The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge Volume II Part 98

But now our destinies drove us asunder: He paced with rapid step the way of greatness, Was Count, and Prince, Duke-regent, and Dictator. 125 And now is all, all this too little for him; He stretches forth his hands for a king's crown, And plunges in unfathomable ruin.

_Butler._ No more, he comes.

LINENOTES:

[After 72] [_With a sly glance on BUTLER._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[Before 88] _Gordon (pauses reflecting--then as in deep dejection)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE III

_To these enter WALLENSTEIN, in conversation with the_ Burgomaster _of Egra._

_Wallenstein._ You were at one time a free town. I see, Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms.

Why the half eagle only?

_Burgomaster._ We were free, But for these last two hundred years has Egra Remained in pledge to the Bohemian crown, 5 Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half Being cancelled till the empire ransom us, If ever that should be.

_Wallenstein._ Ye merit freedom.

Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears To no designing whispering court-minions. 10 What may your imposts be?

_Burgomaster._ So heavy that We totter under them. The garrison Lives at our costs.

_Wallenstein._ I will relieve you. Tell me, There are some Protestants among you still?

[_The_ Burgomaster _hesitates._

Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie concealed 15 Within these walls--Confess now--you yourself-- Be not alarmed. I hate the Jesuits.

Could my will have determined it, they had Been long ago expelled the empire. Trust me-- Ma.s.s-book or Bible--'tis all one to me. 20 Of that the world has had sufficient proof.

I built a church for the reformed in Glogan At my own instance. Hark'e, Burgomaster!

What is your name?

_Burgomaster._ Pachhalbel, may it please you.

_Wallenstein._ Hark'e!---- 25 But let it go no further, what I now Disclose to you in confidence.

[_Laying his hand on the_ Burgomaster's _shoulder._

The times Draw near to their fulfilment, Burgomaster!

The high will fall, the low will be exalted.

Hark'e! But keep it to yourself! The end 30 Approaches of the Spanish double monarchy-- A new arrangement is at hand. You saw The three moons that appeared at once in the Heaven.

_Burgomaster._ With wonder and affright!

_Wallenstein._ Whereof did two Strangely transform themselves to b.l.o.o.d.y daggers. 35 And only one, the middle moon, remained Steady and clear.

_Burgomaster._ We applied it to the Turks.

_Wallenstein._ The Turks! That all?--I tell you, that two empires Will set in blood, in the East and in the West, And Luth'ranism alone remain. [_Observing GORDON and BUTLER._ I'faith, 40 'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard This evening, as we journeyed hitherward; 'Twas on our left hand. Did you hear it here?

_Gordon._ Distinctly. The wind brought it from the South.

_Butler._ It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt. 45

_Wallenstein._ Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking.

How strong is the garrison?

_Gordon._ Not quite two hundred Competent men, the rest are invalids.

_Wallenstein._ Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim?

_Gordon._ Two hundred arquebussiers have I sent thither 50 To fortify the posts against the Swedes.

_Wallenstein._ Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too You have done somewhat?

_Gordon._ Two additional batteries I caused to be run up. They were needless.

The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, General! 55

_Wallenstein._ You have been watchful in your Emperor's service.

I am content with you, Lieutenant-Colonel. [_To BUTLER._ Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim With all the stations in the enemy's route. [_To GORDON._ Governor, in your faithful hands I leave 60 My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival Of letters, to take leave of you, together With all the regiments.

LINENOTES:

[2] _half_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[After 16] [_Fixes his eye on him. The_ Burgomaster _alarmed._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[27]

Disclose to you in confidence. [_Laying . . . shoulder with a certain solemnity._

1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE IV

_To these enter COUNT TERTSKY._

_Tertsky._ Joy, General; joy! I bring you welcome tidings.

_Wallenstein._ And what may they be?

_Tertsky._ There has been an engagement At Neustadt; the Swedes gained the victory.

_Wallenstein._ From whence did you receive the intelligence?