The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 03

Propitious, and there lives no soul on earth

That e'er retired unsullied from their service.

MAX.

Whate'er is human, to the human being

Do I allow—and to the vehement

And striving spirit readily I pardon

The excess of action; but to thee, my General,

Above all others make I large concession.

For thou must move a world, and be the master—

He kills thee who condemns thee to inaction.

So be it then! maintain thee in thy post

By violence. Resist the Emperor,

And, if it must be, force with force repel:

I will not praise it, yet I can forgive it.

But not—not to the traitor—yes!—the word

Is spoken out—

Not to the traitor can I yield a pardon.

That is no mere excess! that is no error

Of human nature—that is wholly different;

O that is black, black as the pit of hell!

[WALLENSTEIN betrays a sudden agitation.]

Thou canst not hear it named, and wilt thou do it?

O, turn back to thy duty! That thou canst

I hold it certain. Send me to Vienna:

I'll make thy peace for thee with the Emperor.

He knows thee not. But I do know thee. He

Shall see thee, Duke, with my unclouded eye,

And I bring back his confidence to thee.

WALLENST.

It is too late! Thou knowest not what has happen'd.

MAX.

Were it too late, and were things gone so far,

That a crime only could prevent thy fall,

Then—fall! fall honorably, even as thou stood'st!

Lose the command. Go from the stage of war,

Thou canst with splendor do it—do it too

With innocence. Thou hast lived much for others,

At length live thou for thy own self. I follow thee;

My destiny I never part from thine.

WALLENST.

It is too late! Even now, while thou art losing

Thy words, one after the other are the milestones

Left fast behind by my post couriers

Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra.

[MAX stands as convulsed, with a gesture and countenance expressing the most intense anguish.]

Yield thyself to it. We act as we are forced.

I cannot give assent to my own shame

And ruin. Thou—no—thou canst not forsake me!

So let us do what must be done, with dignity,

With a firm step. What am I doing worse

Than did famed Cæsar at the Rubicon,

When he the legions led against his country,

The which his country had delivered to him?

Had he thrown down the sword he had been lost,

As I were if I but disarm'd myself.

I trace out something in me of this spirit;

Give me his luck, that other thing I'll bear.

[MAX quits him abruptly. WALLENSTEIN startled and overpowered, continues looking after him and is still in this posture when TERZKY enters.]

SCENE III

WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY

TERZKY.

Max Piccolomini just left you?

WALLENSTEIN.

Where is Wrangel?

TERZKY.

He is already gone.

WALLENSTEIN.

In such a hurry?

TERZKY.

It is as if the earth had swallow'd him.

He had scarce left thee when I went to seek him.

I wish'd some words with him—but he was gone.

How, when, and where, could no one tell me. Nay,

I half believe it was the devil himself;

A human creature could not so at once

Have vanish'd.

ILLO (enters).

                 Is it true that thou wilt send

Octavio?

TERZKY.

How, Octavio! Whither send him?

WALLENST.

He goes to Frauenburg, and will lead hither

The Spanish and Italian regiments.

ILLO.

                   No!

Nay, Heaven forbid!

WALLENSTEIN.

And why should Heaven forbid?

ILLO.

Him!—that deceiver! Wouldst thou trust to him

The soldiery? Him wilt thou let slip from thee,

Now in the very instant that decides us—

TERZKY.

Thou wilt not do this—No! I pray thee, no!

WALLENST.

Ye are whimsical.

ILLO.

             O but for this time, Duke,

Yield to our warning! Let him not depart.

WALLENST.

And why should I not trust him only this time,

Who have always trusted him? What, then, has happen'd

That I should lose my good opinion of him?

In complaisance to your whims, not my own,

I must, forsooth, give up a rooted judgment.

Think not I am a woman. Having trusted him

E'en till today, today too will I trust him.

TERZKY.

Must it be he—he only? Send another.

WALLENST.

It must be he whom I myself have chosen;

He is well fitted for the business. Therefore

I gave it him.

ILLO.

                       Because he's an Italian—

Therefore is he well fitted for the business!

WALLENST.

I know you love them not—nor sire nor son—

Because that I esteem them, love them—visibly

Esteem them, love them more than you and others.

E'en as they merit. Therefore are they eye-blights,

Thorns in your foot-path. But your jealousies,

In what affect they me or my concerns?

Are they the worse to me because you hate them?

Love or hate one another as you will,

I leave to each man his own moods and likings;

Yet know the worth of each of you to me.

ILLO.

Von Questenberg, while he was here, was always

Lurking about with this Octavio.

WALLENST.

It happen'd with my knowledge and permission.

ILLO.

I know that secret messengers came to him

From Gallas—

WALLENSTEIN.

