Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/160

The Duke hath yet his destiny in his power.
Let him but leave the treason uncompleted,
He will be silently displac'd from office,
And make way to his Emperor's royal son.
An honorable exile to his castles
Will be a benefaction to him rather
Than punishment. But the first open step———

MAX.

What call'st thou such a step? A wicked step

Ne'er will he take; but thou might'st easily,
Yea, thou hast done it, misinterpret him.

OCTAVIO.

Nay, howsoever punishable were

Duke Friedland's purposes, yet still the steps
Which he hath taken openly, permit
A mild construction. It is my intention
To leave this paper wholly uninforc'd
Till some act is committed which convicts him
Of an high treason, without doubt or plea,
And that shall sentence him.

MAX.

⁠ But who the Judge?

OCTAVIO.

Thyself.

MAX.

For ever, then, this paper will lie idle.

OCTAVIO.

Too soon, I fear, its powers must all be prov'd.

After the counter-promise of this evening,
It cannot be but he must deem himself

Secure