S. T. Coleridge - The d**h of Wallenstein (Act 4 Scene 3) lyrics

To these enter WALLENSTEIN, in conversation with the BURGOMASTER of Egra. WALLENSTEIN. You were at one time a free town. I see Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms. Why the half eagle only? BURGOMASTER. We were free, But for these last two hundred years has Egra Remained in pledge to the Bohemian crown; Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half Being cancelled till the empire ransom us, If ever that should be. WALLENSTEIN. Ye merit freedom. Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears To no designing whispering court-minions. What may your imposts be? BURGOMASTER. So heavy that We totter under them. The garrison Lives at our costs. WALLENSTEIN. I will relieve you. Tell me, There are some Protestants among you still? [The BURGOMASTER hesitates. Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie concealed Within these walls. Confess now, you yourself—— [Fixes, his eye on him. The BURGOMASTER alarmed. Be not alarmed. I hate the Jesuits. Could my will have determined it they had Been long ago expelled the empire. Trust me— Ma**-book or Bible, 'tis all one to me. Of that the world has had sufficient proof. I built a church for the Reformed in Glogau At my own instance. Hark ye, burgomaster! What is your name? BURGOMASTER. Pachhalbel, my it please you. WALLENSTEIN. Hark ye! But let it go no further, what I now Disclose to you in confidence. [Laying his hand on the BURGOMASTER'S shoulder with a certain solemnity. The times Draw near to their fulfilment, burgomaster! The high will fall, the low will be exalted. Hark ye! But keep it to yourself! The end Approaches of the Spanish double monarchy— A new arrangement is at hand. You saw The three moons that appeared at once in the heaven? BURGOMASTER. With wonder and affright! WALLENSTEIN. Whereof did two Strangely transform themselves to bloody daggers, And only one, the middle moon, remained Steady and clear. BURGOMASTER. We applied it to the Turks. WALLENSTEIN. The Turks! That all? I tell you that two empires Will set in blood, in the East and in the West, And Lutherism alone remain. [Observing GORDON and BUTLER. I'faith, 'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard This evening, as we journeyed hitherward: 'Twas on our left hand. Did ye hear it here? GORDON. Distinctly. The wind brought it from the south. BUTLER. It seemed to come from Weiden or from Neustadt. WALLENSTEIN. 'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking. How strong is the garrison? GORDON. Not quite two hundred Competent men, the rest are invalids. WALLENSTEIN. Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim? GORDON. Two hundred arquebusiers have I sent thither To fortify the posts against the Swedes. WALLENSTEIN. Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too You have done somewhat? GORDON. Two additional batteries I caused to be run up. They were needless; The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, general! WALLENSTEIN. You have been watchful in your emperor's service. I am content with you, lieutenant-colonel. [To BUTLER. Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim, With all the stations in the enemy's route. [To GORDON. Governor, in your faithful hands I leave My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival Of letters to take leave of you, together With all the regiments.