The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Chapter 256 : _Wallenstein._ And does he know it?_Countess._ Yes, and he hopes to win her._Wallenste

_Wallenstein._ And does he know it?

_Countess._ Yes, and he hopes to win her.

_Wallenstein._ Hopes to win her!

Is the boy mad?

_Countess._ Well--hear it from themselves.

_Wallenstein._ He thinks to carry off Duke Friedland's daughter! 75

Aye?--The thought pleases me.

The young man has no grovelling spirit.

_Countess._ Since Such and such constant favour you have shewn him--

_Wallenstein._ He chooses finally to be my heir.

And true it is, I love the youth; yea, honour him. 80 But must he therefore be my daughter's husband!

Is it daughters only? Is it only children That we must shew our favour by?

_d.u.c.h.ess._ His n.o.ble disposition and his manners--

_Wallenstein._ Win him my heart, but not my daughter.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ Then 85 His rank, his ancestors--

_Wallenstein._ Ancestors! What?

He is a subject, and my son-in-law I will seek out upon the thrones of Europe.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ O dearest Albrecht! Climb we not too high.

Lest we should fall too low.

_Wallenstein._ What? have I paid 90 A price so heavy to ascend this eminence, And jut out high above the common herd, Only to close the mighty part I play In Life's great drama, with a common kinsman?

Have I for this-- [_pause._] She is the only thing 95 That will remain behind of me on earth; And I will see a crown around her head, Or die in the attempt to place it there.

I hazard all--all! and for this alone, To lift her into greatness-- 100 Yea, in this moment, in the which we are speaking-- [_pause._ And I must now, like a soft-hearted father, Couple together in good peasant fas.h.i.+on The pair, that chance to suit each other's liking-- And I must do it now, even now, when I 105 Am stretching out the wreath that is to twine My full accomplished work--no! she is the jewel, Which I have treasured long, my last, my n.o.blest, And 'tis my purpose not to let her from me For less than a king's sceptre.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ O my husband! 110 You're ever building, building to the clouds, Still building higher, and still higher building, And ne'er reflect, that the poor narrow basis Cannot sustain the giddy tottering column.

_Wallenstein (to the Countess)._ Have you announced the place of residence 115 Which I have destined for her?

_Countess._ No! not yet.

'Twere better you yourself disclosed it to her.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ How? Do we not return to Karn then?

_Wallenstein._ No.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ And to no other of your lands or seats?

_Wallenstein._ You would not be secure there.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ Not secure 120 In the Emperor's realms, beneath the Emperor's Protection?

_Wallenstein._ Friedland's wife may be permitted No longer to hope that.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ O G.o.d in heaven!

And have you brought it even to this?

_Wallenstein._ In Holland You'll find protection.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ In a Lutheran country? 125 What? And you send us into Lutheran countries?

_Wallenstein._ Duke Franz of Lauenburg conducts you thither.

_d.u.c.h.ess._ Duke Franz of Lauenburg?

The ally of Sweden, the Emperor's enemy.

_Wallenstein._ The Emperor's enemies are mine no longer. 130

_d.u.c.h.ess (casting a look of terror on the Duke and the Countess)._ Is it then true? It is. You are degraded?

Deposed from the command? O G.o.d in heaven!

_Countess (aside to the Duke)._ Leave her in this belief. Thou seest she cannot Support the real truth.

LINENOTES:

[26] _fear_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[48] from] _for_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[56] _him_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[95]

Have I for this-- [_Stops suddenly, repressing himself._

1800, 1828, 1829.

[After 101] [_He recollects himself._ 1800, 1828, 1829.

[118] Karn 1800.

[123] _that_ 1800, 1828, 1829.

SCENE V

_To them enter COUNT TERTSKY._