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? Hush! 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--