The Death of Wallenstein

TERZKY This is my comfort – Max. remains our hostage.ILLO And he shall never stir from here alive.WALLENSTEIN (stops and turns himself round) Are ye not like the women, who forever Only recur to their first word, although One had been talking reason by the hour! Know, that the human being's thoughts and deeds Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved. The inner world, his microcosmus, is The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally. They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit — No juggling chance can metamorphose them. Have I the human kernel first examined? Then I know, too, the future will and action.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV

Chamber in the residence of Piccolomini: OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI (attired for travelling), an ADJUTANT.

OCTAVIO Is the detachment here?ADJUTANT It waits below.OCTAVIO And are the soldiers trusty, adjutant? Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them?ADJUTANT From Tiefenbach's.OCTAVIO That regiment is loyal, Keep them in silence in the inner court, Unseen by all, and when the signal peals Then close the doors, keep watch upon the house. And all ye meet be instantly arrested.

[Exit ADJUTANT.

I hope indeed I shall not need their service, So certain feel I of my well-laid plans; But when an empire's safety is at stake 'Twere better too much caution than too little.

SCENE V

A chamber in PICCOLOMINI's dwelling-house: OCTAVIO, PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI, entering.

ISOLANI Here am I – well! who comes yet of the others?OCTAVIO (with an air of mystery) But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.ISOLANI (assuming the same air of mystery) Will it explode, ha? Is the duke about To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place Full confidence – nay, put me to the proof.OCTAVIO That may happen.ISOLANI Noble brother, I am Not one of those men who in words are valiant, And when it comes to action skulk away. The duke has acted towards me as a friend: God knows it is so; and I owe him all; He may rely on my fidelity.OCTAVIO That will be seen hereafter.ISOLANI Be on your guard, All think not as I think; and there are many Who still hold with the court – yes, and they say That these stolen signatures bind them to nothing.OCTAVIO Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so;ISOLANI Plague upon them! all the Germans think so Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too, Insist upon obedience to the court.OCTAVIO I am rejoiced to hear it.ISOLANI You rejoice?OCTAVIO That the emperor has yet such gallant servants, And loving friends.ISOLANI Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.OCTAVIO I am assured already. God forbid That I should jest! In very serious earnest, I am rejoiced to see an honest cause So strong.ISOLANI The devil! – what! – why, what means this? Are you not, then – For what, then, am I here?OCTAVIO That you may make full declaration, whether You will be called the friend or enemy Of the emperor.ISOLANI (with an air of defiance) That declaration, friend, I'll make to him in whom a right is placed To put that question to me.OCTAVIO Whether, count, That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.ISOLANI (stammering) Why, – why – what! this is the emperor's hand and seal

[Reads.

"Whereas the officers collectively Throughout our army will obey the orders Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini, As from ourselves." – Hem! – Yes! so! – Yes! yes! I – I give you joy, lieutenant-general!OCTAVIO And you submit to the order?ISOLANI I — But you have taken me so by surprise Time for reflection one must have —OCTAVIO Two minutes.ISOLANI My God! But then the case is —OCTAVIO Plain and simple. You must declare you, whether you determine To act a treason 'gainst your lord and sovereign, Or whether you will serve him faithfully.ISOLANI Treason! My God! But who talks then of treason?OCTAVIO That is the case. The prince-duke is a traitor — Means to lead over to the enemy The emperor's army. Now, count! brief and full — Say, will you break your oath to the emperor? Sell yourself to the enemy? Say, will you?ISOLANI What mean you? I – I break my oath, d'ye say, To his imperial majesty? Did I say so! When, when have I said that?OCTAVIO You have not said it yet – not yet. This instant I wait to hear, count, whether you will say it.ISOLANI Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself Bear witness for me that I never said so.OCTAVIO And you renounce the duke then?ISOLANI If he's planning Treason – why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.OCTAVIO And are determined, too, to fight against him?ISOLANI He has done me service – but if he's a villain, Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off.OCTAVIO I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed. This night break off in the utmost secrecy With all the light-armed troops – it must appear As came the order from the duke himself. At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous; There will Count Gallas give you further orders.ISOLANI It shall be done. But you'll remember me With the emperor – how well disposed you found me.OCTAVIO I will not fail to mention it honorably.

[Exit ISOLANI. A SERVANT enters.

What, Colonel Butler! Show him up.ISOLANI (returning) Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father! Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great Person I had before me.OCTAVIO No excuses!ISOLANI I am a merry lad, and if at time A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court Amidst my wine, – you know no harm was meant.

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A great stone near Luetzen, since called the Swede's Stone, the body of their great king having been found at the foot of it, after the battle in which he lost his life.

Could I have hazarded such a Germanism as the use of the word afterworld for posterity, – "Es spreche Welt und Nachwelt meinen Namen" – might have been rendered with more literal fidelity: Let world and afterworld speak out my name, etc.

I have not ventured to affront the fastidious delicacy of our age with a literal translation of this line,

werth

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