The Courier Who brings me word of the event at Prague.
ILLO (_stamping with his foot_). Damnation!
And his letter Was broken open, and is circulated Through the whole camp.
Hide nothing from me--I can hear the worst. Prague then is lost? It is! Confess it freely.
Yes! Prague is lost. And all the several regiments At Budweiss, Tabor, Braunau, Königingratz, At Brunn and Zanaym, have forsaken you, And ta'en oaths of fealty anew To the Emperor. Yourself, with Kinsky, Terzky, And Illo have been sentenced.
[TERZKY _and_ ILLO _express alarm and fury_. WALLENSTEIN _remains firm and collected_.]
'Tis decided! 'Tis well! I have received a sudden cure From all the pangs of doubt: with steady stream Once more my life-blood flows! My soul's secure! In the night only Friedland's stars can beam. Lingering irresolute, with fitful fears I drew the sword--'twas with an inward strife, While yet the choice was mine. The murderous knife Is lifted for my heart! Doubt disappears! I fight now for my head and for my life.
[_Exit_ WALLENSTEIN; _the others follow him_.]
COUNTESS TERZKY (_enters from a side room_).
Where are they! No one is here. They leave me all alone, Alone in this sore anguish of suspense. And I must wear the outward show of calmness Before my sister, and shut in within me The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom. It is not to be borne. If all should fail; If--if he must go over to the Swedes, An empty-handed fugitive, and not As an ally, a covenanted equal, A proud commander with his army following, If we must wander on from land to land, Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness An ignominious monument! But no! That day I will not see! And could himself Endure to sink so low, I would not bear To see him so low sunken.
THEKLA (_endeavoring to hold back the_ DUCHESS).
No! Here is yet Some frightful mystery that is hidden from me. Why does my sister shun me? Don't I see her Full of suspense and anguish roam about From room to room? Art thou not full of terror? And what import these silent nods and gestures Which stealthwise thou exchangest with her?
What boots it now to hide it from her? Sooner Or later she _must_ learn to hear and bear it. 'Tis not the time now to indulge infirmity; Courage beseems us now, a heart collect, And exercise and previous discipline Of fortitude. One word, and over with it! Sister, you are deluded. You believe The Duke has been deposed--the Duke is not Deposed--he is--