Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 1766

It is too late! Even now, while thou art losing

Thy words, one after the other are the milestones

Left fast behind by my post couriers

Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra.

[MAX stands as convulsed, with a gesture and countenance expressing the most intense anguish.]

Yield thyself to it. We act as we are forced.

I cannot give assent to my own shame And ruin. Thou—no—thou canst not forsake me! So let us do what must be done, with dignity, With a firm step. What am I doing worse Than did famed Cæsar at the Rubicon, When he the legions led against his country, The which his country had delivered to him? Had he thrown down the sword he had been lost, As I were if I but disarm'd myself. I trace out something in me of this spirit; Give me his luck, that other thing I'll bear.

[MAX quits him abruptly. WALLENSTEIN startled and overpowered, continues looking after him and is still in this posture when TERZKY enters.]