Help to keep down the common enemy, And the fair border land must needs be yours.
But when the common enemy lies vanquish'd, Who knits together our new friendship then? We know, Duke Friedland! though perhaps the Swede Ought not to have known it, that you carry on Secret negotiations with the Saxons. Who is our warranty, that _we_ are not The sacrifices in those articles Which 'tis thought needful to conceal from us?
Think you of something better, Gustave Wrangel! Of Prague no more.
Surrender up to you my capital! Far liever would I face about, and step Back to my Emperor.
That lies with me, even now, at any hour.
Some days ago, perhaps. Today, no longer; No longer since Sesina's been a prisoner.
My Lord Duke, hear me--We believe that you At present do mean honorably by us. Since _yesterday_ we're sure of that--and now This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing Stands in the way of our full confidence. Prague shall not part us. Hear! The Chancellor Contents himself with Altstadt; to your Grace He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side. But Egra above all must open to us, Ere we can think of any junction.
You, You therefore must I trust, and not you me? I will consider of your proposition.
I must entreat that your consideration Occupy not too long a time. Already Has this negotiation, my Lord Duke, Crept on into the second year! If nothing Is settled this time, will the Chancellor Consider it as broken off for ever.
Ye press me hard. A measure such as this, Ought to be _thought_ of.
Ay! but think of this too, That sudden action only can procure it Success--think first of this, your Highness.
WALLENSTEIN, TERZKY, _and_ ILLO (_re-enter_)
This Swede Went smiling from you. Yes! you're compromised.
As yet is nothing settled: and (well weighed) I feel myself inclined to leave it so.
Come on me what will come, The doing evil to avoid an evil Cannot be good!
To live upon the mercy of these Swedes! Of these proud-hearted Swedes!--I could not bear it.
Goest thou as fugitive, as mendicant? Bringest thou not more to them than thou receivest?
How fared it with the brave and royal Bourbon Who sold himself unto his country's foes, And pierced the bosom of his father-land? Curses were his reward, and men's abhorrence Avenged th' unnatural and revolting deed.