more passages whose excellence will bear reflection, than in the former productions of Schiller. The description of the Astrological Tower, and the reflections of the Young Lover, which follow it, form in the original a fine poem; and my translation must have been wretched indeed, if it can have wholly overclouded the beauties of the Scene in the first Act of the first Play between Questenberg, Max., and Octavio Piccolomini. If we except the Scene of the setting sun in the Robbers, I know of no part in Schiller's Plays which equals the whole of the first Scene of the fifth Act of the concluding Play. It would be unbecoming in me to be more diffuse on this subject. A Translator stands connected with the original Author by a certain law of subordination, which makes it more decorous to point out excellencies than defects: indeed he is not likely to be a fair judge of either. The pleasure or disgust from his own labour will mingle with the feelings that arise from an after-view of the original. Even in the first perusal of a work in any foreign language which we understand, we are apt to attribute to it shore excellence than it really possesses from our own pleasureable sense of difficulty overcome without effort, Translation of poetry into poetry is difficult, because the Translator must give a brilliancy to his language without that warmth of original conception, from which such brilliancy would follow of its own accord. But the Translator of a living Author is encumbered with additional inconveniencies. If he render his original faithfully, as to the sense of each passage, he must, necessarily, destroy a considerable portion of the spirit; if he endeavour to give a work executed according to laws of compensation, he subjects himself to imputations of vanity, or misrepresentation. I have thought it my duty to remain bound by the sense of my original, with as few exceptions as the nature of the languages rendered possible. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. WAllenstein, Duke of Friedland, Generalissimo of the Imperial Forces in the Thirty-years' hour. Duchess or Fairpland, Wife of Wallenstein. Turkla, her Daughter, Princess of Friedland. The Countess Tearsky, Sister of the Duchess. Lany Neuhauxx. Ocravio Piccolomini, Lieutenant General. Max. Piccolomix1, his son, Colonel of a Regiment of Cuirassiers. Count Tearsky, the Commander of several Regiments, and Brother-in-law of Wallenstein. Illo, Field Marshal, Wallenstein's Confidant. Burlem, an Irishman, Commander of a Regiment of Dragoons. Gordon, Governor of Fyra. Majos GEA Albin. Captain Devereux. — — — MacDonald. Neumann, Captain of Cavalry, Aide-de-camp to Tertsky. Swedish CAPTAIN. Sext. Burgomasten of Egra. ANspessank of the Cuirassiers. Gnooxt of the CuAM ner, A PAGE, Curkassiras, DnAgoons, SERVANTs. | Felonging to the Duke. countess. It does not please me, Princess, that he holds Himself so still, exactly at this time. trier L.A. Exactly at this time? countess. He now knows all : 'T were now the moment to declare himself. the KLA. If I'm to understand you, speak less darkly. countess. "Twas for that purpose that I bade her leave us. Thekla, you are no more a child. Your heart Is now no more in nonage: for you love, And boldness dwells with love—that you have proved. Your nature moulds itself upon your father's More than your mother's spirit. Therefore may you Hear, what were too much for her fortitude. the ki.A. Enough : no further preface, I entreat you. At once, out with it! Be it what it may, It is not possible that it should torture me More than this introduction. What have you To say to me? Tell me the whole, and briefly! couxtess. You'll not be frighten’d—— with most implicit unconditional faith, ----------- - - - - --- And glorious; with an unpolluted heart Thou canst not hear it named, and will thou do it? wall, enstein. It is too late. Thou knowest not what has happen'd. MAX. Were it too late, and were things gone so far, ww.l. i.rwon to 1 N. Who bear the order on to Prague and Egra. [Max. stands as eonmulsed, with a gesture and countenance expressing the most intense anquish. Yield thyself to it. We act as we are forced. I cannot give assent to my own shame And ruin. Thou—no—thou canst not forsake me! So let us do, what must be done, with dignity, With a firm step. What am I doing worse Than did famed Caesar at the Rubicon, When he the legions led against his country, The which his country had deliver'd to him Had he thrown down the sword, he had been lost, As I were, if I but disarm'd myself. 