The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Iii Part 70

But now go and select from out the regiment Twenty or thirty able-bodied fellows, And let them take the oaths to the Emperor.

Then when it strikes eleven, when the first rounds Are pa.s.s'd, conduct them silently as may be To the house--I will myself be not far off.

DEVEREUX.

But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon, That stand on guard there in the inner chamber?

BUTLER.

I have made myself acquainted with the place, I lead you through a back door that's defended By one man only. Me my rank and office Give access to the Duke at every hour.

I'll go before you--with one poniard-stroke Cut Hartschier's windpipe, and make way for you.

DEVEREUX.

And when we are there, by what means shall we gain The Duke's bed-chamber, without his alarming The servants of the Court? For he has here A numerous company of followers.

BUTLER.

The attendants fill the right wing: he hates bustle, And lodges in the left wing quite alone.

DEVEREUX.

Were it well over--hey, Macdonald? I Feel queerly on the occasion, devil knows!

MACDON.

And I too. 'Tis too great a personage.

People will hold us for a brace of villains.

BUTLER.

In plenty, honor, splendor--you may safely Laugh at the people's babble.

DEVEREUX.

If the business Squares with one's honor--if that be quite certain--

BUTLER.

Set your hearts quite at ease. Ye save for Ferdinand His crown and empire. The reward can be No small one.

DEVEREUX.

And 'tis his purpose to dethrone the Emperor?

BUTLER.

Yes!--Yes!--to rob him of his crown and life.

DEVEREUX.

And he must fall by the executioner's hands, Should we deliver him up to the Emperor Alive?

BUTLER.

It were his certain destiny.

DEVEREUX.

Well! Well! Come then, Macdonald, he shall not Lie long in pain.

[_Exeunt_ BUTLER _through one door_, MACDONALD _and_ DEVEREUX _through the other_.]

SCENE III

_A Saloon, terminated by a Gallery which extends far into the background_.

WALLENSTEIN _Sitting at a table. The_ SWEDISH CAPTAIN _standing before him_.

WALLENST.

Commend me to your lord. I sympathize In his good fortune; and if you have seen me Deficient in the expressions; of that joy, Which such a victory might well demand, Attribute it to no lack of good will, For henceforth are our fortunes one. Farewell, And for your trouble take my thanks. Tomorrow The citadel shall be surrendered to you On your arrival.

[_The_ SWEDISH CAPTAIN _retires_. WALLENSTEIN _sits lost in thought, his eyes fixed vacantly, and his head sustained by his hand. The_ COUNTESS TERZKY _enters, stands before him for awhile, un.o.bserved by him; at length he starts, sees her and recollects himself_.]

WALLENST.

Comest thou from her? Is she restored? How is she?

COUNTESS.

My sister tells me, she was more collected After her conversation with the Swede.

She has now retired to rest.

WALLENSTEIN.

The pang will soften; She will shed tears.

COUNTESS.

I find thee alter'd too, My brother! After such a victory I had expected to have found in thee A cheerful spirit. O remain _thou_ firm!

Sustain, uphold us! For our light thou art, Our sun.

WALLENSTEIN.

Be quiet. I ail nothing. Where's Thy husband?

COUNTESS.