Ever since the death of the king he has
been negotiating privately with me, but I could not believe that
he was in earnest or that such monstrous treachery was possible.
How could I suppose that he who has been raised from the rank of
a simple gentleman to that of a duke and prince, and who, save the
fortunes which he obtained with his wives, owes everything to the
bounty of the emperor, could be preparing to turn his arms against
him?"
"It is true that he has done great things for Ferdinand, but his
ambition is even greater than his military talent. Any other man
would have been content with the enormous possessions and splendid
dignity which he has attained, and which in fact render him far richer
than his Imperial master; but to be a prince does not suffice for
him. He has been promised a kingdom, but even that is insufficient
for his ambition. It is clear that he aims to dethrone the emperor
and to set himself up in his place; however, his ingratitude does
not concern me, it suffices now that at any rate he is sincere,
and that a happy issue out of the struggle opens before us henceforth.
"I can trust him thoroughly; but though he has the will to join
us has he the power? Wallenstein, with his generals and his army
fighting for the emperor, is a mighty personage, but Wallenstein
a rebel is another altogether. By what you tell me it seems more
than doubtful whether his officers will follow him; and although
his army is attached to him, and might follow him could he put
himself at its head, it is scattered in its cantonments, and each
section will obey the orders which the general in its command may
give.
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