That's not true.

ILLO.

                   O thou art blind,

With thy deep-seeing eyes!

WALLENSTEIN.

                   Thou wilt not shake

My faith for me—my faith, which founds itself

On the profoundest science. If 'tis false,

Then the whole science of the stars is false;

For know, I have a pledge from Fate itself,

That he is the most faithful of my friends.

ILLO.

Hast thou a pledge, that this pledge is not false?

WALLENST.

There exist moments in the life of man,

When he is nearer the great Soul of the world

Than is man's custom, and possesses freely

The power of questioning his destiny:

And such a moment 'twas, when in the night

Before the action in the plains of Lützen,

Leaning against a tree, thoughts crowding thoughts,

I look'd out far upon the ominous plain.

My whole life, past and future, in this moment

Before my mind's eye glided in procession,

And to the destiny of the next morning

The spirit, fill'd with anxious presentiment,

Did knit the most removed futurity.

Then said I also to myself: "So many

Dost thou command. They follow all thy stars

And as on some great number set their All

Upon thy single head, and only man

The vessel of thy fortune. Yet a day

Will come when Destiny shall once more scatter

All these in many a several direction:

Few be they who will stand out faithful to thee."

I yearn'd to know which one was faithfullest

Of all, this camp included. Great Destiny,

Give me a sign! And he shall be the man,

Who, on the approaching morning, comes the first

To meet me with a token of his love.

And thinking this, I fell into a slumber.

Then midmost in the battle was I led

In spirit. Great the pressure and the tumult!

Then was my horse kil'd under me; I sank;

And over me away, all unconcernedly,

Drove horse and rider—and thus trod to pieces

I lay, and panted like a dying man;

Then seized me suddenly a savior arm;

It was Octavio's—I awoke at once;

'Twas broad day, and Octavio stood before me.

"My brother," said he, "do not ride today

The dapple, as you're wont; but mount the horse

Which I have chosen for thee. Do it, brother!

In love to me. A strong dream warn'd me so."

It was the swiftness of his horse that snatch'd me

From the hot pursuit of Bannier's dragoons.

My cousin rode the dapple on that day,

And never more saw I of horse or rider.

ILLO.

That was a chance.

WALLENSTEIN (significantly).

              There's no such thing as chance.

[And what to us seems merest accident

Springs from the deepest source of destiny.]

In brief, 'tis sign'd and seal'd that this Octavio

Is my good angel—and now no word more.

[He is retiring.]

TERZKY.

This is my comfort—Max remains our hostage.

ILLO.

And he shall never stir from here alive.

WALLENSTEIN (stops and turns himself round).

Are ye not like the women who forever

Only recur to their first word, although

One had been talking reason by the hour!

Know that the human being's thoughts and needs

Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved.

The inner world, his microcosmus, is

The deep shaft out of which they spring eternally.

They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit—

No juggling chance can metamorphose them.

Have I the human kernel first examined?

Then I know, too, the future will and action.

[Exeunt.]

SCENE IV

Chamber in the residence of Piccolomini

OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI (attired for traveling), AN ADJUTANT

OCTAVIO.

Is the detachment here?

ADJUT.

It awaits below.

OCTAVIO.

And are the soldiers trusty, Adjutant?

Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them?

ADJUT. From Tiefenbach's.

OCTAVIO.

                    That regiment is loyal;

Keep them in silence in the inner court,

Unseen by all, and when the signal peals

Then close the doors; keep watch upon the house,

And all ye meet be instantly arrested.

[Exit Adjutant.]

I hope indeed I shall not need their service,

So certain feel I of my well laid plans;

But when an empire's safety is at stake

'Twere better too much caution than too little.

SCENE V

A Chamber in PICCOLOMINI's Dwelling-House.

OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, ISOLANI, entering

ISOLANI.

Here am I—Well! who comes yet of the others?

OCTAVIO (with an air of mystery).

But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.

ISOLANI (assuming the same air of mystery).

Will it explode, ha?—Is the Duke about

To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place

Full confidence—Nay, put me to the proof.

OCTAVIO.

That may happen.

ISOLANI.

                       Noble brother, I am

Not one of those men who in words are valiant,

And when it comes to action skulk away.

The Duke has acted toward me as a friend.

God knows it is so; and I owe him all—

He may rely on my fidelity.

OCTAVIO.

That will be seen hereafter.

ISOLANI.

                     Be on your guard,

All think not as I think; and there are many

Who still hold with the Court—yes, and they say

That those stolen signatures bind them to nothing.

[OCTAVIO.

Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so.

ISOLANI.

Plague upon them! all the Germans think so;

Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too,

Insist upon obedience to the Court.]

OCTAVIO.

