TheSwedishbannerswerevictoriousinalmosteveryquarterofGermany；
andtheyearafterthedeathofGustavus，leftnotraceofthelosswhichhadbeensustainedinthepersonofthatgreatleader。
Inareviewoftheimportanteventswhichsignalizedthecampaignof1633，theinactivityofaman，ofwhomthehighestexpectationshadbeenformed，justlyexcitesastonishment。Amongallthegeneralswhodistinguishedthemselvesinthiscampaign，nonecouldbecomparedwithWallenstein，inexperience，talents，andreputation；
andyet，afterthebattleofLutzen，welosesightofhimentirely。
Thefallofhisgreatrivalhadleftthewholetheatreofgloryopentohim；
allEuropewasnowattentivelyawaitingthoseexploits，whichshouldeffacetheremembranceofhisdefeat，andstillprovetotheworldhismilitarysuperiority。Nevertheless，hecontinuedinactiveinBohemia，whiletheEmperor’slossesinBavaria，LowerSaxony，andtheRhine，pressinglycalledforhispresence——aconductequallyunintelligibletofriendandfoe——theterror，and，atthesametime，thelasthopeoftheEmperor。AfterthedefeatofLutzenhehadhastenedintoBohemia，whereheinstitutedthestrictestinquiryintotheconductofhisofficersinthatbattle。Thosewhomthecouncilofwardeclaredguiltyofmisconduct，wereputtodeathwithoutmercy，thosewhohadbehavedwithbravery，rewardedwithprincelymunificence，andthememoryofthedeadhonouredbysplendidmonuments。Duringthewinter，heoppressedtheimperialprovincesbyenormouscontributions，andexhaustedtheAustrianterritoriesbyhiswinterquarters，whichhepurposelyavoidedtakingupinanenemy’scountry。Andinthespringof1633，insteadofbeingthefirsttoopenthecampaign，withthiswell-chosenandwell-appointedarmy，andtomakeaworthydisplayofhisgreatabilities，hewasthelastwhoappearedinthefield；andeventhen，itwasanhereditaryprovinceofAustria，whichheselectedastheseatofwar。
OfalltheAustrianprovinces，Silesiawasmostexposedtodanger。
Threedifferentarmies，aSwedishunderCountThurn，aSaxonunderArnheimandtheDukeofLauenburg，andoneofBrandenburgunderBorgsdorf，hadatthesametimecarriedthewarintothiscountry；
theyhadalreadytakenpossessionofthemostimportantplaces，andevenBreslauhadembracedthecauseoftheallies。ButthiscrowdofcommandersandarmieswastheverymeansofsavingthisprovincetotheEmperor；forthejealousyofthegenerals，andthemutualhatredoftheSaxonsandtheSwedes，neverallowedthemtoactwithunanimity。
ArnheimandThurncontendedforthechiefcommand；thetroopsofBrandenburgandSaxonycombinedagainsttheSwedes，whomtheylookeduponastroublesomestrangerswhooughttobegotridofassoonaspossible。
TheSaxons，onthecontrary，livedonaveryintimatefootingwiththeImperialists，andtheofficersofboththesehostilearmiesoftenvisitedandentertainedeachother。TheImperialistswereallowedtoremovetheirpropertywithouthindrance，andmanydidnotaffecttoconcealthattheyhadreceivedlargesumsfromVienna。Amongsuchequivocalallies，theSwedessawthemselvessoldandbetrayed；andanygreatenterprisewasoutofthequestion，whilesobadanunderstandingprevailedbetweenthetroops。GeneralArnheim，too，wasabsentthegreaterpartofthetime；andwhenheatlastreturned，Wallensteinwasfastapproachingthefrontierswithaformidableforce。
Hisarmyamountedto40，000men，whiletoopposehimtheallieshadonly24，000。Theyneverthelessresolvedtogivehimbattle，andmarchedtoMunsterberg，wherehehadformedanintrenchedcamp。
ButWallensteinremainedinactiveforeightdays；hethenlefthisintrenchments，andmarchedslowlyandwithcomposuretotheenemy’scamp。
Butevenafterquittinghisposition，andwhentheenemy，emboldenedbyhispastdelay，manfullypreparedtoreceivehim，hedeclinedtheopportunityoffighting。Thecautionwithwhichheavoidedabattlewasimputedtofear；butthewell-establishedreputationofWallensteinenabledhimtodespisethissuspicion。Thevanityofthealliesallowedthemnottoseethathepurposelysavedthemadefeat，becauseavictoryatthattimewouldnothaveservedhisownends。
Toconvincethemofhissuperiorpower，andthathisinactivityproceedednotfromanyfearofthem，heputtodeaththecommanderofacastlethatfellintohishands，becausehehadrefusedatoncetosurrenderanuntenableplace。
Forninedays，didthetwoarmiesremainwithinmusket-shotofeachother，whenCountTerzky，fromthecampoftheImperialists，appearedwithatrumpeterinthatoftheallies，invitingGeneralArnheimtoaconference。
Thepurportwas，thatWallenstein，notwithstandinghissuperiority，waswillingtoagreetoacessationofarmsforsixweeks。
\"Hewascome，\"hesaid，\"toconcludealastingpeacewiththeSwedes，andwiththeprincesoftheempire，topaythesoldiers，andtosatisfyeveryone。Allthiswasinhispower；
andiftheAustriancourthesitatedtoconfirmhisagreement，hewouldunitewiththeallies，andasheprivatelywhisperedtoArnheim
hunttheEmperortothedevil。\"Atthesecondconference，heexpressedhimselfstillmoreplainlytoCountThurn。
\"AlltheprivilegesoftheBohemians，\"heengaged，\"shouldbeconfirmedanew，theexilesrecalledandrestoredtotheirestates，andhehimselfwouldbethefirsttoresignhisshareofthem。TheJesuits，astheauthorsofallpastgrievances，shouldbebanished，theSwedishcrownindemnifiedbystatedpayments，andallthesuperfluoustroopsonbothsidesemployedagainsttheTurks。\"Thelastarticleexplainedthewholemystery。
\"If，\"hecontinued，\"HEshouldobtainthecrownofBohemia，alltheexileswouldhavereasontoapplaudhisgenerosity；
perfecttolerationofreligionsshouldbeestablishedwithinthekingdom，thePalatinefamilybereinstatedinitsrights，andhewouldaccepttheMargraviateofMoraviaasacompensationforMecklenburg。
Thealliedarmieswouldthen，underhiscommand，advanceuponVienna，andswordinhand，compeltheEmperortoratifythetreaty。\"
Thuswastheveilatlastremovedfromtheschemes，overwhichhehadbroodedforyearsinmysterioussilence。Everycircumstancenowconvincedhimthatnotamomentwastobelostinitsexecution。
NothingbutablindconfidenceinthegoodfortuneandmilitarygeniusoftheDukeofFriedland，hadinducedtheEmperor，inthefaceoftheremonstrancesofBavariaandSpain，andattheexpenseofhisownreputation，toconferuponthisimperiousleadersuchanunlimitedcommand。ButthisbeliefinWallenstein’sbeinginvincible，hadbeenmuchweakenedbyhisinaction，andalmostentirelyoverthrownbythedefeatatLutzen。Hisenemiesattheimperialcourtnowrenewedtheirintrigues；andtheEmperor’sdisappointmentatthefailureofhishopes，procuredfortheirremonstrancesafavourablereception。Wallenstein’swholeconductwasnowreviewedwiththemostmaliciouscriticism；hisambitioushaughtiness，hisdisobediencetotheEmperor’sorders，wererecalledtotherecollectionofthatjealousprince，aswellasthecomplaintsoftheAustriansubjectsagainsthisboundlessoppression；hisfidelitywasquestioned，andalarminghintsthrownoutastohissecretviews。Theseinsinuations，whichtheconductofthedukeseemedbuttoowelltojustify，failednottomakeadeepimpressiononFerdinand；butthestephadbeentaken，andthegreatpowerwithwhichWallensteinhadbeeninvested，couldnotbetakenfromhimwithoutdanger。Insensiblytodiminishthatpower，wastheonlycoursethatnowremained，and，toeffectthis，itmustinthefirstplacebedivided；but，aboveall，theEmperor’spresentdependenceonthegoodwillofhisgeneralputanendto。
ButeventhisrighthadbeenresignedinhisengagementwithWallenstein，andtheEmperor’sownhandwritingsecuredhimagainsteveryattempttouniteanothergeneralwithhiminthecommand，ortoexerciseanyimmediateactofauthorityoverthetroops。Asthisdisadvantageouscontractcouldneitherbekeptnorbroken，recoursewashadtoartifice。
WallensteinwasImperialGeneralissimoinGermany，buthiscommandextendednofurther，andhecouldnotpresumetoexerciseanyauthorityoveraforeignarmy。ASpanisharmywasaccordinglyraisedinMilan，andmarchedintoGermanyunderaSpanishgeneral。Wallensteinnowceasedtobeindispensablebecausehewasnolongersupreme，andincaseofnecessity，theEmperorwasnowprovidedwiththemeansofsupportevenagainsthim。
