WALLENSTEIN.
Ye're both feverish!
How can mishap come to me from the Swedes!
They sought this junction with me—'tis their
interest.
GORDON (with difficulty suppressing his emotion).
But what if the arrival of these Swedes—
What if this were the very thing that wing'd
The ruin that is flying to your temples?
[Flings himself at his feet.]
There is yet time, my Prince.
SENI.
O hear him! hear him!
GORDON (rises).
The Rhinegrave's still far off. Give but the orders,
This citadel shall close its gates upon him.
If then he will besiege us, let him try it.
But this I say; he'll find his own destruction
With his whole force before these ramparts, sooner
Than weary down the valor of our spirit.
He shall experience what a band of heroes,
Inspirited by an heroic leader,
Is able to perform. And if indeed
It be thy serious wish to make amend
For that which thou hast done amiss—this, this
Will touch and reconcile the Emperor,
Who gladly turns his heart to thoughts of mercy
And Friedland, who returns repentant to him,
Will stand yet higher in his Emperor's favor
Than e'er he stood when he had never fallen.