) SCENE X. To thefe enter Tertsky. countess, (meeting him.) What meant that cry ? What was it ? TERTSKY. All is loft ! COUNTESS. What ! they regarded not his countenance ? TERTSKY. 'Twas all in vain. DUCHESS. 'They fhouted Vivat ! TERTSKY. To the Emperor. COUNTESS. The traitors ! TERTSKY. Nay ! he was not once permitted Kven to addrefs them. Soon as he began, With deafening noife of warlike inftruments They drown'd his words. But here he comes. SCENE WALLLENSTEIN. 67 SCENE XL To thefe enter Wallenstein, accompanied by Illo and Butler. Wallenstein, (as he enters.) Tertfky! TERTSKY. My General ? wallenstein. Let our regiments hold themfelves In readinefs to march ; for we fhall leave Pilfen ere evening. [Exit Tertfky. Butler ! BUTLER k Yes, my General. WALLENSTEIN. The Governor at Egra is your friend And countryman. Write to him inflantly By a Poft Courier. He mud be advis'd, That we are with him early on the morrow. You follow us yourfelf, your regiment with you. BUTLER» It fhall be done, my General ! wallenstein, (ßeps bet-ween Max. andThekla, who have remained during this time in each others arms.) Part ... MAX. O God ! (CuiraJJiers enter with drawn /words, and ajemble in the back-ground. At the fame time there are heard from below fome fpirited pajjages out of the Pappenheim March, which feem to addrefs Max.) F 2 WAL- 6$ THE DEATH OF wallenstein, (to the Cuirajfiers*) Here he is, he is at liberty : I keep him No longer. (He turns away, and fiands fo that Max. cannot paß by him nor approach the Princefs.) MAX. Thou know'fl that I have not yet learnt to live Without thee I I go forth into a defart, Leaving my all behind me. O do not turn Thine eyes away from me ! O once more fhew me Thy ever dear and honour'd countenance. (Max. attempts to take his hand, but is repelled ; he turns to the Countefs.) Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me ? (The Countefs turns away from him s he turns ta the Duchefs.) Mv mother ! D-UCHESS. Go where duty calls you. Haply The time may come, when you may prove to us A true friend, a good Angel at the throne Of the Emperor. MAX. You give me hope ; you would not Suffer me wholly to defpair. No ! No ! Mine is a certain mifery — Thanks to heaven That offers me a means of ending it. ( The military mufic begins again. Thefiagefilh more and more with armed men. Max. fees Butler, and addrejfes him.) And you here, Colonel Butler— ^and will you Not follow me ? Well, then ! remain more faithful To WALLENSTEIN. 69 To your new lord, than you have prov'd yourfelf To the Emperor. Come, Butler ! promife me, Give me your hand upon it, that you'll be The guardian of his life, its fhield, its watchman. He is attainted, and his princely head Fair booty for each ilave that trades in murder. Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendlnip, And thofe whom here I fee — [cafting fafpicious looks on Illo and Butler ) ILLO. Go — feek for traitors In Galas', in your father's quarters. Here Is only one. Away ! away ! and free us From his detefted light ! Away ! {Max. attempts once more to approach The Ida. Wallenflein prevents him. Max. fiands irrefo- lute, and in apparent anguijli. In the mean time the fi age fills more and more ; and the horns found from below louder and louder, and each time after ajlwrter interval.) MAX. Blow, blow ! O were it but the Swedifh Trumpets, And all the naked fwords, which I fee here, Were plunged into my bread ! What purpofe you ? You come to tear me from this place ! Beware, Ye drive me not to defperation. — Do it not ! Ye may repent it ! (the Jage is entirely filFd with armed men.) Yet more ! weight upon weight to drag me down \ Think what ye're doing. It is not well done To choofe a man defpairing for your leader j f 3 You 70 THE DEATH OF You tear me from my happinefs. Well, then, I dedicate your fouls to vengeance. Mark ! For your own ruin you. have chofen me : Who goes with me, mult be prepared to perifh. {He turns to the back-ground, there enfu.es a fudden and violent movement among the Cuiraffiers ; they fur round him, and carry him off in wild tumult. Wallenfiein remains im- moveable. Thekla finks into her mother s arms. The curtain falls. The mufic becomes loud and overpowering, and paffes into a complete •war-march — the ore hefira joins it — and conti- nues during the interval between thefecond and third Act.) ACT WALLENSTEIN. 11 ACT III. Scene, the Burgomaßer* 's Houfe at Egrd. SCENE I. butler, (jufi arrived.) Here then he is, by his deftiny. conducted. Here, Friedland ! and no farther ! From Bohemia Thy meteor rofe, travers'd the Iky awhile, And here upon the borders of Bohemia Muß: fink. Thou haft forfvvorn the ancient colours, Blind man ! yet trufteft to thy ancient fortunes. Profaner of the altar and the hearth, Againft thy Emperor and fellow-citizens Thou mean'ft to wage the war. Friedland, be-» ware — The evil fpirit of revenge impels thee — Beware thou, that revenge deftroy thee not ! SCENE II. Butler and Gordon. GORDON. Is it you? How my heart finks I The Duke a fugitive traitor J {lis princely head attainted ! O my God 1 F4 BUTLER,' 72 THE DEATH OF BUTLER. You have receiv'd the letter which I fent you By a pod-courier. GORDON. Yes ! and in obedience to it Open'd the ftrong hold to him without fcruple. For an imperial letter orders me To follow your commarids implicitly. But yet forgive me ; when even now I law The Duke himfelf, my fcruples recommenced. For truly, not like an attainted man, Into this town did Friedland make his entrance ; His wonted Majefty beam'd from his brow, And calm, as in the days when all was right, Did he receive from me the accounts of office ; 'Tis faid, that fallen pride learns condefcenfion : But fparjng and with dignity the Duke Weigh'd every fyllable of approbation, As mafters praife a fervant who has done His duty, and no more. BUTLER. 'Tis all precifely As I related in my letter. Friedland Has fold the army to the enemy, And pledg'd himfelf to give up Prague and Egra» On this. report the regiments all forlbok him, The five excepted that belong to Tertiky, And which have follow'd him, as thou haft feen. The fentence of attainder is pafs'd on him, c And WALLENSTEIN. 73 And every loyal fubject is required To give him in to juftice, dead or living. GORDON. A traitor to the Emperor — Such a noble ! Of fach high talents ! What is human great nefs ! I often faid, this can't end happily. His might, his greatnefs, and this obfcure power Are but a cover'd pit-fall. The human being May not be trailed to felf-government. The clear and written law, the deep trod foot-marks Of ancient cuftom, are all necefiary To keep him in the road of faith and duty. The authority entrufled to this man Was unexampl'd and unnatural, It plac'd him on a level with his Emperor, Till the proud foul unlearn'd fubmiffion. Wo is me; I mourn for him ! for where he fell, I deem Might none ftand firm. Alas 1 dear General, We in our lucky mediocrity Have ne'er experienc'd, cannot calculate, What dangerous wifhes fach a height may breed In the heart of fach a man. BUTLER. Spare your laments Till he need fympathy ; for at this prefent He is flill mighty, and flill formidable. The Swedes advance to Egra by forc'd marches, And quickly will the junction be accomplifh'd. This rauft not be ! The Duke mud never leave This 11' THE DEATH OF This flrong hold on free footing ; fori have Pledged life and honour here to hold him pris'ner, And your affiflance 'tis on which I calculate. GORDON. O that I had not liv'd to fee this day ! From his hand I receiv'd this dignity, He did himfelf entruft this ftronghold to me, Which I am now requir'd to make his dungeon. We fubalterns have no will of our own : The free, the mighty man alone may liften To the fair impulfe of his human nature. Ah ! we are but the poor tools of the law, Obedience the fole virtue we dare aim at ! BUTLER. Nay, let it not afflicT: you, that your power Is circumfcrib'd. Much liberty, much error { The narrow path of duty is fecureft. GORDON. , And all then have deferted him, you fay ? ' He has built up the luck of many thoufands, For kingly was his fpirit : his full hand Was ever open ! Many a one from du ft {witk a fide glance en Butler.) Hath he felefted, from the very duft Hath rais'd him into dignity and honour. And yet no friend, not one friend hath hepurchas'd, Whofe heart beats true to him in the evil hour. butler. Here's one, I fee GOR* -~! S WALLENSTEIN. 73 GORDON. I have enjoy 'd from him No grace or favour. I could almofl doubt, If ever in his greatnefs he once thought on An old friend of his youth. For ftill my office Kept me at diftance from him ; and when full He to this citadel appointed me, He was fincere and ferious in his duty. I do not then abufe his confidence, If I p refer ve my fealty in that Which to my fealty was firfl deliver'd. BUTLER. Say, then, will you fulfil th' attainder on him ? gordon. fpaufes reflecting — then as in deep dejection.) If it be fo — if all be as you fay — If he've betray'd the Emperor, his matter, Have fold the troops, have purpos'd to deliver The ftrong holds of the country to the enemy — Yea, truly ! — there is no redemption for him !— - Yet it is hard, that me the lot mould defline To be the infbrument of his perdition 3 For we were pages at the court of Bergau At the fame period -„ but I was the fenior. BUTLER. I have heard fo GORDON. 'Tis full thirty years fince then. A youth who fcarce'had feen his twentieth year Was Wallenftein, when he and I were friends : - 4. Yet 76* THE DEATH OF Yet even then he had a daring foul : His frame of mind was ferious and fevere Beyond his years ; his dreams were of great ob- jects. He walk'd amidfl us of a filent fpirit, Communing with himfelf : yet I have known him Tranfported on a fudden into utterance Of dränge conceptions ; kindling into fplendour His foul reveal'd itfelf, and he fpake fo That we look'd round perplex'd upon each other, Not knowing whether it were crazinefs, Or whether 't were a god that fpoke in him. BUTLER. But was it where he fell two flory high From a window-ledge, on which he had fallen afleep ; And rofe up free from injury ? From this day (It is reported) he betray'd clear marks Of a diftemper'd fancy. GORDON. He became Doubtlefs more felf-enwrapt and melancholy-; He made himfelf a Catholic. Marvelloufly His marvellous prefervation had transform'd him. Thenceforth he held himfelf for an exempted And privileged being, and, as if he were Incapable of dizzinefs or fall, He ran along the unfteady rope of life. But now our deftinies drove us afunder : He pac'd with rapid ftep the way of greatnefs, Was WALLENSTEIN. 77 Was Count, and Prince, Duke regent, and Dic- tator. And now is all, all this too little for him ; He ftretches forth his hands for a king's crown, And plunges in unfathomable ruin, BUTLER. No more, he comes. SCENE III. To thefe enter Wallenstein, in converfation with the Burgomaster of Egra. s, wallenstein. You were at one time a free town. I fee, Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms. Why the half eagle only ? BURGOMASTER. We were free, But for thefe laft two hundred years has Egra Remain'd in pledge to the Bohemian crown, Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half Being cancelPd till the empire ranfom us, If ever that mould be. wallenstein. Ye merit freedom. Only be firm and dauntlefs. Lend your ears To no defigning whifpering court-minions. What may your impofts be ? 