Devereux.We wish no other.Butler.Ay, and make your fortunes.20Macdonald.That is still better.Butler.Listen!Both.We attend.Butler.It is the Emperor's will and ordinanceTo seize the person of the Prince-Duke Friedland,Alive or dead.Devereux.It runs so in the letter.Macdonald.Alive or dead—these were the very words.25Butler.And he shall be rewarded from the StateIn land and gold, who proffers aid thereto.Devereux.Ay? That sounds well. The words sound always wellThat travel hither from the Court. Yes! yes!We know already what Court-words import.30A golden chain perhaps in sign of favour,Or an old charger, or a parchment patent,And such like.—The Prince-duke pays better.Macdonald.Yes,The Duke's a splendid paymaster.Butler.All overWith that, my friends! His lucky stars are set.35Macdonald.And is that certain?Butler.You have my word for it.Devereux.His lucky fortunes all past by?Butler.For ever.He is as poor as we.Macdonald.As poor as we?Devereux.Macdonald, we'll desert him.Butler.We'll desert him?Full twenty thousand have done that already;40We must do more, my countrymen! In short—We—we must kill him.Both.Kill him!Butler.Yes! must kill him.And for that purpose have I chosen you.Both.Us!Butler.You, Captain Devereux, and thee, Macdonald.45Devereux (after a pause).Choose you some other.Butler.What? art dastardly?Thou, with full thirty lives to answer for—[782]Thou conscientious of a sudden?Devereux.Nay,To assassinate our Lord and General—Macdonald.To whom we've sworn a soldier's oath—Butler.The oath50Is null, for Friedland is a traitor.Devereux.No, no! It is too bad!Macdonald.Yes, by my soul!It is too bad. One has a conscience too—Devereux.If it were not our chieftain, who so longHas issued the commands, and claim'd our duty.55Butler.Is that the objection?Devereux.Were it my own father,And the Emperor's service should demand it of me,It might be done perhaps—But we are soldiers,And to assassinate our chief commander,That is a sin, a foul abomination,60From which no monk or confessor absolves us.Butler.I am your Pope, and give you absolution.Determine quickly!Devereux.'Twill not do!Macdonald.'Twon't do!Butler.Well, off then! and—send Pestalutz to me.Devereux.The Pestalutz—Macdonald.What may you want with him?65Butler.If you reject it, we can find enough—Devereux.Nay, if he must fall, we may earn the bountyAs well as any other. What think you,Brother Macdonald?Macdonald.Why if he must fall,And will fall, and it can't be otherwise,70One would not give place to this Pestalutz.Devereux.When do you purpose he should fall?Butler.This night.To-morrow will the Swedes be at our gates.Devereux.You take upon you all the consequences!Butler.I take the whole upon me.Devereux.And it is75The Emperor's will, his express absolute will?For we have instances, that folks may likeThe murder, and yet hang the murderer.
Devereux.We wish no other.
Butler.Ay, and make your fortunes.20
Macdonald.That is still better.
Butler.Listen!
Both.We attend.
Butler.It is the Emperor's will and ordinanceTo seize the person of the Prince-Duke Friedland,Alive or dead.
Devereux.It runs so in the letter.
Macdonald.Alive or dead—these were the very words.25
Butler.And he shall be rewarded from the StateIn land and gold, who proffers aid thereto.
Devereux.Ay? That sounds well. The words sound always wellThat travel hither from the Court. Yes! yes!We know already what Court-words import.30A golden chain perhaps in sign of favour,Or an old charger, or a parchment patent,And such like.—The Prince-duke pays better.
Macdonald.Yes,The Duke's a splendid paymaster.
Butler.All overWith that, my friends! His lucky stars are set.35
Macdonald.And is that certain?
Butler.You have my word for it.
Devereux.His lucky fortunes all past by?
Butler.For ever.He is as poor as we.
Macdonald.As poor as we?
Devereux.Macdonald, we'll desert him.
Butler.We'll desert him?Full twenty thousand have done that already;40We must do more, my countrymen! In short—We—we must kill him.
Both.Kill him!
Butler.Yes! must kill him.And for that purpose have I chosen you.
Both.Us!
Butler.You, Captain Devereux, and thee, Macdonald.45
Devereux (after a pause).Choose you some other.
Butler.What? art dastardly?Thou, with full thirty lives to answer for—[782]Thou conscientious of a sudden?
