The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - LightNovelsOnl.com
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What does he bring? Whence comes he?
ILLO.
From the Rhinegrave And what he brings I can announce to you Beforehand. Seven leagues distant are the Swedes; At Neustadt did Max Piccolomini Throw himself on them with the cavalry; A murderous fight took place! o'erpower'd by numbers The Pappenheimers all, with Max their leader,
[WALLENSTEIN _shudders and turns pale_.]
Were left dead on the field.
WALLENSTEIN (_after a pause, in a low voice_).
Where is the messenger? Conduct me to him.
[WALLENSTEIN _is going, when_ LADY NEUBRUNN _rushes into the room. Some servants follow her and run across the stage_.]
NEUBR.
Help! Help!
ILLO _and_ TERZKY (_at the same time_).
What now?
NEUBRUNN.
The Princess!
WALTENSTEIN _and_ TERZKY.
Does she know it?
NEUBRUNN _(at the same time with them_).
She is dying!
[_Hurries off the stage, when_ WALLENSTEIN _and_ TERZKY _follow her_.]
SCENE VI
BUTLER _and_ GORDON
GORDON.
What's this?
BUTLER.
She has lost the man she loved-- Young Piccolomini who fell in the battle.
GORDON.
Unfortunate Lady!
BUTLER.
You have heard what Illo Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerors, And marching hitherward.
GORDON.
Too well I heard it.
BUTLER.
They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five Close by us to protect the Duke. We have Only my single regiment; and the garrison Is not two hundred strong.
GORDON.
'Tis even so.
BUTLER.
It is not possible with such small force To hold in custody a man like him.
GORDON.
I grant it.
BUTLER.
Soon the numbers would disarm us, And liberate him.
GORDON.
It were to be fear 'd.
BUTLER (_after a pause_).
Know, I am warranty for the event; With my head have I pledged myself for his, Must make my word good, cost it what it will, And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner, Why--death makes all things certain!
GORDON.
Butler! What?
Do I understand you? Gracious G.o.d! _You_ could--
BUTLER.
He must not live.
