Page:Wallenstein, a drama in 2 parts - Schiller (tr. Coleridge) (1800).djvu/160

 The Duke hath yet his destiny in his power. Let him but leave the treason uncompleted, He will be silently displac'd from office, And make way to his Emperor's royal son. An honorable exile to his castles Will be a benefaction to him rather Than punishment. But the first open step

What call'st thou such a step? A wicked step Ne'er will he take; but thou might'st easily, Yea, thou hast done it, misinterpret him.

Nay, howsoever punishable were Duke Friedland's purposes, yet still the steps Which he hath taken openly, permit A mild construction. It is my intention To leave this paper wholly uninforc'd Till some act is committed which convicts him Of an high treason, without doubt or plea, And that shall sentence him.

But who the Judge?

Thyself.

For ever, then, this paper will lie idle.

Too soon, I fear, its powers must all be prov'd. After the counter-promise of this evening, It cannot be but he must deem himself Secure