Devereux.Nay,To assassinate our Lord and General—
Macdonald.To whom we've sworn a soldier's oath—
Butler.The oath50Is null, for Friedland is a traitor.
Devereux.No, no! It is too bad!
Macdonald.Yes, by my soul!It is too bad. One has a conscience too—
Devereux.If it were not our chieftain, who so longHas issued the commands, and claim'd our duty.55
Butler.Is that the objection?
Devereux.Were it my own father,And the Emperor's service should demand it of me,It might be done perhaps—But we are soldiers,And to assassinate our chief commander,That is a sin, a foul abomination,60From which no monk or confessor absolves us.
Butler.I am your Pope, and give you absolution.Determine quickly!
Devereux.'Twill not do!
Macdonald.'Twon't do!
Butler.Well, off then! and—send Pestalutz to me.
Devereux.The Pestalutz—
Macdonald.What may you want with him?65
Butler.If you reject it, we can find enough—
Devereux.Nay, if he must fall, we may earn the bountyAs well as any other. What think you,Brother Macdonald?
Macdonald.Why if he must fall,And will fall, and it can't be otherwise,70One would not give place to this Pestalutz.
Devereux.When do you purpose he should fall?
Butler.This night.To-morrow will the Swedes be at our gates.
Devereux.You take upon you all the consequences!
Butler.I take the whole upon me.
Devereux.And it is75The Emperor's will, his express absolute will?For we have instances, that folks may likeThe murder, and yet hang the murderer.
Butler.The manifesto says—alive or dead.Alive—'tis not possible—you see it is not.80Devereux.Well, dead then! dead! But how can we come at him?The town is fill'd with Tertsky's soldiery.Macdonald.Ay! and then Tertsky still remains, and Illo—Butler.With these you shall begin—you understand me?Devereux.How? And must they too perish?Butler.They the first.85Macdonald.Hear, Devereux? A bloody evening this.Devereux.Have you a man for that? Commission me—Butler.'Tis given in trust to Major Geraldin;This is a carnival night, and there's a feastGiven at the castle—there we shall surprise them,90And hew them down. The Pestalutz and LesleyHave that commission—soon as that is finished—Devereux.Hear, General! It will be all one to you.Hark'e! let me exchange with Geraldin.Butler.'Twill be the lesser danger with the Duke.95Devereux.Danger! The devil! What do you think me, General?'Tis the Duke's eye, and not his sword, I fear.Butler.What can his eye do to thee?Devereux.Death and hell!Thou know'st that I'm no milk-sop, General!But 'tis not eight days since the Duke did send me100Twenty gold pieces for this good warm coatWhich I have on! and then for him to see meStanding before him with the pike, his murderer,That eye of his looking upon this coat—Why—why—the devil fetch me! I'm no milk-sop!105Butler.The Duke presented thee this good warm coat,And thou, a needy wight, hast pangs of conscienceTo run him through the body in return.A coat that is far better and far warmerDid the Emperor give to him, the Prince's mantle.110How doth he thank the Emperor? With revolt,And treason.Devereux.That is true. The devil takeSuch thankers! I'll dispatch him.Butler.And would'st quietThy conscience, thou hast nought to do but simplyPull off the coat; so canst thou do the deed115[784]With light heart and good spirits.Devereux.You are right.That did not strike me. I'll pull off the coat—So there's an end of it.Macdonald.Yes, but there's anotherPoint to be thought of.Butler.And what's that, Macdonald?Macdonald.What avails sword or dagger against him?120He is not to be wounded—he is—Butler.What?Macdonald.Safe against shot, and stab and flash! Hard frozen,Secured, and warranted by the black art!His body is impenetrable, I tell you.Devereux.In Inglestadt there was just such another—125His whole skin was the same as steel; at lastWe were obliged to beat him down with gunstocks.Macdonald.Hear what I'll do.Devereux.Well?Macdonald.In the cloister hereThere's a Dominican, my countryman.I'll make him dip my sword and pike for me130In holy water, and say over themOne of his strongest blessings. That's probatum!Nothing can stand 'gainst that.Butler.So do, Macdonald!But now go and select from out the regimentTwenty or thirty able-bodied fellows,135And let them take the oaths to the Emperor.Then when it strikes eleven, when the first roundsAre passed, conduct them silently as may beTo the house—I will myself be not far off.Devereux.But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon,140That