DRAMATIS PERSONE. Wallenstein, Duke of Friedland, Genrealissimo of the Imperial Forces in the thirty years' war. Octavio Piccolomini, Lieutenant General. Max. Piccolomini, his Son, Colonel of a Regiment of Cuirassiers. Count Tertsky, the Commander of several regiments, and Brother. in-law of Wallenstein. Illo, Field Marshal, Wallenstein's Confidant. Isolani, General of the Croats. Butler, an Irishman, Commander of a Regiment of Dragoons, Don Maradas, Goetz, Kolatto, Generals under Wallenstein. Neumann, Captain of Cavalry, Aide-de-camp to Tertsky. Baptisia Seni, Astrologer. Duchess of Friedland, Wife of Wallenstein. A Cornet. Several Colonels and Generals. Pages and Attendants belonging to Wallenstoln, CALIFORNIA THE PICCOLOMINI, &c. ACT I. SCENE I.-An old Gothic Chamber in the Councilhouse at Pilsen, decorated with Colours and other War Insignia. ILLO, with BUTLER and ISOLANI. Illo. YE have come late-but ye are come! The distance, Count Isolan, excuses your delay. Iso. Add this too, that we come not empty handed. At Donauwert * it was reported to us, A Sweedish caravan was on it's way, Transporting a rich cargo of provision, Almost six hundred waggons. This my Croats Illo. Just in time to baquet The illustrious company assembled here. But. "Tis all alive! a stirring scene here! The very churches are full of soldiers. Ay! (Casts his eye around.) And in the Council-house too, I observe, You're settled, quite at home! Well, well! we soldiers Illo. We have the Colonels here of thirty regiments. A town about twelve German miles N. E. of Ulm. The Piccolomini, both son and father You'll meet with many an unexpected greeting From many an old friend and acquaintance. Only Galas is wanting still, and Atringer. But. Expect not Galas. Illo. (hesitating). How so? Do you know- I see him yet, ('tis now ten years ago, We were engaged with Mansfield hard by Dessau) Illo. You'll see him yet ere evening. He conducts The Duchess Friedland hither, and the Princess From Carnthen. We expect them here at noon. But. Both wife and daughter does the Duke call hither? He crouds in visitants from all sides, Iso. Hm ! So much the better! I had fram'd my mind Illo. (who has been standing in the attitude of meditation, to Butler, whom he leads a little on one side.) Dukes in Germany being always reigning powers, their sons ters are entitled Princes and Princesses. And how came you to know That the Count Galas joins us not? He importun'd me to remain behind. Because Illo. (with warmth) And you?—You hold out firmly ? (Grasping his hand with affection.) Noble Butler! But. After the obligation which the Duke Had lay'd so newly on me Illo. A pleasant duty-Major General, I wish you joy! I had forgotten Iso. What, you mean of his regiment? I hear, too, that, to make the gift still sweeter, In which he first saw service, and since then, To the whole corps, if once in their remembrance But. I am perplexed and doubtful, whether or no I dare accept this your congratulation. The Emperor has not yet confirm'd th' appointment. Iso. Sieze it, friend! Sieze it! The hand which in that post Plac'd you, is strong enough to keep you there, Illo. Ay, if we would but so consider it! If we would all of us consider it so! The Emperor gives us nothing; from the Duke Will be himself my banker for the future, From absolute ruin, and restor❜d my honour. Illo. O that his power but kept pace with his wishes! Why, friend! he'd give the whole world to his soldiers. But at Vienna, brother!—there's the grievance !What politic schemes do they not lay to shorten His arm, and, where they can, to clip his pinions. Then these new dainty requisitions! these, Which this same Questenberg brings hither! But. These requisitions of the Emperor I too have heard about them; but I hope Ay, The Duke will not draw back a single inch! Illo. Not from his right most surely, unless first --From office! But. (shocked and confused) Know you aught then? You alarm me. Iso. (at the same time with Butler, and in a hurry- Yonder I see our worthy friend* approaching With the Lieutenant-General, Piccolomini. But. (shaking his head significantly) I fear we shall not go hence as we came. SCENE II. Enter OCTAVIO, PICCOLOMINI, and QUESTEN berg. Oct. (still in the distance) Ay, ay! more still! still more new visiters! * Spoken with a sneer. |