University of Virginia Library

Scena secunda

Emperor, Gallas, Questenberg.
Emp.
Hee'l not resigne then?

Quest.
'Tis so fear'd, the greatnesse
Of his vast spirit never will admit
Resignation of those honours, which
He has with such felicity injoy'd.

Gallas.
Besides, my Lord,
The Army is so much bewitch'd with love
Of this Arch-Traytor Wallenstein, they rather
Put of their due allegeance unto you
Their naturall Soveraigne, nay give up their lives,
Then yeeld to any act which may concerne
His removall.

Emper.
Can this be possible!
Treason shall never brave us at our doores,
Whilst I can wield a Sword: ingratefull slave!
Whom I have rais'd from such an abject lownesse;
His family did scarcely beare a name
In common Gentry, to the very height,
The type of honour. That he should doe this,
And like the Vipers young, devoure that heart,
That bred and nourish'd him, more afflicts my soule,
Than all the wrongs and troubles which my foes
Ever inflicted on my Fame and Empire.
Matthias Gallas, let it be your charge,
To see new forces levy'd, to oppose
Against this Arch-Rebell.

Gallas.
My Lord, I've learn'd
Ith' practicke Schoole of warre, that to oppose
Fresh unexperienc'd troups against the flower
Of old and hardned Souldiers, is but as
If amongst hungry Lions we should cast,
Resistlesse infants, and by their weake force,
Hope to o'recome the furious beasts: Dread Sir,
My Councell alwayes has had that successe,
To be accounted faithfull to my Prince:
Feare it not, follow then my poore advice,
Meet trechery with policie, and try,
If you the Ambitious traytor can surprize,
The head once off, the weake and fainting limbes,
Like sear'd dri'd boughs, by an impetuous wind,
Torne from an aged Oke, will fall to earth,
And be consum'd to ashes.

Empe.
It shall be so,
Lord Questenberg, with all convenient speed,
Dispatch a trusty messenger unto
The King of Hungary, command his presence,
With his most able legions for the safeguard
Of our owne person: In such like affaires,
Which doe concerne the uncertaine rule of States,
Wise men should alwayes be above their fates.

Exeunt.