Читать книгу The Death of Wallenstein - Фридрих Шиллер, Friedrich von Schiller - Страница 13

  Here am I – well! who comes yet of the others?

  But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani.

  Will it explode, ha? Is the duke about

  To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place

  Full confidence – nay, put me to the proof.

  That may happen.

           Noble brother, I am

  Not one of those men who in words are valiant,

  And when it comes to action skulk away.

  The duke has acted towards me as a friend:

  God knows it is so; and I owe him all;

  He may rely on my fidelity.

  That will be seen hereafter.

                 Be on your guard,

  All think not as I think; and there are many

  Who still hold with the court – yes, and they say

  That these stolen signatures bind them to nothing.

  Indeed! Pray name to me the chiefs that think so;

  Plague upon them! all the Germans think so

  Esterhazy, Kaunitz, Deodati, too,

  Insist upon obedience to the court.

  I am rejoiced to hear it.

                You rejoice?

  That the emperor has yet such gallant servants,

  And loving friends.

             Nay, jeer not, I entreat you.

  They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you.

  I am assured already. God forbid

  That I should jest! In very serious earnest,

  I am rejoiced to see an honest cause

  So strong.

        The devil! – what! – why, what means this?

  Are you not, then – For what, then, am I here?

  That you may make full declaration, whether

  You will be called the friend or enemy

  Of the emperor.

           That declaration, friend,

  I'll make to him in whom a right is placed

  To put that question to me.

                 Whether, count,

  That right is mine, this paper may instruct you.

  Why, – why – what! this is the emperor's hand and seal

  "Whereas the officers collectively

  Throughout our army will obey the orders

  Of the Lieutenant-General Piccolomini,

  As from ourselves." – Hem! – Yes! so! – Yes! yes!

  I – I give you joy, lieutenant-general!

  And you submit to the order?

                 I —

  But you have taken me so by surprise

  Time for reflection one must have —

                     Two minutes.

  My God! But then the case is —

                   Plain and simple.

  You must declare you, whether you determine

  To act a treason 'gainst your lord and sovereign,

  Or whether you will serve him faithfully.

  Treason! My God! But who talks then of treason?

  That is the case. The prince-duke is a traitor —

  Means to lead over to the enemy

  The emperor's army. Now, count! brief and full —

  Say, will you break your oath to the emperor?

  Sell yourself to the enemy? Say, will you?

  What mean you? I – I break my oath, d'ye say,

  To his imperial majesty?

  Did I say so! When, when have I said that?

  You have not said it yet – not yet. This instant

  I wait to hear, count, whether you will say it.

  Ay! that delights me now, that you yourself

  Bear witness for me that I never said so.

  And you renounce the duke then?

                   If he's planning

  Treason – why, treason breaks all bonds asunder.

  And are determined, too, to fight against him?

  He has done me service – but if he's a villain,

  Perdition seize him! All scores are rubbed off.

  I am rejoiced that you are so well disposed.

  This night break off in the utmost secrecy

  With all the light-armed troops – it must appear

  As came the order from the duke himself.

  At Frauenberg's the place of rendezvous;

  There will Count Gallas give you further orders.

  It shall be done. But you'll remember me

  With the emperor – how well disposed you found me.

  I will not fail to mention it honorably.

  What, Colonel Butler! Show him up.

  Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father!

  Lord God! how should I know, then, what a great

  Person I had before me.

               No excuses!

  I am a merry lad, and if at time

  A rash word might escape me 'gainst the court

  Amidst my wine, – you know no harm was meant.