3URG0- 78 THE DEATH OF n BURGOMASTER. So heavy that We totter under them. The garrifon Lives at our coils. WALLENSTEIN. I will relieve you. Tell me, There are fome Proteftants among you flill ? (The Burgomaßer heßtates.) Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie conceal'd Within thefe walls — Confefs now — you yourfelf — (Fixes his eye on him. The Burgomaßer alarmed.) Be not alarm'd. I hate the Jefuits. Could my will have determin'd it, they had Been long ago expell'd the empire. Truft me— Mafs-book or bible — 'tis all one to me. Of that the world has had fufficient proof. I built a church for the reform'd in Glogan At my own inftance. Hark'e, Burgomafter !^ What is your name. BURGOMASTER. Pachhälbel, may it pleafe you. WALLENSTEIN. Hark'e ! But let it go no further, what I now Difclofe to you in confidence. {Laying his hand on the Burgomaßer' sßoulder with a certain folemnity.) The times Draw near to their fulfilment, Burgomafter ! The high will fall, the low will be exalted. Hark'e ! But keep it to yourfelf! The end Approaches WALLENSTEIN. 79 Approaches of the Spanilh double monarchy — « A new arrangement is at hand. • You faw The three moons that appeared at once in the Heaven. BURGOMASTER. With wonder and affright ! WALLENSTEIN. Whereof did two Strangely transform themfelves to bloody daggers, And only one, the middle moon, remain'd Steady and clear. BURGOMASTER. We applied it to the Turks. WALLENSTEIN. The Turks ! That all ?— I tell you, that two empires Will fet in blood, in the Eaft and in the Weft, And Luth 'ranifm alone remain. (obferving- Gordon and Butler.) I'faith, 'Twas a fmart cannonading that we heard This evening, as we journey'd hitherward ; 'Twas on our left hand. Did you hear it here ? GORDON. Diftinc"tly, The wind brought it from the South. BUTLER. It feem'd to come from Weiden or from Neuftadt. WALLENSTEIN. 'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking. How flrong is the garrifon ? GORDON 80 THE DEATH OF GORDON. Not quite two hundred Competent men, the reft are invalids. WALLENSTEIN. Good ! And how many in the vale of Jochim. GORDON. Two hundred Arquebuffiers have I fent thither To fortify the pofts againfl the Swedes. WALLENSTEIN. Good! I commend your forefight. At the works too You have done fomewhat ? GORDON. Two additional batteries I caused to be run up. They were needlefs. The Rhine- Grave prefles hard upon us, General! WALLENSTEIN. You have been watchful in your Emperor's fervice. I am content with you, Lieutenant-Colonel. ' (to Butler.) Releafe the outpofts in the vale of Jochim With all the ftations in the enemy's route. (to Gordon.) Governor, in your faithful hands I leave My wife, my daughter, and my filler. I Shall make no ftay here, and wait but the arrival Of letters, to take leave of you, together With all the regiments. SCENE WALLENSTEIN. 81 SCENE IV. To thefe enter, Count Tertsky. f ERTSKY. joy, Generali joy ! I bring you welcome tidings. WALLENSTEIN. And what may they be ? TERTSKY. There has been an engagement At Neuftadt j the Swedes gain'd the vi&ory. WALLENSTEIN. From whence did you receive the intelligence ? TERTSKY. A countryman from Tirfchenfeil convey'd it. Soon after fun rife did the fight begin ! A troop of the Imperialifts from Fachau Had forc'd their way into the Swedifh camp ; The cannonade continued full two hours ; There were left dead upon the field a thoufand Imperialifts together, with their Colonel ; Further than this he did not know. WALLENSTEIN. How came Imperial troops at Neuftadt ? Altringer But yefterday, flood fixty miles from there. Count Galas' force collects at Frauenberg, And have not the full complement. Is it poffible, That Suys perchance had ventur'd fo far onward ? It cannot be. TERTSKY. We mail foon know the whole, For hefe comes Illo, full of hafte, and joyous. g SCENE 82 THE DEATH OF SCENE V. To thefe enter Illo. illo. (to Wallenfiein.) A courier, Duke ! he wi flies to fpeak with thee. tertsky. (eagerly.) Does he bring confirmation of the victory ? wallenstein, {at the fame time.) What does he bring ? Whence comes he ? ILLO. From the Rhine-grave» And what he brings I can announce to you Before hand. Seven leagues diftant are the Swedes; At Neufladt did Max. Piccolomini Throw himfelf on them wilh the cavalry; A murd'rous fight took place ; o'erpower'd by numbers The Pappenheimers all, with Max- their leader* (Wallenfiein Jhndders and turns pale.) Were left dead on the field. wallenstein, (after a paufe in a low voice.) Where is the meflenger ? Conduct me to him. (Wallenfiein is going, when Lady Neubrunn rufhes into the room. Some ferv ants follow her and run acrqfs the fi age.) NEUBRUNN. Help! Help! illo and tertsky. (at the fame time.) What now ? X NEU- WALLENSTEIN. $3 NEUBRUNN. The Princefs !— « WALLENSTEIN and TERTSKY. Does fhe know it ? NEUBRUNN» fat the fame iime with them.) She is dying ! (hurries off the fiage, and Wallen- fiein and Tertfky follow her.) SCENE VI. Butler and Gordon. GORDON. What's this? BUTLRR, She has loft the man fhelov'd Young Piccolomini who fell in the battle. GORDON* Unfortunate Lady ! butler. You have heard what IIlo Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerors, And marching hitherward. GORDON. Too well I heard it. BUTLER. They are twelve regiments ftrong, and there are five Clofe by us to proted: the Duke. We have Only my fingle regiment ; and the garrifon Is not two hundred ftrong. G 2 GOR" 84 THE DEATH OF GORDON. 'Tis even fo. BUTLER. It is not poffible with fuch fmall force To hold in cuftody a man like him. GORDON. I grant it. BUTLER. Soon the numbers would difarm us, And liberate him. GORDON. It were to be fear'd. butler, (after a paufe.J Know, I am warranty for the event ; With my head have I pledg'd myfelf for his, Müft make my word good, coll it what it will, And if alive we cannot hold him prifoner, Why — death makes all things certain ! GORDON. Butler! What? Do I underftand you ? Gracious God ! You could— BUTLER. He muft not live. GORDON. And you can do the deed ! BUTLER. Either you or I. This morning was his laft. GORDON. You would affafiinate him ? BUTLER. 'Tis my purpofe. GOR- WALLENSTEIN. 85 GORDON. Who leans with his whole confidence upon you ! BUTLER. Such is his evil deftiny ! GORDON. Your General ! The facred perfon of your General ! BUTLER. My General he has been. GORDON. That 'tis only An " has been" wafhes out no villainy. And without judgment pafs'd ? BUTLER. The execution Is here inftead of judgment. GORDON. This were murder, Not juftice. The molt guilty mould be heard« BUTLER. His guilt is clear, the Emperor has paft judgment, And we but execute his will. GORDON. We mould not Hurry to realize a bloody fentence. A word may be recali'd, a life can never be. BUTLER. Difpatch in fervice pleafes fovereigns. GORDON. No honeft man's ambitious to prefs forward To the hangman's fervice. g 3 BUT- 85 THE DEATH OF BUTLER. And no brave man lofes His colour at a daring enterprize. GORDON. A brave man hazards life, but not his confcience. BUTLER. What then ? Shall he go forth anew to kindle The unextinguimable flame of war ? GORDON. Seize him, and hold him prifoner— do not kill him ! BUTLER, Had not the Emperor's army been defeated, I might have done fo.^But 'tis now pall by. GORDON. O, wherefore open'd I the ftrong hold to him ? BUTLER. His deftiny and n3t the place deftroys him. GORDON. Upon thefe ramparts, as befeem'd a foldier, I had fallen, defending the Emperor's citadel ! BUTLER. Yes ! and a thoufand gallant men have perifh'd. GORDON. Doing their duty— that adorns the man ! But murder's a black deed, and nature curfes it. butler, (brings out a paper.) Here is the manifesto which commands us To gain pofleflion of his perfon. See — It is addrefs'd to you as well as me. Are WALLENSTEIN. 87 Are you content to take the confequences, If thro' our fault he efcape to the enemy. GORDON. I ? — Gracious God ! BUTLER. Take jt on yourfelf. Come of it what it may, on you I lay it. GORDON. God in heaven ! BUTLER. Can you advife aught elfe Wherewith to execute the Emperor's purpofe ? Say if you can. For I defire his fall, Not his deftruction. GORDON. Merciful heaven ! what muft be 1 fee as clear as you. Yet flill the heart Within my bofom beats with other feelings ! BUTLER. Mine is of harder fluff! Neceffity In her rough fchool hath fteel'd me. And this Illo, And Tertfky likewife, they muft not furvive him. GORDON. I feel no pang for thefe. Their own bad heart Impell'd thein, not the influence of the ftars. 'Twas they who ftrew'd the feeds of evil paflions In his calm bread, and with officious villainy Water'd and nurs'd the pois'nous plants. May they Jleceive their earnefts to the uttermoft mite ! g 4 *FT- 83 THE DEATH OF BUTLER. And their death fhall precede his ! We meant to have taken them alive this evening Amid the merry-making of a feaft, And keep them prifoners in the citadels. But this makes (horter work. I go this inftant To give the neceflarv orders. SCENE VIT. To t liefe enter Illo öw^Tertsky. TERTSKY. Our luck is on the turn. To-morrow come The Swedes — twelve thouiand gallant warriors, Illo! Then ftraightways for Vienna. Cheerily, friend ! What ! meet fuch news with fuch a moody face ? ILLO. It lies with us at prefent to prefcribe Laws, and take vengeance on thofe worthlefs trai- tors, Thofe fkulking cowards that deferted us ; One has already done his bitter penance, The Piccolomini, be his the fate Of all who wifh us evil ! This flies fure To the old man's heart ; he has his whole life long Fretted and toil'd to raife his ancient houfe From a Count's title to the name of Prince ; And now mud feek a gra\e for his only fon. BUTLER. WALLENSTEIN. 89 BUTLER. 'Twas pity tho' ! A youth of fuch heroic And gentle temp'rament ! The Duke himfelf, 'Twas eaiily feen, how near it went to his heart. ILLO. Hark'e, old friend ! That is the very point That never pleas'd me in our General — He ever gave the preference to the Italians. Yea, at this very moment, by my foul ! He'd gladly fee us all dead ten times over, Could he thereby recal his friend to life. TERTSKY. Hum, hufh ! Let the dead reft ! This evening's bufinefs Is, who can fairly drink the other down — Your regiment, Illo ! gives the entertainment. Come ! we will keep a merry carnival — The night for once be day, and mid full glafTes Will we expect the Swedilh Avantgarde. ILLO. Yes, let us be of good chear for to-day, For there's hot work before us, friends ! This fword Shall have no reft, till it be bath'd to the hilt In Auftrian blood. GORDON. Shame, (name ! what talk is this, My Lord Field Marfhal ? Wherefore foam you fo Againft your Emperor ? BUTLER. Hope not too much From this firft victory. Bethink you, firs ! How 90 THE DEATH OF How rapidly the wheel of fortune turns, The Emperor ftill is formidably ftrong. ILLO. The Emperor has foldiers, no commander, For this King Ferdinand of Hungary Is but a Tyro. Galas ? He's no luck, And was of old the miner of armies. And then this Viper, this Octavio, Is excellent at ftabbing in the back, But ne'er meets Friedland in the open field. TERTSKY. Truft me, my friends, it cannot but fucceed; Fortune, we know can ne'er forfake the Duke ! And only under Wallenftein can Auftria Beconqueior. ILLO. The Duke will foon aflemble A mighty army, all comes crowding, ftreaming To banners, dedicate by deftiny, To fame, and profperous fortune. I behold Old times come back again, he will become Once more the mighty Lord which he has been. How will the fools, who've now deferted him, Look then ? I can't but laugh to think of them, For lands will he prefent to all his friends, And like a King and Emperor reward True fervices j but we've the neareft claims. (To Gordon.) You will not be forgotten, Governor ! He'll take you from this nefl and bid you fhine In WALLENSTEIN. 