Friedrich von Schiller

The Death of Wallenstein


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

ISOLANI (assuming the same air of mystery)

        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.

OCTAVIO

        That may happen.

ISOLANI

                 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.

OCTAVIO

        That will be seen hereafter.

ISOLANI

                       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.

OCTAVIO

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

ISOLANI

        Plague upon them! all the Germans think so

        Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too,

        Insist upon obedience to the court.

OCTAVIO

        I am rejoiced to hear it.

ISOLANI

                      You rejoice?

OCTAVIO

        That the emperor has yet such gallant servants,

        And loving friends.

ISOLANI

                   Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.

        They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.

OCTAVIO

        I am assured already. God forbid

        That I should jest! In very serious earnest,

        I am rejoiced to see an honest cause

        So strong.

ISOLANI

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

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

OCTAVIO

        That you may make full declaration, whether

        You will be called the friend or enemy

        Of the emperor.

ISOLANI (with an air of defiance)

                 That declaration, friend,

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

        To put that question to me.

OCTAVIO

                       Whether, count,

        That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.

ISOLANI (stammering)

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

      [Reads.

        "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!

OCTAVIO

        And you submit to the order?

ISOLANI

                       I —

        But you have taken me so by surprise

        Time for reflection one must have —

OCTAVIO

                           Two minutes.

ISOLANI

        My God! But then the case is —

OCTAVIO

                         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.

ISOLANI

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

OCTAVIO

        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?

ISOLANI

        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?

OCTAVIO

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

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

ISOLANI

        Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself

        Bear witness for me that I never said so.

OCTAVIO

        And you renounce the duke then?

ISOLANI

                         If he's planning

        Treason – why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.

OCTAVIO

        And are determined, too, to fight against him?

ISOLANI

        He has done me service – but if he's a villain,

        Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off.

OCTAVIO

        I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed.

        This night break off in the utmost secrecy

        With all the light-armed troops – it must appear

        As came the order from the duke himself.

        At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous;

        There will Count Gallas give you further orders.

ISOLANI

        It shall be done. But you'll remember me

        With the emperor – how well disposed you found me.

OCTAVIO

        I will not fail to mention it honorably.

      [Exit ISOLANI. A SERVANT enters.

        What, Colonel Butler! Show him up.

ISOLANI (returning)