1 trace out something in me of his spirit; Give me his luck, that other thing I'll hear. [Max. Quits him abrupty. WAllenstein, startled and overpowered, continues looking after him, and is still in this posture when Tearsky enters. SCEN E III. WAllenstein, Teatsky. Terrsky. Max. Piccolomini just left you ? walle Nisrein. Where is Wrangel? tearsky. He is already gone. WALLenstein. In such a hurry? tentsky. It is as if the eartlı had swallow'd him. He had scarce left thee, when I went to seek him. I wish'd some words with him—but he was gone. How, when, and where, could no one tell me. Nay, I half believe it was the devil himself; A human creature could not so at once Have vanish'd. illo (enters). Is it true that thou wilt send Octaviot Tentsky. How, Octavio ! Whither send him! wall exist El N. He goes to Frauenberg, and will lead hither The Spanish and Italian regiments. 1 LL0. o! who have always trusted him? What, then, has happen'd, | That I should lose my good opinion of him? In complaisance to your whims, not my own, I must, forsooth, five up a rooted judgment. Think not I am a woman. Having trusted him E’en till to-day, to-day too will I trust him. TERTsky. Must it be he—he only 1 Send another. wai. Le Nstein. It must be he, whom I myself have chosen; He is well fitted for the business. Therefore I gave it him. Ilf.d. Because he's an Italian– Therefore is he well fitted for the business! wat, Lenstein. I know you love them not—nor sire nor son— Because that I esteem them, love them—visibly Esteem them, love them more than you and others, E'en as they merit. Therefore are they eve-blights, Thorns in your foot-path. Iłut your jealousies, In what affect they me or my concerns? Are they the worse to me because you hate them 1 Love or hate one another as you will, I leave to each man his own moods and likings; Yet know the worth of each of you to me. li.l.o. Von Questenberg, while he was here, was always Lurking about with this Octavio. w A i.i.e. Nst e i N. It happen'd with my knowledge and permission. it, i.o. I know that secret messengers came to him From Galas—— wallenstein. That's not true. I LL0. O thou art blind, With thy deep-seeing eyes! walleNstrin. Thou wilt not shake My faith for me—my faith, which founds itself On the profoundest science. If t is false, Then the whole science of the stars is false; For know, I have a pledge from Fate itself, That he is the most faithful of my friends. 1 illo. Hast thou a pledge, that this pledge is not false? wall, r. NSTel N. There exist moments in the life of man, when he is nearer the great Soul of the world Than is man's custom, and possesses freely The power of questioning his destiny: And such a moment’t was, when in the night Before the action in the plains of Lützen, Leaning against a tree, thoughts crowding thoughts, I look'd out far upon the ominous plain. My whole life, past and future, in this moment Before my mind's eye glided in procession, o And to the destiny of the next morning The spirit, fill'd with anxious presentiment, Did knit the most removed futurity. Then said I also to myself, . So many Dost thou command. They follow all thy stars, And as on some great number set their All Upon thy single head, and only man The vessel of thy fortune. Yet a day That was a chance. walllenstein (significantly). There's no such thing as chance. In brief, "t is sign'd and seal'd that this Octavio [He is retiring. tentsky. This is my comfort—Max. remains our hostage. It. Lo. And he shall never stir from here alive. wallenstein (stops and turns himself round). Are ye not like the women, who for ever Only recur to their first word, although One had been talking reason by the hours Know, that the human being's thoughts and deeds Are not, like ocean billows, blindly moved. The inner world, his microcosmus, is The deep shaft, out of which they spring eternally. They grow by certain laws, like the tree's fruit— Nojuggling chance can metamorphose them. Have I the human kernel first examined? Then I know, too, the future will and action. SCENE IV. Scene—A Chamber in Piccolomixi's Dwelling-House. Octavio Piccolomini, Isolani, entering. isol, Anr. Here am I–Well! who comes yet of the others? octavio (with an air of mystery). But, first, a word with you, Count Isolani. isolani (assuming the same air of mystery). Will it explode, ha?—Is the Duke about To make the attempt? In me, friend, you may place Full confidence.—Nay, put me to the proof. octavio. That may happen. 