Thedukequicklyanddeeplyfeltwhencethisblowcame，andwhitheritwasaimed。Invaindidheprotestagainstthisviolationofthecompact，totheCardinalInfante；theItalianarmycontinueditsmarch，andhewasforcedtodetachGeneralAltringertojoinitwithareinforcement。
Hetookcare，indeed，socloselytofetterthelatter，astopreventtheItalianarmyfromacquiringanygreatreputationinAlsaceandSwabia；
butthisboldstepofthecourtawakenedhimfromhissecurity，andwarnedhimoftheapproachofdanger。Thathemightnotasecondtimebedeprivedofhiscommand，andlosethefruitofallhislabours，hemustacceleratetheaccomplishmentofhislongmeditateddesigns。
Hesecuredtheattachmentofhistroopsbyremovingthedoubtfulofficers，andbyhisliberalitytotherest。Hehadsacrificedtothewelfareofthearmyeveryotherorderinthestate，everyconsiderationofjusticeandhumanity，andthereforehereckonedupontheirgratitude。
Attheverymomentwhenhemeditatedanunparalleledactofingratitudeagainsttheauthorofhisowngoodfortune，hefoundedallhishopesuponthegratitudewhichwasduetohimself。
TheleadersoftheSilesianarmieshadnoauthorityfromtheirprincipalstoconsent，ontheirowndiscretion，tosuchimportantproposalsasthoseofWallenstein，andtheydidnotevenfeelthemselveswarrantedingranting，formorethanafortnight，thecessationofhostilitieswhichhedemanded。
BeforethedukedisclosedhisdesignstoSwedenandSaxony，hehaddeemeditadvisabletosecurethesanctionofFrancetohisboldundertaking。Forthispurpose，asecretnegociationhadbeencarriedonwiththegreatestpossiblecautionanddistrust，byCountKinskywithFeuquieres，theFrenchambassadoratDresden，andhadterminatedaccordingtohiswishes。FeuquieresreceivedordersfromhiscourttopromiseeveryassistanceonthepartofFrance，andtoofferthedukeaconsiderablepecuniaryaidincaseofneed。
Butitwasthisexcessivecautiontosecurehimselfonallsides，thatledtohisruin。TheFrenchambassadorwithastonishmentdiscoveredthataplan，which，morethananyother，requiredsecrecy，hadbeencommunicatedtotheSwedesandtheSaxons。AndyetitwasgenerallyknownthattheSaxonministrywasintheinterestsoftheEmperor，andontheotherhand，theconditionsofferedtotheSwedesfelltoofarshortoftheirexpectationstobelikelytobeaccepted。
Feuquieres，therefore，couldnotbelievethatthedukecouldbeseriousincalculatingupontheaidofthelatter，andthesilenceoftheformer。
HecommunicatedaccordinglyhisdoubtsandanxietiestotheSwedishchancellor，whoequallydistrustedtheviewsofWallenstein，anddislikedhisplans。AlthoughitwasnosecrettoOxenstiern，thatthedukehadformerlyenteredintoasimilarnegociationwithGustavusAdolphus，hecouldnotcreditthepossibilityofinducingawholearmytorevolt，andofhisextravagantpromises。
Sodaringadesign，andsuchimprudentconduct，seemednottobeconsistentwiththeduke’sreservedandsuspicioustemper，andhewasthemoreinclinedtoconsiderthewholeastheresultofdissimulationandtreachery，becausehehadlessreasontodoubthisprudencethanhishonesty。
Oxenstiern’sdoubtsatlastaffectedArnheimhimself，who，infullconfidenceinWallenstein’ssincerity，hadrepairedtothechancelloratGelnhausen，topersuadehimtolendsomeofhisbestregimentstotheduke，toaidhimintheexecutionoftheplan。Theybegantosuspectthatthewholeproposalwasonlyasnaretodisarmtheallies，andtobetraythefloweroftheirtroopsintothehandsoftheEmperor。
Wallenstein’swell-knowncharacterdidnotcontradictthesuspicion，andtheinconsistenciesinwhichheafterwardsinvolvedhimself，entirelydestroyedallconfidenceinhissincerity。WhilehewasendeavouringtodrawtheSwedesintothisalliance，andrequiringthehelpoftheirbesttroops，hedeclaredtoArnheimthattheymustbeginwithexpellingtheSwedesfromtheempire；andwhiletheSaxonofficers，relyinguponthesecurityofthetruce，repairedingreatnumberstohiscamp，hemadeanunsuccessfulattempttoseizethem。Hewasthefirsttobreakthetruce，whichsomemonthsafterwardsherenewed，thoughnotwithoutgreatdifficulty。Allconfidenceinhissinceritywaslost；
hiswholeconductwasregardedasatissueofdeceitandlowcunning，devisedtoweakenthealliesandrepairhisownstrength。
Thisindeedheactuallydideffect，ashisownarmydailyaugmented，whilethatoftheallieswasreducednearlyonehalfbydesertionandbadprovisions。ButhedidnotmakethatuseofhissuperioritywhichViennaexpected。Whenallmenwerelookingforadecisiveblowtobestruck，hesuddenlyrenewedthenegociations；andwhenthetrucelulledthealliesintosecurity，heassuddenlyrecommencedhostilities。
AllthesecontradictionsaroseoutofthedoubleandirreconcileabledesignstoruinatoncetheEmperorandtheSwedes，andtoconcludeaseparatepeacewiththeSaxons。
Impatientattheillsuccessofhisnegociations，heatlastdeterminedtodisplayhisstrength；themoreso，asthepressingdistresswithintheempire，andthegrowingdissatisfactionoftheImperialcourt，admittednotofhismakinganylongerdelay。Beforethelastcessationofhostilities，GeneralHolk，fromBohemia，hadattackedthecircleofMeissen，laidwasteeverythingonhisroutewithfireandsword，driventheElectorintohisfortresses，andtakenthetownofLeipzig。
ButthetruceinSilesiaputaperiodtohisravages，andtheconsequencesofhisexcessesbroughthimtothegraveatAdorf。
Assoonashostilitieswererecommenced，Wallensteinmadeamovement，asifhedesignedtopenetratethroughLusatiaintoSaxony，andcirculatedthereportthatPiccolominihadalreadyinvadedthatcountry。
ArnheimimmediatelybrokeuphiscampinSilesia，tofollowhim，andhastenedtotheassistanceoftheElectorate。BythismeanstheSwedeswereleftexposed，whowereencampedinsmallforceunderCountThurn，atSteinau，ontheOder，andthiswasexactlywhatWallensteindesired。HeallowedtheSaxongeneraltoadvancesixteenmilestowardsMeissen，andthensuddenlyturningtowardstheOder，surprisedtheSwedisharmyinthemostcompletesecurity。TheircavalrywerefirstbeatenbyGeneralSchafgotsch，whowassentagainstthem，andtheinfantrycompletelysurroundedatSteinaubytheduke’sarmywhichfollowed。WallensteingaveCountThurnhalfanhourtodeliberatewhetherhewoulddefendhimselfwith2，500men，againstmorethan20，000，orsurrenderatdiscretion。Buttherewasnoroomfordeliberation。
Thearmysurrendered，andthemostcompletevictorywasobtainedwithoutbloodshed。Colours，baggage，andartilleryallfellintothehandsofthevictors，theofficersweretakenintocustody，theprivatesdraftedintothearmyofWallenstein。Andnowatlast，afterabanishmentoffourteenyears，afternumberlesschangesoffortune，theauthoroftheBohemianinsurrection，andtheremoteoriginofthisdestructivewar，thenotoriousCountThurn，wasinthepowerofhisenemies。Withblood-thirstyimpatience，thearrivalofthisgreatcriminalwaslookedforinVienna，wheretheyalreadyanticipatedthemalicioustriumphofsacrificingsodistinguishedavictimtopublicjustice。ButtodeprivetheJesuitsofthispleasure，wasastillsweetertriumphtoWallenstein，andThurnwassetatliberty。
Fortunatelyforhim，heknewmorethanitwasprudenttohavedivulgedinVienna，andhisenemieswerealsothoseofWallenstein。
AdefeatmighthavebeenforgiveninVienna，butthisdisappointmentoftheirhopestheycouldnotpardon。\"WhatshouldIhavedonewiththismadman？\"hewrites，withamalicioussneer，totheministerwhocalledhimtoaccountforthisunseasonablemagnanimity。
\"WouldtoHeaventheenemyhadnogeneralsbutsuchashe。
AttheheadoftheSwedisharmy，hewillrenderusmuchbetterservicethaninprison。\"
