_Duchess._ 'Twas but a little child when you departed To raise up that great army for the Emperor: And after, at the close of the campaign, 10 When you returned home out of Pomerania, Your daughter was already in the convent, Wherein she has remain'd till now. _Wallenstein._ The while We in the field here gave our cares and toils To make her great, and fight her a free way 15 To the loftiest earthly good, lo! mother Nature Within the peaceful silent convent walls Has done her part, and out of her free grace Hath she bestowed on the beloved child The godlike; and now leads her thus adorned 20 To meet her splendid fortune, and my hope. _Duchess (to Thekla)._ Thou wouldst not have recognized thy father, Wouldst thou, my child? She counted scarce eight years, When last she saw your face. _Thekla._ O yes, yes, mother! At the first glance!--My father is not altered. 25 The form, that stands before me, falsifies No feature of the image that hath lived So long within me! _Wallenstein._ The voice of my child! [_Then after a pause._ I was indignant at my destiny That it denied me a man-child to be 30 Heir of my name and of my prosperous fortune, And re-illume my soon extinguished being In a proud line of princes. I wronged my destiny. Here upon this head So lovely in its maiden bloom will I 35 Let fall the garland of a life of war, Nor deem it lost, if only I can wreath it Transmitted to a regal ornament, Around these beauteous brows. [_He clasps her in his arms as PICCOLOMINI enters._ LINENOTES: [After 1] [_Observing the countenance of the Duchess._ 1800, 1828, 1829. SCENE IX _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.