WALLENST. That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber.
COUNTESS _(gazing on him)._ If it should come to that--if I should see thee, Who standest now before me in the fulness Of life--
The Emperor's proclamation weighs upon thee-- Alphabets wound not--and he finds no hands.
If he _should_ find them, my resolve is taken-- I bear about me my support and refuge.
I hear a boisterous music! and the Castle Is lighted up. Who are the revellers?
There is a banquet given at the Castle To the Count Terzky and Field Marshal Illo.
In honor of the victory--This tribe Can show their joy in nothing else but feasting.
[_Rings. The_ GROOM OF THE CHAMBER _enters_.]
[WALLENSTEIN _takes the keys from_ GORDON.]
So we are guarded from all enemies, And shut in with sure friends; For all must cheat me, or a face like this
[_The_ GROOM OF THE CHAMBER _takes off his mantle, collar, and scarf._]
Well, it has lasted long enough. Here--give it.
'Twas the first present of the Emperor. He hung it round me in the war of Friule, He being then Archduke; and I have worn it Till now from habit-- From superstition, if you will. Belike, It was to be a talisman to me; And while I wore it on my neck in faith, It was to chain to me all my life long The volatile fortune, whose first pledge it was-- Well, be it so! Henceforward a new fortune Must spring up for me; for the potency Of this charm is dissolved.
[GROOM OF THE CHAMBER _retires with the vestments._ WALLENSTEIN _rises, takes a stride across the room, and stands at last before_ GORDON _in a posture of meditation_.]
How the old time returns upon me! I Behold myself once more at Burgau, where We two were Pages of the Court together. We oftentimes disputed: thy intention Was ever good; but thou wert wont to play The Moralist and Preacher, and wouldst rail at me-- That I strove after things too high for me, Giving my faith to bold unlawful dreams, And still extol to me the golden mean-- Thy wisdom hath been proved a thriftless friend To thy own self. See, it has made thee early A superannuated man, and (but That my munificent stars will intervene) Would let thee in some miserable corner Go out like an untended lamp.
My Prince! With light heart the poor fisher moors his boat, And watches from the shore the lofty ship Stranded amid the storm.