The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 21

The zodiacs, the rolling orbs of heaven, Hast pictured on these walls, and all around thee In dumb, foreboding symbols hast thou placed These seven presiding Lords of Destiny-- For toys? Is all this preparation nothing?

Is there no marrow in this hollow art, That even to thyself it doth avail Nothing, and has no influence over thee In the great moment of decision?--

WALLENSTEIN. (_during this last speech walks up and down with inward struggles, laboring with pa.s.sion; stops suddenly, stands still, then interrupting the_ COUNTESS).

Send Wrangel to me--I will instantly Dispatch three couriers--

ILLO (_hurrying out_).

G.o.d in heaven be praised!

WALLENST.

It is _his_ evil genius and _mine_.

Our evil genius! It chastises _him_ Through me, the instrument of his ambition; And I expect no less than that Revenge E'en now is whetting for _my_ breast the poinard.

Who sows the serpent's teeth, let him not hope To reap a joyous harvest. Every crime Has, in the moment of its perpetration, Its own avenging angel--dark misgiving, An ominous sinking at the inmost heart.

He can no longer trust me. Then no longer Can I retreat--so come that which must come.

Still destiny preserves its due relations, The heart within us is its absolute Vicegerent.

[_To TERZKY_.]

Go, conduct you Gustave Wrangel To my state-cabinet.--Myself will speak to The couriers.--And dispatch immediately A servant for Octavio Piccolomini.

[_To the _COUNTESS, _who cannot conceal her triumph_.]

No exultation! woman, triumph not!

For jealous are the Powers of Destiny.

Joy premature, and shouts ere victory, Encroach upon their rights and privileges.

We sow the seed, and they the growth determine.

[_While he is making his exit the curtain drops_.]

ACT II

SCENE I

_Scene, as in the preceding Act_

WALLENSTEIN, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI

WALLENSTEIN (_coming forward in conversation_).

He sends me word from Linz that he lies sick; But I have sure intelligence that he Secretes himself at Frauenberg with Gallas.

Secure them both, and send them to me hither.

Remember, thou takest on thee the command Of those same Spanish regiments,--constantly Make preparation, and be never ready; And if they urge thee to draw out against me, Still answer YES, and stand as thou wert fetter'd; I know that it is doing thee a service To keep thee out of action in this business.

Thou lovest to linger on in fair appearances; Steps of extremity are not thy province; Therefore have I sought out this part for thee.

Thou wilt this time be of most service to me By thy inertness. The mean time, if fortune Declare itself on my side, thou wilt know What is to do.

_Enter_ MAX PICCOLOMINI

Now go, Octavio.

This night must thou be off, take my own horses Him here I keep with me--make short farewell-- Trust me, I think, we all shall meet again In joy and thriving fortunes.

OCTAVIO (_to his son_).

I shall see you Yet ere I go.

SCENE II

WALLENSTEIN, MAX PICCOLOMINI

MAX. (_advances to him_).

My General?

WALLENSTEIN.

That I am no longer, if Thou stylest thyself the Emperor's officer.

MAX.

Then thou wilt leave the army, General?

WALLENST.

I have renounced the service of the Emperor.

MAX.

And thou wilt leave the army?

WALLENSTEIN.

Rather hope I To bind it nearer still and faster to me.

[_He seats himself_.]

Yes, Max, I have delay'd to open it to thee, Even till the hour of acting 'gins to strike.

Youth's fortunate feeling doth seize easily The absolute right, yea, and a joy it is To exercise the single apprehension Where the sums square in proof; But where it happens that of two sure evils One must be taken, where the heart not wholly Brings itself back from out the strife of duties, There 'tis a blessing to have no election, And blank necessity is grace and favor.

--This is now present: do not look behind thee,-- It can no more avail thee. Look thou forwards!

Think not! judge not! prepare thyself to act!

The Court--it hath determined on my ruin, Therefore I will be beforehand with them.

We'll join the Swedes--right gallant fellows are they, And our good friends.