COUNTESS.

Not till You have discover'd to me--

GORDON.

On this moment Does the world hang. For G.o.d's sake! to the Duke.

While we are speaking--

[_Calling loudly_.]

Butler! Butler! G.o.d!

COUNTESS.

Why, he is at the castle with my husband.

[BUTLER _comes from the Gallery_.]

GORDON.

'Twas a mistake--'Tis not the Swedes--it is The Imperialists' Lieutenant-General Has sent me hither--will be here himself Instantly.--You must not proceed.

BUTLER.

He comes Too late.

[GORDON _dashes himself against the wall_.]

GORDON.

O G.o.d of mercy!

COUNTESS.

What too late?

Who will be here himself? Octavio In Egra? Treason! Treason!--Where's the Duke?

[_She rushes to the Gallery._]

SCENE X

_Servants run across the Stage, full of terror. The whole Scene must be spoken entirely without pauses_.

SENI (_from the Gallery_).

A b.l.o.o.d.y, frightful deed!

COUNTESS.

What is it, Seni?

PAGE (_from the Gallery_).

O piteous sight!

[_Other servants hasten in with torches_.]

COUNTESS.

What is it? For G.o.d's sake!

SENI.

And do you ask?

Within, the Duke lies murder'd--and your husband a.s.sa.s.sinated at the Castle.

[_The_ COUNTESS _stands motionless_.]

FEMALE SERVANT (_rushing across the stage_).

Help! help! the d.u.c.h.ess!

BURGOMASTER (_enters_).

What mean these confused Loud cries that wake the sleepers of this house?

GORDON.

Your house is cursed to all eternity.

In your house doth the Duke lie murder'd!

BURGOMASTER (_rushing out_).

Heaven forbid!

1ST SERV.

Fly! fly! they murder us all!

SECOND SERVANT (_carrying silver plate_).

That way! the lower Pa.s.sages are block'd up.

VOICE (_from behind the Scene_).

Make room for the Lieutenant-General!