91 In higher flation : your fidelity- Well merits it. GORDON. I am content already. And wifti to climb no higher; where great height is The fall mud needs be great. " Great height, great depth." ILLO. Here you have no more bufinefs for to-morrow ; The Swedes will take poiTeffion of the citadel. Come, Tertiky, it is fupper-time. What think you ? Say, mail we have the State illuminated In honour of the Swede ? And who refufes To do it is a Spaniard and a traitor. TERTSKY. Nay ! Nay ! not that, it not will pleafe the Duke — ILLO. What ! we are mailers here ; no foul mail dare Avow himfelf imperial where we've the rule. Gordon ! Good night, and, for the laft time, take A fair leave of the place. Send 'out pat roles To make fecure, the watch -word may be alter'd At the ftroke of ten; deliver in the keys To the Duke himfelf, and then you're quit for ever Your wardmip of the gates, for on to-morrow The Swedes will take poiTeffion of the citadel,. tertsky. fas he is going, to Butler.) You come though to the caftle. BUTLER. At the right time. (Exeunt Ttrlfky and Wo. J SCENE. $2 THE DEATH OF SCENE VIIT. Gordon and Butler. Gordon, {looking after them.) Unhappy man ! How free from all foreboding ! They ruth into the outfpread net of murder, In the blind drunkennefs of victory ; I have no pity for their fate. This Illo, This overflowing and fool-hardy villain That would fain bathe himfelf in his Emperor's blood. BUTLER./ Do as he order'd you. Send round patroles, Take meafures for the citadel's fecurity ; When they are within I clofe the caftle gate That nothing may tranfpire. gordon. {with earnefl anxiety.) Oh ! hafte not fo ! Nay, flop; firft tell me BUTLER. You have heard already, To-morrow to the Swedes belongs. This night Alone is ours. They make good expeditions But we will make ftill greater. Fare you well. GORDON. Ah ! your looks tell me nothing good. Nay, Butler, I pray you, promife me ! BUTLER. The fun has fet ; A fateful evening doth defcend upon us, And brings on their Jong night ! Their evil ftars Deliver WALLENSTEIN. - 93 Deliver them unarm'd into our hands, And from their drunken dream of golden fortunes The dagger at their heart lhall roufe them. Well, The Duke was ever a great calculator ; His fellow-men were figures on his chefs-board, To move and ftation, as his game requir'd. Other men's honour, dignity, good name, Did he fhift like pawns, and made no confcience of it: Still calculating, calculating ftill, And yet at laft his calculation proves Erroneous ; the whole game is loft j and lo ! His own life will be found among the forfeits. GORDON. think not of his errors now ; remember His greatnefs, his munificence, think on all The lovely features of his character, On all the noble exploits of his life, And let them, like an angels' arm, unfeen Arreft the lifted fword. BUTLER. It is too late. 1 fuffer not myfelf to feel compaflion, Dark thoughts and bloody are my duty now : (grafping Gordon's hand.) Gordon ! 'Tis not my hatred (I pretend not To love the Duke, and have no caufe to love him) Yet 'tis not now my hatred that impels me To be his murderer. 'Tis his evil fate. Hoflile concurrences of many events Control and fubjugate me to the office. In §4f THE DEATH OF In vain the human being meditates Free action. He is but the wire-work'd * puppet Of the blind power, which out of his own choice Creates for him a dread neceffity. What too would it avail him, if there were A fomething pleading for him in my heart—-:» Still I muft kill him, GORDON. If your heart fpeak to you* Follow its impulfe. 'Tis the voice of God. Think you your fortunes will grow profperous ' Bedew'd with blood, his blood ? Believe it not ! BUTLER. You know not. Afk not ! Wherefore mould it happen, That the Swedes gain'd the viclory, and haften With fuch fore'd marches hitherward ? Fain would I Have given him to the Emperor's mercy. — Gor- don ! ' I do not wifh his blood- — But I muft ranfom The honour of my word — it lies in pledge — And he muft die, or — i — (paffionately grafping Gordon s hand.) Liften then, and know ! I am diflionoiir 'd if the Duke efcape us. GORDON. O ! to fave fuch a man — - — * We doubt the propriety of putting fo blafphemous a fentiment in the mouth of any character. T. BUTLER. WALLENSTEIN, 95 BUTLER. What ! GORDON. It is worth A facrifice. — Come, friend! be noble-minded ! Our own heart, and not other men's opinions, Forms our true honour. Butler, (with a cold and haughty air.) He is a great Lord, This Duke — and I am but of mean importance. This is what you would fay ? Wherein concerns it The world at large, you mean to hint to me, Whether the man of low extraction keeps Or blemifhes his honour — So that the man of princely rank be fav'd. We all do ftamp our value on ourfelves. The price we challenge for ourfelves is given us. There does not live on earth the man fo flation'd, That I defpife myfelf compar'd with him. Man is made great or little by his own will, Becaufe I am true to mine, therefore he dies. GORDON. I am endeavouring to move a rock. Thou hadft a mother, yet no human feelings. I cannot hinder you, but may fome God Refcue. him from you ! [Exit Gordon. SCENE 9G THE DEATH OF SCENE TX. butler, [alone.) I treafur'd my good name all my life long; The Duke has cheated me of life's beft jewel, So that I blufh before this poor weak Gordon ! He prizes above all his fealty ; His confcious foul accufes him of nothing ; In oppofition to his own foft heart He fubjugates himfelf to an iron duty. Me in a weaker moment paffion warp'd ; I ftand betide him, and mufl feel myfelf The worfe man of the two. What, though the world Is ignorant of my purpos'd treafon, yet One man does know it, and can prove it too — High-minded Piccolomini ! There lives the man who can difhonour me ! This ignominy blood alone can cleanfe ! Duke Friedland, thou or I — Into my own hands Fortune delivers me — The dearefl thing a man has is himfelf. [The air tain drops.) ACT WALLENSTEIN* 97 ACT IV. Scene, Butler's Chamber* SCENE I. Butler, Major, and Geraldin. butler. Find me twelve ftrong Dragoons, arm them with pikes, For there muft be no firing Conceal them fomewhere near the banquet -room, And Toon as the defert is ferv'd up, ruQi all in And cry — Who is loyal to the Emperor ? I will overturn the table — while you attack Illo and Tertfky, and difpatch them both. The caflle-palace is well barr'd and guarded, That no intelligence of this proceeding May make its way to the Duke.— Go inftantly 3 Have you yet fent for Captain Devereux And the Macdonald ? GERALDIN. They'll be here anon. [Exit Geraldin. BUTLER. Here's no room for delay. The citizens Declare for him, a dizzy drunken fpirit Pofleffes the whole town. They fee in the Duke h A Prinee S>8 THE DEATH OF A Prince of peace, a founder of new ages And golden times. Arms too have been given out By the town-council, and an hundred citizens Have volunteer'd themfelves. to ftand on guard. Difpatch then be the word. For enemies Threaten us from without and from within. SCENE II. Butler, Captain Devereux, and Macdonald. macdonald. Here we are, General. DEVEREUX. What's to be the watchword ? BUTLER. Long live the Emperor ! both, (recoiling.) How ? BUTLER. Live the Houfe of Auftria ! DEVEREUX. Have we not fwore fidelity to Friedland ? MACDONALD. Have we not march'd to this place to protect him ? BUTLER. Protect a traitor, and his country's enemy ! DEVEREUX. Why, yes ! in his name you adminifler'd Our oath. MAC* *. WALLENSTEIN. 99 MAC DONALD. And follow'd him yourfelf to Egra. BUTLER. I did it the more furely to deftroy him. DEVEREUX. So, then ! MACDONALD. An alter'd cafe ! butler, (to Devereux.) Thou wretched man ! So ealily leav'ft thou thy oath and colours ? DEVEREUX. The devil !— I but follow'd your example, If you could prove a villain, why not we ? MACDONALD. We've nought to do with thinking— that's your bulinefs. You .are our General, and give out the orders ; We follow you, tho' the track lead to hell. butler, (appeafed.) Good then ! we know each other. MACDONALD. I mould hope fo. DEVEREUX. Soldiers of fortune are we — who bids moft, He has us. MACDONALD. 'Tis e'en fol / BUTLER. Well, for the prefent Ye muft remain honeft and faithful foldiers. H 2 DEVEREUX. 100 THE DEATH OF DEVEREUX. We wifri no other. BUTLER. * t Aye, and make your fortunes. MACDONALD. That is dill better. , BUTLER. Liften t BOTHj. We attend. BUTLER. It is the Emperor's will and ordinance To feize the perfonöf the Prince -Duke Friedland, Alive or dead. DEVEREUX. It runs fo in the letter. MACDONALD. Alive or dead — thefe were the very words. BUTLER. And he (hall be rewarded from the State In land and gold, who proffers aid thereto. DEVEREUX. - Ay ? That founds well. The words found always well That travel hither from the Court. Yes ! yes ! We know already what Gourt-words import. A golden chain perhaps in fign of favour, Or an old charger, or a parchment patent, And fuch like. — The Prince-Duke pays better. MAC- WALLENSTEIN. 101 MACDONALD. Yes, The Duke's a fplendid paymafter. BUTLER. All over With that, my friends ! His lucky liars are fet. MACDONALD. And is that certain ? BUTLER, You frave my word for it, DEVEREUX. His lucky fortunes all pad by ? ' BUTLER. For ever. He is as poor as we. MACDONALD. As poor as we-? DEVEREUX. Macdonald, we'll defert him. BUTLER. We'll defert him ? Full twenty thoufand have done that already ; We muft do more, my countrymen ! In Abort — We — we muft kill him. both, (ßarting back.) Kill him I BUTLER. Yes ! muft kill him. And for that purpofe have I chofen you. h 3 both. 1ÖS THE DEATH OP BOTH. Us! BUTLER. You> Captain Devereux, and the Macdonald. devereux. (after a paufe.) Chufe you fome other. BUTLER. What ? art dafbrdly ? Thou, with full thirty lives to anfwer for — Thou confcientious of a fudden ? devereux. Nay, To afiaffinate our Lord and General— MACDONALD. To whom we've fworn a foldier's oath — BUTLER. The oath Is null, for Friedland is a traitor. DEVEREUX. No, no ! It is too bad ! MACDONALD. Yes, by my foul ! It is too bad. One has a confcience too — DEVEREUX. If it were not our Chieftain, who fo long Has iffued the commands, and claim'd our duty. BUTLER. Ts that the objection ? devereux. Were it my own father, And the Emperor's fervice fliould demand it of me, It WALLENSTEIN. 103 It might be done perhaps — But we are foldiers, And to affaffinate our Chief Commander, That is a fin, a foul abomination, From which no Monk or Confeflor abfolves us. BUTLER. I am your Pope, and give you abfolution. Determine quickly ! DEVEREUX. Twill not do! MACDONALD. 