ThevictoryofSteinauwasfollowedbythecaptureofLiegnitz，Grossglogau，andevenofFrankfortontheOder。Schafgotsch，whoremainedinSilesiatocompletethesubjugationofthatprovince，blockadedBrieg，andthreatenedBreslau，thoughinvain，asthatfreetownwasjealousofitsprivileges，anddevotedtotheSwedes。ColonelsIlloandGoetzwereorderedbyWallensteintotheWarta，topushforwardsintoPomerania，andtothecoastsoftheBaltic，andactuallyobtainedpossessionofLandsberg，thekeyofPomerania。WhilethustheElectorofBrandenburgandtheDukeofPomeraniaweremadetotremblefortheirdominions，Wallensteinhimself，withtheremainderofhisarmy，burstsuddenlyintoLusatia，wherehetookGoerlitzbystorm，andforcedBautzentosurrender。ButhisobjectwasmerelytoalarmtheElectorofSaxony，nottofollowuptheadvantagesalreadyobtained；
andtherefore，evenwiththeswordinhishand，hecontinuedhisnegociationsforpeacewithBrandenburgandSaxony，butwithnobettersuccessthanbefore，astheinconsistenciesofhisconducthaddestroyedallconfidenceinhissincerity。HewasthereforeonthepointofturninghiswholeforceinearnestagainsttheunfortunateSaxons，andeffectinghisobjectbyforceofarms，whencircumstancescompelledhimtoleavetheseterritories。
TheconquestsofDukeBernardupontheDanube，whichthreatenedAustriaitselfwithimmediatedanger，urgentlydemandedhispresenceinBavaria；
andtheexpulsionoftheSaxonsandSwedesfromSilesia，deprivedhimofeverypretextforlongerresistingtheImperialorders，andleavingtheElectorofBavariawithoutassistance。Withhismainbody，therefore，heimmediatelysetoutfortheUpperPalatinate，andhisretreatfreedUpperSaxonyforeverofthisformidableenemy。
Solongaswaspossible，hehaddelayedtomovetotherescueofBavaria，andoneverypretextevadedthecommandsoftheEmperor。Hehad，indeed，afterreiteratedremonstrances，despatchedfromBohemiaareinforcementofsomeregimentstoCountAltringer，whowasdefendingtheLechandtheDanubeagainstHornandBernard，butundertheexpressconditionofhisactingmerelyonthedefensive。HereferredtheEmperorandtheElector，whenevertheyappliedtohimforaid，toAltringer，who，ashepubliclygaveout，hadreceivedunlimitedpowers；
secretly，however，hetieduphishandsbythestrictestinjunctions，andeventhreatenedhimwithdeath，ifheexceededhisorders。
WhenDukeBernardhadappearedbeforeRatisbon，andtheEmperoraswellastheElectorrepeatedstillmoreurgentlytheirdemandforsuccour，hepretendedhewasabouttodespatchGeneralGallaswithaconsiderablearmytotheDanube；butthismovementalsowasdelayed，andRatisbon，Straubing，andCham，aswellasthebishopricofEichstaedt，fellintothehandsoftheSwedes。WhenatlasthecouldnolongerneglecttheordersoftheCourt，hemarchedslowlytowardtheBavarianfrontier，whereheinvestedthetownofCham，whichhadbeentakenbytheSwedes。
ButnosoonerdidhelearnthatontheSwedishsideadiversionwascontemplated，byaninroadoftheSaxonsintoBohemia，thanheavailedhimselfofthereport，asapretextforimmediatelyretreatingintothatkingdom。Everyconsideration，heurged，mustbepostponedtothedefenceandpreservationofthehereditarydominionsoftheEmperor；
andonthisplea，heremainedfirmlyfixedinBohemia，whichheguardedasifithadbeenhisownproperty。AndwhentheEmperorlaiduponhimhiscommandstomovetowardstheDanube，andpreventtheDukeofWeimarfromestablishinghimselfinsodangerousapositiononthefrontiersofAustria，Wallensteinthoughtpropertoconcludethecampaignasecondtime，andquarteredhistroopsforthewinterinthisexhaustedkingdom。
SuchcontinuedinsolenceandunexampledcontemptoftheImperialorders，aswellasobviousneglectofthecommoncause，joinedtohisequivocalbehaviourtowardstheenemy，tendedatlasttoconvincetheEmperorofthetruthofthoseunfavourablereportswithregardtotheDuke，whichwerecurrentthroughGermany。
Thelatterhad，foralongtime，succeededinglozingoverhiscriminalcorrespondencewiththeenemy，andpersuadingtheEmperor，stillprepossessedinhisfavour，thatthesoleobjectofhissecretconferenceswastoobtainpeaceforGermany。Butimpenetrableashehimselfbelievedhisproceedingstobe，inthecourseofhisconduct，enoughtranspiredtojustifytheinsinuationswithwhichhisrivalsincessantlyloadedtheearoftheEmperor。Inordertosatisfyhimselfofthetruthorfalsehoodoftheserumours，Ferdinandhadalready，atdifferenttimes，sentspiesintoWallenstein’scamp；butastheDuketooktheprecautionnevertocommitanythingtowriting，theyreturnedwithnothingbutconjectures。Butwhen，atlast，thoseministerswhoformerlyhadbeenhischampionsatthecourt，inconsequenceoftheirestatesnotbeingexemptedbyWallensteinfromthegeneralexactions，joinedhisenemies；whentheElectorofBavariathreatened，incaseofWallensteinbeinganylongerretainedinthesupremecommand，tounitewiththeSwedes；whentheSpanishambassadorinsistedonhisdismissal，andthreatened，incaseofrefusal，towithdrawthesubsidiesfurnishedbyhisCrown，theEmperorfoundhimselfasecondtimecompelledtodeprivehimofthecommand。
TheEmperor’sauthoritativeanddirectinterferencewiththearmy，soonconvincedtheDukethatthecompactwithhimselfwasregardedasatanend，andthathisdismissalwasinevitable。
OneofhisinferiorgeneralsinAustria，whomhehadforbidden，underpainofdeath，toobeytheordersofthecourt，receivedthepositivecommandsoftheEmperortojointheElectorofBavaria；
andWallensteinhimselfwasimperiouslyorderedtosendsomeregimentstoreinforcethearmyoftheCardinalInfante，whowasonhismarchfromItaly。
Allthesemeasuresconvincedhimthattheplanwasfinallyarrangedtodisarmhimbydegrees，andatonce，whenhewasweakanddefenceless，tocompletehisruin。
Inself-defence，musthenowhastentocarryintoexecutiontheplanswhichhehadoriginallyformedonlywiththeviewtoaggrandizement。
Hehaddelayedtoolong，eitherbecausethefavourableconfigurationofthestarshadnotyetpresenteditself，or，asheusedtosay，tochecktheimpatienceofhisfriends，becauseTHETIMEWASNOTYETCOME。
Thetime，evennow，wasnotcome:butthepressureofcircumstancesnolongerallowedhimtoawaitthefavourofthestars。Thefirststepwastoassurehimselfofthesentimentsofhisprincipalofficers，andthentotrytheattachmentofthearmy，whichhehadsolongconfidentlyreckonedon。Threeofthem，ColonelsKinsky，Terzky，andIllo，hadlongbeeninhissecrets，andthetwofirstwerefurtherunitedtohisinterestsbythetiesofrelationship。Thesamewildambition，thesamebitterhatredofthegovernment，andthehopeofenormousrewards，boundthemintheclosestmannertoWallenstein，who，toincreasethenumberofhisadherents，couldstooptothelowestmeans。
HehadonceadvisedColonelIllotosolicit，inVienna，thetitleofCount，andhadpromisedtobackhisapplicationwithhispowerfulmediation。
Buthesecretlywrotetotheministry，advisingthemtorefusehisrequest，astograntitwouldgiverisetosimilardemandsfromothers，whoseservicesandclaimswereequaltohis。OnIllo’sreturntothecamp，Wallensteinimmediatelydemandedtoknowthesuccessofhismission；
andwheninformedbyIlloofitsfailure，hebrokeoutintothebitterestcomplaintsagainstthecourt。\"Thus，\"saidhe，\"areourfaithfulservicesrewarded。Myrecommendationisdisregarded，andyourmeritdeniedsotriflingareward！Whowouldanylongerdevotehisservicestosoungratefulamaster？No，formypart，IamhenceforththedeterminedfoeofAustria。\"Illoagreedwithhim，andaclosealliancewascementedbetweenthem。
Butwhatwasknowntothesethreeconfidantsoftheduke，waslonganimpenetrablesecrettotherest；andtheconfidencewithwhichWallensteinspokeofthedevotionofhisofficers，wasfoundedmerelyonthefavourshehadlavishedonthem，andontheirknowndissatisfactionwiththeCourt。Butthisvaguepresumptionmustbeconvertedintocertainty，beforehecouldventuretolayasidethemask，ortakeanyopenstepagainsttheEmperor。CountPiccolomini，whohaddistinguishedhimselfbyhisunparalleledbraveryatLutzen，wasthefirstwhosefidelityheputtotheproof。Hehad，hethought，gainedtheattachmentofthisgeneralbylargepresents，andpreferredhimtoallothers，becausebornunderthesameconstellationswithhimself。
Hedisclosedtohim，that，inconsequenceoftheEmperor’singratitude，andthenearapproachofhisowndanger，hehadirrevocablydeterminedentirelytoabandonthepartyofAustria，tojointheenemywiththebestpartofhisarmy，andtomakewarupontheHouseofAustria，onallsidesofitsdominions，tillhehadwhollyextirpatedit。
