The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 212

She is dying!

[Hurries off the stage, when WALLENSTEIN and TERZKY follow her.

SCENE VI.

BUTLER and GORDON.

GORDON.

What's this?

BUTLER.

She has lost the man she loved-- Young Piccolomini, who fell in the battle.

GORDON.

Unfortunate lady!

BUTLER.

You have heard what Illo Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerers, And marching hitherward.

GORDON.

Too well I heard it.

BUTLER.

They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five Close by us to protect the duke. We have Only my single regiment; and the garrison Is not two hundred strong.

GORDON.

'Tis even so.

BUTLER.

It is not possible with such small force To hold in custody a man like him.

GORDON.

I grant it.

BUTLER.

Soon the numbers would disarm us, And liberate him.

GORDON.

It were to be feared.

BUTLER (after a pause).

Know, I am warranty for the event; With my head have I pledged myself for his, Must make my word good, cost it what it will, And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner, Why--death makes all things certain!

GORDON.

Sutler! What?

Do I understand you? Gracious G.o.d! You could----

BUTLER.

He must not live.

GORDON.

And you can do the deed?

BUTLER.

Either you or I. This morning was his last.

GORDON.

You would a.s.sa.s.sinate him?

BUTLER.

'Tis my purpose.

GORDON.

Who leans with his whole confidence upon you!

BUTLER.

Such is his evil destiny!

GORDON.

Your general!

The sacred person of your general!

BUTLER.

My general he has been.

GORDON.

That 'tis only An "has been" washes out no villany, And without judgment pa.s.sed.

BUTLER.

The execution Is here instead of judgment.

GORDON.

This were murder, Not justice. The most guilty should be heard.

BUTLER.

His guilt is clear, the emperor has pa.s.sed judgment, And we but execute his will.

GORDON.

We should not Hurry to realize a b.l.o.o.d.y sentence.

A word may be recalled, a life never can be.

BUTLER.

Despatch in service pleases sovereigns.

GORDON.

No honest man's ambitious to press forward To the hangman's service.