'Twont do ! BUTLER. Well, offthen ! and — fend Peftalutz to me. devereux. (heßtates.) The Peftalutz— MACDONALD. What may you want with him ? BUTLER. If you reject it, we can find enough— DEVEREUX. Nay, if he mull fall, we may earn the bounty As well as any other. What think you, Brother Macdonald ? MACDONALD. Why if he muß fall, And will fall, and it can't be otherwife, One would not give place to this Peftalutz. devereux. (after fome reflection.) When do you purpofe he Ihould fall ? H 4 BUT- 1Ö4 THE DEATH OF BUTLER. This night. To-morrow will the Swedes be at our gates. DEVEREUX. You take upon you all the confequences ! BUTLER. I take the whole upon me. DEVEREUX. And it is The Emperor's will, his exprefs abfolute will ? For we have instances, that folks may like The murder, and yet hang the murderer. butler. - The manifefto fays — alive or dead . Alive— 'tis not poflible — you fee it is not. DEVEREUX. Well, dead then ! dead ! But how can we come at him ? The town is fill'd with Tertfky's foldiery. MACDONALD. Ay ! and then Tertiky ftill remains, and Illo — BUTLER. With thefe we mail begin— you underftand me ? DEVEREUX. How ? And muft they too perifli ? BUTLER. They the firft. MACDONALD. Hear, Devereux ! A bloody evening this. DEVEREUX. Have you a man for that ? Commiffion me — but- , WALLENSTEIN. . 105 BUTLER. 'Tis given in truft to Major Geraldin ; This is a carnival night, and there's a feafl Given at the Caftle — there we fhall furprize them, And hew them down. The Peftalutz, and Lefley, Have that commiffion— foon as that is finidi'd — DEVEREUX. Hear, General ! It will be all one to you. Hark'e ! let me exchange with Geraldin. BUTLER. 'Twill be the lefTer danger with the Duke. DEVEREUX. Danger ! The devil ! What do you think me, Ge- neral ? 'Tis the Duke's eye, and not his fword, I fear. BUTLER. What' can his eye do to thee ? DEVEREUX. Death and hell ! Thou know'ft that I'm no milk-fop, General ! But 'tis not eight days, lince the Duke did fend me Twenty gold pieces for this good warm coat Which I have on ! and then for him to fee me Standing before him with the pike, his murderer, That eye of his looking upon this coat — Why — why — the devil fetch me i I'm no milk- fop ! 4 ;BUT- 166 THE DEATH OF BUTLER. The Duke prefented thee this good warm coat, And thou, a needy wight, haft pangs of confcience To run him through the body in return. A coat that is far better and far warmer Did the Emperor give to him, the Prince's mantle. How doth he thank the Emperor ? With revolt, And treafon. DEVEREUX. That is true. The devil take Such thankers ! I'll difpatch him. BUTLER. And would'ft quiet . Thy confcience, thou haft nought to do but limply Pull off the coat -, fo can'ft thou do the deed With light heart and good fpirits. DEVEREUX. You are right. That did not ftrike me. I'llpull off the coat — So there's an end of it. MACDONALD. Yes, but there's another Point to be thought of. BUTLER. And what's that, Macdonald ? MACDONALD. What avails fword or dagger againft him f He is not to be wounded — he is — butler, (ßarting zip.) What? MAC- WALLENSTEIN. 107 MACDONALD. Safe againft fhot, and ftab and ila(h ! Hard frozen, Secured, and warranted by the black art ! His body is impenetrable, I tell you. DEVEREUX. In Ingleftadt there was juft another — "His whole fkin was the fame as fleel; at laft We wefe obliged to beat him down with gun« flocks. MACDONALD. Hear wjiat I'll do. DEVEREUX. Well ? MACDONALD. In the CloKler here There's a Dominican, my countryman. I'll make him dip my fword and pike for me In holy water, and fay over them One of his ftrongeft bleflings. That's probatum 1 Nothing can ftand 'gainft that. BUTLER. So do, Macdonald ! But now go and feject from out the regiment Twenty or thirty able-bodied fellows, And let them take the oaths to the Emperor. Then when it ftrikes eleven, when the firfh rounds Are pafs'd, conduct them, filently as may be, To th' houfe — I will myfelf be not far off. DEVEREUX. But how do we get through Hartfchier and Gordon That ftand on guard there in the inner chamber ? 5 BUT- 108 THE DEATH OF BUTLER. I have made myfelf acquainted with the place. I lead you through a back-door t'hat's defended By one man only. Me my rank and office Give accefs to the Duke at every hour. I'll go before you — with one poinard-ftroke Cut Hartfchier's wind-pipe, and make way for you. DEVEREUX. And when we are there, by what means (hall we gain The Duke's bed-chamber, without his alarming The fervants of the Court ; for he has here A numerous company of followers. _ i BUTLER. The attendants fill the right wing j he hates buflle, And lodges in the left wing quite alone. DEVEREUX. Were it well over — hey, Macdonald ? I Feel queerly on the occafion, devil knows ! MACDONALD. And I too. 'Tis too great a perfonage. People will hold us for a brace of villains. BUTLER. In plenty, honour, fplendour. — You may fafely Laugh at the people's babble. DEVEREUX. If the bufinefs Squares with one's honour — if that be quite cer- tain — BUT- WALLENSTEIN. 109 BUTLER. ; Set your hearts quite at eafe. Ye fave for Ferdi- nand His Crown and Empire. The reward can be No fmall one. DEVEREUX. g And 'tis his purpofe to dethrone the Emperor ? BUTLER. Yes ! — Yes !. — to rob him of his Crown and Life. DEVEREUX. And he mud fall by the executioner's hands, Should we deliver him up to the Emperor Alive ? • BUTLER. It were his certain deftiny. DEVEREUX. Well ! Well ! Come then, Macdonald, he mall not Lie long in pain. [Exeunt Butler through one door, Macdonald and Devereux through the other.'] SCENE III. Scene, a gothic and gloomy Apartmtnt at the Duchefs Friedland' s. Thekla on a feat, pale, her eyes clofed. The Duchess and Lady Neu brunn bußed about her. Wallen- stein and the Countess in converfation. WALLENSTEIN. How knew fhe it fo foon * COUN- 110 THE DEATH OF COUNTESS. She Teems to have Foreboded fome misfortune. The report Of an engagement, in the which had fallen A Colonel of the Imperial Army, frighten'd her. I faw it inftantly. She flew to meet The Swedilh Courier, and with fudden queftion- Soon wrefted from him the difaftrous fecret. Too late we mifs'd her, haftened after her, We found her lying in his arms, all pale ^.nd in a fwoon. WALLENSTEIN. A heavy, heavy blow I And (he fo unprepar'd ! Poor child ! How is it I (turning to the Duchefs.) Is (he coming to herfelf ? DUCHESS. Her eyes are opening. COUNTESS. She lives. thekla. ( looking round her.) Where am I ? wallenstein, (fleps to her, raißng her up in his arms.) Come cheerly, Thekla ! be my own brave girl ! See, there's thy loving mother. Thou art in Thy father's arms. thekla. (ßtmding tip.) Where is he ? Is he gone ? duchess. WALLENSTEIN. Ill DUCHESS. Who gone, my daughter ? THEKLA. He — the man who utter'd That word of mifery. duchess. ' O! think not of it, MyTheklaf WALLENSTEIN. Give her forrow leave to talk ! Let her complain— mingle your tears with her's, For {he hath fufFer'd a deep anguifh ; but She'll rife fuperior to it, for my Thekia Hath all her father's unfubdued heart. THEKLA. I am not ill. See, I have power to ftand. Why does my mother weep ? Have I alarm'd her ? It is gone by — I recoiled: myfelf. (Jhe cafis her eyes round the room, asfeekingfome one.) Where is he ? Pleafe you, do not hide him from me. You fee, I have ftrength enough ; now I will hear him. DUCHESS. No, never (hall this meffenger of evil Enter again into thy prefence, Thekia ! THEKLA. My father— VAL- 112 THE DEATH OP WALLENSTEI5T. Deareft daughter I THEKLA. I'm not weak — Shortly I (hall be quite myfelf again. You'll grant me one requeft ? WALLENSTEIN. Name it, my daughter. THEKLA. Permit the ftranger to be calFd to me, And grant me leave, that by myfelf I may Hear his report and queftion him. DUCHESS. No, never? COUNTESS. 'Tis not advifeable — aflfent not to it, WALLENSTEIISr. Hufh-' Wherefore would'ft thou fpeak with him, my daughter ? THEKLA. Knowing the whole, I fhall be more collected ; I will not be deceiv'd. My mother wiflies Only to fpare me. I will not be fpar'd. The worft is faid already : I can hear Nothing of deeper anguifti ! countess and duchess. Do it not. THEKLA. The horror overpower 'd me by furprize. My heart betray'd me in the flranger's prefence ; He was a witnefs of my weaknefs, yea, I fank WALLENSTEIN. 113 I fank into his arms ; and that has fham'd me. I muft replace myfelf in his efteem, And I muft fpeak with him, perforce, that he, The ftranger, may not think ungently of me. WALLENSTEIN. I fee (he is in the right, and am inclin'd To grant her this requeft of her's. Go, call him, [Lady Neubrunn goes to call him.) DUCHESS. But I, thy mother, will be prefent — THEKLA. 'Twere More pleafing to me, if alone I faw him : Truft me, I (hall behave myfelf the more Collectedly. WALLENSTEIN. Permit her her own will. Leave her alone with him : for there are forrows, Where of neceflity the foul muft be Its own fupport. A ftrong heart will rely On its own ftrength alone. In het own bofom, Not in her mother's arms, muft fhe collect The ftrength to rife fuperior to this blow. It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treated Not as the woman, but the heroine. fgoing.J countess, (detaining him.) Where art thou going ? I heard Tertfky fay That 'tis thy purpofe to depart from hence To-morrow early, but to leave us here. I WAL- 114 THE DEATH OF WALLENSTE1N. Yes, ye flay here, plac'd under the protection Of gallant men. COUNTESS. O take us with you, brother. Leave us not in this gloomy folitude To brood o'er anxious thoughts. The mifts of doubt Magnify evils to a ihape of horror. WALLENSTEIN. Whofpeaks of evil ? I entreat you, filler, Ufe words of better omen. COUNTESS. Then take us with you* leave us not behind you in a place That forces us to füch fad omens. Heavy And fick within me is my heart Thefe walls breathe on me, like a church-yard vault. 1 cannot tell you, brother, how this place Doth go againft my nature. Take us with you. Come, fifter, join you your entreaty ! — Niece, Your's too. We all entreat you, take us with you ! WALLENSTEIN. The place's evil omens will I change, Making it that which fliields and fhelters for me My beft-belov'd. lady neuer UNN. (returning.) The Swedifh officer. W A L - WALLENSTEIN, 115 GALLENSTEIN. Leave her alone with him. [Exit. duchess, (to Thekla, who fi arts andjhivers) There — pale as death ! — Child, 'tis impoffible That thou fhould'ft fpeak with him. Follow thy mother. THEKLA. The Lady Neubrunn then may (lay with me. \Exeunt Duchefs and Countefi, SCENE IV. Thekla, the Swedish Captain, LaDy NEUBRUNNi captain, [refpectfully approaching her.) Princefs — I muft entreat your gentle pardon — - My incönfiderate rafh fpeech — How could I— ~ thekla. (with dignity.) You have beheld me in my agony. A moll diflrefsful accident occafion'd You from a ftranger to become at once My confidant. CAPTAIN. I fear you hate my prefence 3 For my tongue fpake a melancholy word. thekla. The fault is mine. Myfelf did wreft it from you* ' The horror which came o'er me interrupted Your tale at its commencement. May it pleafe you s Continue it to the end. •I 2, CAP« 116 THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN. Princefs, 'twill Renew your anguifli. THEKLA. I am firm. I will be firm. Well — how began the engage- ment ? CAPTAIN. We lay, expecting no attack, at Neuftadt, Entrench'd but infecurely in our camp, When towards evening rofe a cloud of dull: From the wood thitherward ; our vanguard fled Into the camp, and founded the alarm. Scarce had we mounted, ere the Pappenheimers, Their horfes at full fpeed, broke thro' the lines, And leapt the trenches ; but their heedlefs courage Had borne them onward far before the others — The infantry were ftill at diftance, only The Pappenheimers followed daringly Their daring leader (Thekla betrays agitation in her geßures. The officer panfes till JJie makes a fign to him to proceed.) CAPTAIN. Both in van and flanks With our whole cavalry we now receiv'd them, Back to the trenches drove them, where the foot Stretch'd out a folid ridge of pikes to meet them. They neither could advance, nor yet retreat ; And as they flood on every fide wedg'd in, The Rhinegrave to their leader call'd aloud, Inviting WALLENSTEIN. 