The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 18

WALLENST.

Surrender up to you my capital!

Far liever would I face about, and step Back to my Emperor.

WRANGEL.

If time yet permits--

WALLENST.

That lies with me, even now, at any hour.

WRANGEL.

Some days ago, perhaps. Today, no longer; No longer since Sesina's been a prisoner.

[WALLENSTEIN _is struck, and silenced_.]

My Lord Duke, hear me--We believe that you At present do mean honorably by us.

Since _yesterday_ we're sure of that--and now This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing Stands in the way of our full confidence.

Prague shall not part us. Hear! The Chancellor Contents himself with Altstadt; to your Grace He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side.

But Egra above all must open to us, Ere we can think of any junction.

WALLENSTEIN.

You, You therefore must I trust, and not you me?

I will consider of your proposition.

WRANGEL.

I must entreat that your consideration Occupy not too long a time. Already Has this negotiation, my Lord Duke, Crept on into the second year! If nothing Is settled this time, will the Chancellor Consider it as broken off for ever.

WALLENST.

Ye press me hard. A measure such as this, Ought to be _thought_ of.

WRANGEL.

Ay! but think of this too, That sudden action only can procure it Success--think first of this, your Highness.

[_Exit_ WRANGEL.]

SCENE VI

WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, _and_ ILLO (_re-enter_)

ILLO.

It's all right?

TERZKY.

Are you compromised?

ILLO.

This Swede Went smiling from you. Yes! you're compromised.

WALLENST.

As yet is nothing settled: and (well weighed) I feel myself inclined to leave it so.

TERZKY.

How? What is that?

WALLENSTEIN.

Come on me what will come, The doing evil to avoid an evil Cannot be good!

TERZKY.

Nay, but bethink you, Duke.

WALLENST.

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?

WALLENST.

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 th' 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.