The Death of Wallenstein

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 went fettered.
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 meantime, 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?

WALLENSTEIN

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 delayed 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.

[He stops himself, expecting PICCOLOMINI's answer.

I have taken thee by surprise. Answer me not:
I grant thee time to recollect thyself.

[He rises, retires to the back of the stage. MAX. remains for a long time motionless, in a trance of excessive anguish.

At his first motion WALLENSTEIN returns, and places himself before him.

MAX

My general, this day thou makest me
Of age to speak in my own right and person,
For till this day I have been spared the trouble
To find out my own road. Thee have I followed
With most implicit, unconditional faith,