I am rejoiced to hear it.

ISOLANI.

You rejoice

OCTAVIO.

That the Emperor has yet such gallant servants,

And loving friends!

ISOLANI.

               Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.

They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.

OCTAVIO.

I am assured already. God forbid

That I should jest!—In very serious earnest,

I am rejoiced to see an honest cause

So strong.

ISOLANI.

    The Devil!—what!—Why, what means this?

Are you not, then—For what, then, am I here?

OCTAVIO.

That you may make full declaration, whether

You will be call'd the friend or enemy

Of the Emperor.

ISOLANI (with an air of defiance).

                   That declaration, friend,

I'll make to him in whom a right is placed

To put that question to me.

OCTAVIO.

                        Whether, Count,

That right is mine, this paper may, instruct you.

ISOLANI (stammering).

Why,—why—what! this is the Emperor's hand and seal! [Reads.]

"Whereas, the officers collectively

Throughout our army will obey the orders

Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini.

As from ourselves."—Hem—Yes! so I—

Yes! yes!—

I—I give you joy, Lieutenant-General!

OCTAVIO.

And you submit you to the order?

ISOLANI.

                               I—

But you have taken me so by surprise—

Time for reflection one must have—

OCTAVIO.

Two minutes.

ISOLANI.

My God! But then the case is—

OCTAVIO.

                       Plain and simple

You must declare you, whether you determine

To act a treason 'gainst your Lord and Sovereign,

Or whether you will serve him faithfully.

ISOLANI.

Treason!—My God!—But who talks then of treason?

OCTAVIO.

That is the case. The Prince-duke is a traitor—

Means to lead over to the enemy

The Emperor's army.—Now, Count!—brief

and full—

Say, will you break your oath to the Emperor?

Sell yourself to the enemy?—Say, will you?

ISOLANI.

What mean you? I—I break my oath, d'ye say,

To his Imperial Majesty?

Did I say so!—When, when have I said that?

OCTAVIO.

You have not said it yet—not yet. This instant

I wait to hear, Count, whether you will say it.

ISOLANI.

Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself

Bear witness for me that I never said so.

OCTAVIO.

And you renounce the Duke then?

ISOLANI.

If he's planning Treason—why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.

OCTAVIO.

And are determined, too, to fight against him?

ISOLANI.

He has done me service—but if he's a villain,

Perdition seize him!—All scores are rubb'd off.

OCTAVIO.

I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed.

This night, break off in the utmost secrecy

With all the light-arm'd troops—it must appear

As came the order from the Duke himself.

At Frauenburg's the place of rendezvous;

There will Count Gallas give you further orders.

ISOLANI.

It shall be done.-But you'll remember me With the Emperor—how well-disposed you found me.

OCTAVIO.

I will not fail to mention it honorably.

[Exit ISOLANI. A Servant enters.]

What, Colonel Butler!—Show him up.

ISOLANI (returning).

Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father!

Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great

Person I had before me.

OCTAVIO.

                        No excuses!

ISOLANI.

I am a merry lad, and if at time

A rash word might escape me 'gainst the Court

Amidst my wine—You know no harm was

meant.

[Exit.]

OCTAVIO.

You need not be uneasy on that score

That has succeeded. Fortune favor us

With all the others only but as much!

SCENE VI

OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI, BUTLER

BUTLER.

At your command, Lieutenant-General.

OCTAVIO.

Welcome, as honor'd friend and visitor.

BUTLER.

You do me too much honor.

OCTAVIO (after both have seated themselves).

                                 You have not

Return'd the advances which I made you yesterday—

Misunderstood them as mere empty forms.

That wish proceeded from my heart—I was

In earnest with you—for 'tis now a time

In which the honest should unite most closely.

BUTLER.

'Tis only the like-minded can unite.

OCTAVIO.

True! and I name all honest men like-minded.

I never charge a man but with those acts

To which his character deliberately

Impels him; for alas! the violence

Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts

The very best of us from the right track.

You came through Frauenburg. Did the Count Gallas

Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend.

BUTLER.

His words were lost on me.

OCTAVIO.

                   It grieves me sorely,

To hear it: for his counsel was most wise.

I had myself the like to offer.

BUTLER.

                              Spare

Yourself the trouble—me th' embarrassment,

To have deserved so ill your good opinion.

OCTAVIO.

The time is precious—let us talk openly.

You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein

Meditates treason—I can tell you further,

He has committed treason; but few hours

Have past since he a covenant concluded

With the enemy. The messengers are now

Full on their way to Egra and to Prague.

Tomorrow he intends to lead us over

To the enemy. But he deceives himself;

For Prudence wakes—The Emperor has still

Many and faithful friends here, and they stand

In closest union, mighty though unseen.

