_Wallenstein._ Set not this tongue upon me, I entreat you. 5 You know it is the weapon that destroys me. I am routed, if a woman but attack me. I cannot traffic in the trade of words With that unreasoning sex. _Countess._ I had already Given the Bohemians a king. _Wallenstein._ They have one, 10 In consequence, no doubt. _Countess._ Ha! what new scruple? _Tertsky._ The Duke will not. _Countess._ He will not what he must! _Illo._ It lies with you now. Try. For I am silenced, When folks begin to talk to me of conscience, And of fidelity. _Countess._ How? then, when all 15 Lay in the far-off distance, when the road Stretched out before thine eyes interminably, Then hadst thou courage and resolve; and now, Now that the dream is being realized, The purpose ripe, the issue ascertained, 20 Dost thou begin to play the dastard now? Planned merely, 'tis a common felony; Accomplished, an immortal undertaking: And with success comes pardon hand in hand; For all event is God's arbitrement. 25 _Servant (enters)._ The Colonel Piccolomini. _Countess._ --Must wait. _Wallenstein._ I cannot see him now. Another time. _Servant._ But for two minutes he entreats an audience. Of the most urgent nature is his business. _Wallenstein._ Who knows what he may bring us? I will hear him. 30 _Countess._ Urgent for him, no doubt; but thou mayest wait. _Wallenstein._ What is it? _Countess._ Thou shalt be informed hereafter. First let the Swede and thee be compromised. [_Exit_ Servant. _Wallenstein._ If there were yet a choice! if yet some milder Way of escape were possible--I still 35 Will choose it, and avoid the last extreme. _Countess._ Desir'st thou nothing further? Such a way Lies still before thee. Send this Wrangel off. Forget thou thy old hopes, cast far away All thy past life; determine to commence 40 A new one. Virtue hath her heroes too, As well as Fame and Fortune.--To Vienna-- Hence--to the Emperor--kneel before the throne; Take a full coffer with thee--say aloud, Thou did'st but wish to prove thy fealty; 45 Thy whole intention but to dupe the Swede. _Illo._ For that too 'tis too late. They know too much. He would but bear his own head to the block.