Wallenstein/The Piccolomini/A2S08

by Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller

SCENE VIII.

A large Saloon lighted up with festal Splendour; in the Midst of it, and in the Centre of the Stage, a Table richly set out, at which eight Generals are sitting, among whom are Octavio Piccolomini, Tertsky, and Maradas. Right and left of this, but further back, two other Tables, at each of which six Persons are placed. The middle Door, which is standing open, gives to the Prospect a fourth Table, with the same Number of Persons. More forward stands the Sideboard. The whole Front of the Stage is kept open for the Pages and Servants in waiting. All is in Motion. The Band of Music belonging to Tertsky's Regiment march across the Stage, and draw up around the Tables. Before they are quite off from the Front of the Stage, Max. Piccolomini appears, Tertsky advances towards him with a Paper, Isolani comes up to meet him with a Beaker or Service-cup.

Tertsky, Isolani, Max. Piccolomini.

ISOLANI.

Here, brother, what we love! Why, where hast been?

Off, to thy place—quick! Tertzky here has given
The mother's holiday wine up to free booty.
Here it goes on as at the Heideberg castle.

Already hast thou lost the best. They're giving
At yonder table ducal crowns in shares;
There's Sternberg's lands and chattels are put up,
With Eggenberg's, Stawata's, Lichtenstein's,
And all the great Bohemian feodalities.
Be nimble, lad! and something may turn up
For thee,—who knows? Off—to thy place! quick! march!

TIEFENBACH and GOETZ (call out from the
second and third tables.)

Count Piccolomini!

TERTSKY.

Stop, ye shall have him in an instant.—Read

This oath here, whether as 'tis here set forth,
The wording satisfies you. They've all read it,
Each in his turn, and each one will subscribe
His individual signature.

MAX.(reads)

"Ingratis servire nefas."

ISOLANI.

That sounds to my ears very much like Latin,

And being interpreted, pray what may't mean?

TERTSKY.

No honest man will serve a thankless master.

MAX.

"Inasmuch as our supreme commander, the
illustrious Duke of Friedland, in consequence of
the manifold affronts and grievances which he has
received, had expressed his determination to quit
the Emperor, but on our unanimous entreaty has

graciously consented to remain still with the army,
and not to part from us without our approbation
thereof, so we, collectively and each in particular,
in the stead of an oath personally taken, do hereby
oblige ourselves—likewise by him honorably and
faithfully to hold, and in nowise whatsoever from
him to part, and to be ready to shed for his
interests the last drop of our blood, so far, namely,
as our oath to the Emperor will permit it. (These
last words are repeated by Isolani.) In testimony
of which we subscribe our names."

TERTSKY.

Now!—are you willing to subscribe to this paper?

ISOLANI.

Why should he not? All officers of honour

Can do it, ay must do it.—Pen and ink here!

TERTSKY.

Nay, let it rest till after meal.

ISOLANI (drawing Max. along.)

Come, Max.

(Both seat themselves at their table.)

 

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