SCENE IX.

COUNTESS, GORDON.

GORDON (rushes in out of breath) 'Tis a mistake!

'Tis not the Swedes; ye must proceed no further-- Butler! Oh, G.o.d! where is he?

[Observing the COUNTESS.

Countess! Say----

COUNTESS.

You're come then from the castle? Where's my husband?

GORDON (in an agony of affright).

Your husband! Ask not! To the duke----

COUNTESS.

Not till You have discovered 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.

Oh, 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).

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

COUNTESS.

What is it, Seni?

PAGE (from the gallery).

Oh, 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 murdered--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 murdered!

BURGOMASTER (rushing out) Heaven forbid!

FIRST SERVANT.

Fly! fly! they murder us all!

SECOND SERVANT (carrying silver-plate).

That way! the lower Pa.s.sages are blocked up.

VOICE (from behind the scene).

Make room for the lieutenant-general!

[At these words the COUNTESS starts from her stupor, collects herself, and retires suddenly.

VOICE (from behind the scene).

Keep back the people! Guard the door!

SCENE XI.