117 Inviting a furrender; but their leader, Young Piccolomini {Thekla, as giddy, grafps a chair.) Known by his plume, And his long hair, gave fignal for the trenches ; Himfelf leapt firft, the regiment all plung'd after. — His charger, by an halbert gor'd, rear'd up, Flung him with violence off, and over him The horfes, now no longer to be curb'd. (Thekla, who has accompanied the laß fpeech with all the marks of increafing agony, trembles through her whole frame, and is falling. The Lady Neubrunn runs to her, and receives her in her a?*ms.) NEUBRUNN. My deareft lady CAPTAIN. I retire. THEKLA. 'Tis over. Proceed to the conclufion. CAPTAIN. Wild defpair Infpir'd the troops with frenzy when they faw Their leader perilh ; every thought of refcue Was fpurn'd ; they fought like wounded tygers -, their Frantic refinance rous'd our foldiery ; A murderous fight took place, nor was the conteft Finim'd before their lall man fell. i 3 thekla. 1 18 THE DEATH OF the k la. (faltering.) And where Where is — You have not told me all. captain, [after a paufe.) This morning We buried him. Twelve youths of nobleft birth Did bear him to interment ; the whole army Follow'd the bier. A laurel deck'd his coffin ; The fword of the deceas'd was plac'd upon it, In mark of honour, by the Rhinegrave's felf. Nor tears were wanting : for there are among us Many, who. had themfelves. experienced The greatnefs of his mind, and gentle manners ; . All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave Would willingly have fav'd him ; but himfelf Made vain th' attempt — 'tis faid he wiih'd to die. Neubrunn, (to Thekla, zvho has hidden her countenance.) Look up, my deareft lacjy THEKLA. Where is his grave \ CAPTAIN. At Neufladt, lady ; in a cloifter church . Are his remains depoflted, until We can receive directions from his father THEKLA. What is the cloifter's name ? CAPTAIN. Saint Catharine's« THEKLA. And how far is it thither ? CAP- WALLENSTEIN. 119 CAPTAIN. Near twelve leagues. THEKLA, And which the way ? CAPTAIN. You go by Tirfchenreit And Falkenberg, thro' our advanced polls. THEKLA. Who Is their Commander ? CAPTAIN. Colonel Seckendorf. (Thekla fleps to the table, and takes a ring from a cajket.) THEKLA. You have beheld me in my agony, And fliewn a feeling heart. Pleafe you, accept (giving him the ring.) A fmall memorial of this hour. Now go ! captain, (confufed.) Princefs {Thekla filently makes figns to him to go, and turns from him. The Captain lingers, and is about tofpeak. Lady Neubrunn repeats theßgnal, and he retires.) i 4 SCENE 120 THE DEATH OF SCENE V. Thekla, Lady Neubrunn. the k la. (falls on Lady Neubrunn' s neck.) Now, gentle Neubrunn, fhew me the affection Which thou haft ever promis'd — prove thyfelf My own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim. This night we muft away ! NEUBRUNN. Away ! and whither ? THEKLA. Whither ! There is but one place in the world. Thither where he lies buried ! To his coffin ! NEUBRUNN. What would you do there ? THEKLA. What do there ? That would* ft thou not have afk'd, hadft thou e'er lov'd. There, there is all that ftill remains of him. That fingle fpot is the whole earth to me. NEUBRUNN. That place of death THEKLA. Is now the only place, Where life yet dwells for me : detain me not ! Come and make preparations : let us think Of means to fly from hence. NEU- WALLENSTEIN. 121 NEUBRUNN. Your father's rage THEKLA. That time is paft And now I fear no human being's rage. NEUBRUNN. The fentence of the world ! The tongue of calumny ! THEKLA. s Whom am I feeking ? Him who is no more. Am I then haftening to the arms — — O God ! I hafte but to the grave of the beloved. NEUBRUNN. And we alone, two helplefs feeble women ? THEKLA. We will take weapons : my arm mail protect thee. NEUBRUNN. In the dark night-time ? THEKLA. Darknefs will conceal us, NEUBRUNN. This rough tempeftuous night THEKLA. Had he a foft bed Under the hoofs of his war-horfes ? NEUBRUNN. Heaven ! And then the many polls of the enemy ! — THEKLA. 122 THE DEATH OF THEKLA. They are human beings. Mifery travels free Through the whole earth. NEUBRUNN. The journey's weary length — THEKLA. The pilgrim, travelling to a diftant fhrine Of hope and healing, doth not count the leagues. NEUBRUNN. How can we pafs the gates ? THEKLA. Gold opens them. Go, do but go. NEUBRUNN. Should we be recogniz'd — THEKLA. In a defpairing woman, a poor fugitive, Will no one feek the daughter of Duke Friedland. NEUBRUNN. And where procure we horfes for our flight ? THEKLA. My equerry procures them. Go and fetch him. NEUBRUNN. Dares he, without the knowledge of his lord ? THEKLA. He will. Go, only go. Delay no longer. NEUBRUNN. Dear lady ! and your mother ? THEKLA. Oh ! my mother ! 1 ' NEU- WALLENSTEIN. 123 NEUBRUNN. So much as fhe has fuffer'd too already ; Your tender mother — Ah j how ill prepared For this laft anguiih ! THEKLA. Woe is me ! my mother ! (paufes.) Go inftantly. NEUBRUNN. But think what you are doing ! THEKLA. What can be thought, already has been thought, NEUBRUNN. And being there, what purpofe you to do ? THEKLA. There a Divinity will prompt my foul. NEUBRUNN. Your heart, dear lady, is difquieted ! And this is not the way that leads to quiet. THEKLA. To a deep quiet, fuch as he has found. It draws me on, I know not what to name it, Refiftlefs does it draw me to his grave. 'IThere will my heart be eas'd, my tears will flow. O haften, make no further queftioning ! There is no reft, for me till I have left Thefe walls — they fall in on me — A dim power Drives me from hence — Oh mercy 1 What a feel- ing ! What 124? THE DEATH OF What pale and hollow forms are thofe ! They fill, They crowd the place ! I have no longer room «here ! Mercy ! Still more ! More ftill ! The hideous fwarm ! They prefs on me ; they chace me from thefe walls Thofe hollow, bodilefs forms of living men • NEUBRUNN. You frighten me fo, lady, that no longer I dare ftay here myfelf. I go and call Rofenberg inftantly. [Exit Lady Neubrunn. SCENE VI. THEKLA. His fpirit 'tis that calls me : 'tis the troop Of his true followers, who offer'd up Themfelves t' avenge his death : and they accufe me Of an ignoble loitering — they would not Forfake their leader even in death — they died for him ! And mall / live ? For me too was that laurel-garland twin'd That decks his bier. Life is an empty cafkst. I throw it from me. O, my only hope j 5 To WALLENSTEIN. 125 To die beneath the hoofs of trampling fleeds — That is the lot of heroes upon earth ! [Exit Thekla. * (The curtain drops.) * The foliloquy of Thekla confifts in the original of fix and twenty lines, twenty of which are in rhymes of irregular recurrence. T thought it prudent to abridge it, Indeed the whole fcene between Thekla and Lady Neubrunn might, perhaps, have been omitted without injury to the play. END OF ACT IV, AC! t l 26 THE DEATH OB' ACT r. Scene, ä Saloon, terminated by a gallery which extends far into the back-ground. SCENE I. Wallenstein, {fitting at a table.) The Swedish Captain, [ßanding before hwi.) , WALLENSTEIN. Commend me to your lord. I fympathize 'In his good fortune j and if you have feen me Deficient in the expreflions of that joy* Which fuch ä victory might well demand, Attribute it to no lack of good will, For henceforth are our fortunes one. • Farewell j And for your trouble talce my thanks. To-mor- row The dtadel (hall be furre'nder'd to you On your arrival. [The Szvedi/h Captain rehYes. Wallenflein fits loß in thought, his eyes fix' 'd vacantly, and his head fufiain'd by his hand. The Countess Tertsky enters, fiands before him awhile, unobferved by him; at length he far is, fees her, and recollects himfeff] WAL- V/ALLENSTEIN* 127 WALLENSTEIN. Com'ft thou from her ? Is me reftor'd ? How is ihe? COUNTESS. My filler tells me, fhe was more collected After her converfation with the Swede. She has now retired to reft. WALLENSTEIN. The pang will foften. She will flied tears. COUNTESS. I find thee alter' d too, My brother ! After fuch a victory I had expected to have found in thee A cheerful fpirit. O remain thou firm ! Suftain, uphold us ! For our light thou art, Our fun. WALLENSTEIN. Be quiet. I ail nothing. Where's Thy hufband, COUNTESS. At a banquet — he and tllo. WALLENSTEIN. (rifes andßrides der of s the faloon.) The night's far fpent. Betake thee to thy cham- ber. COUNTESS. Bid me not go, O let me flay with thee ! WALLENSTEIN. (moves to the window.) ^here is a bufy motion in the Heaven, 3 The 12S THE DEATH OF The wind doth chace the flag upon the tower, Faft fly the clouds, the * fickle of the moon, Struggling, darts fnatches of uncertain light. No form of ftar is vifible ! That one White flain of light, that fingle glimm'ring yonder, Is from Cafliopeia, and therein Is Japiter. (a paufe.) But now The blacknefs of the troubled element hides him ! {he jinks into profound melancholy, and looks va- cantly into the diftance.) COUNTESS. (looks on him mournfully, then grafps his hand.) What art thou brooding on ? WALLENSTEIN. Methinks, If I but faw him, 'twould be well with me. * Thefe four lines are expreiTed in the orginal with exqui- fite felicity. Am Himmel ift geschäftige Bewegung, . Des Thurmes Fahne jagt der Wind, fchnell geht Der Wolken Zug, Sie Mondes-ßchel tvanh, Und durch die Nacht zuckt ungewiße Kelle. The word " moon-fickle," reminds me of a paffage in Harris, as quoted by Johnfon, under the word " falcated.'* " The enlightened part of the moon appears in the form of a fickle or reaping-hook, which is while fhe is moving from the conjunction to the oppofition, or from the new moon to the full ; but from full to a new again, the en- lightened part appears gibbous, and the dark falcated" The words " wanken" and " fchweben" are not eafily tranflated. The Englifh words, by which we attempt to render them, are either vulgar or pedantic, or not of fuffi- ciently general application. He WALLENSTEIN. 129 He is the ftar of my nativity, And often marvelloufly hath his afpect Shot ftrength into my heart. COUNTESS. Thou'lt fee him again. WALLENSTEIN. [remains for a zvhile with abfent mind, then af- fumes a livelier manner, and turns fuddenly to the Countefs.) See him again ? O never, never again. COUNTESS. How ? WALLENSTEIN. He is gone — is duft. COUNTESS* 'Whom mean'ft thou then ? WALLENSTEIN. He the more fortunate ! yea, he hath fmifh'd ! For him there is no longer any future — His life is bright — bright without fpot it was. And cannot ceafe to be. No ominous hour Knocks at his door with tidings of mif-hap. Far off is he, above defire and fear j No more fubmitted to the change and chance Of the unfteady planets. O 'tis well With him ! but who knows what the coming hour Veil'd in thick darknefs brings for us ! COUNTESS. Thou fpeakefl Of Piccolomini. What was his death ? k The lift) THE DEATH OF The courier had juft left thee, as I came. (Wallenßeili by a motion of Ins hand makes figns to her to be fi lent ) Turn not thine eyes upon the backward view,. Let us look forward into funny days. Welcome with joyous heart the victory, Forget what it has cod thee. Not to day, For the firft time, thy friend' was to thee dead ; To thee he died, when firft he parted from thee. WALLENSTEIN. This anguifh will be wearied down, * I know ; What pang is permanent! with man ? From th* higheft, As from the vileft thing of every day He learns to wean himfelf : for the flrong hours Conquer him. Yet I feel what I have loft In him» The bloom is vanifh'd from my life. For O ! he flood befide me, like my youth, Transformed for me the real to a dream, Cloathing the palpable and the familiar With golden exhalations of the dawn. Whatever fortunes wait my future toils, The beautiful is vaniuYd — and returns not. COUNTESS. O be not .treacherous to thy own power. Thy heart is rich enough to vivify * A very inadequate translation of the original. " Verfchmerzen werd ich diefen Schlag» das weifs ich r Pennwas verfchmerzte nicht der Menfch !" Literally. I fhall grievi Joim this blow, of (hat I'm confcious ; What does not man grieve down ? Itfelf. WALLENSTEIN. 