Volume 2 / Act 1 — Scene IX
Reading edition
Enter Max Piccolomini, and some time after Count Tertsky, the others remaining as before.
Countess. There comes the Paladin who protected us. Wallenstein. Max! Welcome, ever welcome! Always wert thou The morning star of my best joys! Max. My General—— Wallenstein. 'Till now it was the Emperor who rewarded thee, I but the instrument. This day thou hast bound 5 [623] The father to thee, Max! the fortunate father, And this debt Friedland's self must pay. Max. My prince! You made no common hurry to transfer it. I come with shame: yea, not without a pang! For scarce have I arrived here, scarce delivered 10 The mother and the daughter to your arms, But there is brought to me from your equerry A splendid richly-plated hunting dress So to remunerate me for my troubles—— Yes, yes, remunerate me! Since a trouble 15 It must be, a mere office, not a favour Which I leapt forward to receive, and which I came already with full heart to thank you for. No! 'twas not so intended, that my business Should be my highest best good fortune! 20
[Tertsky enters, and delivers letters to the Duke, which he breaks open hurryingly.
Countess (to Max). Remunerate your trouble! For his joy He makes you recompense. 'Tis not unfitting For you, Count Piccolomini, to feel So tenderly—my brother it beseems To shew himself for ever great and princely. 25 Thekla. Then I too must have scruples of his love: For his munificent hands did ornament me Ere yet the father's heart had spoken to me. Max. Yes; 'tis his nature ever to be giving And making happy. How my heart pours out 30 Its all of thanks to him: O! how I seem To utter all things in the dear name Friedland. While I shall live, so long will I remain The captive of this name: in it shall bloom My every fortune, every lovely hope. 35 Inextricably as in some magic ring In this name hath my destiny charm-bound me! Countess. My brother wishes us to leave him. Come. Wallenstein (turns himself round quick, collects himself, and speaks with cheerfulness to the Duchess). Once more I bid thee welcome to the camp, [624] Thou art the hostess of this court. You, Max, 40 Will now again administer your old office, While we perform the sovereign's business here.
[Max Piccolomini offers the Duchess his arm, the Countess accompanies the Princess.
Tertsky (calling after him). Max, we depend on seeing you at the meeting.
LINENOTES:
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30
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And making happy. [He grasps the hand of the Duchess with still increasing warmth.
1800, 1828, 1829.
Before 38 Countess (who during this time has been anxiously watching the Duke, and remarks that he is lost in thought over the letters). 1800, 1828, 1829.