ould
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? Oh,
If that my husband now were but returned
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! Oh, God! 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 God's sake! to the duke.
While we are speaking----
[Calling loudly.
Butler! Butler! God!

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, God 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, bloody, 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 God's sake!

SENI.
And do you ask?
Within the duke lies murdered--and your husband
Assassinated at the castle.

[The COUNTESS stands motionless.

FEMALE SERVANT (rushing across the stage).
Help! help! the duchess!

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