_Wallenstein._ He thinks to carry off Duke Friedland's daughter! 75 Aye?--The thought pleases me. The young man has no grovelling spirit. _Countess._ Since Such and such constant favour you have shewn him-- _Wallenstein._ He chooses finally to be my heir. And true it is, I love the youth; yea, honour him. 80 But must he therefore be my daughter's husband! Is it daughters only? Is it only children That we must shew our favour by? _Duchess._ His noble disposition and his manners-- _Wallenstein._ Win him my heart, but not my daughter. _Duchess._ Then 85 His rank, his ancestors-- _Wallenstein._ Ancestors! What? He is a subject, and my son-in-law I will seek out upon the thrones of Europe. _Duchess._ O dearest Albrecht! Climb we not too high. Lest we should fall too low. _Wallenstein._ What? have I paid 90 A price so heavy to ascend this eminence, And jut out high above the common herd, Only to close the mighty part I play In Life's great drama, with a common kinsman? Have I for this-- [_pause._] She is the only thing 95 That will remain behind of me on earth; And I will see a crown around her head, Or die in the attempt to place it there. I hazard all--all! and for this alone, To lift her into greatness-- 100 Yea, in this moment, in the which we are speaking-- [_pause._ And I must now, like a soft-hearted father, Couple together in good peasant fashion The pair, that chance to suit each other's liking-- And I must do it now, even now, when I 105 Am stretching out the wreath that is to twine My full accomplished work--no! she is the jewel, Which I have treasured long, my last, my noblest, And 'tis my purpose not to let her from me For less than a king's sceptre. _Duchess._ O my husband! 110 You're ever building, building to the clouds, Still building higher, and still higher building, And ne'er reflect, that the poor narrow basis Cannot sustain the giddy tottering column. _Wallenstein (to the Countess)._ Have you announced the place of residence 115 Which I have destined for her? _Countess._ No! not yet. 'Twere better you yourself disclosed it to her. _Duchess._ How? Do we not return to Karn then? _Wallenstein._ No. _Duchess._ And to no other of your lands or seats? _Wallenstein._ You would not be secure there. _Duchess._ Not secure 120 In the Emperor's realms, beneath the Emperor's Protection? _Wallenstein._ Friedland's wife may be permitted No longer to hope that.