The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten ! But. (calling after him.) Governor, to your Groom of the Chamber (hurries in). Who Dev. (with loud harsh voice.) Friend, it is time now to make larum. Groom of the Chamber. Help! Groom of the Chamber (run through the body by Devereux, falls at the entrance of the gallery). Jesus Maria! But. Burst the doors open! [They rush over the body into the gallery ---two doors are heard to crash one after the other---Voices deadened by the distance---Clash of arms---then all at once a profound silence. SCENE VI. Countess Tertsky (with a light). Her bed-chamber is empty; she herself Is no where to be found! The Neubrunn too, Who watched by her, is missing. If she should Be flown---But whither flown? We must call up Every soul in the house. How will the Duke And listen at the door. Hark! 'Tis hastening up the steps! What is that? SCENE VII. Countess, Gordon. Gor. (rushes in out of breath.) 'Tis a mistake, 'Tis not the Swedes-Ye must proceed no further— Butler! O God! Where is he? (then observing the Countess.) Countess! Say Coun. You are come then from the castle? Where's my husband? Gor. Your husband!-Ask not!-To the Does the world hang. For God's sake! to the Duke. While we are speaking [calling loudly. Butler Butler! God! Coun. Why, he is at the castle with my hus band. [Butler comes from the gallery. Gor. 'Twas a mistake---"Tis not the Swedes-- it is The Imperialist's Lieutenant-General Has sent me hither, will be here himself But. Too late. He comes [Gordon dashes himself against the wall. Gor. O God of mercy! Coun. What too late? Who will be here himself? Octavio In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the Duke? [She rushes to the gallery. SCENE VIII. Servants run across the stage full of terror. The whole Scene must be spoken entirely without pauses. Seni (from the gallery). O bloody frightful deed! Coun. What is it, Seni? Page (from the gallery). O piteous sight! [Other servants hasten in with torches. Coun. What is it? For God's sake! Seni. And do you ask? Within the Duke lies murder'd---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? Gor. Your house is cursed to all eternity. In your house doth the Duke lie murdered! Bur. (rushing out.) Heaven forbid ! 1st Ser. Fly! fly! they murder us all! 2d Ser. (carrying silver plate.) That way! The lower Passages 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 IX. To these enters Octavio Piccolomini with all his train. At the same time Devereux and Macdonald enter from out the Corridor with the Halberdiers. Wallenstein's dead body is carried over the back part of the stage, wrapped in a piece of crimson tapestry. Oct. (entering abruptly.) It must not be! It is not possible! Butler! Gordon ! I'll not believe it. Say no! Gor. (Without answering points with his hand to the body of Wallenstein as it is carried over the back of the stage. Octavio looks that way, and stands overpowered with horror. Dev. (to Butler.) Here is the golden fleece--the Duke's sword-- Mac. Is it your order-- But. (pointing to Octavio.) Here stands he who now Hath the sole power to issue orders. [Devereux and Macdonald retire with marks of obeisance. One drops away after the other, till only Butler, Octavio, and Gordon remain on the stage. Oct. (turning to Butler.) Was that my purpose, Butler, when we parted? O God of Justice! To thee I lift my hand! I am not guilty Thus to abuse the orders of thy Lord-- And stain thy Emperor's holy name with murder, With bloody, most accursed assassination? But. I've but fulfilled the Emperor's own sen tence, |