131 Itfelf. Thou lov'ft and prizeft virtues in him^ The which thyfelf did'ft plant, thy felf unfold. wallenstein, {ßepping to the door.) Who interrupts us now at this late hour ? It is the Governor. He brings the keys Of the Citadel. 'Tis midnight. Leave me, fitter! COUNTESS. 'tis fo hard to me this night to leave thee — • A boding fear pofTeiTes me ! WALLENSTEIN. Fear ? Wherefore \ COUNTESS. Should'fl thou depart this night, and we at waking Never more find thee ! WALLENSTEIN. Fancies ! COUNTESS. O my foul Has long been weigh'd down by thefe dark fore- bodings. And if I combat and repel them waking, They ftill rufli down upon my heart in dreams. 1 faw thee yefternight with thy firft wife Sit at a banquet gorgeoufly attir'd. WALLENSTEIN. This was a dream of favourable omen, That marriage being the founder of my fortunes. COUNTESS. To-day I. dreamt that. I was feeking thee 152 THE DEATH OF In thy own chamber. As I enter'd, lo ! It was no more a chamber, the Chartreufe At Gitfchin 'twas, which thou thyfelf haft founded, And where it is thy will that thou Qiould'ft be Interr'd. WALLENSTEIN. Thy foul is bufy with thefe thoughts. COUNTESS. What doft thou not believe, that oft in dreams A voice of warning fpeaks prophetic to us ? WALLENSTEIN. There is no doubt that there exifl fuch voices. Yet I would not call them Voices of warning that announce to us Only the inevitable. As the fun, Ere it is rifen, fometimes paints its image In the atmofphere, fo often do the fpirits Of great events ftride on before the events, . And in to-day already walks to-morrow. That which we read of the fourth Henry's death, Did ever vex and haunt me like a tale Of my own future deftiny. The King Felt in his breaft the phantom of the knife, Long ere Ravaillac arm'd himfelf therewith. His quiet mind forfook him : the Phantafma Started him in his Louvre, chac'd him forth Into the open air : like funeral Knells Sounded that coronation feftival ; And fliil with boding fenfe he heard the tread Of thofe feet, that ev'n then were feeking him Through- WALLENSTEIN. 133 Throughout the flreets of Paris. COUNTESS. And to thee The voice within thy foul bodes nothing ? WALLENSTEIN. Nothing. Be wholly tranquil. COUNTESS. And another time I haften'd after thee, and thou ran'ft from me Thro' a long fuite, thro' many a fpacious hall. There feem'd no end of it — door creek'd and clapp'd i I follow'd panting, but could not o'ertake thee ; When on a fudden did I feel myfelf Grafp'd from behind — the hand was cold, that grafp'd me — 'Twas thou, and thou did'fl kifs me, and there , feem'd A crimfon covering to envelope us. WALLENSTEIN. That is the crimfon tap'ftry of my. chamber. countess, (gazing on him.) If it fhould come to that — if I fhould fee thee, Who {landed now before me in the fullnefs Of life— {Jhe falls on his breafi and weeps.) . WALLENSTEIN. The Emperor's proclamation weighs upon thee — ■ Alphabets wound not — and he finds no hands. K 3 COUN- 134« THE DEATH OF COUNTESS. If h&Jltould find them, my refolve is taken — I bear about me my fupport and refuge. \Exit Countefs. SCENE II. Wallenstein. Gordon, wallenstein. All quiet in the town ? GORDON. The town is quiet. WALLENSTEIN. I hear a boifterous mufic ! and the Caftle Is lighted up. Who are the revellers ? GORDON. There is a banquet given at the Caftle To the Count Tertfky, and Field Marmal Illo. WALLENSTEIN. In honour of the victory. — This tribe Can (hew their joy in nothing elfe but feafling. {Rings. The Groom of the Chamber enters.) Unrobe me. I will lay me down to fleep. {Wallenflein takes the keys from Gordon.) So we are guarded from all enemies, And fhut in with fure friends. For all muft cheat me, or a face like this (Fixing his eye on Gordon.) Was WALLENSTEIN. 135 Was ne'er an hypocrite's mafk. {The Groom of the Chamber takes off his mantlet collar and fear f.) ■ WALLENSTEIN. Take care — what is that ? GROOM of the CHAMBER. The golden chain is Inapp'd in two. WALLENSTEIN. Well, it has laded long enough. Here — give it. {He takes and looks at the chain.) 1 Twas the firft prefent of the Emperor. He hung it round me in the war of Friule, He being then Archduke; and I have worn it Till now from habit- From fuperftitiön if you will. Belike, It was to be a Talifman to me, And while I wore it on my neck in faith, It was to chain to me all my life long, The volatile fortune, whofe firft pledge it was. Well, be it fo ! Henceforward a new fortune Muft fpring up for me; for the potency Of this charm is diflblv'd. (Groom of the Chamber retirees zvith the veßments* Wallenfiein rifes^ takes afiride acrofs the reom^ andfiands at laß before Gordon in a poßure of rneditation.) How the old time returns upon me ! I Behold myfelf once more at Burgau, where We two were Pages of the Court together. We oftentimes difputed : thy intention Was ever good ; but thou wert wont to play k 4 The 136 THE DEATH OF The Moralift and Preacher, and would 'ft rail at me — That I ftrove after things too high for me, Giving my faith to bold unlawful dreams, And Hill extol to me the golden mean. — Thy wifdom hath been prov'd a thriftlefs friend To thy own felf. See, it has made thee early A fuperannuated man, and (but That my munificent ftars will intervene) Would let thee in fome miferable corner Go out, like an untended lamp. GORDON. My Prinqg ! With light heart the poor fifher moors his boat, And watches from the fhore the lofty (hip Stranded amid the dorm. WALLENSTEIN. Art thou already In harbour then, old man ? Well ! I am not. Theunconquer'd fpirit drives me o'er life's billows; My planks flill firm, my canvafs fwelling proudlv. Hope is my goddefs ftill, and youth my inmate ; And while we ftand thus front to front almoft, I might prefume to fay, that the fwift years Have pafs'd by powerlefs o'er my unblanch'd hair. (He moves with longfirides acrofs the fa loon, and ' remains on the oppofile fide over againfi Gcr* don.) Who now periiits in calling fortune falfe r To me fhe has prov'd faithful, with fond love Took me from out the common ranks of men, And WALLENSTErN. 137' And like a mother goddefs with ftrong arm, Carried me fwiftly up the Heps of life. Nothing is common in my deftiny, > ■ Nor in the furrows of my hand. Who dares Interpret then my life for me as 'twere One of the undiftinguiihable many ? True in this prefent moment I appear Fallen low indeed ; but I (hall rife again. The high flood will foon follow on this ebb ; The fountain of my fortune, which now flops Reprefs'd and bound by fome malicious ftar, . Will foon in joy play forth from all its pipes. tGORDON. And yet remember I the good old proverb, " Let the night come before we praife the day." I would be flow from long-continued fortune To gather hope : for hope is the companion Given to the unfortunate by pitying Heaven. Fear hovers round the head of profperous men : For flill unfteady are the fcales of fate. WAL^ENSTEIN. (f Hilling.) I hear the very Gordon that of old Was wont to preach to me, now once more preaching ; I know well, that all fublunary things Are flill the vaflals of viciffitude. The unpropitious gods demand their tribute. This long ago the ancient Pagans knew: And therefore of their own accord they offered To themfelves injuries,, fp to atone . . . The 138 THE DEATH OF The jealoufy of their divinities : And human facrifices bled to Typhon. (after a paufe, ferious y and in a more fubdued manner.) I too have facrific'd to him — For me There fell the deareft friend-, and through my fault He fell ! No joy from favourable fortune Can overweigh the anguifh of this ftroke. The envy of my deftiny is glutted : Life pays for life. On this pure head the light'ning Was drawn off, which would elfe have fhatter'd me. SCENE III. To thefe enter Seni. WALLENSTEIN. Is not that Seni ? and befide himfelf, If one may truft his looks ! What brings thee hithef At this late hour, Baptifha ? SENI. Terror, Duke . r On thy account. WÄLLENSTEIN. What now ?' SENI. ' Flee ere the day-break ! Trull not thy peribn to^iic Swedes ! WAL- WALLENSTEIN. 139.' WALLENSTEIN. What now Is in thy thoughts ? sen i. {with louder voice.) Truft not thy perfon to thefe Swedes. WALLENSTEIN. What is it then ? seni. (flitt more urgently. J wait not the arrival of thefe Swedes ! An evil near at hand is threatening thee From falfe friends. All the figns ftand full of horror ! Near, near at hand the net -work of perdition — Yea, even now 'tis being caft around thee ! WALLENSTEIN. Baptifta, thou art dreaming ! — Fear befools thee. SENI. Believe not that an- empty fear deludes nie. Come, read it in the planetaty afpects ; Read it thyfelf, that ruin threatens thee From falfe friends ! ■WALLENSTEIN. From the falfenefs of my friends Has rifen the whole of my unprofperous fortunes. The warning fhould have come before ! At prefent 1 need no revelation from the ftars To know that. SENI. Come and fee ! truft thine own eyes ! A fearful fign ftands in the houfe of life An enemy j a fiend lurks clofe behind The 14-0 THE DEATH OF The radiance of thy planet — O be warn'd ! Deliver not thyfelf up to thefe heathens To wage a war againft our holy church. wallenstein, (laughing gently.) The oracle rails that way ! Yes, yes ! Now I recoiled. This junction with the Swedes Did never pleafe thee — lay thyfelf to fleep, Baptifta ! Signs like thefe I do not fear. Gordon, {who during the zuhole of this dia- logue has Jliewn marks of extreme agitation, and now turns to Wallenfiein.) My Duke and^General ! May I dare prefume ? WALLENSTEIN. Speak freely. GORDON. What ? if 'twere no mere creation Of fear, if God's high providence vouch faf'd To interpofe its aid for your deliv'rance, And made that mouth its organ. WALLE'NSTEIN. Ye're both feverhri ! How can mifliap come to me from the Swedes ? They fought this junction with me — 'tis their intereft. Gordon, (with difficulty fit pprefjing h is emotion. ) But what if the arrival of thefe Swedes — What if this were the very thing that wing'd The ruin that is flying to your temples ? (flings himfelf at his feet.) There is yet time, my Prince SENI. I WALLENSTEItf. 