Wallenstein/The Death of Wallenstein/A5S09
SCENE IX.
To these enters Octavio Piccolomini with all his train. At the same time Devereux and Macdonald enter from out the Corridor with the Halberdiers. Wallenstein's dead body is carried over the back part of the stage, wrapped in a piece of crimson tapestry.
OCTAVIO. (entering abruptly.) It must not be! It is not possible! Butler! Gordon! I'll not believe it. Say no!
GORDON. (Without answering, points with his hand to the body of Wallenstein as it is carried over the back of the stage. Octavio looks that way, and stands overpowered with horror.)
DEVEREUX. (to Butler.) Here is the golden fleece—the Duke's sword—
MACDONALD. Is it your order?
BUTLER. (pointing to Octavio.) Here stands he who now Hath the sole power to issue orders.
(Devereux and Macdonald retire with marks of obeisance. One drops away after the other, till only Butler, Octavio, and Gordon remain on the stage.)
OCTAVIO. (turning to Butler.)Was that my purpose, Butler, when we parted?O God of Justice!To thee I lift my hand! I am not guiltyOf this foul deed.
BUTLER.Your hand is pure. You haveAvail'd yourself of mine.
OCTAVIO.Merciless man!Thus to abuse the orders of thy Lord—And stain thy Emperor's holy name with murder,With bloody, most accurs'd assassination?
BUTLER. (calmly.)I've but fulfill'd the Emperor's own sentence.
OCTAVIO.O curse of Kings,Infusing a dread life into their words,And linking to the sudden transcient thoughtThe unchangeable irrevocable deed.Was there necessity for such an eagerDespatch? Could'st thou not grant the mercifulA time for mercy? Time is man's good Angel.To leave no interval between the sentence,And the fulfilment of it, doth beseemGod only, the immutable!
BUTLER.For whatRail you against me? What is my offence?The Empire from a fearful enemy Have I deliver'd, and expect reward.The single difference betwixt you and meIs this you plac'd the arrow in the bow;I pull'd the string. You sow'd blood, and yet standAstonish'd that blood is come up. I alwaysKnew what I did, and therefore no resultHath power to frighten or surprize my spirit;Have you aught else to order; for this instantI make my best speed to Vienna; placeMy bleeding sword before my Emperor's Throne,And hope to gain the applause which undelayingAnd punctual obedience may demand[Exit Butler.From a just Judge.