Wallenstein. Win him my heart, but not my daughter.

Duchess. Then 85
His rank, his ancestors—

Wallenstein. Ancestors! What?
He is a subject, and my son-in-law
I will seek out upon the thrones of Europe.

Duchess. O dearest Albrecht! Climb we not too high.
Lest we should fall too low.

Wallenstein. What? have I paid 90
A price so heavy to ascend this eminence,
And jut out high above the common herd,
Only to close the mighty part I play
In Life's great drama, with a common kinsman?
Have I for this— [pause.] She is the only thing [95]
That will remain behind of me on earth;
And I will see a crown around her head,
Or die in the attempt to place it there.
I hazard all—all! and for this alone,
To lift her into greatness— [100]
Yea, in this moment, in the which we are speaking— [pause.
And I must now, like a soft-hearted father,
Couple together in good peasant fashion
The pair, that chance to suit each other's liking—
And I must do it now, even now, when I 105
Am stretching out the wreath that is to twine
My full accomplished work—no! she is the jewel,
Which I have treasured long, my last, my noblest,
And 'tis my purpose not to let her from me
For less than a king's sceptre.

Duchess. O my husband! 110
You're ever building, building to the clouds,
[[735]] Still building higher, and still higher building,
And ne'er reflect, that the poor narrow basis
Cannot sustain the giddy tottering column.

Wallenstein (to the Countess). Have you announced the place of residence [115]
Which I have destined for her?

Countess. No! not yet.
'Twere better you yourself disclosed it to her.

Duchess. How? Do we not return to Karn then?

Wallenstein. No.