stand on guard there in the inner chamber?Butler.I have made myself acquainted with the place.I lead you through a back-door that's defendedBy one man only. Me my rank and officeGive access to the Duke at every hour.145I'll go before you—with one poniard-strokeCut Hartschier's wind-pipe, and make way for you.Devereux.And when we are there, by what means shall we gain[785]The Duke's bed-chamber, without his alarmingThe servants of the Court; for he has here150A numerous company of followers?Butler.The attendants fill the right wing; he hates bustle,And lodges in the left wing quite alone.Devereux.Were it well over—hey, Macdonald? IFeel queerly on the occasion, devil knows!155Macdonald.And I too. 'Tis too great a personage.People will hold us for a brace of villains.Butler.In plenty, honour, splendour—You may safelyLaugh at the people's babble.Devereux.If the businessSquares with one's honour—if that be quite certain—160Butler.Set your hearts quite at ease. Ye save for FerdinandHis Crown and Empire. The reward can beNo small one.Devereux.And 'tis his purpose to dethrone the Emperor?Butler.Yes!—Yes!—to rob him of his crown and life.165Devereux.And he must fall by the executioner's hands,Should we deliver him up to the EmperorAlive?Butler.It were his certain destiny.Devereux.Well! Well! Come then, Macdonald, he shall notLie long in pain.170
Butler.The manifesto says—alive or dead.Alive—'tis not possible—you see it is not.80
Devereux.Well, dead then! dead! But how can we come at him?The town is fill'd with Tertsky's soldiery.
Macdonald.Ay! and then Tertsky still remains, and Illo—
Butler.With these you shall begin—you understand me?
Devereux.How? And must they too perish?
Butler.They the first.85
Macdonald.Hear, Devereux? A bloody evening this.
Devereux.Have you a man for that? Commission me—
Butler.'Tis given in trust to Major Geraldin;This is a carnival night, and there's a feastGiven at the castle—there we shall surprise them,90And hew them down. The Pestalutz and LesleyHave that commission—soon as that is finished—
Devereux.Hear, General! It will be all one to you.Hark'e! let me exchange with Geraldin.
Butler.'Twill be the lesser danger with the Duke.95
Devereux.Danger! The devil! What do you think me, General?'Tis the Duke's eye, and not his sword, I fear.
Butler.What can his eye do to thee?
Devereux.Death and hell!Thou know'st that I'm no milk-sop, General!But 'tis not eight days since the Duke did send me100Twenty gold pieces for this good warm coatWhich I have on! and then for him to see meStanding before him with the pike, his murderer,That eye of his looking upon this coat—Why—why—the devil fetch me! I'm no milk-sop!105
Butler.The Duke presented thee this good warm coat,And thou, a needy wight, hast pangs of conscienceTo run him through the body in return.A coat that is far better and far warmerDid the Emperor give to him, the Prince's mantle.110How doth he thank the Emperor? With revolt,And treason.
Devereux.That is true. The devil takeSuch thankers! I'll dispatch him.
Butler.And would'st quietThy conscience, thou hast nought to do but simplyPull off the coat; so canst thou do the deed115[784]With light heart and good spirits.
Devereux.You are right.That did not strike me. I'll pull off the coat—So there's an end of it.
Macdonald.Yes, but there's anotherPoint to be thought of.
Butler.And what's that, Macdonald?
Macdonald.What avails sword or dagger against him?120He is not to be wounded—he is—
Butler.What?
Macdonald.Safe against shot, and stab and flash! Hard frozen,Secured, and warranted by the black art!His body is impenetrable, I tell you.
Devereux.In Inglestadt there was just such another—125His whole skin was the same as steel; at lastWe were obliged to beat him down with gunstocks.
Macdonald.Hear what I'll do.
Devereux.Well?
Macdonald.In the cloister hereThere's a Dominican, my countryman.I'll make him dip my sword and pike for me130In holy water, and say over themOne of his strongest blessings. That's probatum!Nothing can stand 'gainst that.
Butler.So do, Macdonald!But now go and select from out the regimentTwenty or thirty able-bodied fellows,135And let them take the oaths to the Emperor.Then when it strikes eleven, when the first roundsAre passed, conduct them silently as may beTo the house—I will myself be not far off.
Devereux.But how do we get through Hartschier and Gordon,140That stand on guard there in the inner chamber?
