University of Virginia Library

Scene III

To these enter Wallenstein, in conversation with the Burgomaster of Egra.
Wallenstein.
You were at one time a free town. I see,
Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms.
Why the half eagle only?

Burgomaster.
We were free,
But for these last two hundred years has Egra
Remained in pledge to the Bohemian crown,
Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half
Being cancelled till the empire ransom us,
If ever that should be.

Wallenstein.
Ye merit freedom.
Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears
To no designing whispering court-minions.
What may your imposts be?

Burgomaster.
So heavy that
We totter under them. The garrison
Lives at our costs.

Wallenstein.
I will relieve you. Tell me,
There are some Protestants among you still?
[The Burgomaster hesitates.
Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie concealed
Within these walls—Confess now—you yourself—
Be not alarmed. I hate the Jesuits.
Could my will have determined it, they had
Been long ago expelled the empire. Trust me—
Mass-book or Bible—'tis all one to me.
Of that the world has had sufficient proof.
I built a church for the reformed in Glogan
At my own instance. Hark'e, Burgomaster!
What is your name?

Burgomaster.
Pachhälbel, may it please you.

Wallenstein.
Hark'e!—
But let it go no further, what I now
Disclose to you in confidence.
[Laying his hand on the Burgomaster's shoulder.
The times
Draw near to their fulfilment, Burgomaster!
The high will fall, the low will be exalted.
Hark'e! But keep it to yourself! The end
Approaches of the Spanish double monarchy—
A new arrangement is at hand. You saw
The three moons that appeared at once in the Heaven.

Burgomaster.
With wonder and affright!

Wallenstein.
Whereof did two
Strangely transform themselves to bloody daggers,
And only one, the middle moon, remained
Steady and clear.

Burgomaster.
We applied it to the Turks.

Wallenstein.
The Turks! That all?—I tell you, that two empires
Will set in blood, in the East and in the West,
And Luth'ranism alone remain.
[Observing Gordon and Butler.
I'faith,
'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard
This evening, as we journeyed hitherward;
'Twas on our left hand. Did you hear it here?

Gordon.
Distinctly. The wind brought it from the South.

Butler.
It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt.

Wallenstein.
'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking.
How strong is the garrison?

Gordon.
Not quite two hundred
Competent men, the rest are invalids.

Wallenstein.
Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim?

Gordon.
Two hundred arquebussiers have I sent thither
To fortify the posts against the Swedes.

Wallenstein.
Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too
You have done somewhat?

Gordon.
Two additional batteries
I caused to be run up. They were needless.
The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, General!

Wallenstein.
You have been watchful in your Emperor's service.
I am content with you, Lieutenant-Colonel.
[To Butler.
Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim
With all the stations in the enemy's route.
[To Gordon.
Governor, in your faithful hands I leave
My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I
Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival
Of letters, to take leave of you, together
With all the regiments.