Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/101

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FIRST PART OF WALLENSTEIN.
79

That many things delight me here: this camp,
This motley stage of warriors, which renews
So manifold the image of my fancy,
And binds to life, binds to reality,
What hitherto had but been present to me
As a sweet dream!

MAX.

Alas! not so to me.

It makes a dream of my reality.
Upon some island in the ethereal heights
I've liv'd for these last days. This mass of men
Forces me down to earth. It is a bridge
That, reconducting to my former life,
Divides me and my heaven.

THEKLA.

The game of life

Looks cheerful, when one carries in one's heart
The unalienable treasure. 'Tis a game,
Which having once review'd, I turn more joyous
Back to my deeper and appropriate bliss.
(breaking off, and in a sportive tone)
In this short time that I've been present here,
What new unheard-of things have I not seen?
And yet they all must give place to the wonder
Which this mysterious castle guards.

COUNTESS. (recollecting)

And what

Can this be then? Methought I was acquainted
With all the dusky corners of this house.

THEKLA. (smiling)

Ay, but the road thereto is watch'd by spirits,

Two griffins still stand sentry at the door.

COUN-