Butler.I have made myself acquainted with the place.I lead you through a back-door that's defendedBy one man only. Me my rank and officeGive access to the Duke at every hour.145I'll go before you—with one poniard-strokeCut Hartschier's wind-pipe, and make way for you.
Devereux.And when we are there, by what means shall we gain[785]The Duke's bed-chamber, without his alarmingThe servants of the Court; for he has here150A numerous company of followers?
Butler.The attendants fill the right wing; he hates bustle,And lodges in the left wing quite alone.
Devereux.Were it well over—hey, Macdonald? IFeel queerly on the occasion, devil knows!155
Macdonald.And I too. 'Tis too great a personage.People will hold us for a brace of villains.
Butler.In plenty, honour, splendour—You may safelyLaugh at the people's babble.
Devereux.If the businessSquares with one's honour—if that be quite certain—160
Butler.Set your hearts quite at ease. Ye save for FerdinandHis Crown and Empire. The reward can beNo small one.
Devereux.And 'tis his purpose to dethrone the Emperor?
Butler.Yes!—Yes!—to rob him of his crown and life.165
Devereux.And he must fall by the executioner's hands,Should we deliver him up to the EmperorAlive?
Butler.It were his certain destiny.
Devereux.Well! Well! Come then, Macdonald, he shall notLie long in pain.170
[ExeuntButlerthrough one door,MacdonaldandDevereuxthrough the other.
[13]thinking1800,1828,1829.
thinking1800,1828,1829.
Before16Butler (appeased).1800,1828,1829.
Before16Butler (appeased).1800,1828,1829.
[28]words1800,1828,1829.
words1800,1828,1829.
[42]Both (starting back).1800,1828,1829.
Both (starting back).1800,1828,1829.
[45]thee, Macdonald] the Macdonald1800.
thee, Macdonald] the Macdonald1800.
[65]Devereux (hesitates).The Pestalutz—1800,1828,1829.
Devereux (hesitates).The Pestalutz—1800,1828,1829.
[69]must1800,1828,1829.
must1800,1828,1829.
[70]will1800,1828,1829.
will1800,1828,1829.
Before72Devereux (after some reflection).1800,1828,1829.
Before72Devereux (after some reflection).1800,1828,1829.
[120]him1800,1828,1829.
him1800,1828,1829.
[121]Butler (starting up).What?1800,1828,1829.
Butler (starting up).What?1800,1828,1829.
[122]flash] slash1800,1828,1829.
flash] slash1800,1828,1829.
Scene—A Gothic Apartment at theDuchess Friedland's.Theklaon a seat, pale, her eyes closed. TheDuchessandLady Neubrunnbusied about her.Wallensteinand theCountessin conversation.
Wallenstein.How knew she it so soon?Countess.She seems to haveForeboded some misfortune. The reportOf an engagement, in the which had fallenA colonel of the Imperial army, frighten'd her.I saw it instantly. She flew to meet5The Swedish Courier, and with sudden questioning,Soon wrested from him the disastrous secret.Too late we missed her, hastened after her,[786]We found her lying in his arms, all paleAnd in a swoon.Wallenstein.A heavy, heavy blow!10And she so unprepared! Poor child! How is it?[Turning to theDuchess.Is she coming to herself?Duchess.Her eyes are opening.Countess.She lives.Thekla (looking around her).Where am I?Wallenstein (steps to her, raising her up in his arms).Come, cheerly, Thekla! be my own brave girl!See, there's thy loving mother. Thou art in15Thy father's arms.Thekla (standing up).Where is he? Is he gone?Duchess.Who gone, my daughter?Thekla.He—the man who utteredThat word of misery.Duchess.O! think not of it,My Thekla!Wallenstein.Give her sorrow leave to talk!Let her complain—mingle your tears with hers,20For she hath suffered a deep anguish; butShe'll rise superior to it, for my TheklaHath all her father's unsubdued heart.Thekla.I am not ill. See, I have power to stand.Why does my mother weep? Have I alarmed her?25It is gone by—I recollect myself—[She casts her eyes round the room, as seeking some one.Where is he? Please you, do not hide him from me.You see I have strength enough: now I will hear him.Duchess.No, never shall this messenger of evilEnter again into thy presence, Thekla!30Thekla.My father—Wallenstein.Dearest daughter!Thekla.I'm not weak—Shortly I shall be quite myself again.You'll grant me one request?Wallenstein.Name it, my daughter.Thekla.Permit the stranger to be called to me,And grant me leave, that by myself I may35Hear his report and question him.Duchess.No, never!Countess.'Tis not advisable—assent not to it.
