32
THE DEATH OF
'Tis well! I have receiv'd a sudden cure
From all the pangs of doubt: with steady stream
Once more my life-blood flows! My soul's secure!
In the night only Friedland's stars can beam.
Ling'ring, irresolute, with fitful fears
I drew the sword—'twas with an inward strife,
While yet the choice was mine. The murd'rous knife
Is lifted for my heart! Doubt disappears!
I fight now for my head and for my life.
[Exit Wallenstein, the others follow him.
From all the pangs of doubt: with steady stream
Once more my life-blood flows! My soul's secure!
In the night only Friedland's stars can beam.
Ling'ring, irresolute, with fitful fears
I drew the sword—'twas with an inward strife,
While yet the choice was mine. The murd'rous knife
Is lifted for my heart! Doubt disappears!
I fight now for my head and for my life.
[Exit Wallenstein, the others follow him.
SCENE XI.
Countess Tertsky. (enters from a side room.)
I can endure no longer. No!
(looks around her.)
Where are they?
No one is here. They leave me all alone,
Alone in this sore anguish of suspense.
And I must wear the outward shew of calmness
Before my sister, and shut in within me
The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom.
It is not to be borne.—If all should fail;
If—if he must go over to the Swedes,
An empty-handed fugitive, and not
As an ally, a covenanted equal,
A proud commander with his army following;
If we must wander on from land to land,
Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness
I can endure no longer. No!
(looks around her.)
Where are they?
No one is here. They leave me all alone,
Alone in this sore anguish of suspense.
And I must wear the outward shew of calmness
Before my sister, and shut in within me
The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom.
It is not to be borne.—If all should fail;
If—if he must go over to the Swedes,
An empty-handed fugitive, and not
As an ally, a covenanted equal,
A proud commander with his army following;
If we must wander on from land to land,
Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness
An
