_Wallenstein._ Death and hell! I had that which could have procured him freedom. 135 No! Since 'twas proved so inauspicious to me To serve the Emperor at the empire's cost, I have been taught far other trains of thinking Of the empire, and the diet of the empire. From the Emperor, doubtless, I received this staff, 140 But now I hold it as the empire's general-- For the common weal, the universal interest, And no more for that one man's aggrandizement! But to the point. What is it that's desired of me? _Questenberg._ First, his imperial Majesty hath willed 145 That without pretexts of delay the army Evacuate Bohemia. _Wallenstein._ In this season? And to what quarter wills the Emperor That we direct our course? _Questenberg._ To the enemy. His Majesty resolves, that Regenspurg 150 Be purified from the enemy, ere Easter, That Lutheranism may be no longer preached In that cathedral, nor heretical Defilement desecrate the celebration Of that pure festival. _Wallenstein._ My generals, 155 Can this be realized? _Illo._ 'Tis not possible. _Butler._ It can't be realized. _Questenberg._ The Emperor Already hath commanded Colonel Suys To advance toward Bavaria! _Wallenstein._ What did Suys? _Questenberg._ That which his duty prompted. He advanced! 160 _Wallenstein._ What? he advanced? And I, his general, Had given him orders, peremptory orders, Not to desert his station! Stands it thus With my authority? Is this the obedience Due to my office, which being thrown aside 165 No war can be conducted? Chieftains, speak! You be the judges, generals! What deserves That officer, who of his oath neglectful Is guilty of contempt of orders? _Illo._ Death. _Wallenstein._ Count Piccolomini! what has he deserved? 170 _Max Piccolomini._ According to the letter of the law, Death. _Isolani._ Death. _Butler._ Death, by the laws of war. [_QUESTENBERG rises from his seat, WALLENSTEIN follows; all the rest rise._ _Wallenstein._ To this the law condemns him, and not I. And if I shew him favour, 'twill arise From the reverence that I owe my Emperor. 175 _Questenberg._ If so, I can say nothing further--here!