Wallenstein.How knew she it so soon?
Countess.She seems to haveForeboded some misfortune. The reportOf an engagement, in the which had fallenA colonel of the Imperial army, frighten'd her.I saw it instantly. She flew to meet5The Swedish Courier, and with sudden questioning,Soon wrested from him the disastrous secret.Too late we missed her, hastened after her,[786]We found her lying in his arms, all paleAnd in a swoon.
Wallenstein.A heavy, heavy blow!10And she so unprepared! Poor child! How is it?[Turning to theDuchess.Is she coming to herself?
Duchess.Her eyes are opening.
Countess.She lives.
Thekla (looking around her).Where am I?
Wallenstein (steps to her, raising her up in his arms).Come, cheerly, Thekla! be my own brave girl!See, there's thy loving mother. Thou art in15Thy father's arms.
Thekla (standing up).Where is he? Is he gone?
Duchess.Who gone, my daughter?
Thekla.He—the man who utteredThat word of misery.
Duchess.O! think not of it,My Thekla!
Wallenstein.Give her sorrow leave to talk!Let her complain—mingle your tears with hers,20For she hath suffered a deep anguish; butShe'll rise superior to it, for my TheklaHath all her father's unsubdued heart.
Thekla.I am not ill. See, I have power to stand.Why does my mother weep? Have I alarmed her?25It is gone by—I recollect myself—[She casts her eyes round the room, as seeking some one.Where is he? Please you, do not hide him from me.You see I have strength enough: now I will hear him.
Duchess.No, never shall this messenger of evilEnter again into thy presence, Thekla!30
Thekla.My father—
Wallenstein.Dearest daughter!
Thekla.I'm not weak—Shortly I shall be quite myself again.You'll grant me one request?
Wallenstein.Name it, my daughter.
Thekla.Permit the stranger to be called to me,And grant me leave, that by myself I may35Hear his report and question him.
Duchess.No, never!
Countess.'Tis not advisable—assent not to it.
Wallenstein.Hush! Wherefore would'st thou speak with him, my daughter?Thekla.Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected;I will not be deceived. My mother wishes40Only to spare me. I will not be spared.The worst is said already: I can hearNothing of deeper anguish!Countess and Duchess.Do it not.Thekla.The horror overpowered me by surprise.My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence;45He was a witness of my weakness, yea,I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me.I must replace myself in his esteem,And I must speak with him, perforce, that he,The stranger, may not think ungently of me.50Wallenstein.I see she is in the right, and am inclinedTo grant her this request of hers. Go, call him.[Lady Neubrunngoes to call him.Duchess.But I, thy mother, will be present—Thekla.'TwereMore pleasing to me, if alone I saw him:Trust me, I shall behave myself the more55Collectedly.Wallenstein.Permit her her own will.Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows,Where of necessity the soul must beIts own support. A strong heart will relyOn its own strength alone. In her own bosom,60Not in her mother's arms, must she collectThe strength to rise superior to this blow.It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treatedNot as the woman, but the heroine.[Going.Countess (detaining him).Where art thou going? I heard Tertsky say65That 'tis thy purpose to depart from henceTo-morrow early, but to leave us here.Wallenstein.Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protectionOf gallant men.Countess.O take us with you, brother.Leave us not in this gloomy solitude70To brood o'er anxious thoughts. The mists of doubt[788]Magnify evils to a shape of horror.Wallenstein.Who speaks of evil? I entreat you, sister,Use words of better omen.Countess.Then take us with you.O leave us not behind you in a place75That forces us to such sad omens. HeavyAnd sick within me is my heart——These walls breathe on me, like a church-yard vault.I cannot tell you, brother, how this placeDoth go against my nature. Take us with you.80Come, sister, join you your entreaty!—Niece,Yours too. We all entreat you, take us with you!Wallenstein.The place's evil omens will I change,Making it that which shields and shelters for meMy best beloved.Lady Neubrunn (returning).The Swedish officer.85Wallenstein.Leave her alone with him.[Exit.Duchess (to Thekla who starts and shivers).There—pale as death!—Child, 'tis impossibleThat thou should'st speak with him. Follow thy mother.Thekla.The Lady Neubrunn then may stay with me.[ExeuntDuchessandCountess.