Intheexecutionofthisplan，heprincipallyreckonedontheservicesofPiccolomini，andhadbeforehandpromisedhimthegreatestrewards。
Whenthelatter，toconcealhisamazementatthisextraordinarycommunication，spokeofthedangersandobstacleswhichwouldopposesohazardousanenterprise，Wallensteinridiculedhisfears。\"Insuchenterprises，\"
hemaintained，\"nothingwasdifficultbutthecommencement。Thestarswerepropitioustohim，theopportunitythebestthatcouldbewishedfor，andsomethingmustalwaysbetrustedtofortune。Hisresolutionwastaken，andifitcouldnotbeotherwise，hewouldencounterthehazardattheheadofathousandhorse。\"PiccolominiwascarefulnottoexciteWallenstein’ssuspicionsbylongeropposition，andyieldedapparentlytotheforceofhisreasoning。SuchwastheinfatuationoftheDuke，thatnotwithstandingthewarningsofCountTerzky，heneverdoubtedthesincerityofthisman，wholostnotamomentincommunicatingtothecourtatViennathisimportantconversation。
Preparatorytotakingthelastdecisivestep，he，inJanuary1634，calledameetingofallthecommandersofthearmyatPilsen，whitherhehadmarchedafterhisretreatfromBavaria。TheEmperor’srecentorderstosparehishereditarydominionsfromwinterquarterings，torecoverRatisboninthemiddleofwinter，andtoreducethearmybyadetachmentofsixthousandhorsetotheCardinalInfante，werematterssufficientlygravetobelaidbeforeacouncilofwar；
andthisplausiblepretextservedtoconcealfromthecurioustherealobjectofthemeeting。SwedenandSaxonyreceivedinvitationstobepresent，inordertotreatwiththeDukeofFriedlandforapeace；totheleadersofmoredistantarmies，writtencommunicationsweremade。Ofthecommandersthussummoned，twentyappeared；butthreemostinfluential，Gallas，Colloredo，andAltringer，wereabsent。TheDukereiteratedhissummonstothem，andinthemeantime，inexpectationoftheirspeedyarrival，proceededtoexecutehisdesigns。
Itwasnolighttaskthathehadtoperform:anobleman，proud，brave，andjealousofhishonour，wastodeclarehimselfcapableofthebasesttreachery，intheverypresenceofthosewhohadbeenaccustomedtoregardhimastherepresentativeofmajesty，thejudgeoftheiractions，andthesupporteroftheirlaws，andtoshowhimselfsuddenlyasatraitor，acheat，andarebel。Itwasnoeasytask，either，toshaketoitsfoundationsalegitimatesovereignty，strengthenedbytimeandconsecratedbylawsandreligion；todissolveallthecharmsofthesensesandtheimagination，thoseformidableguardiansofanestablishedthrone，andtoattemptforciblytouprootthoseinvinciblefeelingsofduty，whichpleadsoloudlyandsopowerfullyinthebreastofthesubject，infavourofhissovereign。But，blindedbythesplendourofacrown，Wallensteinobservednottheprecipicethatyawnedbeneathhisfeet；andinfullrelianceonhisownstrength，thecommoncasewithenergeticanddaringminds，hestoppednottoconsiderthemagnitudeandthenumberofthedifficultiesthatopposedhim。
Wallensteinsawnothingbutanarmy，partlyindifferentandpartlyexasperatedagainstthecourt，accustomed，withablindsubmission，todohomagetohisgreatname，tobowtohimastheirlegislatorandjudge，andwithtremblingreverencetofollowhisordersasthedecreesoffate。
Intheextravagantflatterieswhichwerepaidtohisomnipotence，intheboldabuseofthecourtgovernment，inwhichalawlesssoldieryindulged，andwhichthewildlicenceofthecampexcused，hethoughthereadthesentimentsofthearmy；andtheboldnesswithwhichtheywerereadytocensurethemonarch’smeasures，passedwithhimforareadinesstorenouncetheirallegiancetoasovereignsolittlerespected。Butthatwhichhehadregardedasthelightestmatter，provedthemostformidableobstaclewithwhichhehadtocontend；
thesoldiers’feelingsofallegianceweretherockonwhichhishopeswerewrecked。Deceivedbytheprofoundrespectinwhichhewasheldbytheselawlessbands，heascribedthewholetohisownpersonalgreatness，withoutdistinguishinghowmuchheowedtohimself，andhowmuchtothedignitywithwhichhewasinvested。Alltrembledbeforehim，whileheexercisedalegitimateauthority，whileobediencetohimwasaduty，andwhilehisconsequencewassupportedbythemajestyofthesovereign。
Greatness，inandofitself，mayexciteterrorandadmiration；
butlegitimategreatnessalonecaninspirereverenceandsubmission；
andofthisdecisiveadvantagehedeprivedhimself，theinstantheavowedhimselfatraitor。
Field-MarshalIlloundertooktolearnthesentimentsoftheofficers，andtopreparethemforthestepwhichwasexpectedofthem。
Hebeganbylayingbeforethemthenewordersofthecourttothegeneralandthearmy；andbytheobnoxiousturnheskilfullygavetothem，hefounditeasytoexcitetheindignationoftheassembly。
Afterthiswellchosenintroduction，heexpatiatedwithmucheloquenceuponthemeritsofthearmyandthegeneral，andtheingratitudewithwhichtheEmperorwasaccustomedtorequitethem。\"Spanishinfluence，\"
hemaintained，\"governedthecourt；theministrywereinthepayofSpain；
theDukeofFriedlandalonehadhithertoopposedthistyranny，andhadthusdrawndownuponhimselfthedeadlyenmityoftheSpaniards。
Toremovehimfromthecommand，ortomakeawaywithhimentirely，\"
hecontinued，\"hadlongbeentheendoftheirdesires；
and，untiltheycouldsucceedinoneorother，theyendeavouredtoabridgehispowerinthefield。ThecommandwastobeplacedinthehandsoftheKingofHungary，fornootherreasonthanthebettertopromotetheSpanishpowerinGermany；
becausethisprince，asthereadyinstrumentofforeigncounsels，mightbeledatpleasure。Itwasmerelywiththeviewofweakeningthearmy，thatthesixthousandtroopswererequiredfortheCardinalInfante；
itwassolelyforthepurposeofharassingitbyawintercampaign，thattheywerenowcalledon，inthisinhospitableseason，toundertaketherecoveryofRatisbon。Themeansofsubsistencewereeverywhererendereddifficult，whiletheJesuitsandtheministryenrichedthemselveswiththesweatoftheprovinces，andsquanderedthemoneyintendedforthepayofthetroops。Thegeneral，abandonedbythecourt，acknowledgeshisinabilitytokeephisengagementstothearmy。
Foralltheserviceswhich，fortwoandtwentyyears，hehadrenderedtheHouseofAustria；forallthedifficultieswithwhichhehadstruggled；forallthetreasuresofhisown，whichhehadexpendedintheimperialservice，aseconddisgracefuldismissalawaitedhim。Buthewasresolvedthemattershouldnotcometothis；
hewasdeterminedvoluntarilytoresignthecommand，beforeitshouldbewrestedfromhishands；andthis，\"continuedtheorator，\"iswhat，throughme，henowmakesknowntohisofficers。Itwasnowforthemtosaywhetheritwouldbeadvisabletolosesuchageneral。LeteachconsiderwhowastorefundhimthesumshehadexpendedintheEmperor’sservice，andwherehewasnowtoreaptherewardoftheirbravery，whenhewhowastheirevidenceremovedfromthescene。\"
Auniversalcry，thattheywouldnotallowtheirgeneraltobetakenfromthem，interruptedthespeaker。Fouroftheprincipalofficersweredeputedtolaybeforehimthewishoftheassembly，andearnestlytorequestthathewouldnotleavethearmy。
Thedukemadeashowofresistance，andonlyyieldedaftertheseconddeputation。Thisconcessiononhisside，seemedtodemandareturnontheirs；asheengagednottoquittheservicewithouttheknowledgeandconsentofthegenerals，herequiredofthem，ontheotherhand，awrittenpromisetotrulyandfirmlyadheretohim，neithertoseparatenortoallowthemselvestobeseparatedfromhim，andtoshedtheirlastdropofbloodinhisdefence。Whoevershouldbreakthiscovenant，wastoberegardedasaperfidioustraitor，andtreatedbytherestasacommonenemy。Theexpressconditionwhichwasadded，\"ASLONGASWALLENSTEINSHALLEMPLOYTHEARMY
INTHEEMPEROR’SSERVICE，\"seemedtoexcludeallmisconception，andnoneoftheassembledgeneralshesitatedatoncetoaccedetoademand，apparentlysoinnocentandsoreasonable。
Thisdocumentwaspubliclyreadbeforeanentertainment，whichField-MarshalIllohadexpresslypreparedforthepurpose；
