Countess. And another time
I hastened after thee, and thou ran'st from me
Through a long suite, through many a spacious hall,
There seemed no end of it: doors creaked and clapped;
I followed panting, but could not o'ertake thee; 120
When on a sudden did I feel myself
Grasped from behind—the hand was cold that grasped me—
'Twas thou, and thou did'st kiss me, and there seemed
[[798]] A crimson covering to envelop us.

Wallenstein. That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber. 125

Countess (gazing on him). If it should come to that—if I should see thee,
Who standest now before me in the fulness
Of life— [She falls on his breast and weeps.

Wallenstein. The Emperor's proclamation weighs upon thee—
Alphabets wound not—and he finds no hands. [130]

Countess. If he should find them, my resolve is taken—
I bear about me my support and refuge. [Exit Countess.

FOOTNOTES:

[794:1] These four lines are expressed in the original with exquisite felicity.

'Am Himmel ist geschäftige Bewegung,
Des Thurmes Fahne jagt der Wind, schnell geht
Der Wolken Zug, die Mondessichel wankt,
Und durch die Nacht zeucht ungewisse Helle.'

The word 'moon-sickle' reminds me of a passage in Harris, as quoted by Johnson, under the word 'falcated'. 'The enlightened part of the moon appears in the form of a sickle or reaping-hook, which is while she is moving from the conjunction to the opposition, or from the new moon to the full: but from full to a new again, the enlightened part appears gibbous, and the dark falcated.'