Where are they! No one is here. They leave me all alone, Alone in this sore anguish of suspense. And I must wear the outward show of calmness Before my sister, and shut in within me The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom. It is not to be borne. If all should fail; If--if he must go over to the Swedes, An empty-handed fugitive, and not As an ally, a covenanted equal, A proud commander with his army following, If we must wander on from land to land, Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness An ignominious monument! But no! That day I will not see! And could himself Endure to sink so low, I would not bear To see him so low sunken. SCENE XII COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA THEKLA (_endeavoring to hold back the_ DUCHESS). Dear mother, do stay here! DUCHESS. No! Here is yet Some frightful mystery that is hidden from me. Why does my sister shun me? Don't I see her Full of suspense and anguish roam about From room to room? Art thou not full of terror? And what import these silent nods and gestures Which stealthwise thou exchangest with her? THEKLA. Nothing: Nothing, dear mother! DUCHESS (_to the_ COUNTESS). Sister, I will know. COUNTESS. What boots it now to hide it from her? Sooner Or later she _must_ learn to hear and bear it. 'Tis not the time now to indulge infirmity; Courage beseems us now, a heart collect, And exercise and previous discipline Of fortitude. One word, and over with it! Sister, you are deluded. You believe The Duke has been deposed--the Duke is not Deposed--he is-- THEKLA (_going to the_ COUNTESS). What? do you wish to kill her? COUNTESS. The Duke is-- THEKLA (_throwing her arms round her mother_). O stand firm; stand firm, my mother! COUNTESS. Revolted is the Duke; he is preparing To join the enemy; the army leave him, And all has fail'd. SCENE XIII A spacious Room in the Duke of Friedland's Palace. WALLENSTEIN (_in armor_).