The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - LightNovelsOnl.com
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O--Time Works miracles. In one hour many thousands Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they, Thought follows thought within the human soul.
Only one hour! _Your_ heart may change its purpose, _His_ heart may change its purpose--some new tidings May come; some fortunate event, decisive, May fall from Heaven and rescue him. O what May not one hour achieve!
BUTLER.
You but remind me, How precious every minute is!
[_He stamps on the floor._]
SCENE VII
_To these enter_ MACDONALD _and_ DEVEREUX, _with the_ HALBERDIERS
GORDON (_throwing himself between him and them_).
No, monster!
First over my dead body thou shalt tread.
I will not live to see the accursed deed!
BUTLER (_forcing him out of the way_).
Weak-hearted dotard!
[_Trumpets are heard in the distance_.]
DEVEREUX _and_ MACDONALD.
Hark! the Swedish trumpets!
The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten!
GORDON (_rushes out_).
O, G.o.d of mercy!
BUTLER (_calling after him_).
Governor, to your post!
GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (_hurries in_).
Who dares make larum here? Hus.h.!.+ The Duke sleeps.
DEVEREUX (_with loud harsh voice_).
Friend, it is time now to make larum.
GROOM OF THE CHAMBER.
Help!
Murder!
BUTLER.
Down with him!
GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (_run through the body by_ DEVEREUX, _falls at the entrance of the Gallery_).
Jesus Maria!
BUTLER.
Burst the doors open.
[_They rush over the body into the Gallery--two doors are heard to crash one after the other.--Voices, deadened by the distance--clash of arms--then all at once a profound silence._]
SCENE VIII
COUNTESS TERZKY (_with a light_).
Her bed-chamber is empty; she herself Is nowhere to be found! The Neubrunn too, Who watch'd by her, is missing. If she should Be flown--but whither flown? We must call up Every soul in the house. How will the Duke Bear up against these worst bad tidings? O If that my husband now were but return'd Home from the banquet!--Hark! I wonder whether The Duke is still awake! I thought I heard Voices and tread of feet here! I will go And listen at the door. Hark! what is that?
'Tis hastening up the steps!
SCENE IX
COUNTESS, GORDON
GORDON (_rushes in out of breath_).
'Tis a mistake!
'Tis not the Swedes--Ye must proceed no further Butler!--O G.o.d! where is he?
GORDON (_observing the_ COUNTESS).
Countess! Say--
COUNTESS.
You are come then from the castle? Where's my husband?
GORDON (_in an agony of affright)_.
Your husband!--Ask not!--To the Duke--