Wallenstein.Hush! Wherefore would'st thou speak with him, my daughter?
Thekla.Knowing the whole, I shall be more collected;I will not be deceived. My mother wishes40Only to spare me. I will not be spared.The worst is said already: I can hearNothing of deeper anguish!
Countess and Duchess.Do it not.
Thekla.The horror overpowered me by surprise.My heart betrayed me in the stranger's presence;45He was a witness of my weakness, yea,I sank into his arms; and that has shamed me.I must replace myself in his esteem,And I must speak with him, perforce, that he,The stranger, may not think ungently of me.50
Wallenstein.I see she is in the right, and am inclinedTo grant her this request of hers. Go, call him.[Lady Neubrunngoes to call him.
Duchess.But I, thy mother, will be present—
Thekla.'TwereMore pleasing to me, if alone I saw him:Trust me, I shall behave myself the more55Collectedly.
Wallenstein.Permit her her own will.Leave her alone with him: for there are sorrows,Where of necessity the soul must beIts own support. A strong heart will relyOn its own strength alone. In her own bosom,60Not in her mother's arms, must she collectThe strength to rise superior to this blow.It is mine own brave girl. I'll have her treatedNot as the woman, but the heroine.[Going.
Countess (detaining him).Where art thou going? I heard Tertsky say65That 'tis thy purpose to depart from henceTo-morrow early, but to leave us here.
Wallenstein.Yes, ye stay here, placed under the protectionOf gallant men.
Countess.O take us with you, brother.Leave us not in this gloomy solitude70To brood o'er anxious thoughts. The mists of doubt[788]Magnify evils to a shape of horror.
Wallenstein.Who speaks of evil? I entreat you, sister,Use words of better omen.
Countess.Then take us with you.O leave us not behind you in a place75That forces us to such sad omens. HeavyAnd sick within me is my heart——These walls breathe on me, like a church-yard vault.I cannot tell you, brother, how this placeDoth go against my nature. Take us with you.80Come, sister, join you your entreaty!—Niece,Yours too. We all entreat you, take us with you!
Wallenstein.The place's evil omens will I change,Making it that which shields and shelters for meMy best beloved.
Lady Neubrunn (returning).The Swedish officer.85
Wallenstein.Leave her alone with him.[Exit.
Duchess (to Thekla who starts and shivers).There—pale as death!—Child, 'tis impossibleThat thou should'st speak with him. Follow thy mother.
Thekla.The Lady Neubrunn then may stay with me.[ExeuntDuchessandCountess.
Scene—A Gothic and gloomy, &c.1800,1828,1829.
Scene—A Gothic and gloomy, &c.1800,1828,1829.
[66]thy1800,1828,1829.
thy1800,1828,1829.
Thekla, theSwedish Captain,Lady Neubrunn.
Captain.Princess—I must entreat your gentle pardon—My inconsiderate rash speech—How could I—Thekla.You did behold me in my agony.A most distressful accident occasionedYou from a stranger to become at once5My confidant.Captain.I fear you hate my presence,For my tongue spake a melancholy word.Thekla.The fault is mine. Myself did wrest it from you.The horror which came o'er me interruptedYour tale at its commencement. May it please you,10Continue it to the end.Captain.Princess, 'twillRenew your anguish.Thekla.I am firm.——[789]I will be firm. Well—how began the engagement?Captain.We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt,Entrenched but insecurely in our camp,15When towards evening rose a cloud of dustFrom the wood thitherward; our vanguard fledInto the camp, and sounded the alarm.Scarce had we mounted, ere the Pappenheimers,Their horses at full speed, broke through the lines,20And leapt the trenches; but their heedless courageHad borne them onward far before the others—The infantry were still at distance, onlyThe Pappenheimers followed daringlyTheir daring leader——
Captain.Princess—I must entreat your gentle pardon—My inconsiderate rash speech—How could I—
Thekla.You did behold me in my agony.A most distressful accident occasionedYou from a stranger to become at once5My confidant.
Captain.I fear you hate my presence,For my tongue spake a melancholy word.
Thekla.The fault is mine. Myself did wrest it from you.The horror which came o'er me interruptedYour tale at its commencement. May it please you,10Continue it to the end.
Captain.Princess, 'twillRenew your anguish.
