Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/312

This strong hold on free footing; for I have
Pledg'd life and honour here to hold him pris'ner,
And your assistance 'tis on which I calculate.

GORDON.
O that I had not liv'd to see this day!
From his hand I receiv'd this dignity,
He did himself entrust this strong hold to me,
Which I am now requir'd to make his dungeon.
We subalterns have no will of our own:
The free, the mighty man alone may listen
To the fair impulse of his human nature.
Ah! we are but the poor tools of the law,
Obedience the sole virtue we dare aim at!

BUTLER.
Nay, let it not afflict you, that your power
Is circumscrib'd. Much liberty, much error!
The narrow path of duty is securest.

GORDON.
And all then have deserted him, you say?
He has built up the luck of many thousands,
For kingly was his spirit: his full hand
Was ever open! Many a one from dust
(with a side glance on Butler.)
Hath he selected, from the very dust
Hath rais'd him into dignity and honour.
And yet no friend, not one friend hath he purchas'd,
Whose heart beats true to him in the evil hour.

BUTLER.
Here's one, I see

GOR-