141 i SENI. O hear him ! hear him ! Gordon, (rifes.) The Rhinegrave's (till far off. Give but the orders This citadel (hall clofe its gates upon him. If then he will befiege us, let him try it. But this 1 fay ; he'll find his own deftruclion With his whole force before thefe ramparts, fooner Than weary down the valour of our fpirit. He fhall experience what a band of heroes, Infpirited by an heroic leader, Is able to perform. And if indeed It be thy ferious wifh to make amend For that which thou haft done amifs, — this, this Will touch and reconcile the Emperor, Who gladly turns his heart to thoughts of mercy, And Friedland, who returns repentant to him, Will ftand yet higher in his Emperor's favour, Than e'er he flood when he had never fallen. wallenstein, [contemplates him withfurprize, remains filent awhile, betraying flrong emo- tion?) Gordon — your zeal and fervour lead you far. Well, well — an old friend has a privilege. Blood, Gordon, has been flowing. Never, never Can the Emperor pardon me : and if he could, Yet I — I ne'er could let myfelf be pardon'd. Had I foreknown what now has taken place, That he, my deareft friend, would fall for me, My firfl death-offering : and had the heart 5 Spoken 142 THE DEATH OV Spoken to me, as now it has done — Gordon, It may be, I might have bethought myfelf. It may be too, I might not. — Might, or might not, Is now an idle queftion. All too ferioufly Has it begun to end in nothing, Gordon i Let it then have its courfe. (flepping to the window.) All dark and filent — at the caftle too All is now hufh'd — Light me, Chamberlain ! {The groom of the chamber, who had entered during the laß dialogue, and had been fiand- ing at a difiance and Ujlening to it with vifible exprejfions of the deepefi intereß, ad- vances in extreme agitation, and throws himjelf at the Duke's feet,) And thou too ! But I know why thou doll wifh My reconcilement with the Emperor. Poor man ! he hath a fmall eftate in Cärnthen, And fears it will be forfeited becaufe He's in my fervice. Am I then fo poor, That I no longer can indemnify My fervants ? Well I To no one I employ Means of compulfion. If 'tis thy belief That fortune has fled from me, go ! Forfake me. This night for the lair, time mayft thou unrobe me* And then go over to thy Emperor. Gordon, good night ! I think to make a long Sleep of it : for the ftruggle and the turmoil Of this laft day or two was.ereat, May' t plea fe you! Take "WALL EN STEIN. , 143 Take care that they awake me not too early. [Exit Wallenßein, the Groom of the Chamber lighting him. Seni follows« Gordon re- mains on the darken 'd ßage, follozving the Duke with his eye, till he difappears at the farther end of the gallery : then by his gejhtres the old man expreJJ'es the depth, of his anguijh, and fiands leaning againß a pillar, SCENE IV. Gordon, Butxer. [atßrß behind the fcenes . ) VJ butler, {not yet come into view of the fiage. ) Here {land in lilence till I give the fignah gordon. (farts zip.) 'Tis lie, he has already brought the murderers, BUTLER. The lights are out. All lies in profound ileep. GORDON. What fhall I do, (hall I attempt to fave him? Shall I call up the houfe ? Alarm the guards ? butler, [appears, but fcarcely on theßage.) A light gleams hither from the corridor. It leads directly to the Duke's bed-chamber. '.■•-- - ' i GORDON. But then I break my oath to the Emperor I if he efcape arid ftrengthen the «nemy, 3 tk 14-4* THE DEATH OF Do I not hereby call down on my head All the dread confequences ? butler, (fiepping forward.) Hark I Who fpeaks there ? GORDON. 'Tis better, I refign it to the hands Of Providence. For what am I, that / Should take upon myfelf fo great a deed ? /have not murder'd him, if he be murder'd; But all his refcue were my act and deed j Mine — and whatever be the confequences» I mud fuftain them. butler, (advances.) I fhould know that voice. GORDON. Butler ! BUTLER. , 'Tis Gordon. What do you want here ? Was it fo late then, when the Duke difmifs'd you ? GORDON. Your hand bound up and in a fcarf ? BUTLER. 'Tis wounded. That Illo fought as he was frantic, till At laß: we threw him on the ground. gordon. (fliiiddering.) Both dead ? BUTLER. Is he in bed ? GOR- WALLENSTEIN. 145 GORDON. Ah, Butler 4 •BUTLER. Is he ? fpeak. .GORDON. He (hall not perim ! Not through you ! The Heaven Refufes your arm. See — ■''tis wounded !-r- BUTLER. There is no need of my arm. GORDON. The ffloft guilty Have perim'd, and enough is given to juflice. (The Groom of the Chamber advances from the gallery,' with his finger on his mouthy ■commanding file nee '-. J GORDON. He fleeps 1 O murder not the holy fleep ! BUTLER. No 1 he fhall die awake. (is going.J GORDON. His heart ilill cleaves To earthly things : he's not prepar'd to ftep Into the prefence of his God ! butler, (going. J God's merciful ! Gordon, (holds him.) Grant him but this night's refpite. L BUT- 14(5 THE DEATH Of butler, {hurrying off.) The next moment May ruin all. Gordon, [holds himßill.) One hour !• BUTLER. Unhold me ! What Can that fhort refpite profit him I GORDON. O — Time Works miracles. In one hour many thoufänds Of grains of fand run out ; and quick as they, Thought follows thought within the human foul. Only one hour ! Your heart may change its pur-> pofe, His heart may change its pur-pofe — fome new tidings May come ; fome fortunate event, decifive, May fall from Heaven and refcue him ! O what May not one hour achieve ! BUTLER. You but remind me, £Iow precious every minute is ! (he fi amps on the floor.) SCENE WALLENSTEIN. 147 SCENE V. To thefe enter Macdonald, and Deverevx, with the Halberdiers. ■Gordon. ( 'throwing himfelf 'between him and them J No, monfter ! Firfl over my dead body thou {halt tread. I will not live to fee the accurfed deed ! butler, (forcing him out vf the %vay.) Weak-hearted dotard ! [trumpets are heard in the difiance.) DEVEREUX and MACDONALD, Hark ! The Swedifh trumpets ! The Swedes before the ramparts ! Let us haften I GORDON. {j'ltßcS OUt.) O God of mercy ! butler, (calling afler him.) Governor, to your poft ,! groom of the chamber, (hurries in.) Who dares make larum here ? Hum ! The DuJce fleeps. devereux. (with loud harfli voice.) Friend, it is time now to make larum. i groom of the chamber. Help! Murder ! l 2 but» 148 THE DEATH OF BUTLER. Down with him ! groom of the chamber, (run through the ( body by Devereux, falls at the entrance of the gallery.) Jefus Maria ! BUTLER. Burft the doors open ! {they rufli over the body into the gallery — two doors are heard to craft one after the other — Voices deadened by the diflance — Clafli of arms — then all at once a profound ßlence.) SCENE VI. Countess Tertsky. (with a light.) Her bed-chamber is empty ; fhe herfelf Is nowhere to be found ! The Neubrunn too, Who watch'd by her, is miffing. If (he fhould Be flown — But whither flown ? We muft call up Every foul in the houfe. How will the Duke Bear up againft thefe word bad tidings ? O If that my hufband now were but return'd Home from the banquet : Hark ! I wonder whether The Duke is ftill awake ! I thought I heard Voices and tread of feet here ! I will go And liften at the door. Hark ! What is that ? 'Tis hailening up the fteps ! SCENE WALLENSTEIN. 149 ■ SCENE VIL Countess, Gordon. Gordon, (riißies in out of breath.) 'Tis a miftake, 'Tis not the Swedes — Ye mud proceed no further — ■ Butler ! O God ! Where is he ? (then obferving the Countefs.J Countefs ! Say COUNTESS. You are come then from the caftle ? Where's my hufband ? gordon. (in an agony of affright.) Your hufband ! — Afk not !— To the Duke— COUNTESS. Not till You have difcover'd to me GORDON. On this moment Does the world hang. For God's fake ! to the Duke. While we are fpeaking — {calling loudly.) Butler! Butler! God! COUNTESS. Why, he is at the caftle with my hufband. (Butler comes from the gallery.) GORDON. 'Twas a miflake — 'Tis not the Swedes — It is The Imperialift's Lieutenant-General l 3 Has 150 THE DEATH OF Has Tent me hither, will be here himfelf Inftantly. — You mud not proceed. BUTLER. He comes Too late. [Gordo7i daflies himfelf again fl the zeal I.) GORDON. O God of mercy T COUNTESS. What too late ? Who will be liere himfelf? Octavio InEgra? Treafon! Treafon !' Where's the Duke?" (She rujhes to the gallery.) SCENE VIII. {Servants run acrofs the fiage full of terror. The whole Scene muß be fpoken entirely without! paufes.) sen i. (frmn the gallery.} O bloody frightful deed ! COUNTESS. What is it, Sen i ? page, (from the gallery.) O piteous fight ! [Other ferv ants haficn in with torches.) COUNTESS.. What is it? For God's fake !. SENT. toALLEN&TElri. 151 SENI. And do yon afk ? Within the Duke lies murder'd — and your huf- band Afiafiinated at the Cattle. (The Countefs fiands mötionleß.) female servant, (riißing acrofs theßage.) Help ! Help ! the Duchefs ! burgomaster, (enters.) What meant thefe confus'd Loud cries, that wake thefleepersof this houfe ? GORDON. Your houfe is curs'd to all eternity. In your houfe doth the Duke lie murdered ! BURGOMASTER. (rilflling Old.) Heaven forbid J FIRST SERVANT. Fly ! fly ! they murder us all ! second servant, (carrying ßlver plate.) That way ! The lower Paflages are block'd up. voice, {from behind the Scene.) Make room for the Lieutenant General ! (At theß words the Counteß fiarts from her ßu- por, collects heffelf, and retires fuddtnty.) voice, (from behind the Scene.) Keep back the people !. Guard the door, % 4 ' SCENE 152 THE DEATH QF ' " SCENE IX. To thefe enters Oct avio Piccolomini with alt his train. At the fame time Devereux and Macdonald enter from out the Corridor with the Halberdiers. Wallenste i n' s dead body is carried over the hack part of the finge, wrapped in a piece of crimfon tapcjiry. OCT avio. {entering abruptly.) It mufl not be ! It is not poflible ! Butler ! Gordon ! I'll not believe it^ Say no ! GORDON, (Without anfwering , points with his hand to the body of Wallenflein as it is carried over the back of the ßage. Octavio looks that way, and fiands overpowered with horror.) devereux. {to Butler.) Here is the golden fleece — the Duke's (word— macdonald. Is it your order ? butler, {pointing to Octavio.) Here Hands he who now Hath the fole power to iflue orders. (Devereux and Macdonald retire with marks of obeifance. One drops away after the other, till only Butler, Octavio, and Gordon remain on the ßage .) oc- WALLENSTEIK. 153 ocTAVio. (turning to Butler.) Was that my purpofe, Butler, when we parted ? O God of Juftice ! To thee I lift my hand I I am not guilty Of this foul deed. BUTLER. Your hand is pure. You have Avail'd yourfelf of mine. OCTAVIO. Mercilefs man I Thus to abufe the orders of thy Lord — And ftain thy Emperor's holy name with murder,. With bloody, molt accurs'd afTaffination ? butler, (calmly.) I've but fulfiU'd the Emperor's own fentence- OCTAVIO. O curfe of Kings, Infuling a dread life into their words, And linking to the fudden tranfcient thought The unchangeable irrevocable deed. Was there neceffity for fuch an eager Defpatch ? Could'ft thou not grant the merciful A time for mercy? Time is man's good Angel. To leave no interval between the fentence, And the fulfilment of it, doth befeem God only, the immutable ! BUTLER. For what Rail you againft me ? What is my offence ? The Empire from a fearful enemy ^^^m Have I54 TH E DEATH OF Have I deliver'd, and expect, reward. The fingle difference betwixt you and me Is this : you plac'd the arrow in the bow ; I pull'd the firing. You fow'd blood, and yet ftand Aftonifh'd that blood is come up. I always Knew what I did, and therefore no refult Hath power to frighten or furprize my fpirit ; Have you aught e-lfe to order ; for this inftant I make my befl fpeed to Vienna; place My bleeding fword before my Emperor's Throne, And hope to gain the applaufe which undelaying And punctual obedience may demand From a juft Judge. [Exit Butler, SCENE X. To thefe enter the Countess Tertsky,/)^ and dif ordered. Her utterance is ßow and feeble, and unempajjioned. ocTAvio. (meeting her.) O Countefs Tertiky ! Thefe are the refults Of lucklefs unblefl deeds. COUNTESS. They are the fruits Of your contrivances. The Duke is dead, My jiufband too is dead, the Duchefs ftruggles In the pangs of death, my niece has difappear'd. This houfe of fplendour, and of princely glory, Doth now ftand defolated : the affrighted fervants Rufh WALLENSTEIN. 