Nay, but bethink you, duke.

WALLENSTEIN.

To live upon the mercy of these Swedes!

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

ILLO.

Goest thou as fugitive, as mendicant?

Bringest thou not more to them than thou receivest?

WALLENSTEIN.

How fared it with the brave and royal Bourbon Who sold himself unto his country's foes, And pierced the bosom of his father-land?

Curses were his reward, and men's abhorrence Avenged the unnatural and revolting deed.

ILLO.

Is that thy case?

WALLENSTEIN.

True faith, I tell thee, Must ever be the dearest friend of man His nature prompts him to a.s.sert its rights.

The enmity of sects, the rage of parties, Long-cherished envy, jealousy, unite;'

And all the struggling elements of evil Suspend their conflict, and together league In one alliance 'gainst their common foe-- The savage beast that breaks into the fold, Where men repose in confidence and peace.

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

'Tis only in the forehead nature plants The watchful eye; the back, without defence, Must find its shield in man's fidelity.

TERZKY.

Think not more meanly off thyself than do Thy foes, who stretch their hands with joy to greet thee.

Less scrupulous far was the imperial Charles, The powerful head of this ill.u.s.trious house; With open arms he gave the Bourbon welcome; For still by policy the world is ruled.

SCENE VII.

To these enter the COUNTESS TERZKY.

WALLENSTEIN.

Who sent for you? There is no business here For women.

COUNTESS I am come to bid you joy.

WALLENSTEIN.

Use thy authority, Terzky; bid her go.

COUNTESS.

Come I perhaps too early? I hope not.

WALLENSTEIN.

Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you: You know it is the weapon that destroys me.

I am routed, if a woman but attack me: I cannot traffic in the trade of words With that unreasoning s.e.x.

COUNTESS.

I had already Given the Bohemians a king.

WALLENSTEIN (sarcastically).

They have one, In consequence, no doubt.

COUNTESS (to the others).

Ha! what new scruple?

TERZKY.

The duke will not.

COUNTESS.

He will not what he must!

ILLO.

It lies with you now. Try. For I am silenced When folks begin to talk to me of conscience And of fidelity.

COUNTESS.

How? then, when all Lay in the far-off distance, when the road Stretched out before thine eyes interminably, Then hadst thou courage and resolve; and now, Now that the dream is being realized, The purpose ripe, the issue ascertained, Dost thou begin to play the dastard now?

Planned merely, 'tis a common felony; Accomplished, an immortal undertaking: And with success comes pardon hand in hand, For all event is G.o.d's arbitrament.

SERVANT (enters).

The Colonel Piccolomini.

COUNTESS (hastily).

--Must wait.

WALLENSTEIN.

I cannot see him now. Another time.

SERVANT.

But for two minutes he entreats an audience Of the most urgent nature is his business.

WALLENSTEIN.

Who knows what he may bring us! I will hear him.

COUNTESS (laughs).

Urgent for him, no doubt? but thou may'st wait.

WALLENSTEIN.

What is it?

COUNTESS.

Thou shalt be informed hereafter.

First let the Swede and thee be compromised.

[Exit SERVANT.

WALLENSTEIN.

If there were yet a choice! if yet some milder Way of escape were possible--I still Will choose it, and avoid the last extreme.