The Death of Wallenstein (play)

SCENE XXIII.

To these enter WALLENSTEIN, accompanied by ILLO and BUTLER.

WALLENSTEIN (as he enters).

Terzky!

TERZKY.

My general!

WALLENSTEIN.

Let our regiments hold themselves

In readiness to march; for we shall leave

Pilsen ere evening.

[Exit TERZKY.

Butler!

BUTLER.

Yes, my general.

WALLENSTEIN.

The Governor of Egra is your friend

And countryman. Write him instantly

By a post courier. He must be advised,

That we are with him early on the morrow.

You follow us yourself, your regiment with you.

BUTLER.

It shall be done, my general!

WALLENSTEIN (steps between MAX. and THEKLA, who have remained during this

time in each other's arms).

Part!

MAX.

O God!

[CUIRASSIERS enter with drawn swords, and assemble in the

background. At the same time there are heard from below some

spirited passages out of the Pappenheim March, which seem to

address MAX.

WALLENSTEIN (to the CUIRASSIERS).

Here he is, he is at liberty: I keep him

No longer.

[He turns away, and stands so that MAX. cannot pass by him

nor approach the PRINCESS.

MAX.

Thou know'st that I have not yet learnt to live

Without thee! I go forth into a desert,

Leaving my all behind me. Oh, do not turn

Thine eyes away from me! Oh, once more show me

Thy ever dear and honored countenance.

[MAX. attempts to take his hand, but is repelled: he

turns to the COUNTESS.

Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me?

[The COUNTESS turns away from him; he turns to the DUCHESS.

My mother!

DUCHESS.

Go where duty calls you. Haply

The time may come when you may prove to us

A true friend, a good angel at the throne

Of the emperor.

MAX.

You give me hope; you would not

Suffer me wholly to despair. No! no!

Mine is a certain misery. Thanks to heaven!

That offers me a means of ending it.

[The military music begins again. The stage fills more and more

with armed men. MAX. sees BUTLER and addresses him.

And you here, Colonel Butler-and will you

Not follow me? Well, then, remain more faithful

To your new lord, than you have proved yourself

To the emperor. Come, Butler! promise me.

Give me your hand upon it, that you'll be

The guardian of his life, its shield, its watchman.

He is attainted, and his princely head

Fair booty for each slave that trades in murder.

Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendship,

And those whom here I see--

[Casting suspicious looks on ILLO and BUTLER.

ILLO.

Go-seek for traitors

In Gallas', in your father's quarters. Here

Is only one. Away! away! and free us

From his detested sight! Away!

[MAX. attempts once more to approach THERLA. WALLENSTEIN prevents

him. MAX. stands irresolute, and in apparent anguish, In the

meantime the stage fills more and more; and the horns sound from

below louder and louder, and each time after a shorter interval.

MAX.

Blow, blow! Oh, were it but the Swedish trumpets,

And all the naked swords, which I see here,

Were plunged into my breast! What purpose you?

You come to tear me from this place! Beware,

Ye drive me not to desperation. Do it not!

Ye may repent it!

[The stage is entirely filled with armed men.

Yet more! weight upon weight to drag me down

Think what ye're doing. It is not well done

To choose a man despairing for your leader;

You tear me from my happiness. Well, then,

I dedicate your souls to vengeance. Mark!

For your own ruin you have chosen me

Who goes with me must be prepared to perish.

[He turns to the background; there ensues a sudden and violent

movement among the CUIRASSIERS; they surround him, and carry him

off in wild tumult. WALLENSTEIN remains immovable. THERLA sinks

into her mother's arms. The curtain falls. The music becomes

loud and overpowering, and passes into a complete war-march-the

orchestra joins it-and continues during the interval between the

second and third acts.

ACT IV.