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.