1solant. Noble brother, I am Not one of those men who in words are valiant, And when it comes to action skulk away. The Duke has acted towards me as a friend. God knows it is so; and I owe him all—— He may rely on my fidelity. oci Avio. That will be seen hereafter. isol. A Nr. Be on your guard, All think not as I think; and there are many Who still hold with the Court—yes, and they say That those stolen signatures bind them to nothing. octavio. I am rejoiced to hear it. iso L.A.N.I. You rejoice! octaVio. That the Emperor has yet such gallant servants, And loving friends. isolani. Nay, jeer not, I entreat you. They are no such worthless fellows, I assure you. octavio. I am assured already. God forbid That I should jest!—In very serious earnest, I am rejoiced to see an honest cause That you may make full declaration, whether You will be call'd the friend or enemy Of the Emperor. isolani (with an air of defiance). That declaration, friend, I'll make to him in whom a right is placed To put that question to me. octavio. Whether Count, That right is mine, this paper may instruct you. isola Ni (stammering). Why, -why—what! this is the Emperor's hand and seal! [Reads. • Whereas, the officers collectively Throughout our army will obey the orders Of the Lieutenant-general Piccolomini. As from our ourselves.--—Hem!—Yes! so!—Yes! yes!— I–I give you joy, Lieutenant-general octaw 10. And you submit you to the order? isolani." But you have taken me so by surprise— Time for reflection one must have—— - octavio. - Two minutes. isol, Ani. My God! But then the case is—— octavro. Plain and simple. You must declare you, whether you determine * To act a treason 'gainst your Lord and Sovereign, Or whether you will serve him faithfully. ISO LAN i. Treason!—My God!—But who talks then of treason? octavio. isot,AN i. octavio. isola N i. Aye! that delights me now, that you yourself Bear witness for me that I never said so. octaw to. And you renounce the Duke then iso LAN i. If he's planning Treason—why, treason breaks all bonds asunder. Oct Avio. so And are determined, too, to fight against him? isolani. octavio. isol. Ani. It shall be done. But you'll remember me With the Emperor—how well-disposed you found me. octavio. I will not fail to mention it honourably. [Exit Isolani. What, Colonel Butler!—Show him up. isol ANI (returning). Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father octavio. No excuses! 1so LAN i. A SeavaNT enters. butlert. You do me too much honour. octavio (after both have seated themselves). You have not Return'd the advances which I made you yesterday— Misunderstood them, as mere empty forms. That wish proceeded from my heart—I was In earnest with you—for 'tis now a time In which the honest should unite most closely. but Lea. 'T is only the like-minded can unite. octavio. True! and I name all honest men like-minded. I never charge a man but with those acts To which his character deliberately Impels him; for alas! the violence Of blind misunderstandings often thrusts The very best of us from the right track. You came through Frauenberg. Did the Count Galas Say nothing to you? Tell me. He's my friend. But Le R. His words were lost on me. octaw Io. It grieves me sorely, To hear it : for his counsel was most wise. I had myself the like to offer. but left. Spare Yourself the trouble—me th' embarrassment, To have deserved so ill your good opinion. octa W io. The time is precious—let us talk openly. You know how matters stand here. Wallenstein Meditates treason—I can tell you further— He has committed treason; but few hours Have past, since he a covenant concluded With the enemy. The messengers are now Full on their way to Egra and to Prague. To-morrow he intends to lead us over To the enemy. But he deceives himself; For Prudence wakes—the Emperor has still Many and faithful friends here, and they stand In closest union, mighty though unseen. This manifesto sentences the Duke— Recals the obedience of the army from him, And summons all the loyal, all the honest, To join and recognize in me their leader. Chuse—will you share with us an honest cause? Or with the evil share an evil lot. - burlea (rises). His lot is mine. octavio. Is that your last resolve? s But Lee. It is. octavio. Nay, but bethink you, Colonel Butler! As yet you have time. Within my faithful breast That rashly utter'd word remains interr'd. Recal it, Butler! chuse a better party: You have not chosen the right one. Butler (going). Any other Commands for me, Lieutenant-general? octavio. See your white hairs! Recal that word |