Part 185 (1/2)

Who sows the serpent's teeth let him not hope To reap a joyous harvest. Every crime Has, in the moment of its perpetration, Its own avenging angel--dark misgiving, An ominous sinking at the inmost heart.

He can no longer trust me. Then no longer Can I retreat--so come that which must come.

Still destiny preserves its due relations, The heart within us is its absolute Vicegerent. [To TERZKY.

Go, conduct you Gustave Wrangel To my state cabinet. Myself will speak to The couriers. And despatch immediately A servant for Octavio Piccolomini.

[To the COUNTESS, who cannot conceal her triumph.

No exultation! woman, triumph not!

For jealous are the powers of destiny, Joy premature, and shouts ere victory, Encroach upon their rights and privileges.

We sow the seed, and they the growth determine.

[While he is making his exit the curtain drops.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

Scene as in the preceding Act.

WALLENSTEIN, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI.

WALLENSTEIN (coming forward in conversation).

He sends me word from Linz that he lies sick; But I have sure intelligence that he Secretes himself at Frauenberg with Gallas.

Secure them both, and send them to me hither.

Remember, thou takest on thee the command Of those same Spanish regiments,--constantly Make preparation, and be never ready; And if they urge thee to draw out against me, Still answer yes, and stand as thou went fettered.

I know, that it is doing thee a service To keep thee out of action in this business.

Thou lovest to linger on in fair appearances; Steps of extremity are not thy province, Therefore have I sought out this part for thee.

Thou wilt this time be of most service to me By thy inertness. The meantime, if fortune Declare itself on my side, thou wilt know What is to do.

[Enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI.

Now go, Octavio.

This night must thou be off, take my own horses Him here I keep with me--make short farewell-- Trust me, I think we all shall meet again In joy and thriving fortunes.

OCTAVIO (to his son).

I shall see you Yet ere I go.

SCENE II.

WALLENSTEIN, MAX. PICCOLOMINI.

MAX. (advances to him).

My general!

WALLENSTEIN.

That I am no longer, if Thou stylest thyself the emperor's officer.

MAX.

Then thou wilt leave the army, general?

WALLENSTEIN.

I have renounced the service of the emperor.

MAX.