S. T. Coleridge - The d**h of Wallenstein (Act 3 Scene 23) lyrics

To these enter WALLENSTEIN, accompanied by ILLO and BUTLER. WALLENSTEIN (as he enters). Terzky! TERZKY. My general! WALLENSTEIN. Let our regiments hold themselves In readiness to march; for we shall leave Pilsen ere evening. [Exit TERZKY. Butler! BUTLER. Yes, my general. WALLENSTEIN. The Governor of Egra is your friend And countryman. Write him instantly By a post courier. He must be advised, That we are with him early on the morrow. You follow us yourself, your regiment with you. BUTLER. It shall be done, my general! WALLENSTEIN (steps between MAX. and THEKLA, who have remained during this time in each other's arms). Part! MAX. O God! [CUIRASSIERS enter with drawn swords, and a**emble in the background. At the same time there are heard from below some spirited pa**ages out of the Pappenheim March, which seem to address MAX. WALLENSTEIN (to the CUIRASSIERS). Here he is, he is at liberty: I keep him No longer. [He turns away, and stands so that MAX. cannot pa** by him nor approach the PRINCESS. MAX. Thou know'st that I have not yet learnt to live Without thee! I go forth into a desert, Leaving my all behind me. Oh, do not turn Thine eyes away from me! Oh, once more show me Thy ever dear and honored countenance. [MAX. attempts to take his hand, but is repelled: he turns to the COUNTESS. Is there no eye that has a look of pity for me? [The COUNTESS turns away from him; he turns to the DUCHESS. My mother! DUCHESS. Go where duty calls you. Haply The time may come when you may prove to us A true friend, a good angel at the throne Of the emperor. MAX. You give me hope; you would not Suffer me wholly to despair. No! no! Mine is a certain misery. Thanks to heaven! That offers me a means of ending it. [The military music begins again. The stage fills more and more with armed men. MAX. sees BUTLER and addresses him. And you here, Colonel Butler—and will you Not follow me? Well, then, remain more faithful To your new lord, than you have proved yourself To the emperor. Come, Butler! promise me. Give me your hand upon it, that you'll be The guardian of his life, its shield, its watchman. He is attainted, and his princely head Fair booty for each slave that trades in murder. Now he doth need the faithful eye of friendship, And those whom here I see—— [Casting suspicious looks on ILLO and BUTLER. ILLO. Go—seek for traitors In Gallas', in your father's quarters. Here Is only one. Away! away! and free us From his detested sight! Away! [MAX. attempts once more to approach THERLA. WALLENSTEIN prevents him. MAX. stands irresolute, and in apparent anguish, In the meantime the stage fills more and more; and the horns sound from below louder and louder, and each time after a shorter interval. MAX. Blow, blow! Oh, were it but the Swedish trumpets, And all the naked swords, which I see here, Were plunged into my breast! What purpose you? You come to tear me from this place! Beware, Ye drive me not to desperation. Do it not! Ye may repent it! [The stage is entirely filled with armed men. Yet more! weight upon weight to drag me down Think what ye're doing. It is not well done To choose a man despairing for your leader; You tear me from my happiness. Well, then, I dedicate your souls to vengeance. Mark! For your own ruin you have chosen me Who goes with me must be prepared to perish. [He turns to the background; there ensues a sudden and violent movement among the CUIRASSIERS; they surround him, and carry him off in wild tumult. WALLENSTEIN remains immovable. THERLA sinks into her mother's arms. The curtain falls. The music becomes loud and overpowering, and pa**es into a complete war- march the orchestra joins it—and continues during the interval between the second and third acts.