[To TERZKY.]

Go, conduct you Gustave Wrangel
To my state-cabinet.—­Myself will speak to
The couriers.—­And dispatch immediately
A servant for Octavio Piccolomini.

[To the COUNTESS, who cannot conceal her triumph.]

No exultation! woman, triumph not! 
For jealous are the Powers of Destiny. 
Joy premature, and shouts ere victory,
Encroach upon their rights and privileges. 
We sow the seed, and they the growth determine.

[While he is making his exit the curtain drops.]

* * * * *

ACT II

SCENE I

Scene, as in the preceding Act

WALLENSTEIN, OCTAVIO PICCOLOMINI

WALLENSTEIN (coming forward in conversation).

He sends me word from Linz that he lies sick;
But I have sure intelligence that he
Secretes himself at Frauenberg with Gallas. 
Secure them both, and send them to me hither. 
Remember, thou takest on thee the command
Of those same Spanish regiments,—­constantly
Make preparation, and be never ready;
And if they urge thee to draw out against me,
Still answer YES, and stand as thou wert fetter’d;
I know that it is doing thee a service
To keep thee out of action in this business. 
Thou lovest to linger on in fair appearances;
Steps of extremity are not thy province;
Therefore have I sought out this part for thee. 
Thou wilt this time be of most service to me
By thy inertness.  The mean time, if fortune
Declare itself on my side, thou wilt know
What is to do.

Enter MAX PICCOLOMINI

Now go, Octavio. 
This night must thou be off, take my own horses
Him here I keep with me—­make short farewell—­
Trust me, I think, we all shall meet again
In joy and thriving fortunes.

OCTAVIO (to his son).

I shall see you
Yet ere I go.

SCENE II

WALLENSTEIN, MAX PICCOLOMINI

MAX. (advances to him).

My General?

WALLENSTEIN.

That I am no longer, if
Thou stylest thyself the Emperor’s officer.

MAX.

Then thou wilt leave the army, General?

WALLENST.

I have renounced the service of the Emperor.

MAX.

And thou wilt leave the army?

WALLENSTEIN.

Rather hope I
To bind it nearer still and faster to me.

[He seats himself.]