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man 70

       The vessel of thy fortune. Yet a day

       Will come, when destiny shall once more scatter

       All these in many a several direction:

       Few be they who will stand out faithful to thee.’

       I yearn’d to know which one was faithfullest 75

       Of all, this camp included. Great Destiny,

       Give me a sign! And he shall be the man,

       Who, on the approaching morning, comes the first

       To meet me with a token of his love:

       And thinking this, I fell into a slumber. 80

       Then midmost in the battle was I led

       In spirit. Great the pressure and the tumult!

       Then was my horse killed under me: I sank:

       And over me away, all unconcernedly,

       Drove horse and rider — and thus trod to pieces 85

       I lay, and panted like a dying man.

       Then seized me suddenly a saviour arm;

       It was Octavio’s — I awoke at once,

       ‘Twas broad day, and Octavio stood before me.

       ‘My brother,’ said he,’do not ride to-day 90

       The dapple, as you’re wont; but mount the horse

       Which I have chosen for thee. Do it, brother!

       In love to me. A strong dream warned me so.’

       It was the swiftness of this horse that snatched me

       From the hot pursuit of Bannier’s dragoons. 95

       My cousin rode the dapple on that day.

       And never more saw I or horse or rider.

      Illo. That was a chance.

      Wallenstein. There’s no such thing as chance.

       In brief, ‘tis signed and sealed that this Octavio

       Is my good angel — and now no word more. [He is retiring.

      Tertsky. This is my comfort — Max remains our hostage. 100

      Illo. And he shall never stir from here alive.

      Wallenstein (stops and turns himself round). Are ye not like the

       women, who for ever

       Only recur to their first word, although

       One had been talking reason by the hour? 105

       Know, that the human being’s thoughts and deeds

       Are not, like ocean billows, blindly moved.

       The inner world, his microcosmus, is

       The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally.

       They grow by certain laws, like the tree’s fruit — 110

       No juggling chance can metamorphose them.

       Have I the human kernel first examined?

       Then I know, too, the future will and action.

SCENE IV

       Table of Contents

      SCENE — A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI’S Dwelling-House.

      OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI (entering).

      Isolani. Here am I — Well! who comes yet of the others?

      Octavio. But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.

      Isolani. Will it explode, ha? — Is the Duke about

       To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place

       Full confidence. — Nay, put me to the proof. 5

      Octavio. That may happen.

      Isolani. Noble brother, I am

       Not one of those men who in words are valiant,

       And when it comes to action skulk away.

       The Duke has acted towards me as a friend.

       God knows it is so; and I owe him all —— 10

       He may rely on my fidelity.

      Octavio. That will be seen hereafter.

      Isolani. Be on your guard,

       All think not as I think; and there are many

       Who still hold with the Court — yes, and they say

       That those stolen signatures bind them to nothing. 15

      Octavio. I am rejoiced to hear it.

      Isolani. You rejoice!

      Octavio. That the Emperor has yet such gallant servants

       And loving friends.

      Isolani. Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.

       They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.

      Octavio. I am assured already. God forbid 20

       That I should jest! — In very serious earnest

       I am rejoiced to see an honest cause

       So strong.

      Isolani. The Devil! — what! — why, what means this?

       Are you not, then —— For what, then, am I here?

      Octavio. That you may make full declaration, whether 25

       You will be called the friend or enemy

       Of the Emperor.

      Isolani. That declaration, friend,

       I’ll make to him in whom a right is placed

       To put that question to me.

      Octavio. Whether, Count, 30

       That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.

      Isolani. Why, — why — what! This is the Emperor’s hand and seal!

      [Reads.

      ‘Whereas the officers collectively

       Throughout our army will obey the orders

       Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini 35

       As from ourselves.’ —— Hem! — Yes! so! — Yes! yes! —

       I — I give you joy, Lieutenant-General!

      Octavio. And you submit you to the order?

      Isolani. I ——

       But you have taken me so by surprise —

       Time for reflection one must have ——

      Octavio. Two minutes. 40

      Isolani. My God! But then the case is ——

      Octavio. Plain and simple.

       You must declare you, whether you determine

       To act a treason ‘gainst your Lord and Sovereign,

       Or whether you will serve him faithfully.

      Isolani. Treason! — My God! — But who talks then of treason? 45

      Octavio. That is the case. The Prince-Duke is a traitor —

       Means to lead over to the enemy

       The Emperor’s army. — Now, Count! — brief and full —

       Say, will you break your oath to the Emperor?

       Sell yourself to the enemy? — Say, will you? 50

      Isolani. What mean you? I — I break my oath, d’ye say,

      

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