ow.

COUNTESS.
Let him go, I entreat thee, let him go.

ILLO (at the window).
Hell and perdition!

WALLENSTEIN.
What is it?

ILLO.
They scale the council-house, the roof's uncovered,
They level at this house the cannon----

MAX.
Madmen

ILLO.
They are making preparations now to fire on us.

DUCHESS and COUNTESS.
Merciful heaven!

MAX. (to WALLENSTEIN).
Let me go to them!

WALLENSTEIN.
Not a step!

MAX. (pointing to THEKLA and the DUCHESS).
But their life! Thine!

WALLENSTEIN.
What tidings bringest thou, Terzky?

SCENE XX.

To these TERZKY returning.

TERZKY.
Message and greeting from our faithful regiments.
Their ardor may no longer be curbed in.
They entreat permission to commence the attack;
And if thou wouldst but give the word of onset
They could now charge the enemy in rear,
Into the city wedge them, and with ease
O'erpower them in the narrow streets.

ILLO.
Oh come
Let not their ardor cool. The soldiery
Of Butler's corps stand by us faithfully;
We are the greater number. Let us charge them
And finish here in Pilsen the revolt.

WALLENSTEIN.
What? shall this town become a field of slaughter,
And brother-killing discord, fire-eyed,
Be let loose through its streets to roam and rage?
Shall the decision be delivered over
To deaf remorseless rage, that hears no leader?
Here is not room for battle, only for butchery.
Well, let it be! I have long thought of it,
So let it burst then!
[Turns to MAX.
Well, how is it with thee?
Wilt thou attempt a heat with me. Away!
Thou art free to go. Oppose thyself to me,
Front against front, and lead them to the battle;
Thou'rt skilled in war, thou hast learned somewhat under me,
I need not be ashamed of my opponent,
And never hadst thou fairer opportunity
To pay me for thy schooling.

COUNTESS.
Is it then,
Can it have come to this? What! Cousin, cousin!
Have you the heart?

MAX.
The regiments that are trusted to my care
I have pledged my troth to bring away from Pilsen
True to the emperor; and this promise will I
Make good, or perish. More than this no duty
Requires of me. I will not fight against thee,
Unless compelled; for though an enemy,
Thy head is holy to me still,

[Two reports of cannon. ILLO and TERZKY hurry to the window.

WALLENSTEIN.
What's that?

TERZBY.
He falls.

WALLEN