Part 157 (1/2)

WALLENSTEIN.

And which way doth Kolatto bend? Hast thou Made sure of Tiefenbach and Deodati?

ILLO.

What Piccolomini does that they do too.

WALLENSTEIN.

You mean, then, I may venture somewhat with them?

ILLO.

If you are a.s.sured of the Piccolomini.

WALLENSTEIN.

Not more a.s.sured of mine own self.

TERZKY.

And yet I would you trusted not so much to Octavio, The fox!

WALLENSTEIN.

Thou teachest me to know my man?

Sixteen campaigns I have made with that old warrior.

Besides, I have his horoscope; We both are born beneath like stars--in short, [With an air of mystery.

To this belongs its own peculiar aspect, If therefore thou canst warrant me the rest----

ILLO.

There is among them all but this one voice, You must not lay down the command. I hear They mean to send a deputation to you.

WALLENSTEIN.

If I'm in aught to bind myself to them They too must bind themselves to me.

ILLO.

Of course.

WALLENSTEIN.

Their words of honor they must give, their oaths, Give them in writing to me, promising Devotion to my service unconditional.

ILLO.

Why not?

TERZKY.

Devotion unconditional?

The exception of their duties towards Austria They'll always place among the premises.

With this reserve----

WALLENSTEIN (shaking his head).

All unconditional; No premises, no reserves.

ILLO.

A thought has struck me.

Does not Count Terzky give us a set banquet This evening?

TERZKY.