the same time_).

What does he bring? Whence comes he?

ILLO.

From the Rhinegrave
And what he brings I can announce to you
Beforehand. Seven leagues distant are the Swedes;
At Neustadt did Max Piccolomini
Throw himself on them with the cavalry;
A murderous fight took place! o'erpower'd by numbers
The Pappenheimers all, with Max their leader,

[WALLENSTEIN _shudders and turns pale_.]

Were left dead on the field.

WALLENSTEIN (_after a pause, in a low voice_).

Where is the messenger? Conduct me to him.

[WALLENSTEIN _is going, when_ LADY NEUBRUNN _rushes into the
room. Some servants follow her and run across the stage_.]

NEUBR.

Help! Help!

ILLO _and_ TERZKY (_at the same time_).

What now?

NEUBRUNN.

The Princess!

WALTENSTEIN _and_ TERZKY.

Does she know it?

NEUBRUNN _(at the same time with them_).

She is dying!

[_Hurries off the stage, when_ WALLENSTEIN _and_ TERZKY
_follow her_.]

SCENE VI

BUTLER _and_ GORDON

GORDON.

What's this?

BUTLER.

She has lost the man she loved--
Young Piccolomini who fell in the battle.

GORDON.

Unfortunate Lady!

BUTLER.

You have heard what Illo
Reporteth, that the Swedes are conquerors,
And marching hitherward.

GORDON.

Too well I heard it.

BUTLER.

They are twelve regiments strong, and there are five
Close by us to protect the Duke. We have
Only my single regiment; and the garrison
Is not two hundred strong.

GORDON.

'Tis even so.

BUTLER.

It is not possible with such small force
To hold in custody a man like him.

GORDON.

I grant it.

BUTLER.

Soon the numbers would disarm us,
And liberate him.

GORDON.

It were to be fear 'd.

BUTLER (_after a pause_).

Know, I am warranty for the event;
With my head have I pledged myself for his,
Must make my word good, cost it what it will,
And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner,
Why--death makes all things certain!

GORDON.

Butler! What?
Do I understand you? Gracious God! _You_ could--

BUTLER.

He must not live.

GORDON.

And _you_ can do the deed!

BUTLER.

Either you or I. This morning was his last.

GORDON.

You would assassinate him!

BUTLER.

'Tis my purpose.

GORDON.

Who leans with his whole confidence upon you