itwastobesigned，aftertheyrosefromtable。Thehostdidhisutmosttostupifyhisguestsbystrongpotations；anditwasnotuntilhesawthemaffectedwiththewine，thatheproducedthepaperforsignature。
Mostofthemwrotetheirnames，withoutknowingwhattheyweresubscribing；
afewonly，morecuriousormoredistrustful，readthepaperoveragain，anddiscoveredwithastonishmentthattheclause\"aslongasWallensteinshallemploythearmyfortheEmperor’sservice\"wasomitted。Illohad，infact，artfullycontrivedtosubstituteforthefirstanothercopy，inwhichthesewordswerewanting。Thetrickwasmanifest，andmanyrefusednowtosign。Piccolomini，whohadseenthroughthewholecheat，andhadbeenpresentatthisscenemerelywiththeviewofgivinginformationofthewholetothecourt，forgothimselfsofarinhiscupsastodrinktheEmperor’shealth。ButCountTerzkynowrose，anddeclaredthatallwereperjuredvillainswhoshouldrecedefromtheirengagement。Hismenaces，theideaoftheinevitabledangertowhichtheywhoresistedanylongerwouldbeexposed，theexampleoftherest，andIllo’srhetoric，atlastovercametheirscruples；
andthepaperwassignedbyallwithoutexception。
Wallensteinhadnoweffectedhispurpose；buttheunexpectedresistancehehadmetwithfromthecommandersrousedhimatlastfromthefondillusionsinwhichhehadhithertoindulged。Besides，mostofthenameswerescrawledsoillegibly，thatsomedeceitwasevidentlyintended。
Butinsteadofbeingrecalledtohisdiscretionbythiswarning，hegaveventtohisinjuredprideinundignifiedcomplaintsandreproaches。
Heassembledthegeneralsthenextday，andundertookpersonallytoconfirmthewholetenoroftheagreementwhichIllohadsubmittedtothemthedaybefore。Afterpouringoutthebitterestreproachesandabuseagainstthecourt，heremindedthemoftheiroppositiontothepropositionofthepreviousday，anddeclaredthatthiscircumstancehadinducedhimtoretracthisownpromise。Thegeneralswithdrewinsilenceandconfusion；
butafterashortconsultationintheantichamber，theyreturnedtoapologizefortheirlateconduct，andofferedtosignthepaperanew。
Nothingnowremained，buttoobtainasimilarassurancefromtheabsentgenerals，or，ontheirrefusal，toseizetheirpersons。
Wallensteinrenewedhisinvitationtothem，andearnestlyurgedthemtohastentheirarrival。ButarumourofthedoingsatPilsenreachedthemontheirjourney，andsuddenlystoppedtheirfurtherprogress。
Altringer，onpretenceofsickness，remainedinthestrongfortressofFrauenberg。Gallasmadehisappearance，butmerelywiththedesignofbetterqualifyinghimselfasaneyewitness，tokeeptheEmperorinformedofallWallenstein’sproceedings。TheintelligencewhichheandPiccolominigave，atonceconvertedthesuspicionsofthecourtintoanalarmingcertainty。Similardisclosures，whichwereatthesametimemadefromotherquarters，leftnoroomforfartherdoubt；
andthesuddenchangeofthecommandersinAustriaandSilesia，appearedtobethepreludetosomeimportantenterprise。
Thedangerwaspressing，andtheremedymustbespeedy，butthecourtwasunwillingtoproceedatoncetotheexecutionofthesentence，tilltheregularformsofjusticewerecompliedwith。Secretinstructionswerethereforeissuedtotheprincipalofficers，onwhosefidelityreliancecouldbeplaced，toseizethepersonsoftheDukeofFriedlandandofhistwoassociates，IlloandTerzky，andkeepthemincloseconfinement，tilltheyshouldhaveanopportunityofbeingheard，andofansweringfortheirconduct；butifthiscouldnotbeaccomplishedquietly，thepublicdangerrequiredthattheyshouldbetakendeadorlive。
Atthesametime，GeneralGallasreceivedapatentcommission，bywhichtheseordersoftheEmperorweremadeknowntothecolonelsandofficers，andthearmywasreleasedfromitsobediencetothetraitor，andplacedunderLieutenant-GeneralGallas，tillanewgeneralissimocouldbeappointed。Inordertobringbacktheseducedanddeludedtotheirduty，andnottodrivetheguiltytodespair，ageneralamnestywasproclaimed，inregardtoalloffencesagainsttheimperialmajestycommittedatPilsen。
GeneralGallaswasnotpleasedwiththehonourwhichwasdonehim。
HewasatPilsen，undertheeyeofthepersonwhosefatehewastodisposeof；
inthepowerofanenemy，whohadahundredeyestowatchhismotions。
IfWallensteinoncediscoveredthesecretofhiscommission，nothingcouldsavehimfromtheeffectsofhisvengeanceanddespair。
Butifitwasthusdangeroustobethesecretdepositaryofsuchacommission，howmuchmoresotoexecuteit？Thesentimentsofthegeneralswereuncertain；anditwasatleastdoubtfulwhether，afterthesteptheyhadtaken，theywouldbereadytotrusttheEmperor’spromises，andatoncetoabandonthebrilliantexpectationstheyhadbuiltuponWallenstein’senterprise。Itwasalsohazardoustoattempttolayhandsonthepersonofamanwho，tillnow，hadbeenconsideredinviolable；
whofromlongexerciseofsupremepower，andfromhabitualobedience，hadbecometheobjectofdeepestrespect；whowasinvestedwitheveryattributeofoutwardmajestyandinwardgreatness；whoseveryaspectinspiredterror，andwhobyanoddisposedoflifeanddeath！
Toseizesuchaman，likeacommoncriminal，inthemidstoftheguardsbywhomhewassurrounded，andinacityapparentlydevotedtohim；
toconverttheobjectofthisdeepandhabitualvenerationintoasubjectofcompassion，orofcontempt，wasacommissioncalculatedtomakeeventheboldesthesitate。Sodeeplywasfearandvenerationfortheirgeneralengraveninthebreastsofthesoldiers，thateventheatrociouscrimeofhightreasoncouldnotwhollyeradicatethesesentiments。
Gallasperceivedtheimpossibilityofexecutinghiscommissionundertheeyesoftheduke；andhismostanxiouswishwas，beforeventuringonanysteps，tohaveaninterviewwithAltringer。Asthelongabsenceofthelatterhadalreadybeguntoexcitetheduke’ssuspicions，GallasofferedtorepairinpersontoFrauenberg，andtoprevailonAltringer，hisrelation，toreturnwithhim。Wallensteinwassopleasedwiththisproofofhiszeal，thatheevenlenthimhisownequipageforthejourney。Rejoicingatthesuccessofhisstratagem，heleftPilsenwithoutdelay，leavingtoCountPiccolominithetaskofwatchingWallenstein’sfurthermovements。Hedidnotfail，ashewentalong，tomakeuseoftheimperialpatent，andthesentimentsofthetroopsprovedmorefavourablethanhehadexpected。
InsteadoftakingbackhisfriendtoPilsen，hedespatchedhimtoVienna，towarntheEmperoragainsttheintendedattack，whilehehimselfrepairedtoUpperAustria，ofwhichthesafetywasthreatenedbythenearapproachofDukeBernard。InBohemia，thetownsofBudweissandTaborwereagaingarrisonedfortheEmperor，andeveryprecautiontakentoopposewithenergythedesignsofthetraitor。
AsGallasdidnotappeardisposedtoreturn，PiccolominideterminedtoputWallenstein’scredulityoncemoretothetest。HebeggedtobesenttobringbackGallas，andWallensteinsufferedhimselfasecondtimetobeoverreached。Thisinconceivableblindnesscanonlybeaccountedforastheresultofhispride，whichneverretractedtheopinionithadonceformedofanyperson，andwouldnotacknowledge，eventoitself，thepossibilityofbeingdeceived。HeconveyedCountPiccolominiinhisowncarriagetoLintz，wherethelatterimmediatelyfollowedtheexampleofGallas，andevenwentastepfarther。Hehadpromisedtheduketoreturn。Hedidso，butitwasattheheadofanarmy，intendingtosurprisethedukeinPilsen。AnotherarmyunderGeneralSuyshastenedtoPrague，tosecurethatcapitalinitsallegiance，andtodefenditagainsttherebels。Gallas，atthesametime，announcedhimselftothedifferentimperialarmiesasthecommander-in-chief，fromwhomtheywerehenceforthtoreceiveorders。Placardswerecirculatedthroughalltheimperialcamps，denouncingthedukeandhisfourconfidants，andabsolvingthesoldiersfromallobediencetohim。
TheexamplewhichhadbeensetatLintz，wasuniversallyfollowed；
