"Rebellion is for subjects! But remember, Albrecht von Waldstein, that if you would mate with eagles you must prove yourself their peer. Fly high and boldly!"
Wallenstein experienced another thrill. This time a fresh thought leapt into being. "Mate with eagles? What could she mean?" An unwonted light broke over the cold, lined face.
"You cannot mean that in the hour of victory you will be my hostage against the Emperor, Stephanie?"
"The day you win Bohemia for your crown I share it with you!"
"Bohemia! And you, Stephanie?" Even now he could scarcely believe his ears. He saw quite clearly the immense advantage it would be to him to wed Stephanie: how it would tie the hands of the Emperor and prevent the otherwise inevitable reprisals.
"And Holy Church? I am wedded man!"
"The Church can give dispensations where she wishes. She shall wish, even if you have to march on Rome!"
"And you pledge yourself to help me counter their Jesuit plans?"
"I do, Albrecht. See, I kiss the cross! I vow it solemnly! And as earnest, let me tell you they would have me marry Maximilian!"
"God in heaven!" exclaimed Wallenstein. "That shall not be, if there be a nunnery to keep you safe on this side of the Alps."