54
THE DEATH OF
Drags after it the other in close link,
But we are innocent: how have we fallen
Into this circle of mis-hap and guilt?
To whom have we been faithless? Wherefore must
The evil deeds and guilt reciprocal
Of our two fathers twine like serpents rounds us?
Why must our fathers'
Unconquerable hate rend us asunder,
Who love each other?
But we are innocent: how have we fallen
Into this circle of mis-hap and guilt?
To whom have we been faithless? Wherefore must
The evil deeds and guilt reciprocal
Of our two fathers twine like serpents rounds us?
Why must our fathers'
Unconquerable hate rend us asunder,
Who love each other?
WALLENSTEIN.
Max. remain with me.
Go you not from me, Max! Hark! I will tell thee—
How when at Prague, our winter quarters, thou
Wert brought into my tent a tender boy,
Not yet accustom'd to the German winters;
Thy hand was frozen to the heavy colours;
Thou would'st not let them go—
At that time did I take thee in my arms,
And with my mantle did I cover thee:
I was thy nurse, no woman could have been
A kinder to thee; I was not asham'd
To do for thee all little offices,
However strange to me; I tended thee
Till life return'd; and when thine eyes first open'd,
I had thee in my arms. Since then, when have I
Alter'd my feelings towards thee? Many thousands
Have I made rich, presented them with lands;
Rewarded them with dignities and honours;
Thee have I lov'd: my heart, my self, I gave
Max. remain with me.
Go you not from me, Max! Hark! I will tell thee—
How when at Prague, our winter quarters, thou
Wert brought into my tent a tender boy,
Not yet accustom'd to the German winters;
Thy hand was frozen to the heavy colours;
Thou would'st not let them go—
At that time did I take thee in my arms,
And with my mantle did I cover thee:
I was thy nurse, no woman could have been
A kinder to thee; I was not asham'd
To do for thee all little offices,
However strange to me; I tended thee
Till life return'd; and when thine eyes first open'd,
I had thee in my arms. Since then, when have I
Alter'd my feelings towards thee? Many thousands
Have I made rich, presented them with lands;
Rewarded them with dignities and honours;
Thee have I lov'd: my heart, my self, I gave
To
