But then the Nobles and the Officers? Such a desertion, such a felony, It is without example, my Lord Duke, In the world's history.
They are all mine-- Mine unconditionally--mine on all terms. Not me, your own eyes you must trust.
[_He gives him the paper containing the written oath._ WRANGEL _reads it through, and, having read it, lays it on the table, remaining silent_.]
Comprehend who can! My Lord Duke, I will let the mask drop--yes! I've full powers for a final settlement. The Rhinegrave stands but four days' march from here With fifteen thousand men, and only waits For orders to proceed and join your army. Those orders _I_ give out, immediately We're compromised.
Twelve regiments, every man a Swede--my head The warranty--and all might prove at last Only false play--
Am therefore forced T' insist thereon, that he do formally, Irrevocably break with the Emperor, Else not a Swede is trusted to Duke Friedland.
Come, brief, and open! What is the demand?
That he forthwith disarm the Spanish regiments Attached to the Emp'ror, that he seize on Prague, And to the Swedes give up that city, with The strong pass Egra.
That is much indeed! Prague!--Egra's granted--but--but Prague!--'T won't do. I give you every security Which you may ask of me in common reason-- But Prague--Bohemia--these, Sir General, I can myself protect.
We doubt it not. But 'tis not the protection that is now Our sole concern. We want security That we shall not expend our men and money All to no purpose.
And till we are indemnified, so long Stays Prague in pledge.
The Swede, if he would treat well with the German, Must keep a sharp look-out. We have been call'd Over the Baltic, we have saved the empire From ruin--with our best blood have we sealed The liberty of faith and gospel truth. But now already is the benefaction No longer felt, the load alone is felt. Ye look askance with evil eye upon us, As foreigners, intruders in the empire, And would fain send us, with some paltry sum Of money, home again to our old forests. No, no! my Lord Duke! no!--it never was For Judas' pay, for chinking gold and silver, That we did leave our King by the Great Stone[24] No, not for gold and silver have there bled So many of our Swedish Nobles--neither Will we, with empty laurels for our payment, Hoist sail for our own country. _Citizens_ Will we remain upon the soil, the which Our Monarch conquer'd for himself, and died.