15-5 Rufli forth thro' all its doors. I am the lad: Therein; I (hut it up, and here deliver The keys. octavio. (icitha deep angiajli. ) O Countefs ! my houfe too is defolafcc. COUNTESS. Who next is to be murder'd ? Who is next To be maltreated ? Lo ! The Duke is dead. The Emperor's vengeance may be pacified I Spare the old fervants ; let not their fidelity Be imputed to the faithful as a crime — * The evil deftiny furpriz'd my brother Too fuddenly : he could not think on them. OCTAVIO. Speak not of vengeance ! Speak not of maltreat- ment! The Emp'ror is appeas'd ; the heavy fault Hath heavily been expiated — nothing Defcended from the father to the daughter, Except his glory and his fervices. The Emprefs honours your adverfity, Takes part in your afflictions, opens to yon Her motherly arms ! Therefore no farther fears I Yield yourfelf up in hope and confidence To the Imperial Grace ! COUNTESS./ (with her eye raised to heaven.) To the grace and mercy of a greater Mailer Do I yield up myfelf. — Where fhall the body Of the Duke have its. place of final reft ? 4 In 156 THE DEATH OF In the Chartreufe, which he himfelf did found At Gitfchin, refts the Countefs Wallenftein ; And by her fide, to whom he was indebted For his.firft fortunes, gratefully he wiüYd He might fometime repofe in death ! O let him Be buried there. And likewife, for my hufband's Remains, I aik the like grace. The Emperor Is now proprietor of all our Caflles. This fure may well be granted us — one fepulchre Befide the fepulchres of our- forefathers ! OCTAVIO. Countefs, you tremble, you turn pale ! COUNTESS. [reajjembles all her powers ■> and J "peaks with energy and dignity.) You think More worthily of me, than to believe I would furvive the downfal of my houfe. We did not hold ourfelves too mean, to grafp After a monarch's crown — the crown did fate Deny, but not the feeling and the fpirit That to the crown belong ! We deem a Courageous death more worthy of our free flat ion Than a dishonoured life. — I have taken poifon. OCTAVIO. 9 Help ! Help ! Support her .! COUNTESS. Nay, it is too late. In a few moments is my fate accomplilh'd. [Exit Conntefs. 3 GOR- WALLENSTEIN. 157 GORDON. O Houfe of death and horrors ! (An officer enters, and brings a letter with th$ great Seal.) gordon. (fieps forward and meets him.) What is this? It is the Imperial Seal [He reads the Addrefs, and delivers the letter to Octavio zuith a look of reproach, and ivith an, empha/is on the word.) To the Prince Piccolomini. octavio. [with his whole frame expreffive of fad- den anguifh, raifes his eyes to heaven.) The Curtain drops. FINIS. Printed by G. Woodfall, No. 22, Paternoßer-Row, London, BOOKS printed for T. N. Longman and (X Rees, No. 39, Paternoiter-row. «. TRAVELS IN AFRICA, EGYPT, AND SYRIA, from the years 1792 to 1798. By W. G. Brown, 4.to. Price si. us. 6d. Boards. " Such is the outline of this Journey, which vies with any Zand-tour defcribcd either in ancient or modern times. The learning, the ability, and the lingular opportunities of the au- thor, have feverally contributed fo much to enrich his pages with new difcoveries, or new obfervations, that his work, will ever bear a high rank, among books of travels. Long and pe- rilous journeys have often been performed by men incapable of fcientific obfervatien ; but in this cafe, profound learning and "undaunted enterprize combine to produce a work perhaps uni- QJJ.E in its kind." Critical Review, Aug. 1799. 2. VIEW OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE during the Reign ©f CATHARINE THE SECOND, and to the Clofe of the Eighteenth Century, &c. &c. Containing an accurate Defcrip- tion of the Government, Manners, Cuftoms, Religion, Extent, Boundaries, Soil, Climate, Produce, Revenue, Trade, Manu- factures, &ci &c. of the feveral Nations that compofe that ex^ «eniive Empire. By William Tooke, F. R. S. Member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences; and of the Free Economi- cal Society of St. Peterfburgh. The fecond Edition. In Three large Volumes, Svo. Price il. 7s. in Boards. The Monthly Review is lavitb in its commendations in regard to the importance of the fubjeel: ; the authenticity of the fources from which it appears to be drawn, the ability which it dif- plays in arranging a vaft variety of matter, and the circum- stances which united to particularly qualify the Author for un- der taking and executing fuch a performance ; and only lament that it is difficult to give, within the limits of a miscellaneous publication, an adequate idea of a Work aboundiiijg with fuch intereftiog and various information. See alfo tlie commendations uniformly befiowed on the Work by the other Reviews. 3. A HISTORY OF RUSSIA, from the Eftablifliment of Monarchy under Rurik to the Accefiion of Catharine II, By W. Tooke, F. R. S. In Two Volumes OOavo. With ,60 Portraits, engraved from a Series of Medals. 4. THE LIFE OF CATHARINE IL Empress of Rus- sia. By W. Tooke, F. R. S. The fourth Edition, with con- siderable Improvements, in Three Volumes O&avo, Price il. 4s. in Boards. Embellifhed with Eleven elegant Portraits, a View of the famous Statue of Peter the Great on the Day of its Dif- clofure to the Public ; a View of the po^trefs of SchuflTelburgh j and a correct Map of Ruflia. %* The Authors of the Monthly Review beftow great enco- miums on this Work : in confirmation of which they give ample extracts, and conclude their Account by faying : "Did ourli- united fpace permit, we could ü^nfcribe with pleafure many other BOOKS printed fir T. N. Longman andO. Rees. ether extraordinary pafTages from this curious Work.". The Britifh Critic alfo, after bellowing an uniform commendation on this Work, through no fewer than eight pages, concludes with faying, " Upon an attentive perufual of thefe volumes, we can,. not do otherwife than acknowledge their merit, and recommend them as fully adequate to repay the time that may be beftowed upon them, by the entertainment and information which they afford." j. GLEANTNGS THROUGH WALES, HOLLAND, and WESTPHALIA ; with Views of Peace and War at Home and Abroad. To which is added, HUMANITY : or, The Rights ofNature : A Poem, Revifed and corrected. By Mr. PRATT, In Three Vols. 8vo. Price One Guinea in Boards. The Fifth Edition. " We have found fo many lively and pleafant exhibitions of manners, fo many amufing and interefting anecdotes, and fo many obfervations and reflections, gay and grave, fportive and fentimental, (all exprefled in a gay and familiar ftyle, better fuited to the purpofe than fentences laboured with artificial ex- actnefs, that we cannot but recommend it to our readers as -x highly amufing and interefting performance." Analytical Review, Jan. 1796. 6. GLEANINGS TN ENGLAND; defcriptive of the Coun- tenance, Mind and Character of the Country. By Mr. Pratt ; Svo. Price 8s. Boards, N. B. In the Prefs, afecond Volume of the above Work. *• The Author continues to merit the character he has long and defervedly maintained, of afprightly and agreeable writer $ of an intelligent, and often a fagacious obferver of human life and manners; and he is entertaining throughout." Britiß Critic, Oil. 1799, " The Author has here, in manifold inftances, (hewn himfelf a faithful delineator oL his countrymen, and a generous and manly defender of his country ; to which his performance is 4. tribute no lefs valuable than well-timed." Gentleman's Mag. Aug, 7. FAMILY SECRETS, By Mr. Pratj. Second Edi- tion, carefully corrected. In Five large Volumes,. 121110. Price jl. 5s. Boards. " The Work abounds with a variety of characters, exceed- ingly well delineated, with many fcenes and defcriptions, hap- pily imagined and fuccefsfully introduced, and will considerably add to the fame Mr. Pratt has already obtained." Britiß Critic, Nov. 1797. 8. THE TRAVELS OF ANTENOR IN GREECE AND ASIA; from a Greek Manufcript found at Hereulaneum ; in- cluding fome Account of EGYPT. Tranflated from the French of E. F. Lantier; with additional Notes by the Englifli Tranllator. In Three Vols. 8.vo. Price 18s. Boards. " Mr. Lantier may boaft that he has erected a moft pleafiug and comfortable manfion, full of hiftorical and biographic pic- tures, and delightful landfcapes. It would be want of candour to deny that the prefent labourer has not only brought forth pre- vious ore, but has refined it with great fkill and fuccefs. li For BOOKS printed for T. N. Longman andO. Reis. ** For the remainder we mnft refer to the Work itfelf, which we conclude with recommending as an elegant and ingenious de- lineation of ancient manners. The original is not before us ; 'but the translation is fpirited, and feems to be faithful ; and the Tranflator's additional Notes are ufeful and appropriate." Critical Review, Dec.fjg^. 9. LETTERS, written from various PARTS of the CON- TINENT ; containing a Variety of ANECDOTES rektive to the orefent State of LITERATURE in GERMANY, and to the celebrated GERMAN LFTERATI. With an Appendix ; in which are included THREE LETTERS of GRAY's, never before publifhed in this Country. Tranflated from the German of FREDERICK MATTHTSON, by Ann Plumftree; Tranflator of feveral of Kotzebue's Plays. In One Volume Octavo. Price 8s. Boards. f< Thefe Letters certainly form an interefting volume. The names of living perfonsof celebrity and eminence frequently oc- cur in them ; and the authors of Germany are fufficicntly known in England to render our countrymen curious for anecdotes re- specting fuch writers." Critical Review, Sept. 1799. 10. LETTERS written during a RESIDENCE in ENG- LAND. Tranflated from .the French of Henry Meister. Containing many curious Remarks upon Englim Manners and Cuftoms, Government, Climate, Literature, Theatres, &c. &c. Together with a Letter from the Margravine of Anfpach to the Author. In One Volume Octavo. Price 6s. Boards. 11. PHYSIOGNOMICAL TRAVELS, preceded by a PHYSIOGNOMICAL JOURNAL. Tranflated from the German of J. C. A. Musjeus, by Ann Plumptree. To •which is prefixed, A Short Sketch of the Life and Character of the Author, by his Pupil Kotzebue, In Three Volumes j2mo. Price 12s. Boards. 12. The ANECDOTES of LORD CHATHAM^ LIFE. The Sixth Edition. In Three Volumes Octavo. Price 18s. Boards. ** The Author has made a valuable collection of Anecdotes, efpecially of the late and moil confpicuous part of Lord Chat- ' ham's Life ; and of other matters connected with it. He fays he is not confcious of having advanced one falfehood : we give credit to his declaration, having found no caufe to doubt it." Monthly Reviews, May 1792. *' A greater number of curious and interefting Anecdotes, con- cerning public affairs, have not appeared fince the days of Sir William Temple, than are to be found in this Work. :<< We cannot difmifs this article without acknowledging, that it throws a great and new light upon the occurrences and events of more than half a century of ourhiftory." Gent. Mag. Jug. 1793. T3. The NATURAL DAUGHTER; with Portraits of the I, eadenhead Family. By Mrs. Robinson. In Two Volumes. Price 7s. Boards. 14. The FALSE FRIEND, a Novel. By the fame Au- thor. In Four Volumes nmo. Price 163. fewed. Second Edition. t