Distinctly. The wind brought it from the south.

BUTLER.

It seem'd to came from Weiden or from Neustadt.

WALLENST.

'Tis likely. That's the route the Swedes are taking.

How strong is the garrison?

GORDON.

Not quite two hundred Competent men, the rest are invalids.

WALLENST.

Good! And how many in the vale of Jochim?

GORDON.

Two hundred harquebusiers have I sent thither To fortify the posts against the Swedes.

WALLENST.

Good! I commend your foresight. At the works too You have done somewhat?

GORDON.

Two additional batteries I caused to be run up. They were needless.

The Rhinegrave presses hard upon us, General!

WALLENST.

You have been watchful in your Emperor's service.

I am content with you, Lieutenant-Colonel.

[_To_ BUTLER.]

Release the outposts in the vale of Jochim With all the stations in the enemy's route.

[_To_ GORDON.]

Governor, in your faithful hands I leave My wife, my daughter, and my sister. I Shall make no stay here, and wait but the arrival Of letters to take leave of you, together With all the regiments.

SCENE IV

_To these enter_ COUNT TERZKY

TERZKY.

Joy, General; joy! I bring you welcome tidings.

WALLENST.

And what may they be?

TERZKY.

There has been an engagement At Neustadt; the Swedes gain'd the victory.

WALLENST.

From whence did you receive the intelligence?

TERZKY.

A countryman from Tirschenreut convey'd it.

Soon after sunrise did the fight begin!

A troop of the Imperialists from Tachau Had forced their way into the Swedish camp; The cannonade continued full two hours; There were left dead upon the field a thousand Imperialists, together with their Colonel; Further than this he did not know.

WALLENSTEIN.

How came Imperial troops at Neustadt? Altringer, But yesterday, stood sixty miles from there.

Count Gallas' force collects at Frauenberg, And have not the full complement. Is it possible That Suys perchance had ventured so far onward?

It cannot be.

TERZKY.

We shall soon know the whole, For here comes Illo, full of haste, and joyous.

SCENE V

_To these enter_ ILLO

ILLO (_to_ WALLENSTEIN).

A courier, Duke! he wishes to speak with thee.

TERZKY (_eagerly_).

Does he bring confirmation of the victory?

WALLENSTEIN (_at the same time_).