This manifesto sentences the Duke—

Recalls the obedience of the army from him,

And summons all the loyal, all the honest,

To join and recognize in me their leader.

Choose—will you share with us an honest cause?

Or with the evil share an evil lot?

BUTLER (rises).

His lot is mine.

OCTAVIO.

Is that your last resolve?

BUTLER.

It is.

OCTAVIO.

           Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler!

As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast

That rashly utter'd word remains interr'd.

Recall it, Butler! choose a better party;

You have not chosen the right one.

BUTLER (going).

                          Any other

Commands for me, Lieutenant-General?

OCTAVIO.

See your white hairs: recall that word!

BUTLER.

Farewell!

OCTAVIO.

What! Would you draw this good and gallant sword

In such a cause? Into a curse would you

Transform the gratitude which you have earn'd

By forty years' fidelity from Austria?

BUTLER (laughing with bitterness).

Gratitude from the House of Austria!

[He is going.]

OCTAVIO (permits him to go as far as the door, then calls after him).

Butler!

BUTLER.

What wish you?

OCTAVIO.

How was't with the Count?

BUTLER.

Count? what?

OCTAVIO (coldly).

The title that you wish'd, I mean.

BUTLER (starts in sudden passion).

Hell and damnation!

OCTAVIO (coldly).

                      You petition'd for it—

And your petition was repelled—Was it so?

BUTLER.

Your insolent scoff shall not go by unpunish'd.

Draw!

OCTAVIO.

Nay! your sword to 'ts sheath! and tell me calmly,

How all that happen'd. I will not refuse you

Your satisfaction afterward. Calmly, Butler!

BUTLER.

Be the whole world acquainted with the weakness

For which I never can forgive myself.

Lieutenant-General! Yes; I have ambition.

Ne'er was I able to endure contempt.

It stung me to the quick, that birth and title

Should have more weight than merit has in the army.

I would fain not be meaner than my equal,

So in an evil hour I let myself

Be tempted to that measure. It was folly!

But yet so hard a penance it deserved not.

It might have been refused; but wherefore barb

And venom the refusal with contempt?

Why dash to earth and crush with heaviest scorn

The gray-hair'd man, the faithful veteran?

Why to the baseness of his parentage

Refer him with such cruel roughness, only

Because he had a weak hour and forgot himself?

But nature gives a sting e'en to the worm

Which wanton Power treads on in sport and

insult.

OCTAVIO.

You must have been calumniated. Guess you

The enemy who did you this ill service?

BUTLER.

Be't who it will—a most low-hearted scoundrel!

Some vile court-minion must it be, some Spaniard,

Some young squire of some ancient family,

In whose light I may stand; some envious knave,

Stung to his soul by my fair self-earn'd honors!

OCTAVIO.

But tell me, did the Duke approve that measure?

BUTLER.

Himself impell'd me to it, used his interest

In my behalf with all the warmth of friendship.

OCTAVIO.

Ay? are you sure of that?

BUTLER.

I read the letter.

OCTAVIO.

And so did I—but the contents were different.

[BUTLER is suddenly struck.]

By chance I'm in possession of that letter—

Can leave it to your own eyes to convince you.

[He gives him the letter.]

BUTLER.

Ha! what is this?

OCTAVIO.

                     I fear me, Colonel Butler,

An infamous game have they been playing with you.

The Duke, you say, impell'd you to this measure?

Now, in this letter, talks he in contempt

Concerning you; counsels the minister

To give sound chastisement to your conceit,

For so he calls it.

[BUTLER reads through the letter; his knees tremble, he seizes a chair, and sinks down in it.]

You have no enemy, no persecutor;

There's no one wishes ill to you. Ascribe

The insult you received to the Duke only.

His aim is clear and palpable. He wish'd

To tear you from your Emperor: he hoped

To gain from your revenge what he well knew

(What your long-tried fidelity convinced him)

He ne'er could dare expect from your calm reason.

A blind tool would he make you, in contempt

Use you, as means of most abandoned ends.

He has gained his point. Too well has he succeeded

In luring you away from that good path

On which you had been journeying forty years!

BUTLER (his voice trembling).

Can e'er the Emperor's Majesty forgive me?

OCTAVIO.

More than forgive you. He would fain compensate

For that affront, and most unmerited grievance

Sustain'd by a deserving gallant veteran.

From his free impulse he confirms the present,

Which the Duke made you for a wicked purpose.

The regiment, which you now command, is yours.

[BUTLER attempts to rise, sinks down again. He labors

inwardly with violent emotions; tries to speak, and cannot.

At length he takes his sword from the belt, and offers it to

PICCOLOMINI.]