SCENE XI

Countess Tertsky (enters from a side room). I can endure no longer. No! [Looks around her. Where are they? No one is here. They leave me all alone, Alone in this sore anguish of suspense. And I must wear the outward shew of calmness Before my sister, and shut in within me The pangs and agonies of my crowded bosom. It is not to be borne.--If all should fail; If--if he must go over to the Swedes, An empty-handed fugitive, and not As an ally, a covenanted equal, A proud commander with his army following; If we must wander on from land to land, Like the Count Palatine, of fallen greatness An ignominious monument--But no! That day I will not see! And could himself Endure to sink so low, I would not bear To see him so low sunken.