And were the man in all else brave and gallant,
I was not wont to make nice scrutiny
After his pedigree or catechism.
This will be otherwise, i'the time to come.
Well—me no longer it concerns.
(He seats himself.)
MAX. PICCOLOMINI.
Our troops will swell in dreadful fermentation—
The Emperor is abus'd—it cannot be.
ISOLANI.
WALLENSTEIN.
What we with toil and foresight have built up,
Will go to wreck—all go to instant wreck.
What then? another chieftain is soon found,
Another army likewise (who dares doubt it?)
Will flock from all sides to the Emperor
At the first beat of his recruiting drum.
(During this speech, Isolani, Tertsky, Illo, and
Maradas, talk confusedly with great agitation.)
MAX. PICCOLOMINI.
(Busily, and passionately going from one to
another, and soothing them).
Let me conjure you, Duke! Determine nothing,
Till we have met and represented to you
Our