imprecationswereshoweredonthetraitor，andhewasforsakenbyallthearmies。Atlast，whenevenPiccolominireturnednomore，themistfellfromWallenstein’seyes，andinconsternationheawokefromhisdream。Yethisfaithinthetruthofastrology，andinthefidelityofthearmywasunshaken。ImmediatelyaftertheintelligenceofPiccolomini’sdefection，heissuedorders，thatinfuturenocommandsweretobeobeyed，whichdidnotproceeddirectlyfromhimself，orfromTerzky，orIllo。Heprepared，inallhaste，toadvanceuponPrague，whereheintendedtothrowoffthemask，andopenlytodeclareagainsttheEmperor。Allthetroopsweretoassemblebeforethatcity，andfromthencetopourdownwithrapidityuponAustria。
DukeBernard，whohadjoinedtheconspiracy，wastosupporttheoperationsoftheduke，withtheSwedishtroops，andtoeffectadiversionupontheDanube。
TerzkywasalreadyuponhismarchtowardsPrague；andnothing，butthewantofhorses，preventedthedukefromfollowinghimwiththeregimentswhostilladheredfaithfullytohim。Butwhen，withthemostanxiousexpectation，heawaitedtheintelligencefromPrague，hesuddenlyreceivedinformationofthelossofthattown，thedefectionofhisgenerals，thedesertionofhistroops，thediscoveryofhiswholeplot，andtherapidadvanceofPiccolomini，whowassworntohisdestruction。
Suddenlyandfearfullyhadallhisprojectsbeenruined——
allhishopesannihilated。Hestoodalone，abandonedbyalltowhomhehadbeenabenefactor，betrayedbyallonwhomhehaddepended。
Butitisundersuchcircumstancesthatgreatmindsrevealthemselves。
Thoughdeceivedinallhisexpectations，herefusedtoabandononeofhisdesigns；hedespairedofnothing，solongasliferemained。
Thetimewasnowcome，whenheabsolutelyrequiredthatassistance，whichhehadsooftensolicitedfromtheSwedesandtheSaxons，andwhenalldoubtsofthesincerityofhispurposesmustbedispelled。
Andnow，whenOxenstiernandArnheimwereconvincedofthesincerityofhisintentions，andwereawareofhisnecessities，theynolongerhesitatedtoembracethefavourableopportunity，andtoofferhimtheirprotection。
OnthepartofSaxony，theDukeFrancisAlbertofSaxeLauenbergwastojoinhimwith4，000men；andDukeBernard，andthePalatineChristianofBirkenfeld，with6，000fromSweden，allchosentroops。
WallensteinleftPilsen，withTerzky’sregiment，andthefewwhoeitherwere，orpretendedtobe，faithfultohim，andhastenedtoEgra，onthefrontiersofthekingdom，inordertobeneartheUpperPalatinate，andtofacilitatehisjunctionwithDukeBernard。Hewasnotyetinformedofthedecreebywhichhewasproclaimedapublicenemyandtraitor；
thisthunder-strokeawaitedhimatEgra。Hestillreckonedonthearmy，whichGeneralSchafgotschwaspreparingforhiminSilesia，andflatteredhimselfwiththehopethatmanyevenofthosewhohadforsakenhim，wouldreturnwiththefirstdawningofsuccess。
EvenduringhisflighttoEgrasolittlehumilityhadhelearnedfrommelancholyexperiencehewasstilloccupiedwiththecolossalschemeofdethroningtheEmperor。Itwasunderthesecircumstances，thatoneofhissuiteaskedleavetoofferhimhisadvice。
\"UndertheEmperor，\"saidhe，\"yourhighnessiscertainofbeingagreatandrespectednoble；withtheenemy，youareatbestbutaprecariousking。Itisunwisetoriskcertaintyforuncertainty。
Theenemywillavailthemselvesofyourpersonalinfluence，whiletheopportunitylasts；butyouwilleverberegardedwithsuspicion，andtheywillalwaysbefearfullestyoushouldtreatthemasyouhavedonetheEmperor。Return，then，toyourallegiance，whilethereisyettime——\"Andhowisthattobedone？\"saidWallenstein，interruptinghim:\"Youhave40，000men-at-arms，\"rejoinedhe，meaningducats，whichwerestampedwiththefigureofanarmedman，
\"takethemwithyou，andgostraighttotheImperialCourt；thendeclarethatthestepsyouhavehithertotakenweremerelydesignedtotestthefidelityoftheEmperor’sservants，andofdistinguishingtheloyalfromthedoubtful；andsincemosthaveshownadispositiontorevolt，sayyouarecometowarnhisImperialMajestyagainstthosedangerousmen。
Thusyouwillmakethoseappearastraitors，whoarelabouringtorepresentyouasafalsevillain。AttheImperialCourt，amanissuretobewelcomewith40，000ducats，andFriedlandwillbeagainashewasatthefirst。\"——\"Theadviceisgood，\"saidWallenstein，afterapause，\"butletthedeviltrusttoit。\"
Whiletheduke，inhisretirementinEgra，wasenergeticallypushinghisnegociationswiththeenemy，consultingthestars，andindulginginnewhopes，thedaggerwhichwastoputanendtohisexistencewasunsheathedalmostunderhisveryeyes。Theimperialdecreewhichproclaimedhimanoutlaw，hadnotfailedofitseffect；
andanavengingNemesisordainedthattheungratefulshouldfallbeneaththeblowofingratitude。Amonghisofficers，WallensteinhadparticularlydistinguishedoneLeslie*，anIrishman，andhadmadehisfortune。
Thiswasthemanwhonowfelthimselfcalledontoexecutethesentenceagainsthim，andtoearnthepriceofblood。NosoonerhadhereachedEgra，inthesuiteoftheduke，thanhedisclosedtothecommandantofthetown，ColonelButtler，andtoLieutenant-ColonelGordon，twoProtestantScotchmen，thetreasonabledesignsoftheduke，whichthelatterhadimprudentlyenoughcommunicatedtohimduringthejourney。Inthesetwoindividuals，hehadfoundmencapableofadeterminedresolution。Theywerenowcalledontochoosebetweentreasonandduty，betweentheirlegitimatesovereignandafugitiveabandonedrebel；andthoughthelatterwastheircommonbenefactor，thechoicecouldnotremainforamomentdoubtful。TheyweresolemnlypledgedtotheallegianceoftheEmperor，andthisdutyrequiredthemtotakethemostrapidmeasuresagainstthepublicenemy。Theopportunitywasfavourable；hisevilgeniusseemedtohavedeliveredhimintothehandsofvengeance。Butnottoencroachontheprovinceofjustice，theyresolvedtodeliveruptheirvictimalive；andtheypartedwiththeboldresolvetotaketheirgeneralprisoner。Thisdarkplotwasburiedinthedeepestsilence；andWallenstein，farfromsuspectinghisimpendingruin，flatteredhimselfthatinthegarrisonofEgrahepossessedhisbravestandmostfaithfulchampions——
*Schillerismistakenastothispoint。LesliewasaScotchman，andButtleranIrishmanandapapist。HediedageneralintheEmperor’sservice，andfounded，atPrague，aconventofIrishFranciscanswhichstillexists——
Atthistime，hebecameacquaintedwiththeImperialproclamationscontaininghissentence，andwhichhadbeenpublishedinallthecamps。
Henowbecameawareofthefullextentofthedangerwhichencompassedhim，theutterimpossibilityofretracinghissteps，hisfearfullyforlorncondition，andtheabsolutenecessityofatoncetrustinghimselftothefaithandhonouroftheEmperor’senemies。ToLesliehepouredforthalltheanguishofhiswoundedspirit，andthevehemenceofhisagitationextractedfromhimhislastremainingsecret。HedisclosedtothisofficerhisintentiontodeliverupEgraandEllenbogen，thepassesofthekingdom，tothePalatineofBirkenfeld，andatthesametime，informedhimofthenearapproachofDukeBernard，ofwhosearrivalhehopedtoreceivetidingsthatverynight。Thesedisclosures，whichLeslieimmediatelycommunicatedtotheconspirators，madethemchangetheiroriginalplan。Theurgencyofthedangeradmittednotofhalfmeasures。
Egramightinamomentbeintheenemy’shands，andasuddenrevolutionsettheirprisoneratliberty。Toanticipatethismischance，theyresolvedtoassassinatehimandhisassociatesthefollowingnight。
Inordertoexecutethisdesignwithlessnoise，itwasarrangedthatthefearfuldeedshouldbeperpetratedatanentertainmentwhichColonelButtlershouldgiveintheCastleofEgra。
Alltheguests，exceptWallenstein，madetheirappearance，whobeingintoogreatanxietyofmindtoenjoycompanyexcusedhimself。
Withregardtohim，therefore，theirplanmustbeagainchanged；
buttheyresolvedtoexecutetheirdesignagainsttheothers。
ThethreeColonels，Illo，Terzky，andWilliamKinsky，cameinwithcarelessconfidence，andwiththemCaptainNeumann，anofficerofability，whoseadviceTerzkysoughtineveryintricateaffair。
Previoustotheirarrival，trustysoldiersofthegarrison，towhomtheplothadbeencommunicated，wereadmittedintotheCastle，alltheavenuesleadingfromitguarded，andsixofButtler’sdragoonsconcealedinanapartmentclosetothebanqueting-room，who，onaconcertedsignal，weretorushinandkillthetraitors。
