_To these enter_ WALLENSTEIN, _in conversation with the_ BURGOMASTER _of Egra_.
You were at one time a free town. I see, Ye bear the half eagle in your city arms. Why the _half_ eagle only?
We were free, But for these last two hundred years has Egra Remain'd in pledge to the Bohemian crown; Therefore we bear the half eagle, the other half Being cancell'd till the empire ransom us, If ever that should be.
Ye merit freedom. Only be firm and dauntless. Lend your ears To no designing whispering court-minions. What may your imposts be?
So heavy that We totter under them. The garrison Lives at our costs.
I will relieve you. Tell me, There are some Protestants among you still
Yes, yes; I know it. Many lie conceal'd Within these walls--confess now--you your self--
[_Fixes his eye on him. The_ BURGOMASTER _alarmed_.]
Be not alarm'd. I hate the Jesuits. Could my will have determined it, they had Been long ago expell'd the empire. Trust me-- Mass-book or bible, 'tis all one to me. Of that the world has had sufficient proof. I built a church for the Reform'd in Glogau At my own instance. Harkye, Burgomaster! What is your name?
Harkye!-- 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. Harkye! 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 appear'd at once in the Heaven.
Whereof did two Strangely transform themselves to bloody daggers, And only one, the middle moon, remained Steady and clear.
The Turks! That all?--I tell you, that two empires Will set in blood, in the East and in the West, And Luth'ranism alone remain.
I' faith, 'Twas a smart cannonading that we heard This evening, as we journey'd hitherward; 'Twas on our left hand. Did you hear it here?
Distinctly. The wind brought it from the south.
It seem'd to came from Weiden or from Neustadt.
'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking. How strong is the garrison?
Not quite two hundred Competent men, the rest are invalids.
Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim?