The Death of Wallenstein. Friedrich von Schiller

                     It waits below.

        And are the soldiers trusty, adjutant?

        Say, from what regiment hast thou chosen them?

        From Tiefenbach's.

        That regiment is loyal,

        Keep them in silence in the inner court,

        Unseen by all, and when the signal peals

        Then close the doors, keep watch upon the house.

        And all ye meet be instantly arrested.

        I hope indeed I shall not need their service,

        So certain feel I of my well-laid plans;

        But when an empire's safety is at stake

        'Twere better too much caution than too little.

        Here am I – well! who comes yet of the others?

        But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.

        Will it explode, ha? Is the duke about

        To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place

        Full confidence – nay, put me to the proof.

        That may happen.

                 Noble brother, I am

        Not one of those men who in words are valiant,

        And when it comes to action skulk away.

        The duke has acted towards me as a friend:

        God knows it is so; and I owe him all;

        He may rely on my fidelity.

        That will be seen hereafter.

                       Be on your guard,

        All think not as I think; and there are many

        Who still hold with the court – yes, and they say

        That these stolen signatures bind them to nothing.

        Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so;

        Plague upon them! all the Germans think so

        Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too,

        Insist upon obedience to the court.

        I am rejoiced to hear it.

                      You rejoice?

        That the emperor has yet such gallant servants,

        And loving friends.

                   Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.

        They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.

        I am assured already. God forbid

        That I should jest! In very serious earnest,

        I am rejoiced to see an honest cause

        So strong.

              The devil! – what! – why, what means this?

        Are you not, then – For what, then, am I here?

        That you may make full declaration, whether

        You will be called the friend or enemy

        Of the emperor.

                 That declaration, friend,

        I'll make to him in whom a right is placed

        To put that question to me.

                       Whether, count,

        That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.

        Why, – why – what! this is the emperor's hand and seal

        "Whereas the officers collectively

        Throughout our army will obey the orders

        Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini,

        As from ourselves." – Hem! – Yes! so! – Yes! yes!

        I – I give you joy, lieutenant-general!

        And you submit to the order?

                       I —

        But you have taken me so by surprise

        Time for reflection one must have —

                           Two minutes.

        My God! But then the case is —

                         Plain and simple.

        You must declare you, whether you determine

        To act a treason 'gainst your lord and sovereign,

        Or whether you will serve him faithfully.

        Treason! My God! But who talks then of treason?

        That is the case. The prince-duke is a traitor —

        Means to lead over to the enemy

        The emperor's army. Now, count! brief and full —

        Say, will you break your oath to the emperor?

        Sell yourself to the enemy? Say, will you?

        What mean you? I – I break my oath, d'ye say,

        To his imperial majesty?

        Did I say so! When, when have I said that?

        You have not said it yet – not yet. This instant

        I wait to hear, count, whether you will say it.

        Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself

        Bear witness for me that I never said so.

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