Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/183

Who is my Sov'reign, I can do the like
With th' enemy, and that the one too were
Sooner to be forgiven me than the other.
Is not this your opinion too, Sir General?

WRANGEL.
I have here an office merely, no opinion.

WALLENSTEIN.
The Emperor hath urged me to the uttermost
I can no longer honourably serve him.
For my security, in self-defence,
I take this hard step, which my conscience blames.

WRANGEL.
That I believe. So far would no one go
Who was not forc'd to it.
{After a pause.)
What may have impelled
Your princely Highness in this wise to act
Toward your Sovereign Lord and Emperor,
Beseems not us to expound or criticize.
The Swede is fighting for his good old cause.
With his good sword and conscience. This concurrence,
This opportunity, is in our favour,
And all advantages in war are lawful.
We take what offers without questioning;
And if all have its due and just proportions———

WALLENSTEIN.
Of what then are ye doubting? Of my will?
Or of my power? I pledg'd me to the Chancellor,
Would he trust me with sixteen thousand men,

That