Withoutsuspectingthedangerthathungoverthem，theguestsgailyabandonedthemselvestothepleasuresofthetable，andWallenstein’shealthwasdrunkinfullbumpers，notasaservantoftheEmperor，butasasovereignprince。Thewineopenedtheirhearts，andIllo，withexultation，boastedthatinthreedaysanarmywouldarrive，suchasWallensteinhadneverbeforebeenattheheadof。\"Yes，\"
criedNeumann，\"andthenhehopestobathehishandsinAustrianblood。\"
Duringthisconversation，thedessertwasbroughtin，andLesliegavetheconcertedsignaltoraisethedrawbridges，whilehehimselfreceivedthekeysofthegates。Inaninstant，thehallwasfilledwitharmedmen，who，withtheunexpectedgreetingof\"LongliveFerdinand！\"
placedthemselvesbehindthechairsofthemarkedguests。Surprised，andwithapresentimentoftheirfate，theysprangfromthetable。
KinskyandTerzkywerekilleduponthespot，andbeforetheycouldputthemselvesupontheirguard。Neumann，duringtheconfusioninthehall，escapedintothecourt，where，however，hewasinstantlyrecognisedandcutdown。Illoalonehadthepresenceofmindtodefendhimself。
Heplacedhisbackagainstawindow，fromwhencehepouredthebitterestreproachesuponGordon，andchallengedhimtofighthimfairlyandhonourably。Afteragallantresistance，inwhichheslewtwoofhisassailants，hefelltothegroundoverpoweredbynumbers，andpiercedwithtenwounds。Thedeedwasnosooneraccomplished，thanLesliehastenedintothetowntopreventatumult。
Thesentinelsatthecastlegate，seeinghimrunningandoutofbreath，andbelievinghebelongedtotherebels，firedtheirmusketsafterhim，butwithouteffect。Thefiring，however，arousedthetown-guard，andallLeslie’spresenceofmindwasrequisitetoallaythetumult。
HehastilydetailedtothemallthecircumstancesofWallenstein’sconspiracy，themeasureswhichhadbeenalreadytakentocounteractit，thefateofthefourrebels，aswellasthatwhichawaitedtheirchief。
Findingthetroopswelldisposed，heexactedfromthemanewoathoffidelitytotheEmperor，andtoliveanddieforthegoodcause。
AhundredofButtler’sdragoonsweresentfromtheCastleintothetowntopatrolthestreets，tooverawethepartisansoftheDuke，andtopreventtumult。AllthegatesofEgrawereatthesametimeseized，andeveryavenuetoWallenstein’sresidence，whichadjoinedthemarket-place，guardedbyanumerousandtrustybodyoftroops，sufficienttopreventeitherhisescapeorhisreceivinganyassistancefromwithout。
Butbeforetheyproceededfinallytoexecutethedeed，alongconferencewasheldamongtheconspiratorsintheCastle，whethertheyshouldkillhim，orcontentthemselveswithmakinghimprisoner。
Besprinkledastheywerewiththeblood，anddeliberatingalmostovertheverycorpsesofhismurderedassociates，eventhesefuriousmenyetshudderedatthehorroroftakingawaysoillustriousalife。
Theysawbeforetheirmind’seyehimtheirleaderinbattle，inthedaysofhisgoodfortune，surroundedbyhisvictoriousarmy，clothedwithallthepompofmilitarygreatness，andlong-accustomedaweagainseizedtheirminds。Butthistransitoryemotionwassooneffacedbythethoughtoftheimmediatedanger。TheyrememberedthehintswhichNeumannandIllohadthrownoutattable，thenearapproachofaformidablearmyofSwedesandSaxons，andtheyclearlysawthatthedeathofthetraitorwastheironlychanceofsafety。Theyadhered，therefore，totheirfirstresolution，andCaptainDeveroux，anIrishman，whohadalreadybeenretainedforthemurderouspurpose，receiveddecisiveorderstoact。
WhilethesethreeofficerswerethusdecidinguponhisfateinthecastleofEgra，WallensteinwasoccupiedinreadingthestarswithSeni。\"Thedangerisnotyetover，\"saidtheastrologerwithpropheticspirit。\"ITIS，\"repliedtheDuke，whowouldgivethelaweventoheaven。\"But，\"hecontinuedwithequallypropheticspirit，\"thatthoufriendSenithyselfshallsoonbethrownintoprison，thatalsoiswritteninthestars。\"Theastrologerhadtakenhisleave，andWallensteinhadretiredtobed，whenCaptainDeverouxappearedbeforehisresidencewithsixhalberdiers，andwasimmediatelyadmittedbytheguard，whowereaccustomedtoseehimvisitthegeneralatallhours。Apagewhomethimuponthestairs，andattemptedtoraiseanalarm，wasrunthroughthebodywithapike。Intheantichamber，theassassinsmetaservant，whohadjustcomeoutofthesleeping-roomofhismaster，andhadtakenwithhimthekey。Puttinghisfingeruponhismouth，theterrifieddomesticmadeasigntothemtomakenonoise，astheDukewasasleep。\"Friend，\"criedDeveroux，\"itistimetoawakehim；\"
andwiththesewordsherushedagainstthedoor，whichwasalsoboltedfromwithin，andburstitopen。
Wallensteinhadbeenrousedfromhisfirstsleep，bythereportofamusketwhichhadaccidentallygoneoff，andhadsprungtothewindowtocalltheguard。Atthesamemoment，heheard，fromtheadjoiningbuilding，theshrieksoftheCountessesTerzkyandKinsky，whohadjustlearnttheviolentfateoftheirhusbands。Erehehadtimetoreflectontheseterribleevents，Deveroux，withtheothermurderers，wasinhischamber。TheDukewasinhisshirt，ashehadleapedoutofbed，andleaningonatablenearthewindow。\"Artthouthevillain，\"
criedDeverouxtohim，\"whointendstodeliveruptheEmperor’stroopstotheenemy，andtotearthecrownfromtheheadofhisMajesty？
Nowthoumustdie！\"Hepausedforafewmoments，asifexpectingananswer；
butscornandastonishmentkeptWallensteinsilent。Throwinghisarmswideopen，hereceivedinhisbreast，thedeadlyblowofthehalberds，andwithoututteringagroan，fellwelteringinhisblood。
Thenextday，anexpressarrivedfromtheDukeofLauenburg，announcinghisapproach。Themessengerwassecured，andanotherinWallenstein’sliverydespatchedtotheDuke，todecoyhimintoEgra。
Thestratagemsucceeded，andFrancisAlbertfellintothehandsoftheenemy。
DukeBernardofWeimar，whowasonhismarchtowardsEgra，wasnearlysharingthesamefate。Fortunately，heheardofWallenstein’sdeathintimetosavehimselfbyaretreat。Ferdinandshedatearoverthefateofhisgeneral，andorderedthreethousandmassestobesaidforhissoulatVienna；but，atthesametime，hedidnotforgettorewardhisassassinswithgoldchains，chamberlains’keys，dignities，andestates。
ThusdidWallenstein，attheageoffifty，terminatehisactiveandextraordinarylife。Toambition，heowedbothhisgreatnessandhisruin；
withallhisfailings，hepossessedgreatandadmirablequalities，andhadhekepthimselfwithinduebounds，hewouldhavelivedanddiedwithoutanequal。Thevirtuesoftherulerandofthehero，prudence，justice，firmness，andcourage，arestrikinglyprominentfeaturesinhischaracter；buthewantedthegentlervirtuesoftheman，whichadornthehero，andmaketherulerbeloved。Terrorwasthetalismanwithwhichheworked；extremeinhispunishmentsasinhisrewards，heknewhowtokeepalivethezealofhisfollowers，whilenogeneralofancientormoderntimescouldboastofbeingobeyedwithequalalacrity。
Submissiontohiswillwasmoreprizedbyhimthanbravery；
for，ifthesoldiersworkbythelatter，itisontheformerthatthegeneraldepends。Hecontinuallykeptuptheobedienceofhistroopsbycapriciousorders，andprofuselyrewardedthereadinesstoobeyevenintrifles；becausehelookedrathertotheactitself，thanitsobject。
Heonceissuedadecree，withthepenaltyofdeathondisobedience，thatnonebutredsashesshouldbeworninthearmy。Acaptainofhorsenosoonerheardtheorder，thanpullingoffhisgold-embroideredsash，hetrampleditunderfoot；Wallenstein，onbeinginformedofthecircumstance，promotedhimonthespottotherankofColonel。Hiscomprehensiveglancewasalwaysdirectedtothewhole，andinallhisapparentcaprice，hesteadilykeptinviewsomegeneralscopeorbearing。
Therobberiescommittedbythesoldiersinafriendlycountry，hadledtotheseverestordersagainstmarauders；andallwhoshouldbecaughtthieving，werethreatenedwiththehalter。Wallensteinhimselfhavingmetastragglerintheopencountryuponthefield，commandedhimtobeseizedwithouttrial，asatransgressorofthelaw，andinhisusualvoiceofthunder，exclaimed，\"Hangthefellow，\"againstwhichnooppositioneveravailed。