Thekla.I am firm.——[789]I will be firm. Well—how began the engagement?
Captain.We lay, expecting no attack, at Neustadt,Entrenched but insecurely in our camp,15When towards evening rose a cloud of dustFrom the wood thitherward; our vanguard fledInto the camp, and sounded the alarm.Scarce had we mounted, ere the Pappenheimers,Their horses at full speed, broke through the lines,20And leapt the trenches; but their heedless courageHad borne them onward far before the others—The infantry were still at distance, onlyThe Pappenheimers followed daringlyTheir daring leader——
[Theklabetrays agitation in her gestures. The officer pauses till she makes a sign to him to proceed.
Captain.Both in van and flanks25With our whole cavalry we now received them;Back to the trenches drove them, where the footStretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them.They neither could advance, nor yet retreat;And as they stood on every side wedged in,30The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud,Inviting a surrender; but their leader,Young Piccolomini——[Thekla, as giddy, grasps a chair.Known by his plume,And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches;Himself leapt first, the regiment all plunged after.35His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up,Flung him with violence off, and over himThe horses, now no longer to be curbed,——
Captain.Both in van and flanks25With our whole cavalry we now received them;Back to the trenches drove them, where the footStretched out a solid ridge of pikes to meet them.They neither could advance, nor yet retreat;And as they stood on every side wedged in,30The Rhinegrave to their leader called aloud,Inviting a surrender; but their leader,Young Piccolomini——[Thekla, as giddy, grasps a chair.Known by his plume,And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches;Himself leapt first, the regiment all plunged after.35His charger, by a halbert gored, reared up,Flung him with violence off, and over himThe horses, now no longer to be curbed,——
[Thekla, who has accompanied the last speech with all the marks of increasing agony, trembles through her whole frame, and is falling. TheLady Neubrunnruns to her, and receives her in her arms.
Neubrunn.My dearest lady——Captain.I retire.Thekla.'Tis over.Proceed to the conclusion.Captain.Wild despair40Inspired the troops with frenzy when they sawTheir leader perish; every thought of rescue[790]Was spurn'd; they fought like wounded tigers; theirFrantic resistance rous'd our soldiery;A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest45Finish'd before their last man fell.Thekla.And where——Where is—You have not told me all.Captain (after a pause).This morningWe buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birthDid bear him to interment; the whole armyFollowed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin;50The sword of the deceased was placed upon it,In mark of honour, by the Rhinegrave's self.Nor tears were wanting; for there are among usMany, who had themselves experiencedThe greatness of his mind, and gentle manners;55All were affected at his fate. The RhinegraveWould willingly have saved him; but himselfMade vain the attempt—'tis said he wished to die.Neubrunn (to Thekla who has hidden her countenance).Look up,my dearest lady——Thekla.Where is his grave?Captain.At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church60Are his remains deposited, untilWe can receive directions from his father.Thekla.What is the cloister's name?Captain.Saint Catharine's.Thekla.And how far is it thither?Captain.Near twelve leagues.Thekla.And which the way?Captain.You go by Tirschenreit65And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts.Thekla.WhoIs their commander?Captain.Colonel Seckendorf.
Neubrunn.My dearest lady——
Captain.I retire.
Thekla.'Tis over.Proceed to the conclusion.
Captain.Wild despair40Inspired the troops with frenzy when they sawTheir leader perish; every thought of rescue[790]Was spurn'd; they fought like wounded tigers; theirFrantic resistance rous'd our soldiery;A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest45Finish'd before their last man fell.
Thekla.And where——Where is—You have not told me all.
Captain (after a pause).This morningWe buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birthDid bear him to interment; the whole armyFollowed the bier. A laurel decked his coffin;50The sword of the deceased was placed upon it,In mark of honour, by the Rhinegrave's self.Nor tears were wanting; for there are among usMany, who had themselves experiencedThe greatness of his mind, and gentle manners;55All were affected at his fate. The RhinegraveWould willingly have saved him; but himselfMade vain the attempt—'tis said he wished to die.
Neubrunn (to Thekla who has hidden her countenance).Look up,my dearest lady——
Thekla.Where is his grave?
Captain.At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church60Are his remains deposited, untilWe can receive directions from his father.
Thekla.What is the cloister's name?
Captain.Saint Catharine's.
Thekla.And how far is it thither?
Captain.Near twelve leagues.
