Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/176

WALLENSTEIN. (pacing up and down in
extreme agitation)

What! I must realize it now in earnest,

Because I toy'd too freely with the thought?
Accursed he who dallies with a devil!
And must I—I must realize it now—
Now, while I have the power, it must take place?

ILLO.

Now—now—ere they can ward and parry it!

WALLENSTEIN. (looking at the paper of signatures}

I have the General's words—a written promise!

Max. Piccolomini stands not here—how's that?

TERTSKY.

It was———he fancied———

ILLO.

⁠Mere self-willedness.

There needed no such thing 'twixt him and you.

WALLENSTEIN.

He is quite right—there needeth no such thing.

The regiments, too, deny to march for Flanders—
Have sent me in a paper of remonstrance,
And openly resist the Imperial orders.
The first step to revolt 's already taken.

ILLO.

Believe me, thou wilt find it far more easy

To lead them over to the enemy
Than to the Spaniard.

WALLENSTEIN.

I will hear, however,

What the Swede has to say to me.

ILLO.