Thesoldierpleadedandprovedhisinnocence，buttheirrevocablesentencehadgoneforth。\"Hangtheninnocent，\"criedtheinexorableWallenstein，\"theguiltywillhavethenmorereasontotremble。\"Preparationswerealreadymakingtoexecutethesentence，whenthesoldier，whogavehimselfupforlost，formedthedesperateresolutionofnotdyingwithoutrevenge。
Hefellfuriouslyuponhisjudge，butwasoverpoweredbynumbers，anddisarmedbeforehecouldfulfilhisdesign。\"Nowlethimgo，\"
saidtheDuke，\"itwillexcitesufficientterror。\"
Hismunificencewassupportedbyanimmenseincome，whichwasestimatedatthreemillionsofflorinsyearly，withoutreckoningtheenormoussumswhichheraisedunderthenameofcontributions。Hisliberalityandclearnessofunderstanding，raisedhimabovethereligiousprejudicesofhisage；
andtheJesuitsneverforgavehimforhavingseenthroughtheirsystem，andforregardingthepopeasnothingmorethanabishopofRome。
ButasnooneeveryetcametoafortunateendwhoquarrelledwiththeChurch，Wallensteinalsomustaugmentthenumberofitsvictims。
Throughtheintriguesofmonks，helostatRatisbonthecommandofthearmy，andatEgrahislife；bythesamearts，perhaps，helostwhatwasofmoreconsequence，hishonourablenameandgoodreputewithposterity。
Forinjusticeitmustbeadmitted，thatthepenswhichhavetracedthehistoryofthisextraordinarymanarenotuntingedwithpartiality，andthatthetreacheryoftheduke，andhisdesignsuponthethroneofBohemia，restnotsomuchuponprovenfacts，asuponprobableconjecture。Nodocumentshaveyetbeenbroughttolight，whichdisclosewithhistoricalcertaintythesecretmotivesofhisconduct；
andamongallhispublicandwellattestedactions，thereis，perhaps，notonewhichcouldnothavehadaninnocentend。
Manyofhismostobnoxiousmeasuresprovednothingbuttheearnestwishheentertainedforpeace；mostoftheothersareexplainedandjustifiedbythewell-foundeddistrustheentertainedoftheEmperor，andtheexcusablewishofmaintaininghisownimportance。Itistrue，thathisconducttowardstheElectorofBavarialookstoolikeanunworthyrevenge，andthedictatesofanimplacablespirit；
butstill，noneofhisactionsperhapswarrantusinholdinghistreasontobeproved。Ifnecessityanddespairatlastforcedhimtodeservethesentencewhichhadbeenpronouncedagainsthimwhileinnocent，stillthis，iftrue，willnotjustifythatsentence。ThusWallensteinfell，notbecausehewasarebel，buthebecamearebelbecausehefell。
Unfortunateinlifethathemadeavictoriouspartyhisenemy，andstillmoreunfortunateindeath，thatthesamepartysurvivedhimandwrotehishistory。
BookV。
Wallenstein’sdeathrenderednecessarytheappointmentofanewgeneralissimo；
andtheEmperoryieldedatlasttotheadviceoftheSpaniards，toraisehissonFerdinand，KingofHungary，tothatdignity。Underhim，CountGallascommanded，whoperformedthefunctionsofcommander-in-chief，whiletheprincebroughttothispostnothingbuthisnameanddignity。
AconsiderableforcewassoonassembledunderFerdinand；
theDukeofLorrainebroughtupaconsiderablebodyofauxiliariesinperson，andtheCardinalInfantejoinedhimfromItalywith10，000men。
InordertodrivetheenemyfromtheDanube，thenewgeneralundertooktheenterpriseinwhichhispredecessorhadfailed，thesiegeofRatisbon。
InvaindidDukeBernardofWeimarpenetrateintotheinteriorofBavaria，withaviewtodrawtheenemyfromthetown；Ferdinandcontinuedtopressthesiegewithvigour，andthecity，afteramostobstinateresistance，wasobligedtoopenitsgatestohim。Donauwerthsoonsharedthesamefate，andNordlingeninSwabiawasnowinvested。ThelossofsomanyoftheimperialcitieswasseverelyfeltbytheSwedishparty；
asthefriendshipofthesetownshadsolargelycontributedtothesuccessoftheirarms，indifferencetotheirfatewouldhavebeeninexcusable。
Itwouldhavebeenanindelibledisgrace，hadtheydesertedtheirconfederatesintheirneed，andabandonedthemtotherevengeofanimplacableconqueror。
Movedbytheseconsiderations，theSwedisharmy，underthecommandofHorn，andBernardofWeimar，advanceduponNordlingen，determinedtorelieveitevenattheexpenseofabattle。
Theundertakingwasadangerousone，forinnumberstheenemywasgreatlysuperiortothatoftheSwedes。Therewasalsoafurtherreasonforavoidingabattleatpresent；theenemy’sforcewaslikelysoontodivide，theItaliantroopsbeingdestinedfortheNetherlands。Inthemeantime，suchapositionmightbetakenup，astocoverNordlingen，andcutofftheirsupplies。AllthesegroundswerestronglyurgedbyGustavusHorn，intheSwedishcouncilofwar；buthisremonstrancesweredisregardedbymenwho，intoxicatedbyalongcareerofsuccess，mistookthesuggestionsofprudenceforthevoiceoftimidity。OverbornebythesuperiorinfluenceofDukeBernard，GustavusHornwascompelledtoriskacontest，whoseunfavourableissue，adarkforebodingseemedalreadytoannounce。
Thefateofthebattledependeduponthepossessionofaheightwhichcommandedtheimperialcamp。Anattempttooccupyitduringthenightfailed，asthetedioustransportoftheartillerythroughwoodsandhollowwaysdelayedthearrivalofthetroops。WhentheSwedesarrivedaboutmidnight，theyfoundtheheightsinpossessionoftheenemy，stronglyentrenched。
Theywaited，therefore，fordaybreak，tocarrythembystorm。
Theirimpetuouscouragesurmountedeveryobstacle；theentrenchments，whichwereintheformofacrescent，weresuccessfullyscaledbyeachofthetwobrigadesappointedtotheservice；butastheyenteredatthesamemomentfromoppositesides，theymetandthreweachotherintoconfusion。Atthisunfortunatemoment，abarrelofpowderblewup，andcreatedthegreatestdisorderamongtheSwedes。Theimperialcavalrychargedupontheirbrokenranks，andtheflightbecameuniversal。
Nopersuasiononthepartoftheirgeneralcouldinducethefugitivestorenewtheassault。
Heresolved，therefore，inordertocarrythisimportantpost，toleadfreshtroopstotheattack。Butintheinterim，someSpanishregimentshadmarchedin，andeveryattempttogainitwasrepulsedbytheirheroicintrepidity。Oneoftheduke’sownregimentsadvancedseventimes，andwasasoftendrivenback。Thedisadvantageofnotoccupyingthispostintime，wasquicklyandsensiblyfelt。
Thefireoftheenemy’sartilleryfromtheheights，causedsuchslaughterintheadjacentwingoftheSwedes，thatHorn，whocommandedthere，wasforcedtogiveorderstoretire。Insteadofbeingabletocovertheretreatofhiscolleague，andtocheckthepursuitoftheenemy，DukeBernard，overpoweredbynumbers，washimselfdrivenintotheplain，wherehisroutedcavalryspreadconfusionamongHorn’sbrigade，andrenderedthedefeatcomplete。Almosttheentireinfantrywerekilledortakenprisoners。Morethan12，000menremaineddeaduponthefieldofbattle；80fieldpieces，about4，000waggons，and300standardsandcoloursfellintothehandsoftheImperialists。
Hornhimself，withthreeothergenerals，weretakenprisoners。
DukeBernardwithdifficultysavedafeebleremnantofhisarmy，whichjoinedhimatFrankfort。
ThedefeatatNordlingen，costtheSwedishChancellorthesecondsleeplessnighthehadpassedinGermany*。Theconsequencesofthisdisasterwereterrible。TheSwedeshadlostbyitatoncetheirsuperiorityinthefield，andwithittheconfidenceoftheirconfederates，whichtheyhadgainedsolelybytheirpreviousmilitarysuccess。
AdangerousdivisionthreatenedtheProtestantConfederationwithruin。
Consternationandterrorseizeduponthewholeparty；whilethePapistsarosewithexultingtriumphfromthedeephumiliationintowhichtheyhadsunk。
SwabiaandtheadjacentcirclesfirstfelttheconsequencesofthedefeatofNordlingen；andWirtemberg，inparticular，wasoverrunbytheconqueringarmy。AllthemembersoftheLeagueofHeilbronntrembledattheprospectoftheEmperor’srevenge；thosewhocould，fledtoStrasburg，whilethehelplessfreecitiesawaitedtheirfatewithalarm。Alittlemoreofmoderationtowardstheconquered，wouldhavequicklyreducedalltheweakerstatesundertheEmperor’sauthority；
buttheseveritywhichwaspractised，evenagainstthosewhovoluntarilysurrendered，drovetheresttodespair，androusedthemtoavigorousresistance。