To raise up that great army for the Emperor : Wal. The while We in the field here gave our cares and toils The godlike; and now leads her thus adorned Duch. (to Thekla) Thou wouldest not have recogniz'd thy father, Would'st thou, my,child? years, She counted scarce eight O yes, yes, mother! When last she saw your face. Thek. At the first glance !-My father is not alter'd. The form, that stands before me, falsifies No feature of the image that hath liv'd Wal. The voice of my child! I was indignant at my destiny (then after a pause) That it denied me a man-child to be Heir of my name and of my prosperous fortune, And re-illume my soon extinguish'd being In a proud line of princes. I wrong'd my destiny. Here upon this head, Nor deem it lost, if only I can wreath it, Transmitted to a regal ornament, Around these beauteous brows. (He clasps her in his arms as Piccolomini enters.) SCENE IX. Enter Max. Piccolomini, and some time after Count Tertsky, the others remaining as before. Coun. There comes the Palladin who protected us. Wal. Max! Welcome, ever welcome! Always wert thou The morning star of my best joys! Мах. My General Wal. 'Till now it was the Emperor who rewarded thee, I but the instrument. This day thou hast bound The father to thee, Max! the fortunate father, Мах. My prince! You made no common hurry to transfer it. No! 'twas not so intended, that my business (Tertsky enters, and delivers letters to the Duke which he breaks open hurryingly.) Coun. (to Max.) Remunerate your trouble! For his joy He makes you recompense. 'Tis not unfitting For you, Count Piccolomini, to feel So tenderly-my brother it beseems To show himself for ever great and princely. Thek. Then I too must have scruples of his love: For his munificent hands did ornament me Ere yet the father's heart had spoken to me. And making happy. (He grasps the hand of the Duchess with still increasing warmth.) How my heart pours out Its all of thanks to him: O! how I seem To utter all things in the dear name Friedland. The captive of this name: in it shall bloom Inextricably as in some magic ring In this name hath my destiny charm-bound me! Coun. (who during this time has been anxiously watching the Duke, and remarks that he is lost in thought over the letters.) My brother wishes us to leave him. Come. Wal. (turns himself round quickly, collects himself, and speaks with cheerfulness to the Duchess.) Once more I bid thee welcome to the camp, Thou art the hostess of this court. You, Max. Will now again administer your old office, While we perform the sovereign's business here. (Max. Piccolomini offers the Duchess his arm, the Countess accompanies the Princess.) Ter. (calling after him.) Max., we depend on seeing you at the meeting. SCENE X. Wallenstein, Count Tertsky. Wal. (in deep thought to himself.) She hath seen all things as they are-It is so, And squares completely with my other notices. Have given me my successor already; It is the king of Hungary, Ferdinand, The Emperor's delicate son! he's now their saviour, Of us They think themselves already fairly rid, Is entering on possession-Therefore-despatch! [As he turns round he observes Tertsky, and gives him a letter. Count Altringer will have himself excus'd, And Galas too-I like not this! Ter. Thou loiterest longer, all will fall away, One following the other. Wal. Altringer Is master of the Tyrole passes. I must forthwith And if The Spaniards on me from the Milanese. -Well, and the old Sesin, that ancient trader In contraband negociations, he Has shown himself again of late. What brings he Ter. The Count communicates, He has found out the Swedish chancellor At Halberstadt, where the conventions's held, Who says, you've tir'd him out, and that he'll have Wal. And why so? Ter. He says, you are never in earnest in your speeches ; That you decoy the Swedes-to make fools of them, Will league yourself with Saxony against them, Wal. So then, doubtless, Yes, doubtless, this same modest Swede expects May be no longer our own lords and masters! An excellent scheme !-No, no! They must be off, Off, off! away!-we want no such neighbours, Ter. Nay, yield them up that dot, that speck of land— It goes not from your portion. If you win The game, what matters it to you who pays it? Wal. Off with them, off! Thou understand'st not this. Never shall it be said of me, I parcell'd My native land away, dismember'd Germany, To come with stealthy tread, and filch away |