_Wrangel (rising)._ The Swede, if he would treat well with the German, Must keep a sharp look-out. We have been called Over the Baltic, we have saved the empire From ruin--with our best blood have we seal'd 130 The liberty of faith, and gospel truth. But now already is the benefaction No longer felt, the load alone is felt.---- Ye look askance with evil eye upon us, As foreigners, intruders in the empire, 135 And would fain send us, with some paltry sum Of money, home again to our old forests. No, no! my Lord Duke! no!--it never was For Judas' pay, for chinking gold and silver, That we did leave our King by the Great Stone.[696:1] 140 No, not for gold and silver have there bled So many of our Swedish Nobles--neither Will we, with empty laurels for our payment, Hoist sail for our own country. Citizens Will we remain upon the soil, the which 145 Our Monarch conquered for himself, and died. _Wallenstein._ Help to keep down the common enemy, And the fair border land must needs be yours. _Wrangel._ But when the common enemy lies vanquished, Who knits together our new friendship then? 150 We know, Duke Friedland! though perhaps the Swede Ought not t' have known it, that you carry on Secret negotiations with the Saxons. Who is our warranty, that we are not The sacrifices in those articles 155 Which 'tis thought needful to conceal from us? _Wallenstein (rises)._ Think you of something better, Gustave Wrangel! Of Prague no more. _Wrangel._ Here my commission ends. _Wallenstein._ Surrender up to you my capital! Far liever would I face about, and step 160 Back to my Emperor. _Wrangel._ If time yet permits---- _Wallenstein._ That lies with me, even now, at any hour. _Wrangel._ Some days ago, perhaps. To-day, no longer, No longer since Sesina is a prisoner. My Lord Duke, hear me--We believe that you 165 At present do mean honourably by us. Since yesterday we're sure of that--and now This paper warrants for the troops, there's nothing Stands in the way of our full confidence. Prague shall not part us. Hear! The Chancellor 170 Contents himself with Albstadt, to your Grace He gives up Ratschin and the narrow side, But Egra above all must open to us, Ere we can think of any junction. _Wallenstein._ You, You therefore must I trust, and you not me? 175 I will consider of your proposition.