Thekla.And which the way?
Captain.You go by Tirschenreit65And Falkenberg, through our advanced posts.
Thekla.WhoIs their commander?
Captain.Colonel Seckendorf.
[Theklasteps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket.
Thekla.You have beheld me in my agony,And shewn a feeling heart. Please you, accept[Giving him the ring.A small memorial of this hour. Now go!70Captain.Princess——
Thekla.You have beheld me in my agony,And shewn a feeling heart. Please you, accept[Giving him the ring.A small memorial of this hour. Now go!70
Captain.Princess——
[Theklasilently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him. The Captain lingers, and is about to speak.Lady Neubrunnrepeats the signal, and he retires.
Before1Captain (respectfully approaching her).1800,1828,1829.
Before1Captain (respectfully approaching her).1800,1828,1829.
Before3Thekla (with dignity).1800,1828,1829.
Before3Thekla (with dignity).1800,1828,1829.
[3]did behold] have beheld1800,1828,1829.
did behold] have beheld1800,1828,1829.
[13]will1800,1828,1829.
will1800,1828,1829.
[46]Thekla (faltering).And where—1800,1828,1829.
Thekla (faltering).And where—1800,1828,1829.
Before71Captain (confused).1800,1828,1829.
Before71Captain (confused).1800,1828,1829.
Thekla, Lady Neubrunn.
Thekla (falls on Lady Neubrunn's neck).Now, gentle Neubrunn, shew me the affectionWhich thou hast ever promised—prove thyselfMy own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim.This night we must away!Neubrunn.Away! and whither?Thekla.Whither! There is but one place in the world.5Thither where he lies buried! To his coffin!Neubrunn.What would you do there?Thekla.What do there?That would'st thou not have asked, hadst thou e'er loved.There, there is all that still remains of him.That single spot is the whole earth to me.10Neubrunn.That place of death——Thekla.Is now the only place,Where life yet dwells for me: detain me not!Come and make preparations: let us thinkOf means to fly from hence.Neubrunn.Your father's rage——Thekla.That time is past——15And now I fear no human being's rage.Neubrunn.The sentence of the world! The tongue of calumny!Thekla.Whom am I seeking? Him who is no more.Am I then hastening to the arms——O God!I haste but to the grave of the beloved.20Neubrunn.And we alone, two helpless feeble women?Thekla.We will take weapons: my arms shall protect thee.Neubrunn.In the dark night-time?Thekla.Darkness will conceal us.Neubrunn.This rough tempestuous night——Thekla.Had he a soft bedUnder the hoofs of his war-horses?Neubrunn.Heaven!25And then the many posts of the enemy!—Thekla.They are human beings. Misery travels freeThrough the whole earth.Neubrunn.The journey's weary length—Thekla.The pilgrim, travelling to a distant shrineOf hope and healing, doth not count the leagues.30
Thekla (falls on Lady Neubrunn's neck).Now, gentle Neubrunn, shew me the affectionWhich thou hast ever promised—prove thyselfMy own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim.This night we must away!
Neubrunn.Away! and whither?
Thekla.Whither! There is but one place in the world.5Thither where he lies buried! To his coffin!
Neubrunn.What would you do there?
Thekla.What do there?That would'st thou not have asked, hadst thou e'er loved.There, there is all that still remains of him.That single spot is the whole earth to me.10
Neubrunn.That place of death——
Thekla.Is now the only place,Where life yet dwells for me: detain me not!Come and make preparations: let us thinkOf means to fly from hence.
Neubrunn.Your father's rage——
Thekla.That time is past——15And now I fear no human being's rage.
Neubrunn.The sentence of the world! The tongue of calumny!
Thekla.Whom am I seeking? Him who is no more.Am I then hastening to the arms——O God!I haste but to the grave of the beloved.20
Neubrunn.And we alone, two helpless feeble women?
Thekla.We will take weapons: my arms shall protect thee.
Neubrunn.In the dark night-time?
Thekla.Darkness will conceal us.
Neubrunn.This rough tempestuous night——
Thekla.Had he a soft bedUnder the hoofs of his war-horses?
Neubrunn.Heaven!25And then the many posts of the enemy!—
Thekla.They are human beings. Misery travels freeThrough the whole earth.
Neubrunn.The journey's weary length—
Thekla.The pilgrim, travelling to a distant shrineOf hope and healing, doth not count the leagues.30