Chapter 49

_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 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, 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:

[30]

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.