The Death of Wallenstein Part 23

The courier, whom Count Kinsky sent from Prague, I expect him every moment: and whatever He may bring with him we must take good care To keep it from the mutineers. Quick then!

Despatch some messenger you can rely on To meet him, and conduct him to me.

[ILLO is going.

BUTLER (detaining him).

My general, whom expect you then?

WALLENSTEIN.

The courier Who brings me word of the event at Prague.

BUTLER (hesitating).

Hem!

WALLENSTEIN.

And what now?

BUTLER.

You do not know it?

WALLENSTEIN.

Well?

BUTLER.

From what that larum in the camp arose?

WALLENSTEIN.

From what?

BUTLER.

That courier----

WALLENSTEIN (with eager expectation).

Well?

BUTLER.

Is already here.

TERZKY and ILLO (at the same time).

Already here?

WALLENSTEIEN.

My courier?

BUTLER.

For some hours.

WALLENSTEIN.

And I not know it?

BUTLER.

The sentinels detain him In custody.

ILLO (stamping with his foot).

d.a.m.nation!

BUTLER.

And his letter Was broken open, and is circulated Through the whole camp.

WALLENSTEIN.

You know what it contains?

BUTLER.

Question me not.

TERZKY.

Illo! Alas for us.

WALLENSTEIN.

Hide nothing from me--I can bear the worst.

Prague then is lost. It is. Confess it freely.

BUTLER.

Yes! Prague is lost. And all the several regiments At Budweiss, Tabor, Braunau, Koenigingratz, At Brunn, and Znaym, have forsaken you, And taken the oaths of fealty anew To the emperor. Yourself, with Kinsky, Terzky, And Illo have been sentenced.

[TERZKY and ILLO express alarm and fury. WALLENSTEIN remains firm and collected.

WALLENSTEIN.

'Tis decided! 'Tis well! I have received a sudden cure From all the pangs of doubt: with steady stream Once more my life-blood flows! My soul's secure!

In the night only Friedland stars can beam.

Lingering irresolute, with fitful fears I drew the sword--'twas with an inward strife, While yet the choice was mine. The murderous knife Is lifted for my heart! Doubt disappears!

I fight now for my head and for my life.

[Exit WALLENSTEIN; the others follow him.

SCENE XI.

COUNTESS TERZKY (enters from a side room).

I can endure no longer. No!

[Looks around her.

Where are they!

No one is here. They leave me all alone, Alone in this sore anguish of suspense.

And I must wear the outward show of calmness Before my sister, and shut in within me The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom.

It is not to be borne. If all should fail; If--if he must go over to the Swedes, An empty-handed fugitive, and not As an ally, a covenanted equal, A proud commander with his army following, If we must wander on from land to land, Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness An ignominious monument. But no!

That day I will not see! And could himself Endure to sink so low, I would not bear To see him so low sunken.