ed with the Swedish chancellor, and relating to him the scene in
the castle at Pilsen. When he had finished his narrative Oxenstiern, who
had, before Malcolm began, read the letter which Wallenstein had sent
him, said:

"After what you tell me there can be no longer the slightest doubts of
Wallenstein's intention. 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.

"Probably some of those who signed the document, pledging their fidelity
to Wallenstein, have already sent news to the emperor of what is being
done. It is a strange situation and needs great care; the elements are
all uncertain. Wallenstein writes to me as if he were assured of the
allegiance of the whole of his army, and speaks unquestionably of his
power to overthrow the emperor; but the man is clearly blinded by his
ambition and infatuated by his fixed belief in the stars. However, one
thing is c