The Emperor has soldiers, no commander, For this King Ferdinand of Hungary Is but a tyro. Gallas? He's no luck, And was of old the ruiner of armies. And then this viper, this Octavio, Is excellent at stabbing in the back, But ne'er meets Friedland in the open field.
Trust me, my friends, it cannot but succeed; Fortune, we know, can ne'er forsake the Duke! And only under Wallenstein can Austria Be conqueror.
The Duke will soon assemble A mighty army: all comes crowding, streaming To banners, dedicate by destiny To fame and prosperous fortune. I behold Old times come back again! he will become Once more the mighty Lord which he has been. How will the fools, who've now deserted him, Look then? I can't but laugh to think of them, For lands will he present to all his friends, And like a King and Emperor reward True services; but we've the nearest claims.
You will not be forgotten, Governor! He'll take you from this nest, and bid you shine In higher station: your fidelity Well merits it.
I am content already And wish to climb no higher; where great height is, The fall must needs be great. "Great height, great depth."
Here you have no more business, for tomorrow The Swedes will take possession of the citadel. Come, Terzky, it is supper-time. What think you? Nay, shall we have the town illuminated In honor of the Swede? And who refuses To do it is a Spaniard and a traitor.
Nay! nay! not that, it will not please the Duke--
What! we are masters here; no soul shall dare Avow himself Imperial where we've the rule. Gordon! good night, and for the last time, take A fair leave of the place. Send out patroles To make secure, the watch-word may be alter'd At the stroke of ten; deliver in the keys To the Duke himself, and then you've quit for ever Your wardship of the gates, for on tomorrow The Swedes will take possession of the citadel.
Unhappy men! How free from all foreboding! They rush into the outspread net of murder In the blind drunkenness of victory; I have no pity for their fate. This Illo, This overflowing and foolhardy villain, That would fain bathe himself in his Emperor's blood.--
Do as he order'd you. Send round patroles, Take measures for the citadel's security; When they are within I close the castle-gate That nothing may transpire.