Wallenstein/The Death of Wallenstein/A2S11
SCENE XI.
To these enter Wallenstein, accompanied by Illo and Butler.
WALLENSTEIN. (as he enters.)Tertsky!
TERTSKY.My General?
WALLENSTEIN.Let our regiments hold themselvesIn readiness to march; for we shall leave[Exit Tertsky.Pilsen ere evening.Butler!
BUTLER.Yes, my General.
WALLENSTEIN.The Governor at Egra is your friendAnd countryman. Write to him instantlyBy a Post Courier. He must be advis'd,That we are with him early on the morrow.You follow us yourself, your regiment with you.
BUTLER.It shall be done, my General!
WALLENSTEIN. (steps between Max. and Thekla,who have remained during this time in eachothers arms.)Part!
MAX.O God!(Cuirassiers enter with drawn swords, and assemble in the back-ground. At the same time there are heard from below some spirited passages out of the Pappenheim March, whichseem to address Max.)
WALLENSTEIN. (to the Cuirassiers.)Here he is, he is at liberty: I keep himNo longer.(He turns away, and stands so that Max. cannotpass by him nor approach the Princess.)
MAX.Thou know'st that I have not yet learnt to liveWithout thee! I go forth into a desart,Leaving my all behind me. O do not turnThine eyes away from me! O once more shew meThy ever dear and honour'd countenance.(Max. attempts to take his hand, but is repelled;he turns to the Countess.)Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me?(The Countess turns away from him; he turns tothe Duchess.)My mother!
DUCHESS.Go where duty calls you. HaplyThe time may come, when you may prove to usA true friend, a good Angel at the throneOf the Emperor.
MAX.You give me hope; you would notSuffer me wholly to despair. No! No!Mine is a certain misery—Thanks to heavenThat offers me a means of ending it.(The military music begins again. The stage fillsmore and more with armed men. Max. seesButler, and addresses him.)And you here, Colonel Butler—and will youNot follow me? Well, then! remain more faithful To your new lord, than you have prov'd yourselfTo the Emperor. Come, Butler! promise me,Give me your hand upon it, that you'll beThe guardian of his life, its shield, its watchman.He is attainted, and his princely headFair booty for each slave that trades in murder.Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendship,And those whom here I see—(casting suspicious looks on Illo and Butler)
ILLO.Go—seek for traitorsIn Galas', in your father's quarters. HereIs only one. Away! away! and free usFrom his detested sight! Away!
(Max. attempts once more to approach Thekla.Wallenstein prevents him. Max. stands irresolute, and in apparent anguish. In the mean timethe stage fills more and more; and the hornssound from below louder and louder, and eachtime after a shorter interval.)
MAX.Blow, blow! O were it but the Swedish Trumpets,And all the naked swords, which I see here,Were plunged into my breast! What purpose you?You come to tear me from this place! Beware,Ye drive me not to desperation.—Do it not!Ye may repent it!(the stage is entirely fill 'd with armed men.)Yet more! weight upon weight to drag me down!Think what ye're doing. It is not well doneTo choose a man despairing for your leader; You tear me from my happiness. Well, then,I dedicate your souls to vengeance. Mark!For your own ruin you have chosen me:Who goes with me, must be prepar'd to perish.(He turns to the back-ground, there ensues a sudden and violent movement among theCuirassiers; they surround him, and carry himoff in wild tumult. Wallenstein remains immoveable. Thekla sinks into her mother's arms.The curtain falls. The music becomes loudand overpowering, and passes into a completewar-march—the orchestra joins it—and continues during the interval between the second andthird Act.)