Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/34

The smallest out of four-and-twenty evils,
I'faith we should wait long.—
"Dash! and through with it!"—That's the better watch-word.
Then after come what may come. 'Tis man's nature
To make the best of a bad thing once past.
A bitter and perplexed "What shall I do?"
Is worse to man than worst necessity.

QUESTENBERG.

Ay, doubtless, it is true; the Duke does spare us

The troublesome task of chusing.

BUTLER.

⁠Yes, the Duke

Cares with a father's feelings for his troops;
But how the Emperor feels for us, we see.

QUESTENBERG.

His cares and feelings all ranks share alike,

Nor will he offer one up to another.

ISOLANI.

And therefore thrusts he us into the desarts

As beasts of prey, that so he may preserve
His dear sheep fattening in his fields at home.

QUESTENBERG (with a sneer).

Count, this comparison you make, not I.

ILLO.

Why, were we all the Court supposes us,

'Twere dangerous, sure, to give us liberty.

QUESTENBERG (gravely).

You have taken liberty—it was not given you.

And