Friedrich Schiller - The Death of Wallenstein

That was a chance.

There's no such thing as chance
And what to us seems merest accident
Springs from the deepest source of destiny.
In brief, 'tis signed and sealed that this Octavio
Is my good angel – and now no word more.

This is my comfort – Max. remains our hostage.

And he shall never stir from here alive.

Are ye not like the women, who forever
Only recur to their first word, although
One had been talking reason by the hour!
Know, that the human being's thoughts and deeds
Are not like ocean billows, blindly moved.
The inner world, his microcosmus, is
The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally.
They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit —
No juggling chance can metamorphose them.
Have I the human kernel first examined?
Then I know, too, the future will and action.

Is the detachment here?

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.

And you renounce the duke then?

If he's planning
Treason – why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.

And are determined, too, to fight against him?

